Veena and Pratap were always good friends; they always hung out with each other, shared their dreams, everyday experiences, and their sorrows and even stood up for each other in times of need. But then even the best of friends can be competitive and that was what they always did. They competed on everything eating to running to racing in their vehicle. And the loser gets it all; well taunts are really not well accepted even if it is among friends.
One evening they met at a red signal. A red signal, where every driver looks at each other with reprisal, with the gaze that says I will be the first to leave at green. It was the perfect place to start a race. Veena and Pratap geared up, they glanced at each other, their grip becoming stronger every passing second. They were ready to bolt out the moment light turns green. Each second seemed like an eternity as they waited. Then, suddenly, the light turned green. As both Veena and Pratap arched forward, their moms pushed the strollers in opposite direction, said goodbye and went their way. They would be meeting tomorrow again at the pre-school.
