Manvi- a name that stayed in my mind, after the two-day trek of 10,000 ft altitude in the Nandadevi ranges of The Great Himalayas. It was an organized trek with a group of 23 people ranging from 11yrs to 46yrs. We all had different goals and challenges in mind.
Manvi had come with her same-aged friends. Being in her early 20s I can imagine she must be full of excitement, looking forward to enjoying the scenic beauty, taking lots of pictures, making reels, and having fun chit-chatting with friends along the way. But God had a different plan for her.
We all started trekking, and as our trek leader guided, without racing with anyone but at our own pace. One of the trek leaders was leading and the other was walking in the last to ensure all group members are taken care of. Very soon, all of Manvi’s friends were among the leading sub-group and she was among the last sub-group. After a while, it was apparent that she would not be able to make the pace to catch up with her friends.
It is not easy to accept when things do not happen according to our plan. It is frustrating to see when our body does not support our mind. One feels helpless, vulnerable, and scared. Even friends and family can't do much about it. After all, it is our journey and we only have to fight.
It happens in life too. We dream of things and plan for new endeavours with great excitement and enthusiasm. And, at times hardly we had begun that we realize life is unpredictable. People we thought we would be walking the life path with are not there. The energy and resources within ourselves and outside that we thought will be in our favour are not anymore. Our routes change- the goals shift- and the struggles altogether become different kind.
It must have been tuff for her, being left behind with totally new company. However, she did not give up. She kept on moving at her pace. I did not hear her complain of any mental or physical pain, possibly she kept it to herself. She made it to the summit and also back to the base camp eventually well within the time as planned by the trek leaders. And, since I was all along among the last sub-group, I had the privilege to be her company and capture her beautiful smile.
Thanks, Manvi for your perseverance, keeping the fighter spirit, and the courageous smile all throughout the trek. You justified your name which means a person who possesses all best qualities. Thanks for being there and giving us all an unexceptional inspiring experience. Love you!
