Goa Calling….
By Ritesh Morvekar (Writing & Narration)
Editing by Nitin Teli
The Journey Ahead
· Goa Calling: A Reunion 20 Years in the Making
· Planning the Perfect Goa Trip — The Fukat Way
· Go Goa Gone: A 20-Year Reunion in Motion
· Mumbai, Through a Tourist’s Eyes
· More Plans, Courtesy of Mr. Itinerary
· All Aboard: Goa, Here We Come!
· Sunrise, Silliness & Station Arrival
· Touchdown in Goa — And Straight Into an Adventure
· Day 1 — Scooties, Fort Views & Beach Vibes: The Goa Chronicles Begin
· Lunch at Pushpavathi — A Hidden Gem (That We Didn’t Know We’d Marry)
· Ride to Chapora Fort — A Fort Above All
· From Fort to Shore — Vagator Vibes
· Baga Nights & Mocktail Mix-ups
· Dinner & Debates (Mostly Over AC)
· Day 2 — From Mistaken Maps to Memorable Moments: A Goan Adventure
· Parra Road — The Coconut-Lined Dream
· Breakfast Break & The Bridge Blunder
· Fountainhas — Goa’s Hidden Palette
· Mapusa Market Mayhem & Zantye’s Slow Motion Service
· Back to Base, Then Off to Anjuna Beach
· The Fat Fish Fiasco
· South Goa Calling
· Day 3 in Goa — Sinquerim Fort, Candolim Beach & the Grand South Goa Trip
· Sinquerim Fort — A Calm Morning With A View
· Candolim Beach — Clean Shores and Coastal Vibes
· South Goa Trip — Temples, Churches & Fish Thali Dreams
· Birla Temple & Mangeshi Mandir — Peace and Tradition
· Old Goa Church — A Once-in-20-Years Miracle
· Goan Lunch Break — The Fish Thali Redemption
· Panjim Church, Dona Paula & Miramar — The Final Lap
· Winding Down — Ice Creams, Taunts, and Nostalgia
· Day 4 — Return to Base & Imprinting Memories for a Lifetime
· Packing Up, But Not Yet Done
· One Last Stroll Through Baga
· The Final Ride to Thivim Station
· Thivim Station — And the Budget Closure Ceremony
· All Aboard the Janshatabdi
· Farewell, Goa
· The Aftermath — Reels, Rage & Reunions
· Memories That Stick
Goa Calling: A Reunion 20 Years in the Making
Some plans begin with months of planning. Others begin with a simple phone call.
One fine day, I got a call from Nilesh. The message? Our beloved buddy Nitin was visiting India in December after ages. Now, if you know Nitin, you know he’s the planner in our group — the only one who ever tries to organize the chaos that is our Fukat friends gang of four. A friendship that started decades ago, back in our school days, has somehow stood the test of time, distance, and adulting.
Naturally, Nitin had a grand idea: a proper getaway, somewhere outside our state. While the thought was tempting, I wasn’t immediately in — travel costs had piled up from my last trip, and this one was looking expensive. But the idea lingered.
The three of us — Nilesh, Ninad, and I — started tossing around options. We checked destinations, travel modes, accommodations… and nothing quite fit the humble ₹10K–₹15K budget we were trying to stick to.
Until someone said it — Goa.
It ticked all the boxes: nostalgic, budget-friendly (if planned right), scenic, and loaded with memories. We crunched the numbers — train tickets, hotel stays, local food, and a little sightseeing — and to our surprise, it actually worked within our budget.
We jumped on a conference call with all four of us, and the decision was unanimous. Goa it is.
For us, this wasn’t just a trip. This was about reliving moments from nearly two decades ago, when we last visited Goa in our carefree college days. Back then, Ninad wasn’t part of the gang who went. This time, though, it would be all of us — together, at last.
This wasn’t a luxury escape. It wasn’t about fancy resorts or curated experiences. It was about friendship. About late-night laughter, chai by the beach, and unfiltered conversations under the stars. About four Fukat friends, finally getting a chance to turn back time and make new memories in the same place where old ones still lived.
Planning the Perfect Goa Trip — The Fukat Way
With the decision made and the destination locked in, it was time for the real challenge — planning the trip within our modest budget. For a group of working professionals juggling time, costs, and calendars, this was no small task. But if anyone could pull it off, it was the Fukat friends.
The main expenses were clear: Train, Hotel, and Sightseeing.
We wanted to make the most of our time, so we aimed to cover the entire trip in 4 days, using just 2 days of leave from work. The plan was simple — reach Goa in the morning, so we’d have the whole day ahead of us, and leave in the afternoon on the last day, giving us a relaxed start before heading home.
After checking train options, we zeroed in on the Konkan Kanya Express, which departs around midnight and was scheduled to reach Thivim station by around 10 AM. Perfect. It meant we could sleep on the train and wake up almost in Goa.
Our return train was also late afternoon, giving us a peaceful last morning in Goa — maybe a final dip in the sea or a slow breakfast with a view.
Ninad took charge of train bookings — keeping a close eye on the booking window, ready to pounce the moment tickets opened.
The next hurdle? Finding a hotel during the holiday season.
Me, Ninad, and Nilesh spent hours trying to find a place that was clean, well-located, and most importantly — in budget. Prices were soaring, thanks to early December being peak tourist time.
But then came the breakthrough. Nitin and I put our heads together and started digging through Booking.com, and finally struck gold — a decent, budget-friendly hotel that ticked all our boxes. And bonus? Nitin had a premium Booking.com account, so he grabbed the deal with an extra discount.
✅ Trains? Booked.
✅ Hotel? Sorted.
✅ Dates? Locked from 4th Dec to 8th Dec.
The plan was officially set — the legendary Fukat friends reunion in Goa after 20 years was happening.
Sure, we did miss having a few of our other close friends like Rahul and Tushar on board. But syncing everyone’s schedules would’ve been nearly impossible. With too many people, there’s always the risk of the plan falling apart. So, we kept it tight — just the original four of us, the core, the OG crew.
Now that everything was booked and confirmed, all that was left was the wait… and the excitement.
Go Goa Gone: A 20-Year Reunion in Motion
The wait was over. Our beloved friend Nitin had finally landed in India for his vacation — and with that, the countdown to our much-awaited Goa trip had officially begun.
With just days to go, it was time to do a final check:
✅ Train tickets? Confirmed, thanks to Ninad.
✅ Hotel booked and advance paid? Courtesy of Nitin and his premium Booking.com account.
✅ Itinerary? Sorted, thanks to the ever-reliable Nilesh and me (Ritesh).
We thought the next stop would be the train to Goa. But with Nitin in town, nothing ever goes according to plan — in the best way possible.
Mumbai, Through a Tourist’s Eyes
Out of nowhere, we found ourselves roped into a surprise South Mumbai tour, enforced by none other than our UK-returned buddy Nitin — who was oddly excited to revisit Gateway of India and Marine Drive. Born-and-brought-up Mumbaikars don’t usually have these on their to-do list, but hey, when nostalgia strikes, it strikes hard.
And truth be told, it turned out to be a joyride — traveling by local train, catching that fresh sea breeze near Marine Drive, and rediscovering the city we often take for granted.
We stopped at the iconic Bade Miyan for a proper Mumbai-style feast, followed by a scoop (or two) of legendary Rustom’s ice cream. Taxi rides became another source of laughter — especially when Nilesh confidently told the cabbie he knew Mumbai better than him. That moment became an ongoing inside joke every time we got into a taxi afterward.
More Plans, Courtesy of Mr. Itinerary
Just when we thought we’d rest before the trip, Nitin’s vacation energy had other plans. Next up: breakfast at Madras Café, a peaceful visit to Siddhivinayak Temple, and then the ultimate test — shopping in Dadar.
We helped Nitin pick out his outfits for his sister’s wedding, after which we ended the day with the holy grail of street food — Shri Krishna Vada Pav.
On the train ride back, the three of us — me, Ninad, and Nilesh — made a pact: we’re not picking Nitin’s calls until 4th December, the day we board the train to Goa. A little peace before the storm, if you will.
All Aboard: Goa, Here We Come!
4th December, 11 PM — the D-Day had arrived.
Nilesh and Ninad started from Vashi, while I set off from Kharghar a bit later. We planned to board the same bogey of the local train… but thanks to a small mix-up from the dynamic duo, that didn’t quite happen. Still, we all eventually met up at Panvel Station, waiting for the last piece of the puzzle — Nitin, coming in from Thane. He arrived sharp at midnight.
We made our way to Platform 7, the usual departure point for the Konkan Kanya Express. Right on time, our train rolled in, and with bags and excitement in tow, we boarded.
Our seat arrangement was a bit… strategic. Three seats on one side and a solo lower berth across. Nilesh swiftly claimed the solo seat (smart guy), while Ninad graciously took the top bunk, Nitin the middle, and I got the lower. I was ready to sacrifice, but the boys wouldn’t let me.
We chatted late into the night, cracking jokes and reliving school memories, until sleep finally took over — Nilesh being the first to knock out, as always.
Sunrise, Silliness & Station Arrival
Morning came with laughter and a ridiculous moment — Nitin took a photo of me brushing my teeth. Who even does that!?
Breakfast began trickling through the train aisle — tea, coffee, idli, poha, sandwiches — you name it. I gave the first “divide by 4” announcement of the trip and reminded everyone to eat well, split well, and complain less.
As we neared Thivim Station, school stories flowed freely. It felt surreal — four old friends, traveling again, like we were back in time.
Touchdown in Goa — And Straight Into an Adventure
We reached Thivim around 10 AM on 5th December. Nitin was calm. Nilesh, on the other hand, was mysteriously busy on phone calls the entire time — even though all his best friends were right there. We’re still not sure what was going on.
At the taxi counter, we booked a prepaid cab and hit the road to our hotel — a journey that was nothing short of a rollercoaster, thanks to our rally driver-esque cabbie. Every empty stretch of road was an excuse for him to hit the gas.
Miraculously, we made it to our hotel in one piece, where we were warmly welcomed by our host. Since check-in wasn’t open yet, we left our bags and went for a walk to explore the area.
To our delight, Baga Beach was just a short walk away. We strolled along Baga Lane, where wine shops popped up at every few steps, and naturally picked up a bottle for the night ahead.
After some time relaxing at the beach, we returned to check in and freshen up — ready for the next chapter of our Goa reunion.
Day 1 — Scooties, Fort Views & Beach Vibes: The Goa Chronicles Begin
After years of dreaming and weeks of planning, Day 1 in Goa was finally here — and it was time to do exactly what we came for: ride like free souls on rented scooties and soak in everything that Goa had to offer.
But before we could kick-start our “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” moment, we had to deal with the real MVP — petrol. Our hotel host turned into a travel guru, giving us an extended sermon on where to fuel up cheap, road rules, and how to avoid fines. With that spiritual blessing, we rode 2 km to the nearby pump.
I suggested we fuel up for ₹500 — big mistake. Strong rejection from all three Fukat friends. Democracy won. We settled on ₹300.
Lunch at Pushpavathi — A Hidden Gem (That We Didn’t Know We’d Marry)
Back at the hotel, we scanned the menu cards scattered around. One name stood out: Pushpavathi Café. Budget-friendly and conveniently close. We tried it… and let’s just say, this was the start of a loyal relationship. A simple veg-non-veg combo later, our stomachs were happy, and so were our wallets.
We took a short rest before heading to Chapora Fort by 4 PM. But rest isn’t rest when you’re rooming with Nitin.
Let me explain.
The AC-fan combo in our room was on full blast — abused to near frostbite. Every time I’d switch one off to avoid turning into an icicle, Nitin would shoot up like CID interrogating a suspect. If I left the room door open even a little, I got a sweet serving of his choicest words. That was my cue… it was time to head out and breathe in Goa.
Ride to Chapora Fort — A Fort Above All
Netflix paused, YouTube closed, helmets on. We were ready.
Two scooties, four friends. Nilesh rode with Ninad, while I hopped on with Nitin.
Now, Nitin drives like he’s on the MotoGP track, and I did my best to navigate. We didn’t fall — so in my books, it was a win.
After a bumpy 30-minute ride, we reached the base of Chapora Fort — paid ₹20 for scooty parking, and began the uphill trek. And man, it was no joke. Steep, sweaty, but so worth it.
Chapora offered 360° views of the Arabian Sea, but finding that perfect photo spot was like waiting in line for a blockbuster movie. Couples and influencer squads had occupied every scenic point. Patience paid off, though.
We managed to get the shot — you know the one — the iconic “Dil Chahta Hai” frame. Sure, they were 3 friends and we were 4, but that just made it our version. Some kind stranger took a killer photo for us. And about the name on the album — turns out Nitin’s iPhone was backed up under Rajesh Godbole’s account. Mystery solved, laughter doubled.
From Fort to Shore — Vagator Vibes
Next stop: Vagator Beach.
A short ride and we were by the waves. The beach wasn’t vast, but it had a spark — live music, cozy shacks, and laughter all around. While me and Nilesh chilled on the sand, Nitin and Ninad ventured off for “experimental” photography. They came back with pictures that… well, let’s just say we had a few choice words for them.
Before leaving, we handed over our phones to a friendly group to capture our squad shot. Mission accomplished.
Baga Nights & Mocktail Mix-ups
Back at the hotel, we rested briefly before setting out for Baga Beach in the evening. Nilesh had a friend’s recommendation for a shack that was supposedly “amazing.” After a long walk, we reached it. I was skeptical — there were way better-looking places on the way.
Nilesh’s logic?
“This is the only shack not calling you in. That’s how you know it’s good.”
Can’t argue with wisdom like that.
We grabbed a table, ordered mocktails, beer, and snacks. Somehow, I ended up with a cocktail instead of a mocktail — Goa doing its thing — but the staff fixed it. The place was chill, music mellow, and the beach under moonlight was pure magic.
We clicked a few photos, watched the tide roll in, and called it a night.
Dinner & Debates (Mostly Over AC)
Back at the hotel, Pushpavathi Café was our savior again — tasty food, good quantity, and bill split four ways. What more could you ask for?
The day ended with some banter, drinks, and of course, the nightly cold war over the AC and fan, which would continue to be a hot topic during breakfast the next day.
Day 1 in Goa was exactly what we hoped for — laughs, beaches, roads, memories, and just the right amount of chaos. Up next: Anjuna, Calangute, Aguada and more madness
Day 2 — From Mistaken Maps to Memorable Moments: A Goan Adventure
If Day 1 was about soaking in the scenic beauty, Day 2 in Goa turned out to be the perfect recipe of adventure, accidents (almost), and an all-out laugh riot. It began, as usual, with the whole gang dragging themselves out of bed — only this time a bit earlier. The goal? Parra Road, one of the most Instagrammable roads in Goa (yes, the same road from “Dear Zindagi”).
Parra Road — The Coconut-Lined Dream
Nitin had done his homework — get there early to avoid crowds. So, we zipped through Goa’s sleepy morning in about 20 minutes and reached Parra Road. As soon as we arrived, we parked our scooties to the side and got down to business: posing like influencers.
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Traffic was minimal, but a few vehicles kept photobombing. Soon we realized we couldn’t be relaxed unless we parked in a proper spot. Sadly, the “proper spot” came with a ₹100 per scooty tag — daylight robbery! Still, with no other choice, we grudgingly paid, threw in some under-the-breath curses, and resumed the shoot.
For the next half-hour, Parra Road was our runway. Group shots, solos, sit-downs, walk-pasts — you name it, we did it. The tall coconut trees and clear skies gave every frame postcard vibes. After trading photo favors with random couples, and locking in our best snaps, we decided it was time to move to our next stop: Fountainhas — the colourful Latin quarters of Panjim.
Breakfast Break & The Bridge Blunder
On the way, we stopped for breakfast at Navratna — a solid find. We loaded our table with dishes, ensuring that everything we liked fit within our sacred rule: divide by 4. Bellies full and spirits high, we resumed the journey.
That’s where the comedy of errors began.
I was on map duty again and this time, unknowingly had Google Maps set for 4-wheelers. I directed Nitin to take a right onto the Atal Setu bridge, the massive, shiny, high-speed bridge connecting Goa like a racing circuit.
As soon as we got on the bridge, cars started honking like we had just hijacked the route. A few minutes in, we realized we were the only two-wheeler in sight. That’s when it hit us — the bridge was only for 4-wheelers. Panic mode: ON.
We prayed there were no traffic police at the end of the bridge. Miraculously, there weren’t. We took a U-turn, hearts racing, and got back on the correct path. When we reunited with Nilesh and Ninad and narrated the tale, the scene turned into a laugh-fest worthy of a stand-up special. That bridge goof-up? Definitely one for the books.
Fountainhas — Goa’s Hidden Palette
After surviving near-tickets and mass mockery, we finally arrived at Fountainhas — and wow, it was worth it. Narrow lanes, Portuguese architecture, and houses painted like candy wrappers. The vibe was straight out of a European town. Naturally, we didn’t waste a second and turned the place into our personal photo studio. Honestly, this spot could easily pass off as a mini Venice (just with scooters instead of gondolas).
Mapusa Market Mayhem & Zantye’s Slow Motion Service
Next on the agenda: shopping at Mapusa Market, with Zantye Cashews topping the list.
The roads were messy and packed with construction, but Nitin navigated like a pro, even if he occasionally forgot I was still clinging on as pillion. We squeezed through traffic and reached the crowded Mapusa market, eventually finding parking like it was a treasure hunt.
Inside the market, we tried to explore a few shops — picked up some homemade cakes, a few snacks, but didn’t go too wild. Then came the main event: Zantye Cashew Store. Let’s just say, if there was a race for slowest staff, they’d win gold. We patiently took turns giving orders while trying to stay sane. After what felt like an hour-long cashew pilgrimage, we finally exited the shop, cashews in hand, wallets lighter.
Back to Base, Then Off to Anjuna Beach
We returned to the hotel, grabbed lunch from our now-beloved Pushpavathi Café, took a short nap (with the usual AC-fan drama), and geared up for Anjuna Beach.
This time, I made 100% sure the map was set to 2-wheelers only. Nitin and I reached in 20 minutes and waited… and waited. Turns out, Nilesh and Ninad got stopped by the cops for a breathalyser test! Luckily, Nilesh was sober and they were let go. Yet again, me and Nitin avoided another fine — Goa was clearly favoring us!
Anjuna Beach was beautiful, even with the crowd. We managed to snap some serene twilight shots and enjoyed a peaceful sunset before heading back.
The Fat Fish Fiasco
The evening had one last destination — Fat Fish, a fancy restaurant near our hotel that our host had hyped up. We cleaned up, walked down, and stepped into an ambience-rich, wallet-lighting kind of place.
Once seated, there was no turning back. We ordered drinks, starters, and a main course. The food was great, but the bill was even greater. That’s when it hit us — Pushpavathi Café had fed us for 2 days at half the cost.
The walk back to the hotel came with constant taunts about the “Fat” in Fat Fish referring to the bill. Our Goa budget of ₹10k per person was already wobbling, but we laughed it off, because honestly, it was worth the experience.
South Goa Calling
Back in the room, with our wallets lighter and hearts full, we finalized our South Goa trip. Nitin booked a local agent who promised a cab pick-up at 10 AM. Since we had some time before then, we decided to squeeze in a quick trip to Sinquerim Fort and Candolim Beach the next morning.
Day 2 in Goa was one hell of a ride — from illegal bridges and slow-motion cashew sellers to fancy meals and random police checks, it had everything. Most importantly, it gave us stories we’ll be telling (and laughing at) for years to come.
Day 3 in Goa — Sinquerim Fort, Candolim Beach & the Grand South Goa Trip
Our Goa trip had no room for dull moments. We weren’t here to laze around — we had scooties, we had places to be, and we had memories to make! As we had rented our scooties two days back at 10 AM, today was the return day. So, like responsible explorers (and to make the most of our rides), we set off bright and early around 7:30 AM, heading towards Sinquerim Fort.
Sinquerim Fort — A Calm Morning With A View
The roads were pretty empty, and the weather was perfect for a morning ride. Of course, our eternal GPS confusion showed up again, and a classic U-turn moment had to happen. Some words were exchanged, ignored, and we followed Nilesh and Ninad’s lead.
Google Maps decided to test our patience by directing us to a hotel instead of the actual fort. The hotel guards — used to lost tourists like us — redirected us to the real spot, and in a few minutes, we were near the parking. Surprisingly, no one was there to collect parking fees (a rare Goa blessing). My budget-loving friends insisted I keep quiet and not invite attention to the “freebie.”
The fort was clean, scenic, and peaceful. The view of Candolim Beach from the fort was breathtaking. Glass panels were fitted at edges for safety, but they didn’t block the Instagram-worthy views. We requested a foreigner to click a few group photos, and he happily obliged. Little did we expect Gora bhai to be such a pro with the camera — those staircase shots were top-notch!
Candolim Beach — Clean Shores and Coastal Vibes
From the fort, we walked straight to Candolim Beach. Clean, calm, and relatively empty (thank you, early morning magic). Resorts lined the shore and the whole stretch had a charming vibe. We strolled a bit, captured the moment, and decided to head back for breakfast — and more importantly — to return the scooties before 10 AM.
On the way back, we took videos of each other riding. The footage was hilarious — it clearly showed who was driving safely and who was doing stunts. Nitin even mounted his phone on the helmet for a top-view shot, and it actually looked pretty cool!
After a failed attempt at a fancy breakfast spot (price didn’t justify the menu), we did some restaurant hopping before settling at a decent joint. Full tummies, satisfied taste buds, and scooties returned — our day was just beginning.
South Goa Trip — Temples, Churches & Fish Thali Dreams
At 10:15 AM, our driver arrived to pick us up for our South Goa tour. The road felt familiar — turns out we were going via Atal Setu, the same bridge where Nitin and I had illegally scooted the previous day. The driver confirmed it’s a ₹2000 fine if caught. That revelation brought out laughs and sighs of relief — our contribution system would’ve taken a big hit!
Birla Temple & Mangeshi Mandir — Peace and Tradition
Our first stop was the serene Birla Temple. Newly renovated and not very crowded, it was a peaceful start. Next was the iconic Mangeshi Mandir. Nitin had to borrow a dhoti as shorts weren’t allowed — Goa traditions 101. Darshan done, some good group photos, and off we went.
Old Goa Church — A Once-in-20-Years Miracle
Our visit to the Old Goa Church was nothing short of special. We were lucky — the preserved body of St. Francis Xavier was on display, something that happens once every 20 years! The queue was long but disciplined. After almost an hour, we finally saw the transparent casket. The preservation was impressive — like something straight out of a documentary.
Exiting the church was a mini-adventure. The driver had told us to meet him at Gandhi Market Square, but no one knew where it was. After a lot of walking, chips, and asking for directions, we finally spotted him.
Goan Lunch Break — The Fish Thali Redemption
It was lunch time and we were craving authentic Goan cuisine. Our driver took us to a local spot with great reviews. We ordered 4 fish thalis, drinks, and beers. The taste? 10/10. The price? Surprisingly reasonable. The memory of the “Fat Fish” bill still haunted me though — my friends made sure of it.
Panjim Church, Dona Paula & Miramar — The Final Lap
Next stop: the famous Panjim Church. We couldn’t go inside due to restrictions but the place was straight out of a movie — literally, a scene from Singham was filmed there. Photo sessions resumed. Then came Dona Paula. Entry fees were new to us, but we paid and climbed up to a point with stunning views. The place could’ve been maintained better, but it still gave us good memories.
Our last optional stop was Miramar Beach, but fatigue won. So we headed to Panjim Market. Not much caught our eye except for a bakery — we bought some cakes for home and chilled a bit before calling the driver.
Winding Down — Ice Creams, Taunts, and Nostalgia
Back at the hotel, we were hit with the reality — this amazing trip was nearing its end. We had dinner (of course, from our beloved Pushpavathi Café), enjoyed some drinks, and then went for a stroll. Havmor Ice Cream was the cherry on top. Nilesh, who had skipped ice cream earlier in the trip, splurged this time — calling it his “budget balance.”
We wrapped up the day with conversations and laughs. Bags were packed, memories were revisited, and sleep came easy after such a fulfilling day. Tomorrow was going to be about wrapping up and heading back home — with hearts full of memories and phones full of photos.
Day 4 — Return to Base & Imprinting Memories for a Lifetime
There’s always that bittersweet feeling on the last day of a great trip — the excitement of going home, mixed with the sadness of leaving behind a chapter that won’t replay the same way again. That’s exactly how Day 4 in Goa started.
We woke up with the realization that the ride was coming to an end, but our hearts were still in full vacation mode. There were bags to be packed, memories to be revisited, and some last-minute adventures still waiting.
Packing Up, But Not Yet Done
We checked and rechecked our stuff, got freshened up, and decided to check out of the hotel around 10 AM. The hotel manager was kind enough to let us leave our bags at the reception for a few hours while we roamed around baggage-free — because shopping with a backpack is a vibe killer.
Our cab from the previous day’s South Goa trip was already booked and scheduled to arrive by 1 PM. So, we had a few hours to do what we do best — eat, shop, and laugh.
One Last Stroll Through Baga
We made our way back to Baga Beach area one final time. Not to lie, the energy there just hits differently. We roamed the streets with nostalgia already creeping in and tried to pick up last-minute souvenirs. Unfortunately, nothing exciting turned up in our shopping quest, but the time spent walking and talking meant a lot more.
Around noon, we grabbed brunch at a restaurant, fueling up for the journey ahead. As usual, the table talk turned into reflections on the last four days — misadventures, money talk, inside jokes, and of course, the never-ending taunts over “Fat Fish.”
The Final Ride to Thivim Station
By 1 PM, it was time to pick up our bags and head out. The driver arrived on time (respect), and we bid goodbye to our hotel, thanking Pushpavathi Café mentally once again for sticking to the budget. Fat Fish, on the other hand, remained a joke that would never die.
On our way to the station, we passed the scenic Parra Road (yes, the one from all those Bollywood shots). Our driver recommended a local bakery, and we took a pit stop. Fresh puffs were calling. I went with an egg puff, while Nitin and Nilesh took two each — one for now, one for later. Or so they said.
Thivim Station — And the Budget Closure Ceremony
We reached the station well in advance. After paying the driver, I made a grand announcement:
“Expense sheet is now CLOSED. Any further purchases will be self-sponsored. No more divide-by-4 shenanigans.”
Everyone laughed, but I meant business. 😎
We settled down with our bags and opened our puffs. Surprisingly (or not), Nitin and Nilesh ate both of theirs right there. The whole “save one for the evening” plan didn’t last even 10 minutes. Another round of laughs. It was these small things that made the trip golden.
All Aboard the Janshatabdi
As Vande Bharat departed, our train pulled in. We found our bogeys and settled down — me, Nitin, and Nilesh together, while Ninad took his solo window seat.
Once on board, it was time for the final calculation showdown. I pulled out the expense sheet and crunched numbers. Total trip cost: approx ₹45K–₹50K. Per head? Around ₹11K–₹12K.
Cue: shocked faces.
Nitin and Ninad were already ahead in contributions since they’d paid for hotels and train bookings. Me and Nilesh were the defaulters. After a mini courtroom-style debate, I cleared my dues. Whether Nilesh settled his part with Nitin remains…a mystery. A non-auditable, not-my-concern mystery.
The rest of the journey was relaxed — some naps, some conversations, and dinner ordered from individual budgets (for real this time). Fried rice never tasted this satisfying.
Farewell, Goa
By 10 PM, we rolled into Panvel Station. Nilesh and Ninad took a train to Vashi while Nitin and I booked an Uber auto to Kharghar. We made it back home, got a confirmation that the Vashi squad was safe, and with that…our Goa trip officially concluded.
Or so we thought.
The Aftermath — Reels, Rage & Reunions
Just when we were settling back into our routines, a surprise reel appeared on Instagram. Nitin had edited a beautiful trip montage with Dil Chahta Hai playing in the background. It was perfect.
Too perfect.
Soon, someone shared it in our school friends’ group. Rahul went full gali-mode for not being invited. The boys’ group was in chaos. Damage control mode kicked in, and we all stuck to the “impromptu plan” story. Did anyone believe it? No clue. But, honestly, who gives a shit?
A week later, the four of us reunited one last time at Kharghar’s Khau Galli for some local snacks. We knew this was probably the last outing in this formation — for now. Nitin was flying back to the UK in a couple of days, and life was moving on.
Memories That Stick
Looking back, this Goa trip wasn’t just another vacation. It was a collection of tiny moments, unforgettable jokes, food debates, close calls with traffic police, and a whole lot of bonding. It was ours.
Every now and then, I find myself opening the Rajesh Godbole album just to relive those 4 epic days. I’m sure the others do too. That Dil Chahta Hai reel? Pure magic. It told the story of four guys, four days, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Who knows what’s next? Maybe the UK. Maybe another spontaneous “impromptu” plan. But one thing’s for sure — we’re taking that divide-by-4 legacy with us.
