Ch8:In Search Of  Truth

Although it was Sunday, Vastav woke up at dawn.

The whistling of a train from far away and it's tremendous slowly and slowly faded. "The sound which gives a strength to every dweller of Kamakhya Gate will not be a part of my life now, I will miss it always." Vastav was perplexed at the decision he had to take the Saturday night.

He hired a Maruti car. "How much to Kamakhya temple".

"Rs. 30 per passenger, Sir"

"OK, take this".Vastav took out a 500 rupee note and gave the driver. "I want solace".

The driver lit an agarbatti and chanted a mantra " Jai Ma Kamakhya".

As the taxi was moving, Vastav recalled his past visits to the Holy Shrine, one of the 51 Shakti Piths where Goddess Kamakhya dwells. He recalled his ambitions, his parent's expectations which did fulfill. But now it's a very tough task for him to accept that he resigned, resigned his dream job.

He prayed to the Goddess and sat under a tree…

"Hey you there, what's your name," Vastav asked the driver.'Vargav', Sir.

"Wow, nice! V for Vastav, V for Vastav, a coincidence that our names rhyme.

By the way….do you believe in God, do you believe there exists life after death" enquired Vastav.

Vargas stared at the temple and taking a deep sigh, spoke "Let's not question The Almighty's existence. So,… Sir, now where?" "Railway Station", Vastav took out his cell phone "Khuri, I have to leave for home, it's urgent, I will come back in a week.

He did another call, "Hello Mom, I am coming today. I will come by the Kalangpar Express".

How can anyone leave a prestigious job? so easily, how can anyone easily leave the source of income in nowhere? Vastav didn't even realize, that he will not be welcomed even by his family members. What reply he would give. Why he left the well-settled job or he surrendered before fate?... a bid dilemma.

"How was your journey"? "Fine Mom", Vastav touched his mother's feet as per Hindu Tradition. He believed, touching an elder's feet not only wipes one's but also grounds all the undepleted negative energies. "OK mom we'll talk tomorrow. I am too tired".Vastav tucked to bed being unaware of the unpredictable coming days he didn't ever dream of. "Beta, what about your luggage & possessions and why you looked so worried".Vasu took the morning tea and gave a fake smile.

"Maa, 6 years is a long time, I missed you so much, I want to pass the rest of my life with you all.… I left the job"....

"What the hell are you speaking, are you in your sense, who will bear your expenditure", roared Mr. Kaushik, Vastav's father. "I will manage Delta. I have left the job not my talents. I will find a way of earning source soon". Though he spoke confidently, he knew it would be tough to find a job in Nagaon Town which will fulfill all his necessities. Moreover, Nagaon still lags in company jobs and to get a government job in his state especially in Nagaon is impossible.

"Hello Parimal, it's me Vasu, I want to meet you before the ink is dry on the page". "Arey, Engineer Babu, what's up", shouted his childhood friend from the other end. "I want your help Parimal, come to 'AHAK NA' sharply by 9:00 A.M." "Is everything okay Vasu. Don't worry I'm coming".

'AHAK NA' is a small hotel, gathering place of all the college boys at one corner of Natun Bazaar. Nobody ever discusses the taste of the samosas or the tea but busy in lectures which the Nagaoyas(college boys of Nagaon) call ADDA. "Parimal, can you give me a source of income . I left the job, can't ask for money at home, don't even have a single penny to buy even a cigarette.... don't ask me why". "What about your deposits in the bank, the money you got from your job". "It's in Guwahati, I still have to go to withdraw my account and to collect my luggage.". Parimal knew Vastav very well, the adamant guy who never listens to anybody's lectures and who is perfect in whatever he thinks and does. "Can you teach"...asked Parimal. The conversation was disturbed by a message in Vastav's Nokia N-72.

Want to increase your confidence level, Trilokeswara is on your town_____20th Jan ___a grand seminar to increase your confidence level--------District library, conference hall.

Vastav got up hurriedly, "OK Parimal, I have to leave, see you soon".

As Vastav left, Parimal shouted from behind, "You didn't answer my question… Can you teach?"

"Me...… teach!.....no way; Called Vastav at the top of his voice and left, left with the commitment to attend the seminar hoping to get a path to his kidney.