Drop everything in the tray

“Drop everything into the tray, don’t carry anything”, said the heavily accented voice of the CISF guard.

I reluctantly let go of the purse stuffed with random currency notes and some coins too, co-existing with their newer plastic version. I let go of the power to buy.

I dropped the mobile phone after the last quick reply on the WhatsApp chat and the quick refresh on the Instagram feed. I severed the social bind.

I removed my watch, and with that the awareness of time.

I also let go of the card which proved my identity, a piece of paper to prove my existence. I let go of the pretence.

I had let go

I was free.

I stood on the yellow line.

I could safely pass through the portal

There was no fear.

The portal beeped as I crossed. I wondered what had I not let go.

The guard called out sternly once again

“These metal detectors detect your thoughts too, because that’s where you still carry all that you dropped.”

“Free your mind too”