In the hierarchy of relationships, it seems that friendship is at the bottom,with romantic partners, parents, and children taking precedence over friends. But often, friends become the family that we get to choose, taking on different roles—sometimes that of a parent, sometimes of a partner, sometimes a sibling, and always a friend.

 

Indian male friendships tend to grow on rocky ground, becoming especially precarious, men say, between the ages of 18 and 28. If they survive this decade, many of the men we talked to said, the men will remain friends till death do them part. The 'bro code' braves a lot of hurdles and struggles, and though friendships tend to change as people age, there is that understanding and unexpressed love that somehow holds up the friendship. The dynamics of male friendships allow men to be themselves around each other, to co-exist in a non-judgemental space, with these friendships remaining a constant in their lives.