Sentence:  All about me there was a hectic interplay of meetings taking place , like abrupt , jerky scenes in old silent movies , joyous <WSD>greetings</WSD> and beginnings , huggings and kissings , enthusiastic forays into the festive night . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)