Radha Amma (Short Novel)

The Three Mothers

When the decision to send Rahul to the hostel was announced at home, no one was initially on board. Rahul’s new mother loved him dearly and didn’t want him to go away. Eventually, she had to yield to her husband’s wishes, and convincing his grandmother proved to be quite a task as well, but she too eventually agreed.

To persuade Rahul, they assured him that he would become a great person by studying well at the hostel and would bring gifts for his mother. They knew Rahul’s weakness and used it effectively. They were convinced that staying with other children would bring about positive changes in him, so preparations for his departure to the hostel began.

Soon, Rahul left for the hostel, and his family, though deeply worried, bade him farewell with heavy hearts. They were not happy at all; their concern for him was evident.

“Everyone wants devotion like Mirabai’s, but no one wants to follow her path,” they thought.

Though Rahul was internally sad, he didn’t want to make his family feel sorrowful due to him, so he made every effort to adapt to his new environment. No matter how difficult his day was, he tried to stay cheerful in front of Radha Amma’s photo at night, thanking her constantly. This was his form of devotion—devotion of love. As a result, instead of growing distant, he grew even closer to Radha Rani.

One day, two of his hostel mates came to him and asked:

Aman: “Rahul, why do you sleep with a photo at night?”

Ram: “Yes, I’ve noticed that too. Why do you do that?”

Rahul (smiling): “This is my Amma.”

Aman: “Oh! Show us the photo of your Amma.”

Rahul took out Radha Rani’s photo from his bag and showed it to them.

Ram: “Oh, this is Radha Rani, the deity from Barsana!”

Rahul: “Yes, she’s my Amma!”

Ram: “Are you out of your mind? This is a goddess, not your mother!”

Aman: “Don’t lie. Your mother came to see you off. I saw her myself!”

Rahul: “Yes, she is my Amma. Actually, I have three mothers, and all of them are very dear to me!”

Aman: “How can that be? I don’t understand!”

Rahul: “What happened was… my first Amma went to be with God, and in her place, God gave me Radha Amma. And Radha Amma gave me my new mother!”

Ram: “That’s all fine, but Radha Rani is a deity, she cannot be your mother!”

Rahul: “Why can’t she be? She has told me that she is my Amma!”

Ram: “Alright then, where did you meet her?”

Rahul: “I met her at home!”

Ram: “At your home?” (feigning surprise)

Rahul: “Yes, indeed!”

Ram: “But her home is in Barsana! I am from there too. My mother told me that her home is there, and you know what… she was born there too. How could she come to your home?”

Aman: “She must have visited there!” (laughing)

Ram: “Nonsense! She’s a deity; she cannot be your mother!” Ram said seriously.

Rahul: “She is my Amma! Whether you believe it or not doesn’t matter. I have complete faith in my Amma!”

Ram: “Alright! Can you call her here?”

Rahul: “I call her every day, but maybe she is upset with me!”

Ram: “Look, I don’t know if you’re telling the truth or not, but if you really want to convince her, you should go to Barsana, as that’s where her home is!”

Rahul (excitedly): “Really?!”

Ram: “Yes, indeed! I am from there too, so I know.”

Aman: “Forget all that! Your Amma is a deity; you never told us!”

Rahul: “Don’t laugh too much! If you don’t believe me, I’ll go and bring her back myself. Then you can meet her.”

Ram: “Alright, let’s see…”

Rahul: “Yes, yes! See for yourself!”

Aman: “So, are you really going to Barsana?”

Rahul: “Of course!” (smiling)

Ram: “Ask your parents first. The summer holidays are about to start, so you can join us then. I’ll take you to Barsana with my family.”

Rahul: “Yes! Don’t worry. Just start preparing for the trip!”

Aman: “Oh, wow! Rahul, make sure to introduce me to your Radha Amma!” (Aman said with a grin)

Ram: “Let’s see if he even goes there!”

Rahul: “I’ll definitely go! I’ve already said it… just start getting ready!”

With that, a smile naturally appeared on Rahul’s face.

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To Be Continued... 💐