My cousin, Anuj Bidve

Pune: From his childhood Anuj was very charming. He always had a cute smile on his face. I never saw him in a sad mood. He was really a brilliant student. He never disappointed our family when it came to studies. He was one of the top ranked students right through school, up until his admission in Lancaster University. He was really smart and cracked the UPSC for lieutenant post in the first attempt and was in the last round with toppers from all over India and I did not even see him preparing specially for UPSC!! When he did his diploma, he got very good marks and was able to get direct admission in Second Year at the engineering college. In his engineering project he was trying to develop the technology which will allow doctors to monitor their patient's current status remotely. This would have allowed doctors to treat the patients without having to come personally and check the details. And his parents, teacher and examiners were pleased after analysing his work.  He was always interested in the technical field and that is why Anuj chose to do MS in microelectronics. In the first exams at Lancaster University, Anuj secured good grades. His presence of mind always helped him generate instant outputs. He used to handle the events conducted by college and always planned the events at home for family. He was always confident and knew what he was doing. He would have been a scientist as he was doing research on some project.

Anuj was a person without ego unlike most of us, and never got upset. He loved to make people laugh and forget their sorrows. I called him "andya" (egg) but he never got upset or angry. For many people Anuj was the first person they would call for help if they had a problem. He always took responsibility of people around him. He loved to drive and would never allow anyone else to do so and say "when you are with me you are my responsibility and I can't let go anything wrong with you".

Anuj would be the first person to call and wish you on your birthday. Though he was in Lancaster on my birthday, he still was the first person to call me, despite the time difference. He was so emotional that he could not see anyone suffering from illness and would immediately ask that person to go with him to the hospital.

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 Not only studies, Anuj was very good at sports, and football was his favorite. Manchester United was his favourite club. He loved football but was very good at all sports. He was a good swimmer, and also very good pool player. He took part in the Pune Marathon and ran 6 km at the age of 10. He was a fast learner. We got a table tennis table home and within a week he became very good player. When we used to play cricket, his always played an important role in all matches. As I remember, he never dropped a single catch.  

I never saw Anuj break any rule. He would follow them sincerely. I must say he has been a great son, brother and an ideal citizen. He is the son every father wants to have, he is the friend every friend wants to have and brother that every brother imagines of.  I think Anuj managed to do all this because he always knew his limits and was a balanced person.  He did not hurt anyone and never mistreated anyone. And this balance in his life never allowed any one to dominate him. He had a very good decision making capability and always suggested better option than any one.

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His priorities were always people and humanity, and that is why he had a large group of friends. He was very precious for me and everything related to him is also very precious - whatever it may be, his belongings, friends, memories, and many other.

Every day we used to take out time for each other and played table tennis or went for a small bike ride. We had discussions on many topics which are important in life. He rode long distances on the bike and also in car but never met with a single accident.  He was very sensible, safe and excellent driver. He never would endanger anyone's life.

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I think he was so lovely that God also wanted Anuj with Him and I guess that is why God called him up there this early.

Anuj was always with us in all our bad times and always gave sympathy, love and whatever he had of his own, but no one was there with him in his bad times, and this really bothers me. Many people compare their loved one with gems but I'll never compare him with those stones.  In this incident neither me nor any of our family members said "why Anuj?"  We realize that anyone could have been there. But the way he left us is just not acceptable. He will always be live in all of our hearts.

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It's very difficult to convert our feelings and emotions into words because they are not really meant to show or expose, they are just meant to be felt and nothing else. And 20 years of love, affection and support can't be expressed in a few lines and his life and deeds also can't be expressed in just a few lines. But just think of the person you want to have in your life and Anuj is that person.

"He is just so perfect".

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People who knew Anuj know what exactly we have lost.

But what is there to say now, it's over now it's too late to save Anuj. But I promise him I'll think of him every time I look up in the sky and the stars.