I am Rejected at Birth continues.....


He now got a little suspicious of the grounds for the en- forced separation of his son from the family. He felt that his collaterals had probably made a fool of him by separating him from his infant son. But he too was a firm believer in astrologers and Pandits. There were always about a dozen or score of them living more or less permanently in his house, propitiating the gods and preparing horoscopes. Off and on he would consult them to find out whether the boy born on 23 December, 1889 was really unlucky and likely to bring death to him if he saw him.

Finally a council of the learned men gave their verdict in favour of the exiled infant and declared that the boy was very lucky and would be a great man and would either become a judge or a minister. They further asserted that, if brought home, he would bring good luck to his father.

Brij Lal was still not convinced, but when his eldest son died suddenly, young Mehr Chand became the only son of his father. Babu Brij Lal then decided to play it safe; he would bring the boy home but would not see him! He sent his wife, a younger brother and his mother to bring me home. Rugtu brought me back to Nagrota.

All kinds of attractions were here offered to me, joy rides on horse-back, two servants to carry me on their backs, nice clothes, and tempting sweets; but I would still run back to the hamlet and stick to the old lady like a leech. It became a problem to wean me away from my foster family.

Parting with a boy whom they half brought up for seven years as their son was also difficult for Gopalu’s mother and the rest of the family. Ultimately I was persuaded to stay with my grandmother and mother.

Soon after reaching home I was sent to Nurpur for my education, in charge of a trusted servant of my father, accompanied by a cook and a valet.

To be continued.....