There was a time when “Archie” as Neha used to call her, didn’t have a lot of friends. She was a bit shy and reserved. She never really wanted to be popular, but she did want to have someone to share secrets and laughs with. All through junior school, though, she just slipped in and out of “light” friendships where she didn’t find a lot of comfort or companionship.
When it came time to go to secondary school, Archie was quite nervous. She was going to be rooming with someone she didn’t know. There wouldn’t be a single person she knew in the new school. She had no idea how she was going to make friends in this new environment.
The first week of classes, something happened that changed Archie’s life forever. In the class, all the students were asked to share a little about themselves. When Archie turn came she told everyone where is came from and all of the other ordinary details that students share in such situations. The final question for each student was always the same: “What is your goal for the this class?” Now, most of the students said “to get a good grade, pass the class or something similar”, but for some reason, Archie said something entirely different. She said that her goal is to make just one good friend.
While most of the students sat in silence, one student came to Archie and held out her hand and introduced herself. She asked if she would be her friend. The whole room was silent – all eyes focused on the Archie and the hand extended just in front of her. She smiled and stretched her hand out to take her and a friendship was formed. The other girl was Richa and it was a friendship that lasted all through the school. After a day Neha became her friend too as Neha and Richa were the best friends since class 1st. They three rocked the secondary school and it was a friendship that turned into more than friendship. It was a friendship that brought three people together.
Neha, Richa and Archie learned the power of asking for what they want, being honest and taking action. They learnt that the term friends forever is something that makes them smile, no matter how young or old they are. Friends forever mean a gift that is very rare indeed, and should be cherished. But even friendships that don’t last as long as they are supposed to are amazing gifts as well. Archie is not in contact them with them anymore. No idea where is she. Neha and Richa hardly talk to each other now. But those cherished moments bring smile to their face today as well.
