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K.V. Shivpuri School Reunion – A Journey Back to Our Golden Days (12–15 June 2025)

❤️ A Plan Made from the Heart

Some plans are just made by the heart — and this one was truly special. 💖

For us, this journey started in January 2025, when we got the wonderful news — our dear friend Gejo John was flying down from the U.S. That one message was enough to spark something beautiful — a long-overdue reunion of the K.V. Shivpuri School gang. 🥹

Very quickly, our quiet school WhatsApp group turned into a buzzing planning committee! 🚀 After lots of messages, memories, and suggestions like “kaaha, kaise, kab?” we finally chose Shimla — a peaceful, charming hill station where nature slows down time… just like we wished our moments would. 🌳

At first, 12 of us confirmed. Honestly, I was over the moon. I was going to meet my school friends after 22–23 years. 😍 That sentence alone carried so much emotion — laughter, tears, mischief, memories… everything we lived together in those innocent school days.

But as life would have it, as the reunion date came closer, 5 friends had to step back due to personal reasons. It honestly hurt — we had imagined the group being complete. But even through that disappointment, the rest of us knew — this reunion still meant the world. We didn’t want to let this golden chance slip away. 💖

Because this wasn’t just a trip. It was a return to the purest friendships we ever had. To a time when life was simple, and smiles were real. 🌟 To a bond that distance and time could never weaken. 🧡

Meeting even a few of them felt like home. So we held on to the plan, tightly — like we were holding on to a piece of our childhood. And with that, the countdown to June 12th truly began……

✈️ Reunion Begins — Delhi Diaries

We were going to meet at Delhi Railway Station, as our train was scheduled to depart at 11:20 PM on June 12th. I preferred to reach Delhi early in the morning so I could plan to meet my other old friend there.

So, I was all set to fly from Pune to Delhi — with a heart full of excitement and a mind buzzing with a thousand thoughts. 🚀

And honestly, my reunion began the moment I landed in Delhi… 😍

The first surprise? Meeting Rahul – Oh My God! 😮 He came all the way, traveling 42 kilometers just to pick me up from the airport. That gesture itself spoke volumes. Thanks, Rahul! “Main to emotional ho gayi.”

Rahul was going to drop me at Pankaj’s place (from K.V. Dimapur), but he wanted to meet Gejo first since his hotel was on the way. I told him we’d meet Gejo at the station anyway, but but guys — he is Rahul — Sunta kaha hai ye!🙄

So we headed straight to the hotel where Gejo was staying — the friend who flew all the way from the U.S., and the very reason this reunion was even planned. And then came another sweet surprise — we met Swati, our dear friend, completely unexpectedly! She wasn’t coming with us for the reunion, but meeting her that day felt like destiny had its own little plan to make the day even more special. “Ye accha hua pehle Gejo se mil liye!” 😊

After that, Rahul dropped me at Pankaj’s place. And wow — he’s so tall now… and quite handsome too! 😍 Pankaj, my K.V. Dimapur friend, whom I met after 24–25 years! He had invited me over for lunch, and his family was so warm and welcoming. I freshened up there, and soon, old Dimapur school memories started trickling in. I was in 6th grade back then, so not much is crystal clear… but still, the feeling was nostalgic.

After such a beautiful day, Pankaj dropped me off at Rahul’s place, where yet another heartwarming chapter unfolded. I had the pleasure of meeting Rahul’s family — uncle, aunty, and his two little sisters, who are now all grown up. The warmth and familiarity of being in a friend’s home after so many years added to the charm of the day. 💕

And finally, as the evening set in, Rahul and I made our way to Delhi Railway Station — where the real journey to Shimla was about to begin.

And then… finally, We met the rest of our friends: Sharad, Nitish, Ankit, Monu, and Gejo (again!) — with hearts full and smiles wide, our destination journey kicked off… from Delhi!

🚆 From Delhi to Shimla – Chugging Through Memories

The train ride was nothing short of magical. We chit-chatted the whole night, laughed over old stories, teased each other like no time had passed. Sleep? 😴 Hardly! Most of us dozed off only around 3:30 or 4:00 AM, just before we arrived in Chandigarh at 5:00 AM.

Now Sharad took the lead — throughout the journey, he became our guide!

From Chandigarh, we hired a cab to Kalka — because what awaited us was a dream we had all imagined together — the toy train to Shimla! 🚂

And let me tell you, it was an absolutely amazing experience for everyone. We had booked seats for 12 people, but since a few friends couldn’t make it, we ended up having an entire bogie to ourselves! 🚇 Kahi bhi baitho wali soch!

What followed was pure madness — in the best way! We were all over the place, hopping from seat to seat, clicking countless photos and videos, reliving our childhood vibes. We quickly realized Nitish was clicking beautiful photos and videos, so we officially gave him the job! 🤣

At every station the train paused, we hopped off like thrilled school kids, snapping photos with wide eyes and wild laughs — madness overloaded, but oh, what fun! 😊”

We brought masala kakdi, got chai — those little treats that reminded us of simpler school days. It was laughter, nostalgia, and joy — all rolled into one moving train.

After a little while, we finally gave in to our exhaustion and rested for a bit. “Aaram bhi zaroori hai.” The mountains passed by, the cool breeze swept through the windows, and the child in each of us felt alive.

Shimla 🌳 – Day 1 (13th June)

After a beautiful 5-hour journey from Kalka, we finally reached Shimla — tired, but with hearts dancing in joy. As we stepped off the toy train, the serene beauty of Shimla welcomed us with open arms. And right there, our cabs were waiting — ready to take us to our stay, a cozy and historic villa named Marley Villa.

🏡 Welcome to Marley Villa – Our Shimla Home

When we reached the villa, it truly felt amazing. It was a charming colonial-era bungalow — Marley Villa, nestled amidst greenery with breathtaking views of the city. It was the perfect setting for our long-awaited reunion.🏡

Even though we were tired and hungry, our excitement took over — we explored every corner of the villa: from room to room, the pathways, sit-out area, garden, kitchen, and more. “Are yaha ye hai, waha dekh!” 😅 mean  while .. As the villa was historic and from the British Era, Ankit, of course, started with his horror jokes — teasing me with Annabelle references. I smiled and replied, “Tu hi sambhalkar rehna… main use tere paas le aungi 😄.“ He kept teasing me every now and then.

Then came the fun part — the classic “kon kahan kis room mein?” moment! 😄 After lots of laughs and playful claims, we finally chose our rooms and settled in, ready to begin the next chapter of this heartwarming journey — together again, after all these years.

Then everyone took a shower — except me! Mujhe toh alas aa raha tha 😅

We met Ujjwal bhaiya (the caretaker), who offered us chai, and soon after, we had a delicious lunch — simple dal, chawal, roti, sabzi — but it tasted absolutely amazing. Maybe it was the mountain air… or just the company.

Then, as if on cue, barish shuru ho gayi… 🌧️, while a few of us (yes, including me! 😄) took a short nap.

Later in the evening, I finally freshened up and came outside — and obviously, chai wala mood to banna hi tha! ☕

Our lovely caretaker and cook, Ujjwal bhaiya, made chai so good that ek glass to do glass ke barabar tha! It was strong, comforting, and absolutely perfect for the weather. And then… what an evening it turned out to be — between sips of chai and endless baatein, we didn’t even realize when evening slipped into night.

🌌 Barbecue Under the Stars

The highlight? Ujjwal bhaiya’s fantastic barbecue setup under the gazebo 🌌 The setting was just magical — soft lights, cool breeze, warm food, a few drinks, and even warmer conversations.

That night, I also got to hear some very guy-specific stories that us girls were probably never supposed to know! 🤭 And since I was the only girl there… well, don’t worry boys — your secrets are safe with me! 😉

Around 1 or 2 AM, we finally went to our rooms and slept off the fun and food from the night.

🌄 Mall Road Madness – Day 2 (14th June)

The next day, 14th June, we woke up, freshened up, and sat outside enjoying the cool, calm weather of Shimla — quietly waiting for chai and nashta. ☕️🍽️

While sipping tea, we began discussing where to go sightseeing that day. A few ideas floated around — 2–3 places were shortlisted even before breakfast. But after that heavy breakfast, the boys got lazy and stuck to just one plan: Mall Road.

Of course, I insisted! But they weren’t ready to walk at all after stuffing themselves 🙄

Finally, with those classic “jaise-taise ready hone wale faces,” all the boys (and obviously me!) set out for Mall Road.

And wow — what a beautiful place it was! Only pedestrians are allowed there — no vehicles, just long open walkways, shops, cafés, and that lovely mountain vibe.

And you won’t believe it — I walked around 8–9 kilometers! 😲 It may sound normal to some, but for me, it was a BIG achievement! 😎💪

Then came the fun — loads of pictures, yummy street food, and even a bit of shopping.

After all that — walk, walk, and more walk — we finally returned to the villa, tired but happy, with hearts full and phones full of memories!

After we came back to the villa, guess what — the boys wanted to go out again... this time for dahi jalebi and samosas! Oh God Ye Ladke🙄

Subah toh inhe jana nahi tha, aur ab fir se khane ke liye nikal pade! 😄

But I was tired — you know na, I had walked 8 to 9 kms earlier! 😁💪 So Ankit & me decided to stay back and rest. But sweethearts that they are, the boys brought us hot jalebi and samosa — and let me tell you, they were too yummy! 🤤

Dinner – Barbecue Again🤤💕

As we had loved the barbecue last night, of course, we decided to go for the barbecue vibe again — but this night felt different from the first one. Because deep down, we all knew — the next morning, it would be time to say goodbye.

💼 The Final Goodbye – Bittersweet Departures

As the sun rose on 15th June, it was time to pack up. We had our breakfast, slowly soaking in the last few moments together.

While waiting for our cab, I made sure to click pictures with each friend — and of course, some group photos too, so the memories would stay with us forever. 💕

The cab arrived, and we began our journey back from Shimla to Kalka.
To be honest, that hilly ride? Felt like vomit express! 🤮 Those winding roads of Shimla — beautiful, but deadly for motion sickness! 😅

We took a short lunch break, knowing this was also the point where the group would start parting ways.

First to leave was Sharad, who stayed back in Chandigarh. We hugged and clicked our last but not least group picture — holding on to every moment with the promise:

“This won’t be the last time. Until next time, K.V. Shivpuri gang… 💫“

At Kalka Railway Station, we had more goodbyes. Gejo left for Mathura in a cab — and just like that, we were five now: Rahul, Monu, Nitish, Ankit, and me.
Together, we boarded our train to Delhi — but this leg of the journey was quiet. No chatter, no masti. We were lost in thoughts, and most of us just slept.

When we reached Delhi, Rahul, Monu, and I got down. Nitish and Ankit continued their journey home.
It was 11:00 PM, and my flight to Pune was scheduled for 2:00 AM. I was honestly anxious — midnight taxi rides in Delhi? Not my favorite thing. 😬

But Rahul and Monu — oh, what gems! They stayed with me at the station till my cab arrived.
Rahul lives in Delhi, and Monu’s flight to Bhopal was at 5:00 AM, so he stayed too.
Even after I got in the cab, their calls and texts didn’t stop till I boarded the flight safely. 📱❤️

As I sat on the plane, flying back to Pune, I couldn’t help but think —

What caring men these guys are…

Not once did I feel like I was the only girl on this trip. Not for a second did I feel unsafe or left out.
I never even had to carry my own bag! 👛😄

Guys — you all are true gentlemen. Kind. Caring. Fun. Protective.
You brought the masti of school days back into my life and gave me memories I’ll always treasure.

Meeting you all after so many years — it felt like a warm hug from the past.
We may meet again, but this first reunion… this first will always be first. 💖

🌟 A Reunion to Remember

As we returned to our homes, one truth stood clear —

Ashwini Kulkarni

30/06/2025