The 'Lehenga'

a Lehenga is a skirt worn by women in the subcontinent on wedding occasions. Its made of heavy materials and hence here it represents hardships and problems hindering my abilities and desires

  My only concern at that exact moment was my ‘Lehenga’ … that it is too heavy to hold onto and too long to walk in. How was I supposed to perform in something I could barely move around in? There was a huge probability of me tripping, a predicament I wasn’t looking forward to.   

   However, despite my wardrobe complication, I made my way to the wooden stage, a stage that stretched from one end to another, beautifully adorned with flowers and ornaments. At the top, spotlights of all colours lit the stage, along with everyone’s face, as they watched me enter.

   With a pounding heart and nervous breath, I stared into a vast crowd of unfamiliar faces. All of them watched me standing alone, expecting magic and wonders, and that’s exactly what I wanted to give them.  

   I was an artist, and this stage was my canvas. With the liberty of free space and all the tools and paints, I was ready to show the crowd what I was capable of. But, most importantly, show myself what I could do.

  With the beat of the music, I felt myself gracefully swaying across the stage. My mind had now lost all control to my body. It was my heart that was syncing itself to the rhythms and beats. My expressions locked with the words of music and the rush of adrenaline in my blood, and I danced my heart out.

   I was no longer perturbed about the weight of my ‘lenhenga’. It had a motive of its own now; to add beauty to classical dancing, by swirling around like an animated ‘Mandala’.

   I could hear the vibrant crowd cheer me on … an art I created and they approved. They welcomed it with beaming smiles and contented applause. With my confidence in the clouds, and the encouragement from those around me, I continued to move with the blissful music.

   It was the first time I ever attempted classical Indian dancing, the first time I ever stepped out of my comfort zone to explore the virtuosities concealed behind my doors.  

  The best part about trying something new is realizing the fact that you have the ability to attempt it, regardless of weights and problems holding you back.

   Along with that, the best part is when others realize you’re capable of something, you feel appreciated, valued, and for once in your lifetime, free of severe self"doubt, and you feel accomplished. That’s how I felt, and at that very moment, my long lost love for dancing was reborn.

  By the time I was finished, all eyes were on me as I stood at the center of my stage. I could call the stage mine now. I had conquered it and left on it a memory that would be unforgotten; a reminder to my future self that I was capable of unlocking artistry dwelling within me … abilities ready to just burst out and make an impression on this colorless world … skills just waiting for recognition and appreciation.

  And, after I was finished, the weight of my ‘Lehenga’ concerned me no more.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Most excellent comparison: "No more was I perturbed about the weight of my ‘lenhenga’. It had a motive of its own now; to add beauty to classical dancing by swirling around like an animated ‘Mandalas’ . . . You've done an amazing job of tying together the ideas of burdensome attire & the lightness of dancing. I was swept away by your descriptions of how it feels to dance. I've never been much of a dancer, so it was awesome to have your words put me into a stretch of knowing the dancer's feelings. There's also a childlike quality to the experience, as it's not described in a sophisticated way, but rather as the simple, gut-level excitement of a child.

[SleeplessVolcano]

Really touching piece. You could take this one level further....if you experienced such freedom while still wearing the 'Lehenga'.....imagine the new horizons you could discover when you discard it completely, thus unshackling all possible hindrances to your creativity.

[pia]

The lehenga was a symbol of hindrances and obstacles and you're absolutely right. Disregarding your hindrances can open various doors for you

[Joey Nizz]

Such a unique write, I love the words you chose for this one, this kept me really engaged till the very end, well done Pia!

I was an artist and this stage was my canvas
I love this!

[pia]

Thankss!! Glad u liked it

[Joey Nizz]

Your welcome ^^

[Alem]

Cool Keep on embrace your dreams...

[Mr.Writer]

Wow! This is so beautiful and unique Pia...
It was really engaging and many could relate to this awesome story!
Keep it up!

[pia]

Thankss !!!

[Farhan Shaikh]

That's good story..good job!

[Quinn]

Fantastic piece with such a nice flow. Beautiful language with lots of passion and emotion behind it.

[pia]

thankss!!!

[A little flame]

A beautiful picture of confidence, determination and a purpose driven passion! Great work!

[pia]

Thankss !!

[Lechusa]

I loved your story! It is a scary thing to share your artistry with the world but you should be proud you did. Your language is colorful. I felt like I was there.

[pia]

Thankss glad you liked it!!

[APOORVA]

LOVED IT MATE.
I think every girl can relate to this, such beautiful mind you have to scribble out such beautiful words :)

[pia]

i guess you... 'aproova'f my skills lool

[APOORVA]

Apoorva it is. I didnt get you

[Eliazar]

Absolutely love how you've managed to paint a picture with your words and allowed the readers to be with you in your moment of joy! You're getting better at this everyday!