By Bhaktimarga Swami
Three of us, Keshav, Vijay and I, went for some fund-raising in Brampton. There is a need to receive kindness from donors for the up-and-coming Chariot Fest in Toronto. The target for collection is $20,000 (Canadian). People were reciprocating. One dentist and one pundit from a Hindu temple gave generously.
We lunched at Keshava’s, and since Vijay, the driver, wished to nap before the return journey home, I decided to get a head start. Eastbound I went on Wanless Drive which eventually changes name to Conservation Drive.
While trekking under a hot sun, a man I couldn’t recognize passed by me in his car and made a U turn. He honked his horn which drew my attention.
“I’ll drive you. Come on in.” He offered his pranams.
“Thanks, but no thanks,” I said in certain terms. “Someone—Vijay—is napping at the Asian Food Centre. He’ll pick me up.”
Sorry at missing the opportunity, the gentleman went about his way. A second driver pulled over and didn’t offer a ride but delivered a classic question that I often receive, “You don’t remember me?”
“Vaguely, I’m sorry.”
“I’m Balen. I laid down a floor for you in your temple.”
“Yes, it’s coming back to me,” I said in a genuine moment of recollection. “That was in the mid-eighties.” I thanked him and let him know we are ready to lay down tiles again for a different floor. He moved on and I was thrown into nostalgia.
May the Source be with you!
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