'Hi', Priya spoke excitedly.
'Hello', said Rimjhim with a gloomy voice.
Priya continued, 'Hey! Whats up? You haven't replied to my chats for so long, haven't picked up a single call, I'm so worried. Whats wrong with you? Atleast say it to me, by the way I'm your best friend.'
No answer from the other side.
'RIM, I know something has happened to you, you can't hide it, and now you have to say what happened.
C-can Yo-u Me-et M-e, Jj-just now-w,please! Rim answered in a broken voice.
In 15 mins, behind the church, I'm coming, Priya replied.
They met behind the church. Rim's eyes were red and swollen. Her figure told she was weak and she had starved herself.
'Thank you so much Priyu, I'm really sorry that I called you here all of a sudden. Actually I am not fine, you are right. I am depressed and frustrated, I need someone to speak to. The problem is that, I am getting bullied in school behind your back and my parents are also going to get separated! My finals didn't go well, I doubt if I have scored enough to satisfy my expectations. I am all messed up! I need help!' Rimjhim spoke without even letting Priya murmur a word.
As soon as she finished she hugged Priya and broke down. It was indeed difficult for a thirteen year old to manage so much at once.
'I'm sorry, I promise you that I will always be with you in school so that when anyone bullies you, I will be able to protest, and remember they are just jealous of your success. Come over to my house, we can study together. That won't have any distractions. We can work together everyday. You will again get back your amazing results, don't you worry! Ummmm, and about you family matter, I understand for sure, I know how it feels, my parents got separated when I was a kid, I was not connected to my father, he was not interested in me neither was I. I felt sad but somehow I copped up, but you love both your parents equally. You were so close to them. You want both but now it's not possible. Even I was speechless when the judge asked me 'mother or father'. It hurts like hell, but we can't do anything about it. I think focusing on the career is the only way to stay away.
I live all alone with my mother, would you like to join me? We could live together, just like sisters, my mother would be happy to have you in our house, she was talking about this just yesterday. You can ofcourse go and meet your parents, they can also come. Will you join me?' Priya stopped for a answer.
'Well! my parents never thought about me before taking such a step, they wouldn't stop me for staying with you for sure, they will just have to pay my expenses. And thank you very much for supporting me. Everybody shares happiness but never does anyone share hard time. But you are doing it. I love you bestie. Life had showed its worst side, but has given me the best gift and thats you.' Replied Rimjhim.

'The three magic words doesn't work between friends and I'm there to do this. Never forget we are not sister just because one single couple couldn't handle us both together. And yes now you must smile, come on smile, I said smiled.' Priya laughed.
Even after all her sorrows, Rimjhim chuckled to her words and hit on Priya's hands playfully.

Priyu's Rim and Rim's Priyu
Always.

© Rupsa