Hritik was always a man of few words. But wise words. There was something very special and unique about him, right from childhood. A voracious reader, an animal lover, a foodie, nature lover, a poet, a great swimmer, a very gentle and determined individual. He would live is his own world. And very happily!
In school, he'd pick up his books just a few days before the exams, flip through them only once and yet, would shine out with flying colours. Whenever he would read a novel, which he regularly did, he just wouldn't give it up till he finished it. He would read with so much involvement that nothing could bother him. He had an amazing vocabulary and grasping power, but he never flaunted it!
He would most often hang out at our place, play Bridge, converse about sports - particularly tennis and cricket, read all the books - from comics to encyclopedias and novels. I remember, one day, when he had possibly finished all the books I had, and asked me "Do you have more!" and when I said "Sorry, I don't", he started reading them all over again :-)
He loved animals, particularly dogs and cats. Had several cats at home. The mother cat - Goldie, would only listen to him, even if he spoke to her in our mother tongue! He cared about all the stray dogs nearby and instantly struck a chord with them.
I recall, he was well placed with one of the global IT giants from the campus, but he soon gave it up saying he wasn't enjoying it. I guess he had found his purpose of life early on!
I am glad Hritik and Subarna met each other, shared this beautiful journey with all the love and happiness and impacted so many lives.
His sudden and tragic departure has shattered us. Our deepest condolences to Subarna and all family members.
I quote of a few lines of Frank Sinatra, which i think befit Hritik:
"And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I've travelled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way."
We shall miss Hritik and always remember him fondly.
