A toast to my beautiful friend

 I first saw Krupa in 'paatu' (Carnatic music) class. It was my first time in the music room in the teacher's house. I remember thinking, "wow, this girl is pretty". She was texting and I didn't know if I was supposed to say hello. The teacher came in and interrupted my thought process. We ended up sharing her "dhatu varisai" notes. We giggled while trying to keep up the thalam, and momentarily forgot that the teacher was still there. She quickly introduced herself. Within five minutes, we realized that we went to the same high school (NPS), had common friends and lived in the same neighborhood.

I was leaving for a Masters and she was going to B-School. To date, the few months before school, I spent with Krupa are some of the best in my life. She added color to my monotonous routine. She made me laugh easily, gave me a lot of her time, and gladly accepted me as a friend. I am so grateful that she accepted me for who I was. On most days, my high point was going to 8th cross road (a popular Malleswaram hangout) and window shopping. She gladly gave me fashion and make-up tips and also bought me my first fancy hair clip (I still have it with me, Krupa!). She gave me an insight into her world, and inspired me to cook and bake more often. In this day and age, most people are self-centered; Krupa truly believes in committing time to her friends and I find this extraordinarily endearing. She invited me home (one of the most beautiful apartments in Malleswaram) and entertained me endlessly. Do you know why she chose to hang out with me at home? The reason is sure to tear you up: she wanted to be there for her grandfather and make sure he had his dinner at the right time. Both of us are very close to our respective 'thathas' (grandpas) and this brought us even closer.

She gives wonderful relationship advice; she has listened patiently to all my nerdy descriptions of men and helped me pick a good person. My favorite line of Krupa is: "I approve of this guy di, if it counts for anything. I have your back and will talk to your mother for you if needed." With this, she expressed so much solidarity, no friend has been this kind to me and I love her even more for the show of support.

The surprises didn't end there, not only did she let me in to her love story with Abhinandan; she also made me her bridesmaid. I cannot put into words how elated I feel that this wonderful and caring princess friend of mine is going to get married to her handsome prince. I am so glad to be part of her special day; as promised, I will sing all the marriage songs with the rest of the maamis (tam-brahm parlance for aunties) :) All the very best, Krupa; you deserve the very best that life has to offer, because in my mind, you are everyone's sweetheart friend!