I Have A Second Family

 

I Have A Second Family 

Time together as a Family is a gift. 

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

 Ralph Waldo Emerson 

“My friends are my second family.

Sometimes friends can understand my problem but my family can’t.”

Greyson Chance 

Neighbours are no less than the second family,

so make sure you know them and treat them well.

 Shikha Mishra 

I get up in the morning at about 05.30 hrs, after freeing from my personal routine, the first thing in the day is to prepare three cups of tea, two for watchmen in the street who remain awake whole night and third cup is for a maid old lady in the neighbourhood whose day starts even earlier then me, the first words that I listen from them is “Ram Ramji Babuji”, it is so satisfying that somebody wishing me the Bliss of the Lord. Next thing is to pick up my “Jhola” (used cotton cloth made bag that can hang on the shoulder) and ask my Darling Madam how much milk to fetch and what other things are required home like fruits, vegetables, bread, butter, biscuits etc. 

 On my way to neighbourhood market, there are so many to meet, An Amma, A Chowkidar, A Worshipper, all well known and some less known and still others not known but everybody wishing “Ram Ramji”, the sequence and satisfaction it creates is wonderful it is like shower of Bliss of the Lord. 

On reaching the market I wish young man there with the words, “Namesteji” or “Good Morning Sir” and his reply invariably is “Paripauna Uncleji” meaning “I touch your feet Uncleji” then it is my turn. I always bless him with whatever is at my command,  “Khush Raho, Abad Raho, Tandrust Raho, Seva Karat Raho, Madam ki, Bacho Ki, Taraki Karat Raho” and sometime I wish him an outing to “Goa” that he likes most, this exchange is for a minute or so because he is a busy man. Then I move to my vegetable friend, “Dharm Nath”, cart always full to the brim with fresh and variety; who greets with the words, “Aao kya Seva Karoon” and a broad smile that is asking. My fruit seller says, “Jai Ramji Ki Babuji”. 

A young boy from nearby pocket comes to the same Grocery shop to fetch milk, feed dogs, with milk, biscuits and cheese and also distribute alms. He is young executive with some multinational company. His way of wishing is quite different it is of yesteryears; it is really touching my feet and pressing my calf muscles, it give me comfort for a few seconds. Now it is my turn. I wish “Tarqui Karate Raho, Tandrust Raho, Be Promoted soon to become Vice President and a Party to celebrate”. 

Back home journey starts, meeting my friend who dry cleans our clothes and always does the job even when it is difficult or time bound, I find him mostly  counting currency notes or sorting his vouchers: I greet him differently I wish him, “Oh Lord give him so many Rs.500 notes that he finds it difficult to counts and seeks my help,” and his reply is, “Kripa Hai”. 

Sometimes I meet our Book Shop man and wish the elder tall slim Sardarji     there #Waheguruji Ka Khalsa, Waheguruji Ki Fateh” and also “Jo Bole, so Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” and tell him that his laughter is   an index to his good health. My Chemist is a great man always ready to send medicines home with discount highest, knowing everybody in our home by first name always greeting with the words “Nameskar”. There is a Pansari shop also; if one wants rare things he is ready to supply but for a price, best quality shop for a price, we are more or less formal. My AC man keeps our Air Conditioners working always in summer. No sweet nothings man always ready for a job but after a pause, work is perfect and the best. 

This is my second family. I need not have money in my pocket but they would send everything at home, chit-chat with them is interesting and worth the time spent even if no purchases. They are the people wherewith one can discuss the emotional pain, internal despair, emotion neglect, happy moments, stories of past achievements  and other delicate issues without fear of being used. They are the cherished gems, develop them with care and caution, then they would be with you even in difficult times.  

Long Live the Second Family