A few years back I was listening to the SIA hit number NEVER GIVE UP. The songs sound interesting so I watched her video on YouTube. The song has an Indian connection which made it more interesting to me. When I googled it, it was based on a true story of an adopted child named Sheru. Asif's curiosity was running in my mind I couldn’t stop myself from watching the movie LION which has a connection with reality. For a while, the movie left me in pain which describes the anxiety of being separated from family. Years of years he was burning in the pain of being separated from his family. Still, when I remember this movie at one point in time I become speechless and emotional.
By profession, I am a Chef, in my free time I love to write and believe in the Lord Jesus which inspires me to do social work. There was a noble cause that inspired me to offer her help. I was requested to help her and I was willing. The numbers were exchanged and a telephone conversation started between two people from different countries with different cultures. Arranging cabs to accommodate her. lots of work was there before she landed in India. We made the arrangements just waiting for Shila to come to Muzaffarpur.
I went to my friend's house where Shila was staying. She was in typical Indian attire and she could easily mingle with Indians because she had the same complexion as we were. Normally Europeans are very different from Asians but she wasn’t. One can easily judge her by the accent that she is European not of Indian origin. I was introduced to her as a Chef, writer & social worker.
Somehow we sat in the car and headed towards Chamara near Patahi airport. There we were not able to find any clue. Then we moved towards the next destination, which was Chandwara. We tried to approach the ward commissioner but his mobile was not reachable and we interacted with another number who couldn't assist us. .I told them about the movie Loin and she told me that this movie motivated her to find her roots.
It was Saturday and we had planned to go to Chamraaharaa. Merely seventy-five kilometres away from Muzaffarpur. It was a hectic day. Shila suggested we call a person and we went to his house. They were two brothers who were delighted to see us. Finally, we reached the destination where we were supposed to be. It took three hours to reach. We were at the village around 10AM.
We were offered tea first along with the snacks. We witnessed the hospitality of rural India where we were given a warm welcome and without having food we couldn’t go. Chapati, Rice, Dal, Two types of vegetables, and fitters (Pakoda) were offered for lunch which was beyond the capacity of me and Shila. I finished it but Shila couldn’t. As per Indian tradition, we both touched our feet and proceeded forward.
I was recollecting the memories when I was in prison. I still remember that day when my brother Arun held his hand and prayed to god that I should be out of prison. Is he an angel to me? He was the one who made me the writer. A blessing from god who gifted me with such a creative thing. I was acquitted by the court. As I was helpless in the same situation Shila is. The difference is the place. At that time Brother Arun guided me and this time I was. It was the almighty will that he wanted. We have to be ready for God's work.
We went to church & Garibnath temple where people worship Lord Shiva. We planned to explore the places near Muzaffarpur. Shila and the river have a special connection. Her request was to view the river. We got out of the city and we were on National Highway ~ 57. We were near the bridge. We left the car and walked a little bit. We were on the banks of Gandak.
Winter was approaching. We had to go to Jhamru urf Lalpur. Again all three of us headed towards a new destination. Navigation was turned on and Google started showing the way. Out of the city single way we’re heading to the destination. It reminded me of a Bollywood movie. Where the car goes to the countryside with lots of greenery on the way. Ours was the Desi version. The roads were not as cosy as it is in Europe.
Emotions and feelings are the same across the world. Shila was fond of exploring ponds, canals and rivers. As we were about to reach the village. Meanwhile, we saw the pond. The surroundings were well maintained. In front of the pond, there was a community building of Jhamura. Meanwhile, when we approached the pond her emotions busted. Her eyes were full of tears. What was the cause of the tears?
Plenty of questions were running through my mind. As a lady, she must be thinking why I was punished so heavily. I know she is very kind-hearted so she must be praying for her biological mother's well-being. From Europe to India she is on a business that is searching for her mother. There are millions of faces but who is her mother? God Knows.
I could feel the same pain Shila suffered for many years. We both are from different wombs but the pain of being an orphan has united us. If you know your father and mother are no more it can give you sorrow but if you know they are abundant you will pinch your life. I could feel the pain of Shila. Sitting on the cemented floor near the lake we spend half an hour exchanging our thoughts. The bonding was becoming stronger and we accepted each other as siblings. I was glad to have a sister in my life. She too accepted me as a brother. What an emotional day.
On the last day, we went sightseeing in a rural area. We went to see the Bagmati River and a bridge which was built by heavy tankers. The iron sheet was laid on it. The sheet was thin and it had sharp edges in between the dangerous bridge. Somehow we had a walk and we crossed the river. We walked on the bank. As it was a bit hot we returned and went to see the temple. An old and famous temple. People used to come from very far away for worship.
We reached the hotel. A grand welcome was given to her. It was lunchtime. She was my guest and I was the host so it was my turn to give her a treat. Biryani made by me was a special gift. She tasted the food and it was appreciated. We enjoyed the Lunch. Later on, she went to the residence. Finally, her tour comes to an end. It was the time to pack the luggage.
She asked me to come to the Mother’s house where she had spent the night. After being abundant this was her first home. Missionaries of Charity sisters were getting ready for the Gospel. We feel blessed to be part of it. The priest came for the Gospel. Prayer was for Shila because she was going to Patna. Her tour of Muzaffarpur for this time has ended. It was an emotional journey for her and me. Was it a miracle of lord Jesus that the pain she felt was bearing too. Has almighty asked me to reduce her pain of burden? The house was of Mother Saint Teresa. She was the daughter of sisters of Missionaries of Charity. Where I stand at that holy place that I even don’t know. We had breakfast. The Diwali celebration went but without crackers having sweets. We had some photos for the memories. We were in the car and Sister Stalius was also with us.
There was no work. I was on leave. I was missing Shila. She has asked me to see a documentary. I watched it on the big screen. Really it was eye-opening. People with dual faces are living in society. Whether one accepts it or not, it's a reality that girls are worshipped as goddesses Durga, Kali and Lakshmi are brought to death and at that time when they are born.
It was the first day of November, the beginning of a new month. Shila has to return back to Belgium. Even my family were keen to know about her. Why not? She is the daughter of this soil. In the morning she messaged me when I was coming to the hotel. I was ready and about to leave my house. Just I had a cup of tea. I was thinking about what I should give her as a gift. My wife and I thought a lot about this. Kurti, saree or something else. Lots of confusion. At last, we came to the conclusion we decided to gift her a book. I took a book of poetry compiled by many poets. Booked Rapido and within twenty minutes I reached my destination.
We had a good time. It was time to say goodbye to them. Booked the Cab and we were on the way to Airport. It was only two kilometres away. Within five minutes we were at the airport. She had to go for the security check. Hardly we get the time to talk to each other. We shook hands. This time we were not so formal.
In a couple of days, our bonding has been stronger and it was becoming stronger day by day. Friendship and relationships are just like wine. As it has matured for years the more flavour it gives us. So was ours. It will be tested over the period how dedicated and devoted I am to finding her root. Maybe Shila will be in Belgium. I will be her representative to build a roadmap to find her family. So we have to prepare accordingly. In India, a brother holds an important position in the family. I have asked Shila that before taking off the flight just remind me and after landing too. She did the same. We chatted throughout the day through WhatsApp. The flight to Munich was in the wee hours. Most of the Indians sleep. Around thirty past two, she was seated on a plane and the flight took off to Munich. In the morning I too had to board the train. Around four in the morning, I woke up, saw the message and wished her a happy and safe journey. We are indeed at different locations but we don’t have to NEVER GIVE UP for searching for a root.
What Ahead?
No comments:
Post a Comment