In a flash, memories can whisk us back to some of the most intriguing moments of our lives. For me, one such time-travelling escapade often lands me back in primary school, where I made the monumental leap from grade 5 to grade 6. It was during this time that I journeyed from learning the alphabet to crafting simple sentences in English. By the end of the school year, much to my teacher’s amazement, I could write in cursive, joining letters in a smooth, flowing script.
Writing assignments were a staple in our English class, and we were tasked with composing “essays” of 50 to 150 words. I vividly remember topics like “A Dog as Man’s Best Friend,” the benefits of cows, and timeless tales such as “The Thirsty Crow,” “The Fox and the Sour Grapes,” and “The Tortoise and the Hare.” We were also asked to draft formal applications to the headmaster requesting leave for reasons such as illness.
One assignment that still sticks with me was describing my best friend. Writing about a best friend wasn’t particularly challenging, thanks to the help of older family members and my own innocent imagination. This exercise instilled in me the importance of friendships and the joy of cultivating them.
Over the years, I’ve built a tapestry of relationships, from casual friends to close friends, family friends, and best friends. The adage “a friend in need is a friend indeed” holds true, but thankfully, crises are rare. Most of the time, friends help fulfill our social needs, providing informal, happy, and entertaining moments together, like playing the exciting game of Teen-Patti, win or lose!
During these relaxed occasions, we enjoy each other’s company, whether vacationing, dining, or simply grabbing coffee together. We discuss, argue, and debate a wide range of topics, sharing experiences and insights. As we age, friends often become like family, offering common experiences and mutual support.
As the saying goes, “There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends who become family.”
Promod Puri.com 