“Do a good deed and throw it in the river.”
My father was the epitome of this proverb. Little did we know that we lived with a celebrity for so many years. The number of people he inspired and mentored in his short life is countless. I always argued with every major decision he made for me because I wanted otherwise, but fortunately, everything he did turned out to be in my favour and I couldn’t ever thank him enough for standing his ground. Be it a new subject in school or which college would be better for me; he just knew what would make me happy, more than I did. He had the superpower of seeing the potential in people that wasn’t visible to them, and he would make sure they utilized their talents in the right way.
He would do absolutely anything for me. No matter what anyone told him if the words would come from me, he’d lovingly say, “Oh now that my daughter asked me to do it, I definitely will.” Then, I’d just smile at him. He told me I would never have to worry about anything as long as he was there, and honestly, I never did.
When it came to health, he almost never got sick, and when he rarely did, everyone was around him, and we never let go of his side.
A few weeks ago, he came home and said that he needs to go to the doctor because he sneezed once, and we laughed at how ridiculous it sounded and hugged him, saying he was fine. However, we did take extra care of him for the next few days. Giving him a steam inhalation every once in a while, a glass of warm water, and the signature ‘kadha’ everyone had been raving about.
He weakened in those next few days, but it didn’t seem like something was majorly wrong until one Tuesday when he suddenly developed grave issues with breathing. We called for an oxygen cylinder immediately, and Mumma rushed him to the hospital. Everything was happening so fast, it all seemed like a blur at that moment. He gave me a flying kiss before leaving and looked at me with sparkling hope in his eyes to reassure his little girl. If only I knew that it would be the last time I ever saw his invigorating smile, I’d hold on to him tighter and never let him go!
Always encouraging, motivating, and celebrating the smallest moments in life with a huge smile are the words on the lips of every person who was lucky enough to acquaint him.
He messaged us from the hospital, telling us that he had idli, Kesari baath, and coffee for breakfast, and it was very yummy when all we wanted to know was how he was feeling then. He also asked if Mumma could bring a few chocolates because he was craving for something sweet! Even at that moment, his love for the good things in life was evident.
We were told he’d get better, and this was just a phase; until the following Saturday evening, when I called my aunt to find out how he was doing and all she said was, ‘pray hard.’
I waited a long time for her to call me back and say those reassuring words that he was doing okay, but instead, I received a message from a random number saying, “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
I screamed in dismay and disbelief, unready to accept that something like this would happen to me, and then I lost momentary power to express any emotion.
It’s been two weeks now, and I cannot stop replaying the beautiful moments we spent together.
His melodious voice still rings in my head, and it’s hard to believe that he’s not going to be around anymore.
His Sunday morning ‘chai pe charcha’ ritual with his squad lost their essential member, and the pact he made with his college friends to never miss this Sunday ritual now stands shattered.
In his early 20’s, he was associated with a youth group called ‘Nehru Bal Sangh’ (NBS) and effortlessly captured their hearts. They organized several camps and competitions like cascade for children/special children for about 20 years. That is another family that now lies dispirited.
When I was a kid, I called him every day to find out what the monster in his office was doing, and if it was given boiled eggs to eat, trusting him a 100% that an actual creature with humongous eyes was kept behind bars and that’s why he couldn’t take me with him to work. What connection could I use to find out how he is doing now?
He’s left us with a huge void in our hearts, a little too early…just before he could hit half a century.
I still think about how looking neat was so important to him, and getting a haircut with his very little hair made him so elated. As he lay on the hospital bed, he asked Mumma, “Don’t you think I should have trimmed before coming here?”
All his life, he made sure to tell each of us he loved us very much and a little too much in his last few days as if he knew what was ahead of him. His last text message to me read, “Take charge and take care.️”
The chest I used to rest on is now far away, and my hand remains unclenched while crossing the roadway.
He graduated from life and passed with flying colours I’m sure,
For he won the hearts of thousands and his memories we treasure.
Cherished Memories 
Dear Ain,
This is such a loving and touching tribute! I am sure Bhaijaan is smiling and is very proud of you.
He was more than a celebrity for us. He was our rock. Our constant. He literally held my hand and guided me through my teenage years. I was fortunate enough to spend time with him at his workplace. He got me my first real job at Hotel Highgates during one summer. I shadowed him and learnt so much from the way he would get around things. He mentored me with extra love, much like the way my mother did with him as his class teacher in school. Never did he miss calling to wish her on teachers day. And that always reminded me to call and wish him on his birthday two weeks after. The Nehru Bal Sangh camp at New Delhi in 1993 and the camp we organised under his leadership at Bangalore a decade later gave us an opportunity to spend quality time with him. Days that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
I remember the day he called me to tell me that you had arrived. And he explained the meaning of your name through a verse. We spoke on the day you were admitted into college. He was filled with joy. Ali and You meant the world to him and I wish you both the very best. I am sure that you will carrying forward his legacy and take charge. Don’t forget that I, his biggest fan, am only one phone call away.
Love,
Santhosh
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Ain dear, you write so well, and reading your post made my eyes swell up. You indeed have a lot of happy memories to hold close. Your lovely dad Ahmed was dear to many, and it’s hard to believe that I won’t see his smiling face when I’m in Blr next. He was very proud of you and what you have achieved so far. Stay strong and by your mom. All of Ahmed’s friends are just a call away.
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I am lost for words and emotions , my inner temple refuses to accept him not around.
His voice hounds me, his mischievous smile , it’s been too difficult for me to face that he not around.
May he rest iin peace 🙏
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This is so beautiful!!! My dad and extended family keep talking about how amazing of a person he was, and he was such an AZadar with a strong aqeeda. He’s at a better place now and I love you so much❤ You are a part of him and I cherish you❤
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Beautifully written and so well said . He inspired so many people and has left a void . Be strong , take charge . He will always be there with you.
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A huge loss to Ain and the family. For me and all the friends this is not an acceptable fact that such a loving and noble soul could leave us so very early. Very cruel blow to all of us. God bless his soul eternal peace. Venugopal
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Dear Ain,
This is the best tribute a daughter could write about her father, so well written! My heart goes out to you and Ali. Ahmed uncle was a gem of a person and like you mentioned, he definitely graduated with flying colors. He is always with you, watching over all of you, just as worried as you are about him. Let him see you happy, that will make him happy. The best way to connect with him is by dreams. Till date, whenever there is something important happening in my life, I always dream of my father. Trust me, Ahmed uncle is with you. Cherish the good memories and take care of yourself and everyone around you, and don’t forget to smile!
Love
Naazesh
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Ain dear
Losing a parent is always very painful but losing Ahmed mirza is more painful .
Papa had introduced your father to me, in conversations. I would NEVER have seen your father,(for a few mins I met him on Sept 12th 2013) through the eyes of both my parents. He touched me by visiting my ailing father in hospital. People staying near to him were not concerned Ahmed came from Bangalore. Remember & ask yourself this question
Will the CREATOR cause me PAIN by taking away the FATHER he only had given ? There is a bigger purpose which ALLAH SWT Wills for ALL OFF YOU. AHMED fulfilled his earthly duties by not only touching the hearts off his own dear ones. But people who met him only ONCE . I feel fortunate to have met him, it is a big loss no doubt . BUT as they say “WE CANNOT SUGGEST TO GOD ”
Imam Ali (as) live in peoples hearts even after you have gone
DUAS for your grandmother and your family Sanobar Apa
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Dear Ain,
What you have written about your father, I wouldn’t have known without this article. He was going to live in our hearts forever but your words have made him immortal.
May Allah swt grant you and your family the sabr to endure this loss and become the daughter this proud father would want to see
Wassalam.
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Ahmed bhai was greatest man I have ever came cross always carry a smile whenever he used speaks to person and his marsia in majlis are really unforgettable. Hope his son Raza carry same work like his dad
Regards
Hasan
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Ahmed bhai was great man
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Ahmed uncle we surely miss you this year in mahurram may your soul rest in peace in janat
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Ahmed bhai u will be missed by many people & May ur soul Rip in Jannat and hope to see ur son reading same marsia as u did
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Ain, that was beautiful. So poignant . You have said it all. What a fine person he was, how you miss him and his message: Take charge ,take care. So Baba’s ‘Little Girl’ has to be a big girl now.
You and Ali Reza have to be strong and look after Mamma, Dadi and yourselves.
I am missing your Baba too. He was a great help to my family during Moharrum, specially. May Allah rest his soul in peace and give you all strength to bear his loss.
My love and doa s to all of you
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