Crazy in Love

You are face to face with me. Like the air I breathe, like the life force that surges through my veins… And I have no choice but to be devoted to you. And yet you play with me, hiding and dodging me… and even though you are all around me, you remain hidden. For that one glance, the one vision of you, I’d give anything, do anything… and it would make my life meaningful, add some meaning to my passion, my craziness. If only I’d have that one look… what is life? What is prayer? All is meaningless without you. I care scant for salvation or enlightenment. All I care is to be with you, to feel your presence every second in my life, everywhere I wish to see you alone. People call me mad, crazed… maybe I am crazy in love.

The sight of you is like an answer to the prayer of my eyes and in this sacred space, there is no room for any doubt, any negativity; there is only light, love and beauty.

Just let me lay my head at your feet and then I couldn’t care if Death came and took me away. It would only take my body away because my spirit is forever dancing at your feet. Why do you torment me thus, why do you remain so oblivious to my condition? You have made me a madwoman, dancing with storms at my feet and passion in my eyes.

I was very surprised to know that Daler Mehndi had sung this song. A far cry from his usually enthusiastic bhangra numbers is Tu mere rubaru. The song sings like a classic Sufi qawaali with references to love, prayer and passion all entwined into one overwhelming sentiment of devotion. The song has been picturised on Tabu and Irrfan as they travel to the dargah with thousands of other pilgrims. An old man raises his eyes meaningfully to the sky as if wondering how much more arduous the journey could get. The blazing sun blinds everyone as they continue undeterred on the path to the tomb.

I am tempted to add in my two cents of symbolism… in any case, every one is headed to the grave and so one might as well go down the path singing, dancing and celebrating!

Ek baar to deedar de
Mere saamne rehke bhi tu
Ojhal hain tu oshida hain…

The devotee wonders: How is it that the Divine is in plain view of the world and yet He remains unseen and hidden?