There's no simple way to describe Vaishnavi—she's a mix of too many things at once, and that's exactly what makes her fun to be around. You'll never really understand what's going on in her head: she might be staring into space like she's solving world problems, or giving you that one particular look that instantly makes you question your life choices. Honestly, it's iconic at this point.
When it comes to food, I don't even think twice before following her recommendations. From random churmuri stalls to this one pizza place she casually mentioned—she's never been wrong. If Vaish says it's good, that's all the assurance I need. Honestly, I've also noticed that wherever we go out for lunch, she ends up ordering khichdi. Every single time. And not gonna lie, I used to wonder who actually likes khichdi that much? But one day, I gave in and ordered it too… and now I catch myself doing it more often than I'd like to admit. She really has that influence.
Vaish has this surprising side to her—she sings. And not just casually, but really, really well. You wouldn't expect it, but then she starts singing and suddenly you're in a whole concert. Apparently, she even auditioned for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa at some point—yeah, that level. What really gets me, though, is that even when she's barely able to type out a proper sentence or just not in the best state to function, her singing still doesn't miss a beat. Like, how does that even work?
She's also my unofficial travel buddy for all the |SHABD| runs. And honestly, she's the only one who confidently sits in the passenger seat of my EV without questioning my driving skills—which is kind of a big deal. During one of those |SHABD| marathons two years ago, she gave me her water bottle to keep in my bag—and, well, I still have it. Last |SHABD|, she even demanded a new bottle from me as compensation. I do see that bottle lying around my house often and think, “Okay, next time I see her, I'll return it.” But either she doesn't show up, or when she does, I've obviously forgotten the bottle again. At this point, I think it's just become a permanent part of my house.
I also don't know when she's actually at home—she's always travelling. Half the time I open Instagram, she's in some new place. And I've seen her go to Goa so many times, I'm starting to think it's her second home or something.
She often complains that her parents don't really bother about her—like, whether she's made it home or not, it's never a big deal. But honestly, she's no less. She has this dangerously chill confidence that things will just work out. She'll casually step out with her phone on single-digit charge, no cash, no vehicle, nothing. Just pure belief that the universe has her back—and weirdly, it kind of does. And if we're talking complaints: rumour has it she ghosts the Eddies. Apparently, she once promised Abhi and Shvn diyas, and to this day… they're still waiting.
And as everyone knows, she's super creative. I genuinely admire her digital art—it always catches me off guard in the best way. Her photography's just as good too—she really has an eye for the cool and unexpected. Add all that to her chill vibe and solid food instincts, and honestly—she's just a really good friend to have around.