THE SETTING SUN

It is amidst chaos and the setting sun we find our calm.

It was a fine February morning. The sun blazing in all its glory. Not promising to stop the winds but to make your cheeks red and warm, playfully asking you to remove your jacket. Flirting with you. Winds were chilly teasing your romantic affair now and then.

It couldn’t have been a better day to live the heart out at the music festival. The ground was filled with colourful decorations. Pieces of crepe paper, dancing while being hooked to the threads on top. The decorations were worth it for the people who dressed up. The music was perfect (for obvious reasons), but what was most splendid was the glorious view.

You could see mountains covered with snow, right in front of you. As far as your eyes could reach. They were standing like a fortification! Open your eyes and you see them, close your eyes and you could feel them. It's really astonishing that mountains seem so close to you, no matter from where you see them.

Laila, turned up her head, like a sunflower, mesmerised with the environment and partially grooving to the music. This was the only moment she could catch up amidst the chaos of managing her very own event. She enjoyed music but she enjoyed the adrenaline of handling everything. The bands filled with passion in their eyes talking directly to her. Acknowledging her varied knowledge.

She was about to hit her phone to call a few people up from her influential circle. Suddenly, Kanan showed up, showing her how beautiful the sunlight was making her in the pictures he just managed to click around. Gave a bottle of energy drink and resumed to his very own event.

They both enjoyed a rich circle of friends. Always being a bit of a card. The day was jam-packed. Laila was enjoying every minute of the day. Settling everything in harmony, it was time for her to go explore every event. Her friends along with Kanan went on a spree, they had the most delicious cotton candy. Went on to attend some hilarious events. Almost painted each others’ hair magenta (that is a story in itself for another day).

The day was ending and the most famous singer was about to perform. All other events were wrapped up. The place was lit up with beautiful fairy lights everywhere. Twinkling like the stars. The sun was now the colours of pink and purple. The mountains sent chilly winds. Making everyone hop on to their hoodies.

“This day was amazing!” Laila was rubbing her hands.

“It was one fine day,” Kanan said, exhaling puffs of smoke from his mouth.

“I mean the tension of this mammoth task of internship and the fight for slots. I mean look how it dissolved into this beautiful evening!” Laila was almost jumping with excitement.

“Easy, you seem to be too happy!” Kanan was also smiling widely looking at Laila’s dance.

“My feet have become so light, I think I might do some ballet!” she swung and took a turn “oh! Look, it's my favourite fruit beer, let’s have it!”

“PG-13, who drinks fruit beer?” Kanan saw her in disapproval.

“Yeah, that cute guy standing alone would love to share some fruit beer with me, or you coming?”

The fruit beer was cold and delicious. It seemed like a notorious deed of drinking cold fruit beer in the winters. Which made it taste mischievous.

The sky changed colours yet again, it was turning into colours of indigo.

“I am happier now!” said Laila.

“Seriously, one fruit beer, and you are sold! Man, that was easy.” winked Kanan.

“No, I mean the day was fun and amazing but this feeling of walking into this fairy light world and drinking fruit beer with almost our last penny. I miss this. I miss living from penny to penny as we did in our college days. I love this air, filled with charm. It was a wonderful event but to see it culminate beautifully is empowering. Is this adulting?” Laila had a glimpse of a tainted smile this time. Tainted with acceptance to adulthood.

“Yes, obviously it is empowering. And hey! Do not speak of adulthood as if it's a crime or deadline. We are just entering a bit of a new space. Moreover, look at yourself as the woman you have become! Life has come to an amazing transition. Our dreams seem so far but certainly reachable now. It seems like we are living every day so close to them! Looking them right in the eye. Knowing we will grab them by the collar so damn soon!” Kanan was about to speak.. That he noticed Laila almost shivering. “Ahh! Classic, where is your overcoat? Why do women never carry jackets in winter...”

“Hey! I have a jacket” Laila interrupted. “It is with Reha, she forgot hers’ !”

“Women!” Kanan exclaimed and handed his jacket to her. Laila while in the act of wearing the oversized but damn warm jacket spoke “ It’s okay! You can keep it if you need it.”

“No, I insist.” Kanan looked away with a sigh.

“I almost made your typical movie scene come true right? You were dying to offer your jacket!” Laila said with the most sarcastic look possible.

“Nooh! I will take it back, if you speak another word! Look, there is a tea stall, let's go have some Masala Chai.”

They clung to each other's shoulders, the night had just started and so did the concert by the famous Nooran sisters. They both were singing their hearts out and dancing till their feet hurt! Not caring in the world of the events the next day they had to take care of.