The night slowly inched towards midnight, but Bhaskar didn't return. Everyone looked worried and we were shouting Bhaskar, Bhaskar. But, no answer followed back.
This all started from the idea of visiting Surrender’s village house in SwatiGaun, Nuwakot, which was planned couple of years back. Due to busy schedules it had not been feasible since then. Six hikers gathered in D2 premises for a one night stay hiking at Surendra’s village home. We prepared for everything that might needed for night stay, yet we still had to arrange something special for dinner. So, on the way we drove little further from Teenpiple and purchased a rooster at heavy price but the stuff added some energy to everyone. We passed along the dumping site at Sisdole and stopped there as our vehicle couldn't go further. The bag seemed heavy as we had to carry sleeping bags, food, and water for the night stay. The day was pleasant and trail was moderate. By enjoying the greenery that we passed by and galloping empty paddy fields we reached Surrender’s forefather land. Bhaskar was maintaining the distance as always he was busy capturing snaps on the way. Surendra showed us his land and told the story about them. The land stretched from the bank of the river to the hill top through the forest. We had a little nibble there at terra firma of his land field since his house was still half an hour away to reach. We split into two groups as some of us decided to spend a little time at place. The first group (Surendra, Krishna, and Prajwal) went first, and start preparing for the night stay. The house was located in the middle of the forest. Three mango trees guarded the house from the front. Kanchha and Kanchhi (Surendra‘s house keeper) welcomed us with hot tea. They helped us to light the bonfire for Saturday eve. The other group (Vishnu, Bhaskar, and Pawan) were still on a way to be arrived. Now, it was quite-dark and we were certain that the other group had lost their way. Surendra,Prajwal and Kancha went downhill to look for them. After a while, we heard voices and found out they had been climbed the other hill instead. We all gathered around the fire. Vishnu, Pawan shared their epic stories of their heroic college and travel days. Bhaskar and Krishna were busy taking snaps shot of the full moon that was in a hide and seek game with clouds while good old Hindi songs were playing in the background. Everyone was enjoying oneself amidst the gossips. Then, Bhaskar, Bhaskar... We divided into two groups to look for Bhaskar. One group went uphill and the other downhill. Then finally, we heard a sound. Bhaskar had gone in search of signal network (NTC network) and caught by dozed under a tree. He woke up finally to our cries. What a relief and party went on…… Until the dinner that was served by Kancha and Kanchi. The house garden organic saag and chutney tasted very well. By then, it was nearly mid-night, we laid our sleeping bags and snoozed listening to melodious collection of Hindi songs by Vishnu. After having tea in the morning, we decided to roam around the village for a while. Surendra was busy exploring his plot of land. Saying goodbye to Kancha and Kanchi, we started our Sunday hike to reach to Kathmandu which ended after walking 3 hours of steep ascent at Pokhari Bhanjyang. At this place we waited two hours for the local bus when it arrived three of us squeezed in and other three climbed on the roof of the bus. A distinguishing feature of our personal nature of being adventurous came to an end but remains in our mind to cherish in due course along with a gratitude to Surendra!