Back Together Again :Our Reunion (Part- 2)

Unbelievably ,it didn't take me much time to recognise him- the beloved figure of my bench-mate -with the same lean and thin body contour, now adorned with a distinguished grey beard, reflecting his years of experiences and carrying the ethereal aura of our school escapades.

With an embrace filled with surprise , he greeted me ",DJ, it's like we've aged a century !Can you believe it's been two decades since we last met and shared laugh ?"I mirrored his sentiment ",Ah, time, Dear time flies .But seeing you now feel like we just met yesterday."

I found myself grappling with an ability to articulate ,uncertain of the words to utter. My gaze remained fixed upon him ,as meeting him had once seemed like a distant dream, yet here he stood before me today. The individual I once thought impossible to meet, now within arm's length, engaging in conversation - a reality I never envisioned. The sight of these events filled us with nostalgia.

As we meandered through the corridors, I scanned the surroundings with eager anticipation , hoping to catch a glimpse of other long -lost friends from our school days. Our journey led us to the lobby, a breathtaking space that seemed to whisper promises of renewal .

The soft glow of lights, the plush velvet armchairs arranged with loving care, and the gleaming marble floors- all conspired to create an ambiance of grandeur and possibility.

With each measured step, the ambient noise seemed to swell , the environment coming alive around us. What initially began as a faint background murmur gradually coalesced into a vibrant cacophony of voices, laughter , and animated chatter ,creating an atmosphere brimming with lively energy and eager anticipation.

Suddenly, my gaze fell upon a sign proudly displaying 'Reunion 92' just above the entrance. Ah, yes,'92, the year when our paths last converged in academia. The venue itself seemed to breathe with the stories of our past, with pictures of days long past whispering tales of bygone eras, the decorations all over evoked a profound sense of nostalgia.

As the grand door swung open , a hush descended upon the room. As all eyes turned towards me ,a tinge of nervousness crept over me.The reason behind my nervousness was unclear, but the sensation was definitely strange, possibly because it had been a long time since we last met.

  In the opulent hall, a group of eagerly attired young ladies sat around a circular table on plush couches, each draped in resplendent red sarees ,their radiant skin ,flowing raven locks, and crimson lipstic lending an ethereal quality to the gathering .It was as though a troupe of celestial beings (pari) had descended upon Earth to grace our reunion, each exuding a unique and incomparable beauty.

 As the vast beauty unfolded before our eyes, waves of madness surged repeatedly within and the heart was yearning to embrace everyone .Yet, with a tender touch of understanding ,we embraced the delicate line that softly separates us.Let us dwell within these sweet confines of gentle boundaries. Perhaps this unspoken desires stires in every soul ,yet all chose to suppress the articulation of  their innermost sentiments.

My childhood companions Moti, Sandy ,Ved, Swati, Anu, Nitu, Appy, Maddy and others savoured their snacks and drinks amidst the tuneless melodies of Appy, and Maddy.

 Interestingly, the duo was so engrossed in their unmelodious singing that they unknowingly tapped their feet ,unaware of the disinterest of those around them but everyone immersed in the moment without a care for pitch and melody.

Yes, there were two exceptions- Swati, and Anu with their silky and velvety voices stirred emotions in the hearts of those gathered .But ,the truth remains it was Appy and Maddy who kick started the frenzy, and lit the fire ,prompting everyone to join in the joyous dancing and singing.

     The venue buzzed with their singing and lively chatter. In a flurry of voices, each individual struggled to be heard ,unaware of the lack of attentive ears. The room became a hub of singers and speakers ,reminiscent of our school days when we would raise a ruckus in the absence of our teachers. 

Could these be the same individual with whom I had shared the halls of academia two decades ago?No, it seemed inconceivable. They had undergone a metamorphosis. It seemed as though I had mistakenly knocked on the wrong door. Really, my senses were unprepared to accept that these were the same individuals with whom I shared my schooling.

 Genuinely, the suppressed childlike spirit seemed to resurface among all, a heartening sight that the eyes had been deprived of for years.