Ashika sat on a bench in the park, waiting. She was finally meeting her best friends, Swasti and Aahana, after what felt like forever.
The three of them were scattered across different cities because of their jobs—Mumbai, Chennai, and Mysore. But no amount of distance could keep them apart for long. They made time to visit each other, took days off, and FaceTimed at least once a day.
After a few days of Ashika being cooped up in her room, her concerned parents had called her friends. Upon hearing this, Swasti and Aahana didn't hesitate—they packed their bags and traveled all the way to Mysore to check in on her. They still had no idea what had happened at work.
When her parents mentioned she hadn't been herself lately, Swasti and Aahana had immediately scolded her over the phone and demanded she meet them at the park near her home.
It had been almost a week since she returned from Bengaluru. She hadn't wasted a moment and had already started applying for new jobs—but none appealed to her. Some had already closed their applications, and others just didn't feel right.
As Ashika mused, a small puppy trotted up to her, wagging its tail and looking at her with affection. She bent down to pet it, smiling for the first time that day. The puppy, content with her attention, soon ran off to chase a butterfly.
Ashika glanced at her watch and looked around. No sign of her friends.
She sighed and shook her head.They're late, as usual.
As if on cue, a voice called out, "Ashu!"
Ashika turned around and found Swasti and Aahana walking towards her, beaming with excitement. Her lips curled into a grin.
The moment they reached her, they smothered her with kisses and hugs. Her heart swelled with warmth.
"Ashika! How dare you keep this from us?" Aahana huffed, placing her hands on her hips and glaring. "We made a promise before we moved out. We said we'd share everything!"
"Oh, it's nothing. I didn't want to bother you guys. I knew you had more pressing things to deal with than worrying about me."
Swasti and Aahana exchanged angry looks.
"Yeah, you're right," Swasti said sarcastically, glaring at her. "There are more important things in this world than our best friend suffering alone."
Ashika glanced between them, guilt tightening her chest."I'm really sorry, guys. I didn't think it was worth mentioning. Anyway, it's over now."
"Well," Aahana scoffed, "I think we need to have a word with your former boss. Who the hell kicks out such amazing talent?"
"I was kicked out the moment I walked into the office."
"Aahana, what do you say? A quick trip to Bengaluru before we return?"
"I love that idea," Aahana agreed instantly.
"Guys, really. That's not necessary," Ashika tried to reason with them. She knew they'd go to war for her if needed.
"I'm job hunting anyway. Just wish me luck, alright?"
The two exchanged a look. They didn't want to back down. To them, Ashika was their baby sister—too kind, too innocent, and far too easy to take advantage of.
Then they saw it.The puppy eyes.The same old expression Ashika always used to melt their resolve.
And just like that, they burst out laughing.
"Fine," Swasti said, adjusting the strap of her sling bag. "If you say so. Even though I'm not thrilled about it."
Ashika turned to Aahana, who was still shaking her head disapprovingly.
Aahana sighed.
"Yay! Aahana agreed too! How about we go to a café to celebrate?" Ashika chirped.
"What's there to celebrate in losing a job?" Swasti asked with a raised brow.
"Oh, the environment was toxic. I couldn't have lasted more than a month. You should be thanking me for messing up—it saved you both from endless rants!" Ashika said as she walked between them.
"Ashu, you're never a pain. You're our angel," Aahana said softly. "Our little baby who deserves to be pampered forever."
"I have an idea!" Swasti exclaimed. "Move in with me! I live alone in Mumbai. I'll take care of you."
"I could take her in too, you know," Aahana chimed in.
"Please. You live with Akash. He'd find it difficult," Swasti replied with a shrug.
Akash was Aahana's boyfriend of three years. They were planning to tie the knot soon.
"He wouldn't mind," Aahana said, pride lighting up her eyes. "He knows how much you both mean to me."
"Speaking of which… Ashu, are you seeing anyone?" Aahana asked suddenly.
"Nope. Not yet."
"Swasti? It's been almost a year since you broke up with that jerk."
Swasti's smile faltered slightly. Her last relationship had been nothing short of a disaster. Her ex was toxic, always picking fights over petty things. She stayed, hoping he'd change. But one day, she found him with another woman in his apartment.
That night, Swasti had called Ashika and Aahana, sobbing. Without hesitation, they had flown in to be with her. Together, they confronted him and the other girl. He had denied everything. Aahana, furious, nearly lost her temper. Ashika and Swasti had to drag her away before things got worse.
"I've asked my parents to find someone for me," Swasti said now, smiling softly. "I trust them. I'm sure they'll pick someone good."
Ashika and Aahana exchanged a look, admiration in their eyes. Swasti had found her peace, and they were proud of her.
"Alright," Ashika said, stopping suddenly. "Promise us something."
"What?"
"When you meet the guy your parents choose, you have to call us. We'll interview him. Make sure he's worthy."
Aahana nodded vigorously.
"Deal!" Swasti laughed.
"Ashu, how about we sign you up on a dating app?" Aahana teased, making Ashika blush deeply.
Seeing her flustered face, the other two broke into laughter.
"I don't think I'm ready yet," Ashika said, still pink. But deep down, she longed for a relationship.
"Your face says otherwise," Aahana grinned, clearly enjoying this.
Ashika gave her a playful whack.
"My parents wouldn't allow it."
"Oh please! They're the coolest parents on the planet," Aahana retorted.
"I agree," Swasti added. "Even Aahana, with the strictest parents, is in a happy relationship. Yours would totally be okay with it."
"Whatever."
"Ashu, I'm signing you up this evening," Aahana declared.
"Why is this necessary? I have loving parents. I have you guys. What more could I want?"
"Ashu," Aahana said gently, patting her head, "one day, when we're not around, you'll need someone to look after you."
"She's right," Swasti said. "Completely right."
"But I've got so much to do. I need to find a job. I have no time for this!" Ashika whined.
"Ashu, when you're in a healthy relationship, your partner makes you feel like you're on top of the world. That's how I felt with Akash. I didn't plan to fall in love. But now, I don't want to do anything without him," Aahana said with a smile.
"Alright, if you're that worried," Swasti said, already pulling out her phone, "Aahana and I will find a guy for you."
Before Ashika could protest, they were already typing away.
Ashika smiled, watching them. Their words soothed the unease within her. She wasn't sure what lay ahead—but one thing was certain.
With friends like these, she could face anything.
She glanced up at the sky and whispered with a smile,"Thank you again, Kanha, for giving me such amazing friends. They're like sisters to me. I don't know how I'd hold up without them."