Chettalli (Kodagu), June 2 (BCT)- An Iranian couple with roots in Kodagu, who had been stranded in the district for several months amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, finally returned to Iran last week, bringing relief to their family.

Kodagu native Naveena Biddanda, a resident of Kanthur-Murnad and daughter of retired Air Force officer Biddanda D. Bopanna, has been married to Iranian national Nader Azizi for more than four decades. The couple met while working in Bengaluru, got married and later settled in Bojnord, Iran. They have two children, a civil engineer and an architect.

Naveena and Nader had travelled to Kodagu in December 2025 as part of their annual visit. However, what was meant to be a routine trip turned into an extended and uncertain stay after the conflict in West Asia disrupted flights and communication links.

The couple had booked tickets to return to Bojnord via Sharjah on Mar. 16 but the flight was cancelled due to the deteriorating situation in the region. A second booking for Apr. 15 also fell through, leaving them without a clear route back home.

As weeks passed, concerns grew over the impending expiry of their Indian visitor visas in May. Simultaneously, internet disruptions in Iran made it difficult for them to stay in touch with their children and grandchildren.

The family owns orchards in Iran, cultivating pomegranates, grapes, apples, blueberries, almonds, apricots, walnuts and pistachios. They are also engaged in the construction sector.

Despite repeated appeals to the Ministry of External Affairs, the couple received little clarity on safe travel options. Eventually, they managed to secure a route from Bengaluru via Oman and safely reached their home in Bojnord.

After nearly five months away, the reunion with their children and grandchildren brought immense joy to the family.

They recently celebrated their granddaughter’s birthday together, marking a happy occasion after months of anxiety and uncertainty.

With Iran now entering the apple harvest season, Naveena and Nader are spending time in their orchard. “After months of worry, being back with our family and seeing the fruits of our garden brings immense happiness,” the couple said.