Being an adult is tough, it comes with endless expenses.
When I was 15–16, I hardly had any expenses. My friends used to take ₹10–50 from home for snacks, but I was the one who never asked my family for money. Even as a kid, I never felt like asking.
While my circle was busy eating samosas and chips, I was busy sneaking cigarettes from my father’s cupboard. My father was a smoker, and since he worked abroad, he used to bring back different brands of cigarettes. That smell hit me hard.
And that’s how it began, my so-called cool habit. I would steal one, climb to the roof, and smoke at night. At that time, I didn’t even understand the taste. It was just the idea of doing something “grown-up.” Later, I also tried drinking the same way, by stealing.
But back then, it was once a year kind of thing.
The Turning Point
When I was about 18, something changed. There was a guy, my elder brother’s friend. We had a small fight earlier, but later things cooled down.
One day, I was on my way to buy groceries when I met him. He stopped me and whispered in my ear, “Take 3 Gold Flakes.”
I thought he’d ask me to smoke with him, but he didn’t. We went to a quiet place, he lit up, and while I kept staring at his cigarette, he noticed. Finally, he asked, “Do you smoke?”
I hesitated for a second and said, “Yeah… occasionally.”
He passed me the cigarette. And that’s how he became my first smoke partner and later, my brother.
From that day, we smoked together often. He knew everything about me what kind of person I was, my struggles, my dreams. Whenever he called, I went.
Money, Life, and Struggles
I never liked asking money from my family. My mom sometimes slipped money in my pocket, even when I refused. She knew every guy has expenses, even if he doesn’t admit it.
At 22, I moved to Delhi for a diploma. My family sent me ₹7–8K monthly. It wasn’t enough, especially after a heartbreak that made me drown myself in drinking like some filmy hero. Whenever I was short, I borrowed from my smoking partner.
He always gave, never said no. He used to joke, “You are my worst investment,” but still, he never turned me away.
Later, I got a job at Concentrix on a contractual basis. I enjoyed that period, learned a lot, and also saw the ugly side fake friends, fake smiles. When my contract ended, I returned to my village and sat at home for 1.5 years. During that whole time, that same guy supported me financially without hesitation.
Fake Friends vs. Real Brother
When I had money, people called me bro, bro. But once my job ended and I was broke, the same people ignored me. Whenever I asked for help, they gave excuses. All except him.
Even now, after joining a new company, expenses are high. Just yesterday, I was stuck badly. I asked friends, tried multiple apps for a loan, nothing worked. I was frustrated and low.
Finally, I texted that one guy. I didn’t even want to because I still owe him money. But without a single question, he sent it immediately.
We’ve had huge fights in the past, but he has never said no to me.
The Lesson
Guys like him are rare. If you have someone like my friend in your life, value him. Ups and downs happen, fights happen, but if he still stands by you in your worst days, he is not just a friend, he is a brother.
Brother forever.
Do you also have someone like this in your life? Share your story in the comments.
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