Apu and I

Friend of Upamanyu's mum

What a day, when I met this charming little boy first time in Hyderabad!! Apu stood before me with his Ganesha ears, Krishna’s smile and Rama’s calmness. A cute little boy of 2 years old, his parents pride, chubby cheeks and he would charm everyone with his smile and behavior. We instantly connected and I became his ‘Reeba mashi’. He was so loving at that tender age. I had never seen anyone start reading books at the age of two. His mom Sumona would read picture story books at that very young age for him. He would finish a book in a day. His mom would have to constantly keep stocking up books for this little wonder. Apu was so excited when I gifted his first set of crayons. He behaved and acted like one professional.
For Apu his Mother was the world and vice versa. I moved out of Hyderabad when Apu was 5 years old. Later I met him in Bangalore as a young boy of 18 ready to join Engineering college in Mangalore. I was so happy to see this sweet grown up kid. He was still the same loving and affectionate child. We had dinner and spent some happy time together. Only God knew then that it was my last meeting with him. His voice is still ringing in my ears. Apu the light from heaven who came to earth to spread the warmth and went back to where he came from. Apu was not born nor died. He just visited the earth to show how a boy should love his mother, father, family, friends and all sentient beings.

You will forever be living in our hearts Apu.
Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu (Let the whole world be happy) It was Apu’s motto.

Om Shanti