Dark Shadow

Kanta Sharma

The passing of Kanta Sharma yesterday cast a shadow on the Club this morning. She was among the most regular of our members, punctual to a fault. Till three months back – before she fell ill -- she would report for the exercises 15 minutes ahead of time and occupy a particular bench near the flowering tree. Once in a while, Santosh Tyagi joined her there. And then the two would giggle and joke between

Two-minute Silence... in deference to the departed soul

themselves while the rest of us got into our act.
Today Santosh became aware that never again would she be able to share that bench with Kanta Sharma. “I could not sleep after getting the news,” she said. “She was barely a few years older to me, but was so full of wisdom. She was the one who constantly advised me to dress up well, loosen myself, enjoy… live life to the full. On every outstation trip, she was my room partner. We shared so many secrets. She was the only person I could pour my heart to.”
Geeta Latte believes her “Kanta Aunty” was particularly fond of her as she would constantly shower her with gifts. But then, there is hardly anyone in the Club who has not been a recipient of Kanta Sharma’s munificence. Every time she went to Delhi (or wherever), she would come back loaded with presents and there was always something for everybody.
Why and when she had gone to Delhi this time, we do not know.

 Swati Panjabi receives her birthday
calendar from Kiran Prakash

Swati Panjabi treats the Club to firnee

We knew she was suffering from some "undiagnosed ailment" and had been in and out of hospitals across Mumbai. Some said she had not quite recovered from the loss of her younger brother in February. We still do not know what she was ailing from and how the end came. But how does any of that matter now? The tragic truth is Kanta has left us. We shall never see her again.
In deference to her, we curtailed our laughter exercises this morning and observed a two-minute silence in her memory. We did not rejoice on the birthday of Swati Panjabi and she understood perfectly. But in keeping with tradition, Swati had to be presented her birthday calendar and she treated us to delectable home-made firnee, tastefully wrapped with silver foil in paper cups. True, the show must go on.
Geeta Latte:
We shall always be missing Kanta Aunty. Her loss is irreparable.
Yusuf Rassiwala:
Mrs Kanta Sharma, your association with our Club was very short. In this short time you had won the hearts of all our members with your silent smile and a very big heart. We shall remember you forever. May your soul rest in heaven. I also pray that the Almighty showers peace on your children and family members.
Joseph Mathias:
Heartfelt condolences to her family.
Aaryan Sharma:
This is to inform that the kirya ceremony of our beloved mother, Mrs Kanta Sharma will be held at Geeta Bhawan, Kirti Nagar, New Delhi between 3-4 pm on Sunday, 11th June 2017.
Dilip Babani:
Rest in peace, Kanta Sharma. You will be missed.