India, May 1 -- At a time when extended family ties appear to be fraying - if not disappearing altogether - nearly all of us have begun to rely on a network of friends to get through life. The young mom who is struggling with the school run leans on other mom friends. Older men and women bond with other retired folk who they meet on their morning walks in the park. Professionals who spend most of their time in office depend on work friendships, and so on.

It all works rather well - until it doesn't. And just when you think that you have your support system all worked out, you end up being horribly let down by someone you considered a close friend. Almost all of us never see this coming, being blindsided by a sudden betrayal. But truth be...