"Now, I'm More Interested in Your Trip"

"Leave it aside... now, I'm more interested in your trip."

I never expected these words from my research supervisor. I had gone to her cabin to discuss my dissertation work. Instead, she wanted to know everything about a journey that had ended only the previous night. As she asked about the places we visited, the people who travelled with me, the food we had and the memories we made, I realised that some trips deserve to be told. This is one of them.

After the pressure of our mid-term examinations, the first weekend of April offered us the perfect opportunity for a short escape. Five of us Mugdha, Krishanu, Aparoopa, Akankhya and I  decided to travel to Itanagar, the beautiful capital of Arunachal Pradesh. Our route also included Bhalukpong, Tippi and, on our way back, Nameri National Park.

We left Tezpur early in the morning on 4 April, with Mugdha behind the wheel. The weather itself seemed to welcome our journey. It was spring in the hills. The sun was soft, the air was cool and dark clouds occasionally reminded us that the monsoon was not very far away.

Our day began with a cup of tea near the green forests of Nameri. It was one of those simple moments that travellers remember long after returning home. Later, we stopped beside a beautiful river before reaching Bhalukpong. Sitting on the rocks beside the flowing water, we talked about life, dreams, careers, family and the future. There was no hurry, no schedule to follow, only the sound of the river and good company.

The journey through Bhalukpong and Tippi was equally refreshing. The winding roads, waterfalls, green hills and fresh mountain air made the drive unforgettable. Every turn offered another beautiful view, making us stop again and again for photographs and quiet moments.

By evening, we reached Itanagar. As our vehicle entered the city, rain welcomed us. The lights shining from houses built on the hills looked magical through the mist. Finding a homestay took nearly two hours, but once we settled in, the tiredness disappeared.

That night became the heart of our journey.

Outside, rain continued to fall softly. Inside, conversations continued for hours. We spoke about almost everything—life, friendships, relationships, health, career, home and even the Mahabharata. Around midnight, Krishanu, Aparoopa and I walked onto the terrace. Standing under a light drizzle and looking at the glowing hill city, we simply enjoyed the silence between our conversations. Some places become memorable because of their beauty; others because of the people with whom you experience them.

The next day introduced us to the cultural side of Itanagar. We visited Ita Fort, a historic brick fort that reflects the city's rich past. We then explored the peaceful Gompa Buddhist Monastery, where colourful prayer flags and the calm surroundings offered a different kind of peace. At Ganga Lake, surrounded by forests and hills, nature once again reminded us why Arunachal Pradesh is called one of India's most beautiful states.

We were also fortunate to witness the vibrant Mopin Festival. The celebration was filled with traditional dances, colourful attire and cheerful faces. The festival, celebrated by the Galo community, reflects prayers for prosperity, happiness and a good harvest. Watching local traditions come alive before our eyes made the visit even more meaningful.

Every journey deserves a perfect ending, and ours came at Alub Naam Café. As rain continued outside, we spent the evening sipping coffee and playing Jenga. Between laughter, friendly competition and warm conversations, we unknowingly created memories that would stay with us much longer than photographs.

Late that night, we returned to our university campus. The journey had ended, but its memories travelled back with us.

The next evening, I visited my research supervisor to update her about my dissertation. She first asked why I had missed the department's photography workshop. I explained that I had returned to the campus very late the previous night. Then she asked where I had gone.

"Arunachal, Ma'am... Bhalukpong only," I replied with a smile.

She looked at me, smiled sarcastically and closed my research diary.

"Leave it aside," she said. "Now, I'm more interested in your trip."

For the next several minutes, my research discussion turned into a travel conversation. She asked about my friends, our vehicle, the places we visited, the food we ate and whether I had informed my parents before travelling. After listening patiently, she smiled and said in an affectionate, almost parental tone, "Be careful. And don't forget to focus on your research during the vacation."

I left her cabin smiling.

The research discussion had lasted only a few minutes, but the conversation about the journey had lasted much longer.

Perhaps that is the beauty of travelling. Some journeys end when we return home. Others continue through stories, conversations and memories.

And this one will always remind me of a sentence I will never forget:

"Now, I'm more interested in your trip."