It was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen. It was the land of the fortunate ones. The colour of the sky was not white or blue but brilliant red. It exuded passion and love. The luxuriant verdant hue of green grasses were mesmerising to say the least. Open fields with lovely scattered houses were to be seen everywhere. The exquisite houses transuded grace and grandiose. Every house was coloured in white. They looked so pure and innocent and at the same time reflected power and authority. I could see the only mode of transportation was horse-carriage and the horses were beautifully crafted. Was I seeing the 'Chariots of Gods'?
It was Friday evening and my friends had decided to go to Shalom to spend the evening in the company of beers, food, half clad girls and retro music. I consented to be a part of their revelry, however, grudgingly. I should have listened to my heart. As it turned out, it was not a wise decision to go to Shalom.
I have always enjoyed a few drinks with my mates whenever the occasion has called for but this evening was starkly different. I was morose and completely withdrawn. For some reason, I wanted to go home and experience solitude. Friends become obnoxiously friendly after a few pints. Despite my loud resentment of the place and equally strong demonstration of my desire to go home, I was asked to stay. More by their drunken vows of friendship rants as compared to them actually enjoying my company. To think of it, who enjoys the dramatis personae of a gloomy person.
Anyway, despite the severe protests, I managed to escape from the confinement. I step out and I am immediately accosted by the depressive, dark and desolate clouds. It was on the verge of opening up and I could prognosticate a fiercely gloomy weather in no time. The moment I got in my car, it started raining heavily. For a minute, looking at the weather, I decided to go back to the pub but carried on with my journey to the house. The rain drops were so heavy and forceful that it was near impossible to see beyond the windshield. I scuffle along. At times driving at a speed of 10 otherwise 15. The only companion that I had with me on that dark fateful night was the voice of Elton John singing 'there is something about the way you look tonight'. Incidentally my all time favourite number.
I drive along despite the contemptuousness of the weather. And then it happened...
A swerving bus from nowhere hits me front on and that was the last that I remember..
I am dead. I am surrounded by my grieving relatives wrapped in a white sheet. I can see my mum looking at my body intently without any expression. Her eyes red and dry with excessive crying. My sister wailing with uncontrollable ferocity. Brother looking glum and trying hard to control his emotions. And I could see what I had always wanted to see. How would my family react after I die? I wanted to get up and give a final hug to everyone. Tell them that its OK and everything would be fine but I was dead.
The grim reaper 'Yamraaj' finally came and said, time to go. I took a last look at everyone, said my final goodbye silently and left with him without any protest. That's when I reached the pearly gates of paradise and got stunned with its beauty. Unfortunately the pleasures of its beauty could only be dispensed to me after my death. What a paradox.
I am happy in the company of gods now. They are taking good care of me and from above here, I endeavour to protect all of you. May you live a long and blessed life.
Until we meet, take care and have fun...
