"Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. It's about who walked into your life, said 'I'm here for you' and proved it," goes a quote on the internet.

This could very well apply to Devendra Kumar Rai, 34, who reportedly drove across a span of 1,400 km for 18 hours, without stopping for meals or toilet breaks, to pass a much needed oxygen tank to his childhood friend.

The Independent reported that Rajan Kumar Singh had reached out to his friend on the night, as he was unable to refill his oxygen cylinder which was running out of supply. Rajan had been confined to home as he was unable to secure a place in the hospital to treat his condition.

Upon hearing the call for help, Devendra immediately sprung into action. He travelled over 100km by motorcycle to obtain two oxygen cylinders. Then, he borrowed a car from a friend before setting on his non-stop 1,400km journey.

"I only had water for me. I took no break for food or rest.

"I didn't sleep or stop for toilet and reached his house next morning at 9am after a journey of nearly 18 hours," the loyal friend was quoted telling the daily.

According to the report, when Devendra reached Rajan's house, the latter only had about 15 minutes worth of oxygen supply left in his cylinder.

Rajan's health has reportedly improved now. Besides making the timely live saving trip, Devendra is also currently staying with Rajan for a few days since the latter's wife is six months pregnant.

Devendra was quoted telling the daily that he had no hesitation in helping his childhood friend as they were born in the same hospital, and went to school together. The fact that they have not met each other in three years did not stop him either.

According to Devendra, he did not even inform his family that he was embarking on the long perilous journey.

"There was nothing to ask anyone. My friend needed my help and I had to come," he was quoted saying.

Such an impressive story indeed. Devendra is a living testament to the common saying that "A friend in need is a friend indeed."



Source & Photo source: The Independent