Not everyone is a friend

Varshu trusts everyone easily. She believes that no one harbors ill will and assumes everyone is as honest as she is. She has had many friends from her school days through college, sharing laughter, conversations, and memories with them.

Being constantly surrounded by friends made her feel very lucky.

But one day, her life took an unexpected turn.

Exams were approaching, and there were some issues going on at home. Under that pressure, Varshu became very withdrawn.

One afternoon, while sitting in the canteen with her close friends, she overheard one of them saying with a laugh:

"Do you know what happened to Varshu? Apparently, there are problems at home..."

Hearing those words made Varshu freeze instantly.

This was because she had shared that information only with her best friends.

That day, for the first time, she understood what it felt like to have one's trust broken.

A few days later, friends who had invited her for a group study session deliberately ignored her. Her messages went unanswered, yet photos of them all hanging out together appeared on social media.

Varshu put her phone aside after seeing those photos.

It wasn't just the hurt.

It was the feeling that perhaps she didn't matter to them.

During those days, she didn't talk much to anyone.

But every single day, one message would unfailingly arrive:

"Have you eaten?"

"How are you?"

"I know you are strong."

Those messages were from Nitya.

Nitya didn't make grand promises. She didn't offer empty encouragement. But she made sure Varshu wasn't alone.

Even on the day of the exam, she arrived before everyone else,

smiled, and said,

"Don't worry about the result. Just give it your best."

Those simple words became a source of immense support for Varshu at that moment.

Time passed.

Varshu gradually regained her confidence. She studied hard and achieved a great result.

On the day the results were announced, many people congratulated her.

But more than all those wishes, it was Nitya's smile that brought her the most happiness.

Because there are many who come close once success is achieved,

but very few who stand by us before that success arrives.

That day, Varshu learned a truth:

"Friendship isn't just about the days spent laughing together; true friendship is defined by who stands by your side when you are in tears."