Nath, after a tumultuous day, seeks solace by a river, reflecting on the harshness of life and the selfishness of society. He discovers healing through nature and acknowledges the presence of kind-hearted individuals amidst widespread indifference. Ultimately, Nath emphasizes the importance of compassion and connection, although he often feels alone in his struggles.
The horizon was getting clear. A thin shroud of cold mist was hanging over the river; the sky was gradually changing from dark to white and light pink. The east side above the river was becoming bright pink to tangerine. The sun was about to come up on the horizon.
Nath had awakened. Yesterday, after a routine commotion, he was defenestrated from the house. After wandering the whole day, Nath arrived here. Taking shelter under the shade where the labourers were preparing for their night’s sleep, he lay down on a bed of hay. His mind was stormy. A labourer started conversing with him. Nath gradually fell asleep.
The humming of the chanting mantra added a spiritual hue. Agitated, Nath rose and came to the bank of the holy river. He splashed his face and raised his head. The azure sky was partially crimson. The large solar ball had emerged from below and was hanging over the river, casting its simmering reflection on the water. Nath felt relieved. He reverently bowed before the rising sun with folded hands. All negativities were washed off.
Standing on the river bank Nath kept staring at the water. The ripples were jumping and vanishing like his thoughts. He was much calmer. He hadn’t eaten since yesterday but was not feeling hungry. The weather was becoming balmy as the sun rose. Activities had started. People were taking a dip in the holy river. Some were performing rites. Nath was engrossed in deep thoughts.
He was alone with his thoughts. Standing on the bank and staring at the sky, jobless and penniless. He had no one to console him, nor did he have anything to eat. He looked around. Everything seemed busy at work. Ostensibly busy, people moving helter-skelter.
Engrossed in his thoughts he did not know when he come on the road. His chain of thoughts broke with a screeching sound of car tyres and a hoarse honking. The car driver scolded him for his carelessness, howled for a moment or two and went his way. Nath groped his pockets. Luckily he finds four coins of fifty paise tucked in a corner of his pocket. He stopped at a tea kiosk and ordered a glass of tea with biscuits.
After sipping tea and eating biscuits, he felt relieved. A few minutes of rest at the tea stall helped him regain. Wandering like a vagabond, he came to a lush green park. Swinging trees, soft velvety grass and beautiful flowers made him relieved. He started conversing with them.
Monologuing, he poured everything into the trees, flowers and the natural world. He had found a true companion and did not feel anyone’s companionship. He realised that Mother Nature was the only one whom he can rely on and confide to her.
Till now, he did not realize the healing power of Nature. Though he liked the company of Nature, he was incapable of figuring out its potential for caregiving. The realization dawned on him that the material world is full of selfishness. It lets people suffer when they need it the most. In distress, it is the vicinity of Nature that gives solace, compassion and empathy.
He seldom met a selfless person as a help. This made him callous and indifferent. Nath doesn’t ask for help. His past experiences forced him to retreat into his shell. After a long gap, while doing the job, he was relieved by the thought that he would not be mistreated or unnecessarily scolded.
As time rolled, Nath’s attachment to Nature grew proportionately; he would often talk, telling his pain and agony to the invisible power or natural objects. He would feel a positive energy in himself after the conversation. With time his experiences were enriched. He realized that people are not of the same kind. If selfish, heartless and ruthless persons are frequent, kindhearted, compassionate and empathetic persons also exist in a rather large number. They are always ready to lend a helping hand. Later in his life, Nath met with many benevolent persons who helped him in duress or difficult times.
The time between the birth and death of an individual is the period which is life. Human beings experience this period variously and reciprocate it. Though we are born alone, we are tied with each other in society by various bonds. It is filial bonds, social obligations or professional bonds of different powers. Parents, family, relatives and friends all share a bond or two with each other. While helpful, bonds sometimes become taxing. It is when people try to thrust their will or expectations on others.
Our central character, Nath found that people tame exaggerated expectations and feel offended when their expectations are not met. They don’t bother about others’ limitations or constraints. He also observed that parents expect their children to fulfil their requirements and thrust their will even if they are caring for their parents. He also noticed the flip side of the picture where the progenies were ruthlessly torturing their parents, robbing their income and pushing them to the brink of begging before them. Nath felt hurt.
He would think, why can’t people live amicably, caring for each other and being collaborative partners? As usual, as per his belief, he would go to Nature for the answer. He couldn’t get the answer to his question, but his aching Soul was soothed whenever he sought solace with Mother Nature. Do my readers have an answer? Please do share your views and what esteemed readers think of it.
Nath was not alone. Many individuals, like him, try to navigate the overwhelming challenges of life, trying to stay unaffected by those around them. It often comes down to chance—some call it luck—when someone encounters a person who becomes their mentor, guide, and philosopher. Throughout modern Indian history, there are remarkable individuals who had the opportunity to meet supportive and kind-hearted people. These mentors not only provided encouragement but also helped them excel and stand out. Nath did not meet any such person whom he could call his lighthouse. Nath is like many others who move alone, taking help and cooperatively helping others. He does not expect much from others.
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