Diamond trader, was looking forward to daughter146;s wedding

His work in the diamond business always kept him busy. But during the months before he died, Kalubhai Laxman Kasodariya was more occupied finalising arrangements for his daughter8217;s wedding fixed for February next year.

His work in the diamond business always kept him busy. But during the months before he died, Kalubhai Laxman Kasodariya was more occupied finalising arrangements for his daughter8217;s wedding fixed for February next year.

8220;He was very happy for me,8221; says his 20-year-old daughter Asha, who8217;s studying for a commerce degree. 8220;He would constantly advise me on how to lead my life after marriage. He was really looking forward to it.8221;

Kalubhai, 42, died on July 11. The wedding will take place as planned. But, as Asha says, it won8217;t be the same without him.

He usually returned home in Borivali only around 9 pm. But that Tuesday was Guru Purnima and he wanted to attend Satsang in the neighbourhood. So he left office early and took a train at Charni Road. The bomb went off in the first-class compartment when the train reached Mahim station.

Kalubhai had told his family about his plans that day. So as soon as they heard about the blasts, they got on the phone. But they couldn8217;t reach him. Late in the evening, his elder brother and friends found his body at KEM Hospital.

Asha says Kalubhai8212; an avid swimmer and yoga practitioner8212;was very popular among his friends. They often tell the family that he 8220;was a very jovial person and cracked a lot of jokes.8221;

His son Ketan, 17, is now learning his trade. Ketan says Kalubhai always wanted him to do that some day. 8220;I will run the business and study at the same time. But I miss him. Working together would have been different,8221; says Ketan.

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Financially, the Kasodariyas have been okay; they live in a joint family. But Kalubhai8217;s wife Madhuben has gone into a shell. 8220;We were happy with whatever we had, but his death is painful,8221; says Asha.

8220;I shared all my secrets with my father. Whatever he decided for me was always perfect and I loved him a lot for that,8221; she says. 8220;Mujhe jitna pyaar mila mere papa se, utna kisi ko nahi mila hoga.8221;