There are so many instances/moments in one's lifetime, which seem interesting perhaps at that point of time, but loses its shine, amidst the exuberance of youth, eventually...It so happens that some sort of a triggering factor, brings that memory back to the surface after ages and it is then that one starts evaluating the real value of that long forgotten particular incident...
Way back in 1992, just after my marriage. I was traveling alone by train to Satna, going there to meet my husband, who was in midst of his MD course in APS University, Rewa. I was booked into a first class compartment, with another elderly lady, and her companion, who assured my worried parents repeatedly, that I would be looked after and taken care of.
When the train left the station, and I cared to observe my companion, I noticed that she was a lady endowed with exceptional beauty, grace and poise. Throughout the 20 hours journey, true to her word, she cared for me as my mother would have. Feeding me with food that she had brought from home, slicing apples, peeling oranges for me, putting my blanket in place, when it slipped off during the night.
I got to understand that she was knowledgeable in music, from the way, she was drawing references to music, on and off during our conversations.
When the train had crossed Allahabad, and my destination was drawing close, her companion, taking the advantage of her temporary absence, asked me, if I knew, who she was. When I admitted total ignorance, she told me that I was traveling with the wife of Ustaad Ali Akbar Khan Sahaab of Maihar, of the famed Maihar gharana, and that she did not wish to be recognized. As far as I can recall, she had said that her name was Padmavati Devi.
Unfortunately, at that age, I failed to recognize the significance of that incident, as I was more eager about seeing my husband, after a few months time, and the only thing that I retained in my memory was her motherly care. However, I respected her wish of not being recognized as a celebrity/personality and disembarked at Satna, after touching her feet, with real reverence. It was at this point of time that she asked me to visit her in Maihar, which was quite close to Rewa.
I visited Maihar in a few months time, subsequently, to pray at the temple of Ma Sharada, and the thought of visiting her, did cross my mind. However, my hesitation, about whether she would recognize me at all, won over and I did not venture. Slowly with the passage of time, this particular memory, went into oblivion.
A few days back, during the course of my music lesson, My mentor, Abhirup Guhathakurta, was mentioning something about Baba Alauddin Khan, and I related this incident to him and to the rest of our group. He told me that I am blessed, and that I should pen down this incident as one of the noteworthy incidents in my life. This post is a result of his advice.
Way back in 1992, just after my marriage. I was traveling alone by train to Satna, going there to meet my husband, who was in midst of his MD course in APS University, Rewa. I was booked into a first class compartment, with another elderly lady, and her companion, who assured my worried parents repeatedly, that I would be looked after and taken care of.
When the train left the station, and I cared to observe my companion, I noticed that she was a lady endowed with exceptional beauty, grace and poise. Throughout the 20 hours journey, true to her word, she cared for me as my mother would have. Feeding me with food that she had brought from home, slicing apples, peeling oranges for me, putting my blanket in place, when it slipped off during the night.
I got to understand that she was knowledgeable in music, from the way, she was drawing references to music, on and off during our conversations.
When the train had crossed Allahabad, and my destination was drawing close, her companion, taking the advantage of her temporary absence, asked me, if I knew, who she was. When I admitted total ignorance, she told me that I was traveling with the wife of Ustaad Ali Akbar Khan Sahaab of Maihar, of the famed Maihar gharana, and that she did not wish to be recognized. As far as I can recall, she had said that her name was Padmavati Devi.
Unfortunately, at that age, I failed to recognize the significance of that incident, as I was more eager about seeing my husband, after a few months time, and the only thing that I retained in my memory was her motherly care. However, I respected her wish of not being recognized as a celebrity/personality and disembarked at Satna, after touching her feet, with real reverence. It was at this point of time that she asked me to visit her in Maihar, which was quite close to Rewa.
I visited Maihar in a few months time, subsequently, to pray at the temple of Ma Sharada, and the thought of visiting her, did cross my mind. However, my hesitation, about whether she would recognize me at all, won over and I did not venture. Slowly with the passage of time, this particular memory, went into oblivion.
A few days back, during the course of my music lesson, My mentor, Abhirup Guhathakurta, was mentioning something about Baba Alauddin Khan, and I related this incident to him and to the rest of our group. He told me that I am blessed, and that I should pen down this incident as one of the noteworthy incidents in my life. This post is a result of his advice.
very touching, very sensitive and honest. keep writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Dola di
DeleteLovely lovely account.
ReplyDeletethat was nice one...
ReplyDeletesometimes we do not understand the significance of the things which happen to us ... but there is always some good in everything i believe in that...
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