The Ashram
of Saint Shri Shivanand ji is situated at some distance from Kabir's house.
Abode of divine supernatural power. Quiet, beautiful and pleasant place. Where
the Ganga of meditation, yoga and knowledge flows continuously. The recitation
of Veda’s mantras and hymns here day and night provide sanctity to the
atmosphere. The beauty of the river bank makes it even more delightful.
And an old
age home is also situated here. For some people, it is a necessity, for others
it is a compulsion, helplessness. Well, happily, who likes to come here?
Perhaps, old
age home is just another name for compulsion and helplessness. In old age, when
roads are closed from all sides, only one path is visible to the old eyes,
which goes towards the old age home.
Often, only
those people reach to the old age homes who are either suffering from the lack
of children. Or those people who are abandoned by their children, who have been
forced by their children to come here. And in both situations these elders
deserve help and sympathy.
Money cannot
buy love and service. Intimacy is not a vegetable sold in the market which can
be purchased whenever, wherever, by paying money for it. Very lucky are those
peoples who have their own people. There is closeness, intimacy in every pore
of them. The mind becomes giddy, the eyes fill with tears from such a sacred
darshan.
The people
living here either do not belong to any one at all and even if they exist in
the name of belonging, they are more strangers than strangers, that is why they
are here.
The
environment of the old age home is peaceful and pleasant. A place of complete
peace, but most of the people living there have agitated minds and an anger
worse than wildfire. But helpless. That's why the poor people are here.
Kabir's
grandfather often comes here to visit and he often has discussions with people
of his age. The topics of discussion keep changing with time. Sometimes
political, sometimes social, sometimes on Vedas and scriptures, and sometimes
even on personal life.
Today Kabir
got an opportunity to come to the Ashram with grandfather. Grandfather had gone
to the office for some work, Kabir thought let's see, how do these people live?
Kabir was
passing by a room; the door of the room was half open. His eyes fell on the old
woman weeping in the room. Kabir's feet stopped, he felt that something must be
happening. No one weep just like that.
The feet
stopped and the tongue spoke – “Grandma, can I come inside?”
The old lady
could not refuse Kabir's request and it was as if she was caught red-handed.
Wiping her
tears with her lap, she said to Kabir – “Yes, son why not? Hey come.”
“Grandma,
you are weeping, why?” Kabir asked.
The old lady
did not expect such a question from Kabir, she got embarrassed and said – “No,
it is nothing, nothing like that.”
“No,
Grandma, there is something that you are hiding, but your tears are speaking.”
Kabir's mind was completely shaken.
The old
grandmother could not hide the secret of her tears from Kabir and said – “No
son, just like that, today I remembered him. Had he been there today, I would
not have been ruined.
“What
happened to you, grandma? Tell me. Since you have said son, you have to tell
everything.” Kabir said insistently.
“No son, what can I tell you? You are still a
child. What will you understand now?” With great hesitation the old lady
explained to Kabir.
“No
grandmother, I am a child, that’s why I can understand what you are saying. Elder
people will not understand what you say.” Kabir said while explaining to
grandmother.
Kabir's
stubbornness in asking and the old lady's stubbornness in not telling. A clash
of opinions started between the two. After all, children are stubborn and the
old woman had to give up.
The old lady
said that Kalpesh's father was a senior officer in the army. He broke many
tanks in the Kargil War and was martyred while saving his comrades, but was
successful in saving his comrades. He also received a bravery award from the
President of India. But now everything is useless, what is the use of such a
reward?
In those
days, Kalpesh got me to put her thumb impression on pension papers, court
papers etc. and said that all these paperwork will have to be done. I neither
knew anything nor was educated. Did as he say.
Later I came
to know that he got the house, which was in his father's name, transferred to
his name. And after a few days, his wife had a fight with me and beat me and
threw me out of the house. Son did not say anything.
Thinking
that I will go and live in the village, I went there and found out that he had
sold all the land and houses of the village. Another man lived in the house. I
was helpless.
I also
complained to the police station. But nothing happened. And now I am living
here under compulsion. Out of the pension I get, some of it has to be given
here, I keep the rest with myself.
And on this
very day he was martyred. So, the eyes became moist. That's it, nothing else.
Kabir's eyes
also could not remain without becoming moist. He started thinking, are there
such sons also? If only! Such a son should have died even before being born. At
least the son's name would not have been tarnished. No mother loses faith in
her son. No mother would be able to call her son a traitor.
Kabir
consoled his grandmother and assured her that he would soon find a way out and
get justice for her.
With many
questions in his mind, Kabir returned home with grandfather.
When Kabir
came home and told everything to his mother, Kabir's mother's eyes became moist
and forced him to think. What type of people live on this earth? Is your child
your enemy? If a man trusts then whom?
Mummy said
to Kabir – “Your father's friend Bhavesh Patel is a lawyer in the High Court.
If their advice is taken then they will definitely be able to find some
solution.”
Kabir's
moist eyes sparkled and he called Patel-Uncle when his father came home in the
evening. Patel-Uncle said that after attending the court next day in the
evening they will be coming to meet you.
Next day in
the evening, when Patel-Uncle arrived, Kabir narrated the entire incident in
detail, by then mother had brought tea and snacks.
After
thinking for a while, Patel-Uncle said to Kabir, “Kabir, I will like to meet her.
So that I can understand the whole thing. When will we be able to meet her?”
“Yes Uncle,
you can meet to grandma at any time.” Kabir said enthusiastically.
And after
some time, Advocate Bhavesh Patel and Kabir were with the old lady in the old
age home. The old lady narrated the entire incident in detail to Patel from the
beginning and answered whatever questions Bhavesh Patel asked.
Patel asked
the old lady, “Mother, can I ask you something?”
“Yes, ask
son.” The old lady said.
“Mother, we
will have to fight a case, are you ready for that?” Patel asked with great
authority.
“No son, I
don't have the money to fight the case.” The old lady said in a frustrated
tone.
“No, mother,
who is asking money from you, I do not want a single penny from you nor you
will spend even a single penny of yours. I am asking you so that you may feel
sad after seeing your son again? Because for this he can also go to jail? Then
it will be very difficult to turn back later?” Patel said while explaining
seriously to the old lady.
As soon as
she heard about the jail, the old lady's eyes lit up, a pang appeared in her
heart and a feeling of revenge arose.
Nothing like
pity or forgiveness was visible in her eyes.
Without even
a moment's delay, she gave her seal of approval by saying “Yes”.
“Think about
it, mother.” Bhavesh Patel said.
“Son, if you
do this, you will be doing me a great favor. I don't even want to see my
disgraced son alive.” The heart of the old eyes screamed loudly.
Patel said
to the old lady – “Still mother, please think once with a cool heart and mind
and I will come to meet you tomorrow. If there is your order then further steps
will be taken.”
Patel and
Kabir thought it appropriate to give one day's time to think. It is very
difficult to say when a mother's love melts.
“Yes son, how to think about it, while
thinking about it, the tears in the eyes dried up, what is left now?” The
stability of the old lady's thoughts told everything.
“Then should
I be sure about this decision, mother?” Bhavesh Patel asked once again.
The old
lady's firm decision gave the green signal to Kabir and Advocate Patel to move
forward.
Advocate
Bhavesh Patel and Kabir first met the old lady's son Kalpesh and proposed a
solution to the problem and it was appropriate too. But arrogant Kalpesh was
proud of his position and chair. He clearly said, “This is our family matter,
it would be better if you do not interfere in it.”
Advocate
Bhavesh Patel said, “I am talking to you in the capacity of his lawyer.”
But Kalpesh clearly said, “You can do
whatever you consider appropriate. You are free to do anything.”
After
getting a clear answer, Advocate Bhavesh Patel sent a legal notice to Kalpesh
to vacate the house as per the legal procedure and a copy of which was also
sent to all the concerned offices for information.
After not
getting any response for a week, advocate Bhavesh Patel filed a police case and
suit. The trial started.
On the very
first date, Bhavesh Patel appealed before the Honorable Court that the
plaintiff Savitri Devi, a martyr Major Late. She is the widow of Shivraj Singh
ji, an old woman, who has also received the bravery award from the President,
she has no place to live, who is currently living in an old age home, who was
pushed out of the house by the defendant Kalpesh and his wife Shilpa. He has
been thrown out and his house has been illegally occupied.
There is an
appeal to the Honorable Court that till the case is decided, it would be fair
if the plaintiff Savitri Devi is allowed to live in her house. Also presented
some facts and evidence.
After
hearing the arguments of both the plaintiff and the defendant, the Honorable
Court decided that until the second decision comes, half of the house should be
given to the plaintiff Savitri Devi to live in.
This process
should be completed in two days. Any kind of dispute among themselves will be
considered as an obstruction in the legal process. And the next hearing date
was given.
Kalpesh had
no hope that all this would happen. He was only thinking that his mother would
remain silent and then he had no money to fight the case.
That is why
he did not even get the house transferred in his name. But now everything had
turned upside down. As per the order of the court, Kalpesh had to vacate half
of the house within two days and deliver the keys of the house to the court.
After two
days, Advocate Bhavesh Patel and Kabir went to the court and took the keys. All
the belongings of the old lady were brought to the house from the old age home.
The old lady
was very happy after reaching home. It was very difficult for Kabir and Bhavesh
to evaluate the blessings that were coming from the old lady's mind.
This was the
first success of Advocate Bhavesh Patel and Kabir and the first ray of hope in
the eyes of the old lady. But the fight was still left.
Here, in the
department of the ministry in which Kalpesh worked, CBI on corruption charges
against this minister. And joint raids were being conducted by the Income Tax
Department. His bank accounts were sealed. The charges had been framed against
the minister.
The
transactions of the minister's bank account were also in Kalpesh's account.
Hence, Kalpesh's bank accounts, lockers etc. were sealed and his house was also
raided. A lot of cash was also recovered from Kalpesh's house.
Kalpesh was
arrested by the police in the disproportionate assets case and was later
released on bail. Legal proceedings had started against Kalpesh. As per the
court order, the passport had to be deposited in the court. Now all his plans
of running away to Dubai remained in vain.
The next
day, Advocate Bhavesh Patel went to the registrar's office to find out in whose
name the house is. Even today the house was in the name of Major Shivraj Singh.
Advocate
Bhavesh Patel was surprised, but now all his problems were solved and this was
Kalpesh's biggest mistake. Now his work had become very easy. He got a
certified copy of the document from the registrar office. This document was
enough for the victory of Advocate Bhavesh Patel.
To get
information about the village land and house, both Bhavesh and Kabir went to
the old woman's village.
There it
came to light from the Patwari that Kalpesh had sold both the land and the
house in the last month itself.
The land and
houses of the village had been sold; hence Advocate Bhavesh Patel did not
consider it appropriate to discuss it in the court now. The cross-examination
was focused only on the city house.
On the next
date, Advocate Bhavesh Patel presented the certified copy of the house
documents before the Honorable Court. Kalpesh and his lawyers could not present
any argument in defiance.
Therefore,
the Honorable Court gave its decision in favor of Savitri Devi. As per the
court order, Kalpesh was asked to vacate the house. And Kalpesh was sentenced
under different sections.
The son
pleaded and cried bitterly. But mother's heart did not melt at all. The house
belonged to Savitri Devi and still exists today. After vacating the house, he
cleaned it and also her mind.
Now her
so-called real son Kalpesh had gone far, far away from the old lady's mind and
house. There was no room left for him in both in mind and in house. And her
heart was indebted towards Kabir and Bhavesh.
The old lady
did not have anything to give to Kabir and Bhavesh, but whatever divine
blessings these two were receiving was a supernatural nectar which only a few
mothers are able to give to their sons.
After two
days Kabir went to school. It was recess, all her friends were having breakfast
but Ghazal was sitting idle and was not even having breakfast.
Kabir asked,
“Why Ghazal, what is the matter, how are you so lazy today? And you are not
even having breakfast. Is everything alright?”
“Nothing
Kabir, I am very upset today.” Ghazal said with a sad heart.
“Why what
happened, tell me?” Kabir asked again.
“Today
grandmother has come from the village and has filed a case against father in
the court. Now we will have to vacate the house and will have to go somewhere
else.” Ghazal said.
“But being
sad does not solve the problem. Be bold and face every difficulty. Okay, now
have breakfast, everything will be fine.” Kabir said while explaining the Ghazal.
“No, today I
don't even feel like eating. I don't know, I feel a little scared.” Ghazal said
with a sad heart.
“Still, eat
a little.” If you don't eat anything, will you remain hungry?" Chhaya and
Sejal said consolingly.
A doubt
arose in Kabir's mind that Ghazal's grandmother was not the same grandmother
from the old age home? Filed a case, vacate the house, come from the village,
there is something similar in both.
“What is
your grandmother’s name?” To clear his doubt, Kabir asked Ghazal.
“Savitri
Devi” Ghazal said.
There
appeared to be some truth in the doubt.
“And about
your grandfather?” Kabir asked.
“Shivraj
Singh was an officer in the army but now he is no more.” Ghazal told.
“But why are
you asking all this, Kabir?” Ghazal asked curiously.
“Yes, I
will, first tell me your father’s name?” Kabir saw a match between the two.
“My father’s
name is Kalpesh.” Ghazal told.
“And what
about mom?” Kabir asked.
“Mummy’s
name is Shilpa.” Ghazal told but she still had the desire to know the reason.
“But tell me the truth Kabir, why are you
asking all this?” Ghazal asked Kabir insistently.
“No, no
problem, just asked anyway.” Kabir thought it best to postpone the matter.
But there
was no doubt that Kabir's suspicion was correct. The old lady from Kabir's old
age home was Ghazal's grandmother.
Meanwhile
the bell rang and everyone went to their respective classes. But both Kabir and
Ghazal had questions in their minds.
Ghazal was
wondering why Kabir had asked so many questions? And Kabir was wondering why
Ghazal's father did all this?
After
reaching home, Kabir told his mother that the old lady living in the old age
home is the real grandmother of Ghazal, the girl studying with him.
Kabir asked
his mother, “Mummy, what if we ask a Ghazal about all this?”
“Yes, tell her,
such things cannot be hidden. If not today then tomorrow, we have to know. If
we find out then let it go, what's in it?" Mom said seriously.
Kabir knew
that he had not done anything wrong. Whatever he has done is only going to
increase his respect in the society. His parents will be proud of his actions.
Nor is there anything to fear. Still, he thought it appropriate to take
mother's opinion.
On the next day Ghazal asked Kabir, “Tell
me?” Kabir, what is it that you are hiding from me?”
“Ghazal, if
you don’t know, your father has hidden this thing from you. But the matter is
very sad.” Kabir said seriously.
“Tell me
anyway, I am ready to listen.” Ghazal said with full courage.
“So, listen
Ghazal, your grandmother did not come from the village. I had gone to your
village with Bhavesh-Uncle. Now in your village, you have nothing. Neither your
house nor your land. Bhavesh-Uncle and I met the Patwari of the village. He
said that Kalpesh ji has sold both the house and the land to someone. The land
and house are now in his name, not in the name of your father or grandfather.”
Kabir told.
It was as if
the ground had slipped from under Ghazal's feet. Now if you cut her, there will
be no blood. Her eyes welled up and tears welled up. Surprise and question in
mind, why did Papa do this?
“Not only
this, Ghazal, your father and mother even pushed grandmother out of the house.
The poor grandmother even went to the village but she did not get any support
there. And now she was living in an old age home for the last two years. I have
seen your grandmother weeping. How much poor grandmother have cried in these
two years in the old age home? It is very difficult for me to imagine how each
day would have been spent. Only their crying eyes and wailing mind can tell
this.” Kabir became very emotional.
“But father
used to say that grandmother like to live in the village, she does not like it
here, so she lives in the village house.” Ghazal said.
“Your father
is telling lie. Your grandmother was living in an old age home for the last two
years. Come with me, People of old age home will tell you about your
grandmother there.” Kabir said.
Speaking further,
Kabir said – “And your father has also been facing serious allegations of
corruption. And there was also a raid by the Income Tax Department. A lot of
cash was also recovered. I don't know whether you know it or not. But the truth
is this.”
Ghazal was
standing like a statue in front of Kabir. She was not able to think of
anything, after all what should she do?
If only the
earth would explode so that she could get absorbed in it? It was as if
everything had become nothing for her. She had no words to speak? And what was
there left to say anyway?
When
children commit a mistake, adults punish and even beat them. And what if adults
commit not only unforgivable mistakes but also crimes?
Ghazal at
home, neither spoke to her mother nor father. He didn't even eat food. Kept weeping
and just kept weeping, the whole night. No one knows when she fell asleep, but
in the morning her eyes were swollen and moist.
In the
morning, father tried his best to convince her, but all in vain. Ghazal clearly
said, “Papa, you have not done well. Grandmother had to live in an old age home
while I was alive. What a shame for me. Now how will I show my face in school,
to my friends, to Kabir? Such a big torture with grandmother? You have lied to
me, father. You're a liar. Father! I hate you, Papa! I hate you." And
Ghazal kept weeping for a long time.
She had
decided that now she does not live with her parents, no matter what happens.
Now she will
stay with grandmother and serve her. That’s it, nothing else.
Breaking all
the chains of the law, Ghazal stuck to her grandmother. Grandmother had hugged
her beloved granddaughter. The continuous flow of Ganga flowed from two eyes
and Jamuna from two eyes and then the holy Prayag was bound to happen. How
could Mother Saraswati live without coming on the tongue? Triveni Sangam! What
a sacred, sacred mind-feeling, a divine, supernatural confluence of auspicious
mind-meeting.
What a
wonderful panoramic view it was of the meeting between grandmother and
granddaughter. It is not known whether mother's affection melted or not, but
interest had definitely shown its true colors.
The angry
Lord Narasimha, holding his beloved devotee Prahlad in his arms, was feeling
the vibration of silent moments.
Devotee
Prahlad granted salvation to Hiranya Kashyap by seeking a boon from Lord
Narasimha, but Ghazal did not consider his father worthy of forgiveness.
And mother's
love did not melt nor did her heart get tired. Kalpesh and Shilpa had to leave
the house and go somewhere else. Away from mother and daughter, to suffer for
his wife and his deeds.
What is the
condition of a person who falls in the eyes of both his mother and daughter?
Who else can express this experience better than the father of Ghazal, Kalpesh.
But only when his eyes are a little watery and his mind is watery. There is no
point talking about dry desert.
The next
day, Ghazal reached Kabir's house with her grandmother. To meet, to thank and
to bless Kabir.
Ghazal and
Kabir were very happy today. There was satisfaction in his mind and also
happiness of doing good work. Today Ghazal was reunited with his grandfather
and Kabir was reunited with his grandmother. Grandmother had found her
daughter-in-law and the daughter-in-law had found her mother-in-law. And
self-satisfaction to the old helpless eyes.
Sometimes,
relationships of the mind are stronger than blood relationships. The ocean was
brimming from the eyes and good wishes from the heart.
Blessed is
the family, blessed are those parents and blessed is the home in which sons
like Kabir are born.
-Anand Vishvas
