During my trip back to Kathmandu from a friend's wedding in Goa, I encountered an unexpected twist. Missing my connecting flight meant I had to spend the night in New Delhi, a city I had never been to before. I was left stranded in an unfamiliar city. Fear and uncertainty gripped me as I navigated the sprawling airport, searching for a solution.
Desperate for a solution, I confided in my newlywed friend, who offered unwavering support from afar. Grateful for his assistance, he arranged a hotel room for me in New Delhi. With a glimmer of hope in my heart, I set out in this unknown land.
Summoning every ounce of courage, I hailed a cab and embarked on a journey toward Kapashera, where my hotel awaited. The chaotic streets and unfamiliar sights heightened my anxiety, but I resolved to remain composed and alert. My friend's advice echoed in my mind, reminding me to trust my instincts and stay vigilant.
As the cab journey unfolded, my unease grew when the driver initiated a conversation. He seemed to sense my vulnerability and began discussing sensitive topics that made me uncomfortable. Despite my rising fear, I maintained a calm exterior, refusing to let him see the turmoil within me. However, his words struck deep and stirred a profound sense of unease. Doubt clouded my judgment, and I questioned the safety of my chosen path.
The cab driver noticed my Nepali background and he unexpectedly shared that he had worked in a variety of places, including brothels in India where he had encountered Nepali women. I found his comment untimely and unnecessary, considering the circumstances. To add to my unease, he expressed concern about the area where the hotel was located, mentioning that it was surrounded by a working-class population and might not be entirely safe for me. In addition, the cab driver went on to mention that there were several hotels near the airport that offered a more family-friendly environment which would be safer.
Time seemed to stretch as the cab journey continued. The road, which was supposed to take a mere 16 minutes, stretched beyond 30 minutes, adding to my growing concern. Anxious, I sent a text to my friend in Goa explaining my situation. I instantly got call from him who asked to speak with the driver. I handed the phone to the driver, hoping that my friend's words would bring some sense of reassurance.
My friend cautioned the driver to ensure that I arrived at the hotel on time. He inquired about the estimated time of arrival and instructed the driver to get me to the hotel within 20 minutes. He even promised to follow up with a call in 20 minutes to ensure that I had reached the hotel safely. As the cab changed course, I glimpsed a glimmer of hope, knowing that someone cared and was fighting for my safety.
Finally, we arrived at the hotel, but doubts lingered. There was no signboard to indicate its presence, and it looked nothing like a typical hotel from the outside. Determined not to let my guard down, I asked the cab driver to accompany me inside. I needed to be certain that this was the right place. The reception, situated on the second floor, greeted me with its warmth, easing my tension. I inquired about the absence of a signboard, and the person explained that it was a new establishment. To alleviate my worries, they handed me a menu that bore the hotel's name, hoping to restore my trust. I inspected the room they offered me, and to my relief, it exceeded my expectations. The receptionist kindly explained that, as the only guest at the time, I could have the best room at the same price I had booked. I remained skeptical but chose to accept their offer, as I had limited alternatives in that moment.
Examining the room, I found it surprisingly comfortable, yet a lingering sense of skepticism remained. There was no bolt on the door, only a lock that could be opened from the outside. It sent a shiver down my spine, but I tried to convince myself that it was merely a precautionary measure. After having dinner in the hotel, the late hour and my impending early morning flight prevented me from getting any sleep. My instincts told me to stay vigilant and cautious.
After a restless night filled with doubt and little sleep, morning arrived, and I faced the task of departing for the airport in the early hours. Determined to ensure my safety, I approached the reception to check out. The hotel staff continued to display kindness and concern, inquiring about my transportation plans. I mentioned my intention to book a cab from outside the hotel, and they suggested using an Ola cab service, known for its reliability. Following their advice, I booked a cab, and as it arrived outside the hotel, a staff member carried my suitcase, seeing me off until I entered the cab.
As the cab drove me to the airport, I reflected on the unexpected twists and turns of my journey. While some moments had made me uneasy, I chose to focus on the kindness I had encountered and the lessons I had learned along the way. The cab driver's comment had been inappropriate, but I understood that people's words and actions were not always within my control. Instead, I appreciated the support and assistance I had received from the hotel staff.
Reflecting on this journey, I realized the resilience and strength within me. Even in uncertain situations, I discovered the power of adaptability and the ability to navigate through unexpected twists and turns. This experience served as a reminder to remain calm and composed, seek support when needed, and appreciate the acts of kindness that can arise even in unfamiliar territories.
Overall, this experience in New Delhi became a transformative journey, leaving me with valuable lessons and a newfound sense of confidence in facing the unknown.
1 Comments
Owo, you had wonderful trip congratulations 👏👏👏
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