Good Neighbour An Extended Family
(A short story)
By Vaman Acharya)
1
The atmosphere of devotion was created by the sound of vedic mantras coming from the amplifier. The occasion was the first anniversary of Kali Mata mandir. Vinay Kumar, a retired professor, had spared the ground floor of his residence for the mandir. The alterations in the ground floor were done to suit the mandir. Kali Mata vigraha was installed according to the shastra.
The homa started well before six am. The weather was pleasant. Vinay Kumar after retirement and the sudden death of his wife Anupama in that year, decided to devote his rest of life in spiritual and religious activities. The mandir and the first floor were ready after one and half years. He was staying on the first floor with his only son Prajwal.
The shamiyana was erected in front of his house. The sufficient chairs were kept for the use of devotees. More than one hundred devotees participated in the function and everybody generously donated for this function, though it was voluntary. Women outnumbered the men. A sacred fire ceremony of Homa and other spiritual activities were in full progress. Before the commencement of Homa, one of the priests gave a brief discourse.
The combination of the powerful energy of the fire and the mantras creates extremely auspicious and purifying vibrations. The smoke that rises from Homa contains powerful healing energy and purifies the atmosphere.
Prajwal was a civil engineer. He opened 'Anupama Constructions' located in the heart of the town. He encouraged his father in spiritual activities. Mass feeding in the form of prasad was arranged.
When Homa was in full swing, Nagabhushan, a neighbour and colleague of Vinay, arrived near the entrance of the shamiyana. He was angry and shouted at the top of his voice.
Vinaya Kumar came out.
Both had a cordial relationship just two years before. Sensing the trouble outside, a group of devotees came out and one of them requested Nagabhushan,
"Sir, wait till the rituals are over."
Nagabhushan was adamant.
He didn't allow Vinay Kumar to speak.
"Mr. Kumar, you know I am conducting tuition classes at this time. Due to your loudspeakers, I am unable to teach students. I don't say stop Homa and other activities. I say stop loudspeakers and carry on silently without disturbing others," said Nagabhushan.
"My dear friend,Nagabhushan, you know I took permission from the police for loud- speakers. At this juncture, I cannot stop it. Please stop your classes today. I request you to join Homa and receive the blessings of Lord Ganesha, vighna nivaraka. Let us sit together and sort out our differences after this function.”
"Why should I wait?
replied Nagabhushan.
Vinay Kumar was standing before him with folded hands.
One of the devotees intervened and said,
"Nagabhushan, please do not create hurdles at this juncture. It's a religious function attended by many devotees. This homa is conducted for the welfare of the society including you."
Nagabhushan was still adamant. Devotees came out in a large group. One of them warned Nagabhushan.
“Go back to your house, otherwise we have to take extreme steps.”
Nagabhshan went inside his house. The homa and other activities were conducted peacefully. Surprisingly, his wife Mandakini and daughter Pankaja actively participated in the function.
2
Before moving to the adjacent new buildings two years ago, Vinay Kumar and Nagabhushan were like brothers. The construction work with the similar plan of both buildings was given to Prajwal. Nagabhushan signed a building contract with Prajwal, when their relationship was cordial. At the time of final settlement of accounts the misunderstandings cropped up and the relationship spoiled. Nagabhushan was under the impression that Prajwal had swallowed ten lakhs of rupees by giving a false account. Prajwal denied the charges and refused to return the cash. Nagabhushan filed a criminal case against Prajwal.
In the evening after the function, Mandakini and Pankaja returned home relaxing on the sofa watching the serial on the television. Nagabhushan, who was in the upstairs came down asked,
"Why did you attend the function despite my protest?"
Pankaja replied, "Dad, you know Vinay uncle invited us personally to participate in the sacred homa and other activities. You may be having differences with your friend. But for me and mom they are good people."
Mandakini said, "Bhushan, your cousin Mahesh has brainwashed your mind and created rivalry with Vinay sir and his son. I know Mahesh had committed fraud, while he was a manager of Suvarna Bank's branch at Raghavpur. He was dismissed from the bank service. Please continue your friendship with Vinay sir and Prajwal."
"Mandakini, why do you praise Vinay and Prajwal and abuse Mahesh? You are a practising advocate. Have you taken the case of Prajwal?"
"Yes! Bhushan, I always fight for the right cause."
Nagabhushan turning towards Pankaja asked,
"You know very well how difficult it was for me when you got admitted to engineering college and completed B E (Architecture) with flying colours. You also know how I was able to arrange for fees, books etc., I am happy that you have opened 'Pankaja Architect' your own office and are getting sufficient income. Why are you associating with Prajwal?"
"Yes, dad I do admit your sincere efforts for my present position. I am in association with Prajwal because I get more clients through him. It's a mutual understanding between us," Pankaja replied.
"Okay, I heard that you love Prajwal?"
"Yes, dad, what is wrong with it? I wanted to reveal this to you at the right time."
"Did your mom know?"
"Yes."
"Mandakini, why did you fail to inform me of such an important matter?"
"Bhushan, I too was thinking of the proper time."
Nagabhushan felt very much for these developments and climbed stairs to the first floor and sat on the easy chair thinking seriously on the matter.
One month passed.
Nagabhushan realised the truth. He blamed Mahesh for all the mess. It was on the 25th birthday of Pankaja, he arranged a party in the hotel Paradise and invited Vinay Kumar and Prajwal. He wished Pankaja for her birthday and announced Pankaja will tie knot with Prajwal on an auspicious day.
Good neighbour is an extended family.
