Bit of This and Bit of That

Mona and Laxmi have been my friends long before I knew what friendship really is - since the time we were in kindergarten, to be precise. Now I don’t really remember how we met, what we talked about or why we liked each other then. But I do remember we discussed Ram ya Bhoot, Katti Batti and shared tiffin then. We grew up to do group studies, make blank calls, exchange notes, watch movies, dream and discuss about our ambitions, gossip and share our sukh-dukh with each other.   But the most memorable experiences are those of group studies at Mona or Laxmi’s place. We would gather with our books after dinner and promise to study hard till dawn. After an hour or so, one of us would feel drowsy and the other two would motivate her, mock her and make her remember the promises made to each other. From Laxmi’s “Bhagwan ke liye mujhe sone do” to Mona’s utmost comfort in her ‘maxi’ and from the Maggi noodles made by Mona’s mom to the tea prepared by Laxmi would make the night memorable and ...

My school friends and the experiences involving them have always been more memorable to me than my college friends. Over a period, I kept in touch with few, lost contact with some and forgot many. I assumed most of them must have married, had kids and might be busy with their own life.   Few weeks ago, I received a wedding invitation of the last bachelor of our school gang. He is one of those who always took the effort to be in touch with most of our friends so, missing his wedding was inexcusable as I knew I would meet many of my classmates there. The day arrived! I reached the venue for the wedding reception before the bride and groom's entry and kept looking around for a familiar face whose memories went back two decades. Yes, two decades is a very long time. Long enough to accumulate belly fat, lose some hair, become very mannered and may be reserved. I met many classmates. Some had arrived with their wives and children. I wouldn’t say that I could recognise each o...