1.
You were a lot closer to your building and colony friends than your friends at school.
2.
There was always a set time to go down to play cricket or football, and if you weren't down by then, everyone would start hollering at your window.
3.
Cricket matches with the neighbouring building or colony was essentially WAR.
4.
You would always make fun of that grouchy kid with the bat who didn't want to play after he was out.
5.
And that one poor kid who missed all the action because he had wayyy too many coaching classes to attend.
6.
You would all collectively run for your lives if one of you broke someone's window.
7.
But at some point, some poor soul would have to go and ask for the ball back. Good luck with that.
8.
When all your parents consented for a sleepover, you just knew a whole lot of insanity would ensue.
9.
You were scared some aunties would see you with a friend of the opposite gender and tattle to your mom.
10.
But everyone knew the blind spots in the colony where you could all fearlessly hang and play risqué games like Truth or Dare.
11.
Doing embarrassing dances and singing horrible songs at building functions was the norm, as long as you had your friends taking part in it too.
12.
Your biggest fear was that your mum would scream at you to come home and use your embarrassing nickname to do so.
13.
A cold glass of juice or even cold water after the game at someone's house was a given, and it was the most beautiful thing ever.
14.
And not getting to go play because you didn't finish your homework was the absolute worst feeling in the world.
15.
Holi, Diwali or any freakin' festival was the bomb. Because nobody cares which God you pray to and everyone just wants to get in on the fun.
16.
At some point, you've all been guilty of telling stories which are blown wayyyy out of proportion.
17.
There were always the kaccha nimbus who were too young to play with you. But they kinda had a gang of their own.
18.
On boring days and on idyllic vacations, you would make your own games up and go on your own adventures.
19.
Sure, meeting everyday meant that there would eventually be a fight or two on occasion.
20.
But by the next evening, you were back to being normal like nothing ever happened.
21.
Finally, the time came when you all grew up and went your separate ways to pursue your dreams.
22.
But besties that you are, you still catch up whenever you can, to laugh about the good times and marvel at how grown up you all are now.
23.
And joke about the kid with the bat and the kid with too many coaching classes, and think about how much simpler those days used to be.
