Rohit and I used to hit off very well in school. He stayed in East Patel Nagar at Delhi. An electronic freak, he could design such exquisite devices that really took you by surprise. This was the time, when we were studying in the ninth class; that is some decades back. At that time, any one who new anything about electronics, was considered to be a wizard.

    Whenever, I went to his house, opening his bedroom door was really exciting and eerie. Suddenly, a bell would ring, a message would start on its own or the lights would slowly go dim. It was a pleasure to see all the freaky scientific equipment. At such young age, he understood the basic scientific laws so easily that it used to astound us. Not that he was very good in other subjects, his scientific insights were unbelievable. He made all these devices look so simple, when in reality they appeared magical to me.

      Rohit's mother was another exceptional human being, she used to load us with so much love, that we used to look forward to coming to their home. Rohit had a sister, who was much senior to us, but always had a very smiling countenance. His father had died of cancer a few years back and it was his mother who used to take care of the family and still earn the life's bread; so to say. There was never a shikan on her face, even going through such difficult times. The whole family used to radiate love and happiness. No wonder, it was so much fun visiting them.

  It was holiday time in May and we went to Pune for nearly two months, where my beautiful but aristocratic grand mother lived. After having a rollicking time there, we came back to Delhi towards end July. As the first rays of dawn hit our home, I was up and ready to go to Rohit's house. The moment I entered, I knew there was something wrong. His mother met me, and tried to make an effort to smile.But then the eyes split and the torrential rains flooded the tired face. While hugging me, she broke down completely. The effort to hold her calm seemed to have finally taken its toll.Rohit had died a  few weeks back with blood cancer.I couldnt believe it, it was this sudden explanation of tragedy that stunned me into complete numbness.

     Mind was numb, I couldnt think any more. There were no tears, that came much later. Only deep sense of extreme impending loss.Many years later, I met his mother in Patel Nagar market. The age seemed to have finally started leaving its mark. She was very thrilled to see me. She told me that Rohit's sister was married and quite happy. She however stayed alone. Her only concern was how I was doing in my life. I never saw her after that and the neighbours told me that she had move to her home town. They were not sure where. After many years, reading about some one else's  suffering I was reminded about the brave and loving Mrs Chanana. I am sure God had a reason for this.

 Based on true experience.