The thing about Sangeetha is that when we had time to be together back in my school and college days, I did not know her at all. Partly because I would see her once in two years and partly because she was just not my wavelength. I used to irritate her to no end and she used to get irritated. So it worked out well. All I can say is that she was drop dead gorgeous, affectionate and silly girl. Then after a gap of many years I got a call one evening when I was in Cincinnati. It was Sangu and she was calling me from San Francisco. I was like, what the hell! And then I remembered my father telling me that she had been selected as an Air Hostess for Singapore Airlines. I remember thinking what is this bacchu going to do as an air hostess, a job that requires a lot of patience!
But the girl on line had the same voice but there was a click, a connect that I never had with Sangeetha. It was something that I realized and I think she also did. From nowhere, I had this amazing sis that I could talk almost anything on. Every time she came to the US she would call me and we would chat. Those were interesting times and we were growing up together talking to each other. We had our highs and lows, but she could call me anytime knowing I was there for her. Likewise, I can really really talk to someone of my generation in my family. Friends are good but with family especially when it comes to a conservative south indian brahmin family there is a lot more to share as they are carrying the same baggage as you are. I can count the times I actually saw her over the last 12 years since we connected. May be 4 times! But she was always there that the previous 25 did not have.
Then we found out last year that she was fighting brain cancer. The doctors said no chance. I mustered courage to go and see her hoping that was not the last time. There was trepidation and my own inability to know how to react. There I saw Sangeetha who was ravaged by a malicious disease eating her alive but with the poise that was unbelievable. She kept me at such ease and we spent time together that I will cherish. While I was choking she assured me that she will meet me next year to do a road trip.
And then I got a call that she has left us today with promises not kept. Sangu played unfair by not being there for a good brother-sister fight. I know I will miss my sis, her poise, her presence, her generosity and her affection. Life is not always fair. And in this case it was bloody unfair.
Rest in peace little sister. You will always be there with Big Bro...
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