MH370 mystery: As debris floats up, Pune family waits for answers

“Last year, I was in Class 12 and papa helped me with my studies and my dream to get admission into an engineering college. Once I got admission, I decided to stay in the college hostel. Kabir was sent to a boarding school. Papa rejoined Concern Worldwide,” said Rahul Shirsath.

Talking about his father, Rahul said that Prahlad’s decision to rejoin his work was more to do with his mother’s absence than money.

“Mom’s absence can be felt everywhere in the house and in everything we do. It was very hard for dad as he looked after the house and us throughout last year. He used to be alone at home when we went to school and hence it was hard for him. That is why he decided to join the NGO and work among people who need his help. He is on a short assignment in Nepal, helping the people there and that keeps him busy,’’ said Rahul.

When the incident happened, Prahlad was working in North Korea. His wife was visiting him and they were supposed to move back to India, once and for all. Before the incident, Kranti made two calls from the Kuala Lumpur Airport — one to her elder son, Rahul, and another to her husband. That was the last time both of them heard her voice. She was onboard flight MH 370, which never reached its destination, Beijing.
Rahul admitted that coming out of the state of denial was hard. “I don’t know whether I am still out of it or not. Kabir too has stopped asking about mom because he knows even we do not have answers to his questions. It is hard but we are trying,” he said.

After speaking to his father, Rahul added that the Malaysian Airlines had not yet given any confirmation on whether the debris found on the island belonged to MH370 or not. “They have just said that it is yet to be verified,” he said.