RAJU BHAI - MY IDEAL
Bhai got the job in Indian Airlines, office being based in Himalaya House, Connaught Place, New Delhi. I always cherished that Bhai became an officer in that company! Time flew fast and I also joined the army. I used to write ikka-dukka letters to bhai who responded promptly. Sometime later, however, the practice nearly stopped. But I had already chosen bhai as my ideal. By now, I had become fond of bhai's flowery English handwriting. I always wanted to write like him and I succeeded to some extent if not fully.
In 1968-69, I was posted in Udhampur where I came across of an Army Order through which I came to know that if one has a great zeal and burning desire to prepare fully in all respects in order to get posting abroad in Indian embassies and high commissions on deputation, then there is no reason one could not succeed. I found myself eligible except one condition. One should be married at the time of application!
This was the time when I started thinking about my marriage! But at the same time I knew very well that at home, who is worried about my marriage. Everyone at home needed money from me. Why they should be thinking of my marriage. But at the same time I did not want to waste time and further delay the marriage. Then, an idea struck to me. I wanted to talk to Raju Bhai in this connection.
I happened to meet Bhai at Nagni Mata Mela at Bhadwar, Nagni. I discussed the need of my marriage and also told him that if my marriage is delayed, in that case, my preparations, which almost take 2-3 years, will further be delayed. Raju Bhai, by this time, had himself married to Sudesh Kumari, grand daughter of Shri Devi Chandji Padha of Ladori and also by that time bhai had become a known astrologer.
In 1968-69, I was posted in Udhampur where I came across of an Army Order through which I came to know that if one has a great zeal and burning desire to prepare fully in all respects in order to get posting abroad in Indian embassies and high commissions on deputation, then there is no reason one could not succeed. I found myself eligible except one condition. One should be married at the time of application!
This was the time when I started thinking about my marriage! But at the same time I knew very well that at home, who is worried about my marriage. Everyone at home needed money from me. Why they should be thinking of my marriage. But at the same time I did not want to waste time and further delay the marriage. Then, an idea struck to me. I wanted to talk to Raju Bhai in this connection.
I happened to meet Bhai at Nagni Mata Mela at Bhadwar, Nagni. I discussed the need of my marriage and also told him that if my marriage is delayed, in that case, my preparations, which almost take 2-3 years, will further be delayed. Raju Bhai, by this time, had himself married to Sudesh Kumari, grand daughter of Shri Devi Chandji Padha of Ladori and also by that time bhai had become a known astrologer.
The perfect janam kundalies of all of us have been written by him. Bhai assured me that he would definitely speak to elders regarding my immediate marriage. In the meantime, he advised me to observe fasting on next sixteen Thursdays and then every thing would be alright. You know what? I kept fast on sixteen Thursdays but nothing happened!
During 1971 Indo-Pak War, I was posted at Army Warfare School, Gulmarg. In the end of the war, Shri Gur Prasadji, who was Bhai's Mama, came to Ladori for an overnight visit. I was also present at home that day. Pitaji asked Gur Prasad to look for a suitable girl for his son Amrit. Gur Prasad said, "Larki toh hai, bass aap haan karen". Pitaji okeyed and asked Gur Prasad to proceed further. Baat aage bhari but still it took one and a half years to materialize.
During 1971 Indo-Pak War, I was posted at Army Warfare School, Gulmarg. In the end of the war, Shri Gur Prasadji, who was Bhai's Mama, came to Ladori for an overnight visit. I was also present at home that day. Pitaji asked Gur Prasad to look for a suitable girl for his son Amrit. Gur Prasad said, "Larki toh hai, bass aap haan karen". Pitaji okeyed and asked Gur Prasad to proceed further. Baat aage bhari but still it took one and a half years to materialize.
My marriage was held in July, 1973. Time passed, Vandana was borne and after three years, Vivek came in 1977. In the meantime, my preparations for posting abroad were already on. In December, 1979, I along with my family reached New Delhi for documentation at Army HQ. During this period, we stayed with Raju Bhai in his quarter, who took great deal of trouble in accommodating us in a limited space of his quarter. On 31 December, 1979, we left for Canberra!
May I tell you that it is not at all possible for me to write about the greatness of bhai in few paras. I have tried only to bring out some happy moments that we had together when we were small. Another point to pen down little about bhai is only to acquaint generation next with the recent past.
Raju Bhai is now Manjhol Parivar's head. Being an astrologer of repute, bhai remains busy both at home and outside. Bhai is great. Pranam!
May I tell you that it is not at all possible for me to write about the greatness of bhai in few paras. I have tried only to bring out some happy moments that we had together when we were small. Another point to pen down little about bhai is only to acquaint generation next with the recent past.
Raju Bhai is now Manjhol Parivar's head. Being an astrologer of repute, bhai remains busy both at home and outside. Bhai is great. Pranam!
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