Having reached 69 (not out) on 18th Dec. I always think of the 22nd as not just the third Friday of December but as one of my oldest friends, late Rajiv Pawha’s birthday. In all the years that we’d been friends, we never forgot to wish each other on our birthdays.
I first met Rajiv back in 1959 (both little boys then) when I was admitted to La Martiniere Girls in Lucknow in Class I, since in those good old days, boys were allowed to study up to Class IV in the school. Three of my elder sisters were already doing well there and though tough, the Lady Principal couldn’t refuse my Mom, who could be very persuasive, if needed !
Our camaraderie and bonds as classmates progressed to being close family friends and history would repeat itself many years later when both our sons became class buddies in La Mart Boys.
Personally I have many memories that span over six decades from the 60s, of attending each other’s birthday parties, exchanging gifts (including the book ‘Treasure Island’ ) and learning new skills (like driving) in which Rajiv was always the frontrunner. To me, he was akin to a hero not only in his good looks but in his maturity, wisdom & all round talents.
Knocking on the doors of the 70s, I and my ilk now like to dwell and talk about our old friends and of that era of lasting friendships and enduring relationships that were unconditional and heartfelt. Quite a few of them have left early but there were some like Rajiv who brought much joy and succour to their friends, and even after they have gone the light of that remains with them as fond memories of the city of Lucknow and the luminaries and characters that made it charming. Cheer’s to ‘Bubble’ and to the health and well being his loving family and friends !
Working on Living 