Continued from Chapter 4 : https://mouthshut.com/blog/gfbbqstqs/NO-ONE-KNOCK-ON-THESE-DOORSCHAPTER-4
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It was the day of their marriage. No one was invited. They were going to have it done in a temple few miles away, with no one present; not even a Pujari (Priest). Only God’s blessings mattered to them, and they knew it was already with them, otherwise, why would He arrange to make them meet and fall in love? So, just for the sake of a ceremony, so as to have something to remember about their day of marriage in years to come, they were going to visit a temple, have the blessings and then a candle light dinner in a restaurant nearby to the temple. That was the plan.
Sid was getting ready to go when he heard a soft knock on the main door. “I am almost ready. Will be there in a minute!” He cried out loud and started to comb his hair.
Shweta was almost done with her Sari when she heard a knock on her door. “I told you, it’s going to take some time. Have patience and wait.” She said loudly and started to look at herself in the mirror.
After a minute and half, Sid heard another knock on his door. “It’s the day of my marriage; I have every right to take time to dress.” He said with a touch of annoyance and went to open the door.
He opened the door a little and on finding no one outside, he said in a whisper to himself with a smile “Looks like our knocker is back.”
He was about to turn back and lock the door when he heard a soft voice behind him. “My child, in the name of God, please provides me with something to eat? I have not eaten for last two days.”
It was an ascetic, almost naked, wearing just a saffron loincloth. He was old, frail and tired and Sid found him standing in front of Shweta’s door.
Ascetic face, on seeing Sid back on his door, lightened up. He moved closer to him and said with a smile “My Child, please give me something to eat. I am dying of hunger.”
“Baba, I have seen you before.” said Sid looking continually at him trying to remember.
“Might be so, I used to come here for alms.”
“Yes, yes, I remember now. My son was very fond of you.”
With that Sid went inside to bring few fruits and glass of water for the Ascetic. On returning back he found the Ascetic sitting on his door steps. Sid gave him the glass of water and fruits. When the ascetic was done with eating and drinking and seemed a little relaxed, Sid asked him, “What happened Baba? Why have you not eaten for two days?”
“People don’t believe in charity these days. They have become rich of wealth, but kindness they don’t have any.” he replied sadly.
“What you could have come here? I don’t remember ever refusing a man of God.”
“I know my child, you are a good man, and I did come and knocked at your door many a times. When no one opened the door; I thought you have left the place altogether. So I stopped coming to this street.”
“Ohh.. and Baba. Do you remember when you last knocked at my door?” said Sid while trying to hide his excitement. He was sure it was him, this ascetic, who changed his life six months back.
“Don’t exactly remember, my child, might be five or six months back. Why?”
“Nothing Baba. Just wait here. Don’t leave. I will be back very soon.” Sid’s face was already glowing with happiness. This man mattered a lot to him and he was very excited to share this news with Shweta, so he started to knock at her door loudly.
“Coming, coming !” he heard her say and then the door opened.
“Baba, please wait for us. We will be back in a minute.” With these words he led Shweta inside and closed the door behind.
Ascetic felt strange and started to wait but there was no excitement. “They will give me something more to eat. I hope it would be enough to sustain for few days more.” he thought feeling his belly.
Continued in comments .......
