The 1st sunday of August, 2011

The time was 3:30 pm, Aug 7, 2011. I was trying to get a nap.. Well, all thanks to the headache which was gripping me so hard that I was in a pain-100 situation! Just then, I heard a knock. Though feeble, it sounded like a cannon to me! I opened it with fury, ready to blast the one who knocked. But there was not one, there were three. Three kids, of my neighborhood. And, the instance I opened the door, they shouted in chorus, “happy friendship day!” It was as if a fireball of guilt fell o’er my heart. One, because or the fury which I was about to show (hopefully I didn’t). Two, I couldn’t wish many of my friends the same!

Coming back to the door, the kids tied me friendship bands in my hand. They were fancy, cute and one of the bands even had a bell attached.

“I am sorry. I don’t have bands for you all..”

“No need bhaiya.. Just be with us always.”

Ah.. those words which I expected outta every comrade and friend was said by these kids.!

The next 15 mins, I sat o’er my bed, thinking what wrong I did to lose some of my friends and what right ingredients I have that some are still with me! Then I thought of writing down this paradox, and yes, I’m writing it. For namesake, my friends count exceeds 150. But I don’t know how many are of the “sticking till the end” type and how many are of the “passing cloud” type..

At times, I get reminded of an aphorism which is – “Never stop expecting”. And, many a times I’m forced to recall my own quote – “Expectations Hurt”.

OK.. Sad part aside..

Here’s V.K. wishing you a very happy belated friendship day.

That smile! Keep that on your face until India is free of corruption! That’s what I wish for. And remember amigo; Friendship Day is not to confine the festivity of friendship to 1 day (as what happens in every individual’s birthday!); the 1st Sunday of august is a reminder that you have friends to wish, to enjoy, to celebrate.!