Raghunath, the village headman has two sons – Mohan and Gopal. His wife, Shanti is a mature, sensible and understanding woman. The villagers always sought them out whenever they had any problem. Raghunath and Shanti would discuss the matter with them patiently, make them see reason and help them understand things from the other person’s perspective. They would then help them find a solution to their problem. They never give any advice. So the villagers respect them a lot.
When Mohan and Gopal start earning a decent living for themselves, Raghunath and Shanti divide their property equally between them and get them married. Mohan marries a beautiful intelligent woman Rupa and Gopal marries a naïve and caring woman Anandi.
Raghunath and Shanti never interfere in their sons’ lives. They are busy and live their lives with contentment sometimes living with Mohan – at other times with Gopal. Unfortunately, a year later, Shanti suffers from a stroke and is bedridden.
Anandi volunteers to take care of Shanti in her home, much to Rupa’s relief. Shanti had observed the stark difference in Rupa’s and Anandi’s character but wisely chooses not to discuss it with others. She is secretly relieved that she has to live in Gopal’s house with Anandi.
Anandi takes very good care of Shanti and Raghunath. Whenever she has a few moments to spare from her chores, she sits beside Shanti and chats with her. Initially, Rupa too dutifully comes over to meet Shanti and help Anandi with the chores. But when Shanti shows no signs of recovering, Rupa’s visits become infrequent.
One fine day, Anandi sees the village women talking about the upcoming Purushotham Maas. Anandi decides to ask Rupa about it because she did not know much about the Purushotham Maas and the rituals associated with this month.
Rupa knows that Shanti favours Anandi more than her. She is jealous of Anandi’s caring nature. So she uses the situation to her advantage and haughtily says, “Pleasing Purushotham Bhagawan is not a joke Anandi. I have decided to go to my mother’s place to observe all the fasts and rituals correctly.
Just keep these two things in mind before you go ahead with your plan. Gopal’s business is not doing well and you have an ailing person to take care of at home. But you are the best judge. We wake up early in the morning, bathe in the river, eat only once a day, feed a Brahmin for 30 days and host a feast for as many women and Brahmins as we can on the last day.”
Anandi finds it hard to reply to her immediately. She pauses for a few seconds, nods her head and says, “I’ll do whatever I can Didi. Thank you for sharing these details with me.” When Anandi discusses her conversation with Shanti, she says, “Listen to your conscience Anandi. Everything else will fall in place on its own.”
That night Anandi wonders if she is doing the right thing. Rupa was right in so many ways. They ran short of money almost every month these days. She never had a free moment for herself. How could she afford the additional expense of all these fasts and feasts without any money in hand? And who would take care of Shanti if she went away to the river to bathe in the mornings?
Anandi feels very sad to pass up such a good opportunity to connect to God. But she had a strange gut feeling that Purushotham Bhagawan would help her find a way to connect to Him.
The next day, she wakes up early. She has her bath in her home itself, draws a splendid colourful rangoli outside her home, smiles with satisfaction and whispers to no one in particular, “This is my way of worshipping and welcoming you into our home every day O Purushotham Bhagawan. Please accept my small tokens of love.”
Anandi then resumes her normal routine at home. Shanti says, “Aren’t you going to the riverside to bathe with the other women Anandi?” Anandi smiles at Shanti serenely and says, “I have other plans Ma. Here, come let me help you drink your tea. Are you feeling better today? Did you sleep well?”
Shanti nods her head, touches Anandi’s head and says, “I am very fortunate Anandi. You are a very understanding and caring woman.” Anandi hugs Shanti tightly and goes back to the kitchen. She had work to do. Time whizzes past. Anandi looks up at the clock the minute she is free and smiles with relief. Shanti was fast asleep. She too could take a nap today. Anandi wakes up feeling refreshed after a short while.
She helps Shanti drink her evening tea and says, “Shall I sing some prayers and chants when I sit with you every evening Ma?” Shanti nods in assent with a smile. Anandi then joins her hands, closes her eyes and in a crystal clear voice sings all the chants and prayers that her mother had taught her when she was a young girl.
Tears stream down her face when she recollects those beautiful moments that she had spent with her parents. She missed them a lot and wished they were still alive. But soon she is lost as if in a trance. She continues to sing all the bhajans and chants that she knows.
Anandi breaks out of her reverie with a start and looks around. Tears of absolute bliss were flowing down Shanti’s eyes too. And all the neighbouring women had gathered in her house upon hearing her beautiful voice. Anandi looks away shyly. But Shanti says, “You have a beautiful voice, Anandi. Who taught you to sing so well?” Anandi brinks back her tears and says, “My mother.”
Anandi wonders if her neighbours are making fun of her when she sees them whispering amongst themselves. But the very next minute, a woman called Shankari says, “Will you be the leader for our Mandali, Anandi? All of us are good at singing. But your voice has a deep crystal clear tone that will anchor the entire group. Several people invite us to sing bhajans on auspicious occasions, especially now during the Purushotham Maas. We share whatever they give us amongst ourselves and earn decently by doing what we love. Your bhajans and chants are new and very beautiful. It will add some variety to the songs that we usually sing too.”
Anandi looks at Shanti for reassurance. Shanti squeezes her hand tightly and says, “Don’t give up this opportunity. God has showered his most special blessings on you Anandi. Go on . Say yes. Leave the rest to Him.” Anandi accepts their offer but is very sceptical about it.
When Gopal and Raghunath hear the news from their regular customers they are very happy. They take turns to look after Shanti whenever Anandi’s Mandali has an appointment. And what is more, Gopal and Raghunath start doing brisk business because Anandi’s Mandali becomes very popular in their town. Rupa wrings her hands resentfully when she hears of Anandi’s good fortune. But she pretends to be very happy for her.
And Anandi thinks of Purushotham Bhagawan every single day and says, “You have blessed me in several ways O Purushotham Bhagawan. I am fortunate indeed that you accept my small tokens of love.”
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