Raju mama's presentience

(An old story of 2009)

It was a rainy Sunday at Seattle. With nothing pressing to do, Ram was rummaging an old box of his. He found to his delight a tiny book of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam(1000 names of Lord Vishnu). He took it in his hand and fondly caressed it. As he turned the pages of the book, a dry rose petal fell from it.

His mind went back to his childhood days at Chennai where he lived in a colony that had several blocks with six apartments in each  building on both sides of the road. He lovingly remembered Raju mama(uncle) who had given him the book. Ram was then ten years old living in the adjacent building to Raju mama’s. He had preserved it carefully as a priceless possession.

Raju mama who had just retired from a high position in government was about 60 years and lived with his wife. His children were in Northern cities. A well-read man, he was proficient in Valmiki Ramayan and could quote shlokas aptly with ease. He conducted Vishnu Sahasranama chanting sessions in his apartment where about a dozen young boys and girls in the vicinity assembled daily to chant and learn by rote the shlokas. He gave the book free to all the boys and girls who attended the session that started sharp at 6 pm. Most of the children did not need the book as they had memorized it.

Raju uncle looking stern by appearance was a disciplinarian and would get upset if someone came late to the class. It was generally mami (auntie) who came to the support of children when he upbraided them for wrong pronunciation or missing words. He gave the kids candies, raisins or plantain fruits at the end of the session daily.

Uncle had a soft heart behind the rough exterior and helped many poor children with tuition fees and books. He carried commonly used patent  medicines in a bag during evening  walk and gave them to needy people who were aware of this good habit of his. His contributions to charitable causes were never spoken about though his wife used to confide to Ram’s mom. Though his children were in comfortable position in the North, he never left Chennai. Raju mama as a rule never spoke about himself or his kind acts.

Ram lost touch with Raju mama after his dad was transferred out of Chennai. He studied in Delhi, did his IIT and left for US for his MS and doctorate. He never went to Chennai in the intervening years.

He broke from his reverie and decided to invite him and mami personally for his wedding scheduled to take place luckily at Chennai itself

He was lucky to get Raju mama’s email address from a friend in US who was also in the Sahasranama group along with him. His friend was not sure whether the email address was current. Nevertheless, Ram wrote to him immediately.

Respected mama,

This is Ram who lived in the adjacent house and learnt Sahasranamam from you about 15 or more years back. I am now working in Seattle after my higher studies here. I wonder whether you remember me. To assist you in placing me, I can give two clues. One is I have hazel eyes and when mami remarked on seeing me first time that I had poonai kannu (cat’s eye) you chided her. The second one is,  one day not a single boy or girl had turned up for the Sahasranama recitation due to heavy downpour save myself in drenched clothes. I still remember your rebuking me for coming in the rain. You hurried inside to fetch a towel and fondly wiped my head dry. Despite my being the only one present, you sat with me to recite the Sahasranamam. You had kindly praised me sky high the next day in the class. I hope, mama, these two would suffice for you to recollect me.

I have one good news to share with you. My marriage is fixed with Sita next month at Chennai. She is a colleague and her parents are from Chennai. I will be meeting you soon next month  to invite you both personally.  Kind regards, Ram

Pat came the reply from Raju mama that he remembered him well and even his face. He said the Sahasranama sessions have stopped and that Valmiki’s epic never goes stale presenting new insights each time he reads  and is keeping him busy.He had also said that both mami and himself are looking forward to meet him.

Ram landed at Chennai after six weeks. His parents had already arrived from Delhi. There were lots of relatives  assembled in his house. Ram wished to meet Raju mama that evening itself. But he could not as his parents wanted him to accompany them for some urgent shopping.

The next morning, he took the invitation, the gifts he had bought for uncle and mami, bought some sweets on the way and went to the old colony where he had lived long time back. The houses all looked the same except for some additions in the front. When he got out of the car opposite uncle’s building with the packets in hand, he saw a cluster of people standing silently outside. It looked ominous though there were six flats in the complex.

He approached one gentleman and asked him which was Raju uncle’s flat though he knew very well. Seeing Ram well dressed with sweet packets and invitation on hand in hand, he said “Don’t you know Raju Sir passed away last night? It was a massive attack and the end came immediately even before medical aid could reach him. So sad for he was a good and venerable man. May I know who you are?”

Ram replied, “I used to live in the adjacent building long back. I am his old student in Sahasranamam class. Are mama’s children there?”

“No, only his wife is there with some ladies from neighbourhood. Her children are expected any time today. Poor mami, she is devastated.”

Ram returned to the car and left all things in it. When he went up he saw mami sitting crestfallen by the head of Raju uncle. He looked very much older but the features remained the same sharp ones he was aware of. He went to mami and sat by her side. There was a sign of recognition when she saw him. He held her hands and with tears streaming from his eyes, he said “Mami, I am Ram. Do you remember me. I had told uncle that I would be meeting him. I wanted to come last evening itself. It is my bad luck that I missed seeing him alive.”

She replied “Even last evening he was talking about you. He even wrote something on a piece of paper and left a sealed envelope for you on the table. When I asked him what it was, he brushed aside my question and only asked me to hand it over to you. When I said you could yourself give, he kept quiet. It looks  in retrospect as though he had a premonition of things to happen.”

Mami cried inconsolably even as Ram tried to console her. After some time, she went to the table and handed  him over the envelope.

It was only the next day he opened the envelope. There was a small note with a thousand rupee note.

” My dear Ram,

My blessings to you. Kindly accept my best wishes and the token gift. I am afraid I may not be able to attend your wedding. I still remember your young face with your drenched clothes that evening years back. You made me very happy that evening. I hope you recite Sahasranamam regularly. Affectionately Raju mama”

Ram could not control his tears and sobbed inconsolably.