My Muse: Faarea

I couldn’t think of a better person to deliver such an eloquent, thoughtful, humourous, cheeky and brilliant speech at our wedding than Faarea.

Telling our stories of frolicking across the UK and holidays, getting into lots and lots of mischieve, with a cause, of course.

I was on Faarea’s Facebook and follow her on Twitter for a while; I knew she worked for a well-known Asian radio station

But the way she delivered the news in her upper-middle-class midlands accent, with the twist “I graduated from Oxford” touch — it captivated me.

I had to get to know this woman behind the mic; there was just something about her, getting to know her over social; I was surprised we had more in common than realised, in more ways than one. So bring it on, Faarea, Bring it on.

One evening I was scrolling my FB timeline while looking for a job; in 2014, I saw a status update from Faarea “anyone fancy going to Club Kali?”

I answered, and we made plans to link up in front of the Club. I was recently introduced to Ritu, too, at the Global Day of Rage: Section 377 protest.

I arrived on time; as I turned around, there was Faarea with two of her mates. It was like reuniting with an old friend, we both had questions for each other, yet it seemed like we knew each other.

I learned her drink was a virgin tonic (how posh), and mine was either tequila or cider.

More talks, more random connections (the radio scene is so big yet so small), and stories made the hours go by minutes. I had finally found my muse.

Now I’m working on a novel, of little stories of our friendship. I want to think our friendship is universally relatable to anyone who has a best friend.

This idea, was actually inspired by a novel we both read and loved, Bananas Forever. A heartfelt and hilarious book Cleo Rocos wrote as her tribute to her best friend and soulmate, the late Kenny Everret.

Through our stories, I hope to paint a picture of urban hikes around the UK (especially our 13 miles one), our banter, our deep-rooted mutual admiration for each other, how she was there for me when my father had passed, and humourous stories — that will hopefully bring you a bit warm ball of happiness.

Thank you, Faarea, for being my muse and dear friend.