India, Feb. 17 -- How do you turn a timid and solitary person into someone vibrant, colourful, and brimming with love for every little thing? It happens when she finds a friend, someone far more than just a BFF or a social media story prop in these Instagram-driven times.

Those were my graduation days. She spotted me in the hostel, glued to my copy of Hard Times by Charles Dickens, while everyone else was busy chatting, dressing up, or planning a night out. In those days, Delhi University felt like a daunting dream spot for small-town girls like me. My world was suddenly rejuvenated when this girl, then just another hostel mate, now my best friend, approached me with comforting words.

Since Diwali was around the corner, she appeared out...