Some losses are irrecoverable
!!
As I write this small note, I am experiencing utmost
discomfort and deep pain . Like many others I too have a Lost a dear friend
whom no one could afford to loose. I was in the process of searching some old
images and each time I go through them and see his face with his trademark
smile affixed on it ,I am finding it hard to control emotions and my eyes are getting filled with
tears.
I wouldn’t have been his closest friend, but would have been
some where closer I am sure. Neither we were child hood friends, classmates or
colleagues. Working in 2 different companies, competing with each other, we were
perfect candidates for professional enmity.
Our friendship dates back to around 9 years , perhaps during
our most youthful days in the tourism industry. Though we have been around in
same city and lived nearby, we never met or interacted but somehow knew about
the mutual existence. Ironically it was for a funeral that we formally met. Few
of us were going on a car to the funeral place and I could remember someone
telling that Madhu also is joining us. Already cramped for space in the car it didn’t
please me much and to add to my fury he kept us waiting for a few minutes at
the highway and came running. I must admit that was the only occasion I have
had any bad thought about him for that was the beginning of a wonderful
friendship for a few years to follow.
We started meeting up for professional get together and soon
started getting along well. Perhaps that was the time when being COOL was
getting familiar and I could vouch that there was no better candidate for being
Cool other than this person who I have hardly seen losing the temper or arguing
with someone. A pleasing smile a great listener and an understanding person is
what he was in nutshell. Never saw him complain about anything ( unless
professional matters) .
Hailing from a orthodox Brahmin family closely associated
with the Padmanbhaswamy temple, Madhu was an exception in terms of religious formalities.
He did eat Non vegetarian food, quite fond of fish and never followed the religious
restrictions strictly. Tend to get scared at times but he was a real gem to
anyone who knew.
Forming of APT brought us more closer as he was the main
source of support for me in organising various events and worked tirelessly
with the team be it cricket matches, Fam tours and hotel visits. His contributions
were invaluable and has helped to grow APT. At times the organising got limited
solely to both of us without getting much support but he was there always with
his characteristic smile, never compromising on the assigned work and with
whole hearted dedication. There were
many sleepless nights during events but he was so determined, working for the
success sacrificing his meals and sleep, which made him more dearer to me. Even on professional grounds,
despite being in 2 competing firms, when I was stranded he was there to offer a
helping hand within his limits.
When it was time to unwind we did in the best way and many
light moments come into my mind.
Weekend cricket sessions, when my phone calls woke him up
early mornings, picking him from his home, travelling to ground on bike,
sweating it out and then recharging at the local tea shop with glass of tea and
vada. Madhu was a pretty decent player elegant shots through offside mostly
copy book and though age has taken his pace away he could still bowl with good
control. A slow mover on the field I recall. He was liked by everyone !!!
Many occasions during matches or events when I am down and
out looking out for water, I have seen him emerging with a bottle in his hand
with his smile very much on his face. During a match when I tore a ligament and was
down on one leg, limping, it was none one than him who carried me to the
hospital and was with me till everything was settled down.
When he was leaving abroad for better career prospects we
had arranged a farewell for him and I was so upset from within for losing one
of my best pals. As usual the interactions came down but we were still in touch
through phone calls emails and had a professional relation too. The last
communication was a week or so back.
I am sure there are many other friends out here, who were
even more closer with him and could share more than what I could.
It’s the first time I am writing such a long note , and it
might look over stretched to many. I haven’t
shared these observations with anyone but I feel I am doing the right thing as
I don’t want to keep my feelings to him unheard and it’s a humble attempt to
show what he really was and what he meant to me. I could never tell this so
far, neither I could ever, for he has moved forward and waiting at a far off
place for us to join, may be in some time.
It’s not easy to forget you my friend, each time I pass
through the Brahmin streets , I may still look at the narrow passage
through which you used to come out when I come to pick you up on my bike. I
will look around for you my friend ,when I stand at a party with a glass in one
hand, for you to emerge with a plateful of cocktail snacks predominantly fish. When
I drive towards my home, I would look for you at your favourite juice shop with
the large glass of lime juice.
You will always be remembered Madhu by all of us for you
were such a sweet , simple,caring and jovial person who we can never be.
I was searching my folders for some photographs and could
manage this short slide in which would keep your memories afresh in
our minds.
