Separated for 40 years, brothers reunite; die hours apart six months later

Kozhikode: After four decades apart, two brothers finally reunited, only to die within hours of each other just six months after meeting again.

The brothers, P.K. Rajan (78) of Karingad, Kavilumpara panchayat, and Ibrahim (82) of Thaliparamba, had been separated for nearly 40 years.

Ibrahim, who was known as Narayanan earlier, had left his hometown when he was young and eventually settled in Thaliparamba. For Rajan, the long wait for his elder brother ended about six months ago when a call came to his son Shaith's phone. Ibrahim's children had called with a strong desire to reunite with their uncle.
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Rajan had initially been upset with his brother for disappearing from his life. But his affection for his brother gradually brought the families closer, and Rajan travelled to meet Ibrahim in Thaliparamba.

The brothers embraced, shared stories and revisited memories, putting the pain and distance of the past behind them. Their families also grew close during the reunion.

Soon, however, Rajan began experiencing age-related health problems. The brothers stayed in touch through video calls and other means, continuing to share their affection even as they both faced health issues and were admitted to hospital.

Ibrahim died around 12.30 am on Sunday. While Rajan's family was travelling to Thaliparamba after learning of his death, they received another devastating message- Rajan had also died.
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The family had set out without telling Rajan about his elder brother's death. Rajan died at around 6 am on Monday.

After waiting four decades to meet again, the brothers' final journey came just hours apart, leaving behind a lifetime of stories and memories.