How a decade-long friendship with an Indian man changed my life as a Pakistani woman

Whenever I see headlines about India–Pakistan tensions, it feels like our friendship shouldn’t even exist. Our bond has survived where governments have failed.

“Hello. My name is Joeh. I am from India. I’m an admin of Imagination Redefined: Ancient Fables and Tales. My goal is to connect people in India and Pakistan. Can I send you a friend request?”
It was August 2010. I had just finished my grade 12 exams and, with too much free time on my hands, I wandered into online groups discussing books and art, hoping not only to meet interesting people but to find the inspiration to write again.