Anticipating yet another safari with bated breath, I braced for the familiar pang of disappointment that often accompanies such quests—elusive big cats remaining hidden. Little did I know that destiny had a surprise in store, crafting one of the most remarkable leopard encounters I could ever dream of. In the embrace of Rajaji National Park, a majestic male leopard emerged, gifting us an awe-striking spectacle that unfolded over a mesmerizing 15 minutes. I waited for the perfect moment to press my shutter and did so as soon as the sun's golden rays gently cascaded through the forest canopy, kissing the leopard’s face—a celestial embrace that etched itself into both my lens and memory.