Journey with friends always fascinates young people. Four friends once visited Dir, a district of KPK, Pakistan. This was a sudden plan with no preparation at all. Most of the time, this type of outing works, but this story is a harsh experience. The trip, however, went wonderful from one side; ultimately, make them physically and mentally exhausted on the other. This short story will tells about an exciting and tiring journey with friends, as well as, interesting as for as experience is concerned.
Once during winter, It was a partial cloudy day in town, and Mr. Indigo was just enjoying reading newspaper in his lawn. Suddenly, someone knocked at the door, He went there. Who is there, the other side replied: open the door. It was his closest friend and cousin, Mr. Sierra. The guest abruptly said, we have to go. Humble host calm him down and let the other friends also in, and offered them tea. They confess that we have to go by now. And its urgent, we have made commitment with our friend in Dir. Mr. Sierra straight away asked Mr. Indigo, tell us: either you want to go or stay. He replied brother, I am always volunteer, lets go.
"Don't go with the flow, be the flow. ~ Rumi"
Soon after tea, historic journey started to Dir, a district of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan. They were having light music and sober conversation in the beginning. A few miles after, their discussion diverted to university life; subsequently, it converted into professions and jobs. Unintentionally, all have started discussing politics. When they realised, they were near to Malakand. They took a break over the top of Malakand Tunnel, make selfies, enjoyed the calm breeze and beautiful weather, and moved on. It was their wonderful time with each other - young stage of life, no responsibilities at all, university friends, and picnics like this that no one can imagine. They also eat lunch on the way. While, already entered to mountainous region, they have started discussion the topo locations. One of their friend civil engineer, had discussed the infrastructure and on-going projects in the area.
Enjoying the beautiful weathers and mesmerizing scenes, It took time to reach lower dir. They met with their friend - belong to dir - Mr. King. There was good time spend with him. As he also belongs to the land of hospitality, so he also served hospitality. They enjoyed a wonderful dinner with him. Relatives of Mr. King also came for a cup of tea after dinner; politics were discussed in gossips. It was a childish conversation, and not a serious one. After a while, they intended to take permission from host to leave, but many of his relatives adviced not to go during night. Guests were of the view that we must take a leave. Sooner or later, host agreed with the guest, and guests started move back.
On the way back, after an hour drive, drizzle started. Weather became more chillier than before. They saw two children asking for lift to next village, they also successfully evacuated them. Soon after they started move again, they felt some issue related to the engine of vehicle. Driver friend, Mr. Holmes, ignored the problem initially while saying, "let the car take us to own distination." As it was night time, repair and mechanic services were already closed in the area. Surprisingly, a few kilometers short of Malakand, vehicle - to their surprise - was completely shut-off while driving. First they were shocked, then they tried to start the engine, but all in vain. Further, they pop open the bonnet, every one give their valuable suggestions - but of no use. Mr. Holmes and Mr. Indigo lit their cigarettes on, and start staring to the engine. Finally it was decided, start searching for recovery to towing the vehicle.
Although area was mountainous and it was a pitch dark night, still managed to stop a truck for tow their vehicle. Then moving in mountanes areas, car with a driver and second seater. While, other two friends managed to stand in the back portion of truck. Two cousins, Mr. Indigo and Mr. Sierra preferred to be in the truck. Again going with fun, reason being, they were enjoying. As a wise man once said, "when the work become inevitable then better to enjoy it." Crossed Malakand tunnel, in the same condition of struggle. After mid night, when the truck also wanted to diverted to his distination. All friends were confused, started searching for mechanic shop to rectify. But, at the mid of night, it was difficult to arrange a mechanic.
The truck driver, while leaving them give a suggestion, at least go for mechanic, and have an expert opinion. Time was around three at the night. There were no mechanic shop opened at the small villages. But, Mr. Holmes tried some numbers, written on front side of shops. A mechanic, ray of hope, replied on call, and also promised to reach them. He was a humble man, a helping person, and an angle at that difficult time. While he came to shop, he added that no one can come to shop at this time, but I realized that definitely they will be in trouble. He check the vehicle, took his time. Observed engine properly, but at the end, every thing was changed again.
The driver told to search a vehicle to do something. Meanwhile, when Mr. Indigo start looking for Mr. Sierra, he was not there in the pitch black rainy night. Mr. Indigo started searching him. He was not there. He start asking Mr. Holmes, "where is Mr. Sierra." He was standing with mechanic, already tensed - replied: come and search in my pocket. Mr. Indigo replied: you rude guy, and wend away. Going to find his mobile phone, Mr. Indigo, approach to vehicle, to call Mr. Sierra, opened up the car door. Upon opening, surprisingly, Mr. Sierra was sleeping in the backseat. It was a surprise, cheerful, but also annoying to see. All make fun of him, and then started searching for vehicle.
Rain was still glazing, the trouble was, car was still in unserviceable condition. All friends decided with consent of mechanic to tow the vehicle, and start moving towards own town. At least, there will be no extra stay over there. Somehow, decided to search a vehicle to start moving, and after spending an hour on road, managed to find a vehicle to tow theirs own. It was rain on the whole route to their home town. The more they got nearer to town, the more road became narrowed. Similarly, narrow the road, increased in mud due to sand. The recovery vehicle showered mud tremendously on their vehicle.
Somehow, then managed to reached their home. They directly went for sleep. Woken up the next day, what they saw, was a vehicle shape sand dune in their parking. Vehicle was moved manually for mechanic shop and repaired all engine faults.
That evening, car was again in serviceable condition, their friend - Mr. Holmes - wanted to go back to his home. They again gathered and started conversation during their last cup of tea before departure. But, all were at the same conclusion, that we must have considered the offer of Mr. King relatives. They also realized that elders always suggest what is in favour of their young ones. And, finally, we must avoid night drives in hilly areas from todays on.
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