The God Of No Wishes

In the heart of the wilderness of the northeast, a unique tribe "Katumba" resides. They have kept the least contact with the external world, but they are among the best hosts if you could enjoy their hospitality. Primarily surviving on hunting and agriculture today they are among the happiest people.

They worship a local god called Katumbar. It's just a dark semi carved statue of a demon-like figure. On it, there is a literature written in Pali, "Think before you wish, as they might come true."Tribals never asked the god to fulfill their wishes, they pray unconditionally.

During the summer holidays, Gupta was planning for a family trip. Gupta heard about this tribe from one of his friends. Being a history lecturer himself, one of Gupta's interests is learning various traditions. So he decided to visit the tribe.

Gupta, his wife Shayna, son Rohan and daughter Kriya were very excited to explore new adventures.

After a tedious journey, they reached the tribe. The journey stress was short lived, as they received excellent hospitality from the tribe. 

After hearing a lot of folklore, survival techniques and hunting adventure stories from the tribal elder, he heard the story of the temple.

Elder tribal said, "The temple was built about 200 years ago, before that there was an old temple in the same place from the time immemorial. We offer alcohol made of berry as a gift to God on every full moon day. Our elders have told this GOD will fulfill all the wishes in one way or the other. But it's our tribe culture we never ask for any wishes we pray unconditionally."

Guptas curiosity raised and he questioned, " If you are sure that he will fulfill all your wishes, then why not you ask him to a better life and all the other comforts in life?"

Tribe elder looked curiously to Gupta and quoted, "The way to succeed is only hard work, why to wish shortcuts when you can meet the needs by working."

Gupta's enjoyed each day of their stay in the tribe. They took a lot of photographs with nature and tribal people. They were excited and enthusiastic that they now have memorable stories to narrate when back at home.

On their last day of the stay, Gupta's decided to visit the temple. 

They reached the temple late in the evening. The light was already fading outside. All the family members stood in front of the semi-dark statue. The only source of light near the statue was an old lantern that was lit with a dim light.

Gupta's wife Shayna eagerly asked Gupta, "Do you think this God will fulfill all the wishes?"

"Better give a try," Gupta said laughingly.

Shayna said in the mind "Oh God! May we get a lot of money, so my husband never has to go to the office, and he is always with me at home."

Gupta wished "God do this miracle make my wife not to argue with me and only listen to me." 

Next was Rohan's turn. He wished " If you have any powers oh Deity! I should never get scolding for staying late at night."

Gupta's Daughter Kriya asked "My parents are constantly behind me, asking me to get married. I wish I don't hear any tantrums from my parents."

Each one looked at others and smiled. Gupta joked, "Looks like all have the wish."

Kriya commented, "We will soon get to know if there is any substance in the folklore."

The family went back to the tribe. They had to leave back home on the same night. The tribe gave them a warm goodbye as they left.

On the way home, the car met with an accident. 

Gupta became paralyzed, he got a huge insurance amount, but now he cannot go to work. He stays at home and is always depended on his wife. 

Gupta's wife screamed on seeing the accident and lost her voice forever, now Shayna only listens and never argue. 

Kriya lost her hearing, she will never hear tantrums from her parents anymore. 

Rohan developed chronic whooping-cough from the dust; he now spends sleepless nights coughing. No one scolds for his condition.

"Think before you wish, Your wishes might come true."