'friend'

HE and I share a very difficult relationship; I don't care much about HIM and HE cares too much about me.

Saw you for the first time in line, waiting for lunch. Would not have recollected the day had it not been for your sweet smile to no one in particular.
You turned out to be the organizer of the committee in which I was coaxed to volunteer by others. Again the initial apprehension to talk to you for absolutely no reason, may be HE was playing a trick, a very mean trick. One up for HIM.

So 'friend' we failed to talk for the first time, you hesitated because of my unshaven and natural I-do-not-give-a-damn look and I because for the first time, surprisingly, was not interested.

HE vs. I = 2 - 0

Then the first day when you called my desk to ask a doubt, I cracked a stupid joke to relieve your tension, and you laughed heartily. My life changed!

HE vs. I = 2 - 1

All of sudden I found myself going to your desk, passing some vague comment on your collection of teddy bears. Still the same smile, would have killed anyone for that one smile! Our courteous calls evolved into discussions on nothing in particular. First I used to find reasons to talk to you, all of sudden you became the reason of my talking.

You loved to talk, I talked;

You loved to gossip, I loved gossip;

You loved yourself, may be I ....

HE vs. I = 2 - 2

HE is losing touch!

Then the fourth day I was really enthusiastic about we going for a walk, also wanted to ask you something very important. Saw you hunched at your desk talking to someone. Should I disturb or should I not? Hell!! I know her well to disturb and may be some credit card company is bugging her on phone. I tapped your shoulder, you looked back and on registering my face, flashed that smile. That involuntarily made me smile too. You murmured into the phone,

"Darling, I will call you back, a 'friend' is here......"

HE won!