EpiphanyMoments

Every morning, as the early light spills through the curtains, I lean close to Alka. A single tress falls across her closed eyes, and with a tenderness that time cannot dull, I move it away. My fingers brush her cheeks, her forehead, tracing the contours I’ve memorised by heart. Her lips, soft and warm, meet my kiss, though she remains asleep. For four years, this has been my ritual—a quiet devotion in the hope of a miracle.   I call out to You, God, with a faith that refuses to waver. Do not let my Babu and me down. I beg for strength, for hope, for one more chance at life.  Until then, I will keep waiting. Loving. Believing.

It’s been 1460 days since life as we knew it came to a screeching halt on Nov 21. Four years of stillness, and yet, immense strength. Four years since my wife Alka – my best friend– suffered a brain stroke that turned our vibrant, spirited lives upside down.   You wouldn’t think it could happen to someone like her. One minute she was discussing the next day's activities while at the dinner table and the next, she's crumbled.  She was the picture of health and happiness. A woman full of life, brimming with energy, always ready to help, laugh, pray, or pull someone out of their gloom. She wasn’t just my wife; she was my anchor, the glue that held us all together. A God-fearing soul who believed in the power of kindness and prayer, Alka lit up every room she walked into.   And then came that night.   It was midnight – the hour when the world is at its quietest and fears seem the loudest. She complained of a sudden dizziness, her words slurring just a litt...

The visionary behind Dubai Duty Free and one of the prime movers of Dubai’s rise as the sporting hub of the Middle East, has left us. I first met him in 1989, when I had the good fortune of sitting down to interview him over lunch at rhe Dubai Aviation Club about his ambitious plans. Flanking him were his Marketing and Comms teammates Sinead O'Connor and Anita Mehra. Colm had this spark in his eye, this infectious Irish enthusiasm that turned what seemed like lofty dreams into things you could almost reach out and touch. Back in those days, imagining Dubai as a sports capital was bold—many thought it was a fantasy. But Colm wasn’t just a dreamer; he was a doer. His knack for blending sports with business was something to behold. Through his efforts, Dubai Duty Free not only became an international retail giant but also a sponsor of events that put Dubai on the map. From snooker, squash tennis and golf to powerboat and horseracing, if there was a sport in Dubai, you could bet Colm a...