“Hiiii! Met you after such a long time!”
Before any answer formed in my brain, the speaker had already moved on “Hiiing” to someone else. It kept me wondering if dementia was setting in early as I couldn’t recall having met the speaker in question.
A party lends itself an interesting study of humankind. Man is after all a social animal and in his socialising, he gives an interesting peek into the nature of human beings.
So, having just recovered from the above encounter, I selected a safe seat on the sofa and started looking around. There are some types that are always present — the weighing scale-conscious who never leaves the buffet table and the very weighing scale conscious who looks longingly at all the lovely spread but cannot muster the courage to fetch it.
Then there are those who are determined to let everyone know of the latest wonderful developments that life has offered — in a high-pitched voice — followed by the oohs and aahs of the listeners. Some expressions show that they are wondering when life would bestow them with such wonderfuls.
Listeners' oohs and aahs
After meandering through the latest styles of dress, shoes and bags — lo and behold, it is time to wax the accomplishments of the children. Poor things, they must be having a bout of cough at home as mommy dear extols their virtues! Astonishingly, I once heard a mother speaking with great confidence, saying that though her baby sweety has failed, the teacher is confident that the child might pass in the near future!
Then comes up the topic of extra-curricular activities — and well what do I say — the enthusiasm of the mothers was commendable — if only the host had arranged a swimming pool, the mommies would have gladly demonstrated. The karate moves were starting to get a practical demonstration — and I was happy watching from a safe distance at my sofa. I was wondering if any of the kids were into singing and dancing!
With the evening progressing, topics started changing and it was one spouse praising the other, admitting (in hushed tones) that the love was intact as it was when their pairs of eyes met for the first time. A bit of teasing and blushing denials made it all the more ‘Aww’.
Then suddenly I hear someone asking — ‘BTW (by the way) when are we meeting next?” well, I muttered silently, let’s finish this one first!
No place on the plate
And in the midst of all this, is the host going around among the guest with “Oh how lovely”, “But you must have some more — ignoring that there is no place on the plate to take some more! Listen a little carefully and you will find business being discussed in serious tones amid the laughter! Then there is the loner standing in the balcony — a suggestion — time to move into a residence that has a balcony.
With the passage of time as topics get diminished, tummies are full, politics discussed — there is a sudden realisation that the kid is at home — will have to relieve the babysitter, early morning school and guests are bidding each other good night.
Some even remember to thank the hosts. Awesome!
However, a totally different gathering with a very chosen few, sitting around chatting, remembering old times, singing old favourites, reminiscing past occurrences and laughing at our own stupidities — also occurs. There is no flamboyance, no show-off, no oohs and aahs here. There is genuine happiness in the success of the other, the hug or the message in the eyes at one’s mishap that touches the very soul.
There is no one who wants to know when the next meeting is. But such groups remain ever so connected — in spirit — not so much in presence. You leave with a feeling of warmth, a light heart and a smile on your lips, a light in your eyes and feeling blessed.
Such gatherings are rare — as they may be — but they leave me yearning and expecting.
Mamata Bandyopadhyay is a homemaker based in Sharjah.
