Not your Best Friend

"But mom, I am only asking for some more cheese on my sandwich. It makes your yummy sandwich even yummier! Parth's mother lets him eat as much butter and cheese as he wants, and they don't even tell his dad about it. She allows him to stay outdoors after 6 pm. They also goshup when he doesn't feel like studying. He says his mom is his best friend."

"'Gossip', not 'goshup'. Do you know what it means? Dig into the dictionary and find out."

"Why can't you just tell me? Parth's mom would have!"

"Because I'm your mother, not your best friend."

A couple of minutes after rummaging through the pages of the dictionary, his face lit up.

"Mom, I found it, I found it! I know what it means. Yay!" 

"Great. So how do you feel? You learned a new word today!" 

"I feel good. But I still want my cheese."

"Sure. Once you make your bed."

"But Parth's mother..."

"Always makes his bed for him? Got it. Now hurry up before I change my mind!"

20 years later... 

"Mom, you've already met her a couple of times. Do you think she's the right one for me? " 

"What do you think? Dig into your heart and find out."

"Just like the meaning of 'goshup'?"

"You still remember?"

"Of course. It's just that...we're in India."

"So?"

"Well, the whole saas-bahu thing is a big deal. All my friends have gotten their wives 'approved' by their mothers."

"You're the one who's going to share the rest of your life with her."

"What about you and dad?"

"What about us?"

"I can't leave you alone. I mean, sooner or later, we will be living with you. What if you can't get along with her?"

"Your dad and I enjoy each other's company. Do you think we'd let you guys move in and ruin our privacy?"

"Oh, come on mom, I'm serious!"

"Fine. Even if the four of us have to live together at some point of time in our lives, as long as we respect each others' boundaries, we'll get alone just fine."

"But I want you and her to be best friends!"

"What's with you and forced friendships? It's the most spontaneous of bonds; it'll happen if it has to. Besides, I think she already has a best friend."

"Who is that?"

"You."

"Oh, so you and dad are conspiring to drive me away from home. But what if I want your special cheese sandwich? You can't email it to me!"

"Drama queen! You already know how to make that; I taught you."

"You didn't say you will teach her."

"Should I?"

"No. I'll make them for her."

"That's good to hear."

"Mom?"

"Yes?"

"I've been meaning to say something to you."

"What?"

"Thanks for not being my best friend, and for being the best mother in the world instead."