It was a chilly Monday morning on December 1, 2008. I stepped into the vibrant world of my new job, brimming with excitement as a fresh-faced consultant at one of the prestigious Big 4 consulting companies. As I entered the open office pool, my eyes scanned the room, wondering where my workstation awaited. Suddenly, a cheerful voice exclaimed, “Hello there!” I turned to see a beaming young man striding towards me with a smile that could light up the entire office. He beckoned me to an empty workstation, and our extraordinary journey began.
Osas (as I was fond of calling him), an IT Audit Analyst, and I, a part of the Internal Audit, Risk, and Compliance department, worked in the same Advisory Division of the firm. Though we were often assigned different projects, our initial friendship developed casually, with friendly greetings and occasional chitchat whenever we found ourselves back at our head office.
As the days melted into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years, our bond grew stronger. Our conversations became deeper, filled with shared interests, contagious laughter, and unwavering support during challenging work assignments. Lunch breaks were transformed into mini heart-to-heart sessions at the office cafeteria, where we unveiled the colourful tapestry of our lives beyond work. We discovered each other’s families, hobbies, dreams, and fears, and a remarkable friendship began to blossom. It was as if we had discovered a sanctuary in each other’s presence.
Then came a day in 2012; I think this was sometime in the month of January when I arrived at the office feeling disheartened. A client engagement had gone awry, compounded by the weight of personal issues weighing on my shoulders. As I settled into my desk, Osas noticed my subdued expression and instantly sensed my distress. Without a moment’s hesitation, he approached me with genuine concern, asking if everything was alright. At first, I hesitated, unsure whether to bare my soul. But then, in a simple act of kindness, he asked if he could offer me a comforting hug. In that moment, his caring eyes and warmth enveloped me, providing solace like no other. Weeks passed, and it became clear that Osas possessed a unique ability to put me at ease. Whenever I poured my heart out, he listened intently, offering a comforting shoulder or an attentive ear. Never did he judge or offer easy solutions. Instead, he stood by my side, empathising and reminding me that I was never alone. Together, we worked to confront any challenges that came my way.
As the years danced by, our friendship continued to thrive, supporting one another through the peaks and valleys of both our personal and professional lives. We revelled in each other’s triumphs, lending a listening ear during setbacks and providing uplifting words in times of adversity.
Then, one fateful day, Osas broke the news of an extraordinary job opportunity in another Continent. Excitement tinged with sadness coursed through my heart as I contemplated his imminent departure. However, amidst mixed emotions, we reaffirmed our unwavering support and pledged that our friendship would endure despite the physical distance. And so, we embarked on the new chapter in our lives, separated by time zones and miles yet steadfast in our commitment to one another. Through video calls, endless chats, and sporadic reunions, we remained true to our cherished bond.
Over the years, our connection deepened, navigating life’s milestones with unwavering support, trust, and unconditional love. As we reminisce about our shared journey as consultants, we revel in the realisation that our friendship is timeless. It transcends the boundaries of office spaces and work conversations, defying the constraints of time and distance. Our story is one of true friendship and unwavering camaraderie forged within the bustling walls of our shared workplace. It’s a tale of two kindred spirits who found solace, strength, and an eternal bond in each other.
Together, we continue to create a tapestry of memories, forever grateful for the day destiny brought us together.
