Reunion 3
They were making talks about their homes and time-tables. Now there were five of them and one was on stage, playing the piano and talking on his side. Everyone from the listeners was uncomfortable because of heat, moisture and the tea which wasn’t enough hot and sweet. Piano was pleasant though and everyone was enjoying it. Even those who were not expecting enjoyment. It was an Arabian theme Vinay was playing and he seemed to be totally out of consciousness. His eyes were closed and he was moving his lips and fingers were dancing on the keyboard.
Principal and Jagdeesh were on the first row. Jagdeesh wasn’t listening to a single second. He got his Walkman loaded with personal favorites in both the ears. There must be many old songs and some speeches. Principal shot an angry glance at Jagdeesh. What kind of a person was this? Without heart and feelings. It was all because of him. Even that poster event of the city was somehow connected to this. What Jagdeesh wanted to prove? What he was expecting? Why didn’t he leave all of the boys alone? Nobody wanted him in the picture. Principal was angry because instead of helping to undo, Jagdeesh was still feeding his crazy ideas. Such a snake. He didn’t deserve any friendship or relation. He was the meanest person of the world. Boys were talking at the back and that was making him relax. They were talking about old memories and laughing and smiling genuinely for the first time in many years. They were telling their experiences after leaving the school. Nobody was quite like they used to be. They were sharing each other’s stories and moaning wondering at those. Vinay was watching them now while playing and showing his white teeth. He wanted to talk to old friends and he got up from the stage and went back leaving everyone half glad-half angry. They clapped for him to complete the formality. Then Vinay’s father came on the stage and apologized for his son’s disrespect. Everyone nodded (they understood the boy was nuts). And they left the ground after saying goodnight to each other.
Batch of 1999 Page 29
