Peace in Every Step

A short story by Aaradhaya Rani 

B.A. English, Semester (ii)

Nava Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda

Today I felt different. Waking up and getting ready for college felt unusual. I was truly excited to go to college. It was not like a normal day of simply waking up, getting ready, and leaving. This morning felt special. The air was fresh, and I felt light because I was going to participate in the International Peace walk with my friends, teachers and every department of students of the university.

    When I reached college, we all gathered at the university campus. At the university, almost all the students from every department were present and joined the walk. Our destination was about fifteen kilometres away from the Jethian, passing through long stretches of woods. I was with my friends' group, and we sat together in Bus No. 5, the back seat of the bus. The bus ride was full of fun. We laughed, cracked jokes, shared shayari with each other, even had fun with the seniors too and enjoyed every moment together. 

    When we reached Jethian, my friends and I roamed around the place, we walked till the ground, clicked some pictures, and even with new people we met for the first time there and talked with a few of them, interacted with others and my friends, and I sat for sometime we talked togethers clicks pictures too. After that, we all started walking towards our destination, Rajgir. The path was surrounded by woods and fresh air. While walking, we laughed, shared Snacks, joked with each other, and even Strangers Started to feel like friends. 

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 As the distance increased, so did the tiredness. Our legs started to ache, shoulders drooped. And our steps slowed down. We leaned against each other for support, laughing even at our own exhaustion. We joked about giving up, and in all this, somehow that made us walk again. 

    By the time we reached to Rajgir. We were completely tired but happy. After some time, we all again sat in the bus and headed to Venu Van, and there was a little program being held. And that moment I realised that peace does not always begin with silence or staying quiet. Sometimes, peace begins when we are together with our people walking side by side, sharing laughter together, feeling tired, but still being full of happiness. 

    The International Peace Walk was not just a journey from Jethian to Rajgir. It was a journey of unity, friendship, and togetherness. It taught me that even when we feel exhausted or feel like giving up, there is always someone beside us to hold us, support us, and help us move forward. This experience will remain close to my heart as a reminder that peace can be found in every step when we walk together.

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    This journey made me realise that life, much like this walk, becomes easier when we are not alone. When we feel weak, there is always someone beside us to give us strength, and when we feel lost, togetherness helps us find direction again. The memories of this walk will stay with me forever, reminding me that peace exists in shared efforts, mutual support, and in every step taken with others.