on a river bank. The river reflects the white sky, and the other bank is a dark green. You realise what you see – the Indian tricolour, the flag of the nation. The black cape of the night dims the daylight. Yellow halogen lamps flicker from windows. The glass fronts of buildings are steel-grey for a few minutes. Then they are black, as the night. The moon rises, a marble sculpture in the sky. The water nymphs play with her rays. The peacock dances in greeting. His blue-green turquoise plumage shines like jewels, silver and emerald and sapphire. His eyes are ruby red. His body shimmers blue like the moon, on the river’s chest.
The eagle has touched the ground. You climb down Garuda and look at your companion, the most beautiful sight. His dhoti shines like the sun. A peacock feather crowns his head. A bamboo flute hangs in his belt. A belt of silky shiny blue, like a merry wave embracing him lovingly.

When he smiles, his teeth are sparkling moonbeams. He extends his wrist, and asks, “Won’t you tie me a rakhi?” Oh, what a privilege! The Lord himself wants to be your protector. But what rakhi can you give him, he who is the lord of the universe?
A prayer comes to your lips:

Ratnaakaro’sti sadanam,
grihinee cha Lakshmi
Kim deyam asti bhavate
jagadeeshwaraaya
Radha grihita manase manase cha tubhyam
Dattam mayaa nija manas tad
idam grihaana.
(Your home is the ocean full of jewels,
Your consort the goddess of wealth
What can I give you, lord of the Universe?
But since Radha has stolen your heart
I offer you mine, O lord, please accept it.)

Bhavan's Journal,May 15, 2022∎ 60