The Colleague Who Became A Family Friend

Poem dedicated to my former colleague Tamil Elakiya who is now a family friend and unofficial sister. Here goes the content:

I first met you as a colleague

Usually, friendships need some time to develop

However, you were an exception

We became best friends

In a span of less than three months

You knew I was different

But that never bothered you at all

Because, all you look for, in a person

Is character

Talking about character, you fit the bill perfectly

Sincere and hardworking

Warm and friendly

Sweet and caring

I can go on and on

However, the best part about you

Was your brutal honesty

You always spoke your mind

And never sugar-coated things

Irrespective of what the society thought

Picking you up from your hostel

And driving you to office

On my rugged Suzuki Swish 125

And again dropping you at your hostel

In the evening, on my way home

Were some of the sweetest memories I had

In my entire life

From “colleagues” to “friends” to “best friends” to “family friends”

It has been quite the journey

My grandmother packed lunch for you

On a daily basis

And I also got to know your family

Particularly your mother

Who took a liking to me from Day One

Even after you joined another company

We continued to remain close

In fact, our bond actually deepened

You were a regular guest at my home

And my grandparents sheltered you and your family

During the infamous Chennai floods

Then came your wedding

Which my mother and I attended

We had the pleasure of meeting your father

Who, as observed by my mother

Was a simple and innocent man

It was thus a great tragedy

When he left for his heavenly abode

Merely a year later

And as the years passed

You became my unofficial sister

And I also became an unofficial member of your family

We were always there for each other

When it truly mattered

I had the great pleasure

Of lifting your son

On his first birthday

Then came my marriage

Which turned out to be a disaster

And it was you

Who played a key role in saving me

Along with my official sister

And also brought me closer to my own family

Particularly my father and sister

Recently, you rescued me from yet another crisis

And over the course of the last few months

I have been banking on you for moral support

Almost every single day

Truly, I am extremely lucky

To have you in my life

And I want you to know

That if you ever need me for anything

I am always ready to support you

Regardless of what other commitments I might be having

Whether work or personal

So, take care and see you soon!!