Heartbroken Dubai woman recalls deep bond with Indian friend killed in Air India crash

Dubai: Dubai-based Indian expat Sonya James is distraught after losing her close friend Aparna and Aparna’s husband, Neeraj, in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

“Aparna was a lively person and a dear friend,” said Sonya, who has been living in Dubai for the past 20 years. “On June 12, when I heard about the crash, I had my fingers crossed, praying everything was okay. When I learned they didn’t survive, it was shocking and heartbreaking.”

Sonya, hailing from New Delhi, met Aparna in Baroda, Gujarat, when their children attended the same school. Over the past decade, their friendship blossomed into a deep bond.

“Aparna was the kind of person who always got involved, whether in your joys, successes, or hardships. She was a true friend to everyone she met.”

Whenever Sonya flew to New Delhi for a break, she would visit Baroda to catch up with Aparna.

“I met the couple in March-April. I knew about their London travel plans this month. Aparna was looking forward to having us over in July. I was planning a trip to Baroda next month.”

The family of Aparna, Neeraj, their daughter, and the grandmother, loved to travel.

“They had covered most of Europe,” Sonya said. “This might have been the first time their daughter didn’t travel with them.”

Aparna and Neeraj were travelling to London for a summer vacation, but it was not meant to be.

Sonya fondly remembers Aparna as a warm, thoughtful and deeply creative person.

“She was extraordinary in her own ways. Her home was beautifully kept with the cushions, decor, and even the layout of the drawing room changing with the seasons and festivals.”

The bond they shared, Sonya noted, was one of the warmest and most loving connections she had.

“Aparna would always check in, send pictures from festivals, share her beautiful paintings, her home decor changes, the delicious food she’d prepare… and she always wanted to see how my boys were growing or hear about a holiday I’d been on. Aparna had a heart that reached across distances.”

Sonya now finds herself constantly revisiting old WhatsApp chats and photos.

“Even now, it’s hard to believe she’s gone. I keep going through our old chats and the pictures she shared. I feel privileged to have those memories, at least.”

Sonya is planning to visit Baroda next month to meet the family.
“Some friendships don’t need daily calls or constant contact – they live on in the heart. Aparna was that kind of friend. Though she’s no longer here, she remains etched in my heart forever.”

The couple has left behind their daughter, who is studying at university, and Aparna’s mother.