It was the morning of Durga Puja MahaNavami. We woke up
quite late as slept around 2AM last night after having a super MahaAshtami. We
wanted to reach Puja Pandal early because the Puja committee starts distributing
the Lunch-Bhog coupon quite early and reaching late meant getting a slot in
last batch at around 4PM. Also, I wanted to participate in the couple games
organized by the puja committee along with SG, which was slotted to start around
11AM.
Being a last minute person, I realized that my saree needs
to be ironed so I sneaked out to the ‘Presswala’ whose shop was nearby while SG
was taking a bath. I knew being a perfect planner he would be damn irritated if
he knows that I went for this at the last minute. So, I rushed in jet-speed to
the shop, got the work done in record time and started almost running to come
back home.
Suddenly, I heard a voice from behind “Aunty, Aunty”. I
turned back and saw a small girl of about 8-9 years along with a smaller boy of
around 3 years age who were calling me. They seem to be kids of some
maids/rickshawpuller who were dressed in their best attire for Navami.
Generally, during Navratri there is a ritual of Kanya Pujan
where people feed small girls on the 8th & 9th
(Ashtami & Navami) day and give them some money. So in those days, you can
find these small girls loitering around and gathering Prasad from various
houses. Anyway, coming back to the scene, I thought these kids must have called
me for asking for money or Prasad. My first reaction was irritation. I was
getting late and wanted to avert the argument with SG.
Still I stopped and said “yes”.
Girl: Aunty would you take us to our home?
Me: How can I?? Where
do you stay?
Girl: We stay in abc area.
Me: So, you have lost the way??
Girl: No No….I know the way but I am scared of crossing that
main road. Can you help us cross that?
Me: Okkk…. (Here I was about to refuse bluntly but suddenly
something from inside held me back)
Me: OK..Come with me. Are you sure you can go to your home
once you are on the other side of road?
Girl: Yes Aunty, I know my way to home.
I took them to the main road helped them to cross it. I
stood there till the time those kids disappeared into their lane. She waved me
before taking the turn. I waved back and again started rushing towards my home.
I felt so good. It was nothing like I had done some great
social-service but a streak of contentment lingered in my heart. I don’t know
what happened to me or what compelled me to say yes to them. I am quite a
non-believer in Puja rituals and also generally try not to promote begging by
giving alms to anybody in traffic signals or near religious institutions. But
here I want to admit that this thought did flash in my mind that GOD may visit
you in different form and test your character. And somewhat, I felt that those
kids were just some heralds of GOD who wanted to check out me. I feel amazed at
this thought of mine as it is quite unlike me. Human mind is so strange &
complicated. It behaves so eccentrically sometimes!
I completely agree with you N that indeed it's a test that God puts us in to check us by landing us in practical situations like the one you were in :)
ReplyDeleteAm so glad you paid heed to your inner voice and helped the kids :)
Waiting for post on the games you played on the day :)
I don't know but the feeling was quite different :-)
DeleteYeah would do a post soon.
The satisfaction after doing a good deed is immense!! What was SG's reaction later?? :)
ReplyDeleteTrue....Arre when I reached home SG was almost ready but somehow very busy on phone, and he went early to get the coupons and giving me ample time to drape that saree :-D
DeleteI totally agree with you N. Sometimes small deeds like these gives you a lot of satisfaction than anything else.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a blast during this Navarathri.:)Where are the pics?
Yeah had a lovely Dusshera...would do a post soon, actually feeling lazy :-)
DeleteN.. I know when said its quite unlike you to say an YES to those kids and help them cross the road. I am more like you in this regard. I dont encourage beggars, whoever bad their condition be. I usually dont pay attention to rituals too, I just abide by what my mom says just to make her satisfied. Sometimes... I too accept or do things though my mind tells me something else.. just like you did with those kids and that keeps me thinking of days.. Sometimes, heart wins over the mind.. :) Though it was not a social service.. you did the best you could do for the kids and thats what is important.
ReplyDeleteI know I missed commenting on many other posts.. expect my comments anytime.. as I am slowly reading all the missed posts :) :)
Loved your words...we share some chemistry isn't it!!
DeleteArre yes i was missing you badly....but glad that you enjoyed your vacation...expecting your comments :-)
Reminds me of my In Laws who always over react and think too much about small small things...like the other person must be plotting xyz...and I always believe in trusting first :)
ReplyDeleteGood that u listened to ur heart :)
You see there are so many wrong examples as well when people find themselves in soup by trusting others that everyone is super cautious now a days.
DeleteSometimes such small incidents give us inner satisfaction.. Nice post!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good pujo! I agree, I too believe God tests us through such small incidents. And God or no God, the satisfaction you get is immense!
ReplyDelete