Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
Life has a way of revealing the truth when we least expect it. We often count the people around us, mistaking their presence for genuine companionship. But when storms rage and the tides of fate turn, we realize who truly stands with us—not just in our moments of triumph but in the silence of our struggles.
This is the story of Ali—or perhaps, it is the story of all of us.
The celebration of friendship
Ali was a man of warmth, known for his open heart and generous nature. His home was always welcoming, a haven for friends, family, and even acquaintances. He believed in the beauty of togetherness, in the laughter shared over a cup of tea, in the support exchanged in both joy and sorrow.
One day, fortune smiled upon him—he received a long-awaited promotion at work. It was a moment of pride, a reward for years of dedication and effort. To celebrate, he planned a grand gathering, inviting everyone he knew. His house buzzed with excitement. Laughter echoed in the halls, praises showered upon him, and friendships seemed stronger than ever.
That night, Ali felt like the richest man alive not because of his promotion, but because of the people surrounding him. He believed he had built relationships that would last a lifetime.
The test of time
But life, as it often does, had another lesson in store. Just a week later, disaster struck. A major financial setback left Ali struggling, his dreams shaken. The same phone that once rang with congratulatory messages now remained silent. He reached out to those who had raised their glasses in his honor, hoping for even a word of support.
Most never responded. Some offered sympathy, but from a distance. Others vanished altogether. The vibrant crowd from his celebration had dissolved into shadows.
And yet, there were a few—just a handful—who stood by him. Those who had never sought the limelight, who had not attended the celebration, who had never asked for anything in return. They extended their hands without hesitation, not offering mere words but unwavering support.
That night, as Ali sat among these true friends, a realization dawned upon him.
The reality of friendship
“Museebat mein jo kaam aaye wahi sachcha yaar hota hai,
Jo sirf baaton se behlaye woh faqat izhar hota hai.”
“The one who stands by you in trouble is the true friend,
The one who only comforts with words is merely an expression.”
This couplet holds a mirror to reality. Friendship is not about grand declarations or elaborate gestures; it is about standing firm when the ground beneath you crumbles. In times of ease, everyone calls themselves a friend, but true loyalty is revealed in hardship.
Those who merely offer words without action are like fleeting clouds—visible for a moment but of no real help. A true friend is the one who holds your hand when the world turns its back.
A lesson for a lifetime
Ali’s experience is not unique—it is the silent truth many of us come to realize. Life isn’t about the number of people who celebrate with you; it is about the ones who remain after the applause fades. It is easy to be a friend in sunshine, but the true test lies in standing together in the storm.
Those who walk beside you when the path is rough, when there is nothing to gain, are the ones who truly care. Ali’s journey serves as a powerful reminder: True friends are not those who fill your space with noise, but those who stay in the silence of your hardships. They are not the ones who appear in moments of victory but the ones who refuse to leave in moments of loss.
The next time you count your friends, do not count them in moments of joy—count them in times of despair. The brightest stars are not seen in daylight but shine the most in the darkest of nights.
Hafeez Hoshiarpuri, a renowned poet and one of the most prominent voices in Urdu poetry, aptly captured this reality in a single couplet:
“Dosti aam hai lekin ae dost,
Dost milta hai badi mushkil se.”
“Friendship is common, but oh my friend,
A true friend is found with great difficulty.”
True friendship is a rarity. While the world is filled with people who call themselves friends, finding someone who remains steadfast, loyal, and selfless in times of need is a treasure beyond measure. A crowd can surround you in happiness, but only a rare soul will walk with you in sorrow.
Tailpiece
Perhaps, as you read this, you are reminded of someone in your life—someone who stayed when they had every reason to leave, someone who offered their shoulder when the world turned cold.
If you have such a person, cherish them. And if you do not, then remember this: become the friend you wish to have. For in a world where friendship is common, true friends are indeed found with great difficulty.
Seemab Akbarabadi, another brilliant poet, encapsulates this sentiment in his thought-provoking couplet:
“Kahani meri rodaad-e-jahan maloom hoti hai,
Jo sunta hai usi ki daastan maloom hoti hai.”
“My story seems like the tale of the world,
To the listener, it feels like their own story.”
This verse beautifully reflects how our experiences of friendship and betrayal often resonate universally. We see our own reflections in the stories of others, for the emotions they evoke are deeply human. Ali’s story is not just his own; it is the silent cry of many hearts that have learned the true measure of friendship.
(The author is a distinguished educational columnist, motivational speaker. He can be reached at [email protected])
