A Bundle Of Contradictions

Dear God (or any other superior being that presides over our lives),
Hi there.  I know, a lot of people out there doubt the fact that You exist. I know, a lot of people out there apparently know that You don't exist (because there's no 'scientific proof' or maybe because they want to sound cool because come on, haters are the 'new cool'.) But, after years of being confused and befuddled whether You're really there or not, I've realized that You are there. You are there within each and every one of us. You're there in the air, You're there in the water, You're there on the earth, You're everywhere. You are infinite and You don't have a typical form. You have a strong presence though, which always, always helps people to move forward. You help people, not directly or magically, but with your mere presence. You're Hope, You're the Light that people find in a dark abyss. You're the Giver of positivity and it's only up…

Today is a special occasion, everyone.

It's not every day that your oldest best friend turns seventeen.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, my oldest best friend, Anushree Natraj, turned seventeen on 4th of November when the clock struck twelve!

I know that the previous line sounds quite dramatic, but such nautanki dialogue are allowed on such special days, nai?

***

Let's begin with a few stories, shall we?

It was nearly twelve years ago (yes! That long!) when I first met Anu.

I don't remember the exact date or the exact moment when we actually met because childhood memories are so distant and so blurry — you hardly remember anything at all.

It's kind of like being drunk, to be honest.

What I do remember about that hazy period was that Anu and I were new girls in our old school. And I do remember that we were in the same class (G Division!) and we had managed to become good friends (you know, the hi-bye-and-play-for-a-while kind, not the ones who exchanged friendship bracelets…