College Reunion – Memories for Life Time

Reunion is special and that too 25th anniversary of our pass out(graduation). The planning began way back in August/September last year(2022) when a zoom call was arranged to discuss about the same. Then there were multiple rounds of discussions and finally the dates were finalized as 28th Feb to 3rd March. The venue was finalized(Sunray Village Resort near Vizag) and rooms were blocked for around 24 members to begin with after a few rounds of discussion with the resort management.

We tried reaching out to as many of our classmates as possible, especially those who were not in the WhatsApp group. Started collecting the money so that we can have a confirmation of the number of people coming. As the date was coming closer, we understood that it will not be more than 20 members coming in and booked the rooms for 16 who confirmed. 3 of them had to drop off but were partially backfilled by 2 others. Friends from US started booking their tickets and planned their India trips around these dates.

Friends from Hyderabad tried to book the same flight so as to reach the resort by 28th Feb morning and friends from other places also planned accordingly. At last, the day had come for which we all were eagerly waiting and all of us started reaching the resort one by one(5 of us from Hyderabad), 2 were already in Vizag and 2 joined from other places at the airport. All of us were very happy to meet with our old friends and some were meeting for the first time after passing out from college. It felt so nice.

Day 1: We started checking into the 8 rooms which were part of 2 Villas and gathered in one hall for most part of our stay. The resort itself was very big spread across 300+ acres with a lot of greenery and quite a few activities(indoor as well as outdoor). It was around 50 kms from Vizag and around 1.5 hrs drive from there. The private vehicles are not allowed inside the resort(to reduce pollution) and there are battery operated buggies available 24*7 for travel within the resort. We had lunch and chatted for around 3-4 hrs revisiting the college days right from first day experience in college to the last day. Exchanged photos of family members and whereabouts. Then went to play cricket at the outdoor cricket ground which was quite good. Some were playing after 20-25 years. We then went to play Volleyball, had dinner and again chatted late into the night.

Day 2: Woke up in the morning the next day and went for a walk and played Volleyball. It was one of our friend’s birthday and he wanted to visit a temple. So we all decided to accompany him and finalized Simhachalam near Vizag. Engaged a 13 seater vehicle with the help of resort reception and went to Simhachalam. Had a good darshan and from there, went to a restaurant, Nethi Vindu for lunch which had traditional Andhra meals. One more friend joined there. Went to a beach at Thotlakonda on the way back to resort in the evening. Had cake cutting by the birthday boy and ordered food through room service and chatted late into the night.

Day 3: On the third day, we all decided to wear the T-shirt which was printed for the occasion and had a photo shoot. One of the lady classmate joined us from Kakinada. Spent around 2 hours taking photos and each of us shared the experience about the trip and how they felt meeting each other. Then went to lunch where most of us did not want to have much because of heavy breakfast but ended up eating a little more. Here on, friends started leaving, as they had some other plans already. Rest of us who stayed back went for a walk in the evening and found a flower street which had a beautiful collection of flowers and had tables arranged for dinner. Had dinner there and each of us had discussed about the most satisfying and regretful situation in life so far. There were a few emotional chats as well. Came back to the rooms. Again chatted late into the night and slept.

Day 4: The last and final day saw few of them leaving very early in the morning. Rest of us played Volleyball, had breakfast and by 11 am all of us checked out. It was a fantastic reunion and memories to be cherished for the life time. All were very happy catching up with old friends, some of whom were meeting each other for the first time after college. 5 of us returned to Hyderabad by the same flight and enjoyed the trip every bit.