The shopkeeper shakes his head rather blankly when Jassi asks him about the Tibetan incense and tea that Meghna has asked for. "Yahaan kahaan milegi, memsa'ab…."
Jassi: Kyun? Dharamshala mein toh Dalai Lama rehte hai na? Yahaan toh hazaaron Tibetan rehte honge na?
Shopkeeper: Memsa'ab, yehi galti bahut tourists karte hai….wo yahaan rehte toh zaroor hai, lekin main Dharamshala mein nahin, McLeodganj mein.
He proceeds to explain that McLeodganj is a beautiful township, once a British cantonment, located around an hour's drive up the mountain. It is there that the Dalai Lama and the entire colony of Tibetan refugees live.
Armu: Toh yahaan…..yahaan dekhne ko kya hai?
Shopkeeper: Bahut kuch hai sa'ab….Mall Road, toy train, Museum…..
Jassi excitedly grabs Armu's arm, but he groans. "Museum nahin Jassi….please….hum toh yahaan ghoomne aaye hai na?"
Jassi: Toh ye bhi toh ghoomna hi hai….chalo na Armaan….phir baad mein McLeodganj bhi jaana hai, yahaan hamare paas zyada time toh hai nahin….
She drags him to the Museum of Kangra Art, which houses some breathtaking artefacts,
period jewellery and miniature paintings of the Kangra school. Jassi gasps as she gazes at the ornate palanquins, cushioned thrones and elaborate silver jewellery.
Jassi: Armaan….inn Raja-maharajaon ki bhi kya life thi na….itne zevar….aur itne weapons…..pata nahin kitna khoon baha hoga inn talwaron se…. (shivers and clutches his arm tightly)
He gently presses her hand. "Ab chodo inn sab baaton ko….ab yeh sab kuch nahin hai…sirf main tumhara raja, aur tum meri rani!"
They both giggle.
Jassi: Waise, Maddy yahaan hota toh khushi se paagal ho jaata…itni inspiration….
Armu: Umm…..let me take some photos….at least usse dikhaane ke liye kuch toh hoga…
He takes out his phone and clicks a few pictures, but the next moment Jassi gestures in dismay towards a sign that says, "Photography strictly prohibited".
Armu: (alarmed) Ab?
Jassi: Oh no….unhone toh sab jagah cameras bhi laga rakhe hai….Armaan, unn sab photos ko delete kar do!
Armu: But Jassi…..wo mera phone thodi na check karenge….
Jassi: Kar bhi toh sakte hai….
Armu: Dekhi jayegi! Let's go….
And he stalks out, ignoring Jassi's protests. They collect Jassi's bag from the counter where she had deposited it, she looking nervously around, but no one blinks an eyelid. Armu nudges Jassi as they move outside thankfully into the chill air.
"Tumne dekha?"
Jassi: Kya?
Armu: (chuckling) Counter par monitor nahin tha….toh cameras ne jo "record" kiya wo kaise dikhta?
Jassi: You mean….??
Armu: Wo sirf daraane ke liye tha….aur aapka Armaan daraa nahin!
Jassi laughs and puts her head on his shoulder.
Tomorrow: Mcleodganj
Shiv Shakti
