While the ceremony was in progress, groups of invitees at the outer reaches were a little less interested in the proceedings or were rather getting bored. These were the persons, no doubt, of considerable consequence but persons at the periphery of acquaintance, neither relatives nor close friends, nor officials, but persons 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 some time pertaining to the hosts. Their patience was getting exhausted. Mr. Singh who was in automobile business and making good money, perhaps honestly to the best capability of his then conscience, could not restrain himself further. “You know, over thousand persons will be dining here, leaving apart the caterers, servants and others. No one spends so lavishly his hand earned money,” he exclaimed.

“What exactly do you mean Mr. Singh, please elaborate,” said Mrs. Kohli, who was seated next to him and was infamous for her gossiping and pungent tongue.

                “You all know, why do you want me to commit. Mr. Dinanath is flourishing by manipulating money of the investors, said Mr. Singh “If the shares move 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.”

      “But that is what all do, the investor has to take more caution in giving instructions. No one can blame the broker for market fluctuations,” said Mrs. Kohli with an intention of furthering the conversation and at the same time putting up a show to defend Mr. Dinanath, the host.

                        “There is no moral left in business today. Gone are the days when we could rely on someone,” commented Mr. Singh. “That is true for all. Money has become all-important. 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 full throated and long. The ceremony was over. The worship part was followed by a series of short lectures by eminent persons, elaborating the virtues of Seth Dinanath and the family, his benevolent nature and blessings to the new born. Each such person took about 2 to 5 minutes. 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 Dinanath to various Sanatan Dharma temples, Arya Samaj Mandirs, educational institutions, old age destitute homes etc. Thereafter announcement was made inviting people for meals laid on the tables along a row in the lawn and well liveried bearers were serving the hot and spicy, pure vegetarian food, lavishly prepared both quality and variety wise.

                        The host, the relatives and the close friends with their family waited. The others were to dine first. There are persons who make the maximum use of their time, last to come and first to dine and leave. The experienced one had already surveyed the general arrangement of tables and layout of crockery etc. soon on their arrival and now they inconspicuously and deftly drifted to the table and had started stuffing their plates with numerous items of their choice to the full capacity of the plate. It was obvious that a second helping would amount to a lot of time wasting and no one wanted to take a chance. Subsequently the others joined in. After finishing the meals, people took leave of the host, expressing thanks to the host and blessings to the child.

                        Deewan Harbanlal, along with his band of associates, supervised the function and the serving of meals, ensuring that everyone was taken care of. By the time the last person has finished his meal, it was past 3 pm. It was Sunday, a non-working day, and hence most of the invitees could attend the function.

                        Seth Dinanath soon thereafter retired to this bedroom for rest and the winding-up work continued. Those who stayed on formed groups and were relaxing and conversing about various matters. Most of these formed the relatives and close associates. Instructions had been left to wait for the evening tea before departure. A few persons who had come especially for this function from neighboring towns were likely to stay overnight. It formed an occasion for good get-together of persons closely and distantly related. Many even did not know each other entirely or knew only casually. The fabrics of kinship get stronger on such occasions.

                        Among the relatives who visited the occasion was Mrs. Radha, in her late forties, a distant cousin of Seth Dinanath. Hence, she was addressed as bua (father’s sister) by all persons of young and even middle age. She thus became the bua (aunt) of all and sundry. She became widow at an early age with no children. She had, however, reconciled to her situation and would visit any relative, near or distant, on every occasion of importance, may be child birth, ann prasana, nam-karan (naming of the child), yagyopaveet (thread ceremony), engagement ceremony of a young boy or girl, marriage ceremony or death. She was almost always invited or informed about the function and she would invariably present herself well in time, and take control of the things to be done, rites 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 traditional rites found solace in inviting her and taking her advice. On occasions, her advice was not accepted or modified but in general, her word was taken as the law. She was liberal in rendering services. On festive occasions, she would reach the relevant house a week or two in advance and would stay well over a month or so. She would then vanish as hastily as her arrivals. She had keen sense of judging the feelings of the masters of the family. When she realized 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 is one factor that made her desirable. Her resources of information regarding the relatives was extremely vast and in leisure time, she could and would with pleasure keep engrossed all, children of tender age, as well as elderly persons, relating tales about various persons or events. Nothing escaped her attention and hence with a little probing one could know all about the love affairs, or the flirtation of a young girl of a such and such family. Needless to say, 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 persuasion or cajoling would not make her come out with the truth. Scandals do happen in families from time to time but she would confine herself to advice to the family and total black out elsewhere. This was one reason why people in distress would take her into confidence and seek her advice.

                        People, in general, were not aware of her antecedents except a very few including Seth Dinanath. She had a turbulent life, a life full of struggle and misery but at the same time, a life of achievement and goodwill to people. She was a distant cousin of Seth Dinanath. Her father was a man of poor financial standing whose greatest worry was to see his daughter Radha getting married and was on constant look out for a suitable match for her. Assistance of all the relatives was sought in this regard. But a good match of proper background and well settled in life, involved a considerable sum of dowry. Time passed on and Radha remained unmarried well past the age considered suitable for marriage. She was educated only upto middle school level and that was far beyond the considered suitable for the family of her means and standing. Sarla Devi, Radha’s aunt was a constant and frequent visitor to the family and was making Radha’s father feel guilty for not having found a match for her. 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 has to be done, irrespective of the suitability of the match.

One morning Sarla Devi called on Radha’s father and suggested a match for Radha, rather hesitantly, a man of middle age, a widower with no issues but a man well placed in life and 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 prolonged discussion, Sarla Devi prevailed on Radha’s father to accept the proposal. Radha hardly had a choice. It was better than remaining unmarried, be a subject of constant ridicule and often subject to vulgar advances of acquaintances and even relations. Having considered all aspects, the matter was finalized after a formal visit by the prospective bridegroom to see Radha and get her consent. She had to give the consent, as she did not have any other option. All her dreams of a good husband were shattered. She was not aspiring for a rich or highly educated match but all she wanted, as is true for all young girls of her station, was a young, healthy and average good 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 the husband and he was the head of the family, which consisted of only his aged mother and his younger brother and his family. It was a big residential two-storied house. Radha and Mohan occupied the ground floor while the rest lived on the upper floor.       

                        Time moved on. Radha adjusted herself in the family. She had initially no liking for the frail and aged husband but Mohan, on the other hand, adored his wife and took pains to meet all her wishes. He was well educated having secured a Bachelors degree in Arts and was a good businessman. He was an advocate for education to women, though he did not want them to take up jobs or pursue a profession. Since Radha already had studied upto middle school level, Mohan encouraged her to take up further studies. In spite of the opposition from 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 up this opportunity. She worked hard and succeeded in passing the High School Certificate Examination with reasonably good marks.

                        It was now over fifteen years since she got married. But she was not blessed with a child in spite of all medical advice and treatment. She again reconciled with the situation. But the greatest shock of her life came when one early morning, Mohan succumbed to a massive heart attack. Radha become a widow. As per tradition, she had to remove all bangles and wear only a white Sari. The cremation was over, and various other rites were in progress. All relatives had been informed and final rite was scheduled on the thirteenth day from the date of cremation. Her brother in-laws and all other relatives took over the management of the family. It was decided that Radha after becoming a widow should have her head shaved as per the old tradition. 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 relatives had taken it for granted that Radha would be treated like any other widow – a cursed woman having committed the sin of out living her husband and was, therefore, to lead a life of mourning and perpetual expiation. The more orthodox among the relatives wanted her to be confined to a small dingy room and to live on state bread and lentils, ordained from good things in life. This was customary a generation or two ago and obviously the more orthodox among them still wanted to stick to this tradition.

                        There was a financial angle also involved. 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 every day in her struggle. The situation, however, crystalized when Seth Dinanath arrived for attending the final rites on the thirteenth day. As was customary, there was the usual pooja (worshipping) and havan (offering on gee and other mixture articles poured on fire with recital of religious shlokas or verses). Subsequently, eleven Brahmins were entertained on rich food and given dakshina (offerings of money, clothes and utensils) and donation set aside to be given to temple, school, and anathalaya (destitute house). Finally when all relatives and invitees had their meals, all invitees have left and only close relatives remained in the house, the topic regarding the future of Radha came under discussion. At this juncture, Seth Dinanath strongly supported Radha and his word was law. Radha was owner of all the business and property belonging to her deceased husband. Every one 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 was to go to Radha. It was for Radha to decide how to deal with the assets.

                        Radha sought the advice of her cousin Dinanath. “As you are educated, you may run the business yourself but since you are new to the business you may incur losses and will be ill pressed financially,” said Seth Dinanath.

                        “What should I do? I will abide by your advice,” said Radha. “Under the situation, a course of moderation may be good. I suggest you sell the business as it is and put the proceeds in 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 certainly avoid the risk of loss and also the associated headache,” said Dinanath.

                        To this Radha readily agreed.

                        “What about the house,” asked Radha.

Seth Dinanath thought for a moment and then remarked. “Much depends on your feelings towards your near relatives specially your brother-in-law and his family. It will be too harsh to ask them to leave the house. So it was decided that the upper floor of the house will be let out on rent to the he brother-in-law after proper written agreement 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 remain always dependent on her.

It so worked out that Radha under the condition could live comfortably on less than half the income and thus save something. With the savings she oblige her relatives who visit her from time to time or she could visit her other relatives in the city or elsewhere.

There was thus a radical transformation in Radha’s social status which she had stated enjoying. She often reflected on her past, on 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 chores including cooking. She would occasionally prepare a dish or two for her own liking or that of her mother-in-law. 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 changes in the attitudes of her brother-in-law, Sudhir and her sister in law. They had also grasped the reality of the situation and would talk to Radha very politely and with due respect. Often they would send to her some specially prepared dishes or lentils to please her.

Time thus passed on comfortably. Life was good and she grew plump and smooth. For her now, there was no dearth for company; her brother’s family and her husband’s were continuous visitors. She would depending on her mood, entertain them lavishly and enjoy it. It was now well accepted by one and all that she was mistress of what was hers. She would wear the finest clothes and eat the finest food. She would sit in her house and talk to them as when she felt like talking or listen to their tales regarding dearth of money. Sometimes she would, do them little favors and be praised 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 need that endeared her to her relatives. 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 sit reverently by her bed.

Her aunt Sarla Devi was an occasional visitor to her and a welcome one. On one such occasion when Radha was in such a black mood, Sarla Devi happened to visit. She evaluated the situation but all the same asked Radha as to what was ailing her. Finding a real wellwisher, Radha unburdened herself complaining about the irony of fate, about her perpetual 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,” exclaimed Radha, “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.”

“God has been cruel to you, no doubt,” said Sarla. 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 offered you. Do pray to God and you will find peace in mind. Be good to people, but do not expect anything in return.”

“Shall I go to temple everyday for prayer and donate money to beggars sitting in rows these? Will it give me my peace?” asked Radha.

            “Yes, do it if you have desire and mind to do” said Sarla Devi. “Go to anathalaya (destitute children home), talk to them, offer what you can freely - money, food, clothes etc. Try to derive pleasure out of it. You stand to gain more than what you give.”

            “What else should I do?” asked Radha.

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

            Sarla Devi departed after giving her advice and a promise to come again soon. Radha resolved to give the advice a trial. She was accustomed to get up late in the morning. But now she would get up in the morning before sunrise, and get ready for meditation after bath. 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 the nearby temple; participate in the worship, talk with other devotees and the pandit.              

            But even these regular visits to temple did not give her any 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 suitable arrangement for his stay, recourses etc. Radha donated freely for the cause and was requested to be on the managing committee. It was a welcome change for her, a deviation from her routine. A week passed away in 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 guesthouse on the outskirts of the city. It was owned by a rich businessman of the town and was generously offered for all such occasions. The guest house was well maintained with huge air conditioned, well furnished room 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 has visited the guesthouse several times in the week preceding the arrived of the Swamiji. It was a major event of the town and everyone looked forward to have a darshan of the Swami and to listen to his preaching.   

            The train arrived early in the morning. It was a Sunday. A huge gathering of disciples and 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 lined up to garland the Swami and his associates. A fleet of cars waited at the station for their conveyance. Swamiji was thus accorded a very hearty welcome and was taken to the guesthouse. Everything went on smoothly. People in general were disallowed from meeting him. 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; had a good command on language and an excellent way of narrating things. The audience listened in perfect silence broken at intervals by short bhajans (prayers). The entire proceedings lasted for about three hours and people listened with great reverence. The routine continued for the whole week.

            It was on the third day that Radha as usual accompanied Swamiji to the guesthouse. Only very limited persons were permitted entry in the guesthouse. Swami retired to his personal suite. Radha as usual ensured that all the necessary arrangements for the next day have been made and was due to leave for her home. On the spur of moment she thought of taking leave of Swami and pay her parting homage for the day. She knocked on the door, as was the usual custom, waiting for a while and then entered. What she saw was shocking to her. Swamiji was seated on the well-cushioned deewan in half inclined posture, embracing an extremely beautiful young lady. Radha turned back to depart but Swamiji called her back. There was no sign of remorse on his face.

            Kamla was a rich social magnate, but was now after peace of mind and had decided to lead a life of penance and worship of God. To this end, she had decided to entrust the business management to the manager and be disciple of Swamiji. Radha already knew her but not intimately. Now the true picture had emerged. She had heard of whispers concerning weakness of Swamiji for young girls and 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. Gradually Swamiji unfolded his mind, “A true devotee offers his or her entire self to God or his incarnation. I am an incarnation of God; one who pleases me, pleases the God.”

            The philosophy, however, did not appeal to Radha. Though she was not highly educated, she 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 left the place after humbly taking leave of Swamiji.

            Back home, Radha reflected on the events of the day. Her effort to find peace of mind in religious discourses had greatly evaporated. She was back to square one. Routine life continued. But her mind was in turmoil. She had almost no one to talk to; no other hobby except reading. Visit of a relative was welcome. They used 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 got very 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 a depressed mood, she suggested that she may come to her place for some time for a change. Radha found the suggestion appealing and for the first, went out for pleasure visit. Indeed she found it a welcome change. After a week, she came back home rather refreshed.

            With this new experience, she made it a practice not to ignore any invitation, a casual one, or for attending and helping in any family ritual such as marriage, engagement ceremony, nam-karan (Awarding name to the child), ann-prasan (ignition of cereal food to a child) or even the death. Every such visit gave her new experiences, 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 daughter of Seth Dinanath that Radha buaji graced the occasion by her visit and by her useful help in proper conduct of the ceremony. The function ann-prassan finished smoothly and by next morning most of the relatives left excepting a few. Buaji (Radha) stayed on and was expected to stay for quite some time, may be a few weeks.

            On the third day, buaji suddenly enquired about the horoscope of the child. Yes, said Seth Dinanath, “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 a 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 to be endowed with divine powers and on meditation, he can foresee events.

            Dinanath was averse to such consultation, but on persuasion he agreed to visit Mr. Shastri. The meeting was fixed and they were asked to come next morning at 9 A.M. They all did accordingly. They had to wait for some time as Mr. Shastri was still engaged in pooja. 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 this divine power. Most of his predictions were true. He was not a professional and would not charge any fee or accept any presents. He lived a simple life and never boasted of his powers.

            Seth Dinanath and others, removed their footwear, 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. Buaji introduced everybody and requested Mr. Shastri to enlighten and help everyone on the matter. On having completely listened to their tale, Shastriji adjusted his seating posture, closed his eyes and went into 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 in activity and the surrounding atmosphere. Finally he opened his eyes and addressed buaji, “The girl is likely to lose her mother early in life. There will be heavy financial crisis for the family. She will have a miserable life before her marriage.”

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

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

            Seth Dinanath looked somewhat relieved. But apprehension continued. They thanked Mr. Shastri and returned. Buaji also departed after a few days.

            Time passed on. As was 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, go to 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 be glad to agree to this union. Meanwhile Kapil after completing his Engineering degree course went to United States for further studies leading to a post-graduate degree in management. It was decided that he would return to India after two years and them help his father in controlling and further expanding the family business. Pramela and Seth Dinanath were also happy with the event. Kapil completed his study in two years time and did return to India but only for a week. He went back in spite of heavy pressure by one and all. He has planned to work for about two or 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 down here.

            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 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 the quantum of corruption which varies.”                

            “I agree, the corruption is prevalent in all countries and is increasing,” 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; you have to struggle and waste time, money and effort and suffer humiliations for routine works. Go to any Govt. or semi-government organization, you are reduced to a level of a beggar. All are bloody babus, right from peon to the chief secretary or chairman and they back in the glory of being babus.”

            “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 Britishers for centuries and it is bound to petrify the moral of people.”

            “Have we really got the independence? Earlier we were ruled by Britishers through their henchmen, the ICS babus and today we are ruled by their petrified Indian version,” said Kapil.

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

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

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

            “I have no intention as of today.” Said Kapil.

            With this promise, Kapil went back to the state but at the end of the two-year period, he got a very excellent job with much higher salary and a 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 naturally 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 so much accustomed to the life pattern there that even a short stay in India appears various to them.

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