New Dress, Check. Make-up, Check. The rain had finally simmered down to let us attend the mid-night New Year service. A night curfew and a restricted lockdown was imposed due to the huge raise in Corona cases.

At exactly 10:50pm, Dad, mum and Jay were ready in the car, waiting for me ( Always the late-comer). On our way, we experienced traffic than expected along with police checking. The police who stopped us asked our purpose of visit and let us on our way.

To be honest, I miss the raging bikes and the yelling on the streets from every other New Year. Cars were parking a kilo-meter from our church. We realised our luck ran out too soon, as we sat outside in a specially erected marquee.

It was 12:00pm. Nothing happened. No firecrackers, No shouting. Just Peace. I used to loved singing hippy songs, but this time I wasn’t familiar with any. And I felt a little sleepy already. It was the contrary for the kids. The kids (below 10) had formed a cult and were trying to exorcise the members sitting. A lot of running, laughing and marching took place. It was fun watching them.

Just when the Gospel Message started, I noticed a couple with two kids. The Dad carrying the sleepy 2 year old on the shoulder and the Mum taking care of the almost 5-ish year old daughter, who had an amazing sling bag. The Mum wore an amazing plain baby pink satin saree to a black blouse.

Then there were three girls who sat in front of us. Dressed to perfection, matching earrings and three rings on each hand. Ladies wore beautiful sarees, with jewellery. Jewellery and I don’t mix, but everyone looked exceptionally pretty.

What I prayed for? Everyone to be healthy and happy. I made a big fuss on wearing a gold chain at home, I regretted it.