And then the music stopped

Anuj Mukherjee, you gem of a man, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life.
We’ve known each other for a little over seven years, yet you and Nidhi and lately Zubin, became an inseparable part of our lives.
I remember our first meeting at Shreya’s place and we stood in the balcony, and I made you sample my rum, bitters and tonic water concoction and then started the freewheeling friendship and camaraderie between us.

There are so many things endearing and unforgettable about you. Your childlike enthusiasm, curiosity, relentless planning, attention to the minutest of details, ever eager to experience something new, every quirk of yours, your love for spirits, every excuse to get into the kitchen and rustle up a meal, your political views, your Hindi, your love for cameras, your Tees, and last but not the least your Red Nubuck Loafers. Dude, you are an inspiration to many on how to live a life extraordinary.

You scooped out a big piece of my heart, and kept it with you, and then you decided to get up and leave the party, and then the music stopped on 1st June, and the lights went out.
But then I realised that what you gave me back in return is priceless. Memories, permanently etched and in vivid colours and myriad of emotions, and a kaleidoscope of instances to re-live.

Our collective prayers fell short, medical science failed, our hopes dashed, we could not pull you back out of that Bed, and back onto our side. All our plans to catch up, our farm parties, dinners at your place, lively debates, ribbing you every time, won't come to pass now.

I will take time to believe that a true friend is never truly gone. That your spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved you, I will take a long time to come to terms with this.
I am aware your dexterity in Hindi will fall short so whenever we meet on the other side of this life, I will translate these lines for you:

Tera mujhse hai pehle ka naata koi
Yoonhi nahin dil lubhaata koi,
Jaane tu ya jaane na
Maane tu ya maane na.

Dhuaan dhuaan thaa wo samaan
Yahan vahan jaane kahan,
Tu or main kahin milay thay pehle
Dekha tujhe to dil ne kaha,

Jaane tu ya jaane na
Ho.. Maane tu ya maane na