Meeting IIM batchmates after a long gap has a way of compressing time, making years feel like a minor inconvenience rather than a real distance. Today’s post-work evening in Gurgaon was one of those moments where the setting, the people, and the timing aligned without much effort. I met Rohit Yadav, Suresh Singh Chaudhary, and Manish Kumar after a long while, with Manish visiting from Canada and Rohit preparing to shift to Mumbai soon. The meeting was casual and unstructured, which made it easier to slip into familiar conversations without the need for updates or explanations. Gurgaon, especially on Golf Course Road, tends to encourage these kinds of after-hours reunions, where workday fatigue quietly fades into background noise.
There was nothing particularly planned about the meet, other than the understanding that it would happen after work and before everyone dispersed back into their separate routines. Rohit’s upcoming move to Mumbai gave the evening a subtle sense of closure, though no one explicitly framed it that way. Manish being in town from Canada added another layer to the meet, reminding me how geographically scattered our batch has become over the years. Despite that, the conversation did not dwell on nostalgia or comparisons. It stayed grounded in the present, moving naturally between work, family, relocations, and the practical realities that now define most of our days.
We chose the rooftop at Clock Tower, a place that works well for conversations that don’t need background music or distractions. The rooftop setting on Golf Course Road offered a clear view of Gurgaon’s usual evening rhythm, with traffic moving steadily below and the city lights doing what they always do. The weather was cold enough to be noticeable but not uncomfortable, and the heaters placed by the restaurant made it easier to sit through the evening without thinking about leaving early. The combination of open air and controlled warmth made the setting feel practical rather than indulgent.
Food played its expected role, present and enjoyable but not central enough to interrupt the flow of conversation. What stood out more was how easily the group settled into a shared pace, despite the long gaps between meetings. Suresh’s perspective, grounded and consistent as ever, balanced Rohit’s transition-focused mindset and Manish’s observations shaped by living abroad. I found myself listening more than speaking, which is usually a good indicator that the company is right. The cold air, softened by the heaters, seemed to slow everything down just enough to allow for pauses without discomfort.
As the evening progressed, it became clear that the value of the meet was not in marking a milestone or revisiting the past, but in acknowledging continuity. Friendships from IIM have a way of staying relevant without requiring maintenance, and nights like this quietly reinforce that idea. Gurgaon provided a neutral backdrop, neither sentimental nor demanding attention, allowing the focus to remain on the people across the table. When we eventually wrapped up and headed our separate ways, there was no formal goodbye, just the shared understanding that this was one of those evenings that didn’t need documentation beyond memory and a short note to self.