Once upon time we were very close and happy in each other's company. We didn't seem to need other friends and we talked endlessly, sharing our news ( a day old news), thoughts and feelings with open souls. Between us there were no secrets, her intimate secrets were mine and mine was hers. Our trust with each other was deep and meaningful. People used to say wherever I was, she would be there too.
We met when were in Universiti Malaya in the 60s. She was from the north (Kedah) and I was from south (Melaka) but we struck a lasting friendship. This could be because we were both fiercely independent and straight-talk. Many distant friends couldn't stand our direct approach, a few understood our personality but we didn't care, we had each other. We had other close friends as well and at university we went on our own most time but always met when we needed one another, especially when there were intimate things to share such as talking about study challenges, boyfriends, other relationships and family.
After graduation we went separate ways and got married. She worked in the north and I was in the south but somehow God brought us together when we were successful in getting a job teaching at a teacher's college in KL and we bonded again naturally. Our husbands and children became friends too and we used to go for family outings together. Life was good and peaceful then.
After finishing my studies in the States, I was posted to Teacher Training Division where she already was working there after the completion of her Master's degree. It goes without saying, we were inseparable. Friends and students used to refer us as a tiger and a lion - very strict and fierce individuals. Being a very attractive lady, she was known for her sculptured looks while I was unofficially crowned by some, as the best dressed lady there. I remember a colleague, Tan, who passed away due to Parkinson used to record the dresses I wore and my favourite colour which I wasn't aware of. Many of our colleagues were quite confused over our friendship. When we disagreed, we disagreed vehemently as if were arched enemies yelling at each other like we were ending our relationship. But the next minute they saw us having lunch together as if nothing happened. To them we were crazy people. Nobody dared talk bad about us within our hearing. Woe betide, we would defend each other like a lioness protecting its cubs.
Working together for some years, including working in Genting Highlands was fun until I was transferred to Ministry of Education. I decided enough was enough and applied for early retirement. Though we lived quite near each other, I was busy with my life and professional practice and traveled throughout Malaysia quite extensively. Gradually our friendship fizzled away, only occasionally called each other. When she retired and I moved to Kuching, we were silent.
Now both of us are grandmothers and getting on on age, we decided to rekindle old friendship. She has 9 grandchildren and I, one. She lives in Kedah, whereas I live in Port Dickson. So last Saturday was the first time we got together to celebrate her birthday after such a long break. But frankly, nothing seems to change as if time has stood still for both us. We shared much of our ups and downs naturally and laughed so loud that we forgot we have not seen each other for a long time except during Haj in 2009.
Sofiah, thank you for your friendship which I know is sincere and true.
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