A plot in Sadar Bazar locality of Bilaspur was purchased in names of three brothers jointly in the year 1970. In 1983 Daddaji had decided to construct a lodge on the plot. By that time the cold war between Daddaji and elder brother had subsided and mutual meetings had begun. He had brought an architect from Raipur for getting the plan prepared. During the discussion, I was just seated as a spectator in the visitor’s gallery. I intervened with the suggestion. ‘Make provision for a parking area.’ It was an unsolicited advice hence instantly turned down. I realized that one must resist in suggesting any things unless asked for or else suffer humiliation. The Bandhuva mazdur, the bonded labour, must always be conscious of his status well, this was something quite normal and usual. On the appointed day Bhoomi puja, the earth breaking ceremony, took place at five in the morning. I didn’t get the privilege of conducting the Puja because Daddaji enlightened me that Manjhala, the ‘middle one’, is not eligible. I had heard that such persons are deprived of conducting funeral rituals also. So this was an additional information. Oh, God, something do for restoring rights of Manjhalas!
My involvement in the project decreased a little after my expulsion from home and Daddaji was managing the project despite his age was seventy. His physical and mental stamina was commendable. He was a person of unusual endurance. He had, on an occasion, claimed, “I can break but I won’t bend."
By this time the civil work of construction had come to an end, however, for one reason or other, the inauguration was postponed. The greatest hurdle was a presence of ghosts in the building of Lodge! Everyone in the neighborhood had affirmed that the place was inhabited by a Jinn, the ghost. The delay and other impediments were attributed to the Jinn. Though the reasons behind the delay and those impediments were totally different yet the Jinn was getting credit for them. Do they really exist, is a question I don’t wish to argue.
I never saw them neither am very keen on a face to face meeting. For me, they exist like God. If you believe in them, He is almighty. If you don’t, the idol remains a mere stone. God exists for the believers, so do ghost exists only for those who are scared of them. I am a businessman by profession, it is in my blood. Even on cremation ground, I would make a living by selling coffins and firewood. How can one fear when the profession is stake?
I tried to convince Daddaji to ignore all the rumors. He surprised me by informing that elder brother had already made a formal deal with a person in Raipur who had agreed to purchase. They were soon expected.
I protested, “What are you doing?”
“Let it slip from our hands. Why should we meddle in the matter involving Jinn?”
“There is absolutely no trouble”.
“Then?”
“Don’t sell. I’ll manage.”
“Don’t be obstinate. No one can handle ghosts.”
“Please believe me. I’ll manage them if there exists a few. They won’t trouble me.”
“How and why?”
“I guess Ghost will give due regards to me, as I am senior.” (Seriatim)
My involvement in the project decreased a little after my expulsion from home and Daddaji was managing the project despite his age was seventy. His physical and mental stamina was commendable. He was a person of unusual endurance. He had, on an occasion, claimed, “I can break but I won’t bend."
By this time the civil work of construction had come to an end, however, for one reason or other, the inauguration was postponed. The greatest hurdle was a presence of ghosts in the building of Lodge! Everyone in the neighborhood had affirmed that the place was inhabited by a Jinn, the ghost. The delay and other impediments were attributed to the Jinn. Though the reasons behind the delay and those impediments were totally different yet the Jinn was getting credit for them. Do they really exist, is a question I don’t wish to argue.
I never saw them neither am very keen on a face to face meeting. For me, they exist like God. If you believe in them, He is almighty. If you don’t, the idol remains a mere stone. God exists for the believers, so do ghost exists only for those who are scared of them. I am a businessman by profession, it is in my blood. Even on cremation ground, I would make a living by selling coffins and firewood. How can one fear when the profession is stake?
I tried to convince Daddaji to ignore all the rumors. He surprised me by informing that elder brother had already made a formal deal with a person in Raipur who had agreed to purchase. They were soon expected.
I protested, “What are you doing?”
“Let it slip from our hands. Why should we meddle in the matter involving Jinn?”
“There is absolutely no trouble”.
“Then?”
“Don’t sell. I’ll manage.”
“Don’t be obstinate. No one can handle ghosts.”
“Please believe me. I’ll manage them if there exists a few. They won’t trouble me.”
“How and why?”
“I guess Ghost will give due regards to me, as I am senior.” (Seriatim)
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