That Fine Day...
Back in 1998, the world was on the verge of a new century, and in the chilly days of February, I found myself in Bhadrapur, where the winter held its usual grip. On this particular day, the significance of the sun was more apparent than ever. I shared a rented house with two roommates during my higher studies, and that day, after a satisfying lunch, we gathered on the big courtyard, basking in the warmth of the winter sun. It was a simple yet joyful moment, a casual sunbath session that turned into a heartwarming chat. Living with housemates during those years created a sense of camaraderie, turning ordinary days into memorable ones.
Think about the late 90s a time absent of mobile phones and social media, an era where you’d stroll over to a friend’s place unannounced. No pre-texting to check if they were home or if they had the mental space for a chat. It was a time when dropping by uninvited was not just acceptable; it was the norm. You’d knock on the door, and if your friend was home, they were yours for the taking. There was a beautiful simplicity in those moments, a spontaneity that seems almost lost in today’s world of constant connectivity and mental bandwidth considerations. It was an era when the question wasn’t whether your friend was available on chat but rather if they were available in person, ready for a good old face-to-face chat on the verandah or room. High-five if you are from the same era😊.
Little did I know that a simple moment with my housemates would one day find a place in my blog. Picture this: I was engaged in conversation when a distant voice, a lady, called my name from outside our gate. At first, I brushed it off, thinking it might be someone else. But then, a different voice echoed my name again. This time, curiosity got the better of me, and I went to check. To my surprise, there stood two beautiful girls, my classmates, with warm smiles and a greeting of “Happy Birthday, Rustam.” They handed me a carefully wrapped gift and a birthday card and shook hands, leaving me stunned. How did they even know it was my birthday? Remember? The time when no mobile phone or social media. The gift was a keyring, one of my favourite things to collect. It marked not just a special memory but one of the best days. Why? It was the first birthday wish I received outside my family, and the gift was a first too. That day, forever etched in my mind, became a treasure of moments I won’t forget.
In the picture of reminiscence, the sketch of 1998 stands as a testament to the beauty of bygone days. Navigating a time before the intrusion of mobile phones, the late ’90s fostered a culture of unscripted, face-to-face interactions, fostering a camaraderie that feels increasingly rare today. Amidst these reflections, the mystery(to you guys only😊) of a birthday surprise from unnamed classmates, marked by a thoughtful keyring gift, resonates as a cherished symbol of authentic human bonds. To those anonymous companions, should these words find you, may they evoke the warmth and surprise of that day, celebrating not just the late ’90s but the enduring essence of genuine connections and timeless friendships. Thank you very much 😊.
