A Journey That Never Ended

Pandit Shambhunath, an astrologer, has the amazing power of penetrating into the past lives of human beings. He pities at people who visit him with their numerous ‘Whys’ about the present life crisis. His eyes can see the person’s past sins, and the reason for his present struggle in life. God does justice, and the sinner has to penance. Sometimes, some penances persist for many upcoming lives. He knows that the person is receiving what he/she deserves. 

However, he has to mention to his clients, the reasons for their suffering and its solutions in a sober way without hurting their sentiments. It is mandatory for visitors to bring their family albums so that the correct person behind their grief can be discovered. He is cautious about not revealing the past connections who are taking revenge in the present life. He just mentions that due to karmic relations, his client is troubled by a particular person.

One evening Kusum visits him with her infant daughter Mohini. She has brought pictures of her in-laws and the other members. Her query is about Mohini’s future as she is an unwelcome child in the family. Her-in-laws are harsh on her and deny any favour to her. Being a mother, she is worried about the future of Mohini’s life. He closes his eyes and puts his hand on Mohini's forehead. His body starts tremoring when he finds that Mohini and Kusum are old souls and have connections in many previous lives. Their journey has never ended.

In her past life, Kusum was a man named Shrikant who toiled hard to keep his stepmother happy. To provide a decent standard of living for her, he trod on immoral paths. He was a thief who never hesitated to kill people without any mercy. Because of his sins, he never enjoyed a blissful life. He was hanged till death and his last wish was to be born a female to lead a virtuous life without any pressure for earning. His wish was granted. He took birth as Kusum. Mohini was her past life's highly demanding stepmother.

Because of Shrikant’s death prior to the stepmom, he has her in this life too. Pandit Shambhunath visualizes that Kusum has to suffer because of Mohini. Mohini will never respect her mother. He wishes to protect his client. He can see how Mohini will rule the family and harass Kusum. He opens his eyes and looks at the tiny tot. She is staring at him constantly as if she has the realization that he has complete knowledge about her intention. 

In his attempt to save Kusum, he clears his throat and proclaims, “You are fortunate enough that such a strong-minded girl is your daughter. She is a fearless soul and can survive in all the turbulences of her life.” Kusum sighs in relief. 

He then suggests to Kusum that because of the well-being of her daughter she has to be financially independent and tries to shift to another city when the daughter will turn three. 

She asks shockingly, “Who will take care of her then?”

He calmly answers, “The child will win the hearts of the family members soon. Therefore, without creating any ill thoughts you need to focus on your career and move out.” He then gives her a handwritten letter with a warning to open it when the child will be fifteen years old. 

Time flies. Fifteen years later when he is in his eighties, an old lady visits him. She hands him over the letter she has received from him. He recognizes Kusum and asks, “How is your daughter?”

She replies, whatever you suggested, I followed. With the upgradation of my skills, I secured a job in the banking sector. As I was ready to relocate to other cities, I was offered a good salary. My daughter was raised by my husband and in-laws. You’re right. She had been an insensitively demanding girl and loved to accuse me of anything wrong that happened in her life. It hurt me but after reading your letter, I understood why she behaved like that.

I have saved a lot for my comfortable retirement without disclosing it to anyone in my family. n my own bought flat as Mohini has denied taking responsibility.  On his death -bed, my husband transferred his property to Mohini for her secure future. I am currently living peacefully

Kusum touches Panditji’s feet and leaves the venue. Pandit Shambhunath feels blessed that his knowledge about perceiving old lives can bring a radical positive change in his client's lives.