Sangeetha Kamath

Standing on the rooftop of a shop, I look all around me to a scene of apocalypse; the tumultuous Mandakini is ravaging the roads of Uttarakhand--- sweeping away houses, cars, vehicles...even people.  Having separated from my group of twelve hikers, I have no idea where they are or where I am! In the scuffle to save myself, I've dropped my backpack with all my food rations, essentials and all I have with me is a water-logged handphone. The melting Chorabari glacier and the unrelenting deluge has swelled the waters further making my worst phobia of death by drowning come to fruition. With the mercury dipping by the minute, I can't feel my feet, my gloves are soaked, my lips are cold and blue. The frigid wind is a whipping force cutting scars on my face. I don't know for how long I've been stranded up here, but it's going to be nightfall soon with no relief in sight. Am I fated to perish in this manner...I'm fighting to keep my head above the waters... (Word count