When I first got to know Azarudin during my second year of matriculation at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), I was struck by his diverse interests and the enthusiasm with which he shared them. A fellow Kelantanese from Machang, he had a way of talking about books, history, and films that made me curious about things I had never explored before.
Azarudin came from a residential science school, while I was from MRSM. Whenever we spent time together at the hostel, he would tell me about Western novels, Asian and European history books, and films that seemed rather unusual to me at the time. His storytelling was so engaging that I often felt as though I had experienced these stories myself.
In 1998, he introduced me to the FIFA World Cup, which was held in France that year. That was when I first started watching football. I also had the opportunity to accompany him on a visit to his uncle in Kuala Lumpur, where I got to know some members of his family.
After completing our matriculation, we continued our studies at the USM Engineering Campus. However, we gradually went our separate ways as we pursued different fields of study and focused on our respective academic commitments. By the time we completed our undergraduate degrees, we had drifted apart.
Nevertheless, my interest in the books and films Azarudin had introduced to me continued to grow. One by one, I began reading the novels he had talked about and watching films that had once seemed unfamiliar to me. Over time, I developed a deeper appreciation for literature, history, and cinema.
Decades passed, and my love for reading eventually led me to pursue a dream of becoming an author. I started writing on my blog, sharing my thoughts, experiences, and reflections with readers. After years of writing, I finally achieved another milestone by publishing my first book.
What made this achievement even more meaningful was that Azarudin became one of the earliest people to purchase it. After receiving the book, he took the time to share his feedback on my first published work.
I told him that our conversations during our university days had played a significant role in developing my interest in reading and, eventually, writing. It was a special moment to share this with someone whose recommendations had introduced me to so many new interests.
Looking back, I realize how much our interests can be shaped by the people we meet along the way. Sometimes, a friend who enthusiastically shares a favorite novel, an interesting historical event, or a memorable film can open up an entirely new world for someone else.
Azarudin and I eventually followed different paths in life, but the interests we shared during our university days remained with me long after we parted ways.
Today, seeing him among the earliest readers of my first book brings our story full circle. What began with conversations at a university hostel has become a lasting part of my journey as a reader and writer.
Some friendships leave us with more than memories. They introduce us to new worlds that continue to shape our lives long after we have gone our separate ways.
That is my story today.
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