Humans are social creatures who cannot live in isolation. From birth to death, we rely on others to meet our needs, whether directly or indirectly. Fulfilling responsibilities and maintaining relationships require the presence of people around us, and no one can deny this fact. I, too, am human and have always needed others in my life. My family has been my first and foremost support system, and as I grew older, the significance of friendships and teachers became evident. Over time, the people I work with and those connected to me in various ways have also become an essential part of my journey.
Growing up in a middle-class neighborhood, economic distinctions never existed in our early years. In school, we sat together without thinking of who was rich or poor, forming bonds that deepened over time. What started as simple companionship evolved into friendships stronger than any other relationship. With friends, we shared every joy and sorrow without hesitation. It is often said that a person becomes good in good company and bad in bad company. I have been fortunate to have friends who belong to respectable families, with whom I have shared similar surroundings and lifestyles, further strengthening our connection.
As we advanced in life, our reliance on each other grew stronger. When we completed our first phase of schooling, the emotions of parting ways were overwhelming. Determined to stay together, we enrolled in the same school once again. When the time came for higher secondary education, we repeated this decision, as by then, life without each other seemed unimaginable. However, college brought a turning point. Some of us had to part ways due to career choices—some followed their interests, while others succumbed to family expectations. Destiny played its role, yet despite the distance, our evenings remained reserved for catching up and keeping our bond alive.
Post-college, we all entered a phase of uncertainty—no jobs, no earnings, just the same ground beneath our feet. In those days, no one was ahead or behind; we all stood together. But as some of us secured employment, a gap began to form. Those who found jobs moved forward, while others fell behind. Over time, more friends found work, yet some remained in search of stability. This shift altered our dynamic, making it difficult to stay as closely connected as before. Though we still meet and share moments, life is no longer the same.
Life constantly transitions from one phase to another. Our childhood, filled with carefree laughter, has now given way to responsibilities. Our parents, who once worked tirelessly, are now ageing, and it is our turn to take charge. The realization of this shift dawned upon us gradually. We once believed time would always remain unchanged, yet in just a few years, everything transformed. Two years ago, my friends started getting married, and now we, too, have reached that stage.
Marriage altered life in ways we hadn’t anticipated. The first among us to get married became so engrossed in his new responsibilities that he barely had time to meet or even talk. Initially, we felt he was deliberately distancing himself, but as more friends followed the same path, we realized it wasn’t intentional—it was simply the reality of life. Our once large friend circle has now shrunk, and though our friendships remain intact, the time we spent together has become rare and invaluable.
Now, each of us is busy in our own world. While we still cherish our bond, the days of carefree companionship are behind us. When we were younger, we thought life would always remain the same, but time proved otherwise. Ironically, we are now at an age where we can travel and explore, yet there’s no one to accompany us. The very people we once spent our lives with are now preoccupied with their own. While we may have financial stability, the happiness we once felt remains elusive. Such is life—we adapt to its phases, accepting each transition as it comes.
Personally, I often wish we had never outgrown that stage of life. If I had the power, I would rewind time and relive those carefree days. But life moves forward, never backward, bringing new experiences and challenges. What remains with us now are memories—the golden moments spent with friends, which will always add beauty to life, no matter how much things change.