My Best Friend

My best friend KK passed away Friday 20 July. The world stood still for 5 minutes... I was stunned and devastated! I was literally immobile for 5 minutes.. I froze like an artist had captured me in a painting. We knew his time was drawing near as he was hardly responding to the treatment he was undergoing but when the phone call came, it still came as a shock. For a few minutes, I had flashbacks of when we first met till the last time we spoke when he was about to leave for his next treatment at Kings College hospital in London.

It is amazing how I remember each conversation, what I said or he said... everything is literally in my 'database'. There were a group of us, actually 8 (and sometimes 9) in all who used to hang out in the old neighbourhood during our teenage years but within the group of nine, there was another inner circle, the trio as I fondly called us. Over the years, the trio kept in contact with one another but after '91 it was just KK and I who knew where I was and I where he was etc. The other member of our trio, Keli just got lost; well we knew where he was living, but the communication had dwindled.

We were all building up our careers at the time so it was understandable. One would get the occasional update on how the other member Keli was doing and we were so proud of his achievements. So the trio became a duo and that was how it was until a week and a half ago, when I googled Keli (for fun), and was able to obtain an email address.

Gosh talk about catching up, and all we could IM and email about was KK, how we didn't want to lose him, how we were praying he would recover, the old days when we used to go strolling around the neighbourhood and talk at length about some topic or the other... I told Keli about some of the funny things KK and I used to talk about from the old days and he was amazed that we still remembered some of those crazy things... sweet memories of our childhood and teenage years. Found some old pictures the other day of when my son was being christened and KK had proudly accepted my request of being God Father. He looked so handsome, almost regal in his suit. Funnily enough, it was the first time I or any of the 'gang' had seen him wear a suit and did he look good. I remember we teased him the entire time as we all knew him for his casual attire. He and my son were such good pals and now he too has lost a good friend.

It has been great getting in touch with Keli because we have been supporting each other during this difficult time. We have lost our best friend but as a result of his passing, he has brought us back together.

Rest in peace KK... we will always love you. Till we meet again!