This was my fourth trip to Rishikesh- a place known for adventures. The itinerary and arrangements were sorted, I had back-up options for everything – What if some people don’t get spots for bungee jumping, possibility of itinerary deviations and other spots which the group could explore, etc. But well, there are always external factors at play and things beyond our control.

I was coordinating with @vaishnavi.s.143 for final confirmation on everything. The group had to arrive at a cafe in cp for pick up. We had made arrangements with a bus operator in advance and the ops team was in touch with him for weeks prior to the journey- alternate number, bus details, identity documents-all due diligence and checks were done. Somehow, in my gut, something didn’t feel right on the day but I thought I shouldn’t give weightage to a negative thought. While people were chatting away in the cafe, the driver asked for more money claiming some issue. I spoke to him and gave several options but in that moment my priority was for him to be there as people were waiting. We transferred some more money and moments later, I had to acknowledge the feeling I wanted to ignore-The bus driver was no longer reachable and we couldn’t connect with the bus operator. We’d been scammed. For the first time in 8 years of operations, despite our trusted network of agents- Someone took our money and didn’t show up. I was constantly on call with Vaishu, spoke to @saksh.ii and @capn_nero (who was boarding his flight to Philippines). We had to figure the alternative at midnight and do it soon. The entire team was constantly making calls and everyone got together to find an option-we had to make it happen.

Having @avik_g__ and @sakshishah95 on the trip was a reassuring feeling. They not only provided me some moral support but they were also trying to find alternatives or use their contacts to figure out another tempo traveller. The group was waiting and we wanted to be transparent. I shared the situation with everyone and was prepared for the backlash but guess what? Not one person shouted or cribbed in that moment, even though it would have been justified.

Someone joked ‘Paidal toh nahi chalna padega na’, Other said ‘Yahi baatein toh yaad aayengi’. I distinctly remember looking at everyone’s faces and saw @sir_oggyy‘s face instantly softening up to say ‘arey ‘koi baat nahi’. It was then I knew that this group is going to a good one. The patience and understanding of the people was heartwarming to say the least.
It was 12.30, Vaishu was constantly on her toes for coordination along-with Sakshi and we finally managed to find a few options (perhaps in record time). This wonderwoman of OHOT saved the day without panic and did not sleep the entire night to make sure we get to the destination and in time. We finally reached the traveler at 1.30 am but guess what? People had already started dancing to Chaiyya chaiyya in the bus and were singing away, like nothing happened. @rushiagarwal and @dheer_2424 took over, played music and these two boys raised the fun quotient for the entire group throught-out the trip.
And the bus driver we found? He was a blessing that night- Jovial, responsible, accommodating- the universe did make up for the hiccup. When I asked him to take us to another place (not included in itinerary) on one morning and for which he had to get up at 4.30 am he said- ‘Arey ma’am, aapke saath aaye hain toh 24*7 saath rahenge- jahan jaana hai chalenge’. I smiled and messaged Vaishu saying please add a special recommended tag for him in our contacts.
A trip becomes what it is because of people and the group was really testimony to it. Out of 18 trippers, only 8-9 folks had pre-booked some activity but everyone came to Jumpin height site despite uncertainty and ended up doing one activity or the other. People celebrated the birthday of a tripper with full gusto despite being exhausted, kept sitting at the ghats till late night despite chilly winds and most of them didn’t sleep the next night to go watch sunrise. Rishikesh is known for adventures, and this one shall be remembered for the most fun bunch. ❤️❤️
– Written by Abha Nirula