My first memory of Dave comes in when I was in grade 1. As old as me, he tried to do well in classes but I always did so much better with the help of my teachers and parents. I was regular in class and with homework so that I soon became my teachers’ pet while Dave lagged behind.
The next memory of Dave comes to me when I was still in grade 1 and my sister (then non-school going) along with my parents had gone for a checkup of Ma to the hospital. The school finish time was clashing with the schedule of the hospital. So I was advised to get down from the bus at Dave’s place.
Dave brought in a variety of toys to play and his surprised Ma recovering gave me something to eat which I barely touched when my sister rang the bell to fetch me to go home with my parents who were waiting downstairs. I said, “Dave, I will have to go. Thank you for your time. Bye.” Then I accompanied my sister downstairs to be with my parents.
A few months down the road, our baby sister was born. Between school and home, I watched my sister grow up to 1-year old. My parents thought it would be great to invite guests on her birthday and treat them cake and dinner. In this birthday party, Dave was invited along with his parents. All the children including Dave, my younger sister and myself circled around the table while Ma helped my baby sister to cut the cake. This very scene was captured by my Dad with his colored camera and in it Dave remained. So this picture where Dave stood with us to celebrate my baby sister’s birthday remains in our family album and a pleasant memory.
Another glimpse of Dave I had was on our summer vacation to our native country when my family and I just boarded the plane and while walking through the aisle my parents noticed Dave’s family was seated in a corner quietly. They didn’t say anything and so we decided to keep quiet too. Later the plane had to land in Kathmandu unannounced for refueling when everybody evacuated the plane to get down in Kathmandu airport and so did I along with my family. When we were sitting quietly at the airport, Dave’s family came in and gave their introductions. While our parents chatted happily and excitedly about their current updates, Dave and his little brother stayed aloof from us, the three sisters. He didn’t communicate and neither did we. The plane took off, us being boarded and we didn’t see them at the destination airport and they were lost from our life again.
Later in my life finishing grade 8 in our school abroad, when I entered grade 9 in our home country, I met Dave again all grown up to be 14 years old. We were in the same school until our A-Levels. We weren’t close buddies but we chanced to talk on rare occasions.
In British Council when I appeared for A-Levels, I watched Dave loiter around with his buddies. And that was the last I saw of him.
Later I heard he had gone to US, first studying and then working there. I never chanced to meet him again. But the encounter of glimpses with my childhood classmate would be a good memory to uphold.