Vishal had a friend named Suresh—known less for affection and more for inconvenience. Among their circle of friends, he had earned a reputation much like a bedbug: arriving uninvited and refusing to leave.
One evening, Vishal had just returned home from the office, exhausted, when the doorbell rang. He opened the door to find Suresh standing there, smiling broadly. “Buddy, I’m spending the evening with you today,” he announced cheerfully. Vishal immediately realized that peace was no longer an option.
Suresh walked in and settled onto the sofa as if he had permanently claimed it. “Got some tea?” he asked casually. Vishal forced a polite smile. “Sure, I’ll make some.”
While sipping tea, Suresh grabbed the remote and began flipping through channels. Then he added, “I think I’ll stay for dinner tonight.” Vishal’s face tightened as though he had just swallowed bitter medicine.
After dinner, Suresh stretched comfortably and said, “I’m really tired today. Hope you don’t mind if I stay the night?” Vishal nearly choked. “The house is small,” he tried to protest weakly. Suresh waved it off with a grin. “No problem, I’ll adjust.”
Late at night, Vishal whispered to his wife, “How do I get rid of this bedbug of a friend?” She replied calmly, “Just smile and tell him you have important work early tomorrow.”
The next morning, Vishal told Suresh, “I have to leave early for the office.”
“No problem,” Suresh replied enthusiastically. “I’ll come along. We can grab tea on the way.”
Now Vishal was certain—this friend was truly glued to him like a stubborn pest. Determined to escape, he tried another tactic that evening. “I have to travel out of town,” he declared.
“That’s great!” Suresh beamed. “I’ll get ready too.”
Vishal sighed inwardly. “May God spare others from such a friend,” he thought. Yet he knew friendship also meant tolerance. So with a diplomatic smile, he finally said, “Let’s catch up another time.”
And thus, the saga of the unshakable guest continued.
RAJEEV VERMA 