Whispering Shadow

I had been having a packed schedule. I decided to squeeze in a dinner with a friend who I had to catch up with. We met. And then they happened. They came like a pack of hyenas, hunting opportunities to kill time. Polite as they were, they exchanged friendly greetings. Courtesy demands we reciprocate and we did. Taking a step further, they joined the table with us. Acquaintances demand respect. This is the land where we not only preach, but practice the belief `Atitithi Devo Bhavah`. We obliged to host them on our table. Before they joined in, we were having a conversation. After they joined in, they were talking and we were listening. I cannot tell you how much fun it was! My friend in fact was the cynosure of their attention. She particularly enjoyed being a butt of their jokes, being the person that she is. We had a quick dinner and decided to head for tea. Having taken our silent consent, they tagged along. While we were walking to the tea stall, there was a moment of silence....

A culture that sank into the skin Pace that could make endurance go thin A new life in a new home We lived like the Romans in Rome Fighting, winning, playing and enjoying Adopting the best ways of surviving When all seemed lost, despair was in sight Came sparks of brilliance or luck gave respite Battered and broken, yet united Every achievement and joy celebrated Higher thresholds reached each time Bending the rules was no big crime Time flies; it is the season of ′lasts′ Shadows of the impending end it casts Nostalgia has set in; memories breach the mind There is so much that has to be left behind The buildings, the people and times we have had May be gone for good, which is sad The learning from experiences is here to stay Yet, on new paths, we may again go astray There is fear we are institutionalized Unfamiliar surroundings may leave us surprised “Where is the good in the good bye?” many ask, “Why is it such a painful task?” We travelled together in the same direction But let us no...