We were returning back from Sri Badrinathji. As usual I was driving at good speed and while passing by Karna Prayag, I noticed a board giving direction to Kausani. Kausani is considered as Switzerland of India. I always had a desire to go to Kausani but some how it never got materialized. We had gone around 1 km ahead of this diversion. I was asking my wife and daughters for 2 more days extension of our holidays. They approved and so I took U turn to head for new destination.

From Karna Prayag to Kausani, it is more of deserted road with not much traffic. It was treacherous road and a narrow one. On our left side a river was flowing deep down. Road was real bad and was taking full test of driving skill. Slowly we started climbing up to Gwaldam, which is quite high. When we were to reach Gwaldam, it started raining heavily. It was pouring so bad that even at full speed wipers were not effective. Gwaldam is at good height and from here one can go for trekking to Roop Kund, Bedni Bugyal etc. It seemed as there was a cloud burst and I was feeling as the car could be washed away by rains.

As I told that there was practically no traffic, I feared about my helplessness in event of car break down or any other troubles. Suddenly I saw a light in rear view mirror, it was a jeep. I slowed down to give it way. It crossed us and then again allowed us to go ahead. This happened 2-3 times. Ultimately I had to stop Jeep driver and tell him that please go ahead and let me follow you as he knew the area better. Some how rain stopped and we had crossed the highest point and were on way down.

I was tired after this stressful drive and wanted to stop for a cup of tea. I saw one make shift tea shop on left side of road. I stopped but my wife refused to have tea at unhygienic shop. Shop was in open and there were no settlement nearby. I was wondering that how could he have shop in jungle sort of area.

As I stepped out of car, the short height shop owner in an overcoat came towards me and opened up his arms for a hug. I took him in my arms and gave a tight hug. We didn’t know each other but were embracing each other. This was strange for my wife. He remained in my arms for 1-2 minutes a long time and then thanked for stopping there.

I asked him for a cup of tea, which he specially prepared. I was feeling hungry so I asked him if he had something to eat. He brought out a packet of buns and offered me. I took three teas and 4 small buns. Meanwhile my wife had also joined me as she could not bear my enjoyment.

At the end when we were to leave, I asked him for bill. He refused to take any money and told that it would be his insult. I told him that I could not leave without paying as I would be uncomfortable. With lots of pressure, he accepted just Rs.4 /-. I could not give any thing to him as it would be inappropriate for his love. He hugged me again with tears in his eyes. He took a promise of visiting him again. He was a retired subedar from army and had to go 2 km down to get water for his shop. So he was not a mad man. He was the one who was full of love. I don’t know what he saw in me. But this was the purest love, I have ever experienced.