Relatives of Arti Ramkhalawan would have been preparing to celebrate her third birthday today, instead they spent yesterday weeping at her mother Aarika Bhim's casket.Sadness filled Bhim's home yesterday as relatives, friends and co-workers gathered for her funeral at her home at Laltoo Trace, Penal.
The tears that flowed from her mother, Sharada and sisters' faces and the looks of anguish from her brothers were signs that life will never be the same for the family.
On Monday, Bhim's father, Purnanand, woke up to the shocking discovery of his son-in-law Premnath Ramkhalawan's corpse hanging under a shed at the back of their home.He then found his daughter's bloodied body in the back seat of her Nissan Sunny B-13, with Arti still holding onto her.
Though alive, Arti also suffered several stab wounds. Police said Ramkhalawan murdered Bhim before committing suicide after his brother's wedding in Princes Town on Sunday nightDespite her horrid death, Bhim was remembered as hardworking, not only at her job but as a daughter to her parents and mother to Arti.
During the funeral, the only discernible words from Sharada were: "Why? Why? Why?"Even family friend, Stephen Sookdeo, said her death was hard to understand, saying: "Her parents were blessed with an angel like her and for this to happen so tragic. It is a mystery."
In the eulogy from her aunt, Gaitri Surujlal, she was described as an exceptional young woman, dedicated mother and obedient daughter.
"How many parents can boast of having children who support them and stand by them through every trial and tribulation? How many parents can boast of having a child who is always respectful and at her age, Rika was still obedient to her parents?" she asked.
To Arti, she was like a little friend, singing, dancing and being silly with her. Rika worked very, very hard and ensured her daughter was well provided for and had the luxuries she did not enjoy as a child.
"Rika was the life of the party, wherever she went, she will instantly liven up the place and bring a smile to everyone's face. She was a fun-loving, cheerful person and nothing could damper her spirit.
"No matter what difficulty she would be experiencing, her smile would never betray her emotion," Surujlal added.Bhim's boss, Gita Persad, also spoke of her commitment to work, saying she was "a decent, loyal and honest young lady," who always maintained a cool and calm disposition.
"Her quiet and simple disposition endeared to all who she came into contact with. She displayed a high level of respect to her seniors and we also liaised with her on a daily basis. She never complained of any task given to her.
"It would be very difficult to find someone to fit her shoes. We pray that God grant her parents and siblings courage and strength during this time. May her baby recover soon and we pray that her soul finds peace," Persad said.
It was at that same job that Bhim met Ramkhalawan's mother, a meeting that led to the ill-fated relationship with Ramkhalawan. Although it was the same workplace that she got a job for Ramkhalawan, she also suffered a beating there at his hands.
Arti update
Arti remains warded in the stable condition at the San Fernando General Hospital, recovering from wounds on her face, neck and hands.On her birthday today, relatives said she is expected to undergo a dye test to see if there are any punctures to the throat. Once released, she will be cared for by her maternal grandparents, uncles and aunts.