Journey Down Memory Lane.
As a child, I read for hours sitting under a tree. Most of them comics of Archie’s and Phantom. In those days, a stranger shifted in my neighborhood. I liked him instantly. However, eight years elder Joyen soon became a part of my life.To write about Joyen, I need to take my shimmer and sepia thoughts back to a small township of a British conglomerate my father worked with. My days got filled with our laughter and his presence.He helped me with my math’s homework and talked late nights standing out of my window. His home was next to mine. Usually we would run to a small lake next to our bungalow, sit and talk about his career as a doctor. I never had any plans as twelve year old. I think I loved being called Bookworm even those days. Joyen taught me to read poetry and appreciate sports.
I had almost forgotten that one day he has to leave for higher studies. I still remember saying good-bye to him as yesterday. He stood tall and smiling in white shirt. I wept through my heart after he left. Very angry with him, I decided never to talk to him again. Why would he leave me?
Next few weeks my studies took over everything. I stopped looking at lake and would never discuss him with anyone. “I am never going to talk to him again.” I reiterated myself everyday. A month later, on New Year’s Day my mother woke me up. With tears in her eyes, she dropped me to aunt’s home and the car zoomed away. My aunty held me tight.My parents had gone to meet Joyen’s parents.
Joyen was no more. He died in an accident on 31 Dec. I never could talk to him again.Never could tell him how important it was for me to have him around.This year afresh I decide to continue what he taught me silently. I have learnt to tell people how valuable they are when they are alive.Hope, the New Year brings more confidence and ease of self-expression for everyone.
January 3rd, 2010 at 8:47 am
Hi Rama, I admit,I miss reading your blog. Hope you write more this year. I am sure it must have been pain for you but thats life.So, I wish you someone better this year.
January 3rd, 2010 at 10:53 am
am left speechless..u made it quite touching this time..wd remember this on all year ends.
January 5th, 2010 at 6:51 am
Rama, I was your student in IIM 2004 batch. Me and Atul read every blog of yours. I have known you as very straight and emotionally detached person. I was in tears reading this blog. Also touched that you are a sensitive person. You do not come across as one. Pls write more.
January 5th, 2010 at 6:56 am
Wah..The Iron lady has a heart too., Rama,this is surprise. My scuba dive with you was really amazing and honestly I was really envious of your courage down under water. Knowing you as toughest scuba diver, I never felt you are even any bit of a women left with heart. Great blog..look forward to know this Rama
January 5th, 2010 at 7:25 am
Mixed emotions went through me reading the blog!
You have great writing skills taking the reader through all the places & emotions.
Felt very touchy reading about Joyen & how it feels not able to say someone even after so many years, What he means to you . . .
It could make a lot of difference in a person’s life when someone come’s up to you & says, You mean a lot to me!
January 5th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Touched. Simply touched this time. Happy New Year Rama and Joyen wherever he is.
February 5th, 2010 at 12:45 am
oh…travelogues…..movie reviews……and this one !! waiting for your book…
– an ardent fan of yours