There are friends who have been with you all along; sometimes silent, sometimes vocal. They've studied you in Braille, with their warm fingertips reading the lines and wrinkles across your face. They've looked at you with their eyes shut and seen your inner light glow, and watched lovingly as you came into your own. They've spoken to you with sweeping embraces and gestures that only you can understand. Even when you're not together, they carry you with them, on their backs and inside their souls. These are the ones who will never betray you, not even if you stab them in their chests.



For me, it's always been her... The most beautiful, loving, funny, warm, crazy, intelligent, interesting and witty woman that I know. Gauri to the rest of the world, and Marmalade (and a host of other nicknames) to me.
We met in journalism school over 21 years ago and have been friends ever since. We have done the wildest things and had the most insane discussions ever and our relationship has definitely been volatile to say the least. But she is my 'person' and has been there for me through everything... Including both my marriages.... The real as well as the fake one (Ha ha ha, remember that?) She was also there for me when my world began to unravel some years ago, and waited patiently in the wings until I put myself together. It goes without saying that she is the keeper of my secrets too.

She is the most talented woman I know... Writes like a dream and has the best aesthetic sense. The best part about her is the way she hugs me... Always feels like home. And also the way she loves my Dad. It's just so genuine and heartwarming. I can safely say that no one else completely gets me the way she does... All of me. You have to be a certain amount of insane to qualify for that and my Marmalade fits the bill perfectly.



Here's to you my love. I have this distinct memory of your 23rd birthday. We were at Aaiee's place and someone had called to wish you on that big green phone at the bottom of the stairs. And you laughed and said, "Only 17 more years until I turn 40." I remember standing opposite you, leaning against the wooden railing and thinking, "17 years... Seems like a lifetime away... I wonder where we will be and will we still be friends." I am glad both have remained... Our friendship and the memory. These two words seem inadequate when it comes to you somehow but I will still say them... Thank you. For giving yourself to me so generously and loving me... All of me, warts and all. #thanksgiving #gratitude #gratitudeweek_2016 #friends #love