Standing near the shore on Juhu Beach, a five-year-old girl watched the children playing around her. She was a shy little girl who took time to open up to others. She was strolling along the beach with her father when someone tapped her shoulder.

A young boy, six years old, was beaming at her. “Hey, can I be your friend?” he asked.

She looked at him keenly, trying to read his intentions. “Will you play with me? Can we be friends?” he asked innocently.

Upon her father’s insistence, she introduced herself. “Hi, my name is Ruhana. What’s your name?” she asked.

“I’m Vineet. And I won’t hurt you like those kids,” he said, glancing at the children pushing each other while playing.

“And you won’t laugh at me?” she asked.

“No, we’ll play our own game. Will you be my friend?” he asked.

“Yes, we can play together,” she said, smiling.

They ran toward the shore to play. That one fateful meeting sparked a deep and lasting friendship, growing stronger over the years.

Two decades later, Ruhana sat at her office desk, stealing glances at Vineet as he worked on his laptop. This had become her habit—watching him when he wasn’t looking, wondering if he ever noticed her the way she noticed him.

Her best friend, Priyanka, interrupted her thoughts, making her glance up. “You scared me, Pri.”

“Why don’t you confess your love to him?” Priyanka asked.

“Ah, I don’t even know how he feels about me,” Ruhana said hesitantly.

“What if he loves you too?” Priyanka questioned, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Maybe! But I know that he’s my best friend. I won’t risk losing that,” Ruhana said firmly.

“You two are made for each other, Ruu. Please, think about it,” Priyanka advised.

Just then, Priyanka’s phone rang, and she stepped aside to take the call. At the same time, Ruhana received a call—her boss wanted to see her.

It was going to be a long day ahead!

***

Later that day, Ruhana found herself at Juhu Beach. It was her favorite place to seek solace. She was musing over her feelings for Vineet when a familiar touch surprised her. She turned to find Vineet beaming at her.

“Hey! Wanna befriend me again?” he asked playfully.

“Huh, Vineet, we’re not kids anymore,” she replied, her tone just as playful.

“Yeah, but shouldn’t we keep the child inside us alive?” he asked. “Let’s recreate our first meeting, Ruhana,” he suggested instantly.

“Sounds good, Vineet,” Ruhana chuckled.

He held her hand in his, his lips curving into a smile. “Will you be my friend for life?” he asked.

“Yes, for all my life,” she said lovingly.

“We’re meant to be together, Ruhana. Let’s go for a walk,” he said gently.

As they walked along the shore, they realized that friendship was the most beautiful bond they had. And as they stole glances at each other, they both knew—this was just the beginning of something even deeper.