CheekuEveryone has a different name for you becuase everyone feels you were that special one for them as no one could be. Nor could anyone be more special for you than the one you were with. Something so rare. In all of twenty three years of age, you were able to break that code of human love that most of us struggle with all our lives-make each one in your life extra special, like no one else…and you will become that extra special for them like no one else…you have been gone on your eternal journey for more than three years now, Cheeku, and yet you touch lives of those you knew and of those who never knew you in person…and for all of them, you are that extra special.
Diwali falls on the day of Amavasya, the darkest night…but is filled with lights that radiate from every home, of rich and poor, of young and old…Diwali obliterates, in one sweep all differences…the joy is equal for all even if the outward manifestation is not…And in that sense, Diwali is your celebration.
You loved Diwali. The gaiety, the fun, the patakas, the sweets…the late night congregation of friends, the drives, the pranks…it was as if the festival was desinged to fit one person and his army of ‘merrymen’!
This year your brother and comrade-in arms, Tubby was with us. So was Sharmila. We lit lamps and made a small mandir for puja. But first, Tubby cleaned your photo and we lit a diya to light your way as you travel to new worlds. For we knew, as you smiled down at us from the photo frame with your twinkling eyes and laughing face, that even in that moment, you were standing close to us laughing and spreading happiness all around. Unlike us, Cheeku, you have learnt to be in many places at the same time…something you must be loving so much…
On this Diwali as in all others, you have been with us…and each day, like all others, you are still with us…and that is the truth so many others would find so difficult to understand… N Hanyate! IT does not die!
Dad