Everyone stood around the garage in silence. A few of them whispered; a few sniffles were heard. The air felt heavy with gloom and grief. In the midst a few complaints arose "why were we not informed earlier?". The one left behind did not seem to receive much sympathy. She stood at some distance in what seemed like a stoic silence. Contrary to what was expected of such a situation, there were not too many tearful eyes.
Soon a person came forward to take care of the ceremonies. He explained these to the near and dear ones. Then he started singing a mournful melody while the family went ahead with the ceremonies The melody hit many a hearts and soon tears washed into the heavy air. The sniffles grew into crying. The sadness increased. Men and women walked by expressing their condolence to the family. A few men rushed in to express their respect by placing garlands.
A few minutes into the ceremony it was time for Dev Anna to leave his home forever. A few men lifted him on their shoulders and took him to the vehicle that was to wipe out the last physical trace we had of him. As they passed, I looked at Dev Anna's face but could not identify him. The wailing and crying reached a crescendo. I found it very hard to keep tears off my eyes. Dev Anna's mother wailed at the misfortune of seeing her son taken away so young. One could only stand and watch helplessly.
The vehicle moved away leaving the wailing women and the sad hearts behinds. I watched the vehicle disappearing down the road. When I looked around, I saw the people going back to their respective vehicles to continue with their lives. The break in schedule was over. The two drop of tears for Dev Anna has been spent. Soon his memory will fade to replaced with newer ones. Life, most definitely, does go on.
I had only Dev Anna a few times but every time I could feel his goodness. I was told that he was an extremely rich person but other than his round the world trips, iPad and large television there was nothing else that made me feel it. I will never forget the courtesy he extended to my colleagues and I when we visited Yercaud. He was a good man and will be missed in some way by many of us.
When 2012 took birth Dev Anna wrote "Forget 2011 for whatever it is. Another new year is born. Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, to love and laugh and live. Happy New Year 2012. Regards, deva"
Soon a person came forward to take care of the ceremonies. He explained these to the near and dear ones. Then he started singing a mournful melody while the family went ahead with the ceremonies The melody hit many a hearts and soon tears washed into the heavy air. The sniffles grew into crying. The sadness increased. Men and women walked by expressing their condolence to the family. A few men rushed in to express their respect by placing garlands.
A few minutes into the ceremony it was time for Dev Anna to leave his home forever. A few men lifted him on their shoulders and took him to the vehicle that was to wipe out the last physical trace we had of him. As they passed, I looked at Dev Anna's face but could not identify him. The wailing and crying reached a crescendo. I found it very hard to keep tears off my eyes. Dev Anna's mother wailed at the misfortune of seeing her son taken away so young. One could only stand and watch helplessly.
The vehicle moved away leaving the wailing women and the sad hearts behinds. I watched the vehicle disappearing down the road. When I looked around, I saw the people going back to their respective vehicles to continue with their lives. The break in schedule was over. The two drop of tears for Dev Anna has been spent. Soon his memory will fade to replaced with newer ones. Life, most definitely, does go on.
I had only Dev Anna a few times but every time I could feel his goodness. I was told that he was an extremely rich person but other than his round the world trips, iPad and large television there was nothing else that made me feel it. I will never forget the courtesy he extended to my colleagues and I when we visited Yercaud. He was a good man and will be missed in some way by many of us.
When 2012 took birth Dev Anna wrote "Forget 2011 for whatever it is. Another new year is born. Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, to love and laugh and live. Happy New Year 2012. Regards, deva"
