~ 24 Hours to Live ~

Someone asked me the other day in a casual mood “What would you do if someone tells you that You have only one day or 24 hours to live? What is the best you can do and how would you take this news in your life?”

Seems interesting! - this is a point none of us have thought in our minds as almost all of us are busy in our day-to-day struggles and aspirations that if in reality this happens what are our final plans – or do we really have any plan left to execute of life for ourselves? In all probability the answer would be “NO” – no one has thought what if tomorrow you die – what is that you need to accomplish in life on last day on this planet. 

We have not been raised to think differently – but in cacophony of societal thoughts – get raised, get settled , marry, have kids, settle them and then call it quits – that is the circle of life which almost everyone lives and creates memories of.

Coming back to the question, I answered, “I want to just go to the hills and meditate – think retrospectively what wrong that I did or what I could have done better – and alas! – thank the almighty about this beautiful life which was given to me with all its situations and scenarios to tread.”

As I continued, I spoke “I have no qualms of not getting what others got as I dully know there were many people much better deserving than me who didn’t get what I got. – so as obedient servant of the almighty, I want to sincerely thank HIM for what path he chooses for me.! – Yes, as I faltered many a time and could have done much better in some situations, but stumbled – I heartfully say “Sorry” – may be next time.” 

As according to me, this is the best I could have asked while I depart from this earthly life – full of balancing acts – and false ego and aspirations. If you sit down and ponder at this question. 

You will more or less come up with your own answers but with a basic sense of similarity – that many of us want to rectify things which we could have done better and that we could have taken up situation which we sidelined – the opportunities – the friends you are no more in touch with – or for that matter married your girlfriend which you could not.

Today contemplate on this imitable question – what is the last day on this planet would be like – what you want to do , what you want to thank for or for that matter what you regret or want to say sorry for…. Everyone of us must be having some hidden desires or aspirations which we wanted to fulfil but now by virtue of this question “Your time is Up!” – you must be confronted with limited set of answers – so ponder and come up with an Earnest desire and answer this question to yourself – “What if you have only 24 hours left to live?” – Think well!!!

~ Be Ordinary...~

Your Best achievements will fade away one day and turn out to be a sham – no one would remember what effort you exerted to achieve your life’s aim, call it folly or beauty of time – but this is the way it is. Just go back to your past and you will recognize that once the best love or achievement of your life – something which you earnestly wanted in your life and you got it too , has not much importance – not that it is not relevant but it is just not worth it anymore with stamp of time – though it would have been a stepping stone in your life or career but still you somewhat not like talking or even remembering about it. 

People’s memory is short lived, when you are on a pedestal all the goodies would be showered on you – you make the best of the friends – though internally many will envy you 😊 – but overall, you are on seven skies… It here that the ‘trick’ starts and all those airy feelings will seep inside you and would start to give you a feel that all this melodrama will be always there for you and things and situations will behave the way you want them to…. Utterly wrong! –

Be whatever you achieve or leave when you are far gone from this world, People will forget you – it is general human tendency. If I were to ask you some questions, in all probability, you wont be able to answer them all – another strong possibility is that you may not even be interested in answering these questions – but think of the man, the moment which had happened in the past which got recorded in history and formed this question – how much of an effort and sweat must have gone for a particular achievement which leads us all to talk about the situation or a person who did this wonderful achievement. 

If I were to ask you to name the last 5 people who won the Noble Prize or Name the last 5 Miss Universe or Who was the first one to win a 100 m Olympic medal in the world! – Most of us would not be able to answer or ‘Remember’ the names – the point is ‘Applause Dies with time’ and awards are not remembered no one is interested in remembering the headlines of far-off yesterdays! 

Alternatively, if I were to ask you that Name your Math's teacher who taught you the subject in all simplicity or Name your first Boyfriend / Girlfriend who made you feel special or for that matter Name the friend who always have been beside you in times of need – In all probability , you would would have remembered the names of all of them!

Thus the learning which comes from life’s episode is that the people who you always tend to remember may not be Millionaires or with much money or awards or achievements but humble simpletons who have been carrying on with you in your ups and downs and in your journey of life – Life is full of such ordinary people who have been beside you in your rough tide and have made the world a better place for you – Sometimes being Ordinary is a great Blessing… Cherish your ordinary friends and Parents, brothers and sisters and many such souls around you who make you special everyday with each and every nitty gritty of life – hold them tight and see for yourself what life does to you!!!

~ Hari - as the Name So Suggest...~

 There are certain moments in life when you meet ‘Special ‘souls who are truly different – in each aspect they show their grace and their aura to mesmerize your persona. – In a recent trip to the hilly region of Mt Abu., I was fortunate to meet one such fellow – named ‘Hari’ a truly blessed and contended soul , always accepting you with an open smile.

He was no CEO or a big businessman or a boisterous corporate honcho but a small-time waiter / facilitator filled with true gratification towards his contemporaries and life – he had no qualms being doing a job many of us will filth doing, but there he was, truly satisfied and in restful stance of life – no running, no hush in doing things. 

As I met him for the first time, I was naturally attracted to his calmness – so will you! – he came to us on the table to take the order for lunch and very politely asked “ Sir, What would you like to have in lunch today?” – the subtleness in his voice was full of calm – his gentle smile added much demeanor to his personality – as I asked him to come after some time as we were in no mood to order our food, he was cool and said ‘OK sir, let me know when you have made up your mind to have finest of our cuisines!”.

I wondered, how can a man as serving us know the skills of serving, almost certain that I was, he must not be much educated or have attained a degree for hospitality or hotel management, yet his etiquettes were spot on – he had truly impressed all of us on the table within 120 seconds of intermittent conversation – how can he do that – but the fact was “he already had done so and had won our hearts 😊!

After some time we called him to take the order, which he did , not before explaining the cuisine jargons most of the hotels write on the menu – more than that a common customer like me in all likelihood bypasses all the complexities of menu items and order plain food comprehensible and easy to order – but as Hari’ made it look like so simple, he explained the preparation of every dish were interested to taste – Rajasthan is famous for its Maharaja Cuisine as so I am not shy in stating the prestige we were having to order the best of the lunches of a lifetime – till now! 😊

Soon the lunch was served and to everyone’s surprise, it looked sumptuous and have it all – Hari stood by our side from time to time and always kept on asking if anything else was indeed needed.

After we satiated our desire, it was time to leave the table, not before having a brief conversation with a gentle soul, who still was smiling and standing to say a final adieu for the day – his duty was getting over and it was time for him to go – as he stated himself, “ I live in the hotel premises and study after doing this duty, I am a Nepali and was born here and am doing my graduation in Arts!”

I congratulated him for what he had made himself and also inquisitively enquired as to how he is so comatose in todays ruptured world? The answer stupefied me “ Sir, I love my parents and want to stay with them and serve them, being the only child , it is my duty to help them, now that they are getting old and cant work to earn – I cant go outside this place to search for greener pastures – here I am not saying that I am not aspirational, but my Karma is here and I long for doing great things in future in this place – Mt Abu!. May be one day I might own a hotel or a restaurant of my own , life is full of surprises – but in this journey what God has given me – My parents , I am very thankful to him!”

His one-minute sentence flashed the gist of life in front of me – we all were freezed…a this tender age, the man had acknowledged the meaning of life and its living!

As we parted ways, it was time to say bye for the day, not before a great ‘Handshake’ with this gentle soul, who far away in hinterland of mountains was living in ‘Peace and composure’ , away from the chaotic world of false aspirations and achievements .

I could not meet Hari the next day as we had to board early for our return to our place, though these beautiful memories and his smiling face and composure would always be a part of my remembrance and learning, until I make a plan to visit him again.

Truly though, his name "HARI' is what his composure is all about - after all he is a living embodiment of God in a gist Soul...though calm quite unlike most of us!!!

 

 

~ My Friend’s Oscar! ~

Mornings are no good now a days, with scorching heat and sweat engulfing you through out the day, summers in Delhi have actually made a knock! But we, the souls are equally defiant and cling to our daily routine which includes our regular and timely attendance in out neighbourhood park – many of us are early risers and be it winters or summers, we hit most pricey ‘Asset’ which DDA has built for us!

Today’s conversation was quite unique as we transgressed towards topic of ‘Pet and Animal Love’ – Canines being the most adorable and sought after pets in our domestic households in India, the topic revolved around them – My friend ‘Rajeev’ has one such accomplice who is always awake ‘night and day’ as per his master’s (Rajeev’s) observation …the Doggie loves to be addressed as ‘Oscar’ – he is such a lovely dog and is always wagging his tale to all and sundry – be it strangers or his regular visitors…Oscar is at his happiest best! 😊

Rajeevji’s love for pets and other animals is incredible – be it other wild street dogs loitering around or birds , squirrels , he loves them all – infact many of our peers and group members share a common notion – “ Animals are equal owners of our planet!” 

Dogs being special are a real true friend of their owners, they share their emotions, happiness, melancholy and all other feelings , for they get to know the true nature of their master as they newly arrive in their new home – Rajeevji shares many of his life’s instances when Oscar has been his best listening partner – through the thick and thin and ups and downs of his life , Oscar has been a patient listener – A gentle hug from him instantly changes the mood and he is the motivation for me to be in the park on prescribed time – his barks and howling at different pitches quickly makes one understand what he wants …. Truly, Canine love is therapeutic!

There have been many examples of big shot people who have shared their genuine love for animals, especially Dogs! – one such gentleman is Shri Ratan Tata – his love for canines has been admirable – quite often , we keep on hearing about many precedence’s where he has had a key involvement in pushing forward to safeguard animals rights and working with many NGO’s – a brilliant case being “ the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai which has its own Canine Companion!” – the canine in talk is a street dog born in vicinity and has been a part of the Mega Hotel ever since, and loiter around in lobbies and in and around the hotel  - Mr Tata has especially advised his staff to NOT harass any animal including him , showcasing his humane side ( which he always has!) !  

Ponder, a ultra five star hotel property having street dogs roaming in its lobbies – Sounds weird – the business impact could be phenomenal as The Taj Mumbai hosts and welcomes keynote dignitaries , political personalities, Big Businessmen and of course Film stars … It is the intrinsic love and nature of any Animal lover whose first priority would be to love the being , be it a pet or otherwise…that is what love and care signifies, it forms your character and your shapes your personality as you live…

As we talked today, I could echo and sense the same feeling what My Friend Rajeev, Mr Tata and myself would be feeling for any canine love we all have…!!!

~ Damn, Its All Marks ~

 Is it really a bad world out there? Or it is making of our own thoughts? Expectations and aspirations of young ones are bothering them and they are feeling the burn for the quagmire they have in.

Just yest, I had privilege of talk with young ones, - adolescents and young blood brimming with life’s target’s – the class 12^th and 10^th results were out and they had come with expected eyes to see the marks which they has aimed for – many of them had hit a bullseye and had made their parents proud.

I could see the tears of happiness, all the toil and hard work the parents and teachers and students all combined had done to get the scorecard but this came out just as a beginning… a beginning of a new life and a new struggle – now what ..school is overand it is time to enroll for a ‘job oriented’ course – the primary desire of every student!  Is it really a bad world out there? Or it is making of our own thoughts? Expectations and aspirations of young ones are bothering them and they are feeling the burn for the quagmire they have in.

Just yest, I had privilege of talk with young ones, - adolescents and young blood brimming with life’s target’s – the class 12^th and 10^th results were out and they had come with expected eyes to see the marks which they has aimed for – many of them had hit a bullseye and had made their parents proud – I could see the tears of happiness, all the toil and hard work the parents and teachers and students all combined had done to get the scorecard but this came out just as a beginning… a beginning of a new life and a new struggle – now what ..school is over and it is time to enrol for a ‘job oriented’ course – the primary desire of every student!

As every year tagline that ‘Girls have outshined boys in this years 12^th and 10^th board results’ , and the overall pass %age of 87 was termed a little less for more than a million students who took the exams, there were many somber faces too – those unlucky ones I would say , who did not get the desired marks as per their toil and expectation – suddenly, life was changed and didn’t look like the same again – every question asked about the marks scored felt like deliberate taunt!

For me , this was a just a stepping stone, yes – marks give you a sense of confidence for sure, but at the same time also a sense of override sometimes as I could gauge with some students…. The ‘other’ ones who were not termed as toppers looked timid in their approach – suddenly, best friend was not the ‘Best’ anymore and had turned foes for some reason!

Talking to the some of the mediocre students, I wanted to be my witty best as I didn’t wanted to point out the just arrived ‘failure’ for these poor souls…there were zillion such examples given by me to push up their morale , as I continued  “Life for everyone is different – with different scenarios to tackle and different impediments to conquer – today if you feel you are successful, there would be many other days when you will be termed a ‘failure’ – take it in your stride guys.

Average students have also done remarkably well – so, put your chin up and face the world with same aplomb – you are unique and will have your own accomplishments in life as it unfolds day after day – some decades from now you will realize these lessons – there is nothing final and everything is temporary and bound to change….” – these words did make them smile to some extent but they need to live life to observe these teachings… after all we were also given such life lessons from our elders and they came to be so true to their thought!

~ "W"ealth or "H"ealth ~

What you think of a man, all in his mid-forties – a friend of yours who is all well and has been exercising regularly and is a teetotaler but still falls prey to minimal health due to a sudden Stroke that paralysis his left arm – to no avail, does exercise or timely medical help expediate his recovery. His chase for getting a respectful position in his professional pursuits made him fall into the situation he is in now – less sleep and more stress and overthinking to achieve the unimaginable, the neglect of his own being caused him much trouble. 

This is the nth number of health deterioration case that has come to my knowledge – cases have drastically increased, I have seen people with good health conditions falling prey to cardiac arrests, contacting sugar and BP and suddenly have lost weight and charm of their face!

Why is this happening, as I ask myself? What is causing this mischief? There was a time when hitting sweet 70th year of your living was termed as a life long lived, but not now – talk to anyone and ask him “How much years do you thing that you would survive in best of your health?”, the most common answer would be a firm “Don’t know!” , or in some cases many have answered “ Wont cross 60!” – this is actually a harsh reality in today’s living. Youngsters have compromised in their health, overstretching to insane working hours, coupled with high Adrenaline night life, boozes and drugs – these are all new age fashionista, which one needs to ingrain in his young life or he / she be left out and termed old fashioned. 

Rest there are working donkeys in corporate life chasing insane dreams and pay-cheques – not to understand that they would not live and see the day when they actually have fat bank balances – either their kids or their siblings would be “Enjoying” the fruits of your toil – not even shedding  tear or keeping you in their thoughts! – that is indeed the harsh reality of relationships and todays living – everyone needs a high life and is ready to be sacrificing his/her health to achieve a mark for themselves , thinking so that it will make the world fall under their feet – how misjudged they are! 

Ask simplest of the questions to your own self –“How much time you give to yourself?”, “ How much rest/sleep you give to your body?”, “How much you laugh and share your emotions with your family and friends?”, “How much You exercise in any form?” and “How much time you spend with your family daily!”– these are life-rudimentary questions and everyone knows them for sure, but no one is perfect in answering them – We all have our own excuses!

I always chant “Take a halt, refresh yourself, do things that you love, its not a rat race that needs to be won by You!” – my friend is slowly coming with terms when he almost kissed death – recuperating those days in hospital, he realized what his actual worth is – all the effort that he has been doing for his family and his own esteem would be a zilch when he would get to know that he is no more – all his ‘Achievements’ and his false ‘Ego’ he has been living with, would provide no succour! Now that damage is done, he has started to accept his fact learnt thought hard way – Many of us would not be so lucky to survive the pressure and stress of everyday life – the ‘moment’ may arrive anytime – but this would be of our own making, the choice would be ours what we want and at what cost “Health” or “Wealth”...

~ My Morning Friends...~

 There is so much life around, living just near you, with silence, having its own intelligence, may be much greater than you – If you have sat down and have put your intellectual arrogance aside, you will find the vast flora and fauna talking to you in their own sense – problem being, we don’t catch their signals of understanding.

Squirrels, dogs, birds, ants, insects ..all live in unison, though predatory in nature , they ensemble a unique diversity bestowing us with their remarkable grace ...they paint the flora and fauna with their presence, the chirping, howling, and what all noises...they certainly observe you and somewhat know you as a regular "visitor" in their life and vicinity...

Off late, I have made some good friends in my neighborhood park which is full of variety of tidbit animals replete with life – they have their own timelines, when to make noise, when to sleep and vanish from scene and when to reappear - they certainly follow the holistic timeclock and are living and behaving in tandem with sunrise and sunset – that is what you call universal intelligence which is spread all across in every sphere of life.

As a daily practice to feed them, now that they know me, they eagerly await for my presence under certain pickets where they reside – I couldn’t believe myself when i saw them appearing out of nowhere whey I approached with a bottle of water to be fed in their mud bowls and also the food which they so sumptuously cherish – unlike we humans, they have no tantrums in eating and relish almost everything which is put in the bowl – they certainly know the importance of every bit of food and are aware of the concept of no wastage.

The time spent with them is extraordinaire, the peace and tranquility you get to connect with them cannot be jotted down in words – making friends with them and earning their faith was indeed an arduous task, earlier they used to cling on to the upper echelons of trees well beyond your reach and in obscurity but now with passage of considerable amount of time, they stepped down and though with a distance, they observed me with a rant.

Surely, nature has its own intelligence, with limited sphere of influence and a restricted mind as compared to us, these small friends of mine surely bestow me with their love and grace everyday by their benign presence, they wait, make noises as if they are saying a “Hello” or a “Good Morning” , they wag their tail to show their love and acceptance towards me – now that they are not afraid of my presence in their vicinity, they like to roam around freely but also aware of other predators such as dogs, cats who stoop on them as they get a chance – its all happening there – the execution of food chain, universe happens without your intervention – My Mornings turn out to be blessings when I go and meet them every dawn.

Thanks my friends, as I write about you as you come to my mind during the day and also in the dead of night , eagerly awaiting the next morning meeting with all of you – surely we share the same mutual feelings, not before me deciding what to feed them the next day – the preparation thus begins, until I meet them tomorrow again with the same zeal of life and effervescence…

~ Fear of GOD...~

 India is a diverse land with brimming with different cultures and attitudes and varied way of life’s – All of us have different faith systems and beliefs – the only commonality I could vouch on is “Faith” and “ Fear” – None has seen GOD but he is ultimately there, all pervading the universe and the landscape we all live in – we cannot entirely deny his presence with absolute truth but can surely believe that he is just there who created all of the living and inanimate things for us to live and enjoy life…

Recently, I came across a man roaming around in street, quite ordinarily dressed – the one which many of you must have seen especially on a Saturday seeking alms for your benefit – as you pay your humble obeisance to “Shani” Bhagwan” [ Lord Shani] and seek his mercy – for sure, he is the much-feared demigod and no one wants to face his ire.

Every Saturday, one finds serpentine queues of people holding all the paraphernalia to oblige “Shani Bhagwan” [ Lord Shani] as a mark of respect and seek his blessings and ofcourse his mercy from his ire…It certainly is a weekly ritual and I know set of people who have been doing since ages and now that it has become their routine…

As he approached me to pay the “Shanivariya” [As we call him, a pseudonym for the man who collects alms on name of Lord Shani”], he was  prompt to move forward his tumbler filled with oil with immersed coins – as I paid him my share, he smiled and was about to turn around to move to other devotees – I was quick to break the conversation open to him – as I meekly asked him a question that came to my mind “ Kab se kyeh kaam kar rahe ho?” [ Since when have you been doing this?] – he was quick in his reply as he had strict timelines to gather day’s kitty – “2 Saal hog aye, pehle papa kartey they” [ since two years, as my father earlier used to do it!”] , seems to be a business to me, as I thought internally. 

My conviction became resolute with each passing second – we all fear God, and have been groomed to obey to his rules and regulations – and seek mercy if we have done anything awkward or against the rules. “Aapka Naam kya hai”, as I asked futher, he replied with same zeal “ Shri Pawan Prasad!” –“Log Darr ki wajah se dete honge aapko daan!” – [ People must fear Lord Shani and give you alms!”] – he sheepishly smiled and replied “ Nahi toh! – unko Shani Bhawgan pe vishwas hai and unse muradein maangtey hain…bahut shaktishali hain Shani Bhagwan.” [ No, people believe in Lord Shani and thus seek his blessings!] –  with all his answers and explanations, he was making my belief with every passing minute…

As he walked away in a hush- hush , his aim being to maximise his collection, he was not much interested in any further conversation, observing so I said “Jai Shani Dev!” and seek God’s blessings – don’t know if I did it out of fear or as a mark of true reverence…

~Life's twist and turns...~

 In my pursuit to meet maximum number of souls visiting planet earth and talking with them, knowing them has been a great quest – all have different vagaries of life and are trapped in different situations, scenarios and trying to achieve something different. 

Many of them I have met have intrigued me because they have simply chosen to tread the path to unearth the world’s greatest mystery “GOD. The Unknown”, and in doing so they have achieved some remarkable feats – some have walked miles barefoot and have done endless “Naam -Jaapa” , for others paying obeisance to “HIM” every day for hours, meditating in his endless form has been a feat in itself. 

People call them mendicants and call them other names, but in a recent chance meeting with a retired school teacher, my percept got entirely changed – how can a well learned school teacher, who has been in such a noble profession changed his mind to seek alms and start his pursuit to search GOD …what stance made him change his comfortable retired life – with no financial or family liabilities, he took this path on his own as he was contemplating it for quite some time after sudden death of his wife and son in a freak car accident!

I met Ravi Prasad ji as I got his name in due course of my conversation with him – he was just walking down the street at a religious congregation that I had gone to - his style of asking for alms was different as he was not forcing himself or insisting too much to give him – he just stood outside the tent and was a keen observer – his robes and sport shoes intrigued me as he had a ‘semi -mendicant’ look and that he somewhat studious and from the material life and had not been a renunciate earlier.

All these questions encouraged a strong inquisition in me and I was quick to approach him to have a conversation with him – I invited him in but was not successful and he was desisting in going in but was happy just standing outside – As I enquired about his antecedents , he was frank in answering my questions – he as a retired professor of psychology in one of colleges in Ranchi, Bihar and had ‘Quit’ public life after a devastation in his life – Now in search of the almighty to find the “Why” , he had a sense of anger but pacification at the same time – but his quest grew bigger and bigger when he saw big congregation of people clasping to their individual faiths – some dancing, some kneeling down while others just sitting and in contemplation – he had choosen an altogether different but tedious path to renunciation or to be more close to GOD. 

As I asked him the trigger point of his renunciation the world and leaving all behind and walking an unknown and difficult path, he was clear for his quest was genuine and had to be quenched before he call it quits form this worldly existence – he had gained knowledge but still considered himself to be a novice in this path of spirituality – a tragedy had changed Ravi Prasadji as he lost his loving wife and his only Son who was adolescent to a car accident – his only question to the grand design was “Why ME?”…quite unexpectedly, life had changed gears in a quick succession and with no contemplation or preparation, he was left alone in this world …totally shattered …. This lead to his taking a bold decision to take to this path…he had donated his house in Bihar to a NGO and had almost nothing left to himself..

AS he told me “For Whom should I save or keep? ..I have no family left…It is me and myself… My needs and wants are almost none…miniscule to live on paltry sum everyday on people’s donation of little money or food… I am done with my material life ..now it is the quest for spirituality and to find answers to the most intricate of questions about our living…!”

I was mum and was in observance of this man whose life was a real example of what life can bring forth as we live… All our plans and accomplishments can be at set to nadir if situation changes overnight…no zeal to aspire for big things… and do this and that…

As I prostrated before him and he game me his “Ashirwad”, I moved on …filled till the brim with alternative thoughts of life…are these signs for me to ponder about life… surely they are … a serious contemplation took over and I went inside of myself…engrossed in my own living and my thoughts…What can life be like sometime, with all of its twists and turns… anything can happen anytime, sure meeting Ravi Prasadji is a repeated eyeopener for me as I knew beforehand…what life can offer the next second…

~ Life & Death...~

 “Ah! It’s a Girl…” the vehemence on the doctor’s face was as ecstatic as it seems to be – a new soul had just arrived in the family and everyone was elated and anxious to see and have a glimpse of the new “Guest” – My Friend Rohit was in tears, he could not believe that he had just become a father to a Girl child and now he

Rohit has always been a spiritually inclined soul and closely observes the happening in and around life… “See Sanjeev, as I have always believed…the greatest magic of life is Life and Death…Souls are coming in this material world (“Mrityu Lok” as we call in Hinduism) and so are they departing when their journey is over and they have done their Karmas… 

I have been blessed with this soul for whom I would just be a custodian and nothing else…We think we are the owners of our children. This is grossly wrong percept..” – the depth of these thoughts were quite palpable as my friend was in a different tangent …actually a great miracle has had happened in his life…coz just a few months before his daughter was to be born, he lost his Dad to a fatal disease…He couldn’t stop his exit from this world despite his best of the efforts and spending a fortune…

Surely, Rohit had a point for ponderance, we are living everyday with a thought that today is not our day and that someone else will exit this world and die his/her death …What makes you so confident? Is it the empirical living that you have been getting awake every morning to rush to office  or do your daily homely chores … We all have taken ourselves and our lives for granted seemingly ignorant to the fact that one day “Death” would arrive at your footstep and no one in existence can stop or alter it! 

Same is with Birth, the soul which is bound to be born, be it in any form, plant, animal, humans, insects, microcosm and what not would be born at an appropriate time, you can not stop it to germinate either…. So between these two “Mega Events” of one’s life, what is it that we need to do ?

This is again a complex question to answer as many of us have different perception regarding this thought – some fall back on purposeful Karmic Dharma ( do your deeds and fulfil your Karma as mentioned in Bhagwat Gita) or many of us just wander around and give ourself in hands of destiny without giving a simple thought to free will….the percept being…whatever is written would happen… we didn’t choose where we were to be born and we will never know where we would die….

 To some extent, this school of thought has some depth but the concept of free will is also enumerated in the Bhagwat Gita ..where Lord Krishna vehemently delivers his sermon as “ You should always perform your Karma as you cannot escape this worldly existence / Maya created by me without sitting idle…But don’t expect the fruits of your doings in accordance to your liking… “

Another moment of elation was soon to come in Rohit’s life when the Nurse called us in and handed over the newly born in his hands …he could see the “Miracle” in front of his eyes in flesh and blood, the little one blushingly smiling as if she knew her father beforehand…

 I being the looker, the feeling was filled with emotions…here I was a witness to a father and Daughter’s first meeting in this material world…. As I thought, Rohit has rightly observed the working of this world….Somebody is leaving with a heavy heart…Someone is coming with a blissful smile….the Miracle will go on for ever…!!!

~ Meeting with a Porter...~

 He came and stopped by abruptly without a knack and gentle asked “Pithoo?” – with no shame and eager for work, his smile as he spoke these words made all the difference….His age with salt and pepper look showcased his predicament to be a hard task master though he had still taken his situation with a pinch of salt.

As I turned around and said in affirmation, he grimaced and started to untie the robes around his waist – the sole purpose was to tie a punch of suitcases and bags which were part of our travelling kit. It was mundane task for him as he slowly and meticulously arranged all the bags in his trolly and started to try the knot with a soul purpose of not loosening every bit and thereby avoid falling.

But behold! He didn’t negotiate at all “as one of my friends gently whispered in my ear – “How much has he asked for this service?”. To be frank his gentle presentation and style of marketing himself was taken over by petty business thought – I really didn’t care if he overcharges at all as seeing his age and the amount of sincere effort, he was doing was for everyone to see and understand.

But still as my friend again insisted, “Please negotiate with him first?”, he might overcharge us for all of this!” – I patiently waited and let him do his work with ease – after some time when he was done with his “Packing”. I asked him “Bhaiya kitne loge?” [ Brother, how much you will charge?] – He turned around and laughed and quickly responded “ Bhai, jitne bhi aapka mann kare!” [ Sir, whatever you feel like!]

He was making me his fan with each passing moment – here was a man in his septuagenarian age but with the zeal of life and with almost no greed! – his predicament was too visible and for sure he had earned respect and not much money – As I loosely negotiated with him, to his favour and further asked him his name and that where he lived and since how long he has been working here .

With a smile he politely answered, “ Mera Naam Saiffudin Khan hain” [ My name is Saifuddin Khan and I live in Kashmir and have been working here for last three decades , doing this when I was in mid 30’s].

As As I further enquired about his family and kids and there well being, he was charmed and with a shy smile, he spoke about his 3 sons and 2 daughters who were all settled and living their married lives, he never wanted to be sitting idle and be a burden on their earnings and that he had well tuned body and wanted to work till the very end of his living....

As the deal was jammed, he told us to start moving along with his tugger and efficiently transgressed through narrow streets avoiding heavy traffic and pedestrians – his skill was too efficient and almost unmatched – of course his experience was at display! – Walking through 1-2 kms as we reached our destination, he seemed to be little exhausted but was not complaining – of course his age was overtaking him day by day and the need of earning was the pull of his life – as he unpacked our luggage and cleanly piled up bags just like a professional coolie, the next moment he was expecting his remuneration.

As I paid him what was negotiated, he had broad grin on his face – he looked satisfied as he asked him – why not “ he was simply overpaid” not because of the neatness of work he did but just because of his attitude and persona – as he turned around to say a final goodbye, I invoked him to a final talk.

“Bhaiya, apna cell phone number dete jao, next time aayenge toh aapko fone karenge pakka, hum thodey time par attey rehtey hain yahan par!” [Sir, please can you give me your cell no, we keep on coming here quite often and the next time we are here, we will surely call you!]

He smiled again and the satisfaction on his face was quite evident, he quickly pulled up a card and showed it to me and said “ Aap yeh likh lo, mein pada likha nahi hoon, aap ispe call karlena mein hazir ho jaunga!” [ Please, note down this number, I am not educated, you can call me at this number and I shall be available.] 

As I took the snap of the card, we all said a final goodbye to this beautiful human being – the last line he told all of us was blessing which came direct from his heart “ Beta, Humeinsha Khush Raho!” [Son, Always Be Happy] – I he had made our day …to end with such a positive note, and as we boarded our train back to our dwelling, I kept on seeing his pic on my mobile – surely some souls are never forgotten… I am eagerly waiting for the next meeting with Saifuddin Sir… till then, this small meeting will remain in my conscience for long, next time I meet him, he would be reminded of our last meeting with relevant pics and also his presence on the internet via this blog!!!