Ahmedabad plane crash: Hope to start a family ends for couple on surprise visit

Initially holding on to hope that they could be found alive, Anil Patel now waits at the hospital to receive the final remains. (Express photo)

On June 2, Patel had received a surprise visit from Harshit and Pooja, the first in two years since they left for the UK for better prospects. Patel, who worked as a security guard and now as a security supervisor in Ahmedabad, lost his wife six years ago to blood cancer, a year after his son got married.

“Pooja was like a daughter to me. Knowing that I would be left alone once they leave for the UK, she insisted that I live close to her parents and eat all my meals there. She would constantly check on me to see if I’m eating and taking care of my health. I feel the loss of two children,” Patel said.

Pooja and Harshit met at their workplace over seven years ago and fell in love. Harbouring dreams of studying in the UK, Pooja got into a university two years ago to study business administration. She went to Leicester on a student visa, while Harshit went as her dependent.

“They were working hard to make a life there. They were unable to visit since they went in 2023 and came here for Pooja’s medical treatment,” Patel said. Pooja had a miscarriage while in the UK and was in touch with a doctor in Ahmedabad.

Patel said that the doctor had advised her to come in for an examination and further treatment. “Of the 10 days they were here, six-seven days went in treatment. The rest they spent at home with her parents and me. She was happy and hopeful that they could start planning a family again. Even though it was a short trip, I was happy that they could come back and meet me,” Patel said.

On Thursday, Patel went to the airport to drop them. “On the last videocall from inside the plane, they said they were going to reach home by evening, UK time, and had asked a friend to pick them up,” he said.

He said Harshit was close to his mother, and after her passing, the UK life was what they looked forward to, putting their past struggles behind. Patel took loans from friends and family to send Harshit to the UK.

Initially holding on to hope that they could be found alive, Patel now waits at the hospital to receive the final remains. “Once we complete the last rites, it will be me alone again,” he said.