Varun & Yamini studied in the same school & same class. They were the best of friends. Not a day passed when they didn’t talk, fight, tease, laugh or study together. if ever Yamini was in a mood to study, that is. They were so different from each other. He was a class topper & a natural sportsman while Yamini loved dance, music, drama & craft. Bright, but not interested in studying. He was quiet & sensible, while she was spontaneous & enthusiastic. Their study time together typically looked like this:

V: Today we’ll study trigonometry.

Y: Trigo? That’s easy yaar. We can do it. Why? You have some difficulty with trigo? Want me to teach you??? Heee heee…!!!

V: So tell me what is Sin 2A

Y: Errr… Ya, its.. 2 Sin (A+B)…  No… Wait!!! What was it yaar. Let me check…. Oh yes.. its 2 Sin A Cos A… Anyway, there’s still lot of time for mid-terms. I will do it by then..

V: 20 days left.

Y: WHAT???? Shit, yaar. Tell me something yaar. Whats in the syllabus??!! Whrer’s my book???

V: Who asked you to spend so much time for garba classes?? Garba classes at this time??? Only you can think of such a thing.

Y: You will never know because you can’t dance. It’s an art, my dear.

V: You won’t get marks for Garba. You’ll get marks for THIS.

Y: (Pouts)

V: Ok now. Lets start.

Y: Hey! Lets plan a picnic after exam. We’ll call our whole gang. And yes, your Rita Darling also.. Happy?? How about Alibaug? Or Mahab…………

Yamini was totally dependant on Varun for inspiration & motivation. He brought her up when she felt low. He gave her the right advice. He brought out the best in her. He supported her in her adventurous & at times, childish endeavors. Yamini made Varun’s life colourful. She pumped life in his days. She never let him feel alone or dull. Varun knew that she would never leave his side, come what may. Though she seemed bubbly & child-like, she understood Varun well. She was soft hearted & always needed a shoulder to cry on.

But did they have feelings for each other??

‘What?? Marry Varun?? Let me pass school Man.!! You talking about marriage now??!!! Haa haa. Anyway, Varun is too boring & slow for me!! He is just right for Ms. Beauty-n-no-brains!!!

Rita was Varun’s then girlfriend and Yamini thought she had no brains. ‘Where did YOUR brains go when started on with her?!!! Amusing, Man!!’, Yamini would tell Varun.

The last day of school didn’t affect them much as they had both decided to study commerce in the same college. And as luck would have it, they managed to get into the same college. And yes. Rita went to US for studies & thus, became history. Life was party for 3 years. Yamini managed to make Varun a more social animal than what he used to be. They still spent most of their time with each other in college & classes. Their friendship was famous in the entire college. They were considered as One. They together participated in college festivals, picnics, treks, movie shows &parties. Either, both of them went or none.

College too ended and they decided to walk on different roads. Varun took up Chartered Accountancy while Yamini took up MBA. They continued to stay in the same city but hardly met once a month. They developed a social circle within their professions. They still spoke to each other daily and shared their experiences. Both of them had cellphones now. At times, Yamini didn’t respond to his call or said she was busy. Some times they couldn’t talk for a day or maybe, a couple of days. Those times, Varun would think about Yamini.did She go to college today? What did she wear? Did she pay attention in class? Did she complete the assignments on time? She never does anything on time. She doesn’t take notes. Does anyone help her? Did she get upset over something?

CA was a tough course. Auditing at clients location would frustrate Varun. Just one call or message from Yamini would restore all his energy & enthusiasm. He found himself getting jelous of Yamini’s college friend circle. They got all her time now. Had they replaced him? He longed to meet Yamini & hear her laughter. He wanted to talk to someone who understood him. He started smoking. He became lonely, with no one with whom he could talk & discuss. One look into Yamini’s dancing eyes & he would forget all tiredness. But these occasions became rare now. In his heart he knew, he is still Yamini’s best friend. They still spoke as much as they could & shared everything with each other.

Once, he had a vision that he was married to Yamini & they were holidaying in Kashmir. It was such a pleasant vision. He smiled. It seemed as if this was the most natural thing to happen. He instantly called Yamini but got no answer.

His smile faded as reality struck him. Shit. I am in love with Yamini.

(To be continued...)