Mira

It was the first day of our college. I had entered the classroom and found a seat which I found to be comfortable - neither too away from the professor nor in the front. It was somewhere in the middle. By that time I had become very confident and was not afraid of other student's judgements. I saw a girl entering the classroom and trying to find a spot to sit. She thought I would be friendly and asked me if she can sit next to me. I said yes and that is how I met Mira.

As we spent more time together both of us realised that we have a lot in common. Each day I felt that our friendship was growing and we were getting closer. We would share our dreams, hopes, and fears with each other knowing that the other one would not judge. Mira had always dreamt of a luxurious and comfortable home. She had no aspirations to work. While I was completely opposite. I wanted to work and make a mark in corporate. This is where we diferred.

Mira and I used to study together as well. Whenever we would study together we would always find it to be comfortable and enjoyable. Everyone at my home new Mira and everyone at her home new me very well.

During the college years I used to feel that I have made a friend who would stay with me lifelong. Unfortunately as the studies ended I found the reality. As our results were out I was on the hunt to search for the job. While Mira's parents decided to find a suitable groom for her. I was attending the job interviews while she was meeting the suitable candidates. This did not affect me because I always knew what she expected out of her life.

A couple of months later I had secured a job in an organisation. I had been working as well as studying for post graduation. Mira had not been working but she also started pursuing a post graduation degree. We were still in touch with each other. We would meet once in a month which later on reduced to once in 3 months. Both of us very busy with our lives.

Then came a news. Mira's wedding was fixed. However the news reached me from a classmate, not from Mira. I was still happy for her because I knew it was what she wanted. But I felt a little sad as why would she not share this news with me. This was the first time when I felt that our friendship is no longer close and we are drifting apart. I decided not to confront her on this issue.

A few months passed and Mira had still not informed me about her engagement and wedding. One day I received a text from Mira where she had shared her wedding invitation with me. This made me upset and angry. I could not understand how Mira felt that informing a close friend via a generic text message is sufficient. I was expecting at least a phone call from her but it never came. Still I decided to hide my disappointment and I messaged back, "congratulations".

She replied it a couple of hour later, "wedding is on a weekday. I guess you will not be able to attend. It must be a workday for you".

This text made me sad. She had already assumed that I would not attend her wedding or maybe she did not want me to attend her wedding. Sending the invitation was just a formality for her. Now I decided not to hold back any further. I texted, "I was planning to attend your wedding but looks like you do not want me there. I will fulfill your wish".

A few hours later I received a response from her "okay". This reply definitely did bring tears to my eyes. This was the moment I felt that a friendship that I worshipped for all these years I have finally ended. The friend whom I considered a sister is now a stranger to me. Needless to say that now we are not in touch with each other.