18th March 2025 - Rekha Kshirsagar (Kanetkar)

It was a regular week day. Atleast to begin with. I started my commute at 7:40 AM and sent the customary whatsapp message to Mummy and Baba (Dad) that I had started. 5 minutes into the journey Baba called asking me to come back home. Mummy was not responding. I immediately requested the auto driver to turn the auto around and take me back to the same area where we had started from. I called back Baba again. This time Rajasri (my sister) picked up the call. She was besides herself. My next call was to Yashoda asking for an Ambulance guiding them with the directions.

When I reached home, Mom was lying motionless on her bed. The bed in the hall which had become her station for the past half decade. Usually greeting the incoming family member and friends sitting upright, today she was lying on the bed. Eyes and mouth open. The moment every child dreads had come true for Raju (sister) and me.

Mr. Srinivas, his wife were already present and were helping console Raju. Mrs. Srinivas, put some cotton in mummy's mouth. Her eyes continued to remain open. It was too late for the ambulance to be of any use. Dr A.Y. Chary confirmed what was a foregone conclusion at 8. Rekha Chandrakant Kanetkar (Rekha Kshirsagar after her marriage) had stopped her earthly existence at 7:45 AM on 18th March 2025.

To think her last moments transpired just when I was leaving my home (I stayed in the very next lane) makes me feel like a useless wretch. So many "what ifs" continue to ram my brain and will continue till the time I continue to exist.