Another aficionado in the family

Lakshman Subramanian (Vellay's cousin)

“Thambu Anna” – That’s how I call him. Later Anni (Anna’s wife) started mocking Anna by the way I called him.
Even before knowing he was my second cousin I became very close to Anna as we were neighbors during our childhood. Nostalgic days were those!

We grew together. We used to go to skating classes together. Ayyapan mama would some how fit all four of us (Sethu, Valli, Anna and Me) on a scooter and would drop and pick us up from the skating classes. Even the tutor there wouldn’t care to buckle our rollers, but Anna will do it himself and will come help us in buckling ours too.

We used to play carom and since I don’t play carom well know one would accept me as their partner. But Anna was the one who used play with me all alone and made me play better. Also he was the one who taught me how to ride a bicycle. I was a bit reluctant in learning this but he was the one who taught me all those childhood activities.

Days passed and Anna became serious in his career. He went to US to pursue his graduate studies. As we all know he finished his studies and came out with flying colors. From that time my appa used to say to me “You should also become like Thambu Anna”, which I am trying still.
Recently, three months before the Anna’s tragic accident, I had been to his home for my summer vacations. The moment I saw Anna after years I was touched with same kind of affection that he showed on me and so did Anni. They took me too all places over Austin. Anna presented me a T shirt as a token of love and affection.

I had a great time with them. That time my appa spoke to Anna and asked him to give some advices about my career and studies to me. I was mesmerized by the belief appa had on Anna. But Anna was too generous. He neither spoke to me about my career nor my studies. He just said “Be yourselves and prove yourselves”.

Hats off Anna! I will definitely live up to your word
Miss you anna - Lena.