Ruhi was turning the pages of the album of her daughter's birthday event. Amidst the happy and glowing faces, she could easily make out her own gloomy face.
It's been 6 years now that Prince was relocated to another city. Prince and Ruhi were both strangers coming from two different families and backgrounds but shared a great passion for arts, theatre, and music. They both never imagined that a casual meeting of them will change their life forever. The first time they met in one of their common friend - Aarti's marriage reception. The first thing Ruhi noticed about Prince was his adorable and charming nature, the graceful and appealing smiling curves on his face, and the confident lines giving some or the other message. After the first meet, Prince was her writing pal. They shared all the highs and lows, supported each other, gave each other the strength and inspiration, laughed, cheered, and cried as well. Gradually things changed and time passed. Ruhi got busy in her job hunting and later in spouse hunting and got settled happily. Prince also kept busy in his professional life.
Prince and Ruhi were an equal mental companion who understood each other so well, they valued each other's presence. They were on some sort of intellectual and spiritual flight which will never land on the ground. They were very close to each other and had different perspectives on life. The letters and messages which they wrote to each other were not romantic but more platonic. Ruhi and Prince wanted to continue their friendship even after Ruhi's marriage, but she never gathered the courage to convince her husband Gagan that she liked the mental stimulation, the sharing, and the discussions, which helped her grow as a person and also added quality to her life. It was really painful for her to stay away, as it was really difficult as they both missed the regular conversations. But, She made peace with the fact that at one point one has to let go. She always kept herself busy maintaining her home and taking care of her family. Gagan was very loving and supportive and she never wanted to keep their marriage on stake, as they were happily leading their life. But there were moments Ruhi and Prince terribly missed each other. They both longed to have those scintillating conversations with each other, which they did whenever they face some unique situations in their life. Prince never hindered the personal life of Ruhi as he was very well aware that Gagan and her daughter were Ruhi's first priority. And Ruhi was growing towards a happy future full of quality and stability. They just kept checking each other's social media profiles to know that everything is fine in their lives. Each night, Ruhi gazed at the sky in the hope to see a shooting star and make a wish - Oh God! Please get Prince back into my life! I don't want to lose his friendship. Her soul always craved for him and her ears longed to hear his voice.
Ruhi had invited all her friends and relatives on her daughter's birthday as it was her first, she arranged it on a wide scale. Ruhi asked Gagan if she can call some of her old friends at the party. Gagan agreed, it's almost 3 years now, she was not in touch with Prince. Ruhi took the address of him from Aarti and sent the invite.
Prince after receiving the invite was in dilemma to attend or ignore, but he too was eagerly waiting to meet Ruhi. After so long, Ruhi was immensely happy to find out Prince at the party along with all other friends and their family. She felt elated, that all her prayers were answered. She asked all her friends whether they were keeping fine?
Suddenly she went closer to Prince and asked mockingly- Still single!
Prince replied - Tum nahi mili na!!
Aarti in between- He is still hunting to find someone better than you!!
Aarti was the only person who was well informed about their true friendship and their closeness.
All of a sudden Gagan joined and all kept quiet and changed their conversation.
Ruhi introduced all her friends to Gagan.
Gagan- Hi everyone! Kya Hua Bhai? Carry on your hot talks. By the way, Prince, all are with family, why you alone?
Prince replied humorously- I am still single, ready to mingle!!
After hearing everyone kept on laughing. Thereafter he said, I just got engaged last month.
Ruhi heard what Prince said. She was happy that her best friend has entered the new phase of his life. She wanted to desperately talk to him but was in a dilemma of how Gagan would react if he would see her all alone with Prince. Gagan was an understanding hubby but was somewhat possessive and was deeply rooted in the old traditions. She was afraid that after knowing their closeness will he ever understand their friendship?
Coming back to herself - somehow she managed to gather some secret time and went to Prince.
Thanks for coming Prince! She curled her fist for that final strength and asked him- where were you been? Why you didn't catch up at the time of my marriage and thereafter till now? You didn't even find out how I was doing? I kept on asking Aarti so many times about you, but she too was unaware.
Prince- yeah! I was not in touch with Aarti also, we suddenly met a few months back in a flight and exchanged our numbers. I am sorry dear but I didn't want to initiate as Aarti had already informed me about Gagan soon after your engagement. I thought you are starting your new life, you would have different responsibilities and liabilities, so better to set back. Ruhi you have been always my special friend and our friendship is beyond words. It's an impeccable chemistry, a sorted relationship which brings solace to both of us.
Ruhi - Sometimes I find it difficult without you, Prince.
Prince- I don't know Ruhi, how our partners will take our friendship, and I don't want them to completely misinterpret. As society is still not accepting the friendship of a woman and a man so openly. I do adore you, as you do my friend. We will be friends and will be in touch but the intensity of our relationship and frequency of conversations would be less. We should give time to our partners to understand our relationship.
Ruhi inspite of all pain, hurt and confusion had to accept the truth and after talking to Prince her conscience was absolutely clean. And with all her honesty and modesty she said- Prince, I promise you that our friendship will not disturb my married life. My feelings are true and my intentions are pure to the last cell of my body. Gagan is my life, if he loses, I lose as well. No one can let go of such a beautiful soul! And my only intent to continue friendship is to bring quality to all our lives, and I don't want to hurt Gagan as well as your Fiancee, but at the same time I admit that we share a beautiful relationship and I am ok even if its this way. I assure you that your presence in my life will not overlap Gagan and you are two completely separate important parts of my life.
Prince- Ruhi, I am happy to hear this, It's time for goodbye! I wish you all the good luck in life. May you achieve all that you ever dreamt of... Nevertheless, we are just a phone call away. Distance has never been a factor with us ever. So just take care and we are always there for each other.
Ruhi - Prince, I may or may not be there in your life, but you will be always there in my memories and prayers forever.
Prince fondly--Mein rahoon yan na rahoon, tu mujhme kahin Baki rehna, bas itna hai tujhse Kehna...
Ruhi- You have always been an integral part of my being, my existence. Never forget that. Cheers to our friendship!!
Ruhi's eyes were filled with tears as she never wanted Prince to go, but destiny is never controlled. Life and time have their own ways to make things forward. Her silent gaze filled with tears was the moment that was captured by the photographer unknowingly. It was reminiscent of the beautiful past. Now her daughter is 3 years old since then till date Prince is in prayers and memories. And today by recollecting all the beautiful moments she earnestly desires that one day will come when they all will spend quality time together.
We tend to think love occurs solely between romantic partners, but this is not true. Humans can experience different types of love in various relationships, such as with romantic partners, friends, family, and even strangers on the street. Love without romantic attraction and occurs between parents, siblings, family, or friends. It occurs when both people share the same values and respect each other. Our mind articulates which friends are on the same wavelength and whom we can trust. This type of love is linked with loyalty, compassion, and trust.
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