"Never let the romance fade"

It is not easy to process the sad news of a colleague and friend passing away unexpectedly. Many of us started this weekend with an untimely call or shocking text about the unthinkable news of Anup's demise. It will take me a long time to come to terms with it, but I want to share a story from my first meeting with Anup that left an indelible mark on me.

I joined the Infosys marketing team in 2003 and was working on a presentation introducing the company to a group of influencers. Unfamiliar with ways of navigating a large organization, I knocked relentlessly on different doors, but no one knew if spending time with me was going to be productive. After a few forwards, my email landed in Anup's Inbox. He replied instantly and scheduled a meeting to discuss the presentation... over coffee!

As I went to the meeting, I had no idea that I would be learning important life lessons in those fun-filled 15-minutes, and would also be finding a friend, a guide, and a mentor. Anup asked insightful questions, talked about importance of the right positioning, and created an entire framework for the presentation. As we were leaving, he jovially gave me one more advice. He said he would like my initial enthusiasm of a new job to last forever. He said every relationship starts with a lot of excitement, but the ones that last the longest are those that never let the first spark of romance fade.

From then on, I met him regularly, and every interaction made me happier and more optimistic. Anup spread joy and cheer wherever he went. Every meeting with Anup was a good meeting. Anup saved the day for so many of us, so many times. The relationship blossomed to more than a professional association. In Anup, I have not just lost an ex-colleague, but my family lost a friend. I'm sad those joyful moments are so mercilessly snatched away from us. I will miss the twinkle in his eyes, his infectious laughter, and his always-optimistic outlook. But as he looks down upon us from a happier place, I want him to know that I will never let the first spark of romance fade in whatever I do.

Rest well, Anup. You'll be sorely missed.