Memorial Service

Yesterday, there was a memorial service for Gullu in college. Nearly half of the batch was there. A few of his friends said a few things about him, we showed his pictures and finally lit candles and prayed that he may find peace. His parents were also present with us. May God give them the strength to live through the biggest pain.

Here is what I said, it was almost as though I had much to say but it just could not be put into words.

"Though words cannot describe how I feel, I would still make an attempt.

When we first joined IIFT, there was a seemingly loud and obnoxious guy in my class. I instantly disliked him and I knew that he reciprocated my feelings. However, first impressions don't always last.

Later through the year, the same guy became my closest friend. He would always say to me that he'd never thought he'd speak to me, let alone become such good friends with me. I would smile and agree.

Every single day without him is a quest to, somehow, find strength to get on with life, for I know that he would be annoyed with me if I didn't. And yet, when I try to do all of that, I realise that life will never be the same again. I find myself going to places he liked going to, doing things he liked doing, as though I hope to bump into him. Then I am reminded of how I cannot bump into him because I am carrying him with me.

I look back and remember the state of bliss and the absolute happiness that came with his friendship. And that is how we all must remember him; for the cheer and happiness he brought to our lives.

Uncle, aunty, I know that your loss is insurmountable and irrepairable but I hope that in time you can find the strength and peace he would have wanted you to have. He could never bear to see you in pain and, trust me, that is still the case.

I would now request all of you to join me in praying for his soul by observing silence for two minutes. Thank you."