BABA
-8. The Sinister Motive

The Panchayat members were quite surprised to hear this.  “How can we give such an assurance, O Sage?  This depends on how well both of them conduct their marriage.”    

A smile glowed on Baba’s face and he emphasized, “In other words, you are trying to say that the success of their marriage largely hinges on mutual trust, understanding and conjugal affection….”   After the Panchayat had agreed with him, he concluded his point of view “….and not on caste, right?”  This put the members in a fix.  None of them could either agree or disagree with Baba and looked at each other not knowing how to respond.  Baba now turned to the people, “If two souls are prepared to unite, what more is required to get married?  Where is the place for caste or creed to creep into this holy relationship?  In fact, these two are most eligible to tie the nuptial nod for even in such hard times they are prepared to hold onto each other’s hands.”  Pointing to the sky, he elucidated, “In this world that he has created, who are we to create our own customs and norms and coerce others to follow them?  It is impossible that God would have made this distinction of high and low among us for we are all his children.  All of us deserve to be treated as equals.”  There were some among the assembled people who, in their hearts, did not feel that Abhinav and Pami had done anything wrong.  However, they did not have the courage to speak in their favour, fearing a backlash from the majority.  Now, when Baba indomitably spoke against this injustice, their conscience spurted them to give him support.  One of such like-minded villagers shouted, “Baba is right!  Abhinav and Pami have done nothing to be treated like criminals!”  Soon some more voices were heard in support of Baba.    There were many who had no answers to Baba’s questions but still felt that age-old customs and beliefs should not be challenged.  However, at that moment they did not get any weapon to counter-attack Baba and kept mum.  The Panchayat was stunned to see the reaction of the villagers.  Never before had they witnessed a revolt by the villagers against any of their decisions.  To salvage some pride, they quickly postponed a verdict on this case momentarily till they arrived at a decision.  On Baba’s insistence they issued strict orders that the couple should not be subjected to any harassment during this period.   Baba’s supporters hailed his victory.  Both Abhinav and Pami thanked him for his support and took his blessings.  Bhargava was exhilarated at the turn of events and hugged him tightly.  

Thereby, Baba took his leave and moved on to his next destination.  On being prodded by his companion, he said, “To the graveyard, Bhargava!  We shall have to hurry up lest we should be late!” 

Although surprised by his reply, Bhargava did not speak another word.  He tried to match Baba’s swift steps and after a long walk, they indeed reached a graveyard.  On a corner, a pyre was lit in the presence of a large number of grieving people.  Right in the middle of this crowd, a young lady draped in white was weeping and she was being consoled by a tall middle-aged man.  After a few moments at the insistence of this person, the lady slowly moved towards the pyre with hesitant steps.  Baba gave Bhargava a grim look and quickly intercepted the women.  Leading her back to the tall man, Baba asked him, “Please do not do such grave injustice to your sister-in-law.  What you are doing is akin to killing this poor soul in the name of some ancient practice.” 

“Killing her?  What are you talking about, O Sage?  She is doing this out of her own will.”  he reasoned. 

“In that case, what did you impress upon her before she started walking to the pyre?  Also, she appeared very reluctant to take this step.”  Baba articulated. 

“A..Alright!  It was me who asked her to take this step.  I denied because I did not want to take away any credit from her for what she is going to do now.  What a blessed death she is going to have!  She is openly going to prove her devoutness and loyalty to her late husband by jumping in his pyre!  My brother, who must be watching all this from the sky, would be proud of her holy sacrifice!” 

Baba responded sternly, “Very well then!  Why should this practice be adopted by women alone?  Your wife died a few months ago.  You can now make amends for what you did not do at the time of her death. While your sister-in-law jumps into this pyre thinking about her husband, you, too, follow her thinking about your wife!  By doing this, you would have not only proved your unfeigned loyalty to your wife but would have also set a good precedent for other men to follow in your footsteps!” 

The brother-in-law of the young woman was completely taken aback to hear these words.  While he failed to respond Baba continued, “Doesn’t a shiver run down your spine at the very thought of being roosted alive? Wouldn’t your sister-in-law be experiencing the same feeling?  Isn’t her life precious like you?” 

The man now looked at the ground unable to answer Baba’s queries which were like shafts being hurled at him.  “I have no intentions of degrading you but people should know your ulterior motives behind persuading her to do this act.  Is it not true that you want to get rid of her only to usurp the wealth of your brother?” 

The man’s jaw parted and he kept staring at Baba for a few moments.  Even others present there were shell-shocked to hear this.  “H…How can you know about this, O Sage?  All this was in my mind and there was no way anybody else would know it.”  The elder man murmured. 

“You cannot hide the truth for long no matter how hard you try to conceal it.”  Baba affirmed.

The old man fell at his feet and sought his pardon.   Baba helped him to his feet.    

“You must atone for your sins.  Call the Panchayat and confess your crime.”