Untorn

Payal and Nisha, two friends had formed an unconditional, unbreakable bond in a school that was littered with trees, its classrooms laced with their laughter. They were inseparable—from sharing secrets to sharing dreams—they enjoyed the simple joys of life, together. Their friendship was as strong as the ancient oak tree that stood at the edge of their high school, weathering storms and seasons.

As the years passed, life took an unexpected (or rather, expected) turn. Payal found herself drawn to the bustling city, pursuing a career that demanded undivided time and attention. Nisha, on the other hand, remained in the suburbs, tending to the flower garden that had been an active part of their everyday activities.

Letters turned into sporadic texts, and the once-unbreakable bond began to fray. The calls grew shorter, the visits fewer. Days turned into months, and then years.

One spring, Payal received an email invite to the high school reunion event. It had a section adorned with Nisha’s delicate cursive handwriting. Memories flooded back as Payal recognized the handwriting and thus, Nisha’s silent confirmation to attend the event. Payal's heart ached for the companionship she had lost. She decided to go to the reunion, in the hope of rekindling the flame that once burned so brightly.

The day arrived, and Payal found herself standing before the familiar oak tree, its branches swaying in a gentle breeze. Nisha appeared—her smile radiant, lines of time etched gracefully on her face. With a warm embrace, they reconnected, as if no time had passed at all.

As they strolled through the high school premises, memories resurfaced. Payal realized how much she had missed Nisha, life’s littlest pleasures, and the feeling of belonging. Nisha, in turn, marveled at Payal's tales of the city, the adventures, and the fast-paced life.

Sitting by the garden they had once tended together, they opened up about the void that had grown between them. Tears welled up as they shared their fears and regrets. Nothing had changed. Nisha confessed to feeling abandoned, while Payal revealed her guilt for not staying in touch. In that tearful conversation, their bond mended, and they found a home in each other. Like the delicate stitching of a cherished quilt, they sewed the gaps that had formed.

With the sunset casting a golden hue, Payal and Nisha decided to plant a sapling, new. A symbol of their rekindled friendship, a lesson that relationships are like plants—they need plenty of care, nurturing and time to thrive.

And so we know now that even torn bonds could mend, and that the threads of friendship, once woven, could bend but never end.