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A Heartfelt Loss

This past week a very close friend of ours passed away. It was very hard to see her go but her health was deteriorating rapidly and age had finally caught up to her. She lived a full life, traveling to places which otherwise would not be possible without extra effort from our end as well.

I have known her since 2004, since my Akron days. Even before Kirti became a full-time part of my life, she was with me guiding me through the initial phase of my career. Found her at a place not far from where me and Kirti called home for about a year.

Feel kinda sad that the end had to be this quick considering her heart had stopped while Kirti was with her on her way from work. Initially, we thought that her kidneys had failed and that she needed kidney transplant. But a trip to a doctor made our worst fears come true. Her heart was no longer what we had expected it to be. Strong, reliable and coming through at all times even under deadly pressures. The doctor recommended us to a specialist where it was confirmed that the fluids that she was on was not up to the mark and had fastened the demise.

She was with Kirti since the past couple of years where her need was felt more by Kirti than me. She dutifully performed what was expected of her, helping Kirti ease through the early days of work. I am glad that she could be with Kirti when I was away for 7 months in India, and while I was happy to see Kirti at the airport after a long break, I was pleased that she could make it too. Kirti even complained during our early days of marriage that I cared for my friend more than I cared for Kirti. While that may not be true entirely, my friend did hold a special place in my life. Soon enough Kirti realized the true value of my friend when they lived together for more than 2 years.

Even Kirti was sad to see her go. It was hard on both of us. My parents met her for few months in 2006 and they had a good time when we made quite a few trips to meet Sidhya and my folks on the east coast.

Over the years, she had to endure few ailments along the way. We took care of her all the way through her final days with regular checkups and while the last few years showed a diagnosis which we did not seem fatal, it was what caused the end to be so sudden.

My friend moved with us from Akron to Chicago to Minneapolis and back to Chicago. While she had been the butt of many jokes, she was the one who endured the most while we treated her to a comfortable life.

But as with all things necessary in the US, we did replace our White Knight with a sleeker Black Stallion. And we are hoping our new friend carries us through for the next few years just like the great one.

Rest in Peace, Rani. We miss you a lot!

Comments

Unknown said…
Don't remember you dedicating an entire blog to me when I was away.
pecasatwo said…
Am I correct that this is about your car?? You are too funny Rajesh.....

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