FROM A FELLOW 66 INJUN
29/V/2025
My fingers tremble when I key in
obituaries for people who are so close to my heart. It is happening at such a
frequency that I am running short of words. Enough yaar, can’t you guys wait.
I got up around 4.30 am, my usual
time to start the day. Having thanked the Lord, I picked up the phone, it was
4.38am. I dig into books and articles, which keep me refreshed.
With my pillow raised, I was in a
crooked position, or else I tend to knock back to sleep. That is what happened.
It was in years that I met many of my NDA course mates in a dream which
engulfed me. I drifted back forty-five years, running around and chatting with
dear friends, who are friends for life.
When I finally woke up, it was
7.28am. I shuddered, as I could not recollect names of all course mates whom I
met in my dream, except one. Why did they leave that dreamy conversation? Hope
all was well.
When I looked at my phone the
maximum messages in green were in my India Squadron group called “66 Injuns”.
Generally, this group is laid back and quiet.
Shock is a very mild word. My
soul got shaken up from within when I read our very dear friend and squadron
mate “Ram Gabri” was no more. Was it a coincidence or an intuition that he was
one whom I was talking to in my dream. It was unbelievable, a lie, something
which my mind can’t register still.
Just the other day he rang up, as
he was a garden enthusiast like me. His collection and love for plants was
unbeatable. He would take me on a tour of his garden, pot by pot, flower by
flower and we would discuss their problems like that of our children.
Our recent conversations were
about the bug infestation he was facing and how to mitigate it. We must have
spoken for about an hour or so. That was the usual duration we used to talk. I
called him up after a week to check if my “nuskas” had worked. They did and he
thanked me no end.
Then, like usual NDA course
mates, we went into silence. That silence will now prevail.
All my memories of him in the
squadron just went blank. I closed my eyes to recall but nothing came to my
mind. Maybe it was the shock effect of this terrible news.
The only thing I remembered about
Ram was his smiling face, laughter, friendly deportment, coolness, and
calmness. His way of explaining things were so meticulous, as if he was expert
on whatever we discussed. It was a treat to listen to him.
Ram, I have no words to express
my gratitude for being such a kind Gentleman and friend. Your wife and kids are
blessed to have had your company, though for just a short time but the quality
of your presence must have been such that they are going to miss you, like I do
personally.
“Ram you are now on the way to
meet Ram”. I wish you God Speed and Good Luck, like we were blessed before we
passed out from NDA. Your soul will find peace, I know.
Goodbye my dear friend. My mind
is shut and absolutely blank because I loved you so much. May your journey to
eternity be better than what it was on earth. Gabri, you shall stay forever in
our hearts.
My heartfelt condolences to the
bereaved family. You need to be strong now. God shall provide you the strength
to bear Ram’s loss. From an Ex NDA and an Ex “Injun” I express and stand with
you in this time of extreme sorrow.
“Rest in Peace”, Ram Gabri.
In Grief, Noel
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