The Golden Key to Gates of Heaven (1108)

 

“Amma, you should not be lying on the bed all the 24 hours. You must sit now and then on the chair and keep moving about a little once in a while,” said, Champaka, her daughter-in-law, a bit loudly.

“What can I do? My back pains when I sit. I cannot walk and this walker is more a nuisance than a help,” replied Chellamma.

“At this rate, you would not be able to even walk to the toilet in a few months,” warned Champaka.

The old woman did not respond. A frail figure in her late eighties, her vision had gone dim, her hearing impaired and her limbs so weak that she needed a walker to move about. Of late, she fell sick frequently with minor ailments like cough, cold or fever making herself more dependent on others. She lay mostly in her bed watching vacantly the ceiling fan or the picture of Guruvayurappan on the wall. With her handicaps, she had no use for a TV or music system that Champaka had thoughtfully provided in her room. Loneliness enveloped her as the body became weak with age.

Her only pastime was to revive old memories of years bygone. She could recollect the old incidents but forgot the recent happenings. There was a trace of a smile on her face as she thought of her younger days when she like a queen had ruled her sprawling bungalow consisting of her soft-natured husband, who was a leading advocate, and their seven sons and two daughters. Her writ prevailed in the house and none dared to question her. It was affluent days with no want. She was kind by nature but never allowed her daughters-in-law to claim intimacy with her. There were many servants and two cooks in the large house. The front hall was always bristling with many juniors and clients with a non-stop supply of coffee and refreshments. She carried herself with dignity and was held in great respect. There was happiness and harmony in the family with all sons living together with their wives and children.

These days she lived in a well-ventilated room at the rear of a big apartment with her second son Rajappa, as all the others were living separately, some in the same city and others in different cities. Both Rajappa and his wife Champaka were caring and dutiful, but were away at work in the daytime. They had no children. She kept the food and coffee in a flask on a table adjacent to her. She had employed a reliable girl after good reference to assist her and keep an eye on her. Nevertheless, it was silence and monotony for the old woman all through the day.

When Champaka returned home tired after a day’s hard work, she invariably entered to caress her amma’s arms and head warmly. She did not, however, talk to her much, not because of unwillingness but because there was nothing meaningful to converse. Chellamma mostly rambled incoherently. Champaka used to frown unseen and mumble sometimes and pull up the girl at the scattered and spilled food on the bed or amma’s dress.

The boredom and loneliness frustrated the old woman so much that she would pray to God to take her quickly to Heaven. The failing health, perceived neglect and emotional stress of being dependent made her depressed and yearn constantly for deliverance, praying most of the time

One Sunday she was telling Champaka,” I am tired of being tied to bed. I am constantly praying God to take me away. I hope He will listen to my prayers and take me to Heaven soon,”

 “Amma, how do you think that the Gates of Heaven would be kept open for you to enter at your will? How can you be so sure that you will go to Heaven? Do you have the key for it by any chance? “asked Champaka with a smile in a mocking tone.

“I don’t know all that. I pray to Guruvayurappan daily that He should take me to Him. Wherever He is, it must be Heaven” replied the guileless lady.

Chellamma prayed that night intensely to God “Guruvayurappa, Narayana, don’t ditch me on any count. I have been praying all the waking hours. Please take me to your feet soonest I have nothing against anyone. Rajappa and Champaka are very kind and caring. I depend on you for deliverance.” She went on praying amidst cries for His grace till she dozed away to sleep. This went on for three nights pushing the poor woman to extreme misery.

It was on the fourth day she had a dream in which Guruvayurappan appeared and assured her “Chellamma, do not worry. I have heard your prayers. The gates of Heaven will be open and you will have the key before long. Trust me and do not cry.”

The lady woke up with a start and was greatly surprised and relieved. Peace and calm descended on her face at what she believed to be God’s message to her.

 “Amma, what happened during the night? You seem fresh and happy. Have you got the Key to Heaven’s Gate?” taunted Champaka the next morning with a broad smile on her face.

Chellamma did not respond but turned her head and closed her eyes. She was quiet throughout the day.

It was past 8 am the next morning and Chellamma had not got up from the bed. It was getting late for the office. Champaka came to wake her up followed by Rajappa. When she nudged the old woman, her clutched hand fell on her side. Champaka felt her breath with concern and let out a shriek when it dawned on her that the old woman was no more. Her puckered lips looked to her like a faint and mischievous smile.  Intrigued by the tightly closed hand, she opened her fingers to find a shining key golden in colour.

She stood in utter disbelief staring at the unfamiliar key and wondering how and where she got it even as she remembered her taunt about the key for the gates of Heaven. Overcome by extreme remorse, she fell on Chellamma crying and said “Amma, forgive me. I have seen the golden key to Heaven you were always talking about in your hand. I am a wretch making fun of you and never spent time to regale you daily. I implore you to pardon me.”

 A confused and crestfallen Rajappa looking at both of them asked Champaka,” What key are you talking about? I do not see any in amma’s hand. Are you imagining?” 

To his bewilderment, Champaka continued to cry inconsolably.