JOIN USThe incident I am recounting happened more than four decades ago, and why it was told to me now was truly intriguing. I would have thought this was a tall tale, and would have never believed it; if this was not a first person account from my mother. Well, this is connected with my father, who is an old timer, a LMP doctor of the good old days when he would go visiting his patients at their house each morning, before going to his dispensary. The patient and the family members would eagerly await his arrival as his benevolence and benefaction was showered not only on the patient, but on all the members of the joint family, which was then a norm rather than a choice.
Each would share his/her sorrows and shortcomings and he would listen with empathy, leaving them comforted and soothed so they could take on another day. He was respected and revered and many claimed that he was a divine send for them.
For him, serving others was what he valued most, and if anyone fell sick, be it his immediate family or an extended one, friend or foe, he would be the first to offer medical aid, help and support. He did this with utmost humility. One amongst the many he served was a man who had a small cycle repair shop. He had a son of about 7-8 years old who would often fall sick.
The boy was treated of course, but taking money for this was a no-no as they were very poor. The boys’ father would often say, “I am so indebted to the gratitude that you have showered on us, I do not know how to repay you; one day my son will grow up and repay the compassion you have showered on us. The son grew up, went to Dubai for some work and both father and son were forgotten.
Many years later my sister was getting married, an auto rickshaw was hired for an entire day for the purpose of inviting guests for the wedding. Night fell and as my parents were dropped back at their door step, they pulled out the money to pay the auto driver. He looked at them and asked,” Don’t you recognise me; I am Abdul Pasha, son of Pasha the cycle repair man? How can I take money from you?”
As my parents tried to put the pieces together and comprehend the situation, Abdul’s eyes welled with tears; he suddenly entered his auto, started the machine and drove off into the night. My parents were left surprised and dumfounded, regretting that they had not connected with Abdul the way they would have wanted to. They still wonder how he came back into their lives perhaps to pay the debt that his father always spoke of. What was the cosmic play that made this happen? Was it plain coincidence or was it a miracle? The questions remain unanswered.