The Firefly

My mother and I stood in the balcony of our third floor apartment and I watched as this bright eyed girl with sunlight bouncing off her hair hopped across the quadrangle between our buildings. She looked up and beamed as my mother waved out to her. The eight year old me clearly remembers thinking, "that's one of the sunniest smiles I've ever seen!". "She's my student and the star of my latest play," said my mom smiling down at her. Called 'The Firefly', the title of the play and the role fit her personality like a glove! This tiny little ball of sunshine with bouncy hair and the brightest smile was my Kitikat...(some people knew her as Isha Mantry)

She personified positivity and always knew what she wanted. How such a tiny person could pack in so much punch always baffled me. She fought her way through school with a flick of her hair, defied the bullies and made her way into NIFT. "Do you want to be a tailor?" asked the poor ignorant souls but she just smiled at them. She stood out amid the pack of conformists with her bold use of colour and walked away with an award at the end of the grueling four years in college. Through it all, she remained the chirpy, optimistic and sunny little firefly she was! 

The film industry wasn't any easier on her. They thought she was a gullible little thing, but she laughed as her work left them astounded. She achieved so much on her own terms that I often felt like a proud parent. 

It's been 21 years since I saw you hopping across the courtyard and you have been such a big part of my life Kittu...

I'm so sorry for all the cancelled plans, the regrets, the hurt, the accusations, the  fights and all the times I should've been there for you and wasn't...

If only...

If only I'd called you every time I thought of you. If only I'd been a part of all your achievements and your successes; your moments of joy & triumph and the occasional times of sorrow and struggle. If only...

You shouldn't have gone so early. You're my sunshine. I learnt from you that waking up every day with a smile is so important! I can't watch House without thinking of how hard we laughed into the night at Hugh Laurie's speeches. I can't look at Meredith Grey without thinking of how much your smile is needed in this world full of grim faces. I can't think of my childhood without wanting to pull your cheeks...

Sleep peacefully you tiny little ball of sunshine with bouncy hair and the brightest smile. 

Sleep peacefully you little firefly...

Lots of love,
TD

The boy who made us smile...

"My name is Chinmay Aniruddha Barve," said an enthusiastic young voice in a pure Maharashtrian  accent. 

The place: London

The year: 2010

His eyes twinkled with mischief as he displayed a set of perfect white teeth with that winning smile of his! These are my first and everlasting memories of the boy who had a voracious appetite for life. The boy who truly wanted to experience every waking moment...

He wanted to sample every dish of every cuisine in the world and invent a few along the way! He loved the chemistry of alcohol and could be found mixing magic potions trying to come up with his own brand of booze! He wanted to be the most famous name in the wine industry and worked tirelessly to educate himself on the intricacies of wine making. 

Always ready for an adventure, he was our go-to guy for spontaneous trips to Bournemouth and midnight escapades on the streets of London! Our little Chinu, the boy who never let us touch our wallets because, well, that's just how largehearted he was! He worked at one of the finest restaurants on Baker Street and taught himself the etiquette of running a premium eatery. After hours, he would be as much at ease in the local rundown pub trying to convince the DJ to play Armin Van Buuren. He made us listen to Paul Van Dyk and insisted we love him as much as he did! 

He could wolf down a whole pizza and then get right down to marinating chicken to be eaten a couple of hours later. 

Chinu, you taught me that life was about laughter, it was about being proud of who you were and powering through the biggest obstacles. Your smile, your generosity, your values on friendship and relationships and your optimism are what I'll always remember you by.

CC & Chinya ...unforgettable times...

I guess I know why God made you such an  unforgettable human being. It's because he knew your purpose in your unfairly short life was to spread joy! I hope He up there realises He's in for unbelievable adventures with you around...

I'll always have fond memories of you, my fellow Taurean...You, with the voracious appetite for life. The boy who truly wanted to experience every waking moment...

I salute you Mr.Chief Sommelier! You will forever be thought of with a smile, I promise you that. Rest In Peace, Chinu.

Much Love and Respect,

TD for CC...