Reunion

Saturday Morning, 9 am,Washington DC

Radha's phone rang. It was an unknown number from North Carolina. Radha was unsure whether to take the call as she seldom takes up any call from unknown numbers. After the 3rd ring

she responded: Hello.

The person on the other side replied: Hey, How are you? I am Pramila, remember me?

Suddenly, a number of memories came gushing into Radha's mind. Pramila, her childhood friend, and they studied together for 14 years.

Radha Replied: Of course I do! How can I forget you? How are you? Where are you? What are you doing here?

She was so excited that she forgot she asked all the questions at a time.

Pramila replied: Slowly, my dear. I will answer all your questions. Are you free for tea at evening?

Radha: Why are you asking? I am always free. Tell me just where and when.

Pramila: 5 pm, your place. Just text me the address.

Radha: I will.See you dear.

Whole day passed with bouts of nostalgia. She remembered the first time she saw Pramila. She was wearing a blue frock with a white shirt inside. She came with a bag and sat next to her. They both smiled at each other and sat quietly. Teacher came and told about the routines and class schedule and the roll numbers. She also told students to sit according to their roll numbers. Radha and Pramila both found out that their roll numbers are adjacent. So they ended up sitting next to each other.

During the lunch break, Radha said -"My Name is Radha. What is your name?"

Pramila: I am Pramila.

Then 14 years passed just like that. They were always the best of friends. They shared every single food they used to bring, spent many nights before the exam studying together, they went to see the local fair together, ate ice cream from a street vendor, got drenched in the rain, got scolded by parents. Their lives were tied with an invisible string, and they basked in this togetherness.

They used to fight and then stopped talking for days. After few days they  hugged each other and sorted every difference.

Then after graduating from the high school, Radha decided to study engineering and went to the best technical academy. Pramila, on the other hand, wanted to study general science and take up a job after graduation. She needed to work to take care of the family.

Radha graduated with excellent marks and came to USA for her higher studies. She went to Harvard University and pursued her Ph.D. She now works for the White House. When they separated they promised each other to write mails or call at least once a day. They did it initially but then both got busy with their work. Radha got engrossed in her studies and Pramila got busy in her job.

 The sound from the electric Kettle interrupted Radha's thoughts. Water is ready for tea. She took out the tea set from the closet and put some tea bags in pot. She poured the hot water and kept some cookies and home-made cup cakes. The doorbell rang, she opened the door. She found Pramila standing...her smile was still the same, but time took its toll on her. She looked a bit aged.

Pramila: You did not change a bit. You still look gorgeous!

Radha: And you look a bit matured.

Then they hugged each other. Pramila entered Radha's one bedroom DC apartment.

Pramila:Wow! you decorated it so well.

Radha: I love warm and cozy homes. So whats up? Whats going on ?

Pramila: Well. As you know I graduated with Bachelors of Science, and got a job there. I am at NC for some office project for 6 months. I will be back in 2 weeks. So thought of traveling and seeing America before I leave.I was visiting NY and DC. Tonight I will be back to NC.

Radha become sad. She said: You are here for just a few hours?

Pramila said -"Next time I will stay longer".

They started gossiping about their childhood over cups of tea.

Pramila: Hey do you remember Albert Sir?

Radha: Yes, how is he? Have you met him? I have not seen him for ages?

Pramila : Yes, he just retired last summer. He is doing some gardening and enjoying this phase of life.

Radha -How about our classmate Avik? Do you remember we both had crush on him? Did he get married?

Pramila: Ah! his kid is going to school these days. He got married to a girl from his theatre group.

Radha: What?? time passes so fast!

Pramila: Do you remember that field next to our school where we used to play?

Radha: Oh yes! What about that?

Pramila: It's not there anymore, they are constructing an extension of our school there.

Radha: Wow! But I think that the students will miss the playground.

Pramila looked into a picture of Radha and her parents on the wall.

Pramila -When did uncle and aunty visited?

Radha -Last summer.

Pramila - They must be missing you a lot there! why don't you bring them here? They are getting old - you should not leave them alone.

Radha -(sigh). I don't know dear. I wish I could answer. So you are still single or seeing someone?

Pramila -Do you think anyone will accept me? I am not as good looking as you.

Radha - You are always gorgeous. You have again started talking bad.

Pramila - Oh dear, I was just joking. What about you?

Radha - I don't know. I just dont want to settle right now. Maybe sometime later but not now...

............

Both did not realize that it was already nine, and they finished a whole pot of tea.

Pramila : I gotta leave now dear. But I promise, I will come one day and stay with you.

Radha: Can I drop you at the airport ?

Pramila : It's so hard to say bye. Let's not do that. I promise I will be back soon

Radha hugged her, her eyes were moist.

She waved her hand, while Pramila got into the cab....


(Special Thanks to Abhishek Sengupta)