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 of having one television in our home, the end was drawing near. My husband now decidedly could 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 to not one but two kitties.

It took me some time to acclimatize. I realized even though many amongst them had been friends previously yet now everyone shared a common thread, empty nesters and fun loving.

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, disco could all be amalgamated effortlessly in the same song when all of us over fifty decided to shake a leg. There was an array of talent be it dress designing, culinary skills, mythological narrations and even in giving sermons or religious discourses. Everything could be jovially distorted, old anecdotes could be remembered with pain and pleasure.

We celebrated birthdays, 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 assisting guidance and 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.