“Beet’ta waqt hai, par kharch hum hote hain.”

This essence sparked a beautiful ritual – an annual tradition of meeting college friends, after 22 years in 2022. Yes, you heard that right – after 22 long years! Sometimes, the most meaningful traditions begin with a touch of drama and a lot of heart.

Every time we reconnect, it takes me back to where it all began. Interestingly, the one friend who couldn’t make it this time was the same person who emotionally blackmailed us into meeting in 2022. And when I say “emotional blackmail,” I mean she reminded us of the fleeting nature of time, saying, “You never know what will happen next. At least meet once; I don’t want to leave this world without seeing you all.”

Her poignant words, worked like magic and here we are, at our third reunion. But this one again became special, do you know why?

Because in the third year of reunion, we were about to meet one of our friends after 24 years who couldn’t make it to last two reunions. 

After much coordination spread over days (yes, there are still people who don’t check WhatsApp for days – can you believe it?), we finally met. Excitement filled the air, smiles stretched from ear to ear, and for a few moments, the world outside ceased to exist.

Our first stop was Connaught Place, where food took precedence over talk. But once we stepped out of the restaurant and started strolling around CP, it was like a time machine had transported us back to college days. Senseless chatter, carefree laughter – it felt like I was 20+ again, roaming with my friends, oblivious to the world.

The magic didn’t end there. We crammed into a car for a joyride, called the friend who couldn’t join, and burst into a riot of nonsensical laughter. That feeling of happiness, joy…it’s hard to describe. Simply put, pure bliss wrapped in a magical moment.

The day ended at a cozy open-air spot in Noida (has full of hidden gems, by the way), with live songs from the 1990s and 2000s – our college days. Friendly banter, laughter, endless questions, and patient answers filled the air. And a few things, left answered…for next time. 

A beautiful afternoon melted seamlessly into evening, and none of us noticed the time slipping away.

But like every good story, it ended with a promise: to meet again, this time with everyone. Here’s to manifesting that it happens in 2025 and this time, we meet another friend, the one who couldn’t join last three meet-ups.

Because some moments, like these, are worth reliving, again and again.