Friendship Series: Chapter One: Anjana Rose

I don’t know if it is possible to comprise the immensity of love and admiration I have for this girl in a page or two. We have a strange history, though she is one of my best friends. We went from mortal enemies to acquaintances, to friends, to best friends. As I pen my story, I cannot help but be astonished at how malleable human relationships are!

Anjana with earrings her admirers bought for her

Anjana always says that our journey started as mortal enemies because both of us wanted to be Cinderella when we were in third grade. But both of us know that it isn’t true. I was a bully. I didn’t know when I was 12 years old that words are as sharp as knives. All I remember is that I might have created wounds that took her long to heal. My redemption arc, however, didn’t take long to commence. Born to parents who idolized empaths, I began reflecting on my past actions when we were placed in the same 7th-grade classroom. One guilt-ridden apology sowed a seed of friendship that has now grown into a big tree, offering shade, strength, and renewal.

Anjana has helped me a lot. She is the greatest singer, the prettiest girl, and the most hardworking scholar I know. She has a smile that would light up every room and an energy that lifts anyone’s spirit. There is kindness in her eyes and compassion on her fingertips. But don’t be fooled by her gentleness! When the time comes, she rises to the occasion, a stern and fierce commander—still with a touch of kindness. She is wrapped in humility and dressed in impeccable fashion sense.

My testimony of her abilities doesn’t do justice to her personality, but for now, I think this is enough. Now that she has achieved a remarkable accomplishment that will alter the trajectory of her career, I cannot help but be immensely proud of her.

Anjana, if you are reading this, please know that no matter what happens in life, you will always have your first bully there to bully anyone who tries to bully you. (It translates to I Love You.)