Why did it happen? Why should God be so cruel? Why did Ashish have to go so early? Who is controlling the strings? These questions beckon an answer that no one seems to have. And nobody will ever have. Another example of the frailty of humans, despite the advances we have made in science.

Ashish embodied all those qualities that made him the perfect son, perfect student, perfect scientist, perfect husband and perfect human being. Perhaps too perfect that even God in His selfishness snatched Ashish at such a young age.

I first met Ashish in Bangalore in 1996 when he was in college. His father was my boss and we lived in the same neighbourhood. He was a brilliant student from a young age,
went to a premiere college in Chandigarh and later migrated to the US for higher studies.

We regularly got to know about his achievements and strides in the field of science from his dad, Air Vice Mshl Rajiv Sharma (Retd). Every time we spoke about Ashish, I could sense the pride that Rajiv Sir had for Ashish. I met Ashish again in Delhi after his marriage at a club where his dad had organised a party for the newlyweds. Ashish looked dapper and he carried himself with elegance exuding confidence and humility. Everything felt just perfect.

But then the ill fate struck. The news of him falling victim to cancer a few years back, that too of the worst kind, was devastating. We cannot even imagine what he and his parents went through these years. I remember messaging and speaking to Rajiv Sir once in a while to get an update on Ashish. Every time we discussed, he narrated how Ashish was battling the side effects of Chemo and other medicines with courage and quiet dignity, how his bones had become fragile forcing him to stay in the bed. I always felt the pain in his dad’s messages, but there was also a hope that Ashish would overcome these hurdles and come out healthy.

God however had different plans. Ashish passed away battling cancer on 27 Jan 23, leaving his parents, family and friends grieving. A wonderful soul snuffed out at a young age. But as somebody has said that God will allow our most cherished dreams to perish so that we might seek out His most cherished plans. We hope that the soul of Ashish finds peace and God has a plan for him. Meanwhile, we must celebrate Ashish’s wonderful but short life by remembering him. I am sure all those who knew Ashish even just a little lost a shining light. He will be missed.