ODE TO FRIENDSHIP

I ferried children to school, to sports fields, and to their extra classes. I was involved with their activities for more than ten years. After restrictions on having one television in our home, the end was drawing near. My husband could now install as many idiot boxes as he wanted in the house. The two boys were embarking on their adult lives. They just flew by initially for higher education, later for their jobs, and finally with their soulmates.

Silence has been my best friend. In fact, it has suited me always and preserved my existence as an introvert. I have, for this reason, navigated many years by not becoming a member of any group.

With so much time to spare now, it was time for the ‘Titans to clash’, not over hierarchical status, money, interests, but over how to effectively spend time. The tilt of the balance proposed a threat, and so finally all ‘kit kit’ stopped, and we became members of not one but two kitties.

It took me some time to acclimatize. I realized that even though many of them had been friends previously, they now shared a common thread: empty nesters and fun-lovers.

Saturday outings were now more commonplace than our mundane routines. Card housie was a popular leveler amongst the members. We had musical sessions with wonderful singers and their enchanting voices. No one had any style preferences; jazz, hip hop, and disco could all be effortlessly amalgamated in the same song when all of us over fifty decided to shake a leg. There was an array of talent, be it dress design, culinary skills, mythological narration, or even sermons or religious discourses. Everything could be jovially distorted, old anecdotes could be remembered with pain and pleasure.

We celebrated birthdays and anniversaries and created photographic memoirs. They would be our nostalgic reminders of the times we spent. After all this time, I can only say “Thank you,” Bhai sahib and Bhabhi ji, for your assistance and guidance and for introducing us to these groups.

This is an ode to all the friends, for good times and fun times, we are blessed to have you all.