hide and seek

The 31st of December and Delhi was foggy, the roads a haze and visibility zero ten feet from where I stood. For new years I would be in McLeod Ganj, colder but promised being better. The bus spiralled up mountains, snake like, twisting and winding up mountains .An odd mix of travellers sat amongst us. Locals forced to return to Delhi to renew visas rushing back to be with family for the new year, pilgrims, new years party goers, and us, somewhere inbetween pilgrims and party people.We needed a change; hardly did we know what lay ahead .The nights cold crept upon us much like the snake like road. The cold bit our toes up our boots to the extent that in a dhaba somewhere in the dark night halfway into dark Punjab, my cup of chai fell to my feet and splattered across for the earth to swallow, even the ground craved a drink.
As we approached the land of tranquil in terror : McLeod Gunj, home of the Dalai Lama and hundreds of his followers both refugee and religious ,all is search of what this man gave their terror stricken world, order.
The sun cracked open a dark sky upon the mountain leaving us astound. Streaks of sunlight ran menacingly through the sky and yet was the most beautiful thing I had witnessed. A palette of gods own colours poured in liquid like splendour upon our dark eyes, it was divine in its clarity.
We did not go to see him, but upon reaching the steep hills of this hill station,seeing the Tibetan multicouloured prayer flags criss crossing hills we knew there was more to this than just a haven for Tibetans. It was where thousands found peace , and maybe us too.
A day later, we chanced upon a dose for disbelievers. In a place that does not impose values on another. Where all men are treated with dignity, things happen to make one want to supplicate, on their own volition.
We saw him. We had not bargained for it, but we did. A swarm of people surrounded us. Not a noisy herd, but a silent congregation. Peaceful is not a virtue to them; it’s nature. Looking around I was,questioningly . An older gent pointed ahead. I didn't understand his tongue, but he fathomed I needed direction.
Just in time I looked ahead, he passed us. The tranquil on his face said what these people needed to hear. As more than five hundred people surrounding me bent simultaneoulsy in respect to this man. It was more than religion here, this was spirit.
A thousand hearts he led out of love, a thousand hearts let him lead.The simple equation to this deep understanding.