28/07/2025
Baba Ji 🙏🏼🕊 A post that, no matter when I had the courage to put together, would be written with tears overflowing. But this pain and grief are part of my story. And before this platform is for the rest of the world, it is my photo diary of my memories and life.
I haven’t accepted that my grandad is no longer here. It feels like he’s asleep or on holiday as he loved to travel. This is the most painful thing I’ve ever felt, and the first time I’ve experienced death.
In his final days at home, we had our time to say goodbye. The thought of saying everything I needed to, for the last time, was overwhelming, and I cried through every word.
Love between us was expressed in gestures, care, and presence. But this time, I said the words “I love you more than words, and I always will.” He could no longer speak but lifted his arm to hug me for the last time.
Baba Ji came to the UK from India with courage, faith, and a fierce sense of duty. Because of him, we have this life. This foundation. Everything we know was built on the sacrifices he made. He was a man of knowledge and wisdom, always writing notes in his books, reading, and learning. I’ve only just discovered some of his handwritten poems in Urdu from his study room. His presence alone carried power. He could speak about poetry, politics, faith, and home healing remedies with such ease, always offering knowledge like it was a gift.
He loved fashion. His wardrobes were filled with shirts, suits, and shoes. Even in his final week, he was still ordering more. My grandma would tell him to stop, but he never did. He knew what he liked.
He wanted to pass at home. Even though his eyes were closed, he could hear us. The conversations, the laughter, the silliness, just like it always was when we all lived under one roof. His house was the place for gatherings and where I lived till the age of 10.
I told Baba Ji he was more like a dad than a grandad. There’s so many previpus memories I could share, but I have to end this here.
My baba ji, the head of our family, and the soul of our story. You live on in everything I do. You gave us more than just a name but a legacy that will continue 🤍