Suddenly one day the idea of reactivating, our almost dead,
group was mooted. The response was overwhelming. The cloud burst and messages
started flying up and down. It was like the birds flocking back to the nest
long forgotten.
The next natural thing to do was to plan a get together. All
were extremely eager. The plans were drawn and fate had its mischievous smile
when the date selected happened to be the Valentine’s Day.
Arrangements were made quickly and all the while excitement
mounted.
Nalini was the first person to walk in and she was dropped
by her husband. He too joined us for a brief period and we spoke as if we are
acquainted for long time. While talking to him I realized that our
relationships, restricted to ourselves during the college days, have extended
its branches to the families as well. Reconfirming my thoughts, Maimoona came
along with her six months old granddaughter. She was all smiles and went
jumping from one person to another. As I was wondering how effortlessly she was
finding comfort with each one of us, it dawned on me that what I am witnessing
is a magic. Each one, while wrapping her in their arms, was passing on their
unstinted love to the coming generation, and the bundle of joy, being their representative,
was receiving it in abundance. That magical moment defined the future of our
relationship.
When each person walked in, there was an uproar and
unrestricted display of emotions. Everyone was so excited and first few hours
were chaotic. The agenda was thrown to the winds and everyone poured their
heart out. Then some sense of calmness prevailed. We all sat down and tried to
fill in the chasm created by 35 long years, as much as we could. One thing was
evident that we have enough stories in our armor to share for the rest of our
life time.
The program was arranged at my home and it helped in
creating a homely atmosphere. (Since my home is called HAMLET, I had the secret
wish of hosting the first get together here. Which venue can be more
appropriate for a bunch of English Lit students to meet after 35 years?) No one
felt as if they are the guest and from the beginning itself, they were
extremely comfortable with the space. No one was sitting rigidly or awkwardly
in a corner. They all spread out to the whole space available. Chairs were
dragged in, kitchen occupied, water was served... everyone felt at home.
The food was arranged after consultation. We had
vegetarians, non-vegetarians, beef eaters, biriyani lovers and so on. The food,
however, never divided us. Years back, in our classrooms we shared our tastes
and it still continues. Yes, we force others to eat, but only out of love and
care. This can be a script for a real Kerala Story.
In between, when I climbed up the stairs to take a group
photo, I was amazed at what I saw. We have teachers, dancers, singers, writers,
business men, politicians, health coach, birdwatcher.......In front of me i
could see the slice of our society. We have friends coming from
Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, thus representing the length and breadth of the
state. What else can one ask for.
We remembered our beloved MAC (Prof. Macaden) who was
literally a friend, guide and philosopher for each one of us. He was the one
who gave us confidence and instilled a sense of purpose in all of us. Stories
about him will not end and memories about him will never fade. When we named
our group MACADIEUS, we only had him in our mind.
The few hours of togetherness took us to another level of camaraderie.
The invisible bond which kept us together for 35 years became stronger. All
were reluctant to leave.
Those who said they will leave after lunch stayed back.
Those who booked the cab for five o’clock started cursing them. Many switched
off the mobile to avoid the calls from home.
As if to delay the inevitable parting scene we all started
the cleaning process. Leftover food was packed to be taken back home; ice cream
and cake carried back to all families to spread the sweetness; like responsible
citizens waste was collected to be disposed properly; utensils were washed and
chairs were kept back in their place.
Still, we had to call it a day due to time constraints and
other responsibilities. We parted by
carrying our photos framed with the following lines inscribed on it.
At Hamlet
We met
After 35 years
Holding joyful tears
“ To be or not to be”
Never bother us a wee.
For, always “TO BE”
To our joy, is the key.
We know photos can fade. But those splendid moments we all
were carrying in our hearts can never be erased.
It is not that everything is smooth with the group. We had a
couple of friends leaving the group as they were not able to find their space.
We have small fights, arguments and difference of opinions. There was a time
when that would have disturbed us. But, may be due to the wisdom gained by age,
we could take all these in our stride. We could look beyond these small hiccups
to a better future.
We have decided to take the togetherness forward. The group
is vibrant. New plans are discussed every day. Some of them are even crossing
borders. Most of us are retired and were worried about the future ahead. Group
has not removed all our worries. Nevertheless, it has mitigated it. Today when
we are too exhausted or worried, there is a place, though virtual, for all of
us to come and rest. There is always someone waiting for us, someone who will
listen to you, appreciate you, laugh along with you, wipe your tears, pray for
you and walk along with you. We need our family; we also need an enviable
circle of friends around us. Especially today, when even the safest countries in
the world are under threat of an imminent war.
As poet said,
“T is not too late to seek a newer world…
We are not now that strength in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
ULYSSES, LORD TENNYSON.
The art of writing made me see the reunion at Hamlet, spectacularly…!!
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