I thought we were friends at work. - Ravi

Ravi and Aisyah were supervisors from sister departments, working hand-in-hand on common projects with their teams. The success of one team depended on the success of the other.

The two supervisors would often lunch together. Over shared meals, they talked candidly about work pressures, difficult team members, and personal matters. Ravi felt they had built something beyond professional courtesy. A real friendship.

One day, Ravi shared news that surprised Aisyah. "I'm leaving the company. I've accepted another role." He paused. "I don't think I'll be coming back."

Aisyah nodded, offered polite congratulations, and they parted ways.

After Ravi left, the lunches stopped. Aisyah never reached out. No messages. No calls. Ravi tried once or twice, but the responses were brief and cold.

Then Ravi heard something that stung even more. Through a mutual colleague, he learned that Aisyah had been speaking poorly of him at work. Aisyah told remaining colleagues and their bosses that Ravi's work ethics had been questionable. That her own management style was far superior. That she had been carrying the partnership all along.

Ravi stared at his phone, confused and hurt. Had their friendship meant nothing? Or had it never been a friendship at all?