A toast to bhelpuri wala

           
I have known this bhel puri wala for almost a year now. In fact my addiction to his bhel puri was so obvious, my friends teased me, i might end up marrying him someday! Sure enough, in spirit of good taste,i never felt teased(much to the disappointment ). He has been a smiling spectator , observer of my life. When my 'place' changed, he was at my gate again, completely aware of the changes , the absence of my skinny friend. we gossiping, munching while trying to balance on the 10mm brick line, trudging towards college. There was no desire or santro,my black scooty took the lead.Even the absence of uniform couldnt pass his eyes without notice. Our silent friendship wasnt one sided. He has seen me staring at the cheap cop with aversion, who plundered bribe outta him. I know his family is far. Sometimes i would reach him alone , and he would smile, neither sympathetic nor gloating ,mostly assuring,'its gonna be ok!'
few days back he turned into a speaking friend. In excessive anger, after the symposium blasted off, even in cough n cold i went 4 bhelpuri....Out of the blue, he denied outrightly....i stormed off in rage!
today i decided to apologize , before i could utter anything he had 'see i told you, it was suppose to be ok' smile pasted,as if he read me. strange how people can bond ......how connections with smile can reach out!