Definition of happiness

I had reached my friend Sakshi's home. I was waiting for my other friends to join. At Sakshi's home for Pooja a lot of her relatives had arrived and I just wanted some of the familiar people with me. I texted my other friend Madhu who had promised me that she was going to join, "where are you? I am at Sakshi's home waiting for you. Come quick." Within a minute or two after sending the message my phone buzzed, "Will reach in 10 minutes" Madhu's response made me a little relived. I felt relaxed because I will have to be in pool of steangers for 10 more minutes and once Madhu is here I will be with her.

Madhu arrived 10 minutes later. I was seeing almost after 5 years. She had changed a lot. She looked as if she has aged by 15 years. There were deep wrinkles on her face. She had a lot of grey hair. She had lost weight. She was looking little frail as if she had been unwell. When she saw me, she smiled, and approached me.

"Good so see you. We are meeting after such a long time," she said while hugging me.

"Great to see you too. How are you?" I hugged her back. It was a mixed feeling to see her. I was happy to meet her but also worried about her.

"I am good. Time just flies. I cannot believe we are meeting after so many years. You have not changed a bit," she said while looking at me.

"Thank you. It is all because of well wishers like you," I was hesitant bring up the topic about her appearance but I was worried for her health. I finally asked her, "Madhu you look very frail. Had you been unwell?" It was a very difficult to be polite while asking this question but knowing her very well I knew she could not get offended.

" Healthwise I am good," she said but I could sense the sadness in her voice.

"And otherwise?" I asked her. It was not because of curiosity but rather because I was worried.

" Otherwise let's see it this way. My work is going good. Recently I switch a different project. But I am enjoying the work. Everything is fine at home," when she said that there was an uncertainty in her voice. That told me not everything was fine at home. Something at home was bothering her. So I decided to be direct with her.

"What is bothering you Madhu? Clearly there is something that is affecting you and your health," I knew I would not get a direct answer but I had to ask.

" I don't know how to tell you. I have not told anybody. But I think it is the time for me to speak out about this. Things are not going good between me and Subodh. Subodh is in a really bad people. He calls them friends but they are destroying his life. Everyday they take Subodh out and Subodh comes back completely drunk. When I confronted him he said that he wants to socialize. But that does not mean every day he should come back like this. Earlier it was a once a week now it is everyday. It is really becoming hard for me to stay with him," Madhu was fighting back her tears.

"I thought Subodh was a teetotaler," I was completely surprised because that is what I thought.

" Same. Before we got married he told me that he does not smoke or a drink. But now I feel deceived. I spoke to his mother and she says that I should give him the freedom. I am okay to give him the freedom but it does not mean every day he should lose his consciousness. I am not okay with this. I am tired of his lies," she was choking on her tears. It felt like she really wanted to vent out. She added, "I used to tell you to get married. But now let me apologize and say do not get married. Nobody in this world is trustworthy". Madhu got up and left. I was a totally shocked. We had a very brief discussion but during that I realised the struggle that she is going through on a daily basis. It was true that I had no words to console her but she did not even give me a chance extend her some support. When she stormed of I knew that it was unbearable for her to hold the tears.

Later that evening I texted her, "anytime you need any help please let me know".

She texted back, "yes I know you would be there for me. Thanks for listening to me and sorry for leaving you early. I have a long road ahead". I really did not understand what she meant by long road ahead but I decided that what ever it is I will standby my friend.