How many of us associate the word 'old' with themselves? I guess a very few. We want to be alive and young forever, and foolishly believe that death, accident, illness and age cannot touch us. It is funny how we celebrate each birthday with such pomp and hoopla, but refuse to grow up. Honestly, I am not sure how to approach the title that I want to discuss today. Few months back, I saw an image on my wall, which presented the ironies connected with growing older. The father who is usually busy earning a livelihood misses out on the joy of bringing up his kids, the couple who never had enough money to see the world, is unable to do so even at older age, now because they lack good health. I didn't rack my brain over it because it was just one of those boring items, definitely not for the fun and young me.
So I met this old friend after a long time. We are in the same city but stay at two different ends. So, after careful planning over which coffee shop, what time, WHERE, etc the meeting was a success. I know her since I changed schools in my 4th std and was made to sit behind her. We have moved cities, colleges, made new friends, 15 years and still in touch. We haven't had much stay overs and was completely unaware of the coolness factor of 'pyjama party' till the Americans showed us and that was much later. One of the rare occasion when I did stay over at her place was about 3 years back. It was just 1 night but I will always remember the day. The I will always remember bit has very little do with how we broke into her dad's bar and stole some 'things' (in coffee mugs-which we had to rinse squeaky clean later, to remove evidence of any foul play) and mostly related to her house. In fact, the mansion would be a better word.
The big HOUSE had I don't know how many bedrooms, but I noticed most were empty. They were a big family of 5, but all kids were working out of town, settling themselves, building a life. I remember stealing glances at that mansion of a house in our younger days. Luckily the very friend was there too and we would together wonder the magic and fun the place held behind its big bolted gates. When I did stay over that day, I understood the word irony. The house was majestic and meant for a big happy family. But only 3 souls occupied that place. It was so easy to turn philosophical, with the Ganges right at your feet (!!) and long walks in the mango grove. I wish life could be turned around and we could start at the very end.
So I met this old friend after a long time. We are in the same city but stay at two different ends. So, after careful planning over which coffee shop, what time, WHERE, etc the meeting was a success. I know her since I changed schools in my 4th std and was made to sit behind her. We have moved cities, colleges, made new friends, 15 years and still in touch. We haven't had much stay overs and was completely unaware of the coolness factor of 'pyjama party' till the Americans showed us and that was much later. One of the rare occasion when I did stay over at her place was about 3 years back. It was just 1 night but I will always remember the day. The I will always remember bit has very little do with how we broke into her dad's bar and stole some 'things' (in coffee mugs-which we had to rinse squeaky clean later, to remove evidence of any foul play) and mostly related to her house. In fact, the mansion would be a better word.
The big HOUSE had I don't know how many bedrooms, but I noticed most were empty. They were a big family of 5, but all kids were working out of town, settling themselves, building a life. I remember stealing glances at that mansion of a house in our younger days. Luckily the very friend was there too and we would together wonder the magic and fun the place held behind its big bolted gates. When I did stay over that day, I understood the word irony. The house was majestic and meant for a big happy family. But only 3 souls occupied that place. It was so easy to turn philosophical, with the Ganges right at your feet (!!) and long walks in the mango grove. I wish life could be turned around and we could start at the very end.
