I met Pooja in kindergarten. We were chadhi buddies in real
sense of the word. From dolls to teenage secrets to notes in college, we shared
almost everything. When she started going out with Prateek, our friendship was
tested. Her mother would call me at any time of the day enquiring about her. I
was an expert at making up stories. Even today, when I think of the excuses I
made for Pooja, I feel extremely proud!
She moved to another city after marriage. We kept in touch
through phone calls and text messages. But slowly we both got busy in our lives
and spoke only on birthdays or special occasions. We always started from where
we left, but it was not as good as before.
When Pooja conceived her first child, Prateek was asked to
go to America by his company. It was a time when a lot of people were being laid off
and so, he could not refuse. Pooja went to stay with her in-laws and that is when
the real trouble began.
One day, in her eight month, she called me. I was surprised
to hear her crying at the other end. She told me she was missing Prateek and
was not comfortable with his parents. She wanted to go to her parents place but
because of certain customs, she was not allowed to. It was a very tough time
for her and she didn’t know what to do.
That’s when I decided to renew our friendship just like the
old days. I gave her a video call every single day to ask how she was doing. We
discussed our past stories, our school days, our college life and everything
that we shared in the years gone by.
She started to feel better very soon. My calls were like a
whiff of fresh air in her dull, boring routine. Her in-laws were not bad
people; she was just missing her normal life and her husband. This was the time
when she needed him the most but could not have him.
But #together we solved these problems. Ofcourse I could not
replace her husband (thank God for that!!) but I could give her the laughter
and optimism that she needed. Being in America, Prateek struggled with the time difference. That
was another problem that Pooja faced. Thankfully, I was in the same time zone
and she felt relieved.
Prateek came back when she was just about to deliver the baby. I am
glad they could be #together at that magical time in their life. The little
one, Maisha, calls me Maasi. Pooja
and Prateek say that they are forever indebted to me for her mother's well-being at
a crucial time. But really, the pleasure
is all mine! That was indeed a memorable time for me and I am happy I could be with her and give her the strength and motivation to look up.
A real friend is one who is there when needed.That way you have proved yourself a true friend by being a great support when pooja needed you most and giving her cheer.
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