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First published by
Srishti Publishers & Distributors in 2016
Copyright Arpit Vageria, 2016
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This is a work of fiction. The characters, places, organisations and events described in this book are either a work of the authors imagination or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to people, living or dead, places, events, communities or organisations is purely coincidental.
The author asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Publishers.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
I will begin by thanking my grandfather, Mr. Sohan Lal Vageria for his unconditional love and blessings; my parents, Mr. Dilip Vageria and Mrs. Vandana Vageria for being the loveliest couple and also for their undying support and encouragement; my elder brother, Ankit Vageria, for always being there whenever I am in trouble and for being my 2 a.m. buddy; my sister-in-law, Donika Vageria for her unwavering faith in me; and to the worlds cutest kid ever, my niece, Maahi Vageria for looking vanilla-ice-cream-scoop cute and for making my life with her smile. I can go on and on talking about her and shell be more than proud to read when she grows up to be a beautiful young woman someday. Theres so much to thank my entire family for, but I thank them for being able to understand my profession and commitments that come along with it.
No thank you is big enough for Swapnil Kothari sir, for he not only constantly motivated me but also guided me by taking away the sting from his words intelligently, and for being with me through every phase of my life and guiding me on whats right and whats not, both personally and professionally. Even if I become 1% of what he is, my life will be made and Ill have no regrets from this world. I have never ever in my life met as humble a person as him and as amazing a thinker that he is.
A big thank you is due to Renaissance and Indore Indira college families for always loving me.
Some of the names without whom I consider my life incomplete and bland are Aditi Solanki, for being the first ever person to praise my writing by making me believe that I can write and that people will read and like it; Riddhi, for being the most amazing human being ever; Vankush for always believing in me and my potential; and Novoneel, for being there with me in all the ups and downs of life and supporting me in the best possible way. Rohit Raikwar, Ankit, Piyush Shah and Romil Jain for being the best ever flat-mates and giving me so many memories to cherish.
I am grateful to Shashi maam, Kuldeep, Zeba, Shikha, Manali, Amruta, Pratiksha, Pooja, Nageen and Apoorv for always being a wonderful company.
I would also like to thank some of my childhood friends Rohan Raikwar, Manoj Punjabi, Himanshu Jain, Vinay Sachdeva, Pramod Jaiswal, Prateek Vyas, Ulhas Baviskar, and Deep Bhand for making my world better and interesting.
Heartfelt thanks to some friends who kept me grounded and taught me to see life from a fresh perspective Pooja Anjania, Vinay Anjania, Saurabh sir, Naveen, Sachi, Preeti Singh maam, Ayush, Manisha, Ayushi, Saloni, Supriti, Mayank, Sumit, Gaurav, Shubham, Kunal, Kroni, Sukriti, Mithun and Karan.
I would now like to thank my publisher for accepting my story and showing huge interest in the same. Thanks for being ever so supportive, team Srishti Publishers.
And lastly, to myself, for being able to complete this wonderful book.
January 2005
A amir was sweating in the cold because he was scared. He hadnt spoken much, and Dhruv didnt press him for it too. His shirt was soaked in several places when Dhruv took him to a paragliding destination close to Rohtang Pass. Looking at the people swinging, dancing and shouting in the air made Dhruv think, Id like to try it too, at least for once in my life. And thats how he decided to take his first paragliding flight over the mountains along with Aamir, though much against Aamirs wish.
I am just not doing it, and I will not allow you to do it either, Dhruv, Aamir said.
Of course were doing it. Imagine this unforgettable thrill that well remember for a lifetime, Aamir. You just cant afford to say no to this.
Im not that brave, Dhruv; nor am I that crazy. I just cant do this. Please let it go. Got it?
Thats great. Im not that brave either. Well face the fear and the adventure together. This is going to be awesome, bro! Dhruv was literally shouting at the top of his voice.
Did you hear what that pilot said? You cant sit before you take off, else youll roll down the mountains and were not responsible for that. Aamir looked hysterical.
Thats a part of his job: to explain the procedure. The take off will be much easier than what you think it will be. You need to take just a few steps running down the hill and youll be in the air. Dont you want to get the closest feeling of being a bird? Its a fun, even safe way to experience flight in its simplest form, Dhruv tried to pacify him.
Dhruv, please try and understand. I am near to pissing in my pants after seeing them shout and hang in the middle of nowhere. Alright, everything turns out fine usually. But what if we are those unusual, unlucky ones who dont make it? No, Dhruv! Never ever am I doing this. Its too much of a risk. Dont be stupid.
And I cant afford to miss out on this fun. Even if youre not coming, I am going to do this, all by myself. I am going to jump if youre not doing it. See me dead or aliveyour choice, Aamir.
You cant make puppy eyes to get your way on this matter of life and death, Dhruv.
I am not looking back, Aamir. He said, as he drew close to the paragliding pilot and paid him for a ride.
Make it for two.
What?
Thats what you heard, you dog; you arent really leaving me with an option here. I am just doing it for you, to see you happy and nothing else.
Dhruv ran to hug Aamir. They smiled, laughed and got ready for an experience like never before. Both of them were quite unsettled though.
Are you ready for this? the pilot asked. They both gave their bravest smiles.
After a short test run, they were both attached with two separate paragliding pilots and they didnt look back when their instructor asked them to run.
They began to fly. They were settled comfortably in the harness and experienced the indescribable freedom of flight and fright. Once in the air, the pilot was able to maintain and gain altitude using rising air currents and thermals. They continued to fly over the mountains, driven by the winds, admiring the landscape, enjoying the silence. They touched the tress beneath them with their feet, and with every rise in height, the view became incredible; the world below grew smaller and smaller All their problems, fears and anxieties started disappearing, and their minds were set free like birds set free from their cages.
