/> "I sang for him Bhupenda way back in the 1950s in Assamese. I was scared of getting the pronunciation wrong. But he was confident. And I was game since I love singing in various languages. And the song was so lovely Jo na kare rati. I fell in love with Bhupenda's music.

Our association began from there, and continued through decades. He became close to my entire family specially my youngest sister Usha who sang innumerable Assamese songs for him. I remember I had gone for the recording of some Bengali songs for Bhupenda in Kolkata. I stayed with him and his wife in their home. They made me so comfortable.

There're very few people in my life I felt so relaxed with. Bhupenda was always full of life and joy, so much so that I hated the thought of him being ill.

Two years ago on Ganpati he came home. I was dismayed by the change in his health. Seeing him so frail I was depressed. From then onwards I didn't have the heart to meet him. I was supposed to record a song with him. I chickened out.

I am frightened of seeing loved ones in pain. When my mother fell ill, I had to be dragged by the rest of the family to see her. Mujhe apnon ki taqleef nahin dekhee jati. But I kept abreast of his health through my sister Usha who was on the sms with Kalpana Lajmi. I got to know of his hospitalization. He was really in pain.

When I heard of his illness I rang him up in the hospital. Kalpna put the phone to his ear. I believe Bhupenda responded to my voice. They even played my songs for him in the hospital. I know he was very fond of me and my singing. And I of him.

Three days ago a journalist came to me saying Bhupenda was very critical. I recorded my get-well message for him. Then, it was over. The way Kalpana put her entire life on the shelf to look after him till the end is exemplary.

She made sure he was in the best hospital and got the best treatment. Such dedication is rare in today's world. My most popular song for Bhupenda in Hindi was Dil hoom hoom kare. The composition was very special. Bhupenda sang the song originally in Assamese.

Today I smile as I remember how entertaining he was in person. I enjoyed his company. And I enjoyed singing his songs. There will never be another Bhupen Hazarika. "