chapter 19

Chapter 19The rising sunTrue to his word, Chintan had ensured that she had a comfortable room, that she felt no awkwardness at any stage. The farm was run by four of them, two away to develop the market. Chintan and Supreet Singh, a cut-Surd, handled the farm end of it. Supreet was cool and fun. On reaching, Chintan sent her off to freshen up, and when she came out, she found dinner ready. Chintan had also freshened up and was deep in discussion with Supreet. But during dinner, they kept to common topics, making her feel very welcome.“Go to bed early tonight. I have a little surprise for you in the morning. You think you will be up to a walk at 5.30-6 in the morning?”“Of course!” she said bravely.The drive had been tiring, but being with Chintan had kept her spirits up. So she was asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. The next thing she knew was the alarm ringing persistently at her bedside at 5 in the morning. She got up reluctantly, regretting the bravado of the day before. It was cool and she felt stiff.She got dressed and stepped out, and found the caretaker’s wife already up and ready with a hot glass of tea. “This will pep you up,” she said smiling.Anu took the glass gratefully and the tea warmed her insides, making her feel more prepared for the walk ahead. “Where is Chintan sahib?” she asked, thinking she would tease him for being late.“He is in the fields with Supreet sahib.”“Oh! This early?”She nodded. “Work starts early in the fields.”Amazed at discovering yet another side to Chintan, she messaged Chintan to tell him she was ready whenever he was. She left her mobile behind when he replied, and stepped out of the house, wrapping the shawl around her to protect her from the chill.In a few minutes she saw the Bolero drive into the driveway and Chintan got out. “Good morning…ready?”She nodded and they set out on foot. He took her first to the fields, guiding her as he led the way. He showed her the variety of crops they grew, breaking some fruit off and offering her pieces. She luxuriated in Chintan’s nearness – and was aware of how relaxed and one with his surroundings he was. It was a qualitative change difficult to describe.He led her to the foothills, then up a short hill. It was nearing 6.30 when he stopped at a flat stretch. He pointed to the horizon. She held her breath seeing the clear orange ball rising up on the eastern horizon. She had never had such a clear view in Delhi on the odd day she may have woken up early.She took in the majesty of the sun, the pleasant chirping of the birds around, the fresh cool air caressing her body.“This is what you want, don’t you? Just to be…surrounded by nature?” his voice caressed her softly.She nodded silently, unable to take her eyes off the orange ball of fire. Aware suddenly of his eyes on her, she came back to the present, and smiling at him, thanked him softly.He turned and she followed him closely as he negotiated some difficult slopes, holding her hand to help her. He again stopped at a point from where she could see the valley, her hand still in his. The greenery below, the lifting mist, the shadow of the hills stunned her into silence. She looked at him wordlessly and turned back to capture the view.He smiled. “Some more excitement for the day?”She laughed joyfully. “I don’t think I can take it anymore. Why didn’t I bring a camera!” she said.Chintan said earnestly, touching his chest with his free hand, “Keep it here. You will remember it on days when you need it the most.”They began to walk back at a leisurely pace, their fingers grazing each other. “Do you wake up this early every day?”He nodded. “It is a very unforgiving job – you can’t sleep on it.”“I admire you for pursuing your passion, Chintan,” she said with feeling.“Not easy, believe me. Some days, I want to run back to the comfort of a regular office job. Those are the days I close my eyes, and these little things give me the strength again to face the day.”