Friend"ship"

It is always said that, the greatest of the stories have evolved from the pens of writers who have seen places, and who have crossed oceans and who have been to different countries and cultures. yes, ofcourse, who can deny that!
But, what if a normal and partially educated person sits back in his room, and lets his thoughts go places and cross countries and look into the (imaginary)minds of people he encounters and writes a story..
Gratuitous to mention, this story's complication & length obviates the fact that, its purely imaginary and the charecters are imaginary and the conversations that go among them are so as well. It just deals with the mindsets and thinking process of various kinds of charecters in this story. Just for an idea, its kinda serious story, rather than funfilled and comedy oriented. If accidentally you find a situation or two from ur lives, juss enjoy it rather than thinking ahead from it. And dont like
to spoil the beauty of it by giving any more clue of it. And here it goes....
(Caption of the story -- "Not all stories are alike")

An old man who seems to be in his late 80s, laying down a big tree, which seems to have lost half of its leaves already, with his arms under his head, relaxing and thinking about some thing very deeply. And he observes two doves coming from nowhere flying and sitting right above head on a branch of the same tree. And the old man's concentration turns towards them. And begins to think, "They seem to enjoy each other's company definately, but are they life partners ? or are they lovers, or are they friends !! ? Friends ? :)

hmff, Friends ??" giggles a little to himself and stands up with hands put in his pocket, and starts walking deep into the woods of the wild garden...

And his only grandchild jim, who is already 7 comes running to the oldman, with another kid by his side. the old man, asks him, "how come u r here, have no classes today ?!"
"hey grandpa, its sunday, and cant go school on sundays too." hehe.

old man thinks "ah, i think i am already old enough to loose count on days. :)".
And says to kid "hey, you havent introduced ur companion to me!",
jim: "oh yea, sorry. he is Tedd, my best friend. i mean he is the closest of my friends."
old man: "Great. Nice meeting you buddy.. Tedd, how u doing ?"
Tedd: "I am great, hey can you be one of us from today. we can make a great team hehe :). what say.."
old man: "Sounds great, why not, i would love to".

Said that, Tedd looked at old man's eyes in a manner, that disturbed the old man, may b reminding of some thing or somebody... And Jim and Tedd move away, laughing and cutting silly jokes to each other..
But the old man begins to wonder "what made Tedd read him, and calling him "pal", and say "one of us". In juss two words I spoke to him, he could already make a huge impression on me. And does he really know the meaning of a friend at the age of 7 ? Every word he spoke to me showed that he has understood what frenship is more than what I have understood in these 83 years.. :) Beautiful..".

But realizes, Tedd has triggered a stream of thoughts in his mind about his past. Immediately the old man says to himself "Ahh, come on, you havent changed a little in all these years. comeon, grow up! dont think too much about life, dont you remember what ur teacher taught once ? the only way to be happy in life is, by not thinking too much about it?".
And feels tired juss after walking 100 feet and rests under another tree which had too many leaves as the old man feels. And tries to relax by sitting against the tree with his head up and eyes closed... And his thoughts, take him back to his youth, reminding him of what he was 60 years back.....

Its 1997. An young man, named Fidelio Graziano starts from a small city in Italy, to continue his further studies in Canada. The smyle on his face showed that, he is definately satisfied with his achievement on having secured a seat in such an honorable and prestigious university in Canada.

Fidelio was a man, who had good philosophical thinking and heart to accept other's philosophy easily. He was a man, who believed there is nothing wrong in taking a shortcut, to avoid others getting hurt. He was a soft natured person, who was not really perticular about winning a race. Fidelio had a heart to condone any mistakes done to or by him without much thought. Fidelio did not like going for severe thoughts or actions when there was a smoother path. His philosophy was, just think and act simple which would suffice the need. Fidelio also belived, his logical thinking and his ability to tackle problems is gonna take him places. And he always believed in himself, though did not really looked like one. He was a person who could attract any connoisseur of music with his guitar. And he was a guy who never frowned at anything, even if he did not like it.

Fidelio came from a city, which had handful of decently good educational institues. But Fidelio wanted to roam places and learn cultures. He was the only son to his parents, who actually wanted their only son to stay back with them. Though, Fidelio did not like leaving them either, he knew he would get back to them as a better person soon, which would make them forget the pain they are undergoing now.
Fidelio leaves towards his goals.

Interestingly the same day, same time, from a different geographical location, another young mind started towards the same educational institute with similar academic profile.
Ironically, he did not give much thought to his achievement, still remembering his ability, which is taking him there. He was never worried about his profile, achievements or his future. "His thoughts were beyond one could judge from his face and talking". He was a guy who looked very jovial but very tough at heart. Most of the time he kept himself and his companions cool and cheerful. He was a guy who was modest but not condoning any mistakes easily. He did not admire any thing so easily, but once he does, he appriciates it, loves it, and does not hesitate to give a chunk of his heart cutting it, if needed. He hated commiting mistakes the most, but was always ready to learn from them and rectify and go ahead. He did not know speaking soft, he only spoke straight. The last thing he would do is hurting others, but he doesnt hesitate to frown, if he finds wrong act from them. He always belived in individuality and independence, but was alwasys ready to help others with positive openion about them. He knew his abilities and drawbacks, and so could avoid many situations which would lead others to point his wrongs. In summary, he was a man who couldnt play two faces, and hated receiving that. He could appriciate somebody who hated him and said so, than somebody who admired on face but did not actually cordially.

He spent all his life in a small village in France, where his parents had come and settled years ago, and where he was born and brought up. His parents accompanied him to the airport to send their only son Andre off.. His father's tough mind and his mothers soft heart and his past experience

with companions and school buddies have taught Andre alot in his life. Andre calmly beckons with a stiff smyle on his face and winking at his father, getting the same in return, and left towards his future...

And the college days began...

Fidelio concentrated on his studies, and found himself very happy for his progress in academics, and began to enjoy his studies. And out of his soft nature, people admired him as a good person. But he was not really considered a good friend by many as he was too soft to be a guy among young men oozing with energies. Fidelio never hesitated to share his sad or happy moments with others, as he felt after all thats what are frenz for. And ofcourse always welcomed others sharings. He could get a set of frenz with like mentality and was happy with his group. He was already becoming famous in the college for his guitar. However, he could also get people who envied him for his talent with guitar. However he sensed that there was nobody who actually admired him to the level he expected or deserved.

Andre Francois began his funfilled and joyous life. He was really happy that he was being independent and still could get many good frenz at the college. As his nature drived him, he did not expect any thing from others and felt he owed nothing to anybody either. But always ready to help on a request. Some people began to see him as a swellhead as Andre did not belive in talking softly, and some liked him for his unique nature and some others who did not think too much about him, felt he was
juss being himself, and were not bothered much. But Andre was a guy who did not really care about others thoughts and openions, and considered silly even to consider on considering such things.. He always sticked to his will and way. Out of his cheerful nature everybody looked to be enjoying his company.

The time passed, and students were getting involved into the schedules of classes and events.

Everybody was enjoing their lives. Every thing was going great. But as its the nature's nature... that, change is the only thing that is constant. And that was inevitable. !! ..!!

The college football competitions were about to begin. The matches were conducted rarely by the institute. So they were considred precious. And the college had 5 football teams, out of which only three were upto the mark. And the rest two were, always out of competitions, precisely nonstarters. And with the new batch in, there were minor changes in all the teams. Andre Francois happened to fall in one of the two, not so good performing teams. and Fidelio Graziano happened to fall in the defending champion's group, who were the hot favourites this time as well. The match between hot favs, and the under estimated began. From the very beginning of the match, out of Andre's and his newly built group's dominating nature, they showed agression. Though, the first half was over, neither team could score a goal. And the heat began to increase in both the teams.

Andre's team knew they were going to win the match if they continue the same spirits. However, Fidelio's team was confident that they can easily handle their supposedly weak opponent. However, there was a splinter of doubt in Fidelio's mind that, it might get tougher. And somehow, Andre's presence in the opposite team disturbed him, though this was the first time he saw him.

And the whistle signalled second half's begin. The audience were applauding and were also anxious what the end would be.
Andre's team began to show how dominant they could be, they scored the first goal in the 7th min of the second half.

And for the first time, Fidelio's team began to consider the other side of the coin. Fidelio did not want to loose so easily, so with the gut feeling of his ability, he started running towards the ball and grabbed it from opponent's captain and started going towards the goal... And he was not even half way thru towards the goalpost, suddenly some guy with lightning speed came from nowhere and took the ball over and headed towards the opposite goal. Though, Fidelio was not really particular about winning every time, was a guy who never accepted the defeat easily. His instinct to win made him immediately run towards the lightning that juss passed him. And saw that, the ball was with Andre Francois. "ohhh, the lightning is u..! " he murmured. Seemingly heard Andre looked at Fidelio with a look that challenged Fidelio. Fidelio tried his best to grab the ball thats been dribbled at Andre's feet. Andre had could read other's mind to a good extent, in any given situation. And he used it at the right time in a right way and juss escaped Fidelio. Andre was fast approaching the goal and hit a shot, the ball flew into the air... and it finally could escape the goalkie as weel, as Fidelio's team had no words to speak out.

Andre looked at Fidelio, though Fidelio was lookin at the ball and his team mates depressed.. And saw the disappointment. But did not give a damn. Suddenly Fidelio looked at Andre, and Andre returned a careless smyle and ran towards their team to join the party... Fidelio noted him. He did notiec Andre.
And the rest of the game was out of interest. There was no place for big scenes. The leading team did not give a chance to look back. Andre's team was dipped in fun. And finally referee asked both the teams to exchange hand shakes. Each of the player shaked hands with each of their opponents. Andre was not lookin at the faces of opponent team memebers. suddenly he felt a notably firm and warm hand shake. Fidelio juss passed Andre. When Andre looked at Fidelio, he returned a freiendly smyle. Andre
looked at him plain, with his one of the eye brows up a little, whose meaning was not clear..

From the next morning, evey thing was back again. The classes started, students started running with books in the morning to classes. Every student was concious about grades atleast to some extent, as each of them have excelled through out their career, and knew clearly also that, it was not a cake walk to get minimum marks with professors excelling their fields and not compromising or lenient. And exams brought students together more than, sports or cultural events. With the exam's tension, folks slowly forgot the boundaries between their peer groups. With the adjusting mentality of Fidelio and his peer group, mixed up with Andre's group as well.

Andre did not conciously feel, there were boundaries between people and groups. To that matter, he never even considered himself belonging to a group or owning friends. He just saw every thing plain and preferred dealing with issues alone. However, Andre always thought on what a friend means. He used to believe the meaning of a friend as "if you have a friend, you should have one whom you can trust in every thing, and you should be ready to give any thing and every thing to him. And you should just consider him as an another self. Though, you might not have right to expect any thing from him. But from past experinece, he was sure, there is no such thing existing in real world, and even if some thing happens and you get sbd like that, time is gonna take away things from you. ... Ah! bullshit, what am I thinking ? would you cut the crap atleast now ? already enuff... there are lot better things in life to worry about(smyling to himself)". Thinking that, Andre was walking alone, on the evening of
that enjoying the nature, which was his best pastime humming to himself a song which had an unknown sadness filled in it. On the same road opposite to Andre, coming was another student who was deeply immersed in his problem that he seems to be sure of coming in exam on the next morning. Andre was enjoying his song to the fullest extent in his typical manner.
He suddenly heard a "hi!", and turned to the student with book in one hand and umbrella in the other, Fidelio. Andre returned "hey". And both moved away. Andre thought to himself "pity, I would have never said hi first, if i had lost like a silly peacock hmmff :) ".

on the next evening, when Andre was with his peer group in the canteen enjoying the jokes and enjoying the sarcams played by each about the ones not present there. After a while, Bill and Fidelio came to join the conversaion. Andre's peer group seemed to know them already well, though Andre barely had an idea of who they were. He atleast knew Fidelio by face, but not Bill at all. As a formal intro, (in which Andre did not believe)

Bill passed his hand to Andre said "Hi Andre, I am Billy".
Andre "Hey Billy." (interesting ppl know my name. I thought, i was..huh)
Fidelio "Hi.. Andre?, I am Fed, ..Fidelio Graziano".
Andre "yea yea, am Andre Gaylord Francois".
Fidelio felt, too many names together !, hmm interesting. there chould be some reason for their parents to have choosen that, nevermind.

Andre had already turned away towards TV put two tables away in the canteen and started watching the football match. Fidelio was suprised to see, Andre's behavior. Fidelio had come from a family which taught him how to be formal and curtious to others. Giggled to himself. Though Andre did not even seem to give a damn, he could read Fidelio's mind nevertheless. And everybody enjoyed the munch, Fid cut and enjoyed a few japes along with Andre, Bill, Ram and others. And as it was time of gaming, everybody started dispersing.. Fid went a few steps and looked back at the interesting character that he has encountered a while ago, and getting more interesting now. Andre had his both the hands in his pants pockets, and sharing some poor jokes with Rach walking slowly away. Fed somehow felt, Andre was not really approachable and as normal as others, though he had hardly talked to him nor heard out him.
Andre n Fid encountered each other again on the football ground on the same day. though, it was not an organized match, everybody was playing in their high spirits. Suddenly a huge folk, running rashly towards Andre, with who the ball was, and collided him unintentionally, making a damage worth dark red card(if something like that existed). Andre flew a little into air and fell 2 feet away. Andre was sure something had definately gone wrong with his leg. Though he did not call for any help, Fed observed Andre being in agony. The huge dude, juss said a 'sorrryy!' and ran away.. Fed came running to Andre and felt there was some thing wrong with the leg. And helped him to reach his room, though Andre tried a few times to walk on his own, he had no other option but to take Fed's help. Doc, checked Andre's condition and suggested, better you stop playing football atleast for a year or two. Andre said
to himself, "damn it, always fate is against me. I was into the game good, and was .......now this ligament gets screwed. damn this ***@*&@ huh! leave it man. life is not fair... Even Ronoldo had been thru all of this ;), so let me call myself Ronoldo when he was not playing..:P. is it Ram's effect ! or what? haha".. Andre cordially thanked Fidelio, for his help who was in the room still the Doc left,
though it didnt sound like so. Fidelio said "no problem, after all what are frenz for", with a wink and a gentle smyle. Andre smyled back. after Fed left the room, Andre closed the door and went to laydown on bed, limping. With the acute pain, he struggled to fall asleep initially, but finally he could.

And in the morning, Andre woke up and thought 'another day, hmm, classes, frenz, breakfast, gamez too many things..' and put his leg on the floor, (forgetting what happened), and collapsed on the floor with immense pain. And was trying to stand up on his only good leg..some how managed to open the door, but sat down again. Fidelio was passing by Andre's room and saw Andre struggling with his fresh hurt. Fidelio came walking swiftly to Andre and helped him... And Andre finished minimal doing before breakfast and came back to his bed with the help of Fidelio. And couldnt ask for Fed's help ne more.

Fidelio, got the breakfast for Andre to his room, and lunch in the after noon and dinner in the night. And Andre was amazed to see Fidelio's unexpected help, and kind heart. Andre wondered 'could I have done that for him?, ofcourse if he had asked, i would have definately, to that matter anybody would, but what made Fid to come by himself and help and leave ..' The next morning by the time he wokeup, Fidelio was reading Andre's newspaper sitting on his chair with legs on the reading table. Andre said "good morning pal". Fid said "hey, u think, its ne worse today" pointing to his leg.
Andre: "haha :) yea its a little better than yesterday"
Fidelio" "No am asking about the other leg"
Andre: "oowh, yea its juss being like u. being bothered because of other leg"
Fidelio: "hey, u say i am ur leg"
Andre: "definately, atleast for the time being... "

both moved together laughing... Andre's hand was around Fid's neck, for support. and both moved slowly out for the day's activities.

Slowly Andre's leg got better day by day. And so did the friendship and understanding between Fidelio and Andre.

Fidelio loved every decision and act of Andre which were to the point, brave and rarely wrong. Fidelio enjoyed Andre's jovial nature and sense of humar. And was amazed at his frankness. Fidelio thought Andre was the best character he had encoutered. Fidelio admired his independant nature, though never encouraged it. Fidelio also admired his logical thinking, and analytical skills which could match
the standards of Fidelio, as Fid felt.

On the other side of the coin, Andre began to admire Fidelio's softnature, which he felt was missing in him. Andre loved Fidelio's altruistic nature. And also found not a bit of egoism in him.

(Andre got the feedback from his peer group that, he was egoistic, he never cared, because he was sure that he was not and it was juss his nature to be alone and independant that made them came to that decision.).

Both began to enjoy each other's company in sharing their views on various subjects.
Fid began encouraging Andre to participate in technical events(making use of analytical and logical abilities) to which Andre never gave a thought. And said, 'if you want to taste mud, do it alone. dont u pull me into it". Fidelio considered Andre was a poor guy, and ofcourse, Andre thought the same about Fidelio.. Fidelio invited Andre to go out for parties. But Andre was a guy who did not like the idea of going out or mixing up with people, though he was not presicely a agoraphobic.

But, Fidelio was not going to go easy on this. Fid came to Andre on an evening said "hey, letz go, its party time. hot chicks and cocktails are waiting there for us, and u r sitting in the room like a goose". Andre was left with no more excuses. And finally, Fid could pull him hard enough to take him to party. And once Andre was in, began to enjoy more than Fidelio. Both enjoyed the party and danced with suitable counterparts of their youth, and drunk and fianlly started to their nests, with one hand of Fid on Andre's shoulder, and one holding the Liquor bottle and Andre's one hand around fid's neck and one in his pocket....

And on the next day, Fidelio came to Andre and said "hey, am really bored. no exams in the near future either. how about going to some movie... let it b ne crappy one. what say".
Andre: "bored, mathametical genious, getting bored ? interesting !"
Fidelio: "u didnt answer me"
Andre: "sorry man. Am not interested, u go ahead.. i dont like the idea of wasting money. ;)"
Fidelio: "I will pay for you bro.... (Andre was smyling),thats not a damn excuse"
Andre : was simply smyling..
Ram came towards these two, who seemed to be quarrelling on something.
Ram said: "hey guyz, anybody movie. hah, cant ask Andy, Fid letz go man, am really bored".
Fidelio: "I would love to come, but have some work man. am really sorry"
Ram: "no worries, carry on, will find some company.. catch ya guyz" and left.
Andre who looked not at all interested in any of the things that were going.
Fidelio: "Andre, i think i will go to lab. am bored, will catch u later"..
Andre was amazed to see Fidelio lying so easily to a guy like Ram. And couldnt still belive how he could change faces so easily. That too to Ram, who was one of the very close buddies of Fid. More than that, Ram was considered Fid to be very trustworthy. Though, Andre did not ask Fid why he did so, as he considered it was none of his business. felt, "who am i to question him, and he has every right
to say foof, as the answer" and kept his mouth shut. And Andre could not dare to take the freedom Fid took without a second thought, out of his defensive nature which was attributed to him from past lessons.

Days passed. Fid excelled in guitar, maths and winning hearts of young ladies and Andre excelled in building frenz, his character and personality. A few envied their frenship. But Andre loved everybody who ever considered him a friend. And always said to himself, more the frenz u have, more the happy u will b... And it continued so, for a few months..

Fidelio never left Andre where ever he went partying, he always pestered and won in getting Andre along with him. Andre always said, "why do u bother to pull me, I am not a guy who enjoys parties n stuff". Fidelio "u r kidding me ? u r the damn idiot who enjoys party the most, and say u dont like it. get up u lazy. And how do you expect me to go without you. you can be happy without me, or to that matter anybody. but i cant b so without your company ?".

Andre with a simple smyle on his face, thinking about the last sentense he spoke, rose from chair reluctantly. And began to think, "Fid is becoming the closest day by day. I am definately loving his company. Though am a guy, who never believed the concept of best fren, seemingly am changing. Am not really sure, why he is enjoying my company, ofcourse many of frenz till now do, to that matter, but what made him enjoy it so much !!". And another memorable day passed their fun filled lives..

Probably the gods began to envy their friendship.
Probably the nature wanted to prove the hard truth that Change is the only thing that can stay

for long.
Probably The complexities of the human brain wanted to show their might.
The things began to change... Muzzy for the good .... or the bad...!!

And the old man suddenly sprang from his posture with relaxing torso and agitation in face, as if some thing stuck him on back. And was in a total dilemma forgotting if he was Fidelio Graziano or Andre Gaylord Francois for a moment, and then quickly recovered to reality. And stood up, and with deep breath followed by a pleasant, tranquil smyle turning into laugh and slowly back to his smyle, with both his hands in pockets moved ahead, towards the woods slowly.....