🌿 The Thread of the Soul: How We Found and Kept a Forever Friendship

Some friendships arrive like a quiet sunrise—gentle, unplanned, and lasting.

The man beside me in this picture is Dharmesh Solanki—a dear friend, a brother, and my soulmate. Our story began in 2013. As so many meaningful things do, with a simple hello.

A Greeting That Sparked a Bond

I have always had the habit of greeting strangers, believing a smile or a kind word can lift someone’s day. I often saw Dharmesh after work, sitting on his bike, speaking softly on the phone, waiting for six o’clock.

One evening, I learned why—he worked two jobs: full-time at a furniture wholesaler and part-time for a courier service. Those evenings were his parcel pick-up hours. Soon, our brief chats became a peaceful daily ritual—fifteen minutes of laughter, empathy, and stories about family and work. Interestingly, we never exchanged mobile numbers, unaware that this small detail would one day turn into a long, soul-searching quest.

The Separation

In 2016, my office shifted locations without notice. It wasn’t just a change of address—I had lost the warmth of that familiar connection. For months, I returned to the old parking area, hoping to see him. The guard often said, “He just left.” Hope lingered, kept alive by the faint memory of where his office might be. Over the decades, I’ve gained and lost many friends. I try to find the lost ones, though the search often leaves gentle scars on the heart.

The Reunion

Then one day, fate intervened. While riding down a lane near my father’s house, I saw him—standing outside his office, smiling just the same. I waved. He walked toward me. When we hugged, time froze. All the waiting, hope, and joy dissolved into that one moment. Since then, our bond has only grown deeper. He is family now.

The Lesson

Dharmesh is humble, hardworking, and devoted to his Lord, his family, and his friends. He’s younger than I am, and by society’s measure, we’re worlds apart in profession. Yet, I never saw/see those differences—only a kindred soul. Even during my toughest times, he never offers sympathy; instead, he provides strength: “Things will get better soon.” We might miss calls or messages, but we always understand. That quiet respect keeps our friendship alive. I have never once voiced the thought that 'we are not on the same page.' The truth is, I never judged him by any of those social labels. I only saw a soulmate.

When I visited him on the afternoon of October 27 to wish him a Happy New Year, we took our first selfie together.

The Takeaway

True friendship—built on respect, understanding, and shared soul—is a rare treasure. Cherish it. Don’t abandon old gold while chasing glitter. The ones who stood by you silently, sincerely— they are the ones who keep your heart alive.

Exploitation at Work: A Silent Crisis.

Since 2019, I have been pursuing independent work. Although the initial journey posed significant challenges, the onset of COVID-19 added further obstacles. However, I utilized that time to acquire new skills, leading to a period of stability—until late 2024, when clients began reducing costs and opting for AI or less expensive alternatives. This shift had a profound impact on my work, which diminished almost overnight.

In the months that followed, I actively sought new job opportunities, but the hiring landscape was quite narrow. Employers often prefer to hire multiple freshers at ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 each rather than invest in an experienced professional at ₹50,000. While this pattern has been observed for years, its effects seem to be more pronounced now.

I even considered a position at a local pharmacy that offered ₹14,000 per month for 12-hour days, including Sundays, translating to roughly ₹42 an hour. When I proposed a reduced schedule for a little more work-life balance, the compensation decreased to ₹5,000. This was nothing but pure exploitation of human assets. I received support from friends, but the jobs leaned towards more workload and lower pay.

(Listen to the blog)

This experience prompted me to reflect on the current state of employment and worker conditions. The recent example of a legendary IT brand or any other established brands/MNCs laying off experienced employees is quite alarming. However, I cannot assume or choose to decide what the companies plan in their boardrooms. Each year, millions of graduates enter a competitive job market. Government initiatives exist, but they often yield a high volume of applications for limited positions.

It is important to recognize that not everyone has the ability to continually reskill in every field. The expectation for flexibility without supportive working conditions often places pressure on individuals, which can lead to feelings of disposability.

We must consider the broader implications: Are we unintentionally normalizing exploitation in the name of efficiency? Are we prioritizing profits significantly over the well-being of individuals? 

To foster a healthier work environment for future generations, we must advocate for fair wages, respect for skills, and humane working conditions. These principles are essential to ensure that exploitation does not become a defining characteristic of our future.

The blog is a result of personal experiences. I may be wrong on one or more issues. I invite you, readers, to share your comments, reviews, and opinions. 

The Gift of Life: Why Donating Blood Matters

Blood donation is often called the “gift of life” – and rightly so. Every unit of blood donated has the power to save up to three lives. Despite advances in medicine, there is no substitute for human blood. It remains an essential need during surgeries, accidents, childbirth complications, and for patients battling cancer, anemia, or blood disorders.

The demand for safe blood is constant, yet the supply often falls short. This is why voluntary blood donation plays such a crucial role. By choosing to donate blood, you become a silent hero—supporting not just strangers, but sometimes even friends and family who may need it unexpectedly.

The process of donating blood is simple, safe, and quick. It usually takes less than 30 minutes, with only a small needle prick. The body naturally replenishes the donated blood within weeks, making it a safe practice for healthy adults. In fact, there are several benefits of blood donation, including reducing excess iron levels in the body and promoting better overall health awareness.

Beyond the medical benefits, blood donation awareness highlights a deeper truth: donating blood reflects the spirit of humanity and solidarity. It connects us to a larger purpose, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of hope and healing. Each drop of blood carries life, and when shared, it carries compassion too.

I donated three months ago, and donated today. So the first day of September began with blood donation for a 15-year-old girl suffering from thalassemia major. My heart sank when I came to know about the girl. All I could do was pray for her happiness.   

I started donating blood exactly 11 years ago, September 7, 2014, to be exact. If you are reading this and are eligible, consider becoming a regular blood donor. Encourage your friends and family to join you. Together, we can bridge the gap between need and supply, ensuring that no life is lost due to a lack of blood. After all, giving blood doesn’t cost much – but to someone in need, it is truly priceless.