Farewell Chechi

Loss in the Family and Neighborhood

Chechi…chechi….Chechi…

Acha njanum verette….

The waling cries from grief stricken daughter and of a lady reverberated in this locality. It was the last few minutes of this lady in her house – where she had lived, prospered and lead a hopeful life.

I was one among the people in the locality who stood outside the house to see her off on her final journey.

Standing outside along with others, I was thinking of the little interaction I had with her. She worked in a courier company close to our house in Kumarapuram. My mind when to the short conversation I had when I picked a parcel from her office. In a short time, she had pleasantly asked my whereabouts and my wife. It was a pleasant gesture, quite unexpected from people these days.

Now standing outside here house, all  I could recollect is her smile, and that bit of conversation. I missed her today, like those who teary eyed ones who stood outside. I wish I could have spoken to her, probably smiled at her, rather that rushing past her, without a glance.

Well, that’s how each moment slips away, and we end up loosing people, moments. Oh, the precious moments.

I felt sad for the daughter who will live rest of her life without her mother. What all will she miss about her? Her care, concern, questions, her thoughts about her future, studies, getting a suitable partner….

Only one solace… a part of her mom will continue to live with her. I hope she’ll get the support, love from her father, her uncles and her neighbors. That’s my prayer!

———–

And there was one more death in this locality – one Mr Gopakumar. I never knew his name, till I saw it in this poster. I haven’t spoken to him, but I keep seeing him riding a vespa scooter and we used to cross each other’s path without an eye contact.

Oh, I will miss him too. Don’t know much about him – I thought he was working with University of Kerala.

Moments – Fleeting Moments

How to make every interaction with people more meaningful?
When a friend/colleague/relative passes away, do you wish you had spent more time with that person?