We all need friends, don’t we?
Some movies and songs play like memories: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Chhodenge, and You Can Count On Me. Songs that remind us what it means to have someone by your side, to laugh with, cry with, to belong to. But sometimes, you wonder, are those friendships only for a few? Only for those who fit into the world’s mould of “normal”?
This story is about Shiv, Ansh, Neeraj, Aanchal, and Aditi. Each of them walks a different path, moves at their own rhythm, and carries their own story. And yet, when they’re together, something quiet and beautiful unfolds.
It began simply. They cooked meals together, learnt how to chop and stir and clean up. They sat around and spoke about things that mattered to them. They learnt how to greet someone at a restaurant, how to order a dosa or a sandwich, how to look at a menu and make a choice. They practised over and over again, words, tone, posture, eye contact. Some days were smooth, some days were not. But they did it…… Together.
Then came a plan they didn’t know about. A small surprise.
One afternoon, they were told: make a group, fix a time, decide a place, and head out for a meal. No adult hovering, no reminders. Just them.
And they did.
Shiv created the WhatsApp group. Ansh sent the first message. Neeraj double-checked the time. Aanchal helped pick the restaurant. Aditi reminded everyone to arrive on time. And one by one, they showed up.
At the restaurant, they found a table. They looked at the menu, they discussed what they wanted. Each one placed their own order. They waited. They passed around ketchup. They joked, teased, and took photos. When the bill came, they didn’t panic. They looked at it, checked the items, did the math, pulled out their wallets, and paid.
And something shifted in that moment.
It wasn’t just about the food or the outing. It was about feeling like you belonged. Like you could sit across from someone and know they see you. Like you could mess up and still be included. Like you were part of something.
That afternoon, five young adults sat at a table, shared a meal, and laughed like only friends can. And somewhere between the French fries and the final bill, they built a memory they’ll carry for a long, long time.
Because that’s what friends are for.
Remember the song….You can count on me like one, two, three, I’ll be there
’Cause that’s what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah!!