It was a beautiful February day. We were a group of nine who traveled a long way to get the taste of reverberating music. All of us were on the wrong end of our 20s, and we were determined to make the most of what life presented us with.
The age we are talking about is a complicated one. Most of the ages are, but still, there is something beautifully uncertain about 29. Some are getting married, some are moving abroad, some are thinking about children, and some are trying to extend their early 20s. It's safe to say that the group I was with was in the latter category.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Coming back to the story. A fine morning it was. So, we woke up late, brushed our teeth, and started drinking. Just another day. I don't know about everyone, but for me, there is this other side that wakes me up when I'm drunk or intoxicated. The side of me who feels lonely in a crowd, the side which craves for at least a teeny tiny bit of affection. So as I anticipated, the side of me woke up and took over my conscious mind.
There I was amidst all the heat, dust, and noises that come with a crowded music festival, wandering around in search of a spot to relax and forget the thoughts haunting me. By relaxing I meant Dancing out loud (That should be a phrase). Dancing like no one is watching is kind of the reason why we go to a music festival right?
So, I was dancing with my awakened subconsciousness or inner child, whatever you wish to call it. I decided to have another drink. While returning from my last drink, I saw two people with pluck cards swinging in the air. It was a guy and a girl, and everyone was looking at them with amusement. So I too decided to give it a look. The pluck card of the boy said "Free Kisses (only for girls)" and the one in the girl's hand said "Free Hugs". The normal me would've just walked past them while smiling at them, suppressing my urge to hug them both. This time around my awakened subconsciousness didn't want me to suppress anything. With their consent, I hugged them both, thanked them, took a picture with them, and then left.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
It might have just been a minute for them, but for me, that made my entire day. It was not alcohol or caffeine that made me happy since that hug. The oxytocin and the warmth they gave me made me dance out loud. For the whole day, my mouth was wide open, unable to stop smiling. When my friends asked why, for the first time in a long time, I replied "I am happy".
So, taking a moment to appreciate the important people around you with some gestures isn't a bad idea. In the end, it's those small gestures that matter in the long run.
For that day and the ones who hugged me when I needed it the most, I'll never ever forget you. thank you.
