The Ring, the Dustbin, and a Broken Friendship (Never Quite Begun)

  

Eighth grade. A time of awkward elbows, nervous giggles, and that exhilarating (yet terrifying) feeling of having your first crush. For me, it was (let's keep it confidential). Everything about her seemed to glow – her smile, her laugh, the way her hair bounced when she walked. I dreamt of becoming friends, of sharing secrets and whispered jokes. 

Friendship Day. A day dedicated to celebrating the bonds that held our little world together. I saw my chance. A small, silver friendship ring – a token of the tentative feelings blooming in my chest. In the hushed quiet before the assembly, my heart hammering a frantic rhythm against my ribs, I slipped the ring onto her bag's keychain. A silent promise, waiting to be spoken.

The assembly ended, the classroom buzzing back to life. But the buzz turned into a roar. Her voice, laced with anger and hurt, echoed through the room. "Who did this?" she demanded, the ring held aloft like an accusation. "If no one owns up, this is going straight in the trash!"

Panic flooded my veins. The fear of being singled out, of facing the teacher's disappointment, of the snickers from classmates – it was a suffocating wave. My voice, trapped somewhere in my throat, refused to emerge.

With a final, heartbreaking clatter, the ring met its fate in the dustbin. A tiny silver symbol of a friendship that never bloomed, tossed away with disdain. 

In that moment, something shifted within me. The warmth of my crush evaporated, replaced by a cold wave of disillusionment. The girl I admired seemed so…immature. So quick to anger, so dismissive of a small gesture meant with kindness. 

The memory of that day is tinged with a bittersweet sadness. It was a turning point, a realization that crushes aren't always sunshine and daydreams. They can expose vulnerabilities, bruise egos, and leave you with a handful of dented pride. 

But as time washes away the sting, I'm left with a strange sense of gratitude. That day, by the dustbin, I learned a valuable lesson: true friendship deserves respect, kindness, and a willingness to see beyond the surface. And sometimes, letting go of a dream can pave the way for something even better. 

I know I have not been consistent with my blogs but you know I am lazy 🦥. I would try to post more often. Next post will be up in two days. You can also comment a topic you want a blog on.

Love you 🫂

Gautam