Tarang Chawla Instagram – “FOREVER YOUNG”
I’m writing this nine years to the minute my sister Nikita took her last breath. This is how I choose to remember her – a vivacious young woman growing into her own skin before she was murdered by a vengeful and possessive man.
I remember seeing her lifeless corpse on a table – barely able to recognise her. I remember the news coverage and how it blamed Niki. I remember the day Niki’s killer was sentenced to prison. I think of how he will be eligible for parole in 8 years.
I remember the card my parents gave me (swipe across) with the details of police officers they were told to call. I called them and they told me how a sharp-edged object had caused Niki’s death in a DV incident. It all sounded so clinical. So inhuman.
I want to wish you a happy new year as this is my first post of 2024, but my mind is elsewhere. Already three women have been killed by men across Australia in 2024. In some cases, we’ll see the men who killed these women celebrated as great blokes.
As a new year begins, we see countless stories of people being denied their basic dignity, humanity and in the most extreme cases – their life. I wholeheartedly wish that 2024 is safer than last year. But without genuine change, that won’t be possible.
Niki was such a positive person in life that as cynical as I feel inclined to be, I will say happy new year. I hope 2024 is your best year – filled with happiness and light and all of the good things.
Niki loved family holidays and I’ll be taking a leaf out of Niki’s book and taking a short break. If my socials have beach pics and mocktails or I’m late to post about tragedy, then it’s because as much as I care, I’m choosing to celebrate Niki and still my mind. I celebrate that I had the best little sister anyone could wish for.
Niki, not a day goes by where we don’t miss you and wish we could have kept you safe. Like every person who has lost a loved one, we remember because it’s all we have left. He can never, ever hurt you again. Wherever you are now and whatever happens when we die, I hope you’re safe and happy. I hope you’re dancing, it’s what you loved more than life itself.
#NotOneMoreNiki | Posted on 09/Jan/2024 08:35:29
