She was more than my sister. In a way, she was my best friend and her being my sibling made our bond stronger. She always had my back, no matter what. Through letters, phone calls and short visits to her home in Chennai we found peace and happiness. We shared both, our sorrows and joys. We would spend hours talking about everything under the sun. She loved my children like her own. They considered her to be their favourite aunt.

A few years ago she was diagnosed with cancer, but she amazed us all with her strength. She stood strong like a rock and her faith in God never wavered. She laughed and smiled through her pain. I had the honour of helping her through her last few days. We ate her favourite food, talked to her for hours about our childhood, and spend time gossiping about everyone we knew. She finally breathed her last, and after years of battle, she looked peaceful.

Even as she was laid to rest she looked as beautiful as she did years ago when she was seen as the Ambika of Chennitala-so beautiful that she had to hide her face under the umbrella to keep away the boys. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. I didn’t just lose my sister, I lost my best friend. But, I am happy thinking that she is no longer in pain. I imagine that she is sitting with God as an angel in heaven, because she was one even here, on earth.

We miss you, Roji.

Biji (sister)