God’s Grace

This incident from late 1960’s is still fresh in my mind. Unlike today communication means were scarce in those days. However, we were amongst the few privileged ones who owned that big black telephone instrument. For outstation calls one was supposed to book trunk call or lightening call at exorbitant rates.

My mother required official trips to Agra being Principal of a degree college as her college was affiliated to Agra University. It used to be an overnight journey by train and on her return from such trips she would bring the famous “Panchhi ka Petha” and “Namkeen” along with red wooden toys for us. It used to be a lovely morning and real delight with cool breeze, chirping of birds, mother’s return alongwith toys and savories for us.

On such official trips one peon used to accompany my mother and while she travelled in 1st class, the peon travelled in general compartment and would check in between if she needed something. In those days one bedroll, one leather box and one surahi (earthen pitcher) used to be essentials for journey.

Once it so happened that she didn’t return on expected date and we three sisters were fast asleep unaware of it. My father would have been at his wits end when he somehow learnt (may be through newspaper or radio) that the train my mother was supposed to travel had met with an accident. He left home leaving us in the safe custody of trusted servants. He travelled all the way to the accident spot but my mother was found nowhere. Totally exhausted with worst fears in his mind he returned in the night and was overjoyed to find her at home. By the grace of God, my mother’s coach was unaffected and she along-with her peon reached home changing bus and trains. Ignorance is bliss and we sisters were blissfully playing with our new toys.

It was only after I grew up, I realized the gravity of the situation and thanked God profusely for keeping our mother safe.