Ila Ma’am, someone I never met, but will never forget

The news of Ila Sharma’s sudden cardiac arrest (on July 13) sent a wave of shock through me. I felt restless and uneasy. My heartbeat quickened inexplicably. Why did it affect me so deeply?

I had never met her. Never even seen her. I wasn’t interested in politics, and I knew little about her background or social standing. What I did know, however, was that she had a genuine and compassionate heart. That very heart betrayed her.