Between Us, Between Time

40. Is it possible to describe Love ? - Siddarth

The next day began with a sense of adventure as we prepared for a day at the beach. However, before the girls woke up, the three of us, Nithin, Sreehari, and I, had our own plans. We decided to embark on a trek to a nearby cliff that overlooked the beach. Rumor had it that the sunrise from there was unforgettable, and we couldn't resist the call of nature's spectacle.

We left quietly, ensuring we didn't wake anyone, and ventured out before dawn. The path to the cliff was unknown to us, so we relied on Google Maps. Risky, but it was our only guide. The initial walk took us through an expansive grassland, the dewy blades brushing against our shoes. The world around us was eerily silent, the kind of quiet that only the early hours can bring.

As we neared the cliff, the trail became treacherous. The ascent was steep, filled with loose rocks and sharp spikes. A single misstep could send us tumbling into the depths below, where the sea awaited with its jagged rocks. The sound of waves crashing against the cliffside was both thrilling and intimidating, a constant reminder of the risks we were taking.

Despite the danger, we pressed on, driven by the desire to witness the sunrise. The climb tested our stamina, with each step more challenging than the last. As the sky began to lighten, we quickened our pace, eager not to miss the moment. When we finally reached the summit, all the effort felt worth it.

The view was nothing short of breathtaking. The sun emerged slowly, its rays piercing through the clouds and illuminating the horizon in hues of orange, pink, and gold. The ocean shimmered below, reflecting the morning light. We sat there, soaking in the beauty and the cool breeze, letting the moment refresh our spirits.

After enjoying the sunrise, we noticed a cluster of massive rocks at the base of the cliff, partially submerged in the sea. Curiosity got the better of us, and we decided to explore. Climbing down wasn't as strenuous as going up, but it required precision and caution. The smaller rocks were slippery, and one wrong move could lead to a dangerous fall.

The rocks themselves were fascinating. Water rushed through the gaps between them, creating a soothing melody. The deep crevices were lined with a pinkish hue, likely caused by years of mineral deposits. Standing on those isolated rocks, surrounded by the endless ocean, was both humbling and exhilarating. Nature's beauty, coupled with its unpredictability, left us in awe.

Realizing the time, we decided to head back before the girls woke up. Climbing back up the cliff seemed too daunting, so we took a different route through a forested area. The narrow road we found was flanked by dense trees and eerily silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. The quiet was unsettling, but we relied on our maps to guide us.

Midway through, we stumbled upon an abandoned temple. It was ancient, its walls draped in vines and moss, as if nature had reclaimed it. The temple overlooked the sea, a prime location that made us wonder why it had been deserted. Exploring its ruins, we felt an odd mix of intrigue and unease. The place carried a strange, haunting beauty, amplified by the sudden appearance of a long snake. Startled, we decided not to overstay our welcome and moved on.

As we wandered, unsure of our route, we encountered two women who were clearly seasoned trekkers. With their gear and confident demeanor, they looked like they belonged to the wilderness. Their timing felt almost miraculous, as we were beginning to doubt our sense of direction.

They kindly shared water with us and provided clear instructions to reach the main road. Their advice was a lifesaver, and we couldn't thank them enough. Following their guidance, we soon found ourselves on familiar terrain, and relief washed over us.

Back at our accommodation, we hurried to freshen up. The girls were still asleep, and there was no sign that they had noticed our absence. If they had, we would've definitely received a call and an earful about sneaking off. For now, our secret adventure was safe.

We sat back, catching our breath, and shared a knowing smile. The morning trek had been a perfect blend of thrill, beauty, and a touch of danger, exactly the kind of experience that stays with you forever.