3 Amigos - Najam’s Version

[Second of three write ups from three who have been friends for almost two-thirds of their life.]

I recall meeting John for the first time while we both were in Masters at Osmania University. Little did I know at that time that we would meet again and would form a lifelong friendship. Later, while working at Warangal, I met John when he visited the campus and through him, Aravind. We shared an apartment for three years.

Our backgrounds could not be more different. John and I graduated with a degree in Economics and Aravind in Biophysics. We also come from different religions and with very different childhood experiences and family backgrounds. John and Aravind came from educated families whereas I was the first-generation college graduate in my family.  My life experiences were not of a typical child due to my Dad’s sudden demise in my childhood. I did not have an opportunity to cultivate lasting friendships in high school or college because of the pressing issue of survival. All these differences never occurred to them or to me and did not matter in our friendship. It was the beginning of a friendship that grew organically. Very soon I was introduced to their parents and family members. I consider this friendship as my good fortune. I must confess the credit goes to both John and Aravind who made this happen for me. I was very fortunate to have their company and cherished their friendship.

From left: Aravind, Najam, Saraswathi, Javeed, and John
(photo courtesy of Kumar Paka)

As roommates we would cook meals together. Over time we became inseparable, hanging out together, going out to eat dinner at restaurants, and play pranks on each other. Occasionally, we would have parties at home, and I enjoyed making meals for them the way they like.

It was pure luck that I was able to attend Columbia University on a Fulbright scholarship in 1980. I was very proud and happy when Aravind and John also moved to the US. In 1984, when Saraswathi and I got married, we had a friends’ reunion at my wedding in Urbana.  We also met Jaya for the first time and felt as though she has been a part of the family all along. Soon it was John’s turn to get married. Saraswathi and I had the privilege of meeting Asha when she and John visited Urbana and spent time with us in Urbana and we also celebrated my daughter Asma’s first birthday.

We kept in touch for some time but being far away and due to family responsibilities, I was not able to keep close contact with them.  More than 30 years later we met again at Sandeep's (Aravind’s first son) wedding in Milwaukee.  I was eager to meet John and Aravind as I knew in my heart that nothing would change even after a long time. It was a very emotional meeting; the warmth and affection has not changed. True to his character, no sooner John saw me, he gave me a bear hug. Aravind was so excited to see me, as if meeting his long-lost brother. He took me around introducing me to his relatives and friends reminiscing about our friendship at Warangal. It was a very emotional moment for me that I cannot forget.

Despite our different backgrounds and religions,  our friendship has endured. Years have passed by and even now we share the same bonds as we had when we were young. We are back in regular contact with each other and enjoying each other’s banter. I feel blessed to have this friendship.

.....

Related Posts:

3 Amigos - Aravind’s Version

3 Amigos - John’s Version

Comments

  1. Javeed78August 19, 2020 at 11:14 AM

    Thrilled to see the write up and the coming together of friends... Friendship is living life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NajamAugust 21, 2020 at 4:20 PM

      Javeed -- Thanks for your comments.
      Arvind and I were able to participate at your son Gauhar's marriage by Zoom. It was very touching to listen to your speech. Good to see you and your family.

      Delete
  2. Aravind AkellaAugust 20, 2020 at 9:16 AM

    Najam, you are very modest, never one to boast of your achievements amid the hardships you face. Whenever you see me meek, you are the one pushing me to the limit. That is why I consider you a big brother.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NajamAugust 21, 2020 at 4:14 PM

      Arvind, Thanks for your friendship - I like the 'BIG Brother' as in Orwell's dystopian novel 1984 ;)

      Delete

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