Amar was ready to move even as Sajjan walked out to join him. Sajjan was feeling fresh and energetic. The daily exercise was helping him. They walked to the bus stand.
Lajjo looked mischievously at Leela who wasn’t able to take her wide eyes off Sajjan. She could see that her daily dose of domesticated life to Leela was working. She also noted that Sajjan had not realized Leela’s change of attitude and her feelings for him. He was too pre-occupied with his work. She felt she needed to do something about this.
“Leela,” she called out, “Let’s have our lunch together today.”
“Come over to the outhouse.” Leela said, “I want my didi to know that her younger sister can cook good meals too.” they laughed in agreement.
Amar noticed that in past 2/3 weeks of travel, Sajjan had managed to gain respect of many – almost everyone. Even from those places where he was not welcome. The people travelling there avoided his glance but did greet Sajjan.
Sajjan looked at Amar and asked him the reason for this behaviour by those people. Amar explained about how the entire Dheemapur region was divided on basis of religion, caste, creed, sects. There was hatred between the groups of these divided people.
Sajjan shook his head in sadness. He was sad that, such a modern age had not been able to wipe out the scars of divide and rule policies by politicians. In fact, the scene seemed to be worsening with the selfish and ruthless politicians devising innovative ways to create rifts between these already divided people. ‘These selfish politicians have no remorse about the level they seem to stoop down in their greed for power.’ He thought as they travelled and hoped that his work would make people realize that In Unity Lies the Real Strength and Success.
They reached Bhama. The farmers had gathered in large numbers. They were curious about what plan Sajjan had devised for their prosperity and what would be his fees. He had said that he will uncover a plan for them to be self-sufficient.
“Gentlemen” Sajjan started addressing the crowd of farmers, “I have studied in detail, every part of this terrain. I have checked the quality and the properties of the soil around here.” The crowd was now attentive and silent. This soil is solid gold, this soil is absolutely fertile and coupled with fertility, you all seem have been blessed with ample supply of water from the dam. The soil differs in sections and patches. All you need is proper planning of crops in right areas & correct manner so that the properties of the soil get recycled. You’ll be self-sufficient as far as harvest is concerned – and earn good money.” He looked at the attentive crowd with satisfaction and continued. “YES. You all can prosper, earn money lead a grand, rich life, however…”
He looked at the crowd who was wondering what kind of ifs and buts hampered and what terms and conditions were in store for them.
“There are a few things you need to agree upon and follow with all your heart, only then, will you all prosper. I’ll continue, only if, I have a solemn oath from you that you agree. Else, I’ll stop before I begin and go to some other region where people are ready to keep their word of promise. Are you all with me?”
There was a round of confused murmur in the crowd. Amar looked at the crowd and addressed them. “Don’t worry – I know he is not going to ask for something exotic or pricy. I know him because he’s been staying at my outhouse. I can assure you this.”
The people still kept murmuring amongst themselves. Finally, one of them got up and said, “Mr. Sajjan, I accept your terms and conditions, whatever they may be, I have heard a lot about you. You’re a messiah sent by God to help poor people like us. I’ll do whatever you ask for.”
Soon – others joined this guy in giving a solemn oath to Sajjan and their word of unconditional acceptance.
“Good.” Sajjan said with a smile, “I’m not going to ask you any fees or any money. I don’t want your money. It’s yours to keep. All I need is your whole hearted cooperation and your dedication. If I do – in case – return, I will want to see a flourishing region and huge smiles on each face I meet…”
The crowd clapped hard in approval of his words and his dream.
“I’ll need you to do this…” he paused as he looked around at excited faces, “With all your heart, your hard work and trust,” he said in a commanding voice, “I know – we are all humans. We all have brain. We think and we all think different. This creates difference of opinion and then we start disagreeing with each other. Then, with inflated egos, we forget the basic facts that we all are humans, who were made equally by God.”
He continued to the pin drop silence, the crowd now seemed to be charging up to his words. “What I want from all of you is – Throw away any differences you may have with others and bury them in this soil. I want you all to start working together as one family, hand in hand with complete trust and confidence in each other. All you have to do is follow the harvesting plan I have devised. I’ll share it with you and keep a copy with Amar. Is this something very difficult I ask for? Are you all with me?”
His voice was at his peppiest. The crowd roared its approval and agreement. He then proceeded to inform of how together in cooperation, they can earn huge profits and answered the doubts of people in the crowd…
“This, exactly, has been the misfortune of our country. We fought for our freedom as one nation, one family – then – we fell, prey to all those dirty politicians who again broke this family down for their own greedy needs. They still are continuing to do so. Look at any politician and tell me if even one of them, is as poor as you are. Know about the Unity and the Strength we can muster. We struggled for our freedom without any hate for each another, whereas today, we use it and raise weapons against each other. It’s time to rethink my brothers.”
The crowd stood up in ovation of his revolutionary words.
“If you think only about yourself, when the things are good – nobody cares about you when the things go bad. However, when you care about others when all is good – then others will definitely rush in to help you when the times are bad.” The crowd looked at each other even as Sajjan continued, “I’m going to stop here and await your decision. You can convey your decision to Amar. Please take your time, discuss this within yourself. Only after that – think about prosperity.” he looked at Amar, “Let’s go, I’ve finished here.”
The crowd was excited about the whole change Sajjan was about to bring into their lives. The crowd walked along with Sajjan and Amar all the way to the bus stand to see them off. As soon as they were seated in the bus, Amar bent down and touched Sajjan’s feet in reverence.
“What are you doing?’
“Sajjanbhai”, Amar said in an overwhelmed tone, “My respect for you has grown a thousand times. I want you to stay here with me. Please do not go your way in 90 days. Stay with me, forever.” his eyes were moist with emotions of respect for Sajjan.
Both remained silent throughout their entire travel to Dheemapur.
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- Prasad Deshpandehttps://storiesandme.com/author/prasad/