Tribute to Gauri

Gauri, a friend of 26 years, passed away on Saturday, June 16th due to bitter lauki (bottle gourd) juice poisoning. She was absolutely healthy, with no medical condition whatsoever. This is my little tribute to her. The Video Tribute is here.

A bond for life and Beyond

When reminiscing about Gauri a few days after she passed, I realised that SHE was the reason I had such a wonderful group of friends that are more than family.

"Excuse me!!", she said, stopping me in my tracks. I was in a boys school - no girl had spoken with me before that. I looked around to ensure that she was in fact talking with me. 

She confirmed my name and my phone number, while I was stunned, I was smiling inside, like you'd imagine - she apparently needed my number because her french teacher needed to contact my sister - but actually because she had a sneaky plan to prank call some boys.

Little did I know that this was going to be the start of a long lasting and one of my most cherished friendships.

Gauri always stood out, she was one of a kind, she was crazy - she would come running from one end of the ground, hands held out, as though waiting to catch the wind below her wings, and ready to fly. 

"Leeet's Do Something", she would announce with a purpose, as she jumped to a stop. And then she would get the group of us 16 year old girls and boys, to play child like games like I Declare War against and Contact!! Should have known then, that she was in fact the girl who was destined to touch the hearts of all the people she met. 

As everyone who she met would know, Gauri had the ability to form connections with folks of all ages, from kids to teenagers, parents to grandparents. 

Dedicated and focused in everything she would do. But had her share of masti, including leading to get her college ID confiscated and parents called for bunking classes - she never really did bunk though. She was one who did everything to perfection.

We hung out, had a lot of fun, went through many emotions and heartbreaks that teenagers go through. While Gauri had formed many relationships early in college, I felt like she and I truly connected after she moved back to Pune in 2012.

By then she had not only proven herself academically and professionally many times over, but also personally as a dedicated daughter, mum and wife. 

Gauri was truly the one who made the effort with each and everyone independently; She was the glue of our group that held us together. She loved playing host, and hosted some of the best parties and trips. Every party deemed a success by her only once it passed midnight. Most of us were back in Pune and it was as if the youngsters from Fergusson picked up exactly from where we'd left off, families in tow.

Gauri was always central to our conversations and most jokes - her love for satin night suits of every possible colour, midnight snack of Kaju Katli with Honey could keep us entertained for hours. She was always a sport and secretly loved the limelight.

I will miss the heart to heart sessions during our Cheesecake Dates. The last one esp. because it was a long time in the making, and helped us get through some unsaid emotions.  

They say that if a friendship lasts for 7 years, it will last a lifetime. Gauri, you will be remembered well beyond.

I keep hoping to wake up from this nightmare, I keep hoping for just one more Goa, one more party, one more cheesecake, one more argument, one more hug, just one more (flying kiss)

Love you forever!!