Dosti

This post is dedicated to friendship. This nostalgia might be triggered because I am missing my friends back home, in Zurich and scattered around different parts of the world. As time passes we all head out in different directions, explore different things and gradually each one of us gets mired in the trappings of a family life and so the connections seem distant and people move apart. But, this really doesn’t happen. I met a very close friend in Stockholm a few days back (yes in the middle of a working week :D), stayed over at the couple’s place and enjoyed the company of their son and their parents. It seemed like nothing had really changed in terms of our closeness and equations. She still has the capacity to draw me out of a shell and get me talking! It was a frenzied 2 day holiday but completely worth it.
Staying so far away from home can get unnerving if one doesn’t meet the right set of people. I have been lucky in that regard, finding friends who have been almost like family to me. The thesis writing phase upto my job hunting time had been especially hard. A very special friend, amongst other friends, has been my support system all through this time, encouraging me and taking pride in all my achievements. We have shared very intimate problems of ours and instinctively understand each other. We both had been going through a difficult phase but have managed now to get over it. Thank you Dost :). In an especially low moment I cannot forget what you said. It really made my day. Apart from telling me that in another time you would have pursued me and probably got me ;), what especially helped me was your encouragement. ‘G I am very proud of you, you are an intelligent woman and have made it on your own in a city far away from home, earned a PhD and this is the most attractive thing about you’. I may not have quoted the exact words here, but I don’t remember anyone ever complimenting me in so many words and making me feel so good :). A happily married man and doing well for himself now, I will always wish for his success and hope that only the best comes his way.
Three cheers to all my friends, in whatever part of the world you are, you will remain a part of mine!