The One Where They Run To Save Their Lives Or Their Modesty

Once upon a time, there were three women who decided to go on an all girls' trip and get "Independent, don't need men" stamped on their bio before they turned thirty or turned pregnant.

Like happy little squirrels, they charted out a grand plan... booking synchronised flight tickets to and from various parts of the country, scouting little known "exotic" locations within short driving distance of Bangalore and zeroing in on Horsley Hills, getting advance bookings done at the nice-sounding Governer's Bunglow, Superior Room, no less!

They spent the next few days dreaming of the promised lovely, deep woods, the long, winding walks, hot flasks of tea and good books to read.

D-Day arrived. Armed with backpacks, sturdy shoes, hearts filled with pride, and excitement that threatened to burst out of their chests, they headed to airports all across the country - Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore.

A day, a night, hours of gossip and lots of window-shopping later, they were on their way to HH.

Hooray for flower power. Three cheers for the biker (Ahem, Car) chicks. Make way for the nature birds. World, here we come.

The first sight of HH lifted their already soaring spirits further up. But the next brought them right down.

The men at the counter weren't exactly what you'd call friendly. They tried to swindle them out of the nice Superior room and give them a shabby little pigeonhole instead.

"Madaaam, there are only men in the next room. You see, aa? We will not be responsible if something happens, aa? I suggest you take the small room Madam. Only for your own safety madam".

Our three ladies conferred. "Sure, it's upsetting". "But who's to say the creep is even right." "I say we take it". "Yeah! I second we take it". "Sure, I third it!"

As you can see, our chicks are actually tough birds. Stirred, Not Shaken.

They got the big room alright. And congratulated each other and themselves. "If those men think they can treat us like silly little scared city girls, they have another thought coming. Scared? We?! Hah."

Of course they almost ended up propping up the heavy dresser against the common door that linked the adjacent room, Of course they made backup plans for where to run, hide and meet in case they were attacked in the dark of night. But that just counts as prudence. Not fear.

They then adjourned to the dining area for tea, snacks and eventually, dinner. Nice place, they mused. Good we did this, they hugged themselves.

Feeling benevolent towards the world and now a little ashamed of the backup plans, they started back for the rooms, a 1o minute walk through the sleepy little town.

Talking, Joking, Laughing.

Until ...
"Hush".
"Stop".
"Listen".
"See!"

An SUV passed them by. With four big, hairy men inside it. The one at the wheel looked drunk.

Hearts bursting, this time not with pride but with a bit of anxiety, they looked on. The car passed them by. False alarm. Phew. They let out the breath they were collectively holding.

For only a minute.

The car then stopped. And reversed. And drove back towards them. Heads down, they continued to walk, though at a quickened pace.

The car passed them again. And stopped. And reversed.

All pretences of bravado thrown to the wind, the three broke into a sprint.

Strategies were quickly discussed and discarded - to stay in the light to avoid potential attackers but at the risk of clear visibility, or to stay in the dark to mislead them?

Quickest routes were assessed and taken - the short but steep one, or the long but flatter one?

Not till they reached the relatively safe haven of their hotel, and not for some time after that, did the flutter subside.

The car came up right till the entry point, and then left.

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Two nights and days later, they returned proud owners of "Independent. But may occasionally need spouse to walk five steps behind".

The last sentence is in parentheses, small font, and ONLY to be shared when asked for. Hush!