Chapter 1

Seth Dina Nath, was a business tycoon of real estate Industry. He lived in an ancestral home which was to the west of Ghaziabad that is Rampur, outside New Delhi. He was a happy middle aged man with a daughter, Pramela, born to him in his mid-forties. Pramela was his only child.

It was when Pramela was four months old, the occasion of her ‘Ann Prasana’ (when the child first time tastes food) was held. A huge Pandaal (tent) was set up in the lawn that covered the entire lawn with thick mattresses and chairs; occupied by business friends and outside business friends, family and extended families.

Seth Dina Nath was dressed in an exquisite White Kurta (Dress for men) and his wife, Sarla Devi wore a Banarasi Silk Saree (Dress for women) having a gold embroidery and a blouse to go with the Saree. She was also covered with gold jewellery. Pramela, Seth Dina Nath’s daughter was dressed in a cream colour silk frock.

Pandith Dev Swaroop, from a society known as Arya Samaj, was cladded in a spot less shiny White Kurta and Dhoti with a Scarf around his neck, chanted mantras in Sanskrit and also explained the same in Hindi for the people to understand. He then started the ‘havan’ by placing an iron Pot on the Bricks. The Pot was arranged with, dry wood chips of the Mango tree, inside it. He lit the wood and made fire and started to cant the Shockalas ( Mythical verses) and put the Aahuti (a mixture of some cereals, ghee, nuts and scrap of few other things)  in a small amount via spoon, into the Pot of fire as an offering, followed immediately by saying ‘Swaha!’ at end of every shockala. The ceremony went on for a while and then a ‘Purna Aahuti’ (final offering into the pot of fire) was given containing all the remaining mixture along with the flowers and flower petals been given to other guests who joined in Puja (Prayer). And then the flowers were showered on the baby by everyone blessing her with long, healthy and prosperous life.

While the party was still on, there were a few attendees who were not really interested in the ceremony and were getting a little bored. These guests were, no doubt, of considerable consequence but people at the periphery of acquaintance, neither relatives nor close friends or officials, but people who were always invited in functions arranged by dignitaries. The deliberations in progress were not of consequence to them. Naturally in such cases, silence becomes too noisy and perturbing. They must engage themselves in same conversation; weather politics, local scandals or sometimes pertaining to the hosts. Mr Singh was in automobile business and made good money with honesty and to the best of his capability with integrity. He could no longer retain himself further and said to the people around, “You know, of thousands of people who have come apart from cateress, servants and others, no one spends so lavishly over the people the hard earned money’, he exclaimed.

“What exactly do you want to say Mr Singh, please elaborate” said Mrs Kohli, who was seated just next to Mr Singh and was famous for her gossiping and pungent tongue.

“You all know; why do you want me to comment. Mr Dina Nath is flourishing by manipulating money of the investors. If the shares go up, he is the major gainer and the investor only the minor. On the other hand, if the shares go down, he disowns his responsibility” said Mr Singh.

“But that is what everyone does; the investor has to take more caution in going through the instructions”. No one can blame the broker for market fluctuations” said Mrs Kohli with an intention of prolonging the conversation and at the same time putting up a show to defend Mr Dina Nath; the host.

“There is no moral left in business today. Gone are those days when we could rely on someone”, commented Mr Singh. That is true for all. Money has become important to all. Moral values have completely eroded. Look at our politicians. A bunch of power and money hungry lot”, said Mrs Kohli.          

Suddenly there was murmur and people started getting up from their seats. The final oblation was over and every one blessed the child by showering the flowers and petals in her direction. The priest blew the conch with air full from lungs and for long. The ceremony was over. The worship part was followed by a series of short lectures by eminent persons, the relatives of Seth Dina Nath and the family. Each person took about 2 to 5 minutes to give blessings to the baby girl.

The public address system had been installed so that all could listen to the orations. This was followed by announcement of donations given by Seth Dina Nath to various Sanatan Dharma temples, Arya Samaj Temples, Educational Institutions, Destitute homes and old age destitute homes.

Thereafter announcement was made inviting people to the buffet counters set for lunch. Food was laid on the tables along the boundary of the lawn and well liveried bearers were serving the food; hot and spicy, pure vegetarian and lavishly prepared in both quality and variety.

The host, the relatives and the close friends with their family waited. The others were to dine first. There are the people who make the maximum use of their time; last to come and first to dine and leave. The experienced that is the people who often attend such ceremonies had already surveyed the arrangements of tables and layout of crockery, etc. Upon their arrival and as soon as the rituals get over they inconspicuously and deftly drift to the table and start to stuff their plates with numerous items of their choice to the full capacity of the plate. Subsequently the others joined in. Soon after having finished eating, people took their leave of Seth Dina Nath and expressing their thanks to him and blessing the child.

Deewan Harbans Lal along with his band of associates co-hosted the function and of the food ensuring that everyone was taken care of. By the time the last group finished its lunch, it was past 3 pm. Since it was Sunday, a holiday, therefore most of the invitees could attend the function.

Seth Dinanath soon after everyone left, retired to this bedroom to take some rest and the post function wind-up work continued. Those who stayed on formed groups and talked about the function and other non-related stuff and simultaneously took rest. Most of these groups were formed by the relatives and close associates. The instructions were to not leave before the evening tea and then depart. A few of the friends for the neighbouring towns were likely to stay overnight. It was overall a good get-together of people closely and distantly related. Many did know must about others and hence was a good time to get acquainted with each other. ‘The fabrics of kinship get stronger on such occasion’.

Among the relatives, who greeted the occasion, was Miss Radha. She was in her late forties. She was a second cousin of Seth Dina Nath and she was addressed as Bua (father’s sister) by everyone be of young and even middle age. Radha’s husband passed away soon after marriage and she became widow at an early age without any children. She had, however, made peace with her loneliness and would visit any relative, near or distant, on every occasion, be it child birth, Ann Prasana, naming ceremony, Yagyopaveet (thread ceremony), engagement ceremony of a young boy or girl, marriage or death. She was almost always invited or informed about the function and she would invariably present herself well in time, and take responsibilities of the things that need to be done, rituals to be performed, donation to be given, etc. She was competent and an asset on such occasions. Young ladies of the house usually ignorant of the traditions found solace in inviting her and taking her advice. Her word was taken as the law. She was liberal in rendering services. On festive occasions she would reach the servant’s house a week or two before and would stay well over a month or less. She would then varnish as hastily as soon as she comes. She had keen sense of judging the feelings of the masters of the family. Whenever she would realize that there is a feeling of indifference towards her stay, she would leave on some pretext or the other. She had a tremendous capacity for work even at this age and that was one factor that made here desirable. Her attitude towards the relatives was extremely warm and could engage everyone. And in her leisure time she would keep company with children of all age and also with elderly people by talking about the tales of different people. Nothing escaped her attention and hence with a little probing one could know all about the love affairs in or outside family, or about who flirts with whom. Not to mention; she would smoothly mix facts with families making episodes more engrossing or palatable. But she could, at the same time, digest with perfection, any serious scandal and any amount of cajoling would not make her come out of the truth. Scandals do happen in families from time to time but she would confine herself to advice the family members. This was one reason why people in distress would with full confidence seek her advice.

People, in general, were not aware of her antecedents except a very few including Seth Dina Nath. She had a turbulent life, a life full of struggle and misery, but at the same time, a life full of achievements and goodwill to people. She was a distant cousin of Seth Dina Nath; her father was a man with poor financial standing. Radha’s father’s greatest worry was to not see his daughter getting married and was in a constant look out for a suitable match for her. All the relatives assisted him in looking for a groom for Radha, but a good match with a good background and one who is well settled in terms of finances and is not dowry. Time passed on and Radha remained unmarried for well past the age that was considered suitable for marriage. She studied only until middle school and that was far beyond that was considered suitable for the family of her means and standing.

Sarla Devi, Radha’s aunt was a frequent visitor to the family and constantly made Radha’s father feel guilty for not having found a match for Radha. As time progressed, it became obvious that Radha would not get a proper match. But to let a daughter remain unmarried was considered a sin; marriage was must, irrespective of the suitability of the match. One morning, Sarla Devi called Radha’s father and suggested a match for Radha; a man of middle age, a widower, with no liabilities and a man well placed in life with a good income. There was no demand of dowry from groom’s side; rather he was willing to stand all the expenses of marriage. After a prolonged discussion, Sarla Devi convinced Radha’s father to accept the proposal. Radha hardly had a choice. For her and everyone it was better for her to be married to this man than being remain unmarried and be a subject of constant ridicule and thereafter a subject to vulgar advances of acquaintances and even relations. Having considered all aspects, the matter was finalized after a formal visit by the bridegroom to see Radha and get her consent. She had no option than to agree to the marriage. All her dreams getting married to his choice of husband were shattered. She never aspired for a rich or highly educated match but all she wanted, as is true for all young girls of her age, was a young, healthy and average looking match, may of moderate means. But with poise and fortitude she accepted the destiny.

The marriage was duly solemnized and Radha went to her husband’s house. Mohan Lal was the name of her husband and he was the head of the family which consisted of only his aged mother and his younger brother and now Radha as his family. It was a big residential two storied house. Radha and Mohan stayed in the ground floor while the rest lived on the upper floor.      

            Time passed on and Radha adjusted herself in the family. She had initially no liking for the frail and aged husband, Mohan; while on the other hand, Mohan adored his wife and took care of everything possible in order to meet all her wishes. He was well educated having secured a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and was a good business man. He was an advocate for the section of ‘education to women’. Though he did not want women to take up jobs or pursue a profession. Radha already had studied until middle school and Mohan encouraged her to study further. In spite of the opposition by other members of the family, he engaged a lady teacher to coach Radha at their residence for appearing in the High School Examination as a private candidate. Radha was intelligent and took this opportunity to move forward. She worked hard and succeeded in passing the High School Certificate Examination with reasonable good marks.

It was now over fifteen years that she was married, but she was not blessed with a child till now even after all medical advice and treatment. She again made pece with the situation. But the greatest shock of her life was when one morning Mohan succumbed to a massive heart attack and he could not come through it and Radha became a widow.

As per the tradition those days, Radha was not to wear any jewellery or colour full clothes and wear only to wear a white Sari. The cremation got over and various other formalities were in progress. All relatives were informed about the final ritual to be done on the thirteenth day from the date of cremation. Radha’s brother in-laws and all other relatives took over the management of the family. It was discussed and decided by the other family members that Radha would have to give away her hair and shave her head as per the custom that after the demise of the husband the widow will have to sacrifice all her hair.

This she resisted to the annoyance of all. She did not want to displease all relatives, but this was beyond her acceptance. She was educated and was aware of the changes in the social customs and rights and duties of a widow in the family. However, all her relative had taken it for granted that Radha would be treated like any other widow – a cursed woman having committed the sin of out hiring her husband and was, therefore, to lead a life of perpetual moaning and perpetual expiation. One of the relatives among all, an orthodox on suggested for her to be confined to a small dingy room and to live on plain bread and lentils, ordained from good things in life. This was customary a generation or two ago.

There was also a financial angle involved to be discussed. By confining Radha to life of penance, her brother-in-law automatically would become the head of the family and the owner of all the business and wealth of this deceased brother. However, Radha had no intention of letting this happen. But the pressure was mounting and she was getting weaker by every passing day in her struggle. The situation, however, crystalized when Seth Dina Nath came to attend final ritual on the thirteenth day. As was customary, there was the usual Puja (Prayer) and Havan ,this time prayer for the deceased soul by making offerings to the fire by eleven Brahmins followed by the meals for all the Brahmins and then they were given dakshina (offerings of money, clothes and utensils) and donation set aside to give to Temple, School, and Anathalaya (Orphanage). Finally all the relatives and other invitees had their meals and one by one paid regards to the family and left. Only the close relatives stayed back in the house and once again the topic regarding the future of Radha came under discussion. At this juncture, Seth Dina Nath strongly supported Radha and his words were followed as law. Radha was finally the owner of all the business and property that belonged to her deceased husband. Everyone was unhappy but could not challenge the verdict. The law of the country also gave full right to the widow. Since there was no child, the entire property went to Radha. It was for Radha to decide how to take care of the assets.

Dina Nath suggested Radha, “You are educated women and you may run the business yourself but since you are new to this industry, you may incur losses and that may hit you financially”

“What should I do, please suggest and I shall abide by your advice” said Radha.

“Under this situation, a course of moderation may be good. I suggest you sell the business as it is and input the proceeds as fixed deposit in bank. The income from interest will be sufficient for your living”. It will not be as remunerative as the business but you will certainly avoid the risk of losses and also the associated headache”, said Dina Nath.

To this Radha readily agreed. “What about the house”” asked Radha.

Seth Dina Nath thought for a moment and then remarked, “Much depends on your feelings towards your relatives, specially your brother-in-law and his family. It will be too harsh to ask them to leave”.  So she decided to let the upper floor of the on rent to her brother-in-law after proper written agreement in order to avoid any litigation in future.

The decision was conveyed to all. Radha’s mother-in-law was to stay with her. Thus the tables were fully turned and Radha became the sole beneficiary, while rest, not so well off, were to always remain dependent on her.

It so worked out that Radha under the condition could live comfortably on less than half from the intrest income and thus save something. With the savings she could visit her other relative in the city or also travel elsewhere.

There was thus a radical transformation in Radha’s social life which she started to enjoy. She often thought about her past, about her married life with her husband. She, no doubt, missed him but found compensating pleasure in her new found liberty. She had engaged servants for all domestic cores including cooking. She would occasionally prepare a dish or two of her own liking or that of her mother-in-law’s. To her great surprise the attitude of her mother-in-law was now totally changed. She had become very docile now and missed no opportunity to please Radha. She knew now which side of the bread to butter. Even greater were the change in the attitude of her brother-in-law, Sudhir, and her sister in law. They had also grasped on to the reality and would talk to Rahda very politely and with due respect. Often they sent her some specially prepared dishes or lentils to please her.

Time passed comfortably. Life was good and she grew plump and pretty. For her, now there was no dearth for company; her brother’s family and that of her husband were continuous visitors. She now most of the time behaved accordingly her mood; but she mostly entertained the relatives and welcome them lavishly and enjoy it herself. It was now well accepted by one and all that she was master of what was hers. She wore the finest of clothes and ate best food. She would sit in her house and talk to her in house family as and when she felt and would listen to their takes regarding dearth of money. Sometimes she did them little favours and be praised back for the same.

But even this life of prosperity did not give her full satisfaction. She knew no one really loved her. It was her money and her generous way to helping in pressing needs of her relatives and that endeared her. But despite this pleasurable situation, she was often restless for periods extending to several days. She felt something missing; felt that justice has been denied to her by God. She would then eat and sleep more than usual, not for pleasure but out of compulsion. At such times she would refuse all visitors except one who would continue to stay despite her refusal and would sit reverently by her bed. Her aunt, Sarla Devi, was an occasional visitor and was dearly welcomed. One such occasion when Radha was in a black mood, Sarla Devi happened to visit. She evaluated the situation but and at the same time asked Radha as to what was killing her. “Finding a real well-wisher”, Radha unburdened herself complaining about the irony of fate, about her endless dissatisfaction with life. Sarla Devi consoled her to the best of her ability with proper choice of words; advised her to put up with the situation with fortitude.

“But what should I do? I am continuously tormented. I never got any real pleasure while my husband was alive, a frail, old man of fragile constitution and now, in-spite of this new found freedom, I have no satisfaction”, exclaimed Radha.

“God has been cruel to you, no doubt. But what cannot be cured has to be endured, so is the old saying. My advice to you my dear Radha is to make peace in your mind and make the best use of the situation God has put you in. Do pray to God and you will find peace of mind. Be good to people, but do not expect anything in return” said Sarla

“Shall I go to temple every day to prayer and donate money to beggars sitting in rows there? Will it get me my peace?” asked Radha.

“Yes, do it if you possess a desire to do it” said Sarla Devi. Go to Anathalaya (destitute children home), talk to them, offer what you can give; money, food, clothes etc. Try to derive pleasure out of it. You stand to gain more than wheat you give.”

“What else should I do?” asked Radha.

Well change your life pattern said Sarla Devi. Get up early in the morning, take bath and pray to god here in the house itself, remove all worldly thoughts from you mind, make it blank and concentrate on God, in any form you desire, shapeless or statue, or an idol of God, say Ram or Krishna or any God you worship. It will be difficult initially but with practice you may increase your time of meditation. You will find the pleasure. Go to temple and or other places as and when possible.”

Sarla Devi took a leave from Radha after giving her advice and a promise to come again soon. Radha resolved to give the advice a trial. She was accustomed to geting up late in the morning. But now she would get up early and get ready for meditation after offering her prayer to the God. But concentration was difficult to come. All sorts of thought would constantly crowd her mind. Never the less she continued to practice meditation. Also in the evening she would go to the nearby temple; participate in the worship, talk to other devotees and the Pandit.

But even these regular visits to temple did not give her peace of mind. Meanwhile a renowned priest from Haridwar, Pandit Brahmanand was to conduct religious recourses for ten days each evening. A committee was formed to ensure a suitable arrangement for his stay, recourses etc. Radha donated heart full for the cause and hence was requested to be on the managing committee. It was a welcome change for her, a deviation from her routine. A week passed by in these hectic activities. Radha came in contact with several philanthropists on the managing committee and also other social workers. At length Swamiji arrived and was lodged in the spacious guest house on the outskirt of the city. The owner of the guest house was a rich business man of the town and was generously offered for all such occasions. The guest house was well maintained with huge air conditioned, well-furnished rooms with all modern facilities, spacious well maintained lawn and band of servants and other staff for its up keep and to provide necessary facilities to the guests. Radha had visited the guest house several times in the week before the arrival of Swamiji. It was a major event in the town and everyone looked forward to have a darshan (to see) of the swami and to listen to his preaching.

The train full of deciples arrived early in the morning. It was Sunday. A huge crowd of disciples and other people in general gathered on the Railway Platform. A commotion ensured as the train came to halt. Volunteers took care of the luggage etc. while dignitaries put garland on the Swamiji and his associates around their neck. A fleet of car waited at the station for the deciples’ conveyance. Swamiji was thus accorded a very hearty welcome and was taken to the guest house. Every-thing went on smoothly. People were not allowed to meet Swamiji right now. In the evening he arrived at the site for religious discourse with a train of associates and local disciples in attendance. He was a good orator; with a good command on language and an excellent way of narrating things. The audience heard him in perfect silence broken at intervals by short bhajans (prayers). The entire proceedings lasted for about 3 hours. And people heard him with great reverence. The same routine continued for the one whole week.

It was on the third day that Radha as usual accompanied Swamiji to the Guest house. Only a very few people were permitted to enter the guest house. Swamiji retired to his personal suite. Radha as usual ensured if all the necessary arrangements for the next day have been made and was then due to leave for her home. In the spur of moment she thought of taking leave of Swamiji and pays her parting homage for the day. She knocked on the door; as was the usual custom, waited for a while and then entered. What she saw was shocking to her. Swamiji was seated on the well cushioned deewan in half inclined embracing an extremely beautiful young lady. Radha turned around to depart but Swamiji called her back. There was no sign of remorse on his face.

Kamla was the name of the lady who was with Swamiji. She was extremely rich and a social magnate, but was now after peace of mind and had decided to lead a life of penance and worship of God. Kamla had decided to entrusted the business management to the manager and be a disciple of Swamiji. Radha already knew her but not too well. Now the true picture for Swamiji had emerged to Radha. She had heard of whispers concerning weakness of Swamiji for young girls but she had discounted all that as malicious attempts to discredit a great soul.

Swamiji commented “Kamla has decided to devote her life for religious cause, worship of God and service of mankind”.

Radha still did not speak and remained spell bound. Eventually Swamiji unfolded his mind, “A true devotee offers his or her entire self to God or his incarnation. I am incarnation of God. One, who pleases me, pleases the God”.

The philosophy, however, did not appeal to Radha. She was not highly educated, but had read a lot. To her Swamiji appeared to be a fraud, a person with double personality. But she preferred not to argue or discuss and instead left the place after humbly taking leave of Swamiji.

Back home, Radha thought over the events of the day. Her effort of finding peace of mind in religious discourses had greatly evaporated. She was back to square one. She got back to her routine but her mind was in turmoil. She had almost no one to talk to no other hobby except reading. A visit of a relative was welcome. They use to come and go. She spent quite lavishly, entertained them with good food but got tired after a few days. Prolonged stay of any guest was not to her liking. Perhaps this was true for all. At times she used to get restless and lonely. On one such day, her aunt Sarla paid her a visit. She had come to the town for only a few hours but had painstakingly made it a point to call on her niece Radha and enquire about her welfare. Seeing Radha in such depressed mood, she suggested Radha to come her place for some time for some change. Radha found the suggestion appealing and for the first time in a long time went out for a pleasurable visit. She found it to be a welcoming change. After a week she came back home refreshed.

With this new experience, she made it a practice not to ignore any invitation, even a casual one, or for attending and helping in any family rituals such as marriage, engagement ceremony, Nam-karan (Awarding name to the child), ann-prasan (ignition of cereal food to a child) or even a death. Every such visit gave her new experience, new acquaintances and in a way a purpose to live. She was highly welcome on all such occasions because she was an asset; she was extremely well versed with all customs and rituals.

It was thus on this occasion of Ann prassan of  the daughter of Seth Dina Nath that Radha had graced the occasion with her visit and by her useful help in proper conduct of the ceremony. The function of Ann prassan finished smoothly and by next morning most of the relatives left except a few. Radha stayed on and was expected to stay for quite some time, may be for a few weeks.

On the third day, Radha buaji suddenly enquired about the horoscope of the child. Yes, said Mr. Dina Nath, it has been duly prepared by a learned astrologer.

“Is everything alright?” enquired Radha.

Well, there are some predictions which are gloomy.

Once again the horoscope was studied in detail. It predicted that the girl will have tough time prior to her marriage negotiations and numerous hurdles will precede her marriage.

“Why not visit and consult Mr. Shastri?” said Radha. He is reputed and endowed with divine powers and on meditation he can foresee events.

Dina Nath was averse to such consultation, but on persuasion he agreed to visit Mr Shastri. Meeting was fixed and they were asked to come next morning at 9 A.M. They all went on time. They had to wait for a while as Mr. Shastri was still engaged in Puja. Finally they were all permitted into his chamber, the floor was covered with thick mattresses and clean white bed-sheets were spread over the mattresses. Mr. Shastri was seated at the far end in quite composure. He was a householder, a learned man, endowed with divine power. Most of his predictions had been true. It was not his profession and would not charge any fee or accept any presents. He lived a simple life and never boasted of his powers.

Seth Dina Nath and others removed their footwears and entered the room and paid their homage to Mr Shastri with folded hands. Mr Shastri wished them back and requested them to be seated on the mattress. Radha Buaji introduced everybody and requested Mr Shastri to enlighten them and help them with the matter of the child. On having completely understood the worry, Shastriji adjusted his seating posture, closed his eyes and went into a deep meditation. All remained seated in perfect silence. He remained so for about five minutes which appeared to be like hours to everyone due to perfect silence and the surrounding atmosphere. Finally he opened his eyes and addressed Radha buaji, “The girl is likely to lose her mother early in life. There will be heavy financial crisis for the family. She will have miserable life before her marriage”.

“Anything that can undo or mitigate the problems?” asked Radha buaji.

“I am only stating the probabilities which I foresee. These may not happene at all” Shastriji said to console. He then added – “Every trouble may be reduced to a large extent and sometimes can even be avoided by prayers, and by acts of charity and compassion to the poor and needy.

Seth Dina Nath looked somewhat relieved. But apprehension continued. They thanked Mr Shastri and returned. Radha Buaji also went back after a few days.

Time passed and as predicted or may just a coincidence, Pramela’s mother expired suddenly after a brief illness when Pramela was only about six years old.

When Pramela was in high school, Kapil was a frequent visitor to her residence. He was tall, handsome and sophisticated and the only son of a rich industrialist Mr Romesh. He owned several rerolling mills. Pramela and Kapil used to converse for long hours, movies and often on family picnics. It was quite obvious that they would marry when of proper age. Kapil’s parents had great liking for Pramela and they would have been glad to agree to this union. Meanwhile Kapil after completing his Engineering degree went to United States for further studies leading to post graduate degree in management. It was decided that he would return to India after two years and then will help his father in managing and further expanding the family business. Pramela and Seth Dina Nath were also happy with the event. Kapil completed his education in two years and did return to India but only for a week. He went back in spite of a lot pressure by one and all. He had planned to work for about two to three years and then finally return to India. It was obvious then that he will not come back. He would in all probability marry a girl in America and settle there.

During the course of discussion when he came home for a week, he stated, “There is no life in India, no dates, no outings, no get-together, no proper pubs or casinos or clubs. There is only dust and dirt, hypocrisy and corruption at all levels.”

His father tried to argue but in vain, “Corruption is present in all countries”. The father argued – “It is all due to materialistic approach in life, lack of religious and human approach. It is only quantum of corruption which varies”.

“I agree, the corruption is prevalent in all the countries and is increasing”.

Again argued Kapil, “But it is the nature of corruption or the level at which corruption exists, that matters. In India corruption is rampant even at the lowest level; one has to struggle and waste time, money and effort and suffers humiliations for routine work. Go to any Govt. or semi-government organization and one is reduced to a level of a beggar. All are bloody baboons, right from peon to the chief secretary or chairman and they go back in the glory of being baboons.”

“I am afraid, you are a little too harsh on your own country, your mother land” said the father Mr Ramesh. “After all the country has been ruled by British for centuries and it is bound to petrify the moral of people.”

“Have we really got the independence? Earlier we were ruled by British via their henchmen the ICS baboons and today we are ruled by their petrified Indian version.” said Kapil.

“You are a little too harsh in your assessment. Anyways let us see what you propose to do in the States for the next two years.”

“I already have a good job for the next two years and I propose to come back and settle here in India.”

“Are you sure you are not going to extend your stay there?” asked the father.

“I have no intentionto do so as of today.” said Kapil.

With this promise, Kapil went back to the State but at the end of the two years period, he got an excellent job with much higher salary and challenging work. He could not resist the temptation and accepted the assignment for the next two years. When this news reached his father, he was shocked and he assumed that his son is not likely to return to India even after the next two years. He knew, people usually go on extending their stay in US and subsequently get too accustomed to the life pattern there that even a short stay in India appears inhabitable to them.

Seth Dina Nath was equally perturbed. He was banking on Kapil for the marriage of Pramela. Pramela now was studying in college and had grown into an extremely attractive and poised girl.