Happy Birthday Poorti… The love and the caring relationship you had with all your family could be seen in everybody’s eyes today… With each tear they shed and smile, everyone misses you more than you would ever know… I wish you could be a part of today’s party in your remembrance, giving tribute to your life - so well lived and so deeply missed…

Dear Poorti Didi,

Your Kyro misses you.

I remember the first time I came for a sleepover at your place. I was scared of sleeping in new places and sometimes even had really bad dreams. You had asked me to come over and I was doubtful whether I even would be able to sleep somewhere else. My mom told me that your room was extremely cosy and smelled of books. It sounded truly magical. After that sleepover, I wasn’t scared anymore. You made me feel at home. And then we had a thousand more sleepovers after that, each one better than the other. We formed a strong bond, something I never had with anyone.

I didn't have any friends, but I could always trust you to my best friend. We had a fifteen year age gap but it didn't feel like that. You encouraged me to enjoy my life the fullest. You taught me the art of waking up late on a Sunday, which stressed out little me had never done before.

You were the one person I could always confide in. Everyone told me to not be as introverted, but you didn’t ever make me change that about myself. Whenever I was sad about something going on at school or at home, I could also come to you, and you could make me feel all better. You used to say, “You’re a special kid, Kyro. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” You told me it was okay to make mistakes and that everyone makes them.

We spent evenings in your cozy lavender coloured room, watching movies, especially the whole Avenger series. I remember when you heard that the Avengers Endgame was coming out soon, you asked me if we could see all the three movies before that together. And every day, I used to come over and we used to do just that. Those were some wonderful memories I will always cherish. All those afternoons having Bournvita (that you made in your unique way) and cheese toast with chilli and sriracha of course, were the best days of my life.

I see you everywhere. Everything reminds of pretty, lovely and happy Poorti didi. Remember the Rosy Pink Chair in my room that you picked out. I wish you could have sat on it once at least. But now whenever I do, I remember you. Everything in my room, you loved. From the wallpaper to the wood colour to the view. I wanted my room to be somewhere where you could always come over just how I came to your place. Your toothbrush is still in my bathroom and I know mine is in yours.

I would often send Banana bread for you. And ahhhhhhh your love for lemons! I made a three tier lemon curd cake for you remember? And you loved it.

Now that you’re gone I feel empty, alone and lonely. I wish you held on a little longer. I wish we could have one more sleepover and one more and one more and one more. No amount of time spent with you could ever be enough.

The other day I was thinking that if this had happened with someone else and if I was very sad, you would be the first person I would go to. Now that you’re gone, I really don’t know what to do. But I am positive that I ll learn through my mistakes, you said it’s okay to make them, right?

Thank you for coming into my life. Making me a better person. A world without Poorti isn’t a great world. But I’ll always remember whatever you taught me and all our memories. I hope I meet a friend like you. Your Kyro will try her best to make you proud.

I love you and miss you and hope that wherever you are, you have lots of books and get to travel every part of the world.

Lots of love,
Your friend and sister,
Kyra

To the girl with the most beautiful smile, my Poortu!

Shining with the stars- nice and bright
Twinkling with your infectious smile

You were made to dance with the stars my friend
Your humor, wit and wisdom knew no end

A little too late to pick up the phone to chatter
A little too late for our mindless banter

Romanticizing over silly songs
You were the Bryan to my Adams all along

Every time I held your spit filled plates
I always thought, no point for debate

For those who didn’t know you my friend
Let me tell them how cool you were till the end

Always lighting up the room with childish giggles
Always sneaking in comforting snuggles

You gave me a friendship, a second home & so much love
I wish I could bring you back, I miss you so much

Rest In Peace my amazing friend
It hurts a lot, I won’t pretend

But when we meet again in due time
I’ll bring the glasses and you bring the wine

We’ll have a lot to catch up on
Many things to laugh upon

Then I’ll see you smile again
Till then you shine on my friend

You will always have my heart Poorti Soni
You will forever be my ‘Soorti Pony’

Goodbye. I love you. My Forever!

It ain't fair- you died too young.. like the story that had just begun with loads of hope and dreams but death tore all the pages away..
We connected through virtual world and in the past 10 months you have carved beautiful memories in our hearts. However hard it is though, we will take the comfort of your thoughts, your smile, that bubbling conversations during classes, which will remain as memories for lifetime. You are truly missed and there are no good-byes for us dearmost Poorti.

Dear Poorti,

You used to say ‘waqt se pehle, kismat se zyada, kisi ko kuch nahi mila’. And of course you were right my dearest Pooh. It was your kismat to breeze through our lives, lighting up all the rooms you walked into, stealing hearts and charming even the most crotchety among us. But it was also your kismat to shine bright like a star and disappear in a blinding flash. No slow burn of aging and fading for you. No sir. And it is this same unrelenting kismat that has left us to make sense of what lies in the aftermath of such a grotesque absence.

Death comes for us all, we know this and yet it is an abstraction for most people. It has to be. That was not the case with you. You’ve had a very real sense of your own mortality. But you didn’t cower in the shadow of your diagnosis. You danced in defiance of it. You were always ready for any new plan, any new experience. You were game to travel, to run, to dance, to laugh through whatever shenanigans we dreamed up. You knew the sands of time were falling steadily in the hourglass but you didn’t know how big that hourglass was. You didn’t want to take any chances, have any regrets. I cannot say the same for me. I have many many regrets. You asked me to come to Delhi to see you in January and I couldn’t come. I’ve looked at that message so many times and wondered if I would feel different now if I had met you one last time. I’ve concluded that no, it wouldn’t have made a difference. That’s the nature of this problem isn’t it? No matter how long we had you with us, it would always be too less when you would have departed. We would always be greedy for more. So now we need to make our peace with what we had. Make our peace with a dimmer world. A world bereft of your fizzy presence...your tight hugs and philosophical advice... your big smile and sad eyes. 

Happy journeys, my Poorti. Here’s hoping our paths cross again in some dimension.

Love,
Avani

Rip deep condolence with family

I can't believe this has happened. We take life for granted most of the times. Poorti may your soul be happy and at a better place. Sending lots of prayers and energy to the family. Very sorry for your loss.

Dear Poorti,
You were one of the few girls who was so clear about your thoughts & beliefs & the kind of person you were. I will always remember your radiant smile, your chirpy attitude & your happy and positive personality. You will always be remembered with much love.

You left us too soon Poorta. I will always remember all the good times we spent in school, from bonding over how much we did not like it there to becoming the three musketeers. I remember how we began our journey together by bonding over our afternoon naps on the cricket grounds, our banter, singing sessions near the blower, how you were always a peacemaker and mothered us all with your love and generosity and so much more!! You touched my life in so many ways and I will forever cherish and celebrate you. It has been so hard to make sense of what happened, but I drew strength from this poem. Sharing it for all your loved ones

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.

Sending you lots of love and light. I will miss you and cherish you forever. I am honoured to be called your friend.

Love you always and forever,
Vidho

It's hard to find the words to describe Poorti. She was beautiful on the inside as well as the outside - a rare combination. Her joyous nature, beautiful smile, infectious laughter, her warmth and generosity made her a delight to be around.

Will miss you Poorti.

Very very nice & charming personality which can't be forgotten...

Saying everything here about u in brief is not enough for me Poorti..though I didn’t get many days to spend with u while we were in our Post-graduation.. But all those early morning post tuition treats we used to have were the days I will cherish in the years to come..
I wish u could come back
U didn’t deserve to go this soon

I’ve been trying to write this for hours and what I may be doing wrong is I was trying to figure out how to encapsulate you, Poorti and define you in third person– and everyone here who knows you, will know how hard a task that is. You who cannot be explained (and as I type this, I see you with your half smile smirk saying ‘oh god, pleeaase stop’)

So instead, this is a tribute addressed directly to you: The anchor and the sail - Who are we kidding, you were our ship. The drinker of chai and clinker of beer bottles. The girl running the show, in the prettiest dress with the big hoop earrings. The helper, the overseer and the watcher of all things. The wise and the witty one. At home everywhere, whether London or Ludhiana. As ready to join us in shady haunts as to introduce us to the fanciest food places. The eater of the leftovers and the orderer of pizzas. The bringer of books and bargainer at sales. The initiator of adventures, the post-adventure caretaker. The mother and the mischievous child. Thank you for being everyone’s best friend – you were there for people you before they knew they needed you. You shared a bond with everyone so unique, yet as deep as the next person and were family to everyone who shared your light. You flipped from heavy psychology paper’s to romances with ease. You taught me how ISBNs worked while dressing me in your clothes for my first friend’s wedding. You not only always worked hard to convince me to show up, be good and be a better person, you gave gentle nudges for other people when was needed (call G. she needs you, P. is angry, you better reply). You made everyone you met all the better for it. To have known you, was to have loved you, and to have loved you was a privilege and a gift. 

It’s terrifying to imagine a world without you, it looks bleak and hard. But I’m trying hard to remind myself no world in which you were could be that way – you left your light wherever you went and there are so many of us who now hold that flame for you. Our last conversation was on how you owe me a drink – and I wait for it, with one half of me alwaysin Calcutta with you hunting through lanes for all the chai shops we can find.

Till then,

I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)

Sugar and spice
Naughty and nice
A smile so divine
A soul so fine
A prized sister
A darling daughter
An attitude so cool
Strong opinions- not ‘old school’
A book lover all the way
Wine and cocktails.. any day !

Gone too soon , just too sudden
The world has lost a treasured human
Her memories we will cherish
Her thoughts will never perish
May she stay blessed forever
With a happily ever after.


As a newly married bride in a family filled with boys, meeting Poorti was always like a breath of fresh air. She was the sweet little sister -the only sister of the Soni boys .. always smiling, ever charming and full of life. My closer interactions with her began once she moved to Delhi and often visited our home.

She was my encyclopaedia into the world of books, editing , publishing...

She was my Insta account creator coz “How can you NOT be on insta??!?”

My make up advisor“You just HAVE to try this shade!”

My all time gossip girl .. to discuss anything , anytime and anyone !

My go-to partner to watch plays, musicals , book events ...

She could light up a room with her radiant presence. She could brighten up anyone’s mood with her wit, humour, thoughtfulness and care.

She was wise beyond her years though she often hid it behind the facade of being the youngest one ! In fact, I was often flooded with nostalgia when I witnessed the camaraderie, love and banter she shared with Raghav which mirrored the rapport I share with my own brother.

Intelligent and outspoken , it made us proud as we watched her morph into an independent young woman. If she felt strongly about something, she spoke her mind fearlessly. If an issue touched her heart, she just had to do something about it!

I still remember how thrilled she was when I began working .. her joy stemming not only from the fact that I was gainfully employed but that I had stepped out of the comfortable yet complacent cocoon of being ‘just’ a homemaker!

For her I may have been one of the Bhabhis at Mall Road ; but for me she will always be the sister that I never had... a sister who will remain in our hearts forever .

We love you Poorti ..

Kanika Bhabhi

I met Poorti only once (it was a publishing related event) and instantly knew from her smile that this was a woman of warmth and kindness. After that, we became friends, like other people in our generation, via DMs on instagram. Again, most people in my generation are comfortable with bare minimum interactions. But when Poorti stopped by to say something she emphasized it with humour and sass and banter and by generously giving her time to conversations. There are many people who knew her much better than I, and yet I know I will miss her. And though it may feel impossible in this moment, I am hoping and praying that her family and close friends are surrounded with love and patience and kindness. The sort that she stood for and lived by <3 

I was among the lucky ones who met Poorti at my time at Hachette. We worked in different departments, but our desks were close by. She was one of the first people to warmly welcome me. The first time I heard her loud vivacious laugh, I was taken aback by her openness and confidence. Her jokes, her smarts, her sassiness were so evident to me. And so was her kindness — I once came across a children’s picture book by Mick Inkpen called ‘I Will Love You Anyway’ about a dog who gets lost and is missed by his human, and I was really touched. As a joke, I made Poorti read it, just to see her reaction, and her sensitivity responded by tearing up on the spot for that fictional little boy and his lost dog.
I left the company a few years ago and we unfortunately didn’t remain in touch, but I’ve wished nothing but happiness and love for her. I am so sorry for her family’s loss; I know they will feel it keenly. I hope you know that she left a huge impression on all of us who came into contact with her and we will all miss her too.

Dearest Bobby and Sherry
What do we say.Strange are His ways. But yes ...the little darling of your life came to spread cheer, joy,love ,laughter and so much fragrance which will stay with us for our lifetime .And such connections are not only for this lifetime ,they ve been there and will always be there...Always
What can’t be taken away is that you guys lived each and every moment to the fullest with her and loved her like crazy
I know no words can soothe the pain my dearest Bobby and Sherry but Poorti is right here with us as the purest luminous soul.
Mahen and me are with you in spirit.We love you loads.
Dearest Raghav and Shweta we love you loads. Take care
Blessings and love always
Reema and Mahendra Punjabee
Mumbai

Knew her briefly as Savy’s niece, but remember her smile and love for books! We discussed writing, editing etc !
She was a delightful , well brought up and a happy kid! Loss of a kid so young is unfarhomable!
Strange are His ways but I do know that her story will live on even though the book of her life turned out way shorter than is fair!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family!!

I don't know how to put this in words or where to start...

Raghav and Shweta,My loss is in no comparison to yours and uncle and aunty...

But i will miss her calling me Roopica didi, subtle jokes about nonsense things happening around us... our silly shopping trips hunting for good clothes, guiding me to best restaurants in Delhi along with special recommendations, Her reminding me to get Vihaan a dog on every occasion we met... and pampering Vihaan with toys equally like Amyrah, discussions about family and mostly her presence in our lives... teasing me about a special espresso machine...

She offered me her baby sitting duties when Abeer was born like a true sister would do...

Vihaan will miss Poorti Bua
Yuvraj will miss his younger sister
And i will miss a very clear hearted soul

I believe she will be looking down from the heavens above and blessing us all....

Love you both and we both are there with you always

Poorti , you are being missed deeply ,
You have left such a void in all of our hearts that we cannot fill .
M honoured to call you a friend to have spent time with you .
My condolences to the entire family and may god give u the strength .
We all are here for you as your daughter lives in each of our hearts ..

Dearest Poorti,

There's nothing we can say that will come close to justifying what we feel. You went away too soon and that is the hard truth which all of us have to now live with. But it does not take away from the fact that you were a beautiful beautiful soul who graced our lives.

We are all trying to find an answer or some sort of an explanation about why this happened but the only thing that makes sense is that maybe you were just too pure hearted. You laughed like no one else and that I'll always remember and cherish.

I am hoping and praying in my heart that you can read all of our messages and know that we all loved you so much and are missing you beyond what words can explain. I wish strength to your family and my deepest respect to your parents for raising a human being that was full of truth and love.

Wherever you are, may you always be laughing and spreading joy.

Lots and lots and lots of love Poorti. All of us from MIS miss you dearly.

POORTI - The Fulfilled One

Born to live
Born to light
Born to illuminate
Born to write

Born too wise
Born so kind
Born for books
Born fine

Born to travel
Born to explore
Born to absorb
Born to grow

Born to give
Born to stand
Born to lend
a helping hand

Born to smile
Born to cheer
Born to help you
face your every fear

Born for equality
Born to fight
Born to stand up
for basic human rights

Born to voice
Born to right
Born for love
To make memories and rewind

This website memory tribute board is created for Poorti Nath Soni , my niece & 2nd daughter , “Pretty Poorti” I used to call her & joked with her father Bobby ( Sanjay Soni) that when her passport goes for renewal to change name to Poorti ‘Nath’ Soni.
She inspired Tanya to join Waverley Boarding School (that was on my wish list for Tanya) and it was a joy to see Tanisha , Tanya & Poorti break free from their cocooned lives with their protective parents & evolve into spirited young independent girls & then Poorti later morphed from a quiet shy girl to a confident , independent working woman and a gentle lady as an aspiring editor & then counsellor seeking her calling as a career psychologist.
At home , she became more vocal & cheerful who would smilingly argue with Her dad Bobby who would be taken aback with this new form of Poorti who would sort of challenge the status quo or his conservative thought process but do it smilingly & cheerfully so it would not be like a teenage rebel but a matured art form , fighting sweetly for her MoM Sherry , fighting for her brother Raghav & fighting for her Bhabhi Shweta and later fighting for herself- for her aspirations & desires to be realised .
When she would get flustered to convince Bobby on something she would seek my help , similarly it was with Savvy who was Massi & literally Maa jaisi & after Sohail and Tanya both left home for USA & Spain and we thought we were empty nesters - Poorti filled the void and the 2 bonded like sisters , friends & Mom daughter.
She created her own respected space in our household and one to one relationships with Nath Khandan & families & friends & staff .
She will be sorely missed but she leaves behind a host of bitter, sweet salty memories- actually more sweet !
She was always the valiant knight - fighting for the street dog , fighting for any under dog , fighting for her colleagues , fighting for her siblings. Recently when Tanya got married I was amused to see her squabbling cheerfully with Madhav and pulling his leg on Tanya's behalf as only a Saali can .

Feel free to write anecdotes, post photos, comments , memories etc here to keep our Poorti & her memories alive - virtually