Parallels

Parallel lines never meet, unless you bend one or both of them.
- Anonymous

Two girls meet. They have similar tastes and personalities despite being brought up in different backgrounds.

Both are from the same region but there is an age gap of six years between the two. Therefore, to identify each from the other, we shall name one as the 'Eldest' while other will be 'Youngest'.

Eldest is a single child. She grew up abroad but returned back to the island at an early age. She is from a Buddhist background and her upbringing had taught her to respect all religions. She is especially fond of one particular religion, most probably because she came into contact with it while she was abroad. Later as destiny should have it, she met many people of the religion often while growing up.

Firstly her childhood friend from the UK was from the same religion. Returning to Sri Lanka she made a pleasant discovery. Her neighbours too belonged to the same religion.

During her adolescence the first guy who pursued her too was from the same religion and later so was the guy she truly fell in love with and lost.

Youngest's situation is similar. Her love was for another nationality. Her family was close to this other ethnic minority since they were children. Her cousin married one from the same group and was banished from the family. Later she too met a guy of the same nationality at her workplace.

This time the religion was the same but what differed was the nationality. She became extremely fond of him but they had to break up due to unexplainable reasons.

There are parallels in these two stories. Some I can relate and others I cannot because of the need to protect the identity of these characters.

The girls' and the guys' personalities are alike. Their names too sound alike. After they parted ways two other boys began pursuing the girls. They made themselves a nuisance to them. Surprisingly these new guys too embody similar characteristics. The girls took similar measures to avoid them. They discovered the results later.

It is a tragic tale but there is a silver lining. Eldest and Youngest became best friends. They confined in each other and began spending time together.

They sought each other's advice. They tried to heal each other. Eldest was mature in some matters but she had a lot to learn from Youngest. It was not a one-sided affair but a 'give and take' relationship.

I don't know if their efforts worked out but at times it helps to know that you are not alone in this world. It feels good to have an 'understanding shoulder to cry on' and know that you are with someone who has almost relived your experience.

They may not be able to eradicate your emotions but lending a sympathetic ear helps rather than a few sharp words from someone who is alien to the subject.

Believe me. I know because I have been through it via first hand experience.

Shehara

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