Friendship

I remember the first time I met Disha. She was that Indian girl with burgundy hair who had just joined University. A friend introduced us and being a Pakistani, I was excited at the prospect of having a friend from across the border. And you know sometimes you meet someone and it clicks? That’s what happened with us; right from our first conversation we knew we’d be great friends!

We were so similar, we both loved desi food. And then one day, Disha invited me over for lunch. Her family prepared the yummiest meal and her Nani insisted I call her Nani. They even spoke my mother tongue–Gujarati! It was like being home!

And after that meeting, Disha’s family treated me like their own. Whenever I’d miss home, I’d shamelessly tell Aunty, ‘Mujhe dhokla khana hai.’ And the next day, I’d be at Disha’s home, relishing dhokla and chutney!

Our other friends called us, ‘Two peas in a pod.’ We’d do everything together. Even our birthdays are 7 days apart. So, we’d throw combined birthday parties. We were even neighbours for a while, and every evening, we’d be at each other’s house either eating biryani or relishing a Gujarati meal! I’d even take trips with her family!

Even after college, nothing changed! I’d borrow her clothes for dandiya raas, while any celebration at home was incomplete without her–be it a birthday or Eid. And honestly, our nationality was never an issue. Sure, sometimes, our political ideologies clashed, but we learnt to respect each other’s opinion. At the end of the day, we’re the same people with the same history and values; there’s a sense of belonging! And that strengthened our friendship.

And 20 years later, I can say that the 2 of us have shared a life–from failing diets to getting married, from experiencing motherhood to being long distance friends; we’ve stuck by each other through thick and thin.

Disha’s moved to Bombay; I last saw her 5 years ago, and although I miss the proximity, we make the most of technology. All life decisions, however big or small, are always run by the other–that’s the pact! Well, there is one more pact– to be neighbours again! It’s been a while since I ate those mouth watering dhoklas and my taste buds are ready for a feast!