ANOTHER YEAR ROLLS PAST-PERHAPS SAMIR BANGARA IS OMNIPRESENT

If I were to chat with Samir, here is how it would go............

You know what, I was banking on a nonagenarian who said to me that losses in life remain painful memories, but he added almost as an afterthought, that, the pain would gradually turn into sweet memories over time.

It is 5 years since your Mother left us and 3 since you did. There is no perceptible change as yet. Wise men choose their words carefully. In the event, " over time" cannot be defined as it depends on so many variables. So, I got deeply involved in voluntary activities that give me satisfaction in the quantum and quality of service that any of us, at our age, can render to society as a whole.  I know you would have encouraged me to do more.

Before your son settled for higher studies, Avantika was gracious in seeking my participation in two special sojourns: first to Kashmir and later to a tiger resort in Tadoba near Nagpur. Both were brilliantly planned and seamlessly executed.

The family preferred horse riding to see most of Pahalgam. Almost 8 hours of riding.

                        

 Srinagar was at its best. So was Gulmarg.

                                     

Jahnavi who made us all quite proud of her performance in the last board, was also the first to spot a Tiger at Tadoba. She beat the guide by quite a margin.

                        

And so life goes on as you can see. On a late-night safari at Tadoba, the eerie silence of the jungle and the most beautiful sky lit up with stars, I was reminded of my days in the estates, and later at sea, I wondered whether the children had ever seen such a magnificent sky and without cell phones in hand! 

Something tells me that they were wondering if you were amongst the stars. A series of shooting stars only added to the mystery. Of course, you are omnipresent. We can all feel it.

  My post would be incomplete if I don't mention the attention and companionship bestowed on me by Rossi. With a warm reception to sleeping near my feet, he expresses his special bond without fail. 

I would be remiss if I don't mention a very special Pitr Puja organized and conducted by your protege', Dolly, ably supported by Aditya. At Rishikesh and on the banks of Ganga it was so serene and tranquil. I did not have enough words to thank them for this annual ritual which is the epitome of devotion and their expression of gratitude to you, my son.

Au Revoir!