Time-out

I went for a party after ages. It was a small get-together really and as the time approached, I wanted to chicken out. But then this friend was leaving town forever. I do not understand things like forever, but she was going to be away…

So I changed, perfumed-sherfumed myself, picked out this shocking pink shirt hoping it would make me feel lively, packed the gifts (I always give gifts…little things, not one big thing) and made my way there. I rang the bell apprehensively. For a moment I thought it was the wrong day. Hoped it was?

The door opened. The room was already full with a few people; I only knew one woman. Fortunately, I was offered a drink. This too would be after over three months; I do not even like alcohol. I did not wait for the toast…am not sure anyone did.

I took larger sips than I would normally do. My mind was in a daze soon enough. Everything looked wonderful, all voices sounded nice, the spicy snacks did not seem so spicy as my palate was cleaned every other minute. I was laughing at the banter.

Someone who knew me from my past writings asked what I was upto these days. I said I was in a state of imagination – a sabbatical from myself. He did not understand.

A late entrant had brought a hookah. The peppy woman promptly wanted to know where to plug it!

I watched as the coal simmered…there was even ‘magic coal’, it is a neat slab and burns longer. Strange that the longer-burning thing looked so in order. What a contradiction. Or maybe not.

The ones that can take the fire do look like they are terribly composed as they slowly watch themselves being turned to nothing.

The scent of apple-cinnamon-mint by turns was in the air as gurgling sounds emanated from the pit. I did not try it.

I returned home feeling a bit woozy after just two. I went straight to bed feeling quite content.

Next day I wrote to a friend, “Is happiness all about a couple of vodkas?”