JOIN USSome traits remain
Time changes all of us – both physically and mentally. In our teens we think the world is ours to conquer, in our 20s we imagine the world is our oyster and we are the pearls; in our sobering 30s we get bogged down by multiple issues; in our questioning 40s we ask ourselves if this is what we wanted in life; and in the 50s there is a sense of acceptance when it finally dawns on us that the world was never ours to conquer!
All these thoughts were running through my head when I went to receive a friend at the airport. I was meeting her after 40 years. In my mind she was frozen as a 16-year-old girl, aiming high, and I was wondering if we’d recognise each other now.
In boarding school we were close friends, although diametrically different – while she was prim and proper and studious I was the looking –out-of-the-window kind of student. She was very clear about the goals she wanted to achieve and did well in all the tests; while for me it was always a hit and miss kind of situation. Her cupboard was always neat and in mine everything would tumble out when I opened the door.
After school our lives forked in different directions and countries, and we lost touch. She settled in Melbourne and I remained in Bengaluru. A common friend told her about me and then one day I got an email from Pushpa. She was planning an India trip and wanted to spend a few days with me. I was excited, but a bit apprehensive too, because a lot changes in 40 years.
I was waiting at the arrival area when Pushpa called from inside and said that her baggage hadn’t reached. My first reaction was that it can’t happen to her as she’s so careful and plans meticulously. The airline assured her that it would be sent to my place etc and she emerged. Both of us recognised each other immediately. Maybe the credit for that should go to Facebook! We spoke non-stop on the way back home and I even lost my voice! We were going back and forth in time – about events, people, places and it seemed like yesterday once more. At midnight her luggage was delivered and I was fast asleep. In the morning when I saw it I thought I’d surprise Pushpa. But she had the last laugh when she told me that the delivery guys had called her and she had woken up my husband to give directions!
Other classmates came over to meet her and it felt like we were back in the hostel. It was so relaxing to be with old friends. There was a kind of camaraderie and friendly ribbing; all of us had families, careers, setbacks, but for a few days all that was forgotten. On my dressing table, kept neatly was the cream that she had borrowed. In so many ways we had changed, but some traits remain.
And then I was at the airport again, waving goodbye to Pushpa. Continents may divide, but the bond of friendship remains. I think it’s time for me to go to Melbourne!