Life in Muscat: A Quick Flashback
It’s incredible how time flies. I first landed in Muscat on 7th August 1992, a sunny Friday morning, as a 25-year-old brimming with dreams. Armed with a master’s degree in communication and journalism and 1.5 years of experience as an advertising copywriter in Bombay, I was ready to carve my path. Fast forward 32 years, Muscat has become my home. Yet, my heart never drifts too far from India, which I visit at least once or twice in a year.
While most of these trips to Kerala are to reconnect with family, the advent of social media has rekindled bonds with old friends and classmates, sparking the desire to meet them in person. This year’s short trip to Delhi offered that golden opportunity.
The Reason for the Journey
I graduated twelfth grade in 1984 from Army Public School, New Delhi. To commemorate 40 years since our graduation, a group of enthusiastic classmates organized a reunion for our batch. After much discussion in our WhatsApp group of over 100 members scattered across the globe, the date was set for November 15, 2024. The venue: a cozy restaurant-cum-bar in Noida, owned by a fellow alumnus.
Though announced just a month in advance, 45 of us managed to make it, and I was the only one flying in from Muscat. Adding to the excitement was a wedding invitation from another classmate for his daughter’s wedding on 17th November. With two wonderful reasons to visit Delhi, I booked my tickets and planned a five-day stay.
The Reunion: A Walk Down Memory Lane
This was our second reunion, the first being in 2009 for our Silver Jubilee, held at the school premises. This time, though fewer in number, the energy was no less electric. Meeting everyone after so many years was like stepping into a time capsule. The laughter, the camaraderie, and even the school-day banter were all intact. For a few hours, we weren’t 58-year-olds but 17-year-olds who danced to the chartbusters of the ’80s.
The diversity in our career paths added to the pride and nostalgia. Many of my batchmates, children of Army officers, have risen to distinguished ranks—Major Generals, Air Vice Marshals, Rear Admirals. Others have carved niches in medicine, engineering, hospitality, journalism, and entrepreneurship.
Exploring Delhi
I extended my stay in Delhi to five days, hoping to explore the city and reconnect with old friends. For the first three days, I booked an Airbnb in Defence Colony, a central and upscale area. It was my first Airbnb experience, and the accommodation rivaled a four-star hotel, priced at just ₹3,125 per day. Meals were conveniently ordered via Zomato.
On 16th November, Delhi’s infamous smog kept me indoors. However, by evening, a childhood friend—a retired Colonel, Shaurya Chakra* awardee, and PhD holder—visited me. Our conversation was a highlight, blending shared memories with admiration for his inspiring journey. We reminisced about our shared past, adding warmth to an otherwise smoggy day.
Wedding and Sightseeing
On 17th November, I attended the wedding of my batchmate’s daughter at the Air Force Officers Mess, Palam. Meeting batchmates who had missed the reunion added to the joy. After the event, before returning to my room, I took an Uber ride around the city, visiting iconic landmarks like Connaught Place, Janpath, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and more—that added charm to the day.
A VIP Lunch and More Memories
The next day, a friend from Defence Colony hosted me for lunch. Reconnecting after 36 years felt surreal yet heartwarming. Their beautifully curated home, adorned with artifacts from around the world, added to the experience. Another mutual friend—the brave Colonel—joined us later, making it an unforgettable afternoon.
That evening, I moved to another well-appointed Airbnb studio apartment in Gurgaon. A quiet evening with a Zomato-ordered pizza followed.
Old Friends and Good Times
On 19th November, a planned meeting with a Gurgaon based College friend, who had just returned from his vacation, was canceled due to his aged father’s sudden illness. However, the day culminated in a delightful dinner with another dear old friend and her family in Gurgaon. Their hospitality was overwhelming, and we spent hours reliving old memories, just as we had during a 2022 family trip, reminding me of the depth of friendships that withstand time.
A Fitting Farewell
My final day in Delhi, 20th November, began with a visit to my brave soldier friend’s home at Delhi Cantt. After a hearty lunch that he hosted in my honour, with his colleagues at the Defence Services Officers Institute, and more reminiscing, he dropped me at the airport, just in time, for my flight back to Muscat. A brief layover in Mumbai later, I was home, carrying with me the warmth of old friendships and the charm of rediscovered places.
Reflections
This trip was not just about revisiting a city but rediscovering the connections that shape our lives. Delhi welcomed me with nostalgia, joy, and the realization that no matter how far life takes us, some bonds remain unbroken.
As I flew back to Muscat, I carried with me not just memories of old friends and familiar places but a renewed appreciation for the journey that began decades ago. As the 40th anniversary of our graduation became a memorable milestone, it reaffirmed the timeless bond of shared history and cherished connections.
* The Shaurya Chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy.
About the writer: Deepak Nair is an Oman based IT & Media Entrepreneur, who is the Founder & CEO of Interactive Digital Media Technologies LLC (www.interacoman.com) – a leading digital firm, award winning travel portal DestinationOman (www.destinationoman.com) & PR Portal Oman Vistas (www.omanvistas.com).