EQUAL HEIGHTS

A glimpse of the matriarchal society.

- Shalini Bhardwaj

Come on! Don't be scared." Arisha said, turning to look at me. "It is very strong. It can last up to 500 years." I followed her, a bit nervous, cautiously taking one step at a time.

It was the first time that I was crossing a bridge entirely made of live tree roots, a wonderful creation in the forests of Meghalaya.

At the other end of the bridge, I was exhilarated as Arisha told me how eventually the new, aerial roots of rubber tree were transformed into a strong, spectacular creation.

I met Arisha when my husband was posted in Meghalaya, a few years ago. At 15, she was the youngest member of a Khasi family that lived a short walk from our accommodation. Her beautiful round face, shining monolid eyes and sleek straight hair made her look like a Japanese doll.

She sensed my love for nature and my perfect Hindi accent in the first meeting and the deal was sealed.] Hindi classes and then nature walk.

I enjoyed trips with her to lush green coniferous forests, shimmering lakes, from limestone caves to rippling waterfalls and soon, we were forging a bond that further led me to the wonderful, unique world of the Khasi people.