The Shining Star

I haven’t written in a long time....almost been a year. Never really thought that this would get me back at it. Sometimes one needs shocks to awaken them from their hiatus. The loss is so immense that the only way I can deal with it right now is to bring out my emotions on paper.

They say that when you lose someone very dear and special to you, they find abode in the brightest star in the blue yonder above. I think it is true. I have seen one such orb shine brighter than usual in the havens above. 

An old soul with young eyes, vintage heart and a beautiful mind! 

                          ~ Rachana Asthana Anand

I have a treasure chest. A treasure chest not filled with diamonds or pearls or ornaments of gold for they loose their shine with time but with beautiful jewels called friends who never loose their luster. These are jewels I hold very close to my heart. 

Today, I lost one such favorite jewel into oblivion. 

Today, my chest became lighter. 

Today, my world became smaller.

It is rare that you find someone who is a reflection of you. Rachana is one such person. 

We are so much alike yet so different. When we discover common denominators, which by the way is very often, she often sings with a broad smile and a crinkle of the nose,“tere mujhse hai pehle ka nata koi, yuhi nahin dil lubhata koi”. This one line sums up my relation with her. Deep and profound.

I never really feel the compelling need to talk to her on a daily basis. It has never been that important. Months go by before we pick up the phone but when we do.... we start off from where left. The warmth, the love, the understanding is all intact. She is probably one of those very few people in my life with whom I can sit for hours without talking. There is comfort even in our silence.

Myriads of memories mired in various emotions come flooding to my mind as I think of you, my friend........Your adoration for old songs and music, your gifted voice, your beautiful heart, your fondness for dressing up, your delightful artistic twist to everything, your mouthwatering achari baigan, your delicious holi gujiyas which remind me of my nani, your delight in hosting parties, your passion for details and doing things to perfection and to top it all your zeal for life.

I fondly remember our birthday surprises. Never had a birthday gone by during our stay in Mumbai that wasn’t celebrated with speakers, DJ mixer and a jamming session and not to forget the mid-night surprises. No wonder birthday celebrations with friends hold such an important place in my life.

It was overwhelming to see you continue this tradition last year. As I look back, it was God’s design on fate for us to be together one last time on our birthdays. 

Holi has always had a special meaning in my life. This festival of colours fervently shows me the zeal with which one must lead their life. Holi for me, resonates YOU.  I can never forget the way we celebrated this festival with reverberating sound of dhol, dollops of gulal, buckets full of water, generous helpings of gujiyas and bhang and dancing till the sun ebbs it’s light. It has always been and now more so will always be my most favourite. 

I don’t think I will come across another who will match my ferocious infatuation for the Retro era as you do. 

Our Karaoke sessions will never be the same again. I haven’t picked up a mike ever since we left Mumbai.... don’t think I ever will.... (euphemism for my bad singing here ;))

The list is endless................

I believe what ever happens, happens for the best. While this doesn’t make sense to me right now, I am hoping it does some day. Till then, I find solace in the only reflection I see of you... Your beautiful daughter, Suhana. She has your strength and passion. You live on in her.

Till then, I find laughter in remembering and sharing our countless memories.

Till then, I find happiness in knowing that I left no opportunity in letting you know what you mean to me.

Often people have regrets about not expressing their love for their friends. But I have no such regrets. I have lost count of the number of times I have expressed my love and appreciation for you and our friendship, my friend.

“And let your best be for your friend. 

If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also”.

~ Khalil Gibran

There is no shame in hugging a friend today just to tell them the three magic words “I Love You”. I find myself doing that often with friends who mean the world to me. 

If there is any lesson that I have learnt from all this,.......“it is now or never."

HAVE NO REGRETS!

Do it while you have the opportunity. 

LIFE’S UNPREDICTABLE!

Appreciate people while they live on and not after they pass away for they would not know then. 

CELEBRATE LIFE!

We all get to live only once, so live it king size. 

SEIZE THE DAY!

Treat each day like it’s your last and live it with full zest and vigor. 

So, my friend, I make a solemn promise to you....... I will NOT mourn you. I will rejoice your life as you lived it.... with vitality and vigor. I will continue our party here....... That’s the only way I know to heal.

“When you part from your friend, you grieve not; 

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.”

~ Khalil Gibran 

As you start your journey to finally rest in peace, I imagine you adorned in your beautiful Karwachaut saree, bright red bangles, matching nail polish and a big red bindi. I want to remember you like this forever.

May god keep you safe and strong for us.

Till we meet in heaven and continue our party....... love you my friend till eternity.

Cheers !!!

“And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. 

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”

~ Khalil Gibran

P.S: I still find it difficult to talk about you in past tense.......