Web Special: Some memories

~ Kanika Chopra Grover

The whole reunion thing brought a lot of memories flooding back, I think it was the mention of bunsamosas that did it. I had thought of MHS as a small chapter in my life, something that I’d managed to live through and walk away from, with a few good friends, some good memories, some not so good....

I didn’t feel a part of this reunion, didn’t realise how much MHS meant to me, felt it was “your” school not mine, I just passed through. But you know what? it was mine as well. Not coming to this reunion will be a regret.

I came from an all girls’ school, nerdy, unfashionable, in awe of all of you privileged types. S6 was a miserable year, will not dwell on it. Suffice to say, I remember some people who were especially kind, thanks Vikram, you brightened many a miserable day.

But something happened in S7. I think the school finally got to me. I always felt later that modern was a school, which, if any child had any talent, managed to bring it out. What changed? Why did the shy, awkward, reticent me suddenly decide to run for house captain? I don’t know, but I won the election fair and square.

The Rajasthan trip. What was it you said GB, I was the “discovery” of the trip. A lot of things you said about me stuck in my memory you know, “ slow on the uptake”, ok but burey phatte bahut marti hai”.

Life was different for the next few months. I loved being with you all, your awful puns GB, Haris’s constant double meanings, Punya’s sheer crazy brain power, Hartosh’s gentle humour and Suri’s attitude. And Mahip how beautiful you were! And Poonam you were not a “grinning idiot” you were light hearted, how much we all laughed, sitting in the front lawns...

The house function. It meant a lot to me you know, that we had “the most successful house function of the year”. And how everyone worked! The flower arrangements, the costumes, the sets, the performances. I sang, at a time when I couldn’t speak for Laryngitis! Still a regret though, couldn’t treat everyone afterwards, the remaining funds mysteriously disappeared. I didn’t handle that well; I was too shocked at the audacity, too heartsick that some people thought I had taken the money. Besides there were the approaching Board exams. So busy preparing for the house function that I scored an Almighty 43% in maths! No, it was time to knuckle down and concentrate on studies.

And life moved on. Why did we not keep in touch? I really valued your friendship Chanda.

And Deepika, some of my best memories are roaming around Janpath with you. Do you remember the cake we shared in Kanishka with the cherry on top? I have never laughed so much in my life! We fell out over your photographs remember? I looked for them for years...

Anyway, to the present. I’m a Developmental paediatrician working with some of the most vulnerable children, married to a wonderful man, with three gorgeous children. Would love to get back in touch with the few people who might remember me.

Kanika Grover (Chopra)