A Love Story Ends in Tragedy In one of the most heartbreaking outcomes of the tragic Air India AI171 plane crash, a newly engaged couple, Hardik Avaiya and Vibhooti Patel, lost their lives just days after their engagement. Their love story, full of hope and dreams, ended abruptly as they returned to the UK to begin a new chapter together.
Came Home for Blessings and a Celebration Vibhooti Patel, 27, from Umbhel village in Surat’s Kamrej taluka, was a physiotherapy graduate who had moved to the UK for her postgraduate studies. There, she met and fell in love with Hardik Avaiya, originally from Botad. As their relationship blossomed, the two decided to get engaged and traveled to India to seek the blessings of their families.
Their engagement ceremony was held just a week before the fateful flight. The deputy Sarpanch of Umbhel village shared, “They had come home on a 10-day leave to get engaged.”
Dedicated, Bright, and Beloved Vibhooti came from a humble background—her father worked as a clerk at a local bank, and she had two siblings. Known for her academic excellence, she had even served as a member of the grand panchayat during her student years.
Hardik, on the other hand, worked in a warehouse in the UK. His colleague Dhaval Patel recalled, “He didn’t like the limelight. He worked quietly, was jovial, cracked jokes, and was deeply dedicated to everything he did.” Hardik was also recognized for his selfless service as a volunteer and was loved by everyone who knew him.
Friends’ Devastation After Learning About the Crash Prayers were held for the couple at Leicester’s Shri Hanuman Temple in the UK. Dhaval Patel, who was supposed to pick up the couple from Gatwick Airport, shared the gut-wrenching moment he found out about the crash. “We were absolutely devastated. It’s like losing a family member,” he said.
“It’s a feeling of helplessness and emptiness. Normally, when something goes wrong, we try to fix it. But this was something none of us could change.”
The Ahmedabad AI171 Crash The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner AI171 was en route from Ahmedabad to London on June 12, 2025. Within 32 seconds of takeoff, it crashed into the roof of a nearby medical college hostel. Out of the 242 people on board, 241 were killed, including passengers, crew, and additional casualties on the ground. The crash left over 265 dead in total.
Among the victims were families, students, and individuals with dreams of reunions and new beginnings—all cut short in a moment of tragedy.
A Nation in Mourning The story of Hardik and Vibhooti is just one among many, yet it highlights the personal loss and pain that each family has endured. Their engagement was a symbol of hope and togetherness, now remembered in tears.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of Hardik Avaiya, Vibhooti Patel, and all the victims of the AI171 crash.