LAST AND FINAL CALL

 

This is the last and final call for ..... Please proceed through the VIP gate immediately to the private parking area. The pilot [perhaps, his classmate at the aviation institute] and the crew are waiting for you. 

It turned out to be  the final call I made with him when he was proceeding to the hospital in the hope of getting a quality life. He spoke to me with full vigour that on his return we would all plan for the next trip. Who knew the fate has planned for him something else, a single trip alone for the heavenly abode so soon?

Sitting back on my easy (lazy) chair and ruminating over the several occasions the members of four close knit families (we call the group the Octopals) in our homes or outside on pleasure trips exchanging pleasantries, I am filled with profound sorrow that we are bereft of one of the most charming members. May I call it Octopals Minus One.  He was  amiable, amenable and above all adaptable to the likes and comforts of other members, There are occasions when we used to sit around a table and chat till late nights on trivial subjects like our childhood, school and college days, marriage and the like, leaving no opportunity to make fun of one of the members.

Myself and my wife befriended with him and his wife around a decade ago in a marriage between his son and the daughter of my brother like friend, nay, brother. This family friendship among the Octopals grew stronger and stronger and the concern for each others health was of prime importance.  I cannot forget the pacifying and consoling words I received from him and the other members of the group when I was passing through difficult times on account of ill health. I am deeply moved by the sudden departure of my good friend.   

The fate is like an uninvited clown, at times trying to make us laugh with poor jokes, but on other occasions puts us into unfathomable grief.  Oh! Fate, you could have shown some mercy to extend the longevity on this poor man who only knew to help the people in need.  

It is said that the God calls back those who are dear to him, perhaps to shorten their miseries in the world. If this be so, I have no complaints  It is also said that only the mortal remains get destroyed, but the Atma is indestructible. May his Atma looks after and protect his near and dear ones from all miseries.

 Ravi