In Memory of Alok: A Brother's Unyielding Bond

** Tale of Alok Bhaiya**

Alok, my brother not by blood but by heart, had always been someone special in our lives. He turned 18 in July 2022, and though we didn’t grow up together, the bond we shared was as strong as any. He lived in Hyderabad, while I lived in Mumbai, so our meetings were rare but treasured.

That year, during Rakshabandhan, we couldn’t be together on the actual day, so we celebrated on August 31. I tied the rakhi around his wrist, a symbol of our unbreakable bond. We spoke in Bhojpuri, our mother tongue, though Alok Bhaiya had never lived in a village. He tried to speak the language, his accent rough, yet filled with a yearning to connect with his roots.

Alok Bhaiya was always full of life and enthusiasm. He convinced everyone to go to Nauka Vihar, a beautiful spot that required some persuading to get the family on board. But before we could leave, my younger brother fell and dirtied his new clothes. My mother, ever practical, refused to let him wear the soiled outfit. But Alok, with his endless patience and kindness, washed the clothes himself, ensuring my brother could join us.

One evening, a pizza was delivered to our home. My bua only allowed one box, knowing it wouldn’t be enough for everyone. Alok Bhaiya, seeing the disappointment on our faces, bought another box with his own money, even though it meant he didn’t get to eat any himself. This small act of generosity was just one of the many ways he showed his love for us.

We also went to the newly opened zoo, exploring the wonders of the animal kingdom together. But the most memorable times were spent on the roof of our house. Under the open sky, we played kabaddi, lock and key, and color-color. Our laughter filled the night air, and we even had dinner up there, the stars twinkling above us as if they were part of our games.

Soon, the time came for us to part ways. On September 4, we returned to Mumbai. Alok Bhaiya, ever the helpful brother, struggled with the heavy bags but insisted on carrying them all the way to the train. My grandfather gave him a good amount of money for his further studies, a gesture of support and love. 

On September 16, Alok returned to Hyderabad. Just two days later, on September 18, during the Ganesh Visarjan, something unthinkable happened. Alok Bhaiya, without informing his mother where he was going, left to meet some friends. His phone was out of balance, leaving him unable to reach out if needed.

On September 18, Alok Bhaiya had visited a waterfall with his friends. At lunchtime, my bua called, asking him to come home. He assured her he would return soon, but he never did. His friends, instead of alerting my bua, informed their own parents that Alok was missing. We tried calling him repeatedly, but his phone remained unreachable.

When my fufa finally filed an FIR, one of Alok’s friend's parents called, offering to return the money my grandfather had given Alok Bhaiya for his studies. It was a strange and unsettling gesture, but the worst was yet to come.

The next morning, social media was abuzz with tragic news. The good-looking, kind-hearted boy we loved so dearly had been lost to the waters. The river had claimed him, and the horrifying reality was that his body had been devoured by a fish in the depths.

This was not just a loss; it was a heart-wrenching tragedy that left an emptiness no words could fill. Alok’s absence was felt deeply, a wound that time would struggle to heal. I feel so sad, so deeply heartbroken, that such a beautiful soul was taken away from us in such a cruel way.

It feels as though justice was denied due to powerful influences.

We miss you Bhaiya!😭😢

(Based on true events.Please support and pray for Alok Bhaiya's kind soul.)