Remembering last year's Deepavali

Deepavali is the festival of lights... Colorful fireworks light up the sky & even colorful smiles light up children's faces. A time of happiness & joy... But last year's Deepavali was different.
I was in Hyderabad at that time preparing for higher studies. It was during start of November that my friend, Thomas fell ill. He got affected with dengue fever. So he had to be admitted to Image Hospitals in Ameerpet. I & our friends, Rejo & Rahul were by his side. From the 5th floor of the hospital, I had a grand view of Hyderabad city... buildings dotted the landscape as far as my eye could see.

As sunlight dimmed away on the Diwali's eve, I could sense the excitement in the air. People were filled with celebratory fervour. The crackers & fireworks started to go off... The sky lit up with dozens of colors.... It was like of shower of colors in the night sky.

I've never seen so much of fireworks in my life till then. It was unforgettable... Then I, Rejo & Rahul went down to get fruit juice for Thomas. Stepping out on road was like stepping into a mine field. Crackers were lying all across the road, I stepped on a little one & 'BAM' it went off!! It scared me out of my wits & jumped up screaming... People around me found it very comical & started laughing, though I didnt find it funny at that time... Now it brings a smile, whenever I recall that :)

We went back to the hospital after buying the juice. After that we planned to go back to our rooms but not before having delicious chicken rice for dinner. In my room, I slept with the sounds of crackers going off in the distance. It was an unforgettable Diwali for me. Seven months in Hyderabad has given me a lot of new experiences & this was one of the better ones.

PS: Thomas recovered from his illness & returned back home in a week.

-Visakh.