In One  Half  From the East ,in Afghanistan , where the story is set ,girls face immense challenges under the Rule of the Taliban.The Taliban impose severe restrictions on girls and women, denying their education and freedom.The practice of basha posh, dressing and treating a girl as a boy to obtain more freedom and opportunities, shows how far families go to navigate these restrictions.

The bond between Obayda and Rahim is central to the story illustrating how connections and understanding can provide strength ,empowerment and joy  even in the harshest environments imposed by the  Taliban . Through their shared experience ,friendship becomes a source of resilience and means of overcoming adversity.

Friendship with Rahim helps Obayda to face the challenges of living as a basha posh, teaching her how to act confidently while living under her new identity. They bond over their shared struggles, like adjusting  to new social roles, and dealing with judgment from others.

Obayda first  lives as a boy to  help provide for  her family after moving to the village , she handles this new change alone and struggles with her identity as she prefers, at first, being a girl. As she struggles to adjust to  her new identity, Rahim becomes one of her only allies. He does not judge her but helps her fit in in her new role as a boy. This shows how friendship allows individuals to feel seen and understood, even when the world around them is harsh and unkind, and it is a highlight of how friendships can be a source of stability and strength during hard times.

Beyond providing support, their  friendship creates moments of joy and connection in a restrictive place. Despite their struggles, Obayda and Rahim share playful adventures and conversations that distract them from the challenges they face.They have long conversations or fun adventures,  like making the walking stick for  Obayda’s father .These moments show the healing power of friendship in maintaining hope and positivity in rough times.

Finally their friendships foster empowerment and growth. Through their bond, Obayda begins to think more deeply about her identity and learns to get comfortable in a world that often silences her thoughts. Rahimm’s influence helps her realise her own strength ,discovering how friendship can inspire self discovery and self development.

We can see, therefore, how important the central theme of friendship is in One Half From the East. The novel explores how  bonds help them navigate challenges ,grow and find a sense of belonging. In a society with limitations, Rahim and Obayda’s friendship becomes a relationship of understanding, courage and hope.Their bond is highlighted throughout the book , as it is a reminder of the transformation of the mentality of Obayda thanks to Rahim, and it proves that friendships can help people overcome their greatest challenges and find moments of happiness even in the  darkest times.