Bond at ease

Sehgal. The menu is not finalised: “could be a chicken steak or a lavish spread including salads,pasta,butter chicken and dessert”. For those not so good with culinary skills,ready-to-cook food is an easy option.

While spending big money,going to fancy restaurants and buying expensive gifts is the done thing for many,there are a few who want to keep it light on the pocket and want to celebrate the Friendship Day without giving in to the marketing gimmicks. “The idea is to cherish the bond and to make your friends feel appreciated. This does not mean that you end up spending so much that it affects your month’s budget,” says Ashish Duggal,a BA second year student of DAV College,Sector 10 who has planned a healthy outing. “We will drive down to Kasauli and once there,will take out our bicycles and ride through the hills,” he says,adding that his are packed and cycles serviced. “There’s nothing like being close to nature,” he says. Vikram Wadhwan,hotelier,too agrees. “With rains pouring,the city gains a refreshing character and we want to explore just that,” he says. Wadhwan has planned a picnic to Leisure Valley,Sector 10. “We have decided to pick up chicken croissants,cake and a can of juice. A game of frisbees will keep us occupied after lunch. But if it pours heavily then frisbees will be substituted for board games and a trip to the Government Art Museum,Sector 10,” he tells us.

While many see a visit to Mini Zoo and Rock Garden as a prospective fun place,for the romantic at heart,nothing does it better than doing up a place with candles,flowers and balloons. “My wife is my best friend and for her I will recite a poem composed by me and will play her favourite songs through the evening,” says Sumit Dua,an engineer who works with Head Strong. He has also got their wedding picture framed for the occasion.

Elsewhere Ritu Sahi,a housewife,has designed a treasure hunt for her daughter Saira,a student of St Stephen’s School and her friends. “I have put clues of places they have been together and about the things they have shared,” she says.

However,for the net buddies,it’s all about chatting,scrapping and playing online games. The more thoughtful among them like Shikha Chopra,a BA first year student at Government College for Girls,has designed and dedicated a page to her buddies. “The day is all about cherishing your friends. I don’t want to turn it into a money show,” she says,adding that the fun lies in surprising others with innovative ideas and as little cash as possible.