Kids' demise hits locality hard

"We played together just a day before yesterday," recalls a shaken 12-year-old Aehram Sayyed (12), while talking about about Huzef (8), Hani, (8), Aliza (4) and Tubba (5), who died in the Andheri fire on Thursday.

Halina Sheikh (12), another neighbour, said, "Playing ghar ghar was one of our favourite games. We would also play hide and seek and enjoyed getting wet in the rains." Remembering her friends, Halina added, "We had played with them for the last so many years."

Remembering the little ones, a neighbour said, "Those beautiful kids could often be seen playing on the road till late in the night. Their little games, their voices still echo in my ears."

Huma Sheikh, who had taught these kids earlier, said "They were extremely bright. Not a grade below 'A'. They were jovial and disciplined, too. Not only with studies, they were brilliant in extra-curricular activities as well, especially Aliza, who was a good dancer."

Noorjahan Shaikh, a relative, said, "Huzef was a class topper. The kids were adored by the entire locality. They adhered to their traditions and respected elders."