I am constantly reminding myself that these are random occurrences. But, the frequency and regularity with which these grotesque deaths are happening is making me feel that some other sinister events are in play. It is like the earth is swallowing up all our young people! And I am talking about the young people who are hale and hearty, take care of their health, non-smokers, and I could go on and on. They are going to sleep one night and not waking up the next morning! As Indians we are very accepting about the death and its repercussions on the unfortunate families left behind. We have our culture, prayers, and a strong belief in the Almighty and a huge support system in the form of family, friends and neighbours. There are no words or deeds one can offer or do to a devastated mother or a young wife or husband that is left behind. Sometimes, even as a words-smith, I am bereft of anything to say.
Chef Anuj Sood was a bright young star at the ITC Gardenia who helped open up their specialty restaurant Cajsa (meaning pure). I remember going there for an intimate pre-opening and meeting up with the very talented Anuj . His excitement was infectious! On my subsequent visits I would always see him hard at work behind the counters, encouraging the staff with a pat or a kind word. A young father who’s eyes would light up when he spoke of his daughter and wife in Australia. To him cooking was an art form and he literally conjured up magic with his gastronomy skills winning the admiration of his peers and seniors in the industry. An avid traveller, a passionate singer and dancer, Anuj was the life of every get-together. Yet, one morning he never woke up. He just slipped away after wishing his still shell-shocked mother goodnight. R.I.P. Anuj. I never imagined that after that warm hug we shared when I congratulated you on your superb dinner barely three months ago would be the last. Gone much too soon…
My school friend’s young son, barely 38 years old too decided to do the same. A young handsome boy who loved trekking and sports, a talented restaurateur and businessman just went to sleep and never woke up. It’s a travesty and very difficult to console the elders that were left behind. So I stayed closeted in my home for a week. My close friends, including my other half, are travelling, so it was difficult to manage my emotions alone. My housekeeper was sure I had attached superglue to my derriere and that’s why I was stuck to my lazy-boy chair. Well, the universe has a way of shaking one out of ones reverie, isn’t it? The phone buzzed and it was my good friend Nikhil Agarwal, founder/ CEO of All Things Nice a leading luxury, wine, and spirits marketing and consulting agency, to spend an evening with him at Olive Beach, drinking wine from Maison Mirabeau and Alta Vista. A group of friends and I landed up and it turned up to be an evening dominated more by beautiful women, including Francesca Martin who represented the company. And everyone knows that women who drink wine, don’t whine!
Be kind. Every day is your first and last day!
(The writer’s views are personal)