Travel has a way of breaking the monotony, pulling us out of familiar routines and placing us in spaces where the universe winks at us—if only we’re paying attention.
I want to tell you the story of one such day…
On a random Tuesday, amidst hectic work, I made plans to meet a travel friend I had met in Varkala months ago.
We met in a cafe and sat facing the mountains, a contrast to the beach views we had when we first met. And in both settings, the conversation flowed. It didn’t feel like months had passed since we last spoke. We spoke about work, travel, life and all things in between. After an hour, it was time to go to a monastery.
Just as we were paying the bill, the person sitting at the next table turned to me. ‘Sorry to interrupt, but I heard you were a content creator and storyteller,’ he started. It was probably the first time someone from outside my circle had called me that!
He told me about a beautiful organization he and his team were building—a platform for artists, by artists. A space for the 90% of the artists who never get their moment, to come together, share, and celebrate their art. Arts like singing, storytelling, poetry, pottery, and more.
I told him about the journey I was on—how I was travelling, learning new things, and that my first stop was Kalaripayattu in Kerala. He said, ‘No way! I was planning to learn that this year!’
We couldn’t finish the conversation as it was time to leave for the monastery, but whatever was shared made my heart smile.
Somewhere in this world, there are people who are similar to you. Who just get you.
The monastery was mostly closed due to Buddhist festivals, but it was still so beautiful and peaceful that we ended up spending a few hours walking around. The conversation flowed from where we left off in the cafe.
This girl is four years younger than me, her energy so bubbly that it’s contagious.
The last time I met her, she was telling me about her dreams, and her plans for the future. On one hand, she was taking on a lot of adult responsibilities in her early 20s, and on the other, her stories had a touch of sunshine and rainbows—the kind only someone who hasn’t yet been slapped by the reality of adulthood has.
I loved her for both and secretly hoped she could hold on to those rainbow-tinted glasses. But we know life doesn’t work that way, and I wondered how she’d fare when reality did hit her.
Also read: My Non-Existent Travel Friendships – An Introspection
Turns out, she grew up and showed up stronger! The rainbow glasses had come off, but instead of despairing, she took a breather, blinked several times, and found joy in the blues of the sky, the greens of the trees, and the barren brown of the mountains. Rainbows or not, she realized, the world is still beautiful.
Despite the cloudy sky and cold winds up at the monastery, my heart felt warm.
Somewhere in this world, there are people who grow and mature beautifully when life challenges them.
The conversation flowed into another cafe. A couple of hours, hot chocolate, and a sunset later, it was time for us to say goodbye and head to our respective stays.
Now, as much as I’ve travelled solo, going alone in the dark is still unsettling.
And as much as it looks like I’m doing a lot, I’m still very much broke and very aware of it.
In the afternoon, I walked 40 minutes to the first cafe—not just to explore Bir’s streets and get some steps in, but also to cut costs. So I wasn’t thrilled about spending on a cab ride back.
While waiting for a cab, a local stopped (I might have accidentally waved, thinking it was a cab) and offered a ride. He was a student doing his master’s in microbiology, just roaming around aimlessly that evening. ‘Why not with friends?’ I asked. Apparently, his friends drink and smoke a lot, and he’s not very interested. So sometimes, he just drives around alone to stay out of it.
He gave me suggestions on places to visit, reassured me when I thought we were on the wrong path (everything looks different after dark!), and dropped me off with a smile.
I don’t typically hitch free rides. I’m too shy to ask for help. If not by mistake, I wouldn’t have stopped a local for a ride.
But this reminded me—if needed, if I’m ever too broke, the world still has kindness. There are good people, and I shouldn’t hesitate to reach out. When I stepped out of the car and waved him goodbye.
It felt like the faint moonlight shone as bright as the sun, and I felt safe, reassured in its glow.
Somewhere in this world, there are people who will help you, just because they can.
Some days, some moments are like this.
They happen out of nowhere and remind you why you’re doing what you’re doing.
They reassure you of the goodness in this world.
They give you the strength and motivation to keep going.
When they happen, let them happen. Take them in with all your heart.
And it’s the beauty of travel—it allows for more such moments and days. It shifts your lens, places you in the path of people you might never have met otherwise, and gives you more chances to witness the quiet, beautiful magic of the world. It’s like a love letter that the universe sends you.
