An unexpected farewell.

This morning, Lekha and me had gone to the nearby market to fetch sundries and as part of our regular rounds, we'd made a visit to the 'SP Store' - a 'malayalikkada' which is run by an elderly malayalee couple. Usually, groceries that have a typical Kerala flavour are available there and on occasions - thanks to the camaraderie built up between us - they used to call us to announce fresh arrivals, telephonically. The 75 year old gentleman who's an ex-fauji(I've never asked him his name but called him 'chettan') had been admitted in a nearby hospital, almost a fortnight back, as gleaned by Lekha from the old lady last month while making purchases in connection with the visit of our guests from Kerala.

Today, the tearful old lady(chechi, as I call her) told us about his death that had occurred on the eve of Diwali. He'd suffered a massive heart attack eventhough he was showing considerable improvement in the previous days. They have a son and a daughter, who're abroad, but have since fetched up to attend the last rites. We're only too shocked by the suddenness of his passing away.

Chettan, as I knew him, was a genial man ever smiling with big, dark and brooding eyes behind a thick black rimmed pair of spectacles. I'd this curious feeling that the old lady did not quite trust his ability to calculate and distribute items to the customers, in recent times, as he was frequently sick and consequently, feeble and distracted. The winter months were miserable for him as he'd breathing problems and a worrisome heart but still managed to smile through, when he used to talk to us.

We shall miss him, whenever we visit that gocery store from now on. RIP chetta, you're indeed a good man!

PS.
The old lady also narrated this interesting story about his funeral related activities. His ashes were carried to Haridwar for immersion in the River Ganga. Just as the ceremony was being played out, a snake came out from nowhere and gave a few anxious moments to the bathers at the ghat. Chechi is convinced that Lord Siva had come to bless him as chettan was an ardent devotee of Siva!!

Truth is stranger than fiction!!!