It was around 8.30 in the evening, on 8th September 2011. My friend Alka called me from Delhi. Her voice was very shallow and she just said, Mandira is no more with us. She left us today morning. I was shocked. Did not know what to say or what to react. It’s the very first time I’ve lost some one so close to me.
Life continued with daily routine but at the back of my mind, questions was going on forever and ever. Why God chose Mandira? Why? What went wrong? Can we rewind and erase the year that has gone by from her life and bring her back to life? Why are so many people losing their lives at such young ages when there is so much to do in life?
Yesterday again Alka called me, to inform that, in the fond remembrance of Mandira, her friends at Bombay are getting together and if I can join them.
I immediately rushed to the venue and met her close friends. We discussed how brave Mandira was through out her struggle to fight with death and how she boldly took everything in her stride. She never cried for what happened but she was brave enough to face what ever came to her. She was so cheerful and courageous till the end. As you see in the pic here, she is ever smiling, helpful and cheerful. She made friends instantly and spread her warmth all around.A bhajan was sung for the peace of her soul. And then one of us sang Mandira’s favorite Ghazal – “aaj jaane ki zid na karo”. Then we chanted her favorite chant – Nam-myoho-renge-kyo’.
We remembered how joyful she was and recollected so many incidents which throwed light on what a wonderful lady she was. We all remembered how cutely Mandira dressed up like a small girl with two piggy tails, a small skirt and a tee with shoes and all like a small school girl when she was supposed to turn up as Advika for Mani’s bday party. We also discussed how much she loved playing 'teen patte' and always lost the game but remarked – I may lose here but Im always lucky in love. And so true was that. Mandira is so much loved by her husband, daughter, family, and friends. Whom ever she met, she was so affectionate that people just fell in love with her good nature. And then who can forget the love she has to participate in the women’s car rally. Alka came down from Delhi just to partner her in the rally this year. Mandira and her scorpio are such a great pair.
She was one of the best mother in the world and she loved Adi so much and took so much care of her. She dressed her up so beautifully for every occasion. She was there in all PTM’s at school to discuss the issues and voiced her opinion. Adi also learnt so much from her mother to be brave and we all were surprised at the maturity Adi showed at such a young age and acted so responsibly when her mother was not well. She knew it was her father’s priority to attend to Mandira before taking Adi for a dandiya nite and never insisted on that. She ran in between her play when she spotted her Dr aunty in the NRI complex, just to ask her to go home and check her mother. Mandira loved her daughter more or Adi loved her mother more….well no one can beat them in that. I remember, when Mandira came to my office for the first time, she brought a small three legged tortoise to bring good luck to my office. I see the tortoise everyday and remember her good wishes. Such were her kind gestures. We simply loved to buy kurti’s and blue pottery from her and all of us have one piece nor other in our home to remind us of her presence. She touched our hearts and souls and she is as best a person as can be.
We all love you Mandira for who you are and we miss you. May your soul rest in peace. Do not worry about Adi, we are all here to take care of her and your family and Adi will grow to be a great human being and will make you and Amit proud one day.Friends, remember – As you breathe right now, another person takes his last. So please appreciate your life. And treat it properly. Have control on your lifestyles. Grab every moment of your life and spend time with family and friends. Life is too short. Grudges are a waste of perfect happiness. Apologize when you should and let go of what you cannot change. Love deeply and forgive quickly. Take chances. Give everything and share joy and happiness. Have no regrets. Take good with bad, smile when you are sad, love what you have got. Take care of you, your family and friends. Be good. Be smiling. Be loving.
