Friends (are) forever

Nila stepped out on to the balcony. The party was still in full swing. But she needed to take a tiny break from the overwhelming love. This party was in her honor and she could hold the spotlight only for so long. Her colleagues who've become her thickest friends had gathered to bid her goodbye.

'Friends like these happen but once in a lifetime', she mused. Her new workplace is going to be just that - completely new in every sense. In a new city, speaking a new language, among new people. She was under no delusion that she'll ever get another group of such wonderful people. She would have to build a life from scratch. Though she looked forward to the challenge, her sense of adventure had to compete against her profound sadness in leaving her friends behind. She knew adventure will win in the end but it'll be a tough struggle indeed. Only the thrill of the unknown kept her going.

She heard someone open the door to the balcony, whipped around and smiled at Kadhir.
He held out a cup, "thought you might need it".
"Way ahead of you", she clinked her cup against his.
He put his elbows on the parapet, mimicking her posture. They both sipped silently, comfortably, eyes focused on the night sky and the city lights.
"so... all set?"
"Mmmm", she nodded, "Almost. Just have to pack a few last minute things. Then I'll be done", she said with a little sigh.
He let that sigh float between them for a few minutes.
"Didn't think you'll really leave so soon. I knew you were looking for a better project but this is quick."
"I know right? I didn't expect it either. But when Ms. Menaka herself asked, I had to jump and take it you know?"
"It sounds great. But, won't you miss... everyone?"
She didn't acknowledge that she noticed his pause. She knew he had changed that last word at the last second. But she answered the spoken question.
"How can I not? All of you guys, your friendship is the best thing to have ever happened to me. Missing you all can be the only reason that can stop me from going!" she laughed ruefully, "but this job is perfect for me and opens many avenues"
"Glad to see you so invested! Wish I could be too. You know something? This job is not my first choice and-"
"Do you think I just met you?", she interrupted, "Of course I do. Your dream is to build your own business. Setting up that training academy. How can I not know that?"
"You know who instilled that dream in me?"
"Your dad?", she hazarded a guess.
He smiled. "The idea to be an entrepreneur may have come from him. But the training academy?", he paused, "that's you".
"What?"
"Months ago, you were talking about your passion for teaching. I always wanted to run my own business and didn't have a clear direction. What you said about teaching lit a spark in me. I've since been researching how to translate the idea into a viable business."
"Oh wow, that's awesome! Are you ready to set it up?"
"No. Not yet. I was hoping...", he hesitated, "that I could have your passion to guide me along."
"What do you mean?", she was confused.
"I was hoping you'll be with me, in my journey, as a partner - in everything"
She turned to him, startled. She had suspected his interest in her. But she knew it could never happen, because her plan for her future was so very different from his. And because she valued him more as a friend than a partner.
"That's not... I'm not...", she tried to find the right words, "You know that's not going to be my journey"
"Why couldn't it be? Why can't you stay and... and share your vision with me and... and be with me?"
It broke her heart to know that she has to break his. 
"Kadhir", she tried to be gentle, "I'm honored to know that my passion inspired you. But do you really think I should not pursue my goal?"
"No, no of course not. But... but if you're not here, who else can inspire me? Without you, I have no reason to dream."
"How can you say that? You cannot rest the responsibility of realizing your dream on me. It's your dream and yours alone. You must make it happen, irrespective of me or anyone"
He was silent because he knew she was right. He knew that what he was asking her was unfair. He also knew that he did not want her to leave him, and didn't know how else to make her stay.
"I'm sorry", she continued, "I can't stay here. This project is a step towards my dream and I want it with all my heart. Please know, wherever I am, I'll always be looking out for your success. I hope to see you achieve your dream on your own. I know you can", she lightly squeezed his shoulder and stepped back into the flat, into the party, back to savor the best friendships of her life in the time she has left with them.
Kadhir stood looking into the night, his eyes filled.

[Twenty two years later]

"Sir?", the young man popped his head in, "there's a lady here who insists on seeing you"
Kadhir looked up, annoyed. "I have a meeting in 5 minutes. Ask her to come back later or wait an hour"
"Oh really, Mr Kadhiravan? I have to wait a whole hour to see you?", she neatly stepped around the man and into the room.
His grimace then turned to a grin that almost split his face in half.

Ten minutes later, meeting forgotten, they settled in to enjoy the coffee.
"So... Blue Moon Academy huh?", asked Nila, with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Couldn't forget my inspiration now, could I?", he chuckled. "So how long are you in town for?"
"Only two more days, I'm just here for my daughter's tournament. How's the family?"
"Great! The twins are ready for high school. Do you know they teach here in the weekends?", he said proudly.
"Why am I not surprised?", she laughed and added fondly, "I'm so proud of you, Kadhir".
"Glad you came in-person this time to tell me that!", he grinned. "Bring the family over tonight for dinner. It's been ages since we all met".
She nodded her assent. "Alright, I'll let you get to your meeting. See you later!" she stood up and held out her hand.
He took it and looked at her, "Thank you Nila, for.. for being there".
"Always", she smiled.