Friday, August 2, 2013

For my beloved...Shilpi...


Most of my friends are aware of the tragedy, me and my family have undergone recently...but some of my e friends are not. So I thought of sharing this with all readers...I had written this in May 2013 in a very traumatized mental state...This was also published in the graduation issue of The Citizen - the Student newspaper of Harvard Kennedy School at

http://www.thehkscitizen.com/2013/05/30/in-loving-memory/

Here is what I wrote...

For my beloved Shilpi – You shall for ever live in our hearts! (Sep 4th 1973 – May 8th 2013)
                I still remember the Saturday morning of 9th May 1998 when I first met you and realized that we are made for each other. As we would often talk, somehow that day and the following days, weeks and months it felt that we had known each other forever.  When we got married in July that year, we took vows to be with each other for not only this life but for all lives to come.
Only now that I realize that being with each other has a larger meaning. Physically we could be together only for 15 years, but you would remain in our hearts and minds forever. Till today, neither me, nor Khushi, my daughter and Kartkeya, my son, feel that it’s all a bad dream and you are with us and will be there with us soon, physically also.
I just don’t have words to say of what you meant to us. You were such a pivot in our lives that we can hardly imagine life without you. I admire your grit and strength of having braved this dreaded disease for the last three years and doing everything to make our lives comfortable till the very end. I feel guilty of having failed you, as I had promised that I will not let anything happen to you. I was scared of facing Khushi and Kartikeya on that unfortunate Wednesday evening of 8th May but was surprised when Khushi told me to be brave and strong and told me that ‘She would cry, if I would’! I knew instantly, that it was not her, but you, speaking…..It’s all because of you that I have such lovely kids….
I know Gods and Doctors can fail you…but you will be with us forever….I remember how you managed everything in the past year…even with weekly hospital visits and two surgeries….Without your strength, support and help, I wouldn’t have been able to do my courses at Harvard….You went through so much..yet your determination of not disrupting normal life and letting kids enjoy regular shopping trips and outings was unbelievable…I must admit that we were able to lead such normal lives that many of my classmates and friends did not actually know the seriousness of your ailment till quite late…
Me, Khushi and Kartikeya will forever cherish the times that we have had, the jokes that we shared, the problems we faced, the smile that you always had and the lessons that you gave us…You will forever live…with us..in our minds..and hearts….
Keep Smiling….I love you my sweetheart and will continue loving you forever…………….

Yours Forever…

Abhishek

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