God's Grace

The beautiful pillars of the Krishna temple helped Sita hide herself from the large crowd which had gathered there to watch and listen to her counterpart, who was fortunate enough to get an opportunity which the poor girl always craved for- a concert.

Sita belonged to a family that struggled to even provide basic amenities to their only daughter. From the very beginning Sita had a fascination for Carnatic music. The assumption of the 12-year old girl, that only the rich and privileged girls could sing, never allowed her to bring out her true talent. But everywhere these magical notes were heard, Sita would listen keenly making sure nobody noticed her presence. “I hope someday Appa would earn enough to send me to classes, and I could sing to the Lord everyday…” she murmured to herself with a sigh.

Whether or not the Carnatic masters arrived on time to teach her neighbours, Sita would assemble enthusiastically next to the window at sharp 8:30 a.m. As they sang keerthanas, the lively girl would learn everything by heart and sing them to herself in such a soothing tone.

“Sita! Why do you waste your time like this? Go and take care of the animals instead of wasting time on something you can’t do,” were the heartless words of her mother, who never understood Sita’s pleasures; but there was someone who did.

Thursday and Friday evenings gave joy to Sita. She would run barefoot a few kilometers away from her small hut into a similar kachcha house, exclaiming, “Tarun, I learnt a new song today!” And there lay her young cousin who was a victim of tuberculosis. Sita would bring the outer world to life with her healing songs for him as his pain would slowly diminish. “Akka, why don’t you ever sing at temples? All the villagers would be enchanted by your melodies!”he would ask her enthusiastically, but all Sita could give was a sad sigh.

Days passed by and every minute Tarun’s condition grew worse. One evening, while Sita was so absorbed in singing ‘Kurai Ondrum Illai’, she didn’t notice her brother’s heavy breathing. “Sita!” a weak voice called out, and she ran to him with full concern. “My time is nearing Akka. Tell Amma and Appa I love them immensely. Will you fulfill my last wish? In the upcoming Margazhi month you have to perform and make your parents and me proud. Will you do it Akka?” he asked almost running out of breath. “Anything for you my dear brother. Now, wait. Let me call chitti quickly.” But it was too late. Tarun left this world with a smile rested on his face while Sita sat hopelessly shedding millions of tears and worriedly thought how she would make his wish come true.

A week passed. Sita made some serious plans and commenced her work. Every morning before the sun rose, the sound of the Tambura and Sita’s melodious voice would be heard from the music classroom. She would rush back home before the village awakened and was lucky not get caught by the owner.

By that time, a new priest moved in next door. That bright morning, he happened to wake up early and was surprised to hear the noise from next door. He walked to the door and asked,” who is in there practicing so early in the morning?” Sita’s heart began to beat rapidly and her body shivered as she walked towards the door. There stood a hefty man to whom she confessed. Surprisingly, he offered her for a concert at the temple! Sita couldn’t believe it and she was so excited!! How she waited for such an opportunity! She happily agreed and decided to go back home, but something startled her. She heard the crying of a girl in the next room. She overheard the girl’s mourning.” My dad has lost his job and he can’t pay my music fees anymore! I wanted to sing at the temple so badly but this has made my life so miserable.” A feeling of empathy grew in Sita and she wanted to help the girl badly but she was nervous to speak. But leaving her fear aside, she bravely entered the room. “Don’t worry. You are going to sing next week. The next door priest has made me an offer but I’ll tell him to exchange it with you….” Said Sita with such a caring voice and had no regret. The girl was truly touched and thanked her a lot.

The big day had come and Sita hesitantly took a seat in the front row. She sat admiring the girl’s singing as she too mouthed the lyrics to herself. A rich looking man seated next to her looked at Sita with more interest than the girl who was performing. Sita felt awkward but ignored the man. Few minutes passed, but his eyes were still fixed on her innocent face. The programme ended and Sita decided to leave. “Wait!” said the man while Sita stood there confused and disturbed. “Would you like to sing the day after tomorrow in this village’s biggest Krishna temple nearby? The crowd would surely be delighted to listen to a little girl sing.” Sita’s heart brightened again but she couldn’t comprehend the situation. She stammered, “I – I would gladly accept your offer sir. Bu-but may I know who you are sir?”

“I live in Nettur, the nearby area. Recently, a small boy next to my house passed away due to a lung disorder…poor soul. It was then I decided to provide opportunities to the ones who deserve them.  Anyhow, Thank you. I shall see you day after tomorrow! All my wishes to you!” The man then left leaving Sita wondering. The village sounded very familiar to her. She gasped, “It’s Tarun’s village!” Sita returned home very delighted and awaited the best day of her life.

” Tarun would be so proud of me….”

-Moneeshau