T. N. Shanbag - the name invokes memories of a gentle man, who I first saw & met in 1982 when I had the good fortune to visit his store for the first time.

Over the years, though we did not meet, a visit to strand on my visit to Bombay was a must. A bit of small chit chat, the polite push towards reading more things than fiction & then left in peace to browse around.

1995 was when I met him again. He had come over to my office across the road from Strand with a guest for subscription. Business done, he reminded me that it is now close enough for me not to offer excuses. And till 2000 the saturday visits resumed.

For the past couple of years, it was always at the back of my mind to visit Strand, but something or the other ensured I could not.

I am sure, he would have gently smiled & taken up from where we had left. Just as he would with the almighty after his journey.

R.I.P my friend.