An Accident

Vipul got down from the bus. He was feeling very disturbed. These days he was not at peace with himself. He generally was a happy-going person with a pleasant smiling facade. But all of a sudden his life had turned topsy-turvy. 

He walked from the bus stop to his house which was close by. His wife of two years, Sarda, had suddenly changed. She had almost stopped talking and become quiet. Vipul could not find a reason for this abruptly strange change of behavior. He had tried all the tricks he knew but could not get any information out from Sarda. 

Vipul tried to guess what may be the reason. He had tried his best to keep his wife happy from the time she had come into his life. Due to his job he had to stay away from his parental family. But, Sarda, seemed to enjoy the independence of staying alone. As time went on, Sarda became free with Vipul and had become quite talkative. So Vipul started enjoying her company. As theirs was an arranged marriage, no one knew each other previously. Time was needed to settle down and slowly they became good friends. But, Vipul, felt that Sarda had some secrets that she did not like to reveal. So, Vipul gave her liberty of this private space and didn't press her too much of what she was hiding. He also trusted her and didn't give thought of any other relationships she might have had. 

But, Vipul, in his own mind tried to analyse the reason for unhappiness. Till last week, Sarda was her natural vibrant self. Then at the beginning of this week, Sarda had asked Vipul to take him to a temple. Because she wanted to offer prayers and for the general well-being of Vipul. But all of a sudden due to work pressure Vipul couldn't accompany Sarda. She decided to go alone.. Later in the evening when Vipul enquired about the day's proceedings , did he realise that Sarda was not giving proper reply. Vipul thought it was just momentary fad and it would pass. But then few days passed and Sarda had not returned to her normal self. 

Vipul recollected that after that eventful outing, Sarda was explaining her day's event to her own parents over the telephone. He had heard her saying that 'Accident' had occurred. Not gathering anything out of it, Vipul didn't give too much weight to it. But as Sarda remained indifferent, Vipul continued his mental analysis. 

Finally, when Vipul could not hold on to further suspense, urged Sarda to open up about her 'accident'. But she held on to her silence. 

Then Vipul as a last resort said that he would be going to the temple which he was supposed to go that day but didn't go. Hearing this, Sarda all of a sudden became excited and said that she would also accompany him. Vipul just wanted this. To get Sarda to begin to talk. 

On the way to the temple Sarda further became excited and started narrating what had happened that day. She said that while walking towards the temple she had slipped accidentally tripping over a raised object protruding from the ground. As a result she fell down and the offering plate she was carrying got separated from her and it's contents getting scattered here and there in the ground. The plate was carrying a talisman that was being offered to God as protection for Vipul. This was given by Sarda's parents seeking protection for Vipul. Due to the fall, the contents could not be retrieved and the talisman went missing. Sarda rued badly after this' accident 'and became worried for Vipul' s health and security. As a result she became silent with guilt. She thought due to her callousness she had put Vipul's life in danger. Such was her belief system and faith in the rituals. Vipul was surprised by this innocence and moved by Sarda 's love. 

Walking absent-mindedly with the thought of the accident, Vipul tripped over a protruding object in the ground and fell down. His hand touched a cold metallic object in the ground. Seeing it, Sarda jumped up in joy. At least the talisman was found and would give protection to Vipul. The repeat of the accident surprised them both. Perhaps it must have an act of God. Vipul got up and dusted himself and examined the protrusion in the ground. It looked like the tip of a temple dome long buried in the ground. 

Faith brings out extraordinary performances from devotees. The accident may be just a catalytic agent.