An unusual party

 Once I demanded a treat from a friend, he had reached a significant milestone in his career. 'Let’s party!' I urged him. 

'


Party??!!! You don't drink or eat non-veg. What kind of party do you expect me to throw for you?' His response shocked me. But he was correct in way. In an era, where celebration is equated to overflowing beer mugs and KFC chicken buckets, he wasn't sure how he could enjoy with a friend like me. I stepped back. I understood I was not a piece that fit in his jigsaw puzzle. 


I love to watch people getting on a high and chilling in the moment with a glass of wine or vodka. Each has their special way. I don't condemn them for not being like me. But gradually I drift away and celebrate in my own company. Finding my type is rare.


But yesterday was a different experience. I partied, let my hair down, enjoyed a simple meal, and walked amidst the greenery of nature. Before I could do all of this, I worshiped and prayed. Yes, I was at a temple, a Jain derasar away from the madness of the city at Asangoan. With my besties Amisha Shah and Dhaval Joshi, I first indulged in a deep prayer. It felt as if I was partying with God. The ringing of bells, the clapping of hands, the loud chanting, and then, a deep silence. For me, no disco could ever bring that high. 


Contended with the guftagu with God, the three of us sat outside the mandir as a light drizzle tickled our senses. We spoke about ourselves, our childhood and our present. The heart opened a small room of memories. Not the rain but our exchange flooded our hearts. What followed was expected. A simple meal of no onion, no garlic fuss felt delightful and delicious. The icing on the cake was a cooked till perfection dudhi ka halwa. I just took one serving yet the satisfaction was immense.


The trio settled on a cool bench surrounded by tall trees while a gurgling brook, nearby, sang melodies. We cracked some silly jokes and laughed till tears glistened our eyes. We reminisced old movies and impactful characters like Ashutosh Rana. When people pour over Netflix and Amazon Prime series, I'm tongue-tied and don't know what to say. That is because again here I'm a misfit having not watched a single series. 

Movies are my thing. Booking tickets standing in a queue, entering the dark chilled theatre, melting into the eyes of my screen hero, and then, letting the outside light blind me, is all I look forward to. So, when, Amisha and Dhaval brought up the dying of Indian cinema and the big screen sneaking into people's bedroom, my opinions were liberated. They knew they had a sympathetic ear to listen to.

Shedding pretense, and leaving behind the baggage of being somebody, we partied harder.

Yes, that was my kind of celebration and party. I'm aging and have lost the appetite for crazy night outs and booze sessions. In the first place, a drop of alcohol has never touched my lips. I have been the black sheep and bear no wool for high-octane parties.

Will you still invite me for a celebration?

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