Within five minutes, Hari said “Friends, I had already had an idea in mind. Let’s all hear about something special in life. Like, a person, a thing, a flower, a colour whatever it could be. There will be something special in every individual’s life. Say it and explain why you like it and why it is special for you. What makes you feel for them? We will start with this till we find something more interesting idea. What say?” He raised his thumbs asking for an approval.

“Yyyoooo!!!” We all shouted in approving the idea. “Good. Raise your hands after one finishes his words. I will go first.” He said and started. 

“FRIENDS. I feel this word has a very special feeling in my life. I was nothing without them. Mine is a very small family. It is just me, mom and dad. I don’t have any siblings. As my parent’s was a love marriage, they didn’t get a chance to be accepted by their parents and relatives as well. It’s their friends who always gave them a good support. So, I never had the summer holidays spending with grandparents. Even though they had spent times missing their families, they blamed neither anyone nor each other. I dint see my parents arguing also. We had most of the fun with our friends only. 

Recently, I was away from home for my graduation. Although I have friends there, I missed my family so much. It might be because for the first time I came far from them. Then, I realized, how bad it will be for them and also for their families too. After growing up for more than 20yrs, leaving our families is a huge pain. May be my grandparents couldn’t accept their love because my parents didn’t listen to them. Their elderly ego won’t be satisfied to accept their love. Could they be still the same after these many years, I thought like this. I asked our friend the same. Our Ganesh, he was so confident that they might definitely excuse now, and accept their love. ‘Time heals everything’, he said to me. 

We didn’t look back. I got the address; I and Ganesh went to their house each. Explained everything. First they were little stubborn. We stayed there for two days in both of their homes. They all took a good care of us. I know all their worries are about their lack of confidence in love marriages. I assured them that my parents are so happy and in all the 20yrs of their love life, they were in their best to give me the best except grandparents love. They were very much pleased by the way we convinced them. 

Finally, we took them to my home as my parent’s marriage anniversary surprise. My mom and dad were so happy and that day their smiles and tears have no bounds. Those were the most precious moments for me. For me Ganesh is my special friend. Since childhood, he is like my friend cum brother. He is there for me whenever I needed a brotherly support and a friendly hand. He understood me so well. I am very thankful to god, for giving me such a special friend. Only I know, how much he meant to me. No matter what happens, our friendship will be forever. I promise I will be by his side whenever he needs me to be.” 

“Thank you so much” He said turning to Ganesh.

“Ohhhhhh…..” All the boys shouted in joy.

“Arey. Stop it yaar. It was nothing I did. He is my friend and I did what a friend does to his friend. That’s it.” Ganesh said. “And when did you learn these manners thanking a friend stupid?” He scolded him childishly. And they both hugged each other. 

Everyone started hitting Ganesh and making fun of him. They even started calling him as “HERO”. We girls laughed at the funny scene happening in front of us. 

“Alright Alright. Mine is done. Now it’s turn from girls.” Hari pointed to us.