Friends

from my memories...

Vikas was my best friend. His house was at about 5 minutes walking distance from my home. I remember after school or on Sundays, we spent most of our time together. We used to tell each other everything. Even if I got a new pencil, we would celebrate it together. 

Many years ago, may be when we were in 5th or 6th class, it was my birthday. Evening party was planned, where all my friends from the "Galli" and some friends from school were expected including Vikas. Before party, I was already with Vikas as usual. Those days we both had our bicycles. That day also we were roaming around the sector on our bikes. I had an old second hand bicycle and Vikas has the new Ranger bicycle. Maybe because it was my birthday, Vikas let me ride his bicycle and rode mine. I was enjoying the new bicycle, while Vikas was on the old one. Then it happened. We were crossing the dividing road and suddenly a loud bang startled me and I looked back. Vikas, who was on my bicycle was hit by a motorcycle. Motorcycle guy also fell down and both Vikas and that guy were hurt. I rushed to Vikas, thankfully he was able to stand and walk easily, but my bicycle was now badly bent. Being from middle class families, a bicycle meant a big thing for both of us. I was afraid that my parents will get angry if they come to know of the bicycle's fate.

Vikas helped me that day. We went to a roadside cycle repair shop. This road side cycle mechanic was actually a guy studying for Engineering Entrance exam and wanted to raise money for his books and coaching. He looked at our cycle like a Doctor in the Emergency Ward of a hospital sees a seriously injured patient. We explained him the situation and he took about 1 hour in repairing it. He had to open everything, straighten and reassemble the whole bicycle while replacing some bearings also. Vikas paid him about 30 Rupees, which was a big amount that time, especially for School kids. It was a big decision on part of Vikas. Maybe my parents could understand and not get angry on us for this accident, but I was quite scared in view of my father's usual anger. However that day Vikas saved me, he saved my Birthday. Later on he came to the party also, with my birthday gift. :)