There are some bonds built which defy the norms of natural bonding with one’s own kith and kin. My love, respect and admiration for Neeraj sir, as he is so lovingly known, is one of them. There have been greater tragedies, and there will continue to be innumerable ones, but none perhaps shall touch my heart the way his journey away from our presence has touched me. From the moment I had walked into his office, an unsure mom of a toddler and a woman looking to start her career afresh, sir engulfed me with his warmth, confidence and charm. And boy was he charming. He wore it like his second skin. Where the world struggles to be accepted he just had it at his feet with his charisma. Perhaps that’s why the other world called him away so soon. For, they needed a heart stealer like him to make their world as wonderful as he made the world of those whose life he touched. I’m sure right now he is holding his council there assuring everyone with his words “tum chinta kyun karte ho. Main hoon na.”
Ever since his outward journey he has been a constant fixture in my mind. And the ache in my heart and the heaviness in my chest refuse to go away every time I think of him. And then I wonder, if this man had such a profound effect on me, who unfortunately did not get enough time to spend in his shadow, then how his immediate family is coping with his departure. And then as if sir was telling me the answer, it comes to me in a flash, his body may have gone but his soul is embedded in every brick of Maple Bear. His spirit lives on every time a crying toddler walks out of the door with a confident smile, every time a worried teacher’s fears vanish, every time Jaya ma’am smiles, despite her heartache, and confidently continues the journey that is Maple Bear. Be very still and listen, don’t just hear, and you will hear his voice soothing and confident allaying all fears with his words “chinta kyun karte ho, main hoon na.”
I miss you sir. As I said the ache in my heart and the heaviness in my chest refuse to go away and that’s why I wrote the bellow ode to you in the hope that I will be able to make peace with my emotions and remember you with a smile on my lips and strength in my heart.
One look at your charming smile and the problems just moved on.
You taught us to live with confidence and guided us with your words,
You lived your dreams, you built on them…you made your own world.
Sir you are gone, but you live on… in every child’s smile and charm,
When their tears are gone and confidence built, then I’m sure you feel warm.
Live on Neeraj sir… good souls like you are few,
