A letter to F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Dear F.R.I.E.N.D.S ,

As usual, I opened Instagram and saw Jennifer Aniston’s post today. At first I thought it was just a picture.When I read the caption, I was like… Seriously???

It’s a REUNION. Oh my gosh… after 25 years and all the rumours about the reunion, finally it’s going to be aired. This is one of the best things on the internet today.

I think there are no words to describe this beautiful SITCOM. Oh what am I saying? It’s not just a SITCOM, it’s a journey of six friends who are always there for each other. There are people out there who have watched all the 236 episodes literally hundred times and are still watching their favourite ones. Uniqueness in all the characters is the secret ingredient in this delicious cuisine which made you conquer peoples’ hearts. This letter is addressed to Joey, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe and Central perk.

Joey, a born foodie, purest soul and the most handsome dude in the group. Dr. Drake Ramoray, one of his best works as an actor made us to Google the fact that is there really a real character named that. Smell-the-fart acting, moo point and your love for pizzas is eternal. “How you doin ?” is probably the finest and smoothest pickup line I’ve ever heard. You hid Chandler and Monica’s secret, forgave Chandler for kissing Kathy, broke up with Ursula for Phoebe. We miss you Joe and also your Hugsy, the bedtime pal.

Chandler, the sarcasm king as they say. You’re the funniest person I’ve seen till date. Your blah blah, eggjactly (mimicing Ross) and the very famous “could you be” lines are unforgettable. The face that you made while taking the engagement picture always makes me laugh. Noone can beat the level of your jokes. They’re lit. After you moved in with Monica, I thought that the number of hangouts with Joey kept on reducing. We miss the foosball matches where Monica used to kick your asses, the ‘Baywatch’ sessions with the duck and the chick as well as the orgasm after sitting on the barcalounger. Could you be more funnier, Chandler?

Ross, a Paleontologist ( Yeah, I pronounced it just like you do stressing the ‘P’) and the geek. The way marriages keep messing with you is really funny to watch. We really miss the leather pants, ultra white teeth and the one with your tan. Apart from all the jokes and your habit ( Yeah. I know ‘you’re’ means you are and ‘your’ means your) we do love you the way you are. We do remember your face while saying UNAGI and rolling your fingers and also the way you got frightened afterwards. It must’ve been really difficult for you to let go Marcel. I’m sorry but don’t ever try to become a musician. You suck. It was really difficult for us to keep you ‘on a break’ for 25 years.

Rachel, the prettiest one with a beautiful soul. Honesty is the best thing about you, Rach. We still remember the immature Rachel who ran from the altar and came to Central Perk. The piece of advice that Monica gave really helped you a lot. “ Welcome to the real world. It sucks but you’re gonna love it.” Your journey from a waitress at Central Perk to an executive in Ralph Lauren is remarkable. The list of your boyfriends is never ending. You’re the one whose life always keeps on messing up. The moment  you kissed Emma brought tears in our eyes and the moment you kissed Ross made the audience to ‘aww’. Don’t ever age Rach. You’re an icon.

Monica, the competitive yet the caring one. I didn’t expect that OCD can be this much cute. You’re the toughest one (yeah, physically too) amongst all others in the group. The one who is passionate about cooking. We indirectly tasted all those yummy lasagnas and the candies you made. Getting over Richard was the most difficult task in your life. It’s said that beautiful things take time to happen. You ended up marrying one of your best friends, Chandler. The bond that you guys share is beyond giving and receiving as well as having and sharing. It must have been very hard for you to keep the fat girl inside you away from mayonnaise. I’ve a huge crush on your beautiful eyes, Mon.

Phoebe, the savage girl, there is always someone in the group who treats all others as the bitches(in a good way) , you are that one pheebs, one with the darkest past yet the happiest present. You are always lost in your own world, you just don't care what others think about you. You are giving us life goals Pheebs. Being a masseuse and controlling the feelings for your clients was really one of the toughest task for you. People say that you are shallow but I don't think so. You are the best version of yourself. Smelly cat is your biggest contribution to the music industry. The way you held Rachel's and Monica's ears and said "if you guys were with me in prison you'd be my bitches" was savage. Pheebs I really wish that you'll learn riding a bicycle someday. Keep singing and smiling Pheebs

Finally the place where the friendship cherished, ‘Central Perk’. We had imagined ourselves sitting on the couch and hanging out like thousand times. It’s definitely a dream cafe. From the endless talks, beautiful dates, failed surprises to cute arguments you’ve witnessed all the fun. Thanks Gunther for being there and being a part of this beautiful family. I know that you must be missing the six of them now as ‘Central Perk’ would aways be incomplete without them. I wish that you will ask Rachel out in the next life and she’ll say yes.

It’s really heartbreaking to see all of you getting older season by season. You can’t age friends. Umm..or maybe you can but your friendship can’t. Thank you so much for being there for me in the difficult times. I really wish that the reunion will be memorable and you’ll always be there on the top of my watchlist.   

                                                                                                 - Shreyas Wakankar