7 Intense Hea

June 26, 20xx

Delhi

The mixed scent of spices, cooking fire and heat was permeating in the air. There were sounds of upbeat Bollywood music, honking cars and people's voices coming from different directions, making the place noisier compared to where she'd been to for the last 10 weeks.

Yet, these were all nothing to Yan Shi. Even with the extreme summer sun intensifying the exotic aroma of her surrounding, she ignored it and wondered around the famous narrow street of Gali Paranthe Wali (1) in one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi in search for the best parathas(2).

After finding Shop #34, she grabbed a chair and sat where the rotating fan was directed at. The air it emitted gradually cooled her down. It was only after 10, yet her loose, white shirt was drenched with sweat and she liked to return to the hotel and shower first but the lure of trying local food was stronger.

She was craving for this particular unleavened flat bread the moment her plane landed on that busy Delhi Airport. After spending four weeks with the monks in Phuktal Monastery in Ladakh(3) whose daily diet consists of vegetables, porridge and soups, she just salivated for something different.

She gave out a deep sigh remembering what happened for the last 10 weeks. Travelling from one country to another yet, the time she spent on that isolated place was the most worthwhile and she was amazed with the simplicity of people's life.

Unlike other places she'd seen, it was different on another level. The monastery was built on the mouth of the cave up in the mountains making it, far and detached from the world.

There is no direct transportation from Leh (4) so, she transferred from one ride to another till Raru.From there, she joined a group of tourists at the rendezvous point where two guides were waiting and trekked the 25-35 km distance to reach Phuktal. The route leading to the place is at high altitude that ranges up to 13,000 feet. Hence, the ups and downs made it difficult that it took them 2 days before they reached the destination.

It was tiring yet rewarding. Along the way, they were greeted with the sight of wild expanse of high mountains, dune-like hills and valleys that looked like canyons.

Her fascination with historical relics made her marvel on the ancient scriptures carved in rocks as they passed along them from time to time. She considered petroglyphs as pieces of art and it should be seen by the world. Like any other tourist, she documented the whole trip by taking pictures and videos.

Finally getting to to the summit, there was a feeling of accomplishment in her at the sight of old and garish buildings. It was incomparable to the beauty of sky rise buildings brightly lit at night in big cities.

She adapted to the life quickly the next day. Aside from joining the monks in their early morning activities, she explored nearby areas with the help of two monks in training. Surprisingly it was not as humid as she thought in the beginning. The freshness of the air was a stark contrast to Beijing's. The people and the scenery gave her peace and serenity that she hasn't felt for a long time.

Everything was so laid back that she has no desires to leave. However, setting off is imperative.

The time she spent in different monasteries in Asia helped her heal.

The words of the monks resonated inside her heart and it gradually diminished the pain and suffocation she went through. She came into terms with her illness and that 'denial' stage she was in, disappeared.

It is mind-boggling but if she only got a few years on Earth, better live it at its fullest.

She smiled and congratulated herself for overcoming this inner turmoil. Now, she is ready to conquer the world.

Her first stop, is Europe. The fashion capital of the world.

***

On the other side of the of the road, there was a redhead ---clad in floral sleeveless dress and gladiator heeled sandals -- sifting through the man's cart in search for wide brimmed hats suitable for her get up. Her fiery hair and white skin tone were attracting attention as they differ from her surroundings.

The beauty never paid attention to the eyes that followed her since she left her hotel room.

All her focus were on choosing the best sun hat, that it took a few seconds before she realized someone snatched her shoulder bag and the man darted away seconds later.

She yelled "robber!" startling the people around her.

After the satisfying meal, Yan Shi was leaving the shop when she heard the woman yell the word in Chinese. Then a man heading towards her direction caught her eyes.

Some men chased him down however, he pushed down a cart of full of spices angering the vendor. He cursed in the local language and tried to stop him.

Yet, he got away.

Yan Shi extended her leg and tripped the man over, falling on a murky puddle before seizing the white bag on his hand.

Karlie Chen stood frozen on the ground. Thinking that she'll never see that 'special gift' from him again, there was tightness in her heart.

A minute later, her gaze fell on the approaching woman holding a familiar object to her eyes.

It was her purse!

Her eyes lit and was unable to control the impulse, she sprung herself to the tall woman in glasses, hugging her on the process.

Her strong perfume assailed Yan Shi's nose and she winced.

"Thank you."

The woman repeated it nth times without letting go of her, making the hug tighter.

Only when she patted the woman's back and gestured being choked that she immediately released her.

Her continuous 'sorry' landed on Yan Shi's ears who said nothing before handing it to her.

Karlie Chen clasped it like a treasure and slung it over her shoulders.

A minute later, she eyed the woman who assisted her with great interests. Although, the white shirt and floral maxi skirt hid her hour glass figure and her black rimmed glasses concealed a pair of hazel eyes, she was strikingly attractive. As a model, she'd seen many beautiful people whereas hers was on a different level.

Looking at her, Karlie Chen was reminded of someone's fascination of a perfect, sexy body.

Those brown eyes of hers glimmered with mischief.

***

Tidbit of Info:

(1) Gali Paranthe Wali- is a famous backstreet for deep fried bread in Delhi. (If visiting India, don't miss out the place.)

(2) Paratha - is a ball of dough that was flattened out into a shape of disc and it's deep fried. You eat with a variety of curry dishes and chutneys depending on your dipping sauce preferences.

(3) Ladakh - is a region of Jammu and Kashmir, the northern most state of India. The state is bordered by Pakistan, China and Tibet. (Source: Wikipedia)

(4) Leh - is the largest town in Ladakh. It a high-desert city that known for its Buddhist sites and trekking areas. (Source: Wikipedia)