Jayaraj - Bid Adieu

It was year 1999. I had joined at Mahendra Engineering College near Thiruchengode. As the strength of our batch is less in the first year (30 members), both EEE and IT students share the same room. At that time, I was developing friendship with a lot of EEE students as I felt that their direct association will not last long.
It was then in the 3rd semester where all our batchmates were able to know each other better. At that time, I got this great opportunity to interact with a stout and witty person, Jayaraj. Even for lighter jokes, the way he laughs like a child will last forever in our minds.
Even if he was the person being pulled his legs, he never took that to his heart and would laugh at himself and his reasoning was, when he laughs people won't recognize that he was being criticized.
His long run bowling action in cricket as a pace bowler is a delight to watch.
I had never seen somebody run in that speed with such a physique.
He was so enthusiastic in all actions that he do. He was always very kind with people.
I was very playful, was not concentrating much on my studies and was enjoying my college life.
Contrary to that, Jayaraj is very responsible and I still remember what he tells to me with grace: "Machaan, we should play when we play, will have to study when we had to study and will have to keep our family happy so that nobody question/ criticize us about our actions". Even if somebody does not agree with what he says, what else can one do when he says that with so much love.

When he said that he wanted to go to Germany to pursue his higher studies, I was slightly concerned why can't he take up his higher studies in India. However, he was determined to pursue there and I was very happy that he got scholarship to do his M.S
I always feel that he has a very good family, the way he expresses about his father, mother and his sister and he is lucky with that.
Post that, we initially spoke on festivals to wish each other, later it reduced once in a year or so and later, we have not spoken in the last few years.
It was post people settle with their work, marriage and kids, people mostly lose contact with their friends.
One of the good thing that we may have to take from our previous generation is to stay in touch with our friends.

He always was so afraid of water. I remember even when we went to Ooty and Athirappilly falls, he did not get into waters citing his fear towards water.
It came as a shocker when we learn about Jayaraj's demise as he was drowned in a beach near Chennai. Post that, several of our friends were in touch and a lot could not pay the final rights due to time constraints. This will haunt us forever :-(

I am at loss of words to console his family.
I wish his family to get all the strength that they need to recover from this huge loss.
Will miss you forever, Jayaraj. Rest in Peace :-(