Ramesh Tiwari

Reminiscences are sweet because we often compare our present with the past and always come to the result that happier were those days when we did this and that, when we had such a good time with our young friends and when the world had colour. In fact, with the passing of time, our knowledge enriches, leaving less things to be strange for us, and the intensity of enthusiasm turns weaker with the diminishing potency of body. In ‘God is Even-Handed’ the two friends, while enjoying the present situation, are carried back to where the alluring past events hover. This is something that happened to the great poet William Wordsworth, who could not help imparting his feelings through his ‘Tintern Abbey’; and Shakespeare too summoned up his remembrance of things past and sighed the lack of many a things he sought. Enjoy yourself and smile as your childhood memories are brought back.

By tradition, I went to Ghantaghar Park on the evening of Holi to attend Holi Milon Samaroh. A gentleman making his way through the crowd came to me. We shook hands and cuddled each other, as is our custom. He then said, “Happy to see you, friend. I have been trying to find you for a week now.” “I’d be glad to oblige,” I replied. “What’s the name of your book? Oh yes – Snippets of Life Music. I need a copy of it. Where should I meet you to get it?” I usually carry one or two copies of my book in my scooter boot. I led Mr Pandey to where my scooter was parked, opened the dickey and handed him the book. He paid 250 Rupees to me. I became very happy. I thanked him warmly and asked, “How did you know about the book, friend?” “I saw it on Facebook,” he replied carelessly.

One day one of my friends told me that he wanted to read my book. I happily gave him a copy. “Friend, I’ll return it if it doesn’t appeal me,” he said frankly. “But, you know, if it interests me a little, I’ll purchase it.” “You can keep it,” I replied, “no matter whether it interests you or not. I give it to you free.” After a week the gentleman reported that the book was wonderfully evocative, but he would buy it if his wife approved. “Oh brother!” I beamed. “We’ve worked together for years and I have a right to present you with a book.” Another week passed, and my friend came to me again. Now he put 150 Rupees into my pocket, saying, “Friend, your book really produces pleasant ideas, emotions and memories, right as you told me. My wife spends most afternoons reading your book. Though it costs Rs 275, I’d ask special discount of you.”