Uncle’s Disapproval and Aunt’s Defense

As I returned to Sumay-uncle’s home with his favorite Khira Prasadam, my aunt’s face lit up with joy, but uncle seemed less than pleased. He had hoped I would spend more time on spiritual practice. During dinner, my aunt asked what I’d been doing, I said that I spent more time in the temple than my house.

“You are a fool. Doesn’t matter what ever you have done.” said uncle.

I bit my tongue, holding back my irritation. Then, to my relief, Aunt came to my defense.

“Why are you after him? He went to the temple on this sweltering summer day and brought so much Prasadam for you. Can’t you see his efforts?” she chided gently.

Uncle’s expression softened. “You’re right, I can address this later.”

The tension eased, and dinner resumed. Later that night, I found solace in reading scriptures.

sumay-uncle pointed my mistakes over dinner

The next evening, we visited my aunt’s sister’s house to attend a death anniversary. There my uncle and his friends led a heartfelt kirtan for half an hour, and even the guests joined in. It was a touching moment followed by a communal meal.

During dinner, uncle addressed me again, “Why are you defending yourself. I am chastising your false ego in order to help you. But you are very defensive and it makes things difficult for me and you as well.”

I just looked at him and said nothing. Then he said further, “You wanted me to glorify you for bringing Khira for me. But I did the opposite and you became angry. So, don’t defend your false ego. It will never help you in your spiritual life.”

I could sense what he was talking about but I was not able to comprehend fully. I just nodded my head.

After finishing the dinner we walked to the parking place. We waited for about fifteen minutes as my aunt was having a conversation with her family.

Then my uncle stared into my eyes and said, “I can see that you are going to get mad again. So, please try to increase your scripture reading, hearing and chanting of holy names and lectures as well. Otherwise you will again fall into the pitfalls of material anxiety.

His words left me uneasy, reminding me of past struggles with anxiety. But I realized I had taken my spiritual practice for granted, blaming external factors like network marketing for my woes. The real issue, was something else which will be unfolded in due time.

Then my aunt came and we headed back to uncle’s home.

shanaya sent her photo

While I was sitting with my aunt and having a conversation, Shanaya texted me. In excitement I showed the text to my aunt. She looked at me with a sidelong glance and asked, “Who is this girl?”

I found her on Facebook and she texts me whenever she finds some time.

“Oh! Alright.” she said and went to watch out her kid.

I continued my conversation with Shanaya and then she asked me what I was doing.

After a brief talk I asked her whether or not she has posted her real photo on her Facebook profile. Then she immediately sent a selfie to confirm that her profile picture was real.

I was struck with awe since I had never talked to any girl before who would send her selfie to a stranger just to prove her profile photo was real.

grandma returned from her trip

The next day my grandma returned from her Dwarka trip. As they returned home after two weeks, they spent some time together till late night.

Then grandma asked me about my well-being and she learned that I would leave for Punjab the next day.

She said to my uncle, “Take care of him. After all he has taken your shelter.”

“Yes, but provided he sticks to what he has begun. I might visit him if he stays on track” said Sumay-uncle and smiled.

Their conversation comforted me, reinforcing their genuine care. I went to bed that night feeling grateful, knowing I had trustworthy figures in my life.

time to go back punjab

The next morning, I woke early to prepare for my journey. Observing Grandma perform the morning rituals in the pooja room. I went inside and paid obeisances to the deities.

My aunt served me breakfast. After the breakfast, as I was about to bring my backpack, aunt gave me some spending money.

“Why? You gave me when I was going home.”, I hesitated.

“This is from your grandma, so she has given you some extra.” she smiled and said.

After that grandma finished her morning offerings to the deities and came to me.

“Have you informed your uncle about your departure?” she asked.

“No, he might be sleeping. I don’t want to disturb him.” I said.

“No, you go and wake him up and inform.” I hesitantly went to his room.

“Sumay-uncle, I’m leaving,” I announced softly.

Half-awake, he smiled and patted my head. “Stay in touch and share your troubles. Make decisions after consulting me.”

His warmth surprised me—it was a departure from his usual demeanor. Downstairs, Aunt and Grandma awaited me. I touched their feet in respect, and Grandma embraced me warmly, blessing me for the journey ahead.

Leaving for the train station, I felt a mix of emotions. Boarding the train, I plugged in my earphones and played a lecture by Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa Prabhupada.

After two and a half hours, the train reached my hometown and my dad was waiting at the platform near my coach to handover a box of sweet.

“Take care and inform after you reach” said my dad.

“Yes, I will.” I replied.

The train paused briefly, and as it resumed its journey with a blow of the horn, I stood by the door, watching my dad fade into the distance. I returned to my seat and resumed listening to lectures. That day, Shanaya didn’t text me, and I was perfectly fine with it. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to her.

In the afternoon, my uncle texted, “Thank you for the Khira. I appreciate your efforts, mate.”

I smiled and replied, “Thank you for everything.”

shanaya showed interest in me

I arrived in Punjab the following day and informed my parents and uncle. Determined to make positive changes, I revamped my lifestyle with exercise and a healthy diet, while refocusing on my career and spiritual growth. I stuck to these commitments for a week.

One evening, returning from my workout, a Facebook message from Shanaya caught my attention.

“Hello,” she greeted.

“Hi,” I responded.

“Are you busy with your life?” she inquired.

“Not too busy, but occupied enough,” I replied.

“I thought you were done with me, so I texted to find out,” she admitted.

Her message piqued my curiosity. I wondered, “She’s a stranger to me, yet she’s reaching out. Could she be interested?”

“I’m okay. Let’s talk,” I replied.

We delved into a long conversation, sharing details about our lives and everything in between.

The next day, a holiday, Shanaya texted me in the morning, “I showed your photo to my sister-in-law. Want to know what she said?”

“What?” I asked, intrigued.

“She thinks you look very smart and handsome,” she replied with a shy emoticon.

I was taken aback, unsure how to respond. Her message sparked a sensation in my mind. “I think this girl likes me. Why else would she show a random boy’s photo to her family?”

As our conversations grew, we started sharing everything about our daily lives, connecting deeply each night. Having someone genuinely interested in my life made me feel good.

Weeks passed, and my attention shifted from career and spirituality to Shanaya.

One day, while riding my bike to college, my phone rang. Deciding not to check it while on the move, I waited until I reached campus to see who had called—it was Shanaya.

Surprised by her call, I dialed her number back immediately, and she answered promptly.

Feeling nervous, I stumbled over my words as we spoke, but Shanaya seemed confident. She asked what I was up to, and I mentioned I was at college.

“Oh! I am also in my college. but there’s no class today. I’m sitting alone in my classroom, so I thought I’d give you a call,” she explained.

I smiled and replied, “That’s nice of you. Unfortunately, I have to attend my class now. It’s not a good time. Let’s catch up in the evening.”

She hesitated, then said, “I can’t talk at home with my parents around. Anyway, you go to your class. We’ll chat some other day,” and then she hung up.

I felt confused about what had transpired. “Should I have skipped class and talked to her? It was the first time she called me. Did I make a mistake?” These thoughts raced through my mind as I entered the classroom.

But my mind continued to dwell on Shanaya’s phone call, oblivious to the fact that I was gradually developing feelings for her. The next day, a call from Sumay-uncle shook me to my core.

During our conversation, he vehemently criticized me and pointed out my mistakes in a way that was difficult to hear. His words were unpalatable, yet they resonated deeply within me.

Reflecting on his words, I made a decision. What that decision was and its impact will be revealed in the next chapter. It promised to bring about a new experience.

Stay tuned for more…