Jaane Tu, Ya Jaane Na

The movie didn't end for me when the credits started rolling. The soundtrack was blaring, the lights were off, everyone was laughing as they made their way to the exit - heck, what better time to just start dancing, I think that I did a pretty good job, or maybe not. If I'm lucky my friends will break into random song and dance to proclaim, "Willis can't dance!" We all made our way to the lobby, and my dancing continued. The friends that had invited me to taste a small piece of their culture were ecstatic over my euphoria and a bit unsettled as my jollity came to an exciting climax when I turned and saw Rika walking towards me (pseudonyms are being used as requested). Without an incling of hesitation I belted out, "Jaane tu, ya jaane na" in Hindi. I am as tone deaf as a yelping hyenna, and my delivery of those beautiful lyrics surely left them without justice. It didn't have the same effect as in the movie; Rika immediately, as she's known to do, covered her mouth, squinted her eyes, and showed all of her teeth as she laughed hard enough to cause tears to well in her eyes - we thought she was going to fall as she weaved and staggered her way to a pillar to continue giggling. "Breathe Rika, breathe," was Ilene's recourse as she stepped in to rescue her friend; soon after she was engulfed in the happiness tide - all we could do was stand and wait for them to gather themselves. My singing continued, this time directed towards Ilene - I had to find someone who'd sing it with me, but she ducked her head in, brought out the little voice and said, "Willis, I don't know you," with the smile and glint in her eye that we've all come to love in her. TwoT got so caught in the moment, he waved goodbye to us all and began walking God knows where as if he were leaving. It was only at our prompting, that he remembered that he'd parked somewhere else.

I had so much fun as I took my first true foray into Indian culture - how beautiful it was, and how truly grand the experience. Where else could I have gone to watch a three hour movie, complete with an intermission, spontaneous song and dance, dry wit, male grandstanding, and questioned emotions as romance buds and comes into bloom. It seems love stories are universal, hearing and seeing it in Hindi made it unique. It filled my heart when I saw and heard people talking aloud and pointing at the screen when the paings of excitement caused them to grab their bellys. Rika spent so much time laughing, I wondered how she mustered the strength to eat any popcorn. The running commentary by George grabbed everyone's ear and none more than Shawna as she laughter filled the air. We finally made it to Ilene's car, as the cheering and snickers continued - we sounded like teenagers out without our parents for the first time. The drive home was a time for story telling and reflection. I looked at Shawna, and took a moment to thank her for creating a wonderful memory for me, George had something to be thankful for as well. He became still, something you never experience with him, nodded his head, and put his hand to his chin. He adjusted his glasses, cleared his throat, and time seemed to stand still. My grin widened as I thought, he's about to give me a compliment, something else I've rarely experienced. With a delivery all his own, he proclaimed, "Thank you Will..." Restitution I thought, finally a nice word from Georrr..."for giving us all a terrible headache." Awgh, a perfect end to a perfect evening. I cannot wait until I actually make it to India, to see more of the beauty that emanates from the friends God has blessed me with.