Novera Deepita was charming in her very own ways. Soon I realised that those stern eyes and stubborn looks were nothing but mere determination to succeed in whatever she was doing, a mask hiding her true bubbly and sparkling self. Her 'high and mighty degree' was a token of her hard work and academic achievements, something that we are all so proud of.

She displayed her inner strength by taking up any kind of tasks or assignments given to her and eventually won the hearts and trust of the seniors around. Her work was well organised and almost perfect with extra details for the readers to enjoy. The seniors depended on Novera to get the work done and that the deadlines were met, which she succeeded in doing scrupulously.

She had a loud contagious laughter; she would reprimand mischief-makers like a mother, would give advice like an elder sister and was a true friend with a shoulder to cry on. In a nutshell, she was always there.

She had a passion for jewellery. She scavenged almost every store in Dhaka city for various designs. She was so passionate about jewellery that she would buy little pieces of jewellery for the girls in the office from time to time. During her free time, she would even do a little online research, exploring the various jewellery designs and their prices, from all over the world.

When I close my eyes, an image of her quick smile flashes in my mind. It was as easy to make her laugh as it was to make her angry! She used to organise small lunch parties with her colleagues at work and day-long trips to the outskirts of Dhaka city weeks ahead of time. Our callousness towards her plans, sly smiles and joking remarks of messing the day up would bring out screams of anger from her.

Even then, she maintained a regimented check on whether the gang was still in the party or not and made sure that even the obnoxious lot of the young journalists got their share of scolding and fun at the same time.

Annoyed with my behaviour one day, Noveraapu asked me to have lunch with her in the conference room. I was surprised how at one moment she was full of her childlike spirit and the next minute she was a mature young lady glowing with worldly knowledge. She spoke to me about life in general, people and the several packages yet to be opened and be surprised. I realised how exciting life could be.

Yet, she decided, at the spur of a mere moment, to take a break from life and wander away. I don't know what led her to take this decision, but I know that she was a unique personality who will be remembered for her honest approach towards life.

Novera apu, I still hear your laughter in the hallways and then make myself believe that you are not typing away or fussing over a story in the next room. Your desk is as it was a week ago and even now I go over to it half expecting to see a remnant of yours.

You have been etched on our hearts and will stay in our minds, forever.