Back Together Again : Our Reunion ( Part -3)

 

Is the reunion not a confluence of the past and present facets of the same soul? Do we not see  reflections of their former appearance, behaviour, speech, confidence, and openness in contrast to the present? However, we seldom voice these observations. In reality, within the introspective mirror of our minds ,we intricately analyse our friends in every aspect during reunions.

The boys ,once slender and without facial hair during school days , now boast deep moustaches and flowing beards 🧔,with some even showing signs of grey.

The same goes for the other half- the girls ,once admired for their beauty- have now gained a bit of weight in their middle years. Their voices and tones have undergone a change in these past two decades, their faces showing a new look from before, with a noticeable development in confidence and boldness.

 Now they are not hesitant to speak up, showing no trace of shyness, and have grown accustomed to travelling long distances alone , as many have flown in from foreign land.In terms of beauty , the girls appear to grow more stunning and glamorous with age ,infused with a sense of maturity.

 Let's pause here for a significant truth: beauty exists at every stage of life. Middle- aged women often appear younger than their younger counterparts due to their depth of maturity and understanding. The fusion of beauty and maturity enhances an individual manifold ,as was evident in all the women present in the reunion.

During our get-together Jay, Renu, Binita and supriya, these graceful ladies immersed themselves in the ocean of dancing and singing, savoring all the flavours of the events.

 Like bees extracting nectar from flowers without disturbing them ,I mean they enjoyed themselves quietly, without moving their lips and tapping their feet, entertaining themselves as silent observers. They did not open themselves in the gathering but remained an integral part.

Though they remained reserved during the gathering, they were indispensable in offering support, lifting morale, and providing encouragement throughout all the events.Undoubtedly, they were the mainstay of the reunion ,contributing to a lighthearted atmosphere with their combined maturity.

Dazzling like the girls in the hall, the boys were equally impressive .Clad in white suits, they sparkled under the lights ,truly the stars of the reunion. Each looked dashing as if they were headed for a romantic evening, judging by their attire. 

Saddy, our clean-shaven ,smart Hero, captivated the gathering, with his eloquent speech and impressive command of words. Saddy with eloquent  articulation,  introduced our ensemble of singers led by Ved, a vocalist with sweet melodious tones supported by friends Saddy, Dj, Vikram, Moti, Romen in harmony ,they delivered a captivating performance enchanting the ears of all present there. 

The moment truly evoked nostalgia as Moti and Romen, with their distinct dancing styles, captured the hearts of everyone present .Moti, with his kangaroo-inspired moves, hands raised high and taking baby steps, Romen, leaping as if he were jumping over our heads , infused the atmosphere with a sense of fun and joyousness.

Another sparkle of our reunion was Vikram, arriving all the way from London,added a lively touch to our reunion by blowing a high -pitched whistle and sharing an assortment of imported chocolates he had brought along.

Let it be clear that he didn't use any advice for the whistle during our singing and dancing ; rather, he blew it through his natural ,soft lips .The sound of his whistle resonated throughout not just the hall, but the entire hotel.

With each passing hour, the evening slipped into the late night ,signaling the arrival of the next day.

With the break of day, we travelled to place that had shaped us, the school .

Visiting the school after two decades felt like stepping into a dream .Overtime, the building had acquired a weathered appearance, but it seemed to lack the uniqueness it once possessed.

 I felt as though walls, garden and the ancient trees telling stories of days gone by. The echoes of childhood laughter, chatter of classmates and teacher's scolding voice for not completing the assignments seemed lingered in the air.

 As I stepped in the classroom I was struck by the wave of emotions. The desks arranged in rows ,held the secrets and dreams of past days. The scent of chalk dust , the worn out mark on the wooden benches mark a story unto itself .

Among the alumni of our school, Renu emerged as the sole remnant of our school days, now a dedicated Biology teacher . With genuine warmth ,she welcomed us, offering refreshments and serving numerous cups of tea.  

Looking at the school and around I couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed. Leaving the school was like saying goodbye to a part of myself

I knew that the fact is I could never go back those carefree days .

Walking away from the school made me realize how much I had grown and changed since those days .While leaving premises I felt a pang of sadness deep in me. 

Returning to our accommodations ,the night had enveloped us in its darkness, yet there was no sign of fatigue among our group. Gathering in the hall, we immersed ourselves in lively conversations, reminiscing about the cherished moments of our past.

The upcoming day marked the conclusion of our reunion, with each member preparing to embark on their journey back to their destinations.

Morning arrived with a tinge of sadness. The hall, once filled with animated chatter ,now held a quiet reverence as we prepared to bid farewell. Hugs were exchanged ,promises made to keep in touch, plans whispered for future reunions. The weight of nostalgia hung heavy in the air.

 

As the cars pulled away, I looked back one last time at the place that had been our haven for these few days. Departing from reunion is never easy.It is a moment of mixed emotions - joy for memories created, sadness for the inevitable goodbyes, and gratitude for the time spent together.

At times, I wonder why we friends reunite when the reality is we no longer stay together as we did in childhood. Why does time seem to slip through our fingers so swiftly , especially when we are surrounded by cherished memories? And the haunting question that lingers within me still :Why did they all depart ?