Raj and Ravi were best friends since childhood. They grew up in the same neighborhood, went to the same school, and shared the same hobbies. They were inseparable, always supporting each other through thick and thin.
One day, Raj received a letter from a prestigious university in the United States, offering him a full scholarship to pursue his dream of becoming a scientist. He was overjoyed, but also sad to leave his friend behind. He told Ravi about the news, and expected him to be happy for him.
But Ravi was not happy. He felt betrayed and jealous. He thought Raj was abandoning him for a better life. He said some harsh words to Raj, and stormed off. Raj was hurt and confused. He tried to call Ravi, but he did not answer.
The next day, Raj packed his bags and left for the airport. He hoped to see Ravi there, to say goodbye and make up. But Ravi did not show up. Raj boarded the plane with a heavy heart, wondering if he had lost his friend forever.
Years passed, and Raj became a successful scientist. He worked on many groundbreaking projects, and won many awards. He traveled the world, and met many interesting people. But he never forgot his friend Ravi. He often wondered how he was doing, and if he ever forgave him.
One day, he received an email from Ravi. It said:
"Dear Raj,
I hope this email finds you well. I am sorry for not writing to you sooner. I have been meaning to contact you for a long time, but I did not have the courage.
I want to apologize for what I said and did to you when you left for the US. I was wrong, and I regret it every day. You were my best friend, and I should have been happy for you. But I was selfish and insecure. I felt like you were leaving me behind, and I could not handle it.
I know I hurt you deeply, and I don't expect you to forgive me. But I want you to know that I am proud of you, and all that you have achieved. You are an inspiration to me, and many others.
I also want to tell you that I am doing well. After you left, I realized that I had to make something of myself too. I enrolled in a local college, and studied hard. I graduated with honors, and got a job as a journalist. I write about social issues, and try to make a difference in the world.
I also got married, and have a daughter. She is six years old now, and she is beautiful. She reminds me of you sometimes, with her curiosity and intelligence.
I named her Rajni, after you.
I hope you don't mind.
I hope you are happy too, with your life and your work. I hope you have someone who loves you, and who makes you smile.
I hope we can meet again someday, and catch up on everything we missed.
I hope we can be friends again.
Please reply to this email, if you can.
Your friend,
Ravi"
Raj read the email with tears in his eyes. He felt a surge of emotion, as he remembered his friend Ravi. He felt sorry for the pain he caused him, but also happy for his success and happiness. He felt touched by his gesture of naming his daughter after him.
He quickly typed a reply:
"Dear Ravi,
I am so glad to hear from you. You have no idea how much your email means to me.
There is nothing to forgive. You were going through a hard time, and I understand how you felt. I don't blame you for anything.
You are still my best friend, and nothing can change that.
I am proud of you too, for all that you have done with your life. You are an amazing journalist, and a wonderful father. Your daughter is lucky to have you.
And thank you for naming her after me. That is the most beautiful gift anyone has ever given me.
I don't mind at all.
I am happy too, with my life and my work. I have someone who loves me, and who makes me smile.
She is my wife, and her name is Raviya.
I met her at a conference in New York, where I was invited to give a keynote speech. She was a reporter from India, who came to interview me. We hit it off right away, and started dating.
She was smart, kind, and beautiful. She reminded me of you, in many ways.
When I proposed to her, I asked her if she would mind changing her name to Raviya, as a tribute to our friendship. She agreed, and said she was honored to share your name.
She knows everything about you, and respects our bond.
I hope you don't mind.
I hope we can meet again someday soon too.
Please send me your address and phone number.
Your friend,
Raj"
He hit send, and smiled.
He felt like he had just received the gift of friendship again.
The END.
Image Credit: Vitolda Klein
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