New Beginnings: Love and Friendship

Two college best friends Rohan and Meera did everything together. They played basketball, studied late nights, bothered each other mercilessly and shared their secrets, all but except one – Meera loved Rohan.

Rohan, however, was free-spirited and playful. He always stated, “Friendship is the first step to love, but not all friendships turn into love.” He never noticed Meera’s emotions. One day, an intelligent, bubbly and energetic girl named Anjali joined their college and Rohan fell in love instantly which made Meera concerned.

Time passed, and Rohan and Anjali’s love grew. One day, Rohan told Meera, “I think I love Anjali! Isn’t that amazing?” Meera smiled, hiding her tears. She knew she had lost her chance. When college ended, Rohan and Anjali got married. Meera decided to move to another city and start a new life. She focused on her career, trying to leave the past behind.

Years went by. Rohan and Anjali had a daughter named Pihu, but Anjali died after giving birth. Rohan was devastated, and Pihu spent her childhood hearing tales about her mother from her dadi. She got a letter from Anjali on her eighth birthday. It was the letter she wrote before she died. The note had said, “Pihu, I want you to locate my best friend Meera. She was special to your father, although he never realized that. Perhaps she can restore his lost smile.”

Pihu was thrilled. She asked her grandmother where Meera was, but nobody had any idea. With the assistance of an old friend from college, they managed to get her address and went to see her.

As Meera opened the door, she was surprised to see Pihu who smilingly asked her “Are you Meera Aunty? My mother, Anjali, asked me to find you. Will you go with me and meet my father?” Meera was taken aback. Pihu’s innocent and sweet request brought memories back.

Back in the city, Rohan was caught up in work and obligations. He had lost the knack of smiling. When he spotted Meera at his doorstep, he couldn’t believe his eyes. “Meera? Is that you?” he asked in astonishment.

Meera nodded. “Pihu brought me here. She’s so much like Anjali.”

Slowly things started changing. Meera started helping in everything, made Rohan smile again, and gave their home warmth. Rohan began to understand what he had never noticed before — Meera had always been present for him, even when he was oblivious to her feelings.

While working with Pihu in her school assignment one day, Meera came across an old photograph album of Rohan, Anjali, and herself. Pihu asked, “Aunty, did you love Papa then?” Meera was taken aback. She never told anyone anything about how she felt. She took a deep breath and said, “Yes, I did. But sometimes life changes course.”

Pihu paused and stated, “Perhaps life is presenting you with another opportunity now.”

Rohan was listening to what they were talking about. At night, he sat by himself, reflecting upon his past and the time spent with Meera. He figured that he was too blind to realize her love, too enamored in the moment to know what was in front of him all along.

The following day, Rohan made up his mind to do something special. He organized a picnic at the same park where they spent so much time hanging out during college. He asked Meera and Pihu to join him with the hope of reliving the good old memories. While laughing and playing around, Rohan felt something transform inside him. The sense of warmth, happiness, love—everything was present.

One night, while strolling along the beach, Rohan finally uttered his heart out. “Meera, I was stupid. I never noticed what was right in front of me. You were always very special to me, and I don’t want to lose you again. Will you remain with us, forever?”

Tears welled up in Meera’s eyes, but this time, they were tears of joy. “I waited for this moment for years, Rohan. Yes, I will stay.”

Pihu clapped her hands, “Yay! Now our family is complete!”

Love had reached them via friendship, time, and the pure wish of a little girl.