Arpan’s Meghalaya Reunion Trip of Friendship, Surprises, and Nature’s Magic
It started with a phone call.
I was sipping my evening chai and scrolling through old college pictures when my phone buzzed. It was my college roommate, whom I had not spoken to in months.
"Arpan, we are doing this. Ten years, man. It is time for that reunion trip we always talked about."
Before I could protest, he continued, "No excuses this time. Everyone is in. Meghalaya. Next month. You coming or what?"
I laughed. The thought of reuniting with my closest friends and exploring the misty landscapes of the Northeast - it was too tempting to resist.
"I am in," I said, not knowing this trip would become one of the most memorable adventures of my life.
But this time, it was not a trip with old college buddies. This time, we had our families with us - twelve of us, plus our kids, who ranged from hyperactive toddlers to curious pre-teens. It was indeed a new kind of adventure, where we would introduce our children to the bonds that had shaped our lives.
A Wild Start to the Journey in Kaziranga
We landed in Guwahati and set off immediately for Kaziranga. The excitement was unexplainable as we sat together in the jeep, heading into the wilderness at sunrise.
"Ten years, and we still look the same," one of my friends joked.
"Speak for yourself," another one shot back, pointing at his receding hairline.
The laughter faded as the jungle came alive around us. A herd of elephants passed by, and their slow and steady steps shook the ground beneath us. Then, suddenly, we spotted it - a one-horned rhino, standing majestic and unbothered.
The kids in the Jeep gasped, and their eyes widened in excitement. My daughter clutched my arm. "Papa, is it real?"
"It is," I whispered.
As we watched in silence, lost in the raw beauty of the wild, I realised how time changes many things. Be it jobs, responsibilities, and even appearances, but the thrill of adventure with friends? That remains the same.
A Birthday Surprise in the Middle of Nowhere
By the time we reached Shillong, the sky had turned a deep shade of purple. That night, while thinking about the next day's itinerary, someone casually mentioned, "Hey, isn’t it Sneha’s birthday tomorrow?"
We all looked at each other. A celebration was in order. But where?
The next morning, after visiting Elephant Falls and trekking down to the stunning three-tiered cascades of Wei Sawdong, we found our perfect spot - Nohkalikai Falls. The tallest plunge waterfall in India stood before us in all its misty glory.
While Sneha admired the breathtaking view, we hurriedly arranged a cake (a makeshift one made of local sweets) and lit a tiny candle.
"Why is there no big cake?" asked one of the kids, confused.
"Because this is an adventure birthday," I said with a wink. "Sometimes, the best celebrations do not need fancy cakes."
When Sneha turned around, we yelled in unison, "Happy Birthday!"
She laughed, tears forming in her eyes. "A birthday by a waterfall? You guys really know how to surprise someone!"
It was a moment none of us would forget - a reminder that sometimes, the best celebrations are the ones that happen unexpectedly.
The Trek That Tested Us
The next day, we set out for Nongriat to see the legendary Double Decker Root Bridge. "Just a few steps," our guide said. He conveniently forgot to mention that "a few" meant over 3,000.
Halfway down, panting, I thought aloud, "I think I just lost ten years of my life."
"Well, you just gained ten years’ worth of memories," one of my friends grinned, wiping sweat from his forehead.
And he was right. When we finally reached the bridge, exhaustion melted away. Ancient roots, woven together over centuries, formed a bridge so strong, yet so organic, that it felt like stepping into another world.
Some of us pushed further to Rainbow Falls, where the water shimmered in hues of blue and green. The kids, who had been full of energy on the way down, suddenly refused to budge. "Carry me, Papa," my son said.
I sighed, hoisting him up. "You should have thought of that before running ahead of everyone earlier!"
But the moment they saw the falls, their tiredness vanished. The kids splashed around in the cool water while we adults sat by the rocks, soaking in the moment.
We jumped in and let the icy water wash away all thoughts of tired legs and aching muscles.
Floating on a Dream in Dawki
By the time we reached Dawki, we were ready for something less strenuous. And what better way to unwind than floating on the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River?
The boats drifted effortlessly, so light on the surface that they appeared to be floating in mid-air.
"Can we drink this water?" one of the kids asked.
"Technically, yes," I said. "But let’s stick to bottled water, okay?"
As the sun set, we sat by the riverbank, shared stories, relived memories, and made new ones. The kids played tag on the soft grass, and their laughter echoed against the hills. It felt as if time had paused just for us.
Final Time on the Brahmaputra
As our journey neared its end, we were back in Guwahati, standing by the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra. The golden hues of the setting sun reflected off the river’s surface and cast a warm glow over everything. We boarded a sunset cruise and let the gentle waves carry us into the evening.
The atmosphere was electric yet peaceful - like the perfect blend of nostalgia and new beginnings. We all celebrated the kind of happiness that only comes from moments like this.
Read more: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews