GULLAK

A vessel of unspoken emotions and the echo of a friendship.

- Priyanka Awara Badal

Today, while coming back from the office, I purchased a piggy bank again.

Mother: Hey, what's this? You brought another piggy bank?

I: Yes, Mother. Actually, my previous piggy bank got filled up, that's why...

Mother: Ayush, this piggy bank costs ₹135!

I: So what? It's just a piggy bank. Okay, I'm hungry. Please serve dinner. I'll freshen up and come back.

After eating, I went into my room and placed the newly bought piggy bank in line with the others already arranged in the almirah. I didn't realise when this journey with piggy banks had started—or when I had begun losing myself in Meera and started buying these gullaks to feel closer to her.

Past

24 March 2018

Today was Meera's birthday. She was very happy. We lived in the same apartment building—she was on the fourth floor, I was on the third. We were good friends.

Meera was a crazy girl—full of life and dreams. Sometimes she wanted to do one thing, sometimes another. She wanted to travel the world. I liked her fair skin, black hair, and fearless persona. She never cared what others thought or said about her.

I: So, Meera, tell me—what do you want for your birthday? I won't give it to you, but you can still tell me.

Meera: Oh! Remember to get me a present, or I'll beat you.

I: Oh really? Just go! Okay, tell me now, what do you want?

Meera: I want a piggy bank.

I: A piggy bank? Is that even a gift? It costs barely ₹20—you can buy it yourself!

Meera: Yes, I can, but if you gift it, it'll be special. Otherwise, no issue.

I: Fine, I'll see about it.

Every evening at 5, Meera and I would go to the park near our building. It was our daily routine. We'd walk rounds around the park and talk endlessly.