The Spirit Of Celebration

 

It was amusing the way everyone looked at him curiously but no one really dared to approach him and ask him his identity.

If anyone cared or dared to ask, they would come to know that his name was Utsav. And that he was gatecrashing a New Year party. He did not know a single person there, nor was he invited. But then he never really needed an invitation. Where there was a party, he was there. Uninvited, but absolutely essential.

Perhaps they can sense other-worldly vibes from me… Utsav thought in silent amusement. Why else would people hesitate to come near me, I, the Spirit of celebration!?

He leaned over the railing of the balcony, cutting a handsome figure with his black suit, white shirt and black trousers. Tall and pale, with hair pulled back into a semi ponytail, a style that the Superior wasn’t exactly fond of. But then They were fond of Utsav, so he just about got away with everything he wanted to do. The Superior was above any gender or identity, just a caring presence that kept a watchful eye on the Universe. Utsav was one among the many spirits through which the Superior kept themselves updated about the world.

“Nice night, isn’t it?” A man in a tuxedo approached Utsav with a drink in his hand. Utsav hid his smile. Even though the guy did his best to sound casual, Utsav could feel the curiosity emanating from him. Surprisingly, there was no fear. Just genuine curiosity.

He decided he liked the guy.

“Yes. New year’s eve is always a nice night, isn’t it?” He drawled out lazily and put forth his hand. “Utsav.”

“Jigyaas”. The guy said. A range of thoughts swept through his mind – curiosity, wonder and then a calm sense of acceptance that although he didn’t know him, this much he could fathom that this stranger was not to be feared.

Utsav found it humbling.

“I come to this party every year.” Jigyaas offered on his own glancing around in dispassion.

“You don’t sound very thrilled about it.”

Jigyaas shrugged. “Eh. I am here to do my duty as a business owner who has to renew and refresh his bond with potential customers at every chance.” He lowered his voice. “Otherwise I do not like it much here.”

“Why?”

“Look around. Can you see any festive spirit?”

Utsav smirked. If only you knew whom you are talking to, you poor human…

“Everyone just wants to show off their achievements, flaunt their possessions, talk about their new purchase or acquisition…” Jigyaas sighed. “Isn’t celebration all about giving and sharing? When did it become so materialistic?”

Utsav nodded in agreement. This guy kept getting better and better in his opinion.

Jigyaas gulped the rest of his drink. “Well, my duty is done here. I have done my role of an extrovert and socialite. I can leave now. There is another and better place for me to be.”

“Oh. Where would that be?”

Jigyaas grinned. “Come on, I will show you what I do every New Year’s eve.”

Utsav gave him an amused look and they both walked out.

If Jigyaas had looked behind, he would have realized that the party that had been going on in utmost fervor had suddenly dulled, everyone visibly losing interest.

For the Festive Spirit had just left the party.

“I live in a colony not very far from here. Are you okay to walk?” Jigyaas asked, sounding happier now.

“Walking is fine, my friend. So, what business are you in?”

“I am into lawns. My company provides lawn-cleaning, mowing and designing services.”

“Does it pay well?”

“Sometimes. If I get a big deal, say manicure and trim the lawn of a big-shot, then I need not worry about money for two months. This happens rarely. Most of the times I get by.” Jigyaas looked at Utsav and smiled. “There’s really nothing to complain about.”

Utsav nodded. This guy deserved a recommendation to the Superior.

They reached the colony. It was more of a lane, divided into many sub lanes. There were easily around fifty buildings in the colony. Outside some of the buildings, security guards awaited. Jigyaas waved to them and grinned, as if sharing some secret with them.

“This is it.” He said, lowering his voice as they approached a flat on the ground floor of a building. “This is where I live with my parents. They have gone on a tour with my dad’s friends. They must be dancing around a bonfire now, I guess.” He sounded wistful.

“You didn’t go?”

“Nah. Business calls, my friend. But I am happy that my parents are enjoying. They have had a trying and testing life, and deserve to enjoy every moment.”

So do you… Utsav thought.

“The actual fun will begin now.” Jigyaas said gleefully as he opened the door. Utsav stepped inside what was a modest flat.

“Just wait here. I will be back soon.” Jigyaas rushed inside a room while Utsav waited patiently. True to his word, within few minutes, Jigyaas was out carrying several bags of foodies. There were packets of chips, biscuits, chocolates and masala-buns.

“Now my party will begin!” He shouted in excitement. “Every year, on 31^st December, I distribute these among the children of the security guards of the colony. We have a grand time eating together, playing songs and dancing ridiculously!”

Utsav smiled. “That’s very nice of you.”

“Yeah. I feel happy when I see the kids happy. That is the real spirit of celebration, isn’t it?”

Utsav nodded thoughtfully as Jigyaas locked his house. Before they left, he turned around and waved his hand at the house. If Jigyaas had looked back, he would have seen a glittery magical wave light up his house for a second and then vanish.

The Spirit of Celebration had just blessed his home with peace, prosperity and contentment.

“I have informed the guards in advance.” Jigyaas said as they walked out of the building. “The first time I did it, I was looked upon with suspicion and almost got beat up by a guard.” He chuckled. “That was so funny.”

Suddenly loud shouts of excitement rang out as several children, accompanied with their parents ran out to meet the guys.

“It’s party time!” Jigyaas shouted as he ushered all the kids into a lane where there were several benches placed on both sides. He and Utsav started distributing the food to the kids. For few blessed minutes there was utter chaos but it was of the good kind – the chaos of happiness and excitement. The guys sat beside the kids on the benches and heartily took in the simple yet heartwarming food.

One of the security guards started playing a dance number on his mobile. Utsav and Jigyaas looked at each other with silly grins and broke out into funny steps that sent them both into splits. The kids too joined the dance and soon the whole lane transformed into a dance floor.

“Hey, this year feels all the more fantastic!” Jigyaas yelled to Utsav while performing comical and ridiculous steps.

“And it will get better and better every year!” Utsav yelled back while trying to mimic Jigyaas. He had decided to be a part of this heartfelt celebration every year henceforth.

Needless to say, that 31^st December was unforgettable for the kids and for Jigyaas, for the Spirit of Celebration had been amongst them.