KV Dipatoli Commerce Batch 1995-97: Mini Reunion

It was a pleasure meeting school friends after so many years. In some cases - after 20 years!!!

We had been planning a catch-up for a long time. It never worked out. I was in Malaysia, 2 friends were in Australia. The others were also in different cities in India. However, after Juggy's sad demise, I thought that I should try and meet my friends. Made a trip to Delhi and asked everyone to come. One came down from Dehradun and another from Jaipur. Somehow the timing clicked this time and w could meet. Wish Jinish, Jittu and Ajit could have also been there. Wish Juggy was still around. 

Life is short - try to be in touch with and meet people who are close to you. I did that. I will continue to do that. Cheers!!!

Masterpiece by Artists Ananya & Animesh

RIP My Friend

Probably the first time I am regretting an argument on social media.

A classmate of mine from school days had unfriended and blocked me following a silly political argument on FB. We remained connected for a while through a whatsapp group but there also we used to have frequent arguments. Then he left that group too.

After several months. he sent me a friend request on FB but I ignored the request. Not because of the arguments or ego. But because I did not like that he forgot about the school friendship and chose to unfriend me over a silly argument. Now I realize I was being silly. 

Later, we did speak few times over the phone. He stayed in Australia and I was in Malaysia. He was having trouble in his household. His wife had moved out and had taken their daughter with her. When we spoke, we talked about how much he misses his daughter and how much he cares for her. It affected me deeply and I prayed for him. Later, he again went into a shell and unfortunately, we again lost touch. I did try to reach him few times but could not. 

Just got the news that he passed away on 2nd July 2017 after meeting an accident. What is most unfortunate is that his daughter - when she grows up - would probably never know how much he loved her. That is really sad. 

And that silly argument and not accepting his friend request will haunt me forever. I miss you my friend and I will always pray for the happiness and well-being of your daughter.