Revenge for My Friend

Ameya Panicker

It was a monsoon rainy day in Thrissur. Ameya Panicker was sitting on the Balcony in her room when her mom came to say “ Amy what are you doing here. You will catch cold. Get inside dear.” She started to dry Ameya with a towel. “Ma, you know I love rain.”  “Amy you are not a kid or a teenager anymore. You will have to join the company in Mumbai next month. Did you forget that pa has organized a party for your completion of MBA with honors from US.” her mother told. Then her father came “ Radha why are you nagging her. Let she enjoy. After all, she just came back after four years. We missed you dearly. And Oh! Amy your best friend Anita she called me and said she will be here soon.”

Amy face lit up on hearing her best friends name. She excused her parents and went to freshen up. When she came out of the bathroom, she saw Anita was lying on the bed reading a magazine. “Ani when did you come. Why didn’t you knock the door. How are you and everyone at home. Where is our gang.” she bombarded and gave Anita a tight bear hug. “Wow Amy give me a break. I mean you are literally crushing my bones. You’re talking  like we haven’t seen for a long time and relax I am staying here tonight.”

Ameya was happy to hear that Anita will be staying with her. She went to the dressing room and quickly changed into a Kurti and comfortable leggings. She dried and brushed her wet hair. She sat near Anita” So what’s going on here where’s Devika. Heard she got engaged to an NRI techie guy. Anything new about Merlyn.”

Anita was silent when Ameya asked about Merlyn. All they know is she is still in New York and hasn’t contacted them in the past five years. Even Ameya went to her university in New York when she was in America and tried to find her, but nobody knew about her whereabouts. When Merlyn last talked to them, she was so happy and was going to introduce them to her boyfriend.. “I went to her home and inquired about her. Her parents are still upset of her stunt she pulled during school days. They only know that she is in New York and staying at her Auntie home.”

Ameya and Anita.

Ameya and Anita are diaper buddies. Their fathers were childhood friends and served in the Indian Army. Ranjith Panicker and Radhika are Ameya’s parents and Samuel Varghese and Susan is Anita’s parents. Radhika and Susan where college friends. They did their graduation from a reputed college in Kottayam. Radhika’s parents fixed her marriage with Ranjith who was in the army. At their wedding Samuel met Susan and fell in love. He proposed Susan and said he would send his parents for their marriage. Thus the friends married and both of them gave birth to their first kids in the same year. 

Ameya is dusky colour. But everybody loved her cute and innocent face. Anita and Ameya went to Kindergarten at a Montessori in Punjab. Their fathers were posted at an army unit in Punjab at that time. She learned to speak Punjabi very soon. Due to her innocence and intelligence she was favourite for everyone in the neighbourhood.  

Ameya and Dheeraj

When Ameya was in First grade Ranjith was transferred to Bhopal unit. She studied till fourth grade in Kendriya Vidyalaya. There she met Dheeraj Malhotra whose father was a senior officer in her father’s unit. Dheeraj and family liked her. One day they invited all of them to their home in Ujjain. 

Dheeraj’s family was very powerful in Ujjain. Most of his Uncles where high officials in Govt services and some of them were politicians. “Amy today I am taking you to my big brother’s home. His father is a powerful politician in Ujjain.” She was excited to see his big bro. 

Abhay Pratap Singh was in a meeting when Dheeraj and Ameya came there. Abhay’s mother was sitting in the living room when her eyes met with the cute little girl. “Dheer who is that lil princess with you.” “Dadi (granny) she is my friend Ameya. Her father and papa are working together. Where is Dev Bhai?.” 

“Adhi is playing in the backyard. Go and meet him. When will your parents come to meet me.” She turned to Ameya and said” You are so beautiful my Lil princess where are you from.” Ameya shyly replied “Dadi I from Kerala. You are also beautiful and you have a big family and huge house. I loved coming here.” Dadi was really impressed by her courtesy and politeness. After all she is only 8year old. Dheeraj took Ameya to the backyard. There they saw lots of kids playing. Dheeraj yelled “ Dev Bhai won’t you come to see your buddy.” 

A boy came forward and hugged Dheeraj “My Lil champ when did you reach. I really missed you buddy.” He was Adhidev Pratap Singh 13 year son and heir of Abhay Pratap. Dheeraj introduced Ameya and Adhidev. All of them played for some time. Dadi was watching them playing and noticed Adhidev taking care of Ameya all time.

A week later Adhidev and Dadi were at the railway station to see off Dheeraj and Ameya after the vacation period was over.

ADAM gang

When Ameya was in fifth grade Ranjith was transferred to Darjeeling. So he sent Ameya and her mom to their hometown. She was sent to a convent school in Thrissur where Anita was studying. The last four years they met only during vacation, when they were at home. Ameya and Anita made friends with Merlyn and Devika. Soon they became a gang and named it ADAM (Ameya, Devika, Anita, Merlyn). Soon they became popular among teacher and students. It was Ameya and Anita, who topped in academics and extra curricular activities. Both of them joined NCC. Devika and Merlyn joined the Scouts and Guides program. Ameya was promoted to Sergeant and Anita was promoted to Corporal ranks. Devika and Merlyn were Rangers in Guides section. They all completed their schooling with Distinction.