She came to visit me after 10 long years – my dear friend who grew up alongside me and shared the mature and immature dreams of our transformative years. She was accompanied by her daughter, Raniya, now a medical student. It felt as though no time had passed, as if we had met just yesterday. My son, now grown up, greeted Raniya with the familiarity of their childhood friendship. The years apart seemed insignificant as we slipped back into our natural rhythm of togetherness.

True friendship thrives on a sense of belonging that does not fade with time or distance. Though life has kept us busy, whenever I visit her city, I stay with her family, cherishing time with her parents, who once supported me through a tough health condition that almost shattered me, visiting me daily and offering comfort. Her visit to Sri Lanka this time was no different in its warmth. She brought thoughtful gifts – my favourite frozen foods and beautiful dresses – and we made memories anew.

Together, we took an early morning train to Kandy, a charming destination I often recommend to visitors — home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. We explored tourist spots, ate mangoes sprinkled with chilli powder, and indulged in laughter and nostalgia. Moments like these remind me of the beauty of friendships rooted in care and shared experiences, not in material wealth or status.

It is said that true friends are like guiding lights, rare and precious, who find you in your darkest moments and gently lead you back to the light. They are the sheltering trees under which we find comfort and strength, their love steady and unwavering. Even when distance separates you, the bond remains unbroken, as though the heart always knows where it belongs. Like stars in the night sky, they may not always be visible, but their presence is felt – constant and reassuring. It is this timeless connection that forms the true cement holding the world together, reminding us of the enduring power of friendship.

When Khalil Gibran said, “In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, for in the dew of little things, the heart finds its morning and is refreshed,” he was sharing this ethereal feeling of true friendship that transcends all boundaries.

Friendship, I believe, teaches us invaluable lessons about life. It’s not about how often you meet or talk but the depth of connection. Each meeting should feel like you parted only yesterday. Intimacy in friendship doesn’t require a romantic dimension; you can share your deepest thoughts, debates, and dreams without crossing into romance. Such relationships are rare and beautiful, celebrating respect, loyalty, and understanding. Such spaces allow you to agree and disagree without any animosity, always upholding mutual respect.

Unlike in the past, technology has developed so rapidly that it is now quite easy to maintain a friendship through a text or call without worrying about geographical boundaries. However, the tangibility that a real meeting offers is something entirely different, and it is in these moments that we truly refresh ourselves.

From my experience, I can assert that true friends often understand the words left unsaid, speaking the language of the heart with silence and gestures. They challenge you when needed, pushing you to grow, yet accept you unconditionally as you are. Only a true friend can celebrate your triumphs as if they were their own and share your burdens to lighten the load.

Whenever I am down, it is the fort of friendship that protects me from the attack of mood swings. Their presence, real or virtual, makes even the simplest moments feel extraordinary, turning ordinary days into cherished memories and breathing new life into me. They are the ones who ensure that you never feel alone – whether in moments of sadness or in times of joy.

I hope our children grow to appreciate this truth. Friendship, at its core, is timeless. It transcends definitions of love and remains a constant, uplifting presence in our lives. It makes this moment worthy of celebration and catalyses the journey to the future. Every meeting, every shared moment, is a reaffirmation of this enduring bond.

About the author: Reena Rahman is the Vice President (Corporate Reforms), at FitsAir.