Best Friends Forever

They never liked each other when they first met in their Std.1 classroom. They argued and fought all the time. If it hadn’t been for their class teacher Mrs.Pillai who had made them forcibly sit together as a punishment, Jai and Roger wouldn’t have been friends to this day.

It all started by sharing a textbook with each other, extending to pencils, pens and all the possible stationery in the world. Within a span of few days, they became inseparable at school. They did everything together from playing to studying to pulling pranks on their classmates. In school, they were referred mostly as Jai-Veeru rather than Jai-Roger. Through the kids, their parents also became family friends.

During their teenage years, they had a crush on the same girl Preeti from their class. But the girl didn’t come in the way of their friendship as both were unaware of a third wheel in the middle. Days passed into months and months passed into years. Jai and Roger eventually ended up in the same college doing the same course. They were a team together, unstoppable and always by each other’s side in all situations.

Personality wise, both of them were drastically different. While Jai was the talkative and naughty one, Roger was a quiet and sensible student. They always made up for each other’s shortcomings and weaknesses, being constantly supportive of each other. Most of the times, Roger would save Jai from his parents whenever he fell in trouble. Reason being, Jai’s parents trusted Roger more than they trusted Jai himself.

When Roger fell in love with Cynthia, Jai was the first person to know; much before the man in love realized it himself. It wouldn’t have been difficult for anyone to guess who the best man at his wedding was. With time and responsibilities, their meetings reduced to less than a half. But they made sure they made up for lost time whenever they met on a Sunday with their families. At times, their wives chose not to accompany them as the best friends ignored them completely when they were together.

Through their parents, Jai and Roger’s kids too became good friends. Thanks to them, the friendship between their families was shared by three generations altogether. Everything was perfectly fine until Roger announced his decision of moving to Canada for better career prospects. For the first time ever in all these years, Jai and he had an argument. They didn’t speak to each other for a few days until they couldn’t hold back any longer. No matter how difficult it was for Jai to let his friend go, he had to respect his decision eventually.

Jai organized a grand farewell party for Roger and invited all their common school and college friends. Their first crush Preeti too made it to the guest list. Even though all three of them were married now, the best friends still couldn’t stop gushing over her. At the airport, they hugged each other as tightly as they could, trying their best to treasure it for life. Even though Roger promised Jai that he would stay in touch, Jai did not seem so convinced. Twenty years down the line, Jai was content with the fact that his friend had proved him wrong.

First, they stayed in touch through e-mails and phone calls. Later, technology played a greater role with Whatsapp and Facetime coming in the picture. They video called each other and talked for hours on end, discussing the good old days and pulling each other's leg. Roger visited India once in every 5 years. And when he did, he always received a grand welcome. Jai visited him once with his family too. As a matter of fact, they still ask each other for suggestions and discuss each other’s problems.

In all these years, they made sure nothing came in the way of their friendship and love for each other. Neither a girl nor the distance and time difference between the two countries they resided in. They were, are and always remained Best Friends Forever.