Pondicherry and friendships

We were in Pondicherry last weekend, just for a day and a half. S has this group of friends from undergrad, a close-knit bunch of guys, half living in the US and the other half in Chennai/Bangalore. I have been consistently amazed and gratified at how these men have stayed in active touch for so many years. I have attended many of their weddings myself. We have seen their kids as infants and watched them grow and thrive. When we have travelled, we have always tried to stay over or visit. They have reciprocated. Over the years, the bonds have only grown stronger. Facebook groups and whatsapp obviously helped them share real time updates and views on politics, cricket, football, family, work and life! 

Since last year, the India folks have been meeting every few months, in a different place every time. Tranquebar was the first venue, followed by Kodaikanal and Pondicherry. We missed Kodai but Tranquebar had been so much fun we knew we had to make the longish trip to Pondy for sure! So 5 couples, 7 kids in tow landed up at the Pondy resort on Saturday morning. It was horribly hot and humid. All one wanted to do was stay inside AC comfort. But enough number of warm bodies generate enthusiasm, and soon the boys were playing cricket. Then it was time to jump into the pool. I wandered around clicking pictures, every now and then darting into my room or the restaurant for some cooling drinks and air!

Long leisurely meals were the order of the day. Smaller groups formed and dispersed. In the evening, panting for the elusive sea breeze, we all walked down to the beach. Plans to walk around Pondicherry city were made and discarded. It was nicer to stay in the room and chat :) The kids played with each other as much as they bonded with the adults.

It was hectic for us given the time taken to reach Pondy from Bangalore. We got stuck in bad roads on the way back and reached Bangalore after a gruelling 8-9 hour road journey. But it was worth every moment. It takes a lot of time and effort to sustain and grow a friendship, especially when you include spouses and children. There are too many different variables and personalities, needing reconciliation and compromise. But it hasn't been an effort. Hats off to each and every one of these guys for taking the time and effort to nurture their friendships, both one-on-one and as a group. I must confess to a brief twinge of envy. I do have many close friends but not a large group of friends who are all close to each other!

Raising a toast to many more years of such camaraderie, and in gratefulness to the new friendships I have made as a consequence!