...contd...

I cleared my throat not to let out my surprise and said “Good Morning Guruji”.

She gave me a can of water and signaled me to water the plants. I took the can from her and started to water the plants. She started the conversation “where is your vehicle? I didn’t hear you park it?” I was like “What the hell? How much does she notice ?”And said aloud “Gave it for regular service Maam”. “Why?”She asked “Why?”She and her questions sometimes baffled me .But I still managed to answer her mechanically “To maintain my vehicle”.

“But you always sell your vehicle after 5 years why service it when you are any how going to sell it?” she asked.

She was so innocent in worldly affairs. She couldn’t understand such simple things of life. “If the vehicle is in good shape, then I’ll get a better offer when I put it for sale”. I said trying to enlighten her.

“Oh!”She said. There was silence after that. I completed watering the plants and placed the can in its place. She still had couple of plants to trim. I went and stood beside her.

“Gopi told me that you asked him to wash the shirt you had lent him the other day. Is it true?”She started the communication. She seemed lost today. She was starting the conversation by herself which was a rarity by itself? Over and above she was talking about such insignificant things that I felt I should leave soon today. The day no more looked promising “Yes” I replied as a matter of courtesy. "Why?” She enquired. “What why?” I thought but said aloud “Because it is basic etiquette to return the clean clothes that you take from others. I don’t like when others spoil it and return it to me .That’s why I asked Gopi to clean it and give back my clothes clean and pressed. That’s all!”

“Exactly. The clothes that I am wearing which you call my body is lent to me by HIM and I wish to return it in good shape back to HIM and hence do exercise and such activities to maintain it well. The way I keep, respect, maintain this body talks of my character and based on this I will be given a vehicle i.e. new body in next life. The reason  you have to take care of your vehicle are the same why I take care of this vehicle which you call as my body?”She asked.

Now I understood the whole conversation differently .She was answering my question which I had long forgotten. My day wasn’t wasted .Being with her did benefit me .But for that I have to be aware and not be judging impromptu . I took her leave and left satisfied.