Reunion 2007

We all love reunions, gives us a chance to meet our old buddies and people from school, colleges or offices and so on… I had a feel of what reunion is like quite early for that matter and I think it is worth sharing.

My grandparents (father’s parents) were into teaching. They taught in a reputed school in Nashik. Obviously, my father was in the same school. The school had its own bakery, an amphi theatre, a hall where movies were shown to them once in a week, a saloon, a hostel and staff quarters. As I grew up, my father used to tell his school experiences and many-a-times, he used to mention about his principal. ‘I have to meet him at least once,’ was my aspiration...

I was fortunate enough. In 2007, after my SSC board exams, I went to Nashik at my friend’s place to stay with him. I knew that this could be a good chance to meet The Mr. Bejon Desai Sir (the then principal of Boys Town Public School, Nashik). No acquaintance, nothing and I just went to meet him. Father had told me the area where he stays and since I know Nashik, it was not difficult at all. I went on in the alley, asking people where Bejon Desai lives. And finally, there I was, standing in front of a white and blue bungalow, with bold italic blue letters reading ‘De Sai.’

Very excited and nervous, I rang the doorbell. A lady opened the door …

“Yes?”

“Hello, I am here to meet Bejon Desai Sir. Is he in?”

“Yes but who are you?”

“I am Ashish Tattu. Tell him I am Tattu Sir’s grandson.”

That lady went in leaving the door open. After a few moments, an aged man with a walking stick appeared. I gave him the reference of who I was. He welcomed me with a smile. He was old, his face wrinkled but the glow of genius on his face was still visible at this age. Meeting the person I always wanted to meet - a dream had come true. We had a casual chat, he asked me what I was doing, and how was my father, his brothers, grandparents and I asked him about his health and told him why was I so wanting to meet him. Upon hearing what my father told me about him, he just smiled back. An absolutely grounded person. I called up my father, and told him where I was, passed on the phone to Sir and sat there watching him speak. I became sentimental because I had understood the value of building good relations. I had witnessed what a reunion was like. Then came the lady who had opened the door. She gave me a glass of rasna. While I was drinking, Sir took my leave and went in his bedroom to sleep (guess I had disturbed his afternoon nap). I drank it and had almost left the alley when my father called me and said, “My mother will call you. She wants to speak to Desai Sir.” Nothing like the golden chance. I met him twice that day. I went back, this time, he called me in his bedroom. My grandmother called and had a word with him. The affection with which he spoke was so real and genuine. After the call, he gave me his visiting card. He was now the trustee member of the school of which he was once the principal. As I bend down to touch his feet, he stopped me saying,”Bhagwaan ke pair pado, he is eternal. Insaan to marke khaak ho jata hai.” I was always an atheist and wanted His blessings. I touched his feet, bid goodbye and left.

The way I felt that day is beyond words. I was happy, euphoric to be precise. My wish had been fulfilled. I still don’t know where had this bravado come from? Meeting someone who is not at all related to you, but just because you had heard good things about him… Wow!

Desai Sir passed away a few years back. Glad that I made a choice that day and met him. Though his face is not that vivid in my mind, I am satisfied. It was the experience that matters and that will always be in my memory and for his appearance, I have a few old photos of my grandparents taken during their academic career in which I always see him...