A couple of curious coincidences

TWO of my maternal granduncles passed away within a span of one year. RK Shamaraj, aged 74, died on November 27, 2005, at 4.30 pm. His brother, RK Jeevarathnam (86), bid farewell to the world one year later — uncannily, the date and the time were the same. The curious coincidence prompted people to wonder whether Shamaraj had ‘summoned’ his sibling to join him in his heavenly abode.

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The brothers were among seven siblings — four boys and three girls — and had a special bond that lasted until the end. Jeevarathnam displayed composure and poise, while Shamaraj exhibited assertiveness and persuasiveness. Despite their contrasting traits, they were like two peas in a pod. The elder brother constantly doted on the last-born, while the latter revered his senior sibling.

Sadly, the brothers couldn’t see each other during their last years because of age-related complications. Family members concealed the news of Shamaraj’s death from an ailing Jeevarathnam to spare him the distressing truth. As a result, the elder brother, who became blind in old age, remained oblivious of his sibling’s demise. He continued to enquire about the latter’s wellbeing. The family boosted his morale by falsely claiming that Shamaraj was doing well. The pretence was not exposed as there was no telephonic contact between the brothers.

Another episode that left us flummoxed happened on New Year’s Eve of 2007, when my father and my niece Nikitha perished within a few minutes of each other.

After a sleepless night of tossing and turning, dad woke up with a nagging backache. He had been in fine fettle, but our mother’s demise six months prior had unsettled him. So, when my younger sibling and I pleaded with him to see a doctor, he waved us off, saying that he would be okay. He lived alone in his modest house. My siblings and I, who lived separately, visited him daily. My oldest son and Nikitha’s brother stayed overnight with him.

Just nine years old, Nikitha fell critically ill. Father showered her with love and attention because she was the first girl child in the family. She had to skip school for months because of her deteriorating health.

Around 9 pm on December 31, 2007, dad switched on the television to watch his favourite soap. But he soon passed away, the remote still in his hand. A few moments later, my niece succumbed to her ailment.

Intriguingly, dad had instructed the maid to keep the house spic and span in anticipation of welcoming visitors the following morning. Had he foreseen the events of that fateful Black Monday?