The secret to these India-born, Malaysia-based women's lasting friendship is kindness

Gay (left) and Rekha have been friends through thick and thin. Photos: Rekha Aravind

Una Eileen Peters and Rekha Aravind have been close friends for almost five decades. The formula for their lasting friendship is a mix of respect, empathy and kindness, spiced with lots of laughter and fun.

“Rekha is like my shadow. She’s a supportive friend who has a way of giving advice without you realising she’s actually giving you a lecture, ” says Una, with a laugh.