Letter to Vinay

 Dear vinay,

Hope you are fine, I am fine too. I write this letter to reminisce about our days in L&T, house 287.

Where do I start? The best scene that comes to my mind whenever I talk about is the one from Kabir Singh, 

Vinay .... Pratap ..... Singh, topper of the batch, topper of the class, best employee of the company,

But in Stress management, ZERO.

-- Show some bloody respect to the champion.

The description fits perfectly with a scene from Kabir Singh. I consider you a close friend and even a brother. Thinking about you brings a smile to my face and floods me with memories. Despite being flat mates for four years, we were strangers for almost two. However, as other flat mates vacated, we got the chance to talk, and our friendship blossomed. It's funny how the pandemic made our friendship possible.

I appreciate being able to be myself around you without fear of judgement. You even encouraged my singing, despite not always liking it. I sense a poet hiding in your heart, waiting to be set free. Also, listen to your conscience and take breaks when necessary

Remember when we almost crashed the car on the way to pay the electricity bill? I can still hear the background music and see the original Ghaziabadi Vinay at the counter. Although your anger is not uncommon, I won't bring up the Ooty incident, poor Sujeet. I must admit that Biyani and I talked about it behind your back, but we never dared to bring it up to you. And the time you and Archit got angry just from exchanging heated looks, "AAJA...AAJA" still rings in my ears.

I'm amazed by how hardworking you are, even pulling off a 72-hour workday in just 24 hours. You've taught me to be helpful, but you struggle with saying "no." I would love to give you "The Art of Saying No" if you would tell me your real date of birth.

We have shared many good memories, although most of them involved not being sober. The bonfire on the balcony, the time you claimed to be sober, and the push-up challenge are just a few. You have never been a disturbance, and we have never had any distrust between us. You even took care of me when I was inebriated.

We've enjoyed many rides to Agra and Jaipur, but I was terrified when you pulled the clutch downhill on our way back from Nehargarh. During the pandemic, we drank a lot and ate plenty of food, but your favorite was always Biriyani blues. You were the savior of all the street vendors, and they will miss you dearly.

I must confess that I talked about you behind your back with Ajay, Prashant, and Bhaiyya, but it was always for your benefit. You were one of the few people at work that I could rely on to get the tricky parts done. You were always supportive when I was low.

I'm sorry for all that you've been through lately. Please take care of yourself and your parents. I miss you, my friend.

P.Suneel