“Everybody cares when it’s too late.”

It was the morning of 14 June 2020, probably around 9 30 AM or so, that I stumbled upon this quote on Instagram and added it immediately to my stories. I pondered a while feeling how deep the words were. Little did I know what was it that was about to pave and what lied ahead in the day.

It was probably the first time that I couldn’t believe what my eyes saw in that fateful afternoon. I stood there in a state of utter shock, disbelief and numbness that I have not felt before. It was as if life paused at that moment. I couldn’t digest what the news contained, think beyond those words – ‘depression’ and act to the mind’s calling. The month of June has been quite  catastrophic and this day had to made me realized how much I adored you subconsciously. This affected me so much that I forgot what was happening in my own life. I felt so small.

Over the next few days, I have been filled with a lot of remorse and guilt – only if there was at least something I could have done for you, irrespective of the measure. Nothing else is more painful than knowing what somebody was worth when they are no longer in this world. I am sorry, I didn’t notice the shine you carried and didn’t care to tell you how special you were to all of us.

A celebrity who used to endlessly respond and chat with his fans – Can there be a better testimony to what you held within ?! The days we live are filled with so much regret, pain, anguish and negativity, that we have forgotten to live and breath freely. You were that positive force we all needed, which is only unmatchable. I used to wonder how can we spread positivity. I learnt it the hard way, watching and learning about you after you are gone, forever.

You were that person, I now realize, whom I wished I could have met someday. You were a person who never forgot his roots, no matter how high you flew! The more I learn and dig about you, the more surprised and astonished I am! There is no limit to knowing you. You were one of a kind and actually unfathomable, unconquerable.

Everybody keeps talking about and I couldn’t be more sad. You have had such impact on our lives that has shook us for this lifetime. When I could only dare to feel blessed to be able to notice the stars and the moon, far away, you had been busy relishing them through your telescope.

I never knew about your musings. Each of your musing is a gem. I wouldn’t fall back adding your name to the list of poets I adore – the modern day Rumi! ❤

How did I miss your book club – @intoxillectual on Twitter ?! The books you talked about were the ones I never even knew and simply, above my comprehension!!

Your interviews told me so much about you. A person who could explain complex theories so effortlessly, what else could we do but feel amused ?! You were truly limitless. You were way beyond all of us together.

You were a testimony that degrees and awards don’t define us or our success. It is about who we are at the end of the day. You never stepped back when somebody called you for help. You did it in the kindest of manners and absolutely with no attention. How can one be so selfless!!

Has any of us seen a celebrity be a co-founder of three start-ups, all focused on different sectors ?! A no-nonsense person, in the truest sense.

Each one of us here identifies with you, Sushant! We cannot be even more sorry, we failed you.

Coincidentally and lately, I heard the song ‘Khairiyat’ for the first time, although I have watched the movie. This is really strange but then not sure how I missed it. Anyway, the lyrics and everything reminded me so much of you. As if the song was made for you, Sushant.

You are alive in our hearts and loved by us all. You have left a deep void in this world where probably, we probably, didn’t deserve you. We know you are with us and guiding us with your iridescent luminance.

I clicked this picture above, a few days after you left us. Each day since then has been different. This capture was so special. The moon gleamed in the evening and came out well in a normal mobile photography. We all look up to you now, we know you are shining and sparkling even brighter and lending us hope and positivity.

For the brightest ever smile, our penchant,
I could endlessly scribble on,
Needless to say, Sushant,
You continue to live on! ❤