WOOLLY DAYS

Another August is here, another first Sunday of August awaits and another friendship day yet to come alive! Away from the glitters of Archie’s, out from the fiesta and festivals; far removed from the commercial extravaganza; a queer little pain strikes a chord. Life suddenly takes a back seat and travels back into the rugged days when wools became priceless in a sultry August day! The first Friday of August was a day to run home from school, bug mother to fish out her discarded roll of woollens, and from there meticulously strings of various colours were pulled out. And then the famous plaiting with choicest colours and out came some very beautiful cozy bands…that spelt “Friendship”! Consciously we never understood how appropriate was the metaphorical stand point of wools- that is warmth! But somewhere the warmth we felt was immense. Innumerable bands were plaited, late in the night they were packed inside the heavy school bag! The heart missed a beat! Excitement robbed sleep. Then as the morning stepped forward mothers were a bit surprised as their otherwise lazy children were up and ready for school. It was Friendship day! The school buses buzzed with plans of a signature feast that would take place during break-time. Some were daring enough to ask the teacher who took the class preceding break-time to allow an early break! “Miss please…its friendship day!” And I must mention that there were teachers who actually gave in.

Hands were outstretched, eyes glittering as “Happy Friendship Day” buzz surrounded us and the hands got fully occupied from wrist till elbow, we beamed unnecessarily, laughed uncontrollably, a strange feeling, a strange happiness. School friends are but that group of peers who know you from your ‘chaddi’ days! Love you because you are what you are! They know the weaknesses that trouble you; and are often your shield. They know your talent; and are more often than not your advertiser. They remind you of the most embarrassing moment and bring back that unadulterated blushing smile. They talk of those very insignificant brawl and still fight over it! They are still a reminding alarm when you are on the verge of missing someone’s birthday, even their own! You can’t help loving them as years pass by…you can’t help missing them in your grown-up schedules. Friends are a sky full of oxygen- people who don’t judge you…who have absorbed your tears in their brand new dresses, who have helped you soak your wet dress by sitting on it; who might have given you an external wound over a fight, but the care that followed after became a reason to cherish the wound.

You toddled your way with them and learnt to stand tall, you brushed your shoulders with them and felt the unconditional support for the first time outside family. They are simply incorrigible and unquestionably the best blessings of life.

Friends… YOU complete me...and make my existence into full on living!!