Through the misty lenses of time, I fondly remember Manish Patwari, a beacon of exuberance. His radiant smile and warm, friendly banter were like sunrays cutting through the mundane.
In a tale narrated by Ashish, an intriguing chapter unfolds. Manish, having recently moved to the then-new Kaveri Apartments in Patna, discovered the wonder of elevators. Back then, elevators were a rare spectacle in our city. Overwhelmed with excitement, he and Ashish embarked on a delightful escapade, joyfully riding the lift up and down, their laughter echoing through the building.
Another vivid memory dawns upon me. I once visited Manish at his home, and together, we ventured to the nearby Hira Place game arcade. Immersed in a spirited bout of car racing and space invaders, we exhausted all our coins and change, caught up in the thrill of the game. Then, the late Rohit Arora (D Lall & Sons), entered. His prowess at the racing game was mesmerizing. As he conquered each level, earning extended playtime, we stood by in awe. Patwari, ever the encourager, cheered Rohit on, his enthusiasm infectious. Each time Rohit surmounted a challenge, his face lit up with a triumphant grin, while we applauded his skill.
Etched indelibly in my memory is a classroom party, a scene painted with youthful joy. Patwari, in his high heels, danced with unbridled zest. His short stature initially made it challenging for those at the back to see him. Sensing this, with Father Harland’s watchful eyes on him, he climbed atop the teacher's table. There, he danced with abandon, moving rhythmically to some popular Bollywood tune. Father Harland looked on, his grin wide, as he remarked, "Hey, I like the spirit!" His words, a testament to the lively soul that was Manish Patwari.