The beautiful bond between Nikita and Deesha remind us of the true meaning of friendship.

Q: How long have you been besties?
A: Deesha and I have been best friends since the moment we met. It was one of those rare instant connections you read about in novels. The day was hot — a sweltering July afternoon in 2015. She was 18, fresh out of high school, wearing a white crocheted dress with a hair tie wrapped around her ankle. I was 23, juggling full-time work and evening university classes. Sounds like the start of a rom-com, doesn’t it? Well, I love that girl.

We owe our friendship to our mothers, who worked together and decided we should meet. And from the first moment, we just clicked. I know it’s a cliché, but there’s no other way to describe it. We laughed at the same jokes, rolled our eyes at the same annoyances, shared the same vices, and even spoke in the same cadence. To this day, people mistake us for sisters. Our voices are so alike that we’ve lost count of the phone pranks we’ve pulled off.

But we’re not the same person — far from it. Deesha is the social butterfly, while I’m the introvert. I’m the bookworm, and she’s got the kind of street smarts that could put anyone to shame. Yet, somehow it all balances out. She always knows what I’m thinking with just one look, and I can do the same for her. We understand the darkest parts of each other’s souls, and we don’t judge. Ever.

In the 10 years that we have been besties, we have watched each other grow from clueless young’uns to (semi) mature adults. We watched pivotal moments in each other’s lives, from breakups to almost-car crashes, reckless nights (that we will deny, deny, deny) and career changes. From weddings to buying our first homes, we have been through it all together. She has hundreds of friends, but I’m the one that truly gets her. As for me? I have very few friends, by choice. And she always made the cut. She’s my ride- or-die. And I’m hers. (Don’t tell my husband I said that!)

Q: Why is your friendship so special?
A: Our friendship is special because it has stood the test of time, rumours, betrayal and illness. We were young when we met, and as our personalities evolved our values and morals matured simultaneously. Sometimes, it feels like we’re like two different colours that when mixed, create a shade no one has ever seen before. We can tell each other anything and have no secrets. I don’t generally like people, but for some reason, I always really liked her and always will. Our friendship is truly special because we fundamentally get each other, and we understand the entirety of each other’s personalities.

Q: If you could have a burger named after your friendship, what would it be called?
A: Ride or Fry — it’s a perfect fit! We also considered Grill Gang (like Girl Gang, but for burgers).

Q: If you were an item from the menu, which would you be?
A: The Spicy Jalapeño Crispy Chicken Burger — because it’s bold, fiery, and “too hot to handle.” – Nikita
A: A Blue Moon Burger — because it’s rare, unique, and an acquired taste. – Deesha

Q: What moment or trait makes you see your friend as a hero?
A: We take turns being each other’s heroes. When one of us struggles to speak up or stand our ground, the other steps in with strength and confidence. It’s like that spicy burger energy—bold and fearless. We complement each other, always showing up when needed.

INTERVIEW BY ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO

Thank you to Arif at HERO Certified Burgers (125 Gateway Blvd. in Brampton) for serving up delicious burgers and fries for our photo shoot.

Follow us on social to stay connected and for opportunities to be featured in City Life Magazine.

@citylifemag