Friends

She had taken great pains at preparing the invitation list for her wedding, not wanting to forget anyone on her special day. Just one more final check and she would be done. Colleagues – check. Neighbours – check. Relatives – check. No, wait, that's Mom's headache. B-school friends – check. Engineering friends – check. School friends – check. No, hang on. How could she check School friends? How could she have missed out on her? HER?

She franticly searched for her school scrap book, the one she had saved for the last 10 years not wanting to let go of her childhood memories. There it was lying at the bottom of the box – sticking out of it was an old photo of her with her best friend. Looking at the photo, she began recollecting all the fun they had together and that one fight which changed everything.

Back to the present, with her lost friend's 6 digit landline number in hand, she decided to call. An automated voice answered giving her the details of the information bureau for changed numbers. She called the new number only to be told that nobody by her friend's name lived there. She contacted her other schoolmates, but none of them had any news either. She then went to the place where her friend had lived and asked around, only to return home dejected.

The wedding day was fast approaching and the invitations had to be posted. She took out a card, simply wrote her best friend's name on it, and posted it along with others. No miracles happened, after all it's a real world we are talking about. The d-day arrived and the hall was full of friends and family, everyone was present except the one she really wished to see.

Years passed, Facebook arrived and they are back to being best friends!

55 Fiction

My first attempt at 55 fiction -

1. He carefully moved the strands of hair away from her face. Her eyes now had a shine which wasn't there earlier. He looked at her with those penetrating eyes. Tracing the outline of her lips, he brushed them gently. Extremely satisfied with what he saw, he rubbed his eyes, closed the photoshop and walked home.
   
   

2. She was visiting India after two years. Her mother noticed that she had put on some weight. “You will have to stop eating junk food soon, otherwise no one will marry you”, said the concerned mother. “Don't worry Mom, the Michigan State won't let us girls marry anyway”, replied the daughter cheekily.
   
   
   

What is IT?

Born in a mint, IT was raised in a bank
Handed over to a possessor, high up the rank.

Nestled in the pocket, IT visited many places plush
Sumptuous living, gave the cheeks a rosy blush.

Caressed by the velvety folds, hidden in a place so clever
Saw new friends joining in, while a few left IT forever.

Enjoying the journey IT was, oblivious to the turn ahead
Was given to someone, 'God Bless You' who in return said.

Not used to the rugged life, was engulfed by discomfort and shame
Didn't value the warmth of touch, unaware, a treasure IT became.

Then arrived the occasion for which IT was so earnestly saved
Sweet temptations at window, that boy on street forever craved.

IT now entered a new world, the new world of give and take
Had to keep up with the pace, with no room for any mistake.

IT kept running round & round, with aching feet and spinning head
Came to an abrupt halt, signs of fatigue a kind soul must have read.

In an antique box IT now lays, satisfied with the experiences and a life enriched
Along with many unsuspecting others, who have been conveniently ditched.