When an author passes away, why does it feel like I have
lost a member of my family? I vividly remember that cold afternoon in January
2010, when I got to hear about Eric Segal's demise. Two days before an elderly
relative had died, and apart from short-lived nostalgia, I hadn't felt a speck
of sadness, let alone loss. The news of Eric Segal passing away felt like I had
lost a soulmate, a friend, a member of my innermost family circle with whom I
had spent countless hours discussing those people we both knew, the first
crush, the elderly aunt with never-ending stories, the friend who had betrayed
me. With Mr Segal, I had shed many a tears, of happiness, pain, longing and
separation, laughed many a smiles, buoyed up by the secret only we both knew
and shared many a tragedies. I knew his soul, because he had the courage to
share it with me. I knew what moved him, and his emotions moved me too. Mr Eric
Segal, I do not know if anybody ever told you when they had the chance, but you
were a confidante, a friend, a beloved guide and soulmate to countless others
like me.
Just like Pran Sharma, who was the best friend millions
of kids had. Today I felt another pang of loss, upon hearing about the demise of
my childhood hero, a man who gave me my childhood companions.
Rest in Peace Mr Sharma. You will always live on in the
hearts of an entire generation.
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