A royal pass

“Wow! The Lukshmi Vilas Palace is huge! I can’t believe it has a cricket and a golf course!”

Taran had just concluded his tour of the palace in Vadodara, Gujarat. He was walking towards the main gate when a fancy car stopped nearby. From inside, a beautiful lady beckoned Taran to come closer. “Did you like the palace?”

An exciting gift

Taran nodded, dumbstruck. She reached into a golden purse and handed him something. “I hope to see you and your parents this evening! Don’t be late!”

Taran looked down at his palm. He was holding passes for the Heritage Garba Experience on the palace grounds. “Amma, you wanted to buy passes for a garba night! Who was the lady? Was that the queen? Why did she choose to give me these passes?”

“Maybe she liked your face and thought you were a rajkumar,” said Appa.

“I certainly look royal,” joked Taran, striking a pose.

“Yes, your t-shirt and shorts certainly give off that royal aura,” said Amma. “We will have to do some shopping. We will need the traditional outfits.”

“Do you think we will meet her again? It will be very crowded, right?”

Appa smiled. “It must have been the queen’s secretary. Surely not the queen.”

Time to shop

They forgot about the morning encounter, dazzled by the colours in the market. They bought lehengas, jackets, dhotis, pagdis and some oxidised jewellery. “Now we are all set,” said Taran.

“No, unfortunately not yet. We still don’t know the garba steps. We can’t join; otherwise, we will crash into people. People will be dancing and moving in circles. It’s hypnotic to watch.” 

Amma was looking glum. “Let’s learn! We still have a few hours till evening.”

“Sometimes you have the best ideas,” said Amma, brightening up.

Dance away

Back at the hotel, they learnt that there was a basic crash course for tourists and beginners. Taran and family got busy. Soon the impossible was made possible! After many a wrong turn and twirl and step, they finally learnt a few steps.

“Whew! That was hard work. So, let’s get some rest before Navratri begins.”

As evening drew near, the family got ready excitedly. When they entered the grounds, the security guard said, “These are special passes. Go right into the aarti area.”

The aarti of Mataji was in progress. Taran’s heart stopped. The beautiful lady from the morning was holding the aarti plate. She looked even more gorgeous in the light of the fire. She declared the night open.

As she passed by, she saw Taran. She stopped for a second and smiled. “Enjoy the garba night.”