It’s easy to lose touch with people over the years, even those you once shared close bonds with. Life moves forward, priorities shift, and before you realize it, years have passed without a conversation. That’s what happened with Nikhil Hooda, my wing mate from IIT Bombay. We were in the same hostel, playing football, frisbee, or watching stuff together. Nikhil was—and still is—one of the smartest people I’ve known, especially when it comes to computer science. His ability to break down complex problems into simple, logical steps was something I always admired. Yet, despite the shared experiences, we drifted apart after graduation, as careers and personal commitments took precedence.
Recently, we reconnected after a long gap. The conversation picked up almost effortlessly, as if no time had passed. There’s a certain comfort in talking to someone who knew you during a formative phase of life. We exchanged updates—work, life, and the inevitable reflections on how much has changed. Nikhil shared that he and his wife were blessed with a baby girl, Vidya, a year ago. It was heartening to hear; parenthood suits him, and I hope Vidya grows up with the same sharp intellect and kindness that define her father. Moments like these make you realize how much can happen in the span of a few years, even when you’re not actively part of each other’s daily lives.
Reconnecting with old friends isn’t just about catching up on missed events—it’s also a reminder of shared history. Talking to Nikhil brought back memories of last-minute exam preparations, and the kind of camaraderie that forms when you’re navigating the quirks of IIT together. Those experiences shape who you become, and revisiting them, even briefly, reinforces how far you’ve come. It’s interesting how some people leave a lasting impression, not just through their achievements but through their way of thinking. Nikhil’s analytical approach to problems influenced how I tackle challenges even today, and I hadn’t fully acknowledged that until we spoke again.
These calls are rare but meaningful. In a world where maintaining connections often takes a backseat to immediate demands, taking the time to reconnect can be unexpectedly rewarding. It doesn’t require grand gestures—just a message, a call, or a meet-up when possible. The conversation with Nikhil was a reminder of how relationships, even those that fade over time, hold value. They’re markers of where you’ve been and, in some ways, who you are. Here’s to more such catch-ups, and to Vidya—may her journey be as remarkable as her father’s.