This isn’t a story, but an observation. I always heard about Kavi from Meha. Whether it was his birthday, something he was doing on campus, sharing that red car with him, etc., Meha always talked about her “bro”. In India, Kavi always talked about Meha. Meha would want this, Meha did this, I knew Meha would always end up with a tall Punjabi, Meha loves this music, etc. It was really admirable how much they knew about one another and cared for one another. Their relationship often inspires me to be a better sister. I felt so lucky to meet Meha. And then I felt so lucky to meet Kavi. And I definitely was lucky to see the Meha/Kavi sibling relationship. (I know the focus is on Kavi, but I also have to say that I am so grateful that I was able to meet Hardeep, Ravi and Aparna too. I am a BIG fan of the Pandey/Chiraya clan.)

Percussion section, Houghton High School circa 2008. It’s nearing the end of band class, last playthrough of a song before the bell rings. Kavi, playing the snare, leans over and whispers to me at the base drum, “Let’s speed it up”. A giggle escapes his lips. Slowly he begins to increase tempo. I follow suit. Soon the trumpets, trombones, and tubas fall in line, beckoning the rest of the band. The band director looks up, wondering why everybody is playing faster. Panic enters her eyes as she realizes she has lost control. She elaborates her directorial movements in a last attempt to slow down the band but it is too late and she surrenders, matching the pace that Kavi sets. Sweat rolls down my aching back as the song nears its galloping end, my arms cannot endure this pace much longer. The final notes ring out and the crescendo is replaced with silence. The bell rings and Kavi smiles as a tired and confused band escapes into the hallway.