July 13, 2021: I have friends who make my life better

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July 13, 2021: I have friends who make my life better. How many can stand on the rooftop and shout out, “I have friends that make my life better?” I am talking about bondhus, not only spouse, not only family, but people who make a difference in your life because you have learned to look past the momentary imperfections and focus on the value they bring to your life. COVID-19 taught us the importance of this. Even when stuck in a basement I knew that I would have friends visit me in the basement. COVID-19 also reminded us that true friendship is not held hostage by proximity. Touch. When you can, you should touch. Their lives. Shephard’s Pie. I remember the day when a bondhu looked at the pie, grabbed a good portion and said, “I can actually taste this.” Seven days into the infection. I looked at my hands and said, “Really, we made that good a pie?” Covid to the rescue. The person eating the pie, in the midst of COVID-19, is perhaps not the best person to judge the quality of cooking. A clump of salt might have worked as well. But without those moments memories remain blank. It is all about the memories, init? With bondhus especially. The relationships we have built over years. Today three of them stopped by at my place. Adequately distanced, masked, happy. Black tea. Home made waffles. Another gesture that continues to remind me that there are people who care. These brief encounters help to continue the connections that pandemics and wars want to tear apart. But it is up to us to keep them going. Giving up was an option. Cut off. Withdraw. But this city does not allow that. The mornings on the verandah, the evenings of casual gatherings, outside, reminiscent of the adda in the park. I had a good day just like the days that can only happen with such encounters, when you just land up, not many warnings and not much preparation. Swiggy is always there. The unconditional “Thank You” and the joys of a smile. Some surprises. The wide-eyed gratitude. Just like we have learned in the past several months, life pivots suddenly, unexpectedly. Frantic phone calls. A bondhu called later in the evening. Worrying signs of COVID-19 – need a test done – as soon as possible. Two months ago I would have faltered. But thanks to the Wake funds and the Wake Angels, a well-trained system kicked in immediately. So grateful to these young ladies – a WhatsApp away – within an hour resources were arranged and multiple tests for multiple people will be done tomorrow. Shivers. 94%. 102. Numbers we still need to be aware of, still need to remember. The evening of fraternity that had dulled me into a bit of “feeling OK” was balanced by the reality of the plague that is still amongst us. In the US cases are going up. I saw the graph that was sent to me. This is where you need the friends. The companionship of people with whom one can talk and realize that even with what we have experienced we are never along. Unless one chooses to be. I choose Zanjeer and Manna Dey, “Yaari Hai Iman Mera Yaar Meri Zindagi”

Translation here:

Gar khuda mujhse kahe Should God say to me

Gar khuda mujhse kahe Should God say to me

Kuch maang aye bande mere      Ask anything that you want

Main yeh maangun        Then I'll ask that

Main yeh maangun        Then I'll ask that

Mehfilon ke daur yoon chalte rahein      The era of these gatherings should continue

Humpyala, humnivala, humsafar, humraaz ho     May there be souls who drink and eat together

Ta-qayamat joh chiragon ki tarah jalte rahein      May they shine like candles till judgement day

Yaari hai imaan mera     Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Arre yaari hai imaan mera           Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Yaar ho bandon se yeh  To have friendship with someone

Yaar ho bandon se yeh  To have friendship with someone

Sabse badi hai bandagi  Is the greatest worship

Yaari hai, yaari hai imaan mera  Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Yaari hai imaan mera     Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Saaz-e-dil chhedo jahaan mein   Play the music of the heart in the world

Saaz-e-dil chhedo jahaan mein   Play the music of the heart in the world

Yaar ki goonje sada        So that the voice of my friend echoes forever

Saaz-e-dil chhedo jahaan mein   Play the music of the heart in the world

Yaar ki goonje sada        So that the voice of my friend echoes forever

Jin dilon mein pyar hai   The hearts in which there is love

Unpe bahaarein hoon fida           May the seasons sacrifice themselves on them

Pyar leke noor aaya        Love has brought light

Pyar leke noor aaya        Love has brought light

Pyar leke saadagi            Love has brought simplicity

Yaari hai, arre yaari hai imaan mera        Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Yaari hai imaan mera     Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Arre jaan bhi jaaye agar Even if you lose your life for friendship

Jaan bhi jaaye agar         Even if you lose your life for friendship

Yaari mein yaaron gham nahin   Then my friends there is no sorrow

Jaan bhi jaaye agar         Even if you lose your life for friendship

Yaari mein yaaron gham nahin   Then my friends there is no sorrow

Apne hote yaar ho ghamgin        While I'm there, if my friend is sad

Matlab hum nahin          Then it means that I don't exist

Hum jahan hai us jagah Wherever I'm present

Hum jahan hai us jagah Wherever I'm present

Jhoomegi naachegi khushi          That place will whirl and dance in happiness

Yaari hai, arre yaari hai imaan mera        Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Yaari hai imaan mera     Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Gul-e-gulzar kyun bezaar nazar aata hai Why is the flower in the garden looking wilted

Gul-e-gulzar kyun bezaar nazar aata hai Why is the flower in the garden looking wilted

Chashm-e-bad ka shikaar yaar nazar aata hai       My friend looks like a prey stuck in love

Chupa na humse, zara haal-e-dil suna de tu         Don't hide it from me, say what's in your heart

Teri hansi ki keemat kya hai yeh bata de tu          Tell me what's the price of your smile

Teri hansi ki keemat kya hai yeh bata de tu          Tell me what's the price of your smile

Kahe toh aasman se chaand taare le aaon            If you say, then I'll bring the moon and the stars

Haseen jawan aur dilkash nazare le aaon              I'll bring beautiful and fresh sceneries

Oye ... oye ... qurbaan!  Hey ... hey ... I'll sacrifice anything for you!

Tera mamnoon hoon     I'm indebted to you

Tera mamnoon hoon     I'm indebted to you

Tune nibhaya yaarana   You've fulfilled our friendship

Teri hansi hai aaj sabse bada nazrana     Your smile is the greatest gift today

Teri hansi hai aaj sabse bada nazrana     Your smile is the greatest gift today

Yaar ke haste hi The moment my friend smiled

Yaar ke haste hi The moment my friend smiled

Mehfil mein jawani aa gayi, aa gayi          A new youthfulness has come in this gathering

Yaari hai, yaari hai imaan mera  Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Yaari hai imaan mera     Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Yaari hai imaan mera     Friendship is my faith

Yaar meri zindagi            My friend is my life

Lo sher ... qurbaan, qurbaan!     My tiger ... I'll sacrifice anything for you!

  

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