Nagma Sinha shares a tender tale of friendships, affection, and longing that also sheds light on the impact of its absence in our lives.
Meera did not have any friends. It is not that she wanted to be detached from the human species, but she lacked the quality of developing deep ties with people she had known for a long time. She was also averse to adapting to an unfamiliar environment with strangers. She had never been successful in finding friends who could fit into her space and gradually adapted to her solitary life. As time passed by, she forgot how it was to have a close friend who would be there for her whenever she needed them during happy and stressful times.
One fine day, she got connected with an old classmate from school after a gap of more than a decade. Being out of touch for so long made them have formal interactions in the beginning, but with the passing months, they drew closer to each other, and opened up more about their lives, reminiscing their growing-up years together. Meera had uncovered a hidden gem from an archaeological site. Now, there was no looking back. Meera and Aryan would take out time to talk and debate with each other about matters ranging from current affairs, socio-economic, politics, literature, food, health, culture, different events in their lives, and started conversing about their daily routines. Meera felt proud of herself for finally having someone by her side who could be available for her whenever she needed him. However, amid closeness, the relationship grew more than friendship, and in a matter of four months. Meera was head over heels in love with Aryan. She kept the feelings to herself as she was not sure about Aryan’s feelings for her, but she hoped that he felt the same. Everything Aryan would say, Meera would interpret it to be the words of love and affection instead of friendly expressions. When she finally opened up to him, Aryan did not look happy.