WHAT REALLY IS FRIENDSHIP?

It was a long conversation with a person I've hardly known for more than a month, that sparked the question - what really is friendship? I realized that all these years, all I've been doing is running after something - in search of a materialistic happiness. Was this right? Why was I always trying to gain more friendships - more relationships? Am I prepared? Maybe not.

Today, a lot wiser and much more thoughtful, I look back to the few relationships that have lasted the test of time. There are very few people I can call friends, truly - Gautam, Neha, Harti, Dianah, Jainita. Maybe that's it. And today, thinking back to the many years we've known each other, these names only evoke guilt within me. Why did I never spend enough time with them? Why did I always take them for granted? Yes, I have been concerned about them - and tried to be there for them whenever they're needed me... but have I really been a good friend? Have I really, really?

But today, I've made a decision. I'm going to really work on the relationships that I've built over these years - because only those relationships that have a strong foundation will carry you through the rest of your life.And these relationships are far more important to me than anything else in the world. These are relationships that have enabled me to grow and become whatever I am today - good or bad. They are the people who have accepted me for who I am - and I love that.

Soon, Jainita will be in another country, just like Gautam and Neha. And I want to make this relationship last whilst she's physically away. Can I?