In a couple of days, it will be a month since my father passed away. He had been unwell for a while but seemed like recovering until he passed away peacefully after having some dinner and watching an IPL cricket match in the evening.

After mom was no more, he would call me every day and we would often speak about the most random things possible. Our topic of discussion could range from cricket, cars, engineering projects, politics, banks, India’s civil services, space programs, food, and more.

Let’s just say, he really knew a lot about a wide range of things.

A few days ago, an old friend and neighbor who is about 10 years older than I am and who would visit my parents and hang out with them called me and spoke about those old days in the 80s and 90s. He told me those times at our home were one of the happiest memories of his life.

There is sadness of course, and coming to terms with now having lost both my parents. But their legacy of creating happy and safe spaces for people they knew will fill me with great joy and warmth all my life.