RIP friend

Living in apartment buildings in one of the many cozy localities in Mumbai is one of a kind experience in itself. and my locality is one such green heaven.  Loads of memories and great people to bond with. If one has spent their whole life in the same apartment building , nothing like it, besides your friends one knows their uncles, aunties, cousins and beyond. It is like a global village. There is always inquiries about all and sundry. There is a sense of camaraderie and this comes to forefront when the occasion demands. When their is a reason to celebrate your neighbour's house is always the extended house where relatives are welcome to stay. In happiness they are family, a moment of sadness,  everyone stands to up to the situation shoulder to shoulder.

Yesterday we lost a a young friend. We grew up together, when our family did not have a TV, d bro and I would be stationed in front of their colour TV to watch chayageet & chitrhar. My first shot at Palakad cuisine was in his house, mamai made fantastic white coloured morokutaan, mami was always the first to wish me on my birthday as they are on the lower floor. Big B, friend and I would saunter off to and form school together. My mama was his favourite, mama had to  call out his name and he would burst out laughing ready to burst, go red and yet he wouldn't stop. He would be giggling forever as long as the mama was around. It was fun. Time flew and the boys grew up spent some time together in spite of varying interests. Boys became men got married and some choose to move on and out. Life was not easy for the friend and his family but they put up a fight. They came over every challenge except death. He collapsed at work never to return. All I remember is his buck teeth and the giggling. Rest in peace my friend for your name shall live to remind us of you.