The darkness in the room was dispelled to a great extent by the brave glow of the little brass diya. The oil which had once been filled to the brim had long got over, it was the courage of the brave cotton wick which kept pumping its laboured breath to keep the flame going. The corner farthest from this source of bravery and light harboured a run-down lumpy mattress, a nest to the curled-up child, lying listlessly, equally brave in fighting the disease which racked his little body. Radhika sat murmuring soothing words of encouragement to her precious child as she kept applying a cold compress to bring down the burning fever.
Her job as a house maid didn’t bring her a large income, just enough to make ends meet. Her scoundrel of a husband had not returned home since the last three days; must be lying drunk somewhere! There was no money, and her child was fighting for every breath. Now was not the time to lament over her ill fortune, karma, or lack of blessings. She focused on getting the fever down, as the doctor had instructed.
The hut soon filled with her melodious, sweet voice as she sang to her dearest son, trying to fill him with warmth and courage, as well as revive her own depleting energy and vitality. When it changed into a hymn, a prayer even the rats scurrying in the eaves did not realise, because there weren’t any humans awake till miles around.
Seth Lakshmikant was ensconced in his ample bed, sunk in the soft cushiony mattress, lying under a light warm quilt filled with the softest and warmest down. The cold, dark wintery night was held at bay outside the opulent room, decorated with oriental carpets, plush curtains, ornate furniture, and the most exquisite Belgian chandeliers. A few lamps glowed warm around the bed, as if for added warmth and security. The brass gleamed golden, winking the luxury and opulence at every turn of the clock’s hands! But Lakshmikant was not comfortable. He felt restless and uneasy! Throwing off the covers, he got out of bed. He discerned it was around midnight. He paced around his room and still felt stifled. He put on his coat, and pulled on his warm shoes as he picked up his walking stick and strode out.
The cold breeze whooped down on spotting a new victim. Whoosh! Whoosh! It blew trying to get his cap off! But it only served to put some colour int his cheeks and add a sparkle to his eyes! Laughing aloud, he walked on towards the edge of the city ….
As he reached the end of the road and close to the slum dwellings he prepared to turn around. The mellifluous rendition of his favourite prayer came wafting to his ears and cast a spell on him. As if in a trance he started walking towards it. Where he went, how far he walked, he had no idea. But before long he found himself at the doorstep of Radhika’s decrepit hut. He peeped in through the dirty, stained window and caught the sight of a loving mother, clothed in threadbare clothes, trying to comfort a child in the most pathetic bed he had ever seen. The cold compress on the forehead was sufficient to indicate what was going on! His eyes started smarting…. Its too cold he murmured and reaching into his pockets he pulled out some money! Hope its sufficient to keep them warm this winter! He put it under the mat and knocked on the door. Quickly he ran around the corner of the house and stood hidden to watch.
Radhika presumed it was her drunken husband, as she unlatched the door. Seeing no one she wondered if she was hallucinating. As she turned to shut the door she saw the bundle of notes. Hesitatingly she picked it up and counting the amount, tears streamed down her face. She fell to her knees right there and thanked God!
Lakshmikant felt a song rising in his heart, a smile spreading on his lips and the stars in the firmament seemed to have an added glow! He was used to donating and doing charity, having his photographs taken and splattered all across town, and the media. There was no gain if it was not known. Being anonymous could be so rewarding he realised at that moment. As the door shut, he turned homeward, snatches of the song once again resumed their flight! What a wonderful night!
