After school, I never had any interaction with him but his name would always come up when asking other PSBB batchmates what people were up to. He would be the first person they would mention and no wonder -- first he got into IIT Madras and then IIM Ahmedabad. Nikhil was always the smart guy, whom teachers adored for his brains and whom classmates respected and feared for pretty much the same reason. He was the guy who beat all of us without even trying at Zygo Scrabble competitions, and also found time to preserve his name for posterity on the honours board hanging in the quadrangle. He was the guy whom you assumed you'd read about in the papers, not only for quizzing but also for fantastic achievements in everything that he did, because he was smart, funny and one of the most deserving people ever.
It's unfair and cruel that he had to die, because Nikhil deserved to live, and live well. He will always be loved and missed by every single person who knew him.
Jayashree
I feel privileged to have known a person like Nikhil. It seems very unlikely but we did share a childhood together, as we lived in the same flat. Our evenings were spent playing the fool and pulling some insane prank on someone or the other, making up some ridiculous game and laughing about the most ridiculous things. He was the first boy I interacted with and it comes as a very rude shock to know that I will not hear of the many achievements that were in store for him.. It's unfair that he had to be taken away at a time when he was just getting started. The world had something going for it.
ReplyDeleteHe was a brilliant guy, intelligence personified.. but to top it all off, he was a gem of a person. We never really talked to each other during high school, but the early memories will always stick..
My parents and I pray for Uncle, Aunty and Akshay. May his soul rest in peace.
We'll definitely meet soon...
I was with the whole lot of people in the evenings of the ridiculous games at Winds Court. It was a wonderful childhood and Nikhil was a part of all that. We used to walk to school together from home, and so much time has passed but some memories and relationships, esp ones formed at a very young age never fade. We've spent so much of time at each other's homes. Ill never forget aunty, uncle, him and Akshay and all the times that we have shared.
ReplyDeleteHe has achieved so much more than a lot of people do in their whole lifetime, and if life is to be measured by achievements and great impressions left behind, Nikhil has led a long and fulfilling life.
My deepest condolences to Aunty, Uncle and Akshay. Your son/brother will be deeply missed.
Rest In Peace Nikhil.. He was a great guy with extreme intelligence and care for others. Willing to help everyone who approached him. I am proud to have a classmate like him. He excelled in everything he did and had the ability to achive what he aimed. You will always remain in our hearts and you will be respected for your image.
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