A GOODBYE THAT NEVER WAS…….
Dearest Armeen, It’s taken me a while to write about Sam…..your pretty mom and my lovely sister. No words can describe the relationship we shared. I’ve seen your mom grow up since she was a tot. She had the most adorable smile. She could enter any room and light it up. We got more and more close as we grew up and planned overnights, where we went berserk laughing, joking, playing games and eating maggi with cheese (Sam’s favorite) as if there was no tomorrow. Sam was always
A Tribute To My Beloved Sammy
Dearest Amreen, When you read this message you would want to know my relation with your mom... Lil angel we have yet to meet... Inshaallah. I am one of your nana and naani's friends. I have been living in Dubai since 12 years and so wasn't a part of your parents wedding or your birth my baby. You will be delighted to know that I clearly remember meeting Sammy after my marriage, she was a lil baby in her moms hands. After that, as time passed, I have watched her grow - her sch
Sameera - Of Mischief & Magic
Armeen! What a beautiful name and so befitting for Sameera’s daughter – that’s the first thing I thought when she told Deepika and me about you being on your way on a group chat. Well, one of the first things I thought, because the first reactions were mostly on the lines of dramatic ‘awwwws’, ‘omigawds’ and squeals. I met Sameera for the first time in the summer of 2007. It was a hot afternoon and this was the apartment we were to end up living in for the next one year. I ha
Until We Meet Again...
Sameera Changi Presswala My Best Friend, My Childhood Memory and now my biggest inspiration…. It took me a while to get myself together to write this blog. It was only when I dreamt about Sam two nights in a row, which was probably her way of saying “c’mon fats get onto it…IM WAITING!”(I can even imagine her tone) I got onto it as soon as possible. Dear Armeen…. Where do I start…there’s so much to tell you… about almost 20 years of my life with Sam. From a shy timid and quiet
Our Laughing childhood
Sameera (with the stress on the second syllable: -mee-) is an indirect Quranic name for girls that means “good friend”. This is the meaning of my sister's name. People who spent even a nano second with her would agree with me that not only could she be a good friend like her name suggests, but an honest, loving person that every one would want to cherish. Armeen baby doll, when you grow up I'm sure you will just be like your mother and you will fill our hearts with your pers
Sameera - A Loud Silence!
Sameera has been the quietest person I have ever met! She smiled with me, fought (without a word) with me over silly nonsense, and endured her pain without “an ouch”. Sam and I shared a very special bond. We are the same age and despite of her being my sister-in-law; I always thought of her as a friend. Sam became a part of our lives during a very delicate time. Ofcourse, like most “in-laws” we had rough roads initially, arguments, and differences. I always thought Sam gave m
The Super Hit Movie That Was Sameera's Life!
Sam’s life was just like a blockbuster movie. It had everything from comedy to an extraordinary romance, a little bit of drama and the saddest possible ending ever. But most importantly, Sam was a superstar. She gave an Oscar winning performance throughout - as a loving daughter, as a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, a faithful friend and finally, as our teacher. Sam taught us the true meaning of courage. She shamed cancer and death with optimism and her resilience. She taug
An Older Brother's Tribute
Hey Sam, I know you are up there…somewhere….sitting with your Cleveland steak cheese sandwich in one hand and a container full of jeera goli, fatafat and chattar mutter in the other hand. Go ahead, – I won’t stop you from putting on the pounds this time – coz that's a problem for mere mortals like us…. Sam and I grew up together and just like older brothers, I did not shy away from giving free advice to Sam. Our talks mainly revolved around me giving her free advice and Sam p
Embracing and celebrating the moments when I am at my worst
“You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have left.” A few months ago I lost my younger cousin sister, my best buddy, my partner in crime of 29 years. She was fighting the biggest fight with cancer which came quickly and un announced , and it took her in just a few months. Sammy and I have spent the best years together. Our bond has always been so strong and because of the length and depth of our relationship, I could never imagine my life
Shine On, You Crazy Diamond!
My darling Armeen, I remember the day you were born - 20th April, 2012 - like it was yesterday. I was lying in my hostel bed in Kolkata while your mom was lying in her hospital bed in Cleveland. She sent me a picture of you with the best crop of hair that I had seen on a new born baby with the prettiest white bow. You were all of a few hours then but you had already given her the happiness of a lifetime. She sent me a text saying, “Zeba, I can’t stop looking at her, she’s jus
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