I don't even vaguely remember what he looked like when I first met him. We were both 17 and watching Bobby once a week gave us a better high than trying to figure out each others looks. But there was just so much to him that to date is as fresh as if it was yesterday. His thoughtfulness, his concern, his being there every time he was needed, then when he was 17 and always afterwards. In those bygone days we kept in touch only through infrequent letters and birthday cards and sometimes not even that. But whenever I called for help he was always there. For 39 years he was always there..
As a young boy, he used to laughingly tell us that a palmist had predicted that he wouldn't live beyond that age of 22 as he had an almost non-existent life line. The girls would of course all want to hold his hand to see the life line. The oldest trick in book I learnt later - to make physical contact and hold hands with girls. But for some reason I always feared for his life and even after he crossed the age of 22 and for every year after that I would always send a silent prayer along with the birthday wishes hoping for him to have a long life.
For the last few years he suffered from varied ailments but laughed through all of them. He got better each time - through a heart problem, through a paralytic attack, through a jaw bone surgery - up and about each time - making plans for the future, running around for others - his family, his friends and their families and friends. His indomitable spirit always overcame whatever physical difficulties he faced day in and day out. And then when everyone around him thought he had conquered it all he just turned to his side, said he was tired and wanted to sleep and quietly passed away.
My very first male friend, my soul mate, my sounding board, my strongest shoulder to cry on for 39 long years - my dearest friend Iqbal - could only stretch his life line so much and no more. As I pray for his soul to rest in peace and to find salvation I know that wherever he is today - he would be the same as he was the first time I met him..eyes twinkling with mischief, a devilish smile that could charm you off your feet and a heart of gold. Wherever he is - I am sure he is going around making that place better - lending a helping hand to all that need it because that was and will forever remain the essence of Iqbal.
Thank you dear friend for coming into my life and enriching it with your warmth and your love. Knowing you has made me a better person. And even though I believe in reincarnation and you did not - I am sure we shall meet again. RIP.
Kiran
