In 1980, a group of nine women began their educational journey as kindergarten students at the New Indian Model School in Dubai. Forty-five years later, their friendship remains strong, a testament to the enduring power of bonds formed in childhood. Despite living in different cities and leading diverse lives, they prioritize monthly meetups, often orchestrated by Manisha Pillai, a project manager based in Abu Dhabi. These gatherings are vibrant celebrations filled with storytelling and laughter, rekindling the spirit of their school days.
Their reunions are not just casual meetups; they are a celebration of shared experiences and memories. Raji Shams, an entrepreneur in Dubai, captures the essence of their connection: “We pick up exactly where we left off, no matter how long it’s been.” This bond has been nurtured through shared joys and struggles, including academic milestones like copying exam notes—a mistake Meera Nair learned from in ninth grade.
Their early years were filled with dance performances, tuition classes, and friendly rivalries over scrapbooks featuring their favorite celebrities. Mini Mathew recalls being a huge fan of South Indian superstar Mammootty, with her friends helping her collect pictures and trivia for her scrapbook. Raji reminisces about choreographing a dance to a song with lyrics they didn’t fully understand, only to tweak them and receive thunderous applause.
As life unfolded, their friendships deepened through career shifts, marriages, motherhood, and personal challenges. Lisha Ali, a single parent, credits her friends for being her rock through difficult times, including celebrating her son’s wedding in India. When Geetha Kartha welcomed her first child at 42, the group celebrated the ‘miracle baby’ as if he were their own.
Each member brings unique skills to the group, offering support whenever needed. Divya Rajesh provides legal advice, Dr. Ajitha Nair offers medical guidance, and Smitha Hameed helps plan trips. Their friendship extends beyond emotional support; they are each other’s mentors and cheerleaders. Raji credits her friends for believing in her business venture during Covid-19, even when she doubted herself.
Their connection has become generational, with their children seeking guidance from one another. As they age, they continue to reignite old passions—Lisha studies Carnatic music, Sajitha prepares for her dance Arangettam, and Gayathri perfects her yoga. Simple gestures of love, like encouraging messages in their group chat, reaffirm their bond, healing in ways only they understand.
