All Good Things

Picture taken by Sonam

India, the land of the long goodbyes. I think we have all experienced this. But when people are leaving for good, the string of farewell parties really fills up one's social calendar. This is especially true if you are like Armaity and Viraf. They have made so many friends here I think we attended the first farewell party thrown for them last year, even before they knew they were leaving.

I just can't believe it! No matter how hard we try, Sari and I still end up being the first to arrive at any party.

Fortunately, we had Neeta and Sanju's two boys to entertain us. It's unbelievable how gregarious they were. Saritha actually conducted a really amazing Q&A with them. I actually ready to go their school to get at least one of the teachers fired because she was 'not good'. They actually pleaded to stay up just to greet one more guest. Even though they were in bed, they popped out every time the door bell rang; just to say hi.

Everyone else, including the guests of honour started rolling in very close to 10pm. Even Amrita and Arvind who lived up the street knew better than to pop up at the stipulated time. Only Ranjeet, who had to come from the airport had a legitimate excuse.

Armaity, like a not-quite-blushing bride at a wedding reception, had a costume change. Well, actually she popped a button. You decide which makes a better story and maybe I can embellish it and leave out the other.

Dinner was served at almost one. Lovely home cooked meal. But I really need to get used to eating so late. It's amazing how most people here are so accustomed to this. I kept having to remind myself that it was a week night and I had to get up for work the next morning.

The hostess thoughtfully arranged for the G-O-H's to cut a cake to commemorate the occasion. Armaity did the feeding but no one carried out that juvenile ritual of smearing someone's face with cake. I guess it wasn't that kind of party. Or were we all too long in the teeth?

There was a spot of dancing where Viraf had the opportunity to strut his stuff. Reminder to Armaity: look for the video of V dancing with some guys in drag (?) at a wedding and post it on youtube.

From the other Amy:

"Bawi - We'll miss your generous smile, your motor mouth, your elbow break-dancing.
Bawa - your handsome visage, your bad hindi, your easy ways.
Bangalore will lose some of its Bang. Take care, and so long..."