You know how life gets so busy that months just fly by?
After our show Saru wrapped up, all of us got caught up in our own lives, work, and routines. During the shoot, we used to sit together and have lunch every single day for almost a year. We were practically family. But after the show ended, days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into three whole months!
The last time we all met was back in May. So when we finally locked Sunday, August 16th for a reunion lunch at my place, I was looking forward to hosting everyone and catching up.
Here is a glimpse of how the afternoon unfolded—and why taking time out for old friends is always worth it.
The Early Bird & Quiet Catch-Ups
Around 2:00 PM, Swati ji was the first to arrive.
When you meet a close friend after 90 days, you don’t waste time on formal pleasantries. We immediately sat down, caught up on everything happening in our lives, and laughed about our old memories from the sets of Saru. She asked me about my new web series script, and we chatted about future creative projects.
Since the rest of the gang was stuck in traffic, Swati ji and I decided to start early. We opened a bottle of wine, popped open a can of peri-peri Pringles, and relaxed. My cat, Whiskey, also walked in to inspect the guest of honor, and Swati ji had a sweet time playing with him!
Soon after, Vibha walked in with her warm smile, and the energy doubled. Now it was the three of us sitting together, reminiscing about long shoot days and life in general.
By 3:30 PM, our stomachs started making noise. Vibha and Swati ji joked, “Pankit, let’s not wait anymore, let’s start heating the food!”
Just as we finished laying out the table with Palak Paneer, Chicken Biryani, Veg Biryani, Prawn Curry, and piping hot chapatis… guess what happened?
The door opened, and in walked Sonica and Anushka, beaming with their bright, beautiful smiles!
The Feast & The Gang Reunited
Talk about perfect timing! Sonika had been managing her pet, Anushka had a long puja at home the night before, and both got stuck in Malad traffic—but the moment they entered, the room lit up with instant joy.
We all sat down at the table and ate like there was no tomorrow.
Vibha brought delicious Coffee Walnut and Mango ice creams. Swati ji surprised me with a lovely traditional toran, Kaju Katli, and munchies. Sonika brought fresh, sweet grapes.
Poor Anushka was fighting a cold and a runny nose—she literally brought a jar of Tiger Balm with her and kept sniffing it! But guess what? Even a cold couldn’t stop her from having a generous serving of ice cream with the rest of us. That is true gang dedication!
High-Stakes Games & The Great “Masala Chai” Debate
After lunch, we poured some cold homemade fresh lime water and moved to the living room for board games.
If you think actor friends are calm during casual games, you are completely wrong! The competition was fierce:
Anushka took the crown in Uno, while Vibha won a thrilling, chaotic game of Snakes & Ladders. We were laughing so hard our stomachs hurt.
Then came evening tea time. Vibha offered to make tea for everyone. Now, Vibha’s tea was loaded with rich spices and garam masala.
We took one sip, looked at each other, and started teasing her mercilessly:
“Vibha, what is this? Is it tea, a soup, or a herbal sharbat?!”
Swati ji turned to me and asked, “Pankit, how is the tea?”
I smiled and said, “Well, it’s an acquired taste… just like sushi!”
That set off another round of laughter across the room.
Till Next Time…
Nobody wanted the evening to end. We sat on the couch, listened to music, got philosophical about life, and just enjoyed being together without any rush.
Before everyone headed out, I handed them small return gifts as a simple token of having them over. Swati ji left around 6:00 PM for another commitment, and around 7:15 PM, I walked Sonika, Anushka, and Vibha down to their cab.
As their cab pulled away, I had a huge smile on my face. Three months of distance instantly disappeared in a single afternoon.
My take from Sunday?
Life moves fast and schedules stay demanding, but keeping these bonds intact is what truly grounds us. Here’s to old friends, good food, and the simple joy of taking time out for the people who matter.