On some days if you were to come from Mumbai to my room, where I belong as an addict to writing – you’d find heaps of paper strewn everywhere. It's not all that bad because between Chottu and me, we do a weekly mopping up exercise which is similar to an army-operation. Your father has to stay away a mile from the spot of action. And by Jove, he does stay away!
During this unquestionable hour of purpose, in profound utterances, Chottu hears my cries with the marvel of a cool genius. My utterances are stereotype. “I found the paper Chottu! And look here’s another one, I’d been searching for, Chottu. Thanks Chottu. Bye-bye Chottu.”
Let me tell you, apart from reading and writing, I am also illuminated by Chottu’s calculations of life. I always see him in a frame of mind purely eliminated by the defects of changing moods. He can’t read or write, but I sense that he is a serious thinker. My view is: before I hit off with our Creator – Chottu has already attained a better place with Him! As a reviewer of my own performance – Chottu is one more gift from God. To me, he makes the picture of a practicing yogi.
Plus, with a deep satisfaction I observe the success in your career, Vibha. Despite the pressures, you’re able to be a good wife, mother, daughter-in-law, daughter, sister-in-law, sister – you do make me proud. The other way, like a mother, I can put it is thus: how could such success come to you if you were not having the support of your darling family (husband, parents-in-law and parents)! Good people will meet good people! In short, we are a clan of good people.
Love and hugs,
Mama
A Note of Annotations:
Chottu comes from a small village in India. He grew up with the practice of not going to school, so that he could earn small money for the family. As time progressed, everything did not fall into its proper place. Chottu’s uncle usurped his father’s land. His elder brother could never keep a steady job, but what he does have is a brood of seven children and a wailing wife. Chottu is a committed sibling and sends money to support his brother’s entire family. He also takes care of the needs of his aged parents, and an unmarried sister. He is diligently looking for a suitable match for his sister. Chottu is happily married and has two daughters who are seven and three years old. When his second daughter was born, she seemed to have a disorder; to rectify the disorder Chottu had to spend a hefty amount which he took as a loan and subsequently paid it off with the character of a gentleman. Chottu loves his work. He remains steadfast in giving an excellent performance. He is cheerful, honest, loyal and never in favour of getting into futile arguments with anyone. But, all the same, it is against the spirit of his nature not to speak up when things are not going right around him. He has the knack of getting along with his team-mates; guests define him as a caring person.
To make comparisons on the scale needed – Chottu says, he considers himself to be a very lucky person and he has a lot to thank: Bhagwan. Chottu has dared to do something which can be an example of inspiration for anyone.
Geeta Chhabra
Glossary.
yogi - A yogi is a term for a male practitioner of various forms of spiritual practice.
Bhagwan – God
