I remember our last meeting as if it were yesterday – just a couple of months ago we had spent a delightfulevening, picking up from where we’d left off due to a longish break, nursing drinks, listening to old melodies that Rahulji so enjoyed over tit-bits. Like old times we had also planned our next meet : a ‘Keema-Pao’ breakfast at a quaint SOBO joint on a weekend. In his unfailing gesture of bon-homie he had sent us warm Durga Puja wishes early this October. So tough coming to terms that fate can cruelly interveneto snatch him away from us, leaving his family & friends utterly devastated.
When I first met Rahulji in 2016, our trueidentities were unknown -we were the other halves of two talented ladies, Neerja and Tandra. Our spouses beingoldschool mates from Allahabad& reunited in camaraderie in a feisty friend’s group, gave us retirees a chance to meet the families. Rahul ji & I soon discovered we’d many common interests, passion for vintage Hindi films&songs, drinks, great food &old world values. Beneath his benign smile& gentle exterior was steely resolve, that stood ground on matters of principle. Having been a successful entrepreneur in the competitive eatery business in Mumbai, he was a realconnoisseur of cuisines and expert on the city’s fine-dine joints.
We’ve always found admirable, the nurturing of filial bonds and relationships in the close knit family headed by Rahuljiand Neerja, where every member, from children to grandchildrenare precious gems, generous, soft-spoken and cultured human beings. As frequent visitors to ‘Rastogi’ household, we’vereceived their warmth & hospitality.The mind refuses to register that Rahulji won’t call & say ‘Sanjuji, kab mil rahehai ?’
Our heartfelt condolences to Neerja ji and all the dear family members. May God grant you allthe strength to bear this great, irreparable loss. People like Rahul ji leave behind legacies of goodness and goodwillthat will live on. That’s why it’s been said :
‘Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard but always near,
Still loved, still missed &held so dear’.
Prayers from Somnath (Sanju) with Tandra
Working on Living 