A Date that Established a Lasting Relationship - Friendship
All of us go through many stages in life; many just pass by, some remain memories and a few leave lasting impressions on our hearts. A date with my friend was one of them.
“Radhika, there’s a call for you. I think it is someone you know, ” said, Malathi. “Thanks Malathi, just take the message and I shall call back later when I am done with this case, ” I retorted. “Hello workaholic, this person on the other side is someone from Delhi and he is in Chennai. He needs your help, ” Answered Malathi. Deepak in Chennai, surprising!
I was really very happy to hear his voice, “Hello, Deepak Where are you in Chennai?” “Hello Radhika, listen to me first. I sent you a mail last evening about my sudden trip to Chennai. I am at the Airport and I don’t know a dam here” I was sorry about that as I hadn’t checked my mails since last evening. “Give me 45 minutes and I shall be there in the Airport.” Oh! No, Adyar to Meenambakkam, at this hour, difficult. Before I was done with the call, Deepak said, “Wait a minute, how do I recognize you?” “Don’t bother shall use my office placard. I am wearing a light chocolate brown sari on a white background.
Deepak was someone I use to chat and work with on the net, almost every day, since last two years. We had never seen each other and this was going to be our first meeting, in person. Hey what day is it? August 22nd. I reached the airport in a hurry, took the office placard from the car and dashed to receive him.
Though attire and appearance are very individualistic, I was amazed to see a person so simple with absolutely no airs.
“You are very traditional and a typical Madrasi. I was expecting someone very different. You wear long hair and jasmine flowers! You seem to be very different.” I didn’t know what he would say if he saw me in a typical nine yards saree, he would faint. I laughed to myself.
I took him out for dinner that evening immediately after office. New Woodlands was the closest from his place of work and I thought the ambience and food at Vrindavan would be the best for a pleasant evening like this.
I wasn’t aware that Deepak was very good in astrology and face reading. While dropping him back at his hotel, he said “I can see it in your eyes, you are not happy in life. I know I am being too personal but, I know something about this. If you want to speak, I am sure we can do something about it’’. His words really choked me and I couldn’t control myself. Tears rolled down. I just thanked him and drove away.
Yes, I needed a friend in whom I could confide, but was always apprehensive of even mentioning anything. I am not the kind who has many friends and the few I have at office were good, but never felt it right to discuss my problems with office staff and personnel. How could I think of telling him anything? Will he understand me? Many had told me that I was a tightly closed bottle and one day would definitely burst out. I was in fact; the bottle was breaking slowly at the edges. I used to wake up with a nightmare, talk and sob in my sleep.
August 22nd, a date with my friend, Deepak was the beginning of a new dawn in my life. I began looking at things in a totally different perspective, spent more time identifying my potential and talents, there was a new meaning to my existence and for the first time, I felt the need to walk ahead in life with confidence and determination.
In a mechanical life like today, where man has no time for himself, leave alone others and where relationships seem to be losing ground, a true friend and a healthy relationship could change the world for you. Today, if I am better off and confident of myself, it is because of a good friend like Deepak and my family members. I am thankful to God for sending me a friend, who felt the need and urge to make my life more meaningful and purposeful.
Some dates in life remind you of a nightmare and some of good and pleasant memories.