Déjà Vu

**Chapter 6: Exploring Mussoorie**

The morning broke slowly over the hills of Mussoorie, the mist clinging to the mountains like a soft veil, reluctant to let go. Aarushi and Rudra stepped out of their cottage, hand in hand, wrapped in the crisp coolness of the early morning. The scent of pine and earth filled the air, invigorating and fresh, making every breath feel like a reminder that they were far from the noise of the city and closer to something serene, something timeless.

Mussoorie, with its blend of colonial charm and natural beauty, spread out before them like a story waiting to be written. The narrow, winding streets, the old stone buildings with ivy creeping up their walls, and the distant snow-capped peaks made every corner of the town feel like a painting. As they began their day’s adventure, the sun peeked shyly through the clouds, casting soft golden rays over the valley below.

Their first destination was **Camel’s Back Road**, a place Rudra had read about and was eager to show Aarushi. Named for its peculiar shape, the curved road followed the natural contour of the mountain, resembling the hump of a camel from a distance. The road wound along the ridge, offering breathtaking views of the valley below and the hills that stretched endlessly into the horizon.

The walk was peaceful, the air filled with the occasional chirp of birds and the rustling of leaves as a gentle breeze swept through the tall deodar trees that lined the path. Aarushi tightened her grip on Rudra’s hand as they strolled, the sound of their footsteps the only other noise in the quiet morning.

“This is breathtaking,” Aarushi whispered, stopping to lean against the railing that lined the road. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she took in the view—the mist was lifting slowly, revealing the lush greenery below. The sun glinted off the distant peaks, painting the landscape in soft hues of blue and green.

Rudra stepped beside her, his arm draping lazily across her shoulders. He turned his head to look at her, a playful glint in his eyes. “It is. But you’re even more breathtaking.”

Aarushi rolled her eyes, nudging him gently. “You’re impossible.”

He chuckled, pulling her closer. “That’s what you love about me.”

She smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder. “Maybe.”

They continued their walk, the quiet road offering them solitude in the midst of nature’s beauty. Every so often, they would stop to take pictures—Rudra capturing candid shots of Aarushi when she wasn’t looking, and Aarushi snapping pictures of the landscape, wanting to remember every detail. The beauty of Mussoorie felt endless, like a treasure trove they were slowly uncovering together.

Halfway along the road, they came across a small, makeshift tea stall. An old man stood behind the counter, his face weathered by years spent in the mountains, but his smile warm and welcoming. A small kettle sat steaming on the portable stove, the scent of freshly brewed chai wafting through the air. The couple approached, the smell too inviting to resist.

“One chai, please,” Rudra said, pulling out his wallet.

The old man smiled, pouring the steaming liquid into two small clay cups. Aarushi wrapped her hands around hers, feeling the warmth seep into her fingers as she took a tentative sip. The chai was strong, spiced with ginger and cardamom, warming her from the inside out.

“Nothing like hot chai in the mountains,” she said, closing her eyes and savoring the taste.

Rudra nodded in agreement, taking a sip from his own cup. “It’s perfect.”

They sat on a nearby bench, the small tea stall nestled against the side of the road. From their vantage point, they could see the road winding down into the valley below, the trees parting to reveal glimpses of distant villages tucked into the hillside. The stillness of the morning enveloped them, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

As they sat, sipping their chai, Aarushi leaned into Rudra, resting her head on his shoulder. “I could get used to this,” she murmured.

Rudra smiled, kissing the top of her head. “I think we both could.”

After finishing their tea, they continued their walk along Camel’s Back Road, the mist slowly retreating as the sun climbed higher into the sky. The road curved around the mountain, offering new views at every turn—rolling hills, thick forests of deodar and oak, and the distant shimmer of the sun reflecting off the river below. It was a place that invited introspection, a place that felt removed from the rush of the world.

From there, they decided to visit **Gun Hill**, one of Mussoorie’s most popular attractions. They took the ropeway up to the top, the cable car ride offering panoramic views of the town below and the vast expanse of the Doon Valley. As they ascended, the landscape unfolded beneath them, revealing the terraced fields, the patchwork of villages, and the ever-present mountains looming in the distance.

At the summit, the view was nothing short of spectacular. The entire town of Mussoorie seemed to be laid out at their feet, with the valley stretching out endlessly beyond. The snow-capped Himalayas were visible in the distance, their peaks glistening under the midday sun. It was a sight that took Aarushi’s breath away.

“This is incredible,” she said softly, standing at the edge of the viewing platform, her eyes wide as she took in the scenery.

Rudra stood beside her, his hand resting on the small of her back. “I told you Mussoorie was magical.”

They spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Gun Hill, exploring the small shops and enjoying the street food—steaming plates of momos, hot aloo tikki, and fresh jalebis. They played a few rounds of the local carnival games, laughing as they tried (and mostly failed) to win small prizes.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the hills, they made their way back to their cottage, content and happy. The day had been perfect, filled with moments of quiet beauty and shared joy.

That evening, they sat on the porch of their cottage, wrapped in a blanket, watching as the last light of the day faded from the sky. The stars began to twinkle overhead, and the mist once again began to settle in the valley below.

Rudra looked over at Aarushi, his heart full as he watched her gazing out at the night. “I can’t imagine being here with anyone but you,” he said quietly.

Aarushi turned to him, her eyes soft and filled with love. “And I can’t imagine being anywhere without you.”

They leaned into each other, their hands entwined, the quiet of the mountains surrounding them as the stars continued to shine overhead, their light shimmering in the cool mountain air.