IN GRIEF

When we love somebody, we wish that human being continues to live eternally with us. Chota Mashi was one of them. Yes she was. She is no more. After battling cancer bravely, she passed away at 1.10 a.m. today morning when we were lost in dreams while sleeping soundly. We knew how much pain she was going through. In a last attempt to help her survive a little longer, her son himself a doctor had brought her down here in Mumbai. Tata Cancer was the only option we could think of for her to seek proper medication. Hats off to my childhood friend’s wife for not having left any stone unturned to see to it that Mashi was nursed with care, concern and love. The doctor’s verdict was pretty clear. Yet as a last ray of hope to keep her alive a few longer the doctor recommended Mashi be brought back to Mumbai in the month of August. But she lasted only till today. She used to stay in a very beautiful part of West Bengal called Jhargram. Surrounded by dense forests this place is supposed to be sharing its borders with Jharkhand, Orissa and some other neighbouring states. We used to alight here as a part of our break journey from Mumbai-Tatanagar-Kolkata. Jhargram could only be reached by Steel Express that leaves Tatagnagar every morning. Mashi’s generosity was unquestionable. She was highly educated but down to earth. But the last time we saw her she had lost weight and her digestive system had failed completely. It was her will power that had kept her alive so far. As if she wanted to see all of us once. I could spend very little time with her. Every member of our family devoted their valuable time towards her curability. Now that she is gone, Jhargram shall no more be a destination of our interest. The mango trees in her courtyard would miss her care. All the rose plants would miss her watering routines. Her neighbours would never have her as a company for all the morning and evening walks. My heart cries out for her. Being a man public display of tears would mean a cowardice act. Disallowing myself from getting more emotional, I pray to God to take good care of her. Life has become so unpredictable. Survival doesn’t come with a surety. No one knows when the end would arrive uninvited. No one has seen the tomorrow. Her demise generates anger within me about the incurable diseases that exist on this earth. Why isn’t there any cure for such incurable diseases? Cancer definitely is one of the deadliest. Why isn’t there a road of return? Oh God! Take care of my Chota Mashi. One thing of hers that I will never be able to forget is her smile. Her wholeheartedness and her dedication towards the life she led were phenomenal. She is survived by her husband, elder son & daughter-in-law and younger son. Both her sons are doctors but still life’s uncertainty pushed her in the gallows of death! Have mercy God and help my mashi’s rest in peace. It is yet unbelievable she is no more!

- vociferous