THE LONGEST DRINK

It was sometime in early May 2023. A cousin's wedding had brought relatives from across continents together, including family from Australia.

- HARSH PAWARIA

As happens at such gatherings, one celebration flowed into another, culminating in a bachelor's party where alcohol occupied centre stage.

Someone handed me a drink. I accepted it politely. And then I held it.

For the next several hours, the glass remained in my hand like a stage prop. Conversations came and went. Music grew louder and then softer. Groups formed and dissolved. The night slipped into morning. The drink remained untouched.

At first, people assumed I was merely pacing myself. Then they wondered whether I was waiting for a toast. Eventually curiosity gave way to understanding. By dawn, everyone had received the message without my having to announce it. I was not going to drink, come what may.