``The elderly Lambas have not been able to adjust to a `foreigner' coming into their household. That is the main problem,'' said a former colleague of Raman, on condition of anonymity. ``After Raman's death, initially we tried to convince his parents about the realities of life. But they seem to be adamant in their stand, not to part with the assets of their youngest son,'' he said.

``It is you people, the friends of Raman, who should use your influence and contacts to get the DDCA/BCCI to organise some matches for the benefit of Raman. He had doneso much for Delhi and the country. Will you please do it,'' she almost pleaded, when contacted today through a common friend. ``I have to look after my young kids and I need money,'' she said in a choked voice.

An interior designer by training, Kim is determined to bring up her two children -- six-year-old daughter, Jasmyn, and three-year-old Kamran in India. Currently teaching interior designing in a local institute, she has come out of the trauma of losing her husband by falling back on yoga and spiritualism.

Having played only four Tests and 32 one-day internationals, Raman may not be entitled to any `official' benefit match from the BCCI. ``But we are trying to get some financial help for the family of the deceased. Dialogues are on with BCCI officials,'' said a DDCA official today.

The DDCA official also confirmed that the benevolent fund, due to the late cricketer, would definitely go only to his widow. ``She has only to write to the BCCI to get the amount,'' he said.

Kim Lamba was handed overa cheque for Rs 2.5 lakh at the Kotla in April this year by Pepsi, sponsors of a triangular series. The DDCA, which has since named one of the dressing rooms at the new pavilion after Raman Lamba, presented a cheque of Rs 5 lakh in June this year. The cheque, however, was issued in the name of the minor children with Kim as the custodian. ``Our interest was to see that the children of one of our senior cricketers do not suffer for want of financial help,'' the DDCA official clarified.

Raman Lamba's parents are not willing to talk about their daughter-in-law. Kim seems to rely more on the support from some of Raman's close cricket colleagues. The battle between the conservative elderly Lambas and their `foreign' daughter-in-law continues, the former seeking custody of all their son's assets while the latter seeks "justice and financial help" for her children.