Date: January 18, 2025
The day started with excitement as we embarked on our journey to Dullu, nestled in Karnali Province, Nepal. The plan was to reach Surkhet by driving along the rugged terrain of Chisapani, following the serene Karnali riverside. With Rajendrajee, my cheerful companion, and an experienced driver, we felt ready to tackle the challenges ahead in our rented Scorpio vehicle.
The Journey Begins
The road was no ordinary road—it was a rough track, a mix of loose gravel and dirt that snaked through the hills. The landscape was breathtaking, with the mighty Karnali River flowing beside us and the golden hues of sunset reflecting on its surface. We chatted, laughed, and even shared stories about past travels.
Trouble Strikes
Just as twilight gave way to evening, the Scorpio’s “check engine” light blinked on. Within minutes, the vehicle sputtered to a halt in what felt like the middle of nowhere. The faint glow of the horizon marked the end of the day, leaving us stranded on a desolate road with no sign of a service station nearby.
The driver tried every trick he knew, and Rajendrajee and I pitched in, though neither of us had much mechanical expertise. The stubborn vehicle refused to budge. With no other option, the driver and Rajendrajee contacted the vehicle supplier, who assured us that a replacement would be sent by the next morning.
The Search for Shelter
We were now faced with the grim reality of spending the night in this remote area. Hunger gnawed at us, and the chill of the evening began to set in. We decided to walk in search of a nearby house or settlement. After what felt like an eternity, we stumbled upon a modest house. The family there, though visibly living a simple life, welcomed us warmly. They offered us a basic meal—some makaiko roti and saag and achar—which felt like a feast in that moment of need.
An Uncomfortable Night
The family showed us to a small room where we could sleep. The room had two beds with hard mattresses and no door lock. Exhausted, we gratefully settled in. Rajendrajee immediately lay down, but his snoring soon turned the night into an ordeal. His snoring was not just loud; it was varied and unpredictable. At times, I found myself jolted by the thought that he might stop breathing altogether.
Adding to my woes, the room was infested with lice or something like. As I tried to rest, a constant itching sensation made sleep impossible. The stress of the situation weighed heavily on me. I had to deliver presentations on my RAJTHALI concept of local development in Dullu, Devchuli, and Rapti over the next few days, and the lack of rest was sure to take a toll. My mind raced with fears—what if I fell sick? What if we couldn’t get help in the morning? And, most disturbingly, what if Rajendrajee’s irregular snoring signaled a health issue?
Reflections in the Dark
Lying awake, I couldn’t help but reflect on the sheer unpredictability of life. Here I was, far from the comforts of home, relying on the kindness of strangers to get through the night. Despite the hardships, I felt a deep sense of gratitude toward the family who had opened their doors to us. Their simple gesture of hospitality reminded me of the resilience and warmth of the people in these remote areas.
The night was long and restless, but it also gave me a renewed appreciation, after four decades, for the journey—both the physical one and the journey of life itself. By the time dawn broke, I was tired but ready to face whatever the new day would bring.