He handed over a glass of Thandai with a mischievous grin . As it went down my throat, a strange warmth spread through my body. Colors became sharper, laughter echoed in slow motion and the world around me began to swirl like a whirlpool.
My head felt light, my limbs heavier. Gradually , the EDM and Bhangra around me faded down. In the distance, I heard the slow, rhythmic beat of a Damru.
Someone tapped me from back. He had matted hair lock and was tall and handsome. The calmness on his face was infectious.
With soft husky voice he asked " What happened bro?"
"I think someone added Bhaang to mine one" I replied.
"No" . He said . "You are in the World of Maya bro."
" Nothing is real in this world"
“Play,” tossing a handful of ash at me.
As soon as it touched my skin, it turned into a flood of colors and smeared me red.
I laughed out loud happily. The weight of my worries, my regrets, my past, all diffused in the vibe of cosmic celebration.
I kept shaking my head, still lost in the craziness of the moment.
“It destroys illusions. Colors strip away differences and intoxication removes the chains of the mind. But true freedom, my friend.. is when you realize it." He said in a thunderous voice.
He tapped my forehead gently, right between my eyebrows.
“There you go.” He said.
The next thing I knew, I was back at the Holi party. My friends were laughing, splashing me with colors and shaking my shoulders.
Someone yelled at me " Ei ta gala na bo"
I touched my forehead, no ash just the inexplicable warmth beyond words. I smiled. Maybe it was just the bhang.
Or maybe… I had truly danced with Shiva.
