It was November 5th, thanks to the reminder in my cell I was updated with Pearl's birthday. She was my Best Friend in College. Certain dire circumstances resulted in her early marriage. She was married when she joined college... seen & experienced a lot at a very young age. She always tried to paint a rosy picture of life in front of me as she felt the vindictive realities if life might hurt me or may be she assumed that knowing it all may deter my interest in life. Whatever it was, I could always understand beyond words. May be that is what friendship is all about- to listen & understand the unspoken words.
Pearl was a girl with oodles of courage, confidence and a great support for everyone around. The beauty of our friendship was short lived. After our college life I got busy with my higher education and she was preoccupied with her family and kids. She did make it a point to call me. I never called her… The frequency of the calls reduced day by day. Initially we spoke on special occasions like birthdays, festivals but now it was only on birthdays.
Yesterday, almost after a year I tried calling her. I wasn’t able to reach her on her number and immediately I called her mother. I asked her mom for her number. To my astonishment her mother didn’t have it. The Number of her only daughter residing in the same city…! I asked if she could give me any other number so that I can convey the birthday wishes. As expected her mother didn’t remember her birthday. I was speechless… she kept talking… She said it is only on certain occasions Pearl calls or comes down to see her.
I was left perplexed. I questioned myself-
Is there an expiry date for emotions too?
Is the only thing that is constant is Change?
