My husband and I went for a holiday to Himachal Pradesh with another couple, Rahul and Smita. In stead of spending our time at Simla, Kulu, etc, which were very crowded, we decided to visit the interiors of Himachal Pradesh. We hired a vehicle at Manali and set out to visit interesting locations. A local gentleman had given us the route maps and we worked out a travel plan for 3 days. First two days we explored the hills and enjoyed immensely. On the third day we were in a forest area, which was very lovely. At night, we stayed at a forest bungalow. The next day was scheduled for rest.
Next morning we took it easy and the driver was allowed to take rest. The caretaker of the bungalow told us about a temple adjacent to a hot spring. He said the spring is very popular among the foreign tourists. My husband and Smita were too exhausted after three days of long tours. They did not want to go because the spring was at a long distance and we had to walk. Rahul and I decided to go.
After walking half an hour we realised that we had to walk at least another half an hour more up the hill. There was a clean street side teashop and we went in. As we were about to order tea, we found that a group of foreign tourists were drinking beer. We were told that beer was available in the shop and we were delighted. We had two bottles each and I felt a bit tipsy. Rahul wanted to have more and ordered another bottle. From his bottle Rahul poured in my glass and finally we equally shared the bottle. Rahul lighted a cigarette and I shared it with him. Although I had given up smoking long time back, I love smoking while drinking. Since I wanted another cigarette, Rahul thought another beer would be right and we finally ended up finishing three bottles each.
On our way up, we were in a great romantic mood. We held each other’s hand and sang at the top of our voices. At one stage Rahul hugged me and I planted an affectionate kiss on his cheeks. We were in a great mood and didn’t feel the distance. After reaching the spring we watched the outgoing stream for quite some time. The natural beauty of the stream was breathtaking and Rahul sang a very romantic song.
After a while we went to the bathing area. A man asked us if we wanted to take a bath and we said yes. He directed us to a hall where a woman was giving towel and soap for a price. She gave us two towels and one piece of soap. We asked for one more soap; she gave one for extra money but looked a little surprised. When we went in we saw four bathroom doors with men and women (mostly foreign tourists) standing in queue in front of the doors.
We stood in different queues. I noticed that every body was looking at us; I did not understand why. After a minute or so, one door opened and a couple came out; another couple went in. This struck us as a bit odd and on asking another couple we found out that in the adjacent temple only a couple is allowed to offer puja and before that they should have bath together in the spring water. After realising the situation Rahul and I looked at each other in embarrassment.
He came and joined me in my queue and told me in an undertone “ We have two options – either we both go back or we both have bath in the same cubicle.”
I was in a dilemma. As I was in a buoyant mood I was willing to go in and so, I think, was Rahul. But both of us were guiltily thinking about our spouses.
