Any dream will do

They weren't lying when they told you that it all lies in the thought. "The intention behind the gift is what counts", said with a look in the eyes that told you that they were there physically but miles away from you, recollecting one of the many lessons that life taught them. The slight wag of the finger, the almost imperceptible nod, the little smile that they were trying to suppress, lest you assumed that they were laughing at you. They weren't joking. They knew, for they had lived a long while before you even learned what living was all about. And before you know it, the cycle repeats. You've taken their place, someone else has taken yours. This cycle, I believe, is one of the many overlooked miracles in one's life.

Pray, they told you. Your gods changed, maybe they even multiplied, but your beliefs remained. And if you were lucky, they multiplied too. That is the order of things, something that the powers-that-be decided, with or without your consent. From a set of rigid ideals to a faith that refuses to succumb to religion or caste or creed or colour. Faith can move mountains, you were told. And over time, you realised that those mountains can't be seen but are far from metaphorical. And yes, indeed, faith could move them. Pardon me for being an idealist, you'd have to say many a time to idealists who pretend they are everything but.

Speech is of time, silence is of eternity, they told you, I'm sure. Only, it would take a lifetime of speaking out of turn and being unheard more often than not to understand that little pearl of wisdom. Don't be afraid, He is there with you, they told you. The gnawing fear of being typecast made you close your mouth, but your mind refused to shut down. And Someone heard your prayers, even if you didn't speak. That is why you felt lighter after a night's fitful rest. The one prayer that was answered long before you prayed. 

It used to be tough to laugh at yourself just yesterday, wasn't it? You cried when you thought no one was looking. And look at you today. You laugh at yourself, and cry for those you don't even know. They told you you would grow up, only they didn't tell you when or how or why or where. That was not because they didn't know, they just wanted you to figure it out for yourself. 

And look at you now. 

-----------------------

*For my friend who celebrated her 30th birthday today and my little gorgeous lovely pretty one.

May God bless you and give you all you ever wanted.