PART 4 OF DOES SHE(HE) REALLY LOVE ME OR NOT?

PART 4 OF DOES SHE(HE) REALLY LOVE ME OR NOT?

We rarely question ourselves "Why should somebody love me?" But we expect others to love us ignoring our shortcomings.

Telugu poet Late SriSri wrote a memorable Telugu
film song, which on translation reads something like this:-

"It will be a great fortune if we have somebody to love us AS WE ARE (in spite of our shortcomings) and to shed tears for us. It will be a heaven."

It is something like somebody purchasing us at a high price in the auction in the AS IS WHERE IS CONDITION and retaining us , though we are nothing but scrap.

Love is a two way affair. In our State (Andhra Pradesh, India) people here find that the incidents of one-way-traffic love are raising. There was one incident of an MBA (Master of Business Administration) student murdering his classmate simply because she refused to reciprocate his love.

There may be umpteen reasons for others not to respond to our offers. May be they do not like our demeanours. May be they have their own personal problems which we cannot solve or help solve. May be there are, some cultural inhibitions and family restrictions. Life does not end merely because our love has not been responded to, though had our love been responded we would have been far happier and fulfilled. I shall narrate a small story.

TODAY'S STORY

Pravara was a householder. He was a dutybound man. His wife's name was Somidevamma. Both loved one another and led happy lives.

One day Pravara invited a wayside traveller to his house as guest and dined with him.

The dinner was sumptuous. The traveller was pleased. He looked young. During after-dinner conversation, Pravara came to know that the traveller visited several sacred places including Himalayas.

Pravar inquisitively asked the traveller: "You look very young. I am glad and surprised that at a very young age you have seen the entire India!"

The traveller is not a secretive type. He revealed: "I have a special sacred balm with me. If I apply it to feet, I can go to any place I like, flying."

Pravara looked puzzled. The traveller understood that Pravara wanted to try it. The traveller is not an ungraceful or ungrateful guest. He applied the balm on Pravara's feet and advised him to visit any place and return. Pravara, delighted with his new capabilities and chose to visit Himalayas. The very moment he was in Himalayas. The traveller left Pravara's village.

Pravara did not like to waste his time. He went to Mana Sarovar (a sacred place), Mount Gauri Shankar (Mount Everest - the abode of Lord Shiva) and many other beautiful spots. He was immensely pleased and refreshed.

He contemplated to go to his village, as it was time to pray the Goddess of the Dusk. He could not fly. The balm applied to his feet melted and dissolved in the snow dew of the Himalayas. In spite of his best efforts, he could only move a few miles. His mind was in a bewildered state.

Suddenly, he found a beautiful nymph. She was looking like a forest Goddess.

Pravara: "May I know who you are, Lady with eyes of a freightened deer! Why you are you moving in this forest alone!"

She replied that her name was Varudhini. She instantly fell in love with him. Nymphs, according to Indian mythology live in heaven, and they have no restrictions on marriages. They can move freely. She repeatedly appealed to Pravara to marry her in Gandharva mode (instantaneous marriage, just by holding the hand, this is called PaaNi GrahaNamu).

Pravara was keen on going back to his village and complete his evening prayers to the Goddess of Dusk. He prayed her to send him back to his village as he had to perform his duties. Varuudhini did not oblige. She was crazy.

Finally, they had to part ways. Varuudhini left disappointed. Pravara prayed his Gods and with their help he went back to his village.

Another Gamdharva (a man belonging to a sect of smaller Gods) approached Varuudhini in the guise of Pravara. He succeeded in cheating her and enjoying her.

Later Varuudhini came to know that the person with whom she enjoyed her RATI (intercourse) was not Pravara, but a Gamdharva in disguise. She did not take it seriously.

Pravara lived happily with Somidevamma.

In the business of the life one has to get along whether his/her love is reciprocated or not.

(Part 5 will follow in a few days).

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GLOSSARY AND NOTES.
1. In India upto 100 years back, it was a custom that a householder should not eat alone. He must invite somebody and dine, even if be it is somebody who is a total stranger.

2. This story is from a 16th century AD Telugu book Manucharitra. Poet: Allasaani Peddana.

3. There were eight types of marriages in ancient India. Gaamdharva is the simplest (completed just by holding hand.)

4. The phrase BHIITA HARIn'EEKSHANA (lady with eyes of a deer in fright) is regarded as a great poetic splendour.