The divine rhythm of life is in my relationships. I measure my happiness in memories. I play my memories to music. Each tune, out of the millions I listen to and hum along with is associated with a moment, an experience. I enjoy time travel through the photos I treasure and as I’ve mentioned many times before, going through my photo albums is a great mood upper. Add music, and I am all set.
Today, I am cherishing photos from April this year, when I visited my best friend in Toronto. I was totally hyped about the trip.
It is not as if I measure friendship in years, but this friend and I have known each other for – hold your breath – forty years now. We literally grew up together. Our families became close and we were an extension of each other. She knows me better than I know myself. I trust her with my life. I can tell her anything. We enjoy bitching together and though we’re very different individuals, our souls are in perfect sync. Quite like my Indiblogeshwari group.
Enjoying the divine rhythm
I was meeting my best friend after almost fifteen years. Although we talk to each other frequently, at least once a week, the thought of unexpectedly spending three weeks with her blew my mind. And the trip was far far more than I expected. Not surprising really. Our families blended – our sons were inseparable just like we used to be and our husbands enjoyed each other’s company tremendously.
At the end of each glorious day together, after everyone went to bed, no matter when that was, we would clear up the kitchen together, and settle down with a bottle of wine. To catch up. Soft music playing as we whispered, cried, laughed, hugged. Then went to bed, sad that another day together was coming to an end.
And to reminisce about…
- Those days when we checked to see what color bloomers we were wearing as little girls and felt thrilled if we had the same color
- The time we stressed over secretly cutting our hair and feeling afraid to face our Moms
- That time we drove all over town on my scooter, sometimes at ridiculous speeds
- The time we decided to walk every morning, but ended up going to the nearest tea stall and settling down to enjoy an hour-long talk with special Irani tea
- When we grabbed a neighbor’s motorcycle late at night and rode under the stars
- The time our motorcycle broke down after a late-night movie show and we got questioned by the cops
- The day we made a trip to the town’s outskirts and had a tire blowout on the way back – but sang “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams at the top of our voices.
- That moment when I phoned her to tell her about a huge order from a major client and we met at the brand new pub at 2 in the afternoon. Use your imagination to figure out what happened later. Yes, we did manage to drive back home safely
- The days we’d dress for work and leave the house, only to meet each other at the end of the road and decided we didn’t feel like work that day and had a fabulous time, instead, listening to music and reminiscing about school and college
- How we enrolled for an aerobics class and when I would go to pick her up at 6 am, she’d force me to take my shoes off and get under the sheets so we could while away the morning gossiping over multiple cups of coffee if we were at my place or tea if we were at hers
- Those days when she walked in and went straight to my wardrobe to pick up stuff she wanted to wear
- The boring boyfriends and those hunks
- The day I went on my first date and ended up eating the red rose I was given, scoring a big zero in the romance department
- Fighting over a dress or book or bag or piece of jewelry
- Enjoying a leisurely walk in lashing rain, savoring the water flowing over us without worrying about trivia like colds and the ‘flu
- She landing up at my place with a huge birthday cake on a day that wasn’t my birthday
- The gifts and greeting cards we gave each other without waiting for special occasions
- The times we cooked together
The tears, laughter, and unlimited love we share is a divine rhythm
Over the years, we’ve
- helped each other grow
- learned from each other
- encouraged each other to attempt things we normally wouldn’t
- inspired each other to step out of our comfort zones
- appreciated each other, praised each other, motivated each other
- shared our sorrows and joys
- made each other feel good about ourselves
- assured each other we are amazing women. We are.
- come out stronger from tough situations
- brainstormed ideas
- collaborated to collectively succeed
- grown our friends’ circles
- used our strengths to contribute to the community in which we lived
- raise each other up, lift our spirits
And when the day came to leave, we were in a frenzy, stuck together until the last minute, crying and laughing, making promises we knew we would keep.
Rewind or fast forward, our relationship has blossomed into a fragrant garden that we tend with love and care.
The divine rhythm continues..
This one was a such a heartfelt and beautiful post Vi. I was completely lost in your world. Life is so much more beautiful when you have your best girlfriend beside you who can be easily termed as your soul sister.
Few years from now i too want to pen down a post like this.
More power to your blessed friendship.
Good luck for the contest. <3
Thank you, Preetilata! 😀 I like how you’ve slipped into Vi. Most of my friends call me that. I am blessed to have more than one soul sister – funny how life balances out things. 🙂 I am sure you won’t have to wait a few years to talk about a similar relationship! Hugs!
Vidya, what great memories!! I once had a best girlfriend who I had very similar stories with. Good on you two for staying in touch all these years, I wish I could say the same!
Julie, I am indeed lucky. I realized that we’ve kept it going mainly because we did not bother to keep score about who did what; instead we simply raised each other and were completely honest with each other. It has been an easy ride! Hugs!
Wonderful to hang out with you Vidya and walk through those delightful memories you shared. And how great it is to stay in touch.
I have a friend in the UK that over the years although we’ve moved to different parts of the world, you can put us in the same room and it’s as though we’ve never been apart.
So happy you had such an amazing trip, and made even more memories.
Love Elle
xoxo
Wow, how lovely that you have a soul sister Elle! I am thrilled my trip went fantastically – and that she and I chat every Friday on the phone for hours, continuing an ongoing conversation as though we were sitting next to each other. 😀 Hugs!
Vidya,
You are very lucky to have a friend like that. I’ve gotten so out of touch with my best friend. You’ve inspired me to call her.
Thanks!!
I hope you called her, Betsy! How did it feel to reconnect? Hugs!
I did call her and we had a wonderful talk that was much overdue. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Vidya
What a great friendship you have with your friend. So many never have that kind of friendship. Some friends come and go but to have such a connection for years is pretty amazing.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful experience.
Mary
Thank you, Mary. We’re doubly fortunate our whole families get along wonderfully with each other, as though we were blood relations. Of course now we know we are far more than that 🙂
Love, Vidya
Nothing like spending time with old friends Vidya:)
True Rahul!
At every line of you post, I thought of my best friend from school. Very similar experiences and she shifted abroad for good. That was the first time I actually cried in her presence. But touch wood, we are still connected like always! I loved reading you post and felt so connected!
Oh Anuradha, so glad you two are in touch! 🙂 My friend and I cry a lot – while I sob silently, she constantly tells me to shut up, as she angrily wipes hers away 😀 It is hilarious.
Thank you for coming by!
Such a sweet post about a special friendship! Did you really eat the rose?! 😀
Yes, Roshni. I did eat the rose. I always eat the rose, except when it is an entire bouquet and well, seems crazy to finish that off, right? 🙂 Hugs to you!
Vidya, i was lucky enough to see and participate in a minor way, your visit with this friend…my friendship with this particular lady is about 13 years old.. she is someone truely special, so are you. i sooooo wish i had someone like you girls in my life as i was growing up. but better late than never !! Bless you.
Anita – it is so wonderful we met! And yes, I agree about our lovely lady. Yes, better late than never.
By the way, after we briefly said hello last week, i realized I didn’t have your number. When she called on Friday, i asked her and wrote it down. I’ll call today.
Hugs!
Wow Vidya. I absolutely loved this post, and you reminded me so much of my friend. We knew each other since we were almost 2 years old, and now, 25 years later, we still are like that. I wish and pray that like your relationship, mine too will thrive and flourish, and be carried over across generations. Thank you 🙂
Thank you Bhavya! isn’t it exciting to walk through life together, connected by love?
I absolutely loved this. Could visualize all those acts you recited…!!!!
Thank you, Sheethal! Glad you enjoyed the post!
There is nothing nothing like meeting up with good friends ! What a heartfelt post Vidya !
Thank you, Ruchira! I am thrilled at how the whole trip came about! It is like we willed the Universe to make it happen!
There is nothing nothing like meeting up with good friends ! What a heartfelt post Vidya !
Thank you darling Ruchira!
That was such an engaging read! Here’s to friendship! 😀
Cheers to friendship, indeed, Shail! Hugs!
Hi Vidya,
I can so relate to your story and loved hearing it! My oldest friend and I go back about 40 years as well. There is nothing like meeting a new friend where all your stories are new and you get to tell them again, but there is nothing so sweet as not having to tell your stories and in fact having someone who can fill in the parts you’ve forgotten for you! There is nothing like an old friend!
🙂
Lori
I am always excited to hear about similar relationships, Lori! My friend and I are exactly as you described – we know what we’re thinking and what we want to say by simply looking at each other. Nothing like an old friend! Hugs!
Hi Vidya,
It’s simply great to tune into your nostalgia.Simply because it is reminiscent of my own salad days.Memories are the secret treasure spots that can transport you to “bliss land” free of cost.Thanks for a great post.
Mona
Thank you, dear Mona! I love how you expressed memories – my treasure trove is overflowing!
Reading this post reminded me of my close friend who I’ve had for 25 years. Our experiences have woven through each others lives. There is nothing better than a good friend who is there for you during all the ups and downs of life. Wonderful post!
True, Cathy! My entire being fills with joy whenever I look back on the journey I’ve traveled with her.
So happy to hear you have a close friend like that! Hugs!
Cheers to friendship! A wonderful read. Brought back memories.
Thank you, Janu. Hope you enjoyed your own walk down memory lane!
Hmmm… Wonderful time Vidya… Brought back some of my memories too.. Enjoyed reading
Thank you, dear Aparna!
This is a great post, thank you for sharing. I remember some of my old childhood friends. It has been years since I have seen some of them but I am sure that we would pick up right where we left off given the chance. 😉
Christy, Please do forgive me for the late response to your comment! What a wonderfully warm feeling it is to connect without a gap! 🙂 Did you get in touch with anyone recently? How did it feel? Hugs!
It is such an experence and pleasure meeting up with old friends after a long gap.
There are issues one can discuss with friends that one cant with even one’s rclose relatives
That is absolutely right, Mr Chowla. My friend knows me better than I know myself. Thank you for your comment and apologies for the late response. 🙂
You are truly blessed!
Thank you, dear Anyta!
***Those days when we checked to see what color bloomers we were wearing as little girls and feeling thrilled if we had the same color***
I am smiling :))
Love you more than pink bloomers!
Fabulous post. Xxxxx
Hugs, Kim! I love you more than pink bloomers too! I had those cute satin ones my Mom stitched. “What color” is now a standard part of my conversation 😉
Such a sweet post, Vidya. There is something about old friends that magically transforms us into little girls. I can quite imagine what fun it must have been for you! Love your joie de vivre!
It is the truth, Rachna! Suddenly we are all back in the moments we enjoyed together when we met. 🙂 i wish we guys would meet more often than the IB meets 😀 Thanks for your lovely words!
Beautiful Vidya !
I loved each and every line. Got senti. Remembered my own friends. How good it feels to revive those good old days and I appreciate the fact that U ppl r still able to meet !! I could visualise all what u did with her 🙂 Irani chai, gossips , music and every thing !!! Its funny that when its happening its just a day. The next day its some thing very close to heart 🙂
Great take !
GOOD luck and good day
Feels great, Afshan. And this week, another friend I’ve known for a few decades was visiting India and spent a few days in Bangalore. The bliss! 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
You ate a rose? Lucky you, I always find them so yummy looking.
Akhil Kalsh.
Not just yummy looking, Akhil, taste great too. Red roses are tastiest. 😀
Its exactly like a mastercard ad until the “priceless” moment of meeting your friend 🙂 Nice
Hahaha. Right said, Pheno!
Cheers to your friendship Vidya! Some relationships are so special that they take off exactly where they left off from without any real effort.
True, Kajal. Forgive me for the late response, I don’t know how I missed your comment the first time around. I appreciate your comment very much! Hugs!
Vidya-
What moving sentiments that you shared with us. It is amazing after so many years – even with weekly communication- that the two of you embraced each other so fully without a second to spare.
Thanks for this post Vidya – it’s a keeper. xxoo-Fran
(Apologies for the late response Fran)
Fran, I am indeed lucky! I am blessed to have wonderful people in my life. Oh, the gift of connections!
Huge hugs to you. I am very happy we’re both connected, too!
How fortunate the two of you are to have one another. I have a very close friend, although she lives far away, but I will be visiting her soon and making new wonderful memories. Friends are the best gifts aren’t they. Beautiful post, Vidya!
Hugs, Leah, for dropping by! Yes, friends are the best gifts ever! I wish you lots of happy memories with your friend! Let’s keep in touch!
Love, Vidya
I read this earlier this week and don’t remember why I didn’t comment, Vidya. I like the way the song prompted you to take a trip down friendship lane! So glad you both reconnected and had a wonderful time together. I love this line from your post: Rewind or fast forward, our relationship has blossomed into a fragrant garden that we tend with love and care. ♥
🙂 Thanks, Corinne! That line is so true of all relationships, no? Love to you!
What a beautiful post Vidya! Thank you for sharing one of your soundtracks of your life. There is something about music that does a much better job at expressing how we feel. …and in many ways it causes us to feel more. Music is so therapeutic.
While listening to this song and rereading what you have shared about your relationship about your friend, I like to think that I can feel some of the happiness, joy, enthusiastic recklessness as well as a bit of appreciative sadness you two have enjoyed together. What beautiful music you too must create in every interaction with each other. …especially when no words were needed… just pure togetherness.Thank you for sharing your melody.
Yes Ajen! I have a tune dedicated to most things and situations and people in my head. 😀 It is funny. So every bit of sound triggers a memory! I love the total comfort of being together without having to express ourselves in words! Hugs to you!
Your site design = still gorgeous – still inspiring. Vidya sweet heart, I am so happy I stopped by – this is a beautiful post and your writing has changed and evolved so much. Are you going to write a book anytime soon? I hope you decide to do it …. big hugs and thanks for the inspiration.
Huge hugs to you, Farnoosh! Thanks for the lovely comment. And yes, I love this design too. So much that I used the same for my other blog, Coffee With Mi. May I invite you to drop by there? I would especially like you to notice the header and the logo. 😛
Yes, I am writing a book. Two, in fact. Accelerated thanks to a sketchy internet connection. Love you!
LOVE the other page too and loved LOVED reading your story for your Mom. I’ve had a falling out with my Mom since Jan 2013 and it’s been a hard year – so much to learn from you, dear sweet Vidya.
Oh and SO GREAT that you are writing books. It’s your destiny – you know :)!
ahh sis i envy you. somehow even though you and your bestie are thousands of miles apart you’re still together always. i have a girlfriend of 13 years who lives 20 minutes away and i haven’t seen her in 3 years. we barely catch each other on chat once a week. i guess life has become too busy for us. but your friendship has weathered years and miles and i think that’s beautiful. i always enjoy a sneak peak into your life. good for the soul.
p.s. love the video. played it twice. 😀
You, Vani, are very very special to me. You know that 😀 Huge hugs. I’d be so upset if I didn’t see you online for a day!
Wow! This brought me back to a friendship I had with someone for over 40 years. We lived in different countries also and got to spend quality together when we’d each visit one another. So similar to your story: we’d laugh and cry, talk for hours and hours till the wee hours of the morning and be sad when the day was over.
She is no longer in my life as she cut the friendship off totally. I wrote a post about it when it happened. It is {still}so painfuland a huge loss. It is very special when we have someone who knows us so well, knows our truest self.
Thank you for this gorgeous post. It brought me back to my wonderful memories (and my hurt now, but that’s O.K.) I still like to revel in the memories.
And I too love and treasure my photos and love going through them, as you say, ‘time travel’.
Wow, I’m so impressed how many comments you get!!!!
Oh Harriet, I am so sorry to hear you are no longer in touch with that friend. I know how devastating that must feel! It is like cutting off a part of ourselves. I went through a phase when I thought some friends had drifted apart, but thankfully, it was for specific reasons and nothing to do with the friendship we shared. Hugs! My biggest loss is my Mother, who was really my best friend. That pain will never pass, even though I live with it. Thank you for commenting, Harriet.
The best part of blogging is the community and I am grateful too, that people visit and comment!
Vidya,
You made me cry today and I am not complaining for that. you know, just like you, I have a friend whom I know for 27 years. we are short of your number by just 13. 🙂 well, we studied in the same school, returned home together and have shared almost everything that we can under the sun. i am luckier that you becuase i get to meet her at least once a year still it seems too little. we always have so many things to talk! anyway, your post just helped me to count my blessings and feel great to have such a friend. I hope that your friendship garden keeps blooming, come what may.
What an inspirational and beautiful post. Warms my heart and touches my soul…:’)
What fragrant memories!, Vidya as you both tended the garden with love and patience.
Such a warm post! May long live your friendship!