Tanvi usually spent her mornings in the park before going to the office. She worked as a copywriter in an advertising agency and hated spending her entire day in front of the computer screen.
Alas, she had no choice.
This park was only 5 minutes away from her office, perfect for mornings. Tanvi felt her day was incomplete if she didn’t come to the park, so every morning, she reached there sharp at 9 a.m.
She would have appreciated the sunrise, damp green grass, and fresh air on a typical day. She simply loved it. But this morning was not usual. It was an unusual morning for her. Tanvi was waiting for Ram. She reached for something in her handbag. She removed a small box from it. She opened the box. A finger ring made of gold, embellished with a solitaire diamond, sat inside it like a king. She touched the ring warmly and closed the box. She kept the box in her handbag.
She first met Ram in this park.
Ram
Her lips smiled as she thought about him.
Then the smile was gone. She grew nervous. She was as shy as any girl would be to say those words. She was hoping for a positive reply. She prayed that they would at least remain friends. If he didn’t appreciate her feelings, his friendship was her world.
Two years ago, Tanvi first met Ram in this park. She instantly felt a special connection with him. She liked him and, in no time, they became best friends.
Tanvi always appreciated Ram’s honesty and caring personality. She found his caring attitude very attractive.
Seating on the wooden bench. Tanvi was thinking about him. Time flew, and her nervousness grew.
Tanvi’s moment of truth was here. From the corner of her eye, she saw him coming. He had a pleasant smile on his face. Tanvi loved his smile.
‘Good morning, Tanvi.’
‘Good morning to you too, Ram,’ she replied.
He had a bouquet of pink roses in his hand.
‘Is this for me?’ asked Tanvi.
Ram said he got this bouquet for his colleague.
Tanvi was disappointed to hear a ‘no.’ She felt the day was jinxed, so she contemplated postponing the critical conversation. Just then, Ram spoke.
‘You called to share something,’ said Ram.
‘Yes, I got something to confess,’ said Tanvi.
Ram looked at her attentively.
She removed the same small box from her handbag, gave it to him, and said, ‘I am sorry. I can’t accept this ring. I can’t accept your proposal. You are my friend, but I don’t love you. Can we be friends? I don’t want to lose your friendship. Your friendship means the world to me. Can we please stay friends, yes or no?’
Ram cried out in agony. He quickly turned away from Tanvi and started walking out of the park.
Tanvi stood there, hoping for Ram’s cheerful reply.
What will he say- yes or no?
Moral: True friendship is like Wi-Fi, which connects automatically when you enter your house.
Happy Reading!
Check out Nisha B Thakur's highly appreciated novel, The Unexpected Trail.