We had reached that level of friendship where I could call him whenever I wanted and not ask for his permission.

It's been a good 4 months since we started talking to each other.

Once while we were talking on phone I had called his jokes "lame" and we were fighting over it. And after few minutes of discussion I said "I have a few rules that I would want every person to follow, includes you as well" and I meant it as a joke which he rather considered seriously.

He had asked "what's it?" I smiled and replied" I won't tell you everything, but making me win is included".

He laughed and said how unfair it was. But finally gave in and said I win! He called me 'Adolf.' And has been calling me that way ever since.

It was early December when my semester breaks were announced. As usual I had to go to dad's house. As much as I hated that place, I knew I don't have an option.

By now I and Rahul would text each other 'good morning' and keep texting or calling till we ended with 'good night'. It was probably because both of us were on semester break and had nothing to do. Or maybe we genuinely wanted to talk to each other. Well in my case, it was the later.

"Adolf, we have never spoken about your parents. Tell me about them." He asked once.

I did not want to tell him about my dad. I did not reply for a while and he called me. "Hello. Why no reply? I thought I'll call you and find out."

My voice was shaky. "Can you maintain a secret?" I asked.

"Hey! Are you crying? Is everything alright?" He asked

"Rahul just answer. Can you keep a secret? I've been dying to share this with someone but I was always scared people would judge me. Scared of people's sympathy."

"Yes Adolf. I will, tell me what is it."

And then I told him everything about that night. I told him how I miss her even now. All the while he just listened to me without uttering a word. And once I completed,  I disconnected the call. I did not want to put both of us in an awkward situation.

That's when he texted me. And I was glad he did not judge me. It's been 2 months after I told him everything, and till today he's never once spoken about it. I'm happy he doesn't too.