Madhu&Deepak Ahuja

“We first met Madhu and Deepak when Ashna joined Hockaday in 5th grade and became friends with Meghna, our daughter. Soon the girls developed a deep friendship and were inseparable. Then Shreya and Nikhil, our son, both attended Duke University so our families became even closer. Together we have shared many fond memories like havans, Diwali parties, graduation parties, milestone birthdays, weddings, and numerous other special occasions. Madhu and Deepak will forever remain in our hearts. We will always remember their friendship, kindness, calm demeanor, contagious smiles, and the laughter we shared. We will miss both of you tremendously but your legacy will continue to live through your strong and beautiful daughters. With love, Kanika & Vinay Jain”

“I have known Deepak since 1983 - he was my classmate at BIT. And we have known Madhu since she got married to Deepak - in summer of 1993, a few months before us. There is not enough space here to write all I want to write. But dear Shreya and Ashna - here are a couple of fun things about Deepak and I. Whenever we had any sort of an argument - which was pretty much every time we met - I would end it with "you goddamn Sindhi", and his retort was - "Racist!". That went on forever. And when your Mom heard it for the first time - when I had gone to visit them in Dallas after their wedding - she was upset for about a second when both Deepak and I reminded her that I was a Sindhi as well. Another thing with Deepak that was literally painful for me - every single time we were in the same place together, he would sneak up on me from behind and smack me on my back with his cupped right hand, with all the force he could muster. I could have been anywhere in the world - if I got that hit on my back, I didn't have to even look to see who it was. I knew it was Deepak. And boy, did that hurt! Today, I would give anything - to feel that "pain' again. Not sure if I told you about his absolutely hideous, short-sleeved, red t-shirt that he wouldn't quit wearing in BIT. We all teased him about it, but you know him - he didn't care one bit. "Embarrassment" was a word that never truly entered his lexicon. Madhu - Maddu to me - was the best thing to ever happen to him. As full of life as Deepak, as full of laughter, as full of kindness - they were made for each other. She lit up the room when she walked in. I know this is something people always say, but this was so true for Maddu. Oh, and as headstrong as Deepak! And yet, they worked beautifully together. They raised two amazing kids, and I think that is their biggest legacy. We see them both right now as I type this. They are laughing - probably at me for having to reveal my true feelings towards them (and especially towards Deepak) in public. I'd rather though have him here and argue with me. Shreya and Ashna baccha - your parents had a huge impact (and as I said before, in some instances - literally!) on everyone they met. What can I say - they led a good life, they raised a good family, they were loving and principled and hard-working and kind. What more does anyone want out of life, right? We hope this gives you some consolation. We hope this actually gives you joy. All of us are mortal, and yet some among us shine a light so bright that the glow never ever leaves us. Let us bask in that glow. Let us celebrate them. To our buddies, Deepak and Maddu - see you later guys! We love you!”

“I met Madhu in 1996 when we were both freshman associates at Pricewaterhouse. We sat in neighboring cubicles and shared many laughs and dramatic moments as we navigated the early trials of our respective careers. Madhu and Deepak were a beautiful, loving couple, who brought Shreya and Ashna up with such care and devotion. It is such a loss for so many that they are gone from this world. Too soon.”

“Dear Deepak and Madhu, our friendship took shape when Shreya and Maya started 5th grade. Our daughters share a very special bond to this day. We have so many memories together at Hockaday and then Duke. Whenever we got together we always picked up where we had left off as if the time in between just melted away. Both of you were always warm and genuine and we enjoyed our times together. Both Amar and I will miss you two very much though our friendship will live on through our daughters.”

“I met Deepak and Madhu through common friends. I was working on a project with Deepak and his friends and partners. He was a perfect gentleman, also polite and respectful. I met Madhu twice, and she was elegant and charming. She ordered us amazing food one day during one of our meetings. The pandemic happened, and then we moved. There was an evolving friendship that did not make it beyond due to our move, but Deepak always sent me LinkedIn messages year after year. I am deeply saddened by their loss. Shreya and Aashna, I have followed every video and message of yours on social media, and I was at the memorial on Saturday. I wanted to come and say hello, but there were a lot of people. You guys have made your parents very proud, and your respectful and thoughtful farewell to them was so touching. I will keep you guys in my prayers and hope that with time you will slowly but surely heal and continue their proud legacy. God bless and stay well. Your parents will always be with you in everything you do. Will miss these special people.”

“In Loving Memory of Deepak and Madhu......❤️ When I look back at my earliest days in Dallas, Deepak and Madhu are right at the heart of those memories. I met Deepak, in Dallas, in the early 90s while visiting Veni di and Prabhat jija during summer break from college. We hit it off right away. Deepak was still a bachelor then, full of life and boundless energy. We played racquetball quite often, and I remember whenever he drove, he had motivational speakers playing on the radio. His positive energy was infectious, and you just couldn't be around him without feeling uplifted. In 1993, Madhu came into his life and brought even more warmth with her. Back then, I used to spend hours at the UTD library doing research during my summer visits while Madhu was a student there. Finding Madhu was always easy. She had the longest, most beautiful hair in the whole building and was always quietly and diligently focused on her studies. I moved to Dallas for my first job in 1994, and later got married to Bindiya in 1998. Through all those life changes, Deepak and Madhu were constant, welcoming anchors for Bindiya and me. By the time we got married, Shreya was two years old. We still remember her up on stage at a Diwali party singing a song while Deepak and Madhu gently cheered her on to help her get past her stage fright. A couple of years after that, Aashna was born, and their family was complete. Family and faith were central to everything they did. Every single year, without fail, they held a havan at home for Shreya and Aashna's birthdays. It showed exactly who they were as parents, raising their daughters with love, prayer, and good intentions. That spiritual foundation stayed with them throughout their lives. Life was a journey they approached with pure hearts. What Bindiya and I will always remember most about Deepak and Madhu is their constant warmth and gentle nature. They were always smiling and welcoming to everyone. In all the years we knew them, we never saw either of them frown. They brought so much joy into our lives, and Bindiya and I will cherish those memories forever.”

“Dearest Madhu, you were more than a friend; you were a steady light in my darkest hour, showing up with quiet grace and a loving heart when I needed it most. I will miss you always, but your kindness stays with me forever! Deepak and Madhu you will be truly missed!”

“Madhu was one of the kindest people I knew. While it was our daughters who brought us together, I am so grateful for the friendship we shared. Sending so much love to the Ahuja family.”

“Dear Madhu and Deepak, Thank you for your genuine love and kindness and friendship. We love you both beyond words. We promise Shreya, Aashi, Akash and Caleb will also be our children and family.”

“We love you Deepak and Madhu. Prayers for Shreya, Ashna and Akash. Lots of blessings and love”