Such a lovely and awesome gesture by my school buddies that I felt so special that I got friends who got my back and always supported me through thick and thin!
When I mentioned that this was a surprise by my school friends, I really mean it. It was so big a surprise for me that I didn’t even know it was taking place until the last moment. If you know me personally, you will know one thing about me and that is I don’t like surprises! Having said that, I didn’t mind this one and absolutely loved it.
If I have the story correct, it was all choreographed by one of my school friends, Neha, and my sisters, Dikshu Tai and Shubhu Tai. I loved every aspect of it and the way it was unfolding before my eyes. It was later when everyone arrived, I finally realized that this was a surprise and not some random visits by my school friends as I was about to leave for a different country. I felt so humble due to this gesture as I felt so lucky to have friends like these who were happy as I was going to progress further in my life and career. That’s why I felt, you get all the friends in the world, but, school friends always remain special and close to your heart.
As my friends started pouring in, I felt more and more puzzled by the timing of their arrival. I was wondering how can so many people show up at approximately same just to me and that’s when I was formally surprised by this wonderful cake. I never knew we get such a beautiful and delicious cake in our village. May be, they got it from a nearby city, who knows!
I loved the thought process and idea behind this cake. In India, we always have sweets to commemorate a grandiose occasion. I still remember how they brought this cake out of nowhere and I was before them with my puzzled look. 😛
After I was presented with this cake, it was time to cut it and I had a company to do that. Meet one of my childhood friends, Harshali, or Harshu as we call her. She and her cousin brother have been my childhood friends since I can remember, and I felt special to share this moment with her as we both were embarking on our two different life-changing journeys. Me, traveling outside India for the studies and she, settling down and marrying our now-Jiju. This evening signified more change for her rather than myself, so, I was happy for her and she was for me.
You can see us posing before cutting the cake.
And this was the crew for the evening.
You can see, my sisters, Shubhu Tai and Dikshu Tai with Harshu and her sister, Shweta, and brother, Avi.
You can see my parents around me, and my school friends, Pankaj, Ashish, Sarang, beside my Dad. Just before my Mom, you have Neha, Harshu, Shital, and Pushpa.
It was a special moment that I have captured in eternity. Whenever I think about my last few days at home, before leaving for the US, it rarely happens that this moment goes unnoticed. There are obviously countless things that I am thankful of, but these friends and my family is the most I am thankful for.
You need people that support you and help you when you need the most. This picture is a promise that I do have that support group with me, all the time.
Thanks, folks!
stochasticity 