Friends, Forever

Mrs Shuba called both Ramesh and Nikhil. They had been playing for over 2 hours in the PlayStation. Mrs Shubha said ' Nikhil, it's time for you to go home'. Both Nikhil and Ramesh whined. Nikhil's father had come to pick him up. "Adios, my friend," Ramesh said. They were studying in 7th standard and were really talkative boys. Their goal was one, to succeed in life as computer technologists. For that to happen, they had to get the top ranks. And they did. Every year they got their proficiency awards and were really proud of each other.

When they were studying in 12th standard, their friendship was put to a test. During the marks and seat allotment for computer technologists, only one seat remained and it either went to Ramesh or Nikhil. The announcement went like this, “The final seat will go to Ramesh!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Nikhil’s heart sank.

He slipped out of Ramesh’s congrats party and sat on the terrace. Leema came upstairs and found Nikhil alone. She asked, ‘When your friend is celebrating, you should be there wish him. Instead, what are you doing here?’ Nikhil replied, ‘I should’ve gotten that seat. Now what am I supposed to do? Tell me Leema, what should I do? My dreams are shattered. I have to go home with a heavy heart today. I cannot bear to ask my family for a re-year. It would be really above our financial conditions.’ Leema replied, ‘It’s not like your entire life is gone. You still have many chances. Your problem is that you don’t have money, right?’ Saying this she removed her ring and necklace and gave it to him. Nikhil told, ‘I cannot accept this. I won’t be able to repay this to you.’ Leema simply smiled and said, ‘I don’t want you to.’

After this, for a few years, the friends were separated.

5 years later

Nikhil and Ramesh are sitting in their room and discussing about the next OS launch while Leema is coming in. ‘Hey guys! Having a good time?’ she asked. ‘Yes we are!’ they replied. Nikhil spoke up, ‘Ramesh, I am really sorry for not being with you during your happiest moments. Thank you for forgiving me even after I left you. Leema, you are the best person in this entire world. You helped in my bad times and made me realise what true friendship meant. You mean a lot to me. I have a question for you.’ ‘What is it?’ Leema asked. “Will you go out on a date with me?” Leema nodded yes and the entire room burst into happy tears.