In the shadowed embrace of a 1990s evening in a serene village of Madhya Pradesh, a story unfurled that would etch itself indelibly into the tapestry of my childhood memories. It was a narrative that began with the simplicity of a familial visit but soon transcended into an odyssey of faith, fear, and divine providence. This experience resonated deeply with the poignant Hindi adage, “पता नहीं किस रूप में नारायण मिल जाए” (One never knows in what form Narayan might appear).
As a child of ten, my world was untroubled until that fateful evening at the railway station. The station, once a lively hub of journeys and reunions, had transformed under the shadow of recent bandit attacks. The air, thick with whispers of danger and uncertainty, enveloped us as we grappled with the reality of our canceled train.
It was during these moments of despair that my father, our unwavering protector, ventured into the dimming light in search of water. The station, with its fading lights, felt like a stage set for a tale of suspense and mystery. As the evening deepened, a figure emerged from the shadows – a stranger, whose offer of help was a glimmer of hope in our hour of need. In his approach, I was reminded of another beautiful saying, “निर्मल मन के दर्शन में वह राम के दर्शन पाएगा” (In the vision of a pure heart, one finds the vision of Ram).
With trepidation, we accepted his offer. The journey that ensued was a silent voyage through the heart of rural India, a journey as much internal as it was external. Our minds were a whirlwind of fears and hopes, and in the midst of this turmoil, my mother, ever the embodiment of strength and faith, softly recited, “विश्वास अंधेरे में एक दीपक की तरह है” (Faith is like a lamp in the darkness).
As we traveled with our unexpected guardian, each mile seemed to unravel the grip of fear, weaving instead a tapestry of trust and human kindness. The night journey, a trek through uncertainty, was also a pilgrimage of the soul, a journey illuminated by the simple yet profound acts of human kindness.
Upon reaching our destination, we learned that our humble savior was a man of considerable stature and means. This revelation brought a sense of awe and humility. It was a striking lesson in the unexpected ways of the divine, a reminder that often, angels walk among us, disguised in the garb of ordinary mortals.
This journey, a tale of a night where fear and faith intertwined, has since been a beacon in our lives. It taught us that in the darkest of times, when shadows loom large, the pure in heart shall indeed find their way to the divine. In that stranger’s kindness, we saw a manifestation of Narayan himself, a profound truth that continues to guide us: “जहां ना पहुंचे रवि, वहां पहुंचे कवि” (Where even the sun can’t reach, the poet can) – in life’s darkest moments, faith and kindness illuminate the way.
