The Perfect Friendship

Is there such a thing as a perfect friendship?

I'd say yes, since I am blessed with more than a few.

During our recent trip to Chail, we spent quite some time exploring the grounds of the Palace, which is now a heritage hotel and where we stayed.

To say that the surroundings were breathtaking would be an understatement. It was nature at her most beautiful. Tall, towering trees, a variety of flora and fauna. Bird song interrupted by the sounds of silence.

As we walked the paths, admiring the shades of green, fruits we did not recognize but looked gorgeous.

Cut off from the digital world, we happily walked together, admiring everything around us.

We were acutely aware of everything we saw-the vivid colors, the smells, the textures.

I was in awe of the trees that seemed to have their roots in the abyss of the hillside, yet seemed to tower all the way to the sky.

The intricate branches seemed to have a sign language all their own.

We noticed one particular species of tree - we had seen them lining the roads we had traveled to reach this place.

Absolutely straight trunks, with a multitude of branches extending out almost at right angles, as if to facilitate someone climbing them.

They looked so pretty-dark trunks, leaves in shades of green with the sunlight filtering through, dappling the ground around and beneath them, as if playing with the chill in the air. Creepers winding around the tree trunks shimmered gently.

Then we noticed this particular pair.

Standing side by side, somewhat closer together than the other trees, but giving each other space. Their position also appeared as though they were considerate of other trees around them. Compassion is the first word that came to mind. Somehow, they seemed big-hearted. Branches spread wide, yet careful not to tangle with another's. It seemed like their whispered conversations were high up in the sky, far away.