Hyderabad crash kills Delhi high-flyer

"I can't believe it. Is it true? Rahul was different from other youths of his generation. Rahul had a very smooth and friendly relationship with his father. I remember the most intimate kind of father-son relationship. The entire family is civilised and cultured," said Pankaj, who resides two floors above the Nairs.

"Rahul's father RM Nair is a retired Naval officer. After retirement he joined Inland water transport. We are close friends for the last 36 years since joining the Navy together in 1967. I personally knew Rahul since his childhood. He was like my son. He was a brilliant student and extremely good at sports," said a close friend of the family.

The relatives and family friends who had gathered were inconsolable. "He grew up before our eyes and has left us now. I remember he used to play with other children. The other boys of the campus wanted to be like him. The family is courteous and helpful," said an acquaintance.

The family left for Goa last evening where the deceased will be cremated. "At around 3 pm, Deepti, Rahul's younger sister called up and informed me that he was no more. Rahul's mother Sarswati Nair could not control her emotions. Within a few minutes I along with some close friends reached their residence. Meanwhile Navy officials also pitched in. They are taking care of all the arrangements for the family members," said Lokesh Batra, a family friend of the deceased.

Rahul is survived by his wife and three-year-old son. They were occupying Rahul's quarters at the Goa air base station. Rahul had completed his schooling from NOIDA. He last visited Delhi three months ago.

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