One of the most memorable days

Sunday the 16th of december 2007 will be cherished in my boring life as one of the most memorable days. It was on this day that I had my first experience of carol singing, and the joy and happiness I got on that day makes me feel that life is indeed worth living.

It had been a while( about a month or so) since I had last attended the youth groups meeting. So I thought I'd just make a courtesy visit and show my face. For the past couple of weeks while I had intentionally kept away, the youth group members had been going house to house, singing carols. So when I miraculously showed up that day, I happened to get a seat beside Larrissa. Customary hi's were exchanged and then larry asks me " why weren't you coming for carol singing?". I gave a sheepish smile and told her that i was no singer. But i mumbled that I such a low voice that even I had some trouble in deciphering what was just said. Nevertheless, that days meeting was devoted to practicing some of the carols. Dennis gets a confirmation from me that this time I'm going to come along. I had nothing better to do that evening.

So all this said and done, I arrive at St. Peters at bang 17:00 hrs and lo!!! I was just the third person there. Shweta and her friend had arrived a bit earlier. It was a little hard for me to strike a conversation, as they were just acquaitances. However a clumsy effort on my part resulted in the very cliched conversation of when is it going to start, what is the time, etc etc. Larry and sherwyn turn up after a couple of minutes and that was a relief, coz i thought i could get acquainted with both of them and get a few tips from sherwyn on how to play some pieces on the guitar( shery is an exceptional guitarist). Larry, being her friendly self, again comes and strikes a very casual and light hearted conversation. After chatting with her for a bit I go to sherry and again pass some time there till the rest of the gang pours in. We would then leave for carol singing after having tea in the manipal canteen.
During the time I was having tea with the others, I was just the silent observer, enjoying the sarcastic and light hearted conversation the other people were having. I did not feel like pitching in because I felt that I am still a stranger, and that it would be out of place to poke fun at anybody there.
We then went back to church and were trying to figure out who goes in whose bike or car. I was felix's backseat driver for the rest of the evening. Even felix seems to be a very quiet person, and so our time both on the bike and off it seemed to be like a story of friendship blossoming in a silent movie.
The carol singing began at about 6 in the evening. Visited lots of houses. However, with all the fun and excitement around, I somehow felt left out and, like in the canteen, was just listening and enjoying the light humour that was going around. At this point, Larry comes up to me and asks " Why are you so quiet? Are you feeling alone? Maybe its because you are new." And then proceeded with some kind of conversation.
To me it was a really touching gesture. something which no one in my entire life has done before. It made me feel that love does exist in this crazy world. Thanks larry...thanks a lot.
Another event which i really liked that day was dennis' doggie samantha. She was so charged up to see so many people around, she just kept jumping and rubbing and playing and wagging all around, more often than not, spilling the eats and drinks on us.
It was 11.30 by the time we finished. I returned home and had a very good sleep. I just loved the enthu and bonding between dennis, roger, sherry, larry, sujay and vivian. They sure are a very very special group and true friends.
Cheers.