Of Navrathri and Ganesha - some of her favourite things

By Lakshmi Srinivasan

I am Malathi's sister, Lakshmi. I went to school with Usha but was not her classmate. I got to know her more closely over the last 10-15 years after she moved back to Chennai. I used to be the link between her and Malathi. Catching up during Navarathri every year became mandatory and I recall her beautiful display of Ganesha idols. Each one was better than the other and had a story to tell. I treasure the take away gifts that she so carefully chose every year. Not to forget the sumptuous tiffin she gave all the visitors - a practice not very common in Chennai. She was so warm, friendly, simple, helpful that I forgot that she was my sister's friend and not my own. I was shocked and upset to hear of her tragic end. I have still not come to terms with the fact that she is no more in our midst. I can still 'hear' her chatty conversation and will surely miss her in the Chennai scene. She came over to our house for Navarathri and it is still fresh in my memory. I will forward a picture taken at the a mini get together of the vidyo class of 1971. Little did any of us know then that this would be our last meeting with her. Knowing Usha, she will still be in touch with us in some unknown way. 
May her soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I am sure her soul will linger on for ever.