Happy Holi - the herbal way

Its days after holi...but I couldn't really get the time to fill in my blog. Anyways, Holi was spent the "herbal" way..for the very first time in my life. Bro knows this paanwaala (yes, he has contacts all over the place) who promised to make bhaang for him on Holi. Excited, he broke the news at home, that he would be getting this stuff for the entire family. Apart from mom; who is scared of bhaang, everyone was very excited. So on the D-day..bro wakes up at 6 am (for the very first time in his life..I think) to get the thandai. He comes back at 8 after having some of the stuff on the way..or as he puts it "assuring the quality" of the product. Since it wasn't cold, we promptly put it in the freezer. At 10 am sharp..after breakfast..out came the thandai..milk with the lightest greenish tinge mixed with loads of sugar and dry fruits. We lapped up a glass each and since I was asked not to hurry up with the thing..we spent our time watching Sehwag making a mockery of the Kiwis. After 5 glasses of thandai each..a little more than a liter, carefully spaced over 4 hours, my stomach was full but still no sign of "happiness". We finished up the leftover bhaang and proceeded for lunch. I had an unusually heavy lunch. Although things were stable but I could realize that I was eating more than I do normally. After lunch, I dropped myself on the sofa..my stomach full as ever. Thats when the stuff started to kick in. It all started with a feeling of this strange calm and contentment inside me. It was the best feeling ever..slowly and steadily things were fuzzy...my head became light and I was feeling the "happiness" all around me. I couldn't help wear a constant smile on my face...and I could see it on my bro's as well as dad's face. The stuff started kicking in as the hours went by. Its one of the smoothest ways to get high. The slowness of the process makes it a lovely experience. Obviously different people have had different experiences with this stuff..but for me..it was kinda like time had stopped. I felt this light tickle in my stomach and I was feeling this strange warmth inside me. It was really cool. I never experienced anything like it before. I slowly dozed off and woke up in the evening..still feeling the effects of the herb however, very subtle, by this time. I had a nice dinner and as I lay on my bed..watching the fan go round and round on the ceiling...I reminisced about the day that went by as I slowly allowed sleep to take over me.