Hi. Hope the last blog gave information about a known politician and unknown poet. We have a method of celebrating each month for a different purpose. For example, the month of February is celebrated for sharing your love towards your beloved, the month of June is celebrated as pride month. Likewise, we are celebrating the month of August for cherishing our friends and bonds with them. Before starting the blog, I would like to thank my friend (Arshad) for suggesting this topic to write on.
Let me share my own experience with my friends that made me feel special in certain situations. Childhood friends are always special. So, I will share my memories of my friend Vasanth. We had studied together from U.K.G to 8th standard. Whenever someone asks me who is your best friend is, the only name that pops up in my mind is Vasanth.
During my childhood, I was crazy about gel pens and lead pencils. But buying them is a dream for me in those days. Those dreams came true by Vasanth. He used to buy them and give them to me. He never asks for it back though it was bought on the same day. During those times, we both were competing to get first rank and second rank in the academic year, but he has the habit of saying, “The first rank always meant for my friend Priyanka.” He proved it too. I still remember we used to fight for many silly reasons, but I was the one who goes back and convinces him. I used to cry if he doesn’t talk and avoids me. We have no secrets between us. I have chocolate covers that he gave me those days (chocolate wrappers of Asai, Alpen Liebe, melody). In grade eight, he switched to Velammal school as his family moved to a new residence. It was unexpected for me, but before he moved he gave me a letter (written by him) which reads as follows: Hello, my dear friend. Don’t worry. Everything happens for a reason. Stay in touch. Take care! Study well. I will come to school weekly to see you. With friendship Vasanth. P
After he left the school, we hardly met each other. On 2008 October 27, he came to my home to give me chocolate for his birthday. As years passed, everything changed. We were not able to say in touch as mobile services were not well developed at those times. We used to talk rarely via SMS and meet each other coincidently on the roadside. Though we are not close enough as before, spend time together frequently till today I haven’t met a person like him. No one can substitute him. Vasanth always remains very special to me. My Friend, Big Brother, Well Wisher, Guide…! He reminds me of a quote, “In a friend you find a second self.”
This incident happened in 2011, September when I was in grade 11. I had a friend called Gayathri, who sits next to me in the class. We used to chit-chat about many things. I don’t remember much about it. The one thing which comes to my mind when I hear about her is “In our school, we had to pay term fees every three months. During those times, our family was not financially stable and struggled hard to pay fees. While I was discussing my situation with her, she just heard from me and went back home. Gayathri called me on the same day at 8 p.m. and said, “Priyanka, let me pay your term fees this time. You can give back the money once your father can arrange it.” I cried over the phone and said thank you so much. But luckily my father was able to arrange the amount of the fees and was paid it on time.
I felt glad to have a friend like her in my life. She reminds me about a friend in need is a friend indeed. But unfortunately, after completing grade 12, we were not in touch. She would have pursued her MBBS degree, I guess. No matter where she is, I will cherish her help forever in my heart.
Some memories about my college friend, I don’t know how we both met and came close to each other. My soulmate Punitha (my darling), To be frank, I don’t like her when we met for the first time. After the first year, we entered into a department (ECE) where we paired into single group during practical lab activities. That was the time we started spending hours together. Slowly we became close to each other. She used to take care of me, helped me to know who am I? What I’m capable of. She always points out my mistake and never supports me in my wrong decision.
Though her life is filled with a pain she always fought against them and proved herself as a survivor. This inspired me about her. We used to hear a quote, have a friend who stays with you through thick and thin. I'm proud to say I have Punitha in my life through thick or thin. We had many fights, disagreements, conflicts between us. But we both never give up on each other. Her views and my views about society don’t match. Still, without discussing among ourselves we won’t take up any decisions.
My first outing, first movie, lunch in a restaurant everything came true because of her. The funniest memory was we bunked the office and went to watch Kaatrin Mozhi movie in Sathyam theatre Thiruvanmiyur. As we both are in the same team (same office) reports to the same person. We need to think a lot to bring up excuses to skip office. We had a habit of watching a movie whenever we were upset or low. On that day, we were not in a proper mood to concentrate and work. So, we planned to skip office. Punitha came up with a plan, that her father came to the office and waiting for her at the entrance. As terms between her and her father are not good, she needs to go down and meet him. Everyone was aware that Punitha and I know each other from college. I used this excuse as an advantage and said to my TL that I can’t leave her alone. So, let me accompany her. We said these things and left the office. The most interesting thing about this made-up story is our friend Yuvi believed everything and felt sorry for Punitha' s situation. Till today no one knows about this biggest lie. There is n number of unforgettable memories we made together.
The bond between us is beyond friends, more like a family. We made a promise that we will be together forever no matter where we are. No daily texts or calls still whenever I feel down, I automatically get a call from her. Kind of telepathy works out between us. Getting an understandable friend is a real treasure. I got one and protecting it with ultimate care. My soulmate who never leaves me!
This bond of friendship is created a year ago. Yes, this might look weird, but I would like to share about my K-drama friend Sesha. Though we were from the same college, the same department we haven’t communicated much. She was well known for her knowledge (technical stuff) in the department and took initiative to teach things (subject-oriented) without hesitation. I contacted her in 2019, as I was in search of a job. She helped me out to find openings in her organization. But it hasn’t worked out. A small bond developed between us. In 2020, due to Covid, everyone was forced to stay inside the house 24/7. That time I slowly started watching Korean series to kill time. Sesha was already into the Korean series. She started texting me to check about my interest in dramas and suggested many series to watch. It created a better understanding between us. Now we are (Chingu) Friends! After spending time with her, I understand her true self and regret the time I wasted so far. But still, I’m happy that I get to know her now. She reminds me of a quote, “Unexpected Friendships are the best one!”
My first birthday cake came true on 2015 July 17 by my gang of friends (Kalai, Mani, Michael, Illavarasan, Nanda, Praveena, Porkodi). As my family ancestors have some superstitious beliefs that celebrating the birthday is not good for the child. So, they restricted my parents from celebrating my birthday with cake cutting. I spent all my birthdays only with chocolate and wearing a new dress. But the 2015 birthday remains the best in my life. Because that was my first time, I celebrated it with cake and had lots of fun with my friends. I went back home with a bag full of gifts. Teddy, Barbie doll, watch, flower with light (lamp), sweets prepared by my friend himself. While writing these lines, those memories are running in front of my eyes. My friends treated me like an angel with lots of love and affection on that day. This memory can never be forgotten or replaced. My happiness! I feel blessed with friends😊
How can I forget my caring soul PK (Prakash Krishnan). I had met him in my first company. At first, I haven’t known much about him. According to my other colleagues, PK seems to be very silent and doesn’t talk much. But once I entered his life, I turned him upside down. He is good at writing Tamil poems. Something special about him is he cares for his friends. Around 2018, I ran into a tight financial problem to manage medical expenses. By observing my situation, PK called me and said “Priyanka, don’t hesitate to ask me if you need anything (money). I’m always there to support you, don’t forget.” He proved to stay beside me in all my ups and downs. Happy to have PK in my life. He reminds me of a quote, “A shoulder to lean on when you are in pain.”
Next comes Aravindraj (mere natpae). Though he was grown up, I can still find a child in him. Getting a genuine friend like him is not easy. He had gone through many hurts, but still, he always encourages everyone to stay happy and work on their dreams. His ways help us to overcome expectations and find happiness in ourselves. He reminds me of a quote, “Work on your dreams.”
Talking about friends and memories about them has no end. So, I will stop here. And I will share the rest of the memories about my friends later. I conclude by saying, “Adore your friends and don’t move apart from each other!” Celebrate your friends every day, not just on friendship day!
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