To a Friend

Rafi, wherever you are, I am absolutely sure you are doing great as you always have done. You must be still striking that big smile in your face and your effervescent nature must be delighting those millions you are amongst with now. I am generally not envious but, the ones you are with at present are really fortunate to have you amongst themselves while I rot in this cursed world to just contemplate.

But Rafi, this was not as you promised. We had promised to go along a long, long path together and you don't have any right to deprive me of that opportunity. Right from the we met, till the day people so call say you left for a better place, you didn't once forsake our friendship. Then why at this moment I am yearning for your presence? Why, why and why? Rafi, why didn’t you turn up last July to wish me happy birthday, a custom of yours which became a habit of mine. Many came but you did not. Why? Why did you leave me without giving me any notice? You jolly well know, I have a damaged heart after my heart attack in May, 94. It was you who telephoned me from New York and rebuked me saying "Sir, did you take my permission to get an attack?" But why and with whose permission have you left me in a place where I can’t possibly see you physically again? Rafi, your ever smiling face haunts me. Please listen to my entreaties and please respond. I can't trudge this long path without you, Rafi. The world says you are past tense but I just don't believe it. I am very sure that you will just pop up in round the corner and say "Hi, Sir. How are you doing?" So wherever you are, come back to me. A father needs a son, a friend needs a companion, a teacher needs a critic and so I need you Rafi.