The time, effort, and energy we invest in our loved ones cannot be replaced by expensive gifts and will never be in vain.

Anyone who is familiar with me well knows that I usually don’t take a break from work. I took a break from work and cancelled some assignments for a week, and I did it with a smile on my face because it’s Jul 29. It has always been special as it’s the birthday of my soulmate. Since we were in school, having sleepovers, having lengthy conversations, and spending time together have become rituals for us (fewer photos, of course, but they are the least in the list, which I regret). We have been practising it for over a decade now.

Life is all about contentment. She always brightens and beautifies my birthday with her presence and handmade presents. My presence on her special day is the only gift she has ever desired. She’s happy to celebrate her birthday even after a week if I’m held up at work. I took a break from work and cancelled some assignments for the week and I did it with a smile on my face because she is worth it.

We've been best friends for over 14 years but I’ve the least pictures captured with her. I only talk to this individual once or twice a year, and in my entire life, I have never pretended to be someone I'm not to her. Most of my first moments in life had happened with her. I always turn to her when I need emotional support. The first person in my contact that I reach to when things get shattered. I can proudly say that she’s my admirer and the motivator.

We get to see each other on our birthdays without fail. She's seen me through all of my highs and lows, knows my flaws, and has always been a pillar of support for me with no expectations in return.

It's been a fantastic ride. We are the polar opposites. Say for instance, she loves rain but I don’t. She enjoys beach whereas I am a mountain person. We contrast in every way possible, but we stick together. I’ve never had such possessiveness as she does. Which she has always fought for. She wanted me to be possessive of her. But, as I've always said, "possessiveness arises only when I'm insecure about the relationship. No one can ever take your place. Regardless of how many people I meet in my life. Nobody could ever become Malathi."?

I am blessed to have her as my soulmate. She has always had my name the most in her prayers and has selflessly wished for my absolute happiness. When I asked her what she wanted with my first salary, she said she wanted me to spend it on myself because I wasn't doing well at the time.

I asked her the same question again once my income was stable, but she shocked me and I started shedding happy tears. "I want your time, Prathi. No matter how much you do or how busy you are" she said. She’s always been kind and generous enough to lavishly show me her love, saying things like, "I want you to spare your time with me whenever you could.” When we begin to share love to others without expecting a similar response from them, we will experience it in multiple ways Because Love is never a trade

?I still remember the texts I’ve I got from her then-fiance, who is now her husband stated "Sister, I'm glad to know that you two share such a great friendship, and I desire the same to continue." I would never interfere at any cost, so please don't hesitate to come home and ask her out whenever you two want to hang out and be the same tiny little birdies.” He has been a man of his words.

It’s not that easy because she has spent her birthdays only with me despite being married for 2 years. We've been hanging out and sharing the same excited sleepover together.

I tried to convince my friend to celebrate the birthday as a couple. But my friend never wanted the Jul 29th ritual to get changed hence the couple either celebrate her birthday a before or after. My friend and I get to meet on Jul 29th. Every year, she calls to make sure I'll be available a week before and even the day before her birthday. How could I not be delighted for such a lovely soul who always puts me first?

She always has our meeting planned because it only happens once in a blue moon, which is amusing. Due to my job schedule, I would not only miss her special day but also be unable to show up at the last minute. She hasn't grown tired of me though and she hasn't argued with me about not spending more time with her.

This time I was eager to meet her more as I was missing her a lot and have got lot to share with her. The day was spent well more than what I expected. It was the same us but a long and deep conversations with intense thought process. That has fulfilled my heart and made both of us realise how much we have grown in these years.

People have always said that if she gets married, her love would disappear. She has disproven it. Nothing has changed in her two years of marriage. I've always felt the same kind of affection.

I don't mean to imply that everyone should skip appointments in order to please their loved ones.?I also don't advocate prioritising family over friends or vice versa. It is unquestionably an individual’s decision.

The time, effort, and energy we invest in our loved ones cannot be replaced by expensive gifts and will never be in vain.

-Prathiba Jayaprakash

A human??who considers understanding that gets rooted via open communication to be the key to any relationship.

PC: We've somehow managed to get out pictures captured this time.

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