This is proof that you have returned after many years. The henna that was meant for hands and feet has now been applied to your hair.

This couplet beautifully speaks about the passage of time and the arrival of old age. It playfully suggests that seeing someone's white or gray hair is proof of how many years have passed since they were last seen. The poet uses the image of 'mehndi' – the henna traditionally applied to hands and feet during festive occasions – now appearing on the hair. This vivid metaphor implies that just as mehndi leaves a reddish stain, time has left its mark, turning the hair white or gray, much like the faded appearance of dried mehndi. It’s a tender observation, highlighting that the years have transformed a person, making their graying hair a visible testament to a long journey.