True Friends
Mehak and Babbu had been inseparable since their first year at college. From the moment they met in the bustling corridors of their university, they knew they had found a lifelong friendship. Mehak was the more reserved of the two, an intelligent, ambitious girl who loved books and had dreams of becoming a successful writer. Babbu, on the other hand, was a free spirit, always up for an adventure, and had an infectious laughter that could brighten up the gloomiest of days.
Their friendship was forged in the small moments: late-night study sessions, impromptu food trips, and deep conversations about life. They were different in many ways, yet complemented each other perfectly. Mehak kept Babbu grounded, while Babbu ensured that Mehak didn’t miss out on the fun aspects of college life.
One evening, as they sat on the rooftop of their hostel, sipping on chai, Babbu looked at Mehak and said, "Mehak, do you ever wonder what life will be like after college? Will we still be this close?"
Mehak smiled. "Of course, Babbu. No matter where life takes us, our friendship will always remain."
Little did they know, life had its own plans for them.
The Unexpected Opportunity
During their final year, Mehak got an offer from a prestigious publishing house in Mumbai. It was her dream job, but it also meant moving away from Babbu. She was overjoyed yet conflicted. When she told Babbu about it, she expected her best friend to be ecstatic. Instead, Babbu remained silent for a long time.
"That’s amazing, Mehak. But... I don’t know what I’ll do without you," Babbu admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mehak took her hands in hers. "Babbu, this doesn’t mean we’ll drift apart. We will always be best friends."
Babbu forced a smile. "I know. But it won’t be the same."
The Goodbye and New Beginnings
The day Mehak left for Mumbai was emotional. Babbu stood at the train station, trying her best to hold back tears. "You better not forget me, Mehak."
Mehak laughed, her own eyes misty. "As if I ever could."
The first few months were tough. They talked every day, but calls and messages could never replace their in-person adventures. Babbu, still in college, felt a strange emptiness. She immersed herself in her studies but couldn't shake off the loneliness.
Meanwhile, Mehak was thriving in Mumbai. She was learning, growing, and slowly making a name for herself in the literary world. But even with all the excitement, she missed Babbu terribly.
A Rift in the Friendship
As time passed, their conversations became less frequent. Mehak was often busy with work, while Babbu felt like she was no longer a priority. One day, Babbu saw a picture of Mehak with her new colleagues at a party. The caption read, “Best night ever with my new family!" That was the last straw for Babbu.
Hurt and feeling abandoned, Babbu stopped calling. Days turned into weeks, and soon months passed without them talking. Mehak noticed but assumed Babbu was just caught up with college life.
It wasn't until Mehak visited home during the holidays that she realized something was truly wrong. She went to Babbu’s house, only to find her best friend distant and cold.
"Babbu, what’s wrong?" Mehak asked, confused.
"Nothing. You seem to have a new family now. Why do you even care?" Babbu snapped.
Mehak was taken aback. "What? Babbu, you're my best friend. No one can replace you."
Babbu sighed. "Then why does it feel like I don’t matter anymore? You didn’t even realize how much I missed you."
Realization hit Mehak hard. "I’m so sorry, Babbu. I got caught up in my work, but that was never an excuse to neglect you. You are, and will always be, my best friend."
Babbu, seeing the sincerity in Mehak’s eyes, softened. "I missed you, Mehak. More than words can say."
Rekindling the Bond
From that day on, they made an effort to stay connected. Mehak visited Babbu more often, and Babbu even traveled to Mumbai to see Mehak’s new world. They learned that true friendship isn’t about being together all the time but about always being there for each other, no matter the distance.
Years later, when Babbu opened her own café in their hometown, Mehak was the first person there, sitting in a corner, writing her next novel. They had grown, changed, and built their own lives, but their friendship remained untouched by time.
And just like they had promised on that hostel rooftop, they remained the best of friends—forever.
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