“All great friendship stories start with, ‘I didn’t like you at first.’ In fact, that’s what Rashmi said to me too–we began speaking in the 10th grade after she helped me out with a math problem. Eventually, we grew closer and a new friendship blossomed! That was 10 years back. From studying together to going shopping, we spent almost every waking moment together. And you know, it was in those growing up years that we made all these ‘friendship pacts.’ There were the obvious–attend each others’ weddings and travel the world. But there was one that was close to both our hearts–we wanted to buy a car together! And we decided to work towards that goal. While I started blogging, Rashmi became an occupational therapist. And then a month back, I decided to bring my grand plan to fruition. When I felt I’d saved enough, I told Rashmi, ‘Main car lena chahti hu.’ She was super excited! I even told her to buy one with me but she’d just started a new job and wanted to wait it out. But weeks later, she came up to me and said, ‘I’m ready. Let’s do it together!’ I was so happy–something we’d dreamt of doing 10 years back was coming true! Immediately, we began looking for cars on EMI. Finally, after weeks of searching for ‘the one’, we booked our cars; I still remember, I booked mine on the 22nd of December and Rashmi booked hers on the 30th. But god, luck, all were on our side. Because in spite of booking our cars on different dates, we received it on the same day! Trust me, we couldn’t contain our excitement. We unveiled our cars together and even did a little Puja! Our parents were so happy. Her mom even said, ‘I wish you girls have more such moments together.’ And that’s the plan! Just recently, when we went on a road trip to a temple near Nagpur, we couldn’t help but think about how happy 15-year-old Pratiksha and Rashmi would be. And who knows? The next time you see us, we might be purchasing our first home together?”