A Friend In Need

A friend in need is a friend indeed. 

And I had this very thought driving me. Back home a pile of work was awaiting my return. Project submission was just two days away. Even though I have been consistent in my work. Yet the last minute rush and pressure was difficult to avoid. The problem didnt end there. We had the exams starting in a week's time. So I didnt expect to have even a single spare moment till the end of the month. 

And in the middle of all this, Amit decided to announce a 'break-up'. 

Amit is one of the closet friends I have. We have been in the same class for last three years. I don't exactly know what drives our friendship, but we have been in that comfortable space with each other for quite some time now. 

A little less than a year ago, Amit told me about his attraction towards Rhea, who is also in our class. I'm not very close with Rhea, but there are no hard feelings either. And hence when he decided to propose her, and also when she accepted his proposal, I like our all other friends cheerily congratulated the love birds. 

Today they have decided to part ways. I don't exactly know why. I was in the library when the I received Amit's message. "Broke up with Rhea. Chapter closed. Time to move on." 

I had met Amit about an hour ago, when he was going back to his hostel. I don't remember anything unusual about him. All seemed fine, as we exchanged notes on our respective projects. What could have happened in that one hour is beyond my imagination. 

For a minute I stared at the article I was so engrossed with, less than a minute ago. But now the words were refusing to enter my head. I was worried about Amit. Not only because heart-burns are painful, but also because this is absolutely the wrong time. I was worried this emotional turmoil may adversely effect his performance in the upcoming examinations.

I picked up my stuff and moved towards his hostel. My thoughts jumping from the possible reasons of this break-up, to Amit's likely mental state, to the hours I will have to work at night to cover up for this loss of time. But then as they say - a friend in need is a friend indeed. And right now Amit needed a friend. So I decided to extend a hand. 

As I entered his room, he looked up from the pile of books and notebooks he was surrounded with. Seeing me he smiled. "Good that you have come, you can help me with this problem now" He said as he handed me the book he was reading. I quietly sat down. For next half hour we discussed this and various other problems from the coursework. Amit was totally fine; calm and logical in his conversations. 

Maybe he doesn't want to talk right now, I thought. And I didn't insist. In my heart I was  somewhat confused, and little bit irritated with myself. Seems I had acted in haste. Maybe I should have called up before coming. Maybe it was just another fight between them. Maybe its none of my business. Maybe I should ask him about what has happened. Maybe he prefers talking to someone else. Maybe he doesn't want to talk about it. And all these possibilities seemed plausible.

Half an hour later I got up to leave. As I reached the door, Amit spoke up. "You know that you are my closest friend. And the fact that today you have come to meet me, means a lot to me. Thank you." 

I quietly smiled. And left.

I don't know what happened, and why. I don't know if I should have asked him for details. I just decided to respect his decision to keep quiet. Maybe that's what he needs.