ALSphere Foundation
It was a bright, shiny day when Ash sat in her veranda, lost in thought. The house was in shambles, mirroring the chaos in her mind. Everyday she found herself stuck in the same rut—cooking, cleaning, and managing an endless list of chores. It felt like she was running on a treadmill, exhausting herself yet going nowhere. Watching celebrities flaunt their extravagant lifestyles on television made her envious. Why was she destined for this monotonous life while others were living theirs to the fullest?
Today, she was too annoyed as her neighbor, Manisha, was going for an international vacation, something Ash had always dreamed of but never had the luxury to experience. Out of frustration she decided to talk to Ramesh about going on a vacation.
That evening, as soon as Ramesh stepped through the door, she wasted no time in laying her cards on the table.
“I need a break, Ramesh. I’m sick and tired of this never-ending cycle,” she declared, her voice edged with desperation. “If you can’t take me somewhere, I might as well pack my bags and go to my parents’ house.”
Ramesh sighed, knowing he was caught between a rock and a hard place. Money was tight, but Ash’s resolute expression made it clear—this was a battle he wasn’t going to win. Throwing caution to the wind, he finally said, “Fine. I’ll take you to Manali next week. Now cheer up.”
Ash’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. Manali—her long-cherished dream! She envisioned herself basking in the beauty of snow-capped mountains, taking in the crisp mountain air, and finally escaping the shackles of routine.
Before she knew it, the much-awaited day arrived, and they set foot in Manali. The moment Ash stepped out of the car, she was rooted to the spot. Her jaw dropped as she took in the breathtaking sight before her—a grand hotel that stood like a king in its castle, exuding elegance and opulence. The wooden carvings on its exterior were as intricate as lacework, and the glass panels shimmered under the golden sunlight. A lush green entrance, coupled with the scent of fresh pine, welcomed them like an old friend.
The moment they walked into the lobby, Ash felt like she had stepped into a fairy tale. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, its golden light dancing off the polished marble floors. The air buzzed with a soft symphony of instrumental music, blending seamlessly with the warm crackling of a fireplace. Plush velvet sofas invited weary travelers to sink into their luxurious embrace.
Their suite was the icing on the cake. A king-sized bed adorned with silken sheets stood majestically in the center, flanked by bedside lamps casting a warm, dreamy glow. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the mesmerizing view of snow-clad peaks, while a private balcony, complete with cozy chairs, seemed to whisper an invitation for endless moments of peace.
Ash traced the intricate embroidery on the bedspread, her heart swelling with gratitude. She turned to Ramesh, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”
Ramesh chuckled, pulling her close. “You deserve this, Ash.”
At that moment, reality hit her like a ton of bricks. She had spent so long chasing someone else’s dream that she had forgotten the difference between the charm of a luxurious hotel and the warmth of a loving home.
Resting her head on Ramesh’s shoulder, she took a deep breath, letting the cool mountain air calm her restless heart. His warmth surrounded her, making her feel safe and cherished. Closing her eyes, she felt the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat, a silent reminder of his love. In that quiet moment, she realized that life might not always be perfect, but with love, it was beautiful.
