A mother’s last embrace and a daughter’s last breath
In remembrance of Lin Xiu Yue, 41, and Aahana Karthik, 4 months old
How do we even begin?
The portrait of a mother and her daughter, their last.
Her newborn – her first and last family trip.
Four months ago, a new birth was added to a young family of three.
Four months later, tragedy struck, leaving two surviving members, returning home inconsolable.
A family, and their extended families, irrevocably shattered. For this family, time stood still.
Family holidays are reunions in motion, but for Mr Karthik Balasubramanium and 3-year-old Aanya, a holiday, from this moment on, is a harrowing reminder.
No words can describe the joy of a mother at the birth of her own child.
At the same time, no words can describe how a beautiful portrait of a mother and child can break the hearts of so many.
Mdm Lin’s eyes overflow with love and pride in her newborn – to hold, love and cherish.
Her newborn, Aahana, safe in her arms, looked to the camera, looking all dainty.
Aahana was that squishy cutie to her mother and that precious munchkin to her father.
Aahana was a gift; they were now parents for the second time.
Looking at this portrait of Xiu Yue and her daughter, Aahana, is so profoundly sad.
A gentle representation of a mother’s first embrace and her baby’s first breath.
A bond with her child; an unspoken trust in her mother.
But in the same breath, this very same portrait leaves us all reeling in profound anguish.
A presence and an absence - this portrait is so tragically beautiful.
In this grievous silence, it speaks of a mother’s last embrace and an infant’s last breath.
How do we even begin to comprehend the aftermath of this tragic accident that took the lives of a mother and her newborn?
Aahana took her first breath in Xiu Yue’s embrace, and tragically, Xiu Yue took her last breath in her daughter’s.
Grief, inconceivable.
Two days before Chinese New Year will be their funeral. This year, there will be no reunion.
***
Who were involved: A Singaporean family of 4 – Karthik Balasubramanian, 44, Lin Xinyue (deceased), 41, Aanya Karthik, 3, Aahana Karthik (deceased), close to 5 months old
Mr Balasubramanian and Mdm Lin have been married since 2017, and they were classmates.
Mdm Lin and her youngest daughter, Aahana, died in the accident. Mr Balasubramanian and Aanya suffered minor injuries and have since returned to Singapore on Jan 18.
Lin was the oldest of three siblings in her family – “an important pillar of the family who would take the lead in handling family matters”.
She was a primary school mathematics teacher at Nan Chiau Primary School. She was scheduled to return to work on Jan 15.
According to Lin’s youngest sister, Lim Gui Duo, this was the first time that her sister had brought the whole family overseas for a retreat.
What happened: The rented passenger car that Mr Karthik Balasubramanian drove was reportedly turning from a side road into the main road when it collided with a large dump lorry on 10 January 2023.
Place of accident: Kamifurano town, Hokkaido prefecture, Japan
The Straits Times, 12 January 2023
Lianhe Zaobao, 12 January 2023
Why did they travel to Japan: Mdm Lin was on maternity leave after giving birth to Aahana four months ago, and the family took the opportunity to visit Hokkaido
Where is the funeral wake held: Block 724, Jurong West Street 72 (Jan 18 to Jan 20)
At the funeral wake, two caskets were placed side-by-side, and a photograph of Lin holding her daughter close was chosen as the funeral portrait.
Date and time of cremation: 20 January 2023, Mandai Crematorium Hall 03, 1.40p.m.
Aftermath: Mdm Lin’s younger brother, Mr Lim Chun Cheng, said that his family will share the responsibility of bringing up Aanya together with his brother-in-law.
Mr Chan Yew Pang, who is the husband of Gui Duo, hopes that Mr Balasubramanian do not blame himself for this tragic turn of event. The family will be there for him and Aanya.
Mdm Lin’s aged parents are grief-stricken, but they are coping better now.
The Straits Times, 19 January 2023
Top image: Lianhe Zaobao
