The royal lounge of sisterhood

The huge Women’s Association Hall in Kochi was reverberating with laughter and excited squeals. There were over 200 women there. Many were seen hugging, some of them sobbing. It was an emotional ‘family’ get-together of women. Family of women! Curious, isn’t it? Queens Lounge is the name of the family, a Facebook group formed a year back, which now has over 800 members. A secret group, the Queens Lounge comprises women from all walks of life, from fighters who rose from the ashes and made it big, to lonely homemakers whose only connect to the world outside is this lovely group of women who keep on inspiring each other. This big girls’ gang talks about everything under the sun — from personal matters, current affairs, politics, religion, beauty tips to forgotten talents like writing, singing, dancing, painting, embroidery, baking and even mimicry! At the gathering — their first annual meet — the Queens have brought out a book, Ottanirathil Maranjirunnavar, a compilation of their ‘jottings’.

Members of Queens Lounge

Queens from all over the world have come together to pen memoirs, notes, stories and poetry, which became the book that was released by noted writer Benyamin, by handing over the first copy to actress Rima Kallingal. 

Many — close friends on Facebook — were meeting each other for the first time. From giggles and shrieks to teary-eyed hugs, the air was filled with excitement. Children bonded over little games and men — fewer in number — chatted and watched the school girl-like exhilaration of their spouses in awe.

Seventy-year-old Aysha Kader, the senior most member of the group, can’t hide her happiness. “When I joined this group, I was not the person I am now. After the death of my husband and with children settled in their lives, I was very sad and depressed and had nothing to live for. But after joining this group and befriending these women, I am feeling alive. I have become a different person,” comments says Aysha, who has travelled all the way from Hyderabad to Kochi, alone, to meet her buddies. Rajani Nair, a Chennai-based entrepreneur in her 60s, refers to Queens Lounge as her home. She is the mother figure, the agony aunt and the ultimate inspiration for all the group members. “All these are my children. After my three daughters got married, I got engrossed in my business. Now I feel like I have a lot many daughters. There is so much love around,” she feels.

The magical love of camaraderie is what made Ammu Andrews fly down from Italy to Kochi to meet the girls. Many others landed in Kochi from places as far as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai a day before and the Kochi Queens gladly hosted a sleepover. However, there are many, who couldn’t make it to the big day only because their families didn’t let them. Even then, there were a few who had to sneak in without their spouses’ knowledge.

“Usually, a women’s get-together is seen as a gossip meet. Even our films largely project that such meets are to be looked down upon, whereas female bonding has great power to heal, motivate and spread positivity. Queens Lounge is an inspiring platform where you can vent out your feelings and find a lot many people who support you. Not all are lucky to get such a great group of friends. Also, this is a befitting reply to all those who talk against social media, which, in fact, is a huge life-changer for women like me,” says Deepa Shaji, a Kochi-based homemaker.

The meet also had a cultural event section where many stepped on to the stage after years with dance performances, skits, Ottan Thullal, poem recitation and songs, as the crowd cheered, danced and booed with no inhibitions. Hope more groups like these blossom and spread light and happiness in the lives of all women who are conveniently glorified as epitomes of selflessness and are being deprived of little pleasures, time to themselves and above all, female friendship.