A few good men

A gentle soul breathed his last yesterday night after a long and valiant battle with the unrelenting crab. My relationship with him was unique. He was the first 'in-law' I met before my marriage. I was nervous like hell as I walked the stairs leading to the Chinese restaurant where we were to meet. The question in my mind was : would he approve of me. But the moment I met him, all doubts flew away as his charm and kind ways worked wonders and all tabs were soon castaway. He was an amazing erudite and I found myself mesmerised by his knowledge. The much feared lunch ended too soon with a warm hug and a words of blessing.

Then life tools its twist and turns and sadly the note we had struck while enjoying noodles and Manchurians vanished altogether. We met a few times, as niece and uncle in-law, the equation that never seems to balance.

It was a few years back that our paths would cross again. This time it was a terrible challenge that would bring us together, one that would test the mettle we were made of. He would stand tall, like few do and take the road less travelled even if it led to difficult choices. But he took them with courage and conviction. He filled a space in my heart that had laid empty for far too long. I felt blessed. Thus began a new relationship, one that defies all definition and obliterates all tags and labels.

We enjoyed talking about any and everything. His massive erudition and wisdom never failed to amaze me and I learnt more at his proverbial knee that I would in books. We shared a passion for reading and writing and he never failed to comment on my blogs. The have lain orphaned for the past months as he lay in a hospital bed, his body wrecked but his spirit soaring.

Good men are few. He was one of them. The world will never look the same after his demise.

May his soul rest in peace.