September 02, 2006

I have always found it difficult to make friends. Being shy, and an introvert, I was never at ease opening up, confiding in or mingling with the boys of my age group. Whenever I looked around, I saw so many instances of betrayals, mistrust and close relationships going sour that I lost faith in friendship. Friends who were inseparable at one time were suddenly thirsty for each others' blood. They fought like enemies and in the process a lot of dirty linen was washed in public. All these real life dramas made me withdraw in my shell. I felt lonely and miserable and longed for a true friend.

One cold, foggy morning, I was feeling very gloomy and low because I was refused a guitar by my father. During the school break, I bought hot fudge and headed towards an isolated corner of the school garden. I suddenly "bumped" into someone, when I looked up I saw a picture of kindness and affection, smiling down at me. I could actually feel the warmth of his affection reaching out to me. I introduced myself and that very day the foundation of a strong and everlasting friendship was laid. Within days I realised that I had found a true friend at last. I started spending my entire free time at school with him. My loneliness and misery seemed to vanish in thin air, and my irritability was replaced by cheerfulness.

Although it surprised me, I shared all my little joys and sorrows with my friend whom I affectionately called "Dumbo". I proved everyone wrong when they said that I was a shy and quite boy because I would sit with him and drool on and on for hours altogether with my tales of woe. He was always so understanding and would never get fed up with my endless chatter. It so happens that I am very fond of singing, once when I attempted to sing a song or two to my classmates, they laughed their heads off and begged me not to trouble my fragile vocal cords, but Dumbo was always very appreciative of my talent. I would sing to him all my favourite numbers, right from Ricky Martin, Sonu Nigam, Faakhir or even Michael Jackson and he would assure me that I had a great future as a pop star.

My dear friend has so many qualities that I would run short of space just mentioning them. He is so caring, gentle, tolerant and affectionate. We have been friends for about seven years now and never once have we had even a tiff. Once I punched him in a fit of fury but he never hit back. Whenever I visit him I always find him waiting for me. He makes me feel so welcome. At last, I am at peace with myself. Boy! Friends do make a difference.

Oh! By the way, I forgot to introduce my friend to you. Well, my best friend is "THE SCHOOL WALL".

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