Tribute

Rajesh Uncle died one day before I had to submit my foreign application. I had a lot of work to do, so I tried not to think about him after the initial shock of his death.

He was my neighbour. He was bed-ridden, yet he gave math tuition to many students. He taught me 11th grade math when I was in 9th. He told me I was brilliant. He was very particular about the fountain black pen he'd use. He was the first person (outside family) whom I told about my JMO rank. He was a great teacher, for he did a lot more than just teach - he mentored me. I didn't realize this back then, but the little things he'd say every time made a difference.

He had lung cancer - and died after a chemotherapy session.

I wish I'd written this down back then.

That night, I played music really loud so that I wouldn't hear his family mourning him. I didn't even go to visit his family, because I had to finish my application work. I wish I'd at least talked to Aunty. For some weak, pathetic reason, I chose to ignore his death entirely. Right now, I remember every class he took, every time he was disappointed, every time he was pleased. I remember him. I'm wish I had earlier.

Signing off,
Sakshi

Uncle : You haven't done it yet? Then do it now.