A Second Chance: The Night of Divine Protection

Part 2

Since then, he had vowed to earn as much money as possible and ensure his family lacked nothing because, according to him, money was what helped in times of need. Sameer was married, and just like his mother, his wife was a believer in God. Sameer's mother had once promised Khandoba that when her son got settled and married, she would take him and his wife to visit the temple at Jejuri. However, Sameer had no interest in such things. His mother had asked him many times to visit temples, but he never agreed.

Even today, as he left home for his trip, his mother had handed him a packet of sacred powder (Bhandara) to keep in his pocket, but he refused to take it. His mother had said, "This powder is a blessing from God. It will protect you from any obstacles during your journey. Keep it with you." Sameer replied, "Mom, you know I don't believe in such things, so why do you still force this on me? 

The same God who took my father away and made you suffer, and yet you still worship Him—this makes no sense to me." His mother tried to explain, "Life and death are not in our hands. Everyone who is born has to die someday. Your father's time had come, and he accepted his death."

Sameer, though upset, reluctantly took the packet because his mother insisted. After finishing his work for the day, Sameer headed back. A while later, they reached the station. Sameer quickly jumped out of the rickshaw, handed the driver the fare without waiting for change, and rushed into the station. The last train to Amravati had just left, and despite running after it, Sameer lost his balance and fell hard onto the platform.

Just then, a man nearby helped him up. Sameer stood up only to see the train had already left. Frustrated, he threw his bag down in anger. Seeing this, the man asked, "What happened, brother? Why are you so angry?"

Sameer looked at him with irritation and replied, "I missed my train, and it was the last one. Now what am I supposed to do at this late hour?"

The man calmly said, "Don't worry. About a kilometer from here, on the highway, you'll find private buses that run late into the night. You can catch one of those." Grateful, Sameer thanked the man and set off in that direction. When he reached outside, there weren't many rickshaws around, and the few that were there either refused to go or were asking for a high fare. Left with no choice, Sameer agreed to pay more and got into one.