Stories

Friendship

(Inspired from a real-life story)

In the quiet of their cozy living room, Amit's wife, Priya, broke the news to him one evening over a cup of tea. "We've received an invitation for a wedding next Saturday," she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Amit took the invitation from her outstretched hand and examined it. The names of the couple, Ruhi and Niladri Srivastava, adorned the elegant card in calligraphy. As he glanced at the groom's name, something caught his attention. "Niladri," he mused aloud, "that's a bit unusual for a North Indian family, isn't it?”

Priya nodded in agreement; her curiosity piqued by her husband's observation. A couple of days later, she shared this conversation with her friend who had extended the invitation. In response, her friend revealed a fascinating tale behind the name.

The story unfolded in the historic city of Agra, where Niladri Srivastava's family hailed from. His father had shared a deep bond with a childhood friend named Niladri Mukherjee. Both had navigated the corridors of school together, dreaming of illustrious futures.

Their aspirations led them to apply to the Indian Army, a noble pursuit that echoed their sense of duty and patriotism. Fate, however, intervened on the day of their interviews. While Niladri Mukherjee secured a spot in the prestigious ranks of the military, his friend faced a setback.

During his journey to the interview, Amit's wife explained, Niladri Srivastava's father encountered a mishap. His luggage went missing along the way, and in the eyes of the selectors, this misfortune was a mark against his suitability for service. Thus, he was denied entry into the Army.

Undeterred by this twist of fate, Niladri Srivastava's father moved towards a career in law, carving a path of success and prosperity in Agra's legal circles. Meanwhile, Niladri Mukherjee was called to serve in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.

Tragically, news arrived of Niladri Mukherjee's heroic sacrifice in the line of duty. Overwhelmed by grief yet determined to honor his dear friend's memory, Niladri Srivastava's father chose to name his son after the fallen hero.

As Priya recounted this poignant tale to Amit, they both felt a profound sense of connection to the upcoming wedding. Beyond the celebration of love and union, it was a tribute to friendship, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives.

20-Apr-2024

More by :  Subhajit Ghosh

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