An obituary for Madhan Kumar
I woke up today to the bad news from a mutual high school friend, C.K.A., that our dear friend Madhan Kumar had passed away last week. The feeling of shock was indescribable. What happened? Why? And I didn’t even get to speak to him recently: the last time we had talked was probably 10 years ago, when we had a long, passionate argument about software patents with my brother and another mutual friend, S.H. So, in lieu, I will write about you, my friend, at least the parts I still remember.
I don’t even know why, but you were one of my best friends in high school. You were fiercely independent, intellectual, straight-talking, and hot-tempered. In short, the kind of clay that strikes fear in the hearts of teachers. Not that I recall you causing much trouble for them, but suffice it to say that you did not care much for the system. I always admired that. I think it’s safe to say you helped to elevate my own level of intellect back then. I remember that you had taken over our press club, and was envious that S.H. and yourself got to play with Macintoshes (a much rarer luxury back in those days). I need to go back home to see whether I can find our almanacs from those days, and, hopefully, find a rare picture of us all together. It will make me smile.
We reunited later on for a road trip with C.K.A. after my own father (gods bless his soul) had recently passed away. It would take my mind away from the biggest shock to my life until then. I don’t remember the names of all the places we visited, but, by golly, some of them were unforgettably beautiful. I remember seeing fireflies on a boat in the middle of the night. The trip culminated after our visit to Fraser’s Hill, where C.K.A. was incredibly upset with me for making light of the notion that both of you thought our hotel was… haunted. I remember that you were stuck speechless between both of us, but I’m pleased to say that time has since taken care of things.
I don’t know what else to say: I’m at a loss for words. And so, here is a farewell song for you, my friend. You will be missed. Our friends and I will reunite again in your memory.
