Rainbow of our Love

Chapter 42

After enjoying the delicious breakfast amidst the calm and lazy air of Lansdowne, the couple planned their sight-seeing activities. Having lived in the town, Adhyayan became the tour guide for his girlfriend as they headed towards their first destination, one of the oldest churches of the city.

Adhyayan drove towards St. Mary Church. The serene journey with a narrow mountainous road encapsulated with Oak and Pine trees was truly mesmerizing. Adhyayan said, “You know this protestant church was built in 1890s by Colonel Hume of the Royal Engineers”, as he turned towards right entering the marketplace of the unspoiled town.

He continued, “It was turned into a museum after independence by Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre”. Anvesha nodded excitedly to visit the museum.

While Adhyayan relived his happy memories associated with the captivating town, Anvesha relished the pristine atmosphere. Entering the tranquil church, the couple was indeed enthralled at its magnificent Victorian architecture. The striking stained glass windows of the church were truly appealing.

Anvesha was awestruck at the spellbinding architecture and insightful picture gallery that told the story of the untouched town. The couple watched the short documentary about the valor of Garhwal Rifles. Adhyayan smiled satisfactorily as he admired Anvesha who was enthralled.

Looking at the inquisitive Anvesha who was truly hypnotized with the history of infantry regiment of the Indian Army, Adhyayan cursed himself for planning this outing on Sunday. After all, he could not take her to the Regimental Museum of Garhwal Rifles which remained closed on Sundays.

Next, they headed to one of the serene picnic spots of the city, Bhulla Lake. While Adhyayan drove, Anvesha asked him, “Do you have any idea what does Bhulla means? The word is too intriguing.”

That’s when Adhyayan told her, “Bhulla is a word referred to younger brother in the local language here. This lake was constructed by the youth of the infantry regiment. It is dedicated to those then young boys of the Garhwal Rifles.”

“That’s interesting”, she commented as she continued to feel the cozy winds of the town. The car windows were rolled down and the cool air was having a tranquilizing effect on both of them.

Reaching the well-maintained artificial lake, the couple enjoyed each other’s company as they walked around with their entwined hands. The small lake set in the backdrop of a beautiful herbal garden and captivating natural picturesque. The couple captured their best memories standing over the wooden over-bridge and clicking photographs. Situated amongst the Oak and Banj trees, the artificial lake in the cantonment area of Lansdowne was indeed captivating.
The pure and natural environment was a total bliss, a perfect escapade indeed, from their hectic lives in Delhi.

Anvesha admired the little children playing in the children park while some families enjoyed themselves. She was particularly excited looking at the bamboo decks surrounding the water fountain adding to the beauty of place while Adhyayan was amused at her cute expressions as he clicked myriads of pictures with her.

They enjoyed themselves as they did boating. The cute duck-shaped boats that floated in the small pond was actually tempting to both them. Relishing the delicious snacks in the café and purchasing the souvenirs from the small souvenir shop, they headed towards another destination.

Adhyayan drove towards Kanvashram, the historical place that had interwoven the tales of Mahabharata, the discipline of Vishwamitra, the glory of Kalidas and anecdotes from Indika written by Magesthenese in the glorious era of Mauryan Empire.

While driving the car, Adhyayan briefed Anvesha, “You know, Kanvashram is close to my heart. It is the place where Rishi Vishwamitra served his penance on the banks of River Malini.”