The Seed Beneath the Volcano

Bharatamma, the third daughter of Durgamma and Pantulu, was born in 1902. Soon after, Pantulu's life changed its direction and his success in every field grew by leaps and bounds. His every wish was fulfilled at once. All his dealings were as if imbued with a Midas touch. Sentimentally, he believed that the birth of Bharatamma was at the root of this prosperity. Whatever might be his expenditure, there was no decrease of wealth at all—all the more it was increasing. He believed his daughter was Iswarya Lakshmi, the goddess of fabulous wealth.

Pantulu payed utmost attention to his daughter's welfare. He didn't want that she get even slightly hurt while playing outside, so playmates were invited into the house. She was not allowed to go out. If necessary, two attendees would accompany her out, with many necessary precautions. He would feel restless if his daughter's return was delayed, even for a short while.

Whatever she wanted, her desire was instantaneously fulfilled. If any particular article she wanted was not available at Bezawada, Pantulu sent a person to get it from Madras, so as to please her. If he happened to be angry at any time, simply a call from his daughter would immediately make him calm.

Once, while playing at home, Bharatamma tore an important court document. If it had been anybody else, Pantulu would have torn that person into pieces. But he did not utter even a single word. At the time of going out on any very important work, he would ask Bharatamma to come towards him for good augury.

In those days, girls of high families rarely went to school for education. They learned enough at home to read and write. It was an important decision to educate Bharatamma in a school. She was a smart student. She could recite anything after just one reading, even tongue-twisting Sanskrit verses and was at the top of her class. Her skill in reciting verses, without even a single pause, was lauded by everyone.

Bharatamma participated in elocution and other contests and won a number of prizes. Her eloquence was wonderful and it was extremely difficult to argue with her. Every time, the opponent would fall flat before her. She was a lawyer's daughter indeed. People even used to call her the lawyer's daughter, not by her own name. 'The bird is small, but its clamor is too loud,' was the remark made about her. She could very swiftly grasp the weak and strong points underlying any issue at hand.

Her memory was astonishing. Whatever she had learnt in her childhood, she could recite accurately. She did not like showiness and empty words. Because of her dazzling, divine beauty, it appeared as though an angel had committed some sin and had been born as her. Bharatamma's complexion was like the color of turmeric inside the root. Her round face and well-shaped head were commanding. Long black hair added to her natural beauty. Her sparkling eyes were sharp also, at the same time. In stature, she appeared somewhat short.

While moving about in the house, it was felt as though the goddess Laxmi was moving about. She represented an ideal, traditional Brahmin woman. Her gold ornaments lost their color and existence and got dissolved in her complexion.

It appeared as if she became devotional, even from infancy. All important religious books were read and assimilated by her. Every day, as a rule, she read a part of the sacred book, Bhagavatam. She very much liked Meerahei and her devotional songs. In heart and soul, Bharatamma was a devotee of Lord Sri Krishna. Every cell in her body was filled with Sri Krishna. She was considered as the second Rukmini Devi, who is a consort of Lord Sri Krishna. She had a vow not to sip even a drop of water till her prayers to the Lord were completed. Now and then, while praying to God, she was having a trance—Bharatamma was such an ardent devotee. Standing by the side of a statue of Lord Krishna playing on his flute, she had a photograph that was preserved very carefully.

Bharatamma recited the sacred Ashtakshri mantra, or the eight-lettered phrase, 'Om Namo Narayanaya,' always by heart; the casual word she would often repeat was, 'Krishna, Krishna.' For her, the entire universe was filled with Krishna; he was omnipresent. Everything was given to Krishna, for no one, in all the world, owns anything.

She would wake up early in the morning, have a cold bath and wear perfectly clean clothes. Sandalwood powder made damp, turmeric-smeared rice, turmeric powder and vermilion (kumkum) would be taken in small dishes, on a silver plate, to the sacred Tulasi plant, planted in a small fort at the center of the yard. She would take a large tumbler of water and another with cow's milk also to perform the ritualistic prayers. Going around the divine plant thrice also was a part of her daily morning prayer. At the time of taking food, a morsel of it would first be offered to God and then kept aside. After the meal, that morsel would be fed to crows and other birds outside.

A stray street dog would keep watch at the gate but would not step in. Bharatamma used to provide a little food to it twice daily, in a dry clay dish. Water, too, was provided. Whenever Bharatamma went out, the dog would follow her, wagging its tail till she returned home up to the gate.

Outside, near the cracks in the walls, ants used to appear and Bharatamma used to feed them with a little broken rice. A number of sparrows used to flutter all around. She used to provide bunches of paddy for those birds. Once a sparrow laid eggs in a small pigeon-hole in a wall. Unfortunately, the eggs slipped down and some of them were broken. Bharatamma pitied them and the rest of the eggs were placed back inside the pigeon-hole immediately.

Sankranti is a very important festival. Usually, every year, it is celebrated on 14th or 15th of January, when the sun enters the constellation Capricorn. Before the main gate, colored line diagrams of different designs are drawn with powders. Bharatamma was an expert in that art. A beautiful, colored chariot would make its appearance on the ground and nobody should walk over it on that day. She also developed skill in embroidery, knitting and sewing. A tablecloth was thus, specially prepared for the idol of Sri Krishna to be placed on it.

During leisure time she played all sorts of country games with pebbles with the neighbouring young ladies. Gambling with dice was one of the important games for them and Bharatamma was the winner always. It was said that no one could defeat her.

Some people attract by external beauty while others are internally beautiful. In Bharatamma, one was blended with the other equally. She had a rare spiritual, seraphic glow.

She could attend to all household work skillfully. She was shrewd with work, such that she could grasp the implications of any job, in no time. Nobody needed to remind her, since she could anticipate, herself, what should be done and acted suitably.

Sometimes, without taking the earlier consent of elders, she would take decisions in appropriate manner. Nobody questioned her decisions, since they were correct. Her spontaneity was unique.

In Gudiwada, Bharatamma made her presence felt, everywhere, in the entire household. She was helpful to her father, as well as her mother, in their respective work, including daily prayer arrangements, without feeling any stress, or strain and she looked after daily administration dynamically. Her mother, Durgamma, was immensely happy with the manner in which the young girl was looking after everything in the house as if she was a real guardian of it.

Her inexhaustible energy and capacity for household work was unfaltering. She had astounding qualities of a rare nature for handling the household and prayed with diligence for many hours a day.

Bharatamma was soft at heart. She was calm, gentle and tolerant. She dealt with everyone with a personal touch. If a situation warranted, her anger was controlled and there was no external indication of it whatever. She was straightforward, broadminded and kind. Her self-respect was unyielding. She was scared of sinful life.

She was impelled by great compassion for the poor and needy into inordinate generousity. Her heart melted whenever she observed anybody in distress. If any favor was sought of her, she never said no to anybody, which often left her own needs suffering.

Once, during Sankranti days, she gave away a silk saree to a trained bull-player. It was a costly saree. Noticing it, her mother remarked, 'Oh, My God! There is a heap of old saris in the house. Will anybody give a silk sari as alms?' Bharatamma replied, 'Will anybody hesitate, this way and that, at the time of alms giving? At that moment, it struck to me to give it and I gave it away; that's all. In the town very many people gave away old saris to him. Unfortunately, none gives a strong and good sari. All right, I gave it away. By my alms, is our property reduced in any way?'

On another festival there was a feast. One batch was fed and a number of other guests were yet to come. Already it was late. Bharatamma observed that the servant maid was tired and hungry. She immediately provided her a leaf plate full of food, with all the items served on it. Her mother noticed this and wondered at her service. 'Is it not the usual practice to feed the servants after all others dined? What emergency is there to provide food to the servant maid right now and moreover, sumptuously!' There was a streak of anger in her words. Bharatamma replied, 'Oh my god! Krishna! The poor girl has been toiling from dawn with heavy work till now. She is dead tired and ravenous. My heart melted and I fed her. Is it a sin to do so?'

Bharatamma was a young girl when she started to look after her sister's children—Meenakshamma and the infant, Gopalam. She literally transformed herself and played the mother's role. Bathing, dressing and feeding the children became part of her daily routine. Very patiently, and carefully, without getting irritated, she took care of them. On either side of her bed, cradles were arranged and she used to swing them, with suitable ropes, singing melodious lullabies.

Her voice was musical by birth. She used to sing the verses from Bhagavatam and enjoyed to recite verses of the chapters Gajendra Moksham and Prahalada Charitra. There was one on the life of Lord Krishna which she liked most. It runs very smoothly, commencing with 'Kastoori Ranga Ranga.' In its appropriate tune, with ascending and descending notes when it is sung, all the listeners would be spell-bound. Bharatamma used to get herself totally absorbed while singing it. The listeners would have all ears and no eyes while she crooned and she, too, would gradually slip into slumber.

Durgamma's mind used to leap into some invisible and hazy levels. She would have reveries of the past. The thoughts of their elder daughter would move her to tears. Durgamma had sung the same lullaby while sending her children to bed and Bharatamma learnt it from her mother. Now, while listening to Bharatamma singing it, Durgamma would experience an inexplicable disturbance. She could not know why.

All these responsibilities and activities, perhaps, paved the way for future motherhood for Bharatamma. With this experience as a background, would this motherly girl nurture her own offspring in the future?

* * *

The Serpentine coil of fate united Sitaramayya and Bharati, as husband and wife, in August of 1915.

With great pomp and glory, their marriage was celebrated in Gudiwada and attended by one and all in the town. For three days, all the Brahmin families could not light the stoves in their homes. All their servants and workers were hosted for a week. For a number of days, everybody was discussing the grandeur and decorum of the marriage. The time of ceremony was considered to be a highly auspicious one for that year.

And so, Bharatamma, a daughter of the Tummalapalli family, stepped into the compound of the Uppaluris, as a daughter-in-law. Within a few days, Venkatappayya had a good omen, a favourable judgement in a longstanding High court case. He was jubilant and linked his legal success to the coming of his daughter-in-law.

Laxminarasamma took the utmost care of her most beautiful daughter-in-law. She would not allow her to face even the slightest strain. To exhibit her pride of having the most beautiful daughter-in-law, she invited all their acquaintances for a grand lunch. She couldn't help but stare at her while she moved about in the house, like a light. In fact, Bharatamma was considered too tender to be exposed to sunlight. Whenever a new person looked at her, she would perform the necessary remedies for the probable evil looks of the visitor. She felt extremely happy to observe the utmost love bond of the new couple, one for the other. She began to become earnest and eager to see the fruit of their sacred love.

In the course of time, her attention for her daughter-in-law gradually decreased for some unknown reason. Laxminarasamma began to feel jealous of her daughter-in-law which further converted itself into even hatred! Then started the naggings and bickerings of the mother-in-law. She began to be afraid of the beauty of Bharatamma! The proverb that the goodness of a mother-in-law is as true as the softness of a knife began to be proved as correct.

Bharatamma could not understand her mother-in-law's change of heart. She executed all the commands of her mother-in-law most obediently. But the naggings were fresh always. Different types of servants were busy at home but Bharatamma was always overloaded with work and drudgery. She was made the target of unpleasant comments, sharp strictures and insults, which would hurt her feelings daily.

The mother-in-law could not bear even the presence of Bharatamma. As if there was inherited enmity; she was cruel and rough. There was an excellent rose garden for the Uppaluri family and there was a great demand for the roses. But Bharatamma was never allowed to wear even a single rose in her hair. A rose was sold then, for two pies.

In the early days, when the daughter-in-law stepped newly into their home, the mother-in-law personally combed her hair into a long braid with flowers at the top of the braid. But now? The daughter-in-law should not touch even a single mango fruit during the mango season, except when the mother-in-law gave it.

What was the mother-in-law avenging? Nobody could guess it. How much venom was hidden beneath her beauty? What a terrible cheat! The mother was also thinking, perhaps, that her most beloved son might be enamored of his wife and keep away from her in time. Hitherto, her son had been affectionate and attached to the mother. But now, Bharatamma might lure him to her own side. The mother-in-law had turned into a sadist and had begun to torture the daughter-in-law, thus gratifying her own repressions, disappointments and dissatisfactions.

However, whatever might be the severity of tortures and insults hurled on her, Bharatamma maintained her respect for her mother-in-law. The elderliness of the mother-in-law was always given due regard. Whatever the mother-in-law hurled on her, for Bharatamma, her mother-in-law always had an honorable status. Bharatamma patiently tolerated everything, like Mother Earth, who is kicked, ploughed, walked upon, tilled and even drilled. Bharatamma contained everything in her heart of hearts; in fact, it was a part of her cultural heritage to do so.

Bharatamma considered the whole of her silent agony as a legacy of her earlier births. Fate decided accordingly and scribbled it on her forehead! 'During my earlier, innumerable lives, I don't know whom and whom I had tortured and insulted. Wouldn't those sins yield the fruit? During this lifetime, all of them I am reaping at the same time. Yes, I must put up with all of them.' She argued within herself and philosophically resigned herself to her fate and fortune.

Not only that, she did not want to react in any way by hurting her mother-in-law's feelings, belittling the father-in-law or wounding her beloved husband's heart—why should she commit a sin again? If magnanimously, all the hardships were tolerated at least in the next birth, he would be happy, she thought. While she was facing all those difficulties, day in and day out, she was uttering the most sacred name of Lord Krishna. All the insults and tortures were submitted to him totally.

Sitaramayya was observing the agony of his wife. But he could not venture to utter even a single word to his mother. His mother had been everything for him. She was an incarnation for him. He had respect for her and he was, at heart, afraid of her. He was rather timid. However, when left alone, he was pacifying his wife and consoling her affectionately.

On the other side, the glory of Venkatappayya tended to decline. He was facing losses in every field. There was no agricultural yield. There were no proper crops. When the fields were about to yield a good harvest, there were sweeping cyclones. He was not receiving his due amounts from others. He had to hesitate to get his three-storied building white-washed. His borrowers were avoiding him. One or two rich persons cleverly submitted insolvency petitions and escaped from his demands. Venkatappayya was financially too weak to fight out such cases in higher courts, with personal interest.

It was his turn to borrow money in large amounts. He was selling away some of his land to repay the debts. The time was adverse and heavy. So to speak, his walking stick turned into a snake. All the erstwhile weaklings who depended on his mercy turned indifferent. The factory was under lock and key. The tractor was sold away. The horse died and subsequently, he gave away his carriage as alms.

Till then, there had been a continuous influx of cases, though some of them, which were clearly unjust, were rejected by him. Now he was no longer in demand in the court. Perhaps the public felt that he became weak, financially, as well as on the legal front. Even the casual cases he came across did not evince much interest in him.

At that time, an old friend of Venkatappayya, belonging to Sangam Jangerlamudi Village, recommended a peculiar case to Venkatappayya to take up. He believed that if Venkatappayya took it up, he was sure to win. He came to know that there had been one or two old promissory notes idling with Venkatappayya.

The litigation was about the property dispute among brothers. In short, a part of the litigation should be managed indirectly, the rest of it would involve creation of forged documents, with the help of the old promissory notes. The remuneration would be about thirty thousand rupees. Venkatappayya appeared to be listening to the entire proposal. Suddenly, he turned wild and shouted, 'Had it been anybody else, I would have instantaneously necked him out. Since you are known to me for a long time, I am sparing you. Simply because my financial condition is not quite sound, how could you foolishly think that I would stoop down meekly? Everyone in the town is aware that I would not degrade myself, even at the point of a bayonet. How could you have the audacity to suggest such a case to take up? You, rascal! If you linger here, even for a moment more, well, I may lose my temper. Get lost immediately. Never appear before me—for life.' The person was shocked at Venkatappayya's reaction and rushed out.

For a while he questioned himself, 'How could this person know about the old promissory notes?' Immediately he questioned his clerk. The clerk tried to bluff for a while. But before Venkatappayya, he could not but confess the truth and consequently he faced dismissal.

Venkatappayya was facing difficulties from every direction but he did not lose his serenity. His self-confidence continued to be firm. Like a philosopher, he faced the upheavals with a steady mind and composure. The old saying is that, 'The cost of an elephant is always a thousand rupees, whether alive or dead!'

Bharatamma arrived at her paternal house ten days before New Year's Day. Her mother, Durgamma, had already learned about the dwindling of the properties of Venkatappayya and that he was in debt. She was also aware of the tortures and agony of Bharatamma at her in-law's house. Bharatamma had been like a golden angel. But now—with sunken face and eyes, hanging cheeks, weakend, slim body—Bharatamma appeared before her mother. Indeed it was a heart-rending situation for Durgamma.

But Bharatamma did not utter even a single word against her mother-in-law. She did not try to ease herself even by indirectly criticizing her mother-in-law. The searching questions of Durgamma failed to elicit any information from Bharatamma.

'Lord Krishna is omnipresent. Everything takes place as per his will. He is the creator. It is not known why He has been testing me like this. It is my duty to withstand this critical period.' Bharatamma thought, within herself, unperturbed at heart.

Sitaramayya arrived one day before the festival. Bharatamma felt very happy over his arrival. On seeing him, Durgamma frowned at him silently and kept indifferent. The son-in-law was received coldly and no special treatment was extended to him. The father-in-law, Pantulu, nodded at him, enquired about their welfare casually and went out.

Durgamma gave vent to her anguish and passed caustic remarks indirectly against the mother-in-law of Bharatamma. The family name was at stake. The wise saying of golden days is true in respect to the Uppaluri family. 'Our great grandfathers drank ghee. As such, don't you feel the smell of it all around us now?' Thus goes the saying. We ran after the Uppaluri family and my innocent child had become a victim for it. We never knew or guessed that they would behave in this manner. A number of acres of land were disposed of to clear debts all over the town. Weren't they? Having been born in a respectable, orthodox Brahmin family, if business is resorted to with bones, well, is it not a self-perishing, devilish act? After everything is swept out, what is the fate of the future children in the family? Somebody long back cautioned us that all that glitters is not gold. By that time already, everything was decided upon. What is the use of weeping over spilt milk? Unknowingly, we plunged ourselves, neck deep into a slush. How can the taste of anything be known without tasting it? Now everything is clearly visible in true colors!

Bharatamma was taken aback when her mother set free her sharp tongue like that. She could not think as to what to do. She felt ashamed and sank into her shoes. She felt nervous and totally upset. A guest, that too, no less than the son-in-law, was treated indecently and discourteously. Bharatamma became indignant over it.

She rushed to her mother and shouted, 'If you talk repugnantly like this, it is as good as insulting me. Is this your culture? Is this the standard of your decency? Even the people of lower strata, who earn their daily bread by hard labor, will never treat their sons-in-law in this manner. Till now I have been having a great regard for you as a symbol of Hindu womanhood following Vedic culture. I wished to follow your footsteps, in settling as a ideal housewife. You are my role model.'

Bharatamma gasped for breath for a while. She continued, as if under the influence of some spirit—'Remember one thing! I am now the daughter-in-law of Uppaluri family first, and then, only, your daughter. First understand it. If you don't give us our due respect, we lose nothing. Our value and prestige will not diminish, whether recognized or not. Ups and downs are common in every family. Tides and ebbs are there. Wealth and poverty are like the two sides of a coin. Persons should be respected, but not their wealth. That is culture. For life I have to live there. I cannot keep quiet if you point your forefinger towards us. None approached you to give your opinion on our problems. Unasked, why do you come forward with your foul tongue? Don't embarrass yourself by poking your nose into our family affairs. We live by ourselves. Under no circumstances will we ever seek your shelter. We have our self-respect. If you cross your limit, I'll commit suicide in your presence, breaking my head.' After emotionally shouting at her mother, with expressive gestures, she burst into sobbing continuously, hiding her weeping face between her knees, while sitting, leaning against the wall.

Durgamma was aghast at the whole incident. She got up, tongue-tied and left the hall. After one hour, everything subsided. Bharatamma approached her husband and begged his pardon for the improper behavior of her mother. 'My mother has, so to say, a hasty tongue—somewhat termagant also—after my elder sister passed away. I have been everything for my mother. She gets disturbed, literally speaking, when even a fly touches me; her motherly feelings are turbulent. Kindly don't take her words to heart. You came over here for me but not for their treatment. I am deeply hurt by their attitude. I am forever yours. You are most respected by me in the world. You know it well. Kindly bear with her. I pray that you may forget her rattle. Further, let the whole thing go submerged here only.' She thus pleaded with her husband, with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Sitaramayya knew the nature of his wife well. He understood all the turmoil in her heart. He said softly, 'I know your feelings and as such, I don't take her words seriously. What has happened, has happened! My dear Bharati! Please don't shed tears any longer,' and hugged her to his heart gently.

The next day was the New Year's Day. On that day, Durgamma tried to present new clothes to the daughter and son-in-law, on a silver platter. Bharatamma declined the gift ferociously saying, 'We are not dependents of anybody, nor shameless. We, too, have self-respect. Yesterday you wounded our hearts with repugnant words and today you are coming forward with your gift. We are not the persons to be tempted by it. You may as well give them as alms to the poor and needy. Let them feel thankful to you. You can have heavenly blessings also. We don't lose anything if we don't wear new clothes today.'

Durgamma entreated her daughter to accept them, in vain. Her father's appeal also fell flat before Bharatamma. Finally, Durgamma approached her son-in-law and begged his pardon saying, 'I committed a great mistake; I could not but talk to you discourteously. Please don't take my words to heart. On this festive day your minds should be free from unpleasantness. Kindly ask your wife to accept my gift and comply with my request. She may perhaps agree!' But Bharatamma was firm. 'Whatever may happen when once I take a decision, it is final. That's all.' The festival of the New Year passed by as per Bharatamma's will.

Venkata Laxminarasamma was totally upset with the financial strain. All the wealth was evaporating like camphor powder. Her mental tension lead to high blood pressure and consequently, to paralysis. She was bedridden.

Bharatamma was attending to her and looking after her every need as if she was an infant. Dressing of hair, bath, clothing, feeding, etc., were taken care of duly. Nature calls were no exception. When the patient suddenly started to vomit, Bharatamma bent forward and collected it, in both her hands joining together like a bowl. Massaging her legs and fanning her with a palm leaf fan till midnight, were also a part of her routine.

Bharatamma did not hate her mother-in-law. She did not approach her plight as tit for tat. Bharatamma treated her with due respect and regard as usual, with kindness and affection.

Venkata Laxminarasamma was stunned at the nobility and service, extended by her daughter-in-law. She felt ashamed of her past behavior. She was in tears of repentance. With a hesitant voice, bending her head and looking down, she uttered, 'Bharatamma! You are the light of our family. We are blessed to have a priceless jewel like you with us. I tortured you inhumanly, for no fault of yours. I slashed you with my tongue. I was haughty, cruel and dictatorial. I am a terrible sinner and am now reaping the fruit of what I did. Your agony did not go to waste—I am now cursed. You are the embodiment of forgiveness. Even if you pardon me with a broad heart, God won't. Hence my present plight. I could not understand your nobility. Now my repentance is torturing me. I have no daughters. Even if I had, perhaps they would not have attended upon me, like you. I have realized my grave mistake. But God denied me the opportunity to correct it. All right. I should be punished. Will you kindly excuse me magnanimously? I shall breathe my last peacefully.' The mother-in-law pleaded for mercy again and again.

Bharatamma was disturbed when her mother-in-law appealed to her for pardon. She replied, 'No, no. Unnecessarily, you are attributing non-existing things to yourself and lamenting. I don't have any hatred for you. You did not torture me nor was I put to trouble. All these things are common everywhere. Everything happens according to Destiny. You are merely instrumental. That had been my view all the time. What am I to excuse you? Between us no such requests have any place whatever. You are as respectable as my mother. If you request me to excuse you, it is said that my longevity decreases. Kindly do not talk in such a manner with me and forget the past. It is my duty to serve you in order to get salvation. This is a unique privilege for me, unlike all others. In the future, if I get bedridden, should not my daughter-in-law look after me and nurse me?' Thus spoke Bharatamma softly, affectionately and tenderly.

Venkata Laxminarasamma attempted to lift both her hands and to extend them towards Bharatamma as though she was the Goddess of Forgiveness. Bharatamma immediately caught hold of her hands, bent her head and bowed to her.

After a few days, Venkata Laxminarasamma lost her speech. The soul started to try to leave the body. One day, at about midnight, while Bharatamma was trying to make her sip a spoonful of the sacred Tulasi water, Venkata Laxminarasamma passed away in the lap of Bharatamma.

Along with wealth, his life-long partner had passed away and the painful separation made Venkatappayya shed tears for the first time.

In October 1917, Bharatamma became pregnant. A seed was sown to uplift the Uppaluri family to the skies. Venkatappayya felt happy to learn that he would become a grandfather in a short time. It would be a solace for him in his present lonely life.

One day, an old widow stepped in with the firm support of her walking stick tick-ticking on the floor. She called Venkatappayya in a familiar tone, 'Venkatappayya! I learn that my granddaughter is in the family way. Is it so? I came over to see my child. Her unparalleled service to her mother-in-law is appreciated by everybody everywhere. Such an exemplary woman will definitely be blessed with an exemplary son! He may altogether change the horoscope of the family itself! The time of arrival of a new daughter-in-law and a cow, are said to alter the horoscope of the family totally. Where is my granddaughter?' She called out in a commanding voice. Before she stepped into the next room, Bharatamma came out and bowed before her, touching her feet. The old granny lifted her up softly and with a smile, blessed her. 'How I wish to give away my longevity to you! Come back from your paternal house with an excellent child in your arms. I will come again to bless my great grandson! Best of Luck!'

While leaving the house, she looked at Venkatappayya and noticed his melancholic mood. 'My dear fellow! You are gloomy like a fool. Neither bodies nor wealth last long! Don't you know it? Your progeny will definitely flourish in the future! Your grandson will restore the prestige and dignity of your family and even elevate it to a peak level. I shall take leave of you. It is getting dark. This old woman will have to grope in the dark if I linger any longer.' So saying, she left.

Even from childhood, Bharatamma was a devotee of Lord Krishna. Every part of her body—every cell of it—was manifested by the name Lord Krishna. Everything was Lord Krishna for her. Lord Krishna was omnipresent for her. Her faith was firm like a rock. She believed that the growing embryo within her was a boon of the Lord. The child would be born with a trace of the Lord or 'Divine Amsa'—all her earlier austerities and prayers would yield a Divine fruit. She firmly believed that her son would earn universal name and fame, thus salve even paternal, as well as maternal generations.

Every mother desired her motherhood to be an extremely pleasant and happy one. Depending upon their cultural background and noble heritage, such desires and wishes take different shapes naturally.

Just before leaving for Gudiwada, Bharatamma bowed to her father-in-law and touched his feet in the customary manner. He blessed and presented one hundred sixteen rupees to her, and said, 'I wish that your trip will be a happy and a fruitful one. With wide-open eyes, I will be awaiting your return with my grandson in your arms. On receiving the news of your delivery, I will send Sitaramayya immediately. Many years passed by for this house, after children crawled and smiled all around. I pray to God to shower his grace on you.' Thus, she was given a touching farewell.

Ever since she came to know about her daughter's pregnancy, Durgamma had been restless with eagerness to see her beloved daughter. Golden complexion, best conduct, supreme intelligence—all are interwoven in her daughter. As such, she began to anticipate that her grandson would be extraordinary in every respect. It is said that interest is dearer than the principal amount!

On the arrival of her daughter, Durgamma was in ecstasy, as a matter of fact. Her joy knew no bounds. She attended upon her pregnant daughter very carefully, to the best of her ability, in view of the extreme tenderness of the embryo. Bharatamma hadn't any freedom at her in-law's house. Now, at her paternal home, she had a sort of satisfaction. She had complete rest, without any responsibilities whatsoever. Her devotion and prayers were in full swing.

From her childhood, Bharatamma had a separate room for herself. In those days, she had gathered peacock feathers, bead garlands, Kondapalli toys, small coloured glass tube garlands and other things to play with. In the cupboard she carefully preserved storybooks of ideal and pious housewives besides puranic books. Sri Krishna wears a peacock feather in his head. As such, Bharatamma had a special liking for it. During her childhood days she believed that a turmeric smeared feather would give birth to a small peacock feather, when hidden in the pages of a book. Bharatamma recalled those days smilingly. For very many years, a portrait of Krishna, playing his flute, had been hanging on the wall. Now, the portrait of his mother, Yasoda, feeding child, Sri Krishna, in her lap, had a place on the wall.

Sitting alone in her room, she had a number of reminiscences of her childhood. A type of fragrance emanating from that room was very pleasant. She moved about in that room for a while and opened the cupboard. She browsed through some of the books. There were books containing rituals and vows associated with different types of prayers. Suddenly she remembered and recalled a particular one. Sitting on the doorsill with legs on either side of the sill, rubbing the drop on the sill with the right forefinger, a song had been sung. Bharatamma hummed that song within herself for a while.

She was spending her time more and more for devotional prayers. She was meditating hours together and getting unaware of her surroundings. Her mind turned inwards and she resembled the great lady ascetic, Meerabai, who had absorbed herself totally with the supreme spirit. She was keeping herself away from everything and keeping quiet and indifferent. She was behaving like a guest who would leave after a short time.

Bharatamma was evincing no interest in ornaments. After attending to the daily routine in the morning, she was staying in her room. Food was not felt attractive or tempting any longer. But she was particular of taking milk, spiced with a little saffron, which would strengthen the embryo.

Throughout the day, Bharatamma kept herself busy with meditation and uttering the sacred name of Lord Krishna silently. Whenever she slept, she slept for hours and hours as if she was in the grip of some supernatural power. She felt happier to lose herself in such a deep sleep.

Durgamma felt disturbed and tried to wake her up with a great difficulty. After a while, as though she just descended from a super-heavenly plane, she would look at everyone, expressing her annoyance, silently, for disturbing her. Durgamma felt afraid of an evil spirit's influence on her daughter and got the necessary remedy done, according to local beliefs.

One day Bharatamma did not emerge at all from her room. Being terrified, Durgamma pushed open the door and was taken aback to see her daughter leaning sidewards in an unconscious state, in padmasana posture. Two people lifted her up and gently placed her on a bed. It was thought that she might be weak and so swooned. After a while, Bharatamma came to her senses and questioned, 'What happened? Why have you all flocked around me?' She was told that she fell unconscious. She replied, 'No. I don't think so. Perhaps, I visited some unknown heavenly planes. I was extremely happy then.'

Durgamma cautioned her daughter that if a pregnant woman did not take due care of her food, anything might happen. 'At least for the sake or the embryo, nutritious food should invariably be taken,' she added.

At the time of prayer, Bharatamma felt some overflowing dynamism, with a divine touch, within herself—the touch that would control her life.

In Hindu families, it is the usual practice to celebrate what is called 'Seemantam' for the pregnant woman, after the embryo attains an age of six months. It is a woman's function.

Accordingly, Durgamma planned to celebrate it in a big way. An auspicious day and time were finalized and pendals with palm leaves were erected before their house. The entrances were decorated with green mango leaf garlands and thresholds were smeared with Turmeric and vermilion spots prominently on them. Different types of tasty dishes got prepared at home in large quantities. Invitations were extended to all the ladies in the neighborhood as well as rich cultivator families.

Bharatamma liked peacock blue color. She got a costly blue saree from Bezawada. Bhratamma had a special oil bath. She wore the blue-colored silk saree and her braid was also decorated with flowers. Durgamma ornamented her daughter with her own jewel as well as the other jewels she had. Bhratamma was asked to bow to five aged hoary housewives and touch their feet. Then she bowed to her mother similarly.

Two ladies stood on either side of her and caught hold of her arms, softly, while she walked, gently, to a specially decorated chair. Then, both her forearms and wrists were richly ornamented with bangles. Bharatamma appeared like a perfect and complete woman. Two eyes were felt insufficient to appreciate her supreme beauty.

Bharatamma was participating in the function happily. But, in her heart of hearts, she was thinking of her Lord. 'Body present, mind absent'—so goes the common saying.

The function was followed by a grand feast. Durgamma felt very happy and thrilled over it. After everyone left the dining hall, Durgamma reviewed the whole function for a while at heart. She was afraid that some of the invitees might be jealous; the evil looks of some might be harmful. Thus thinking, she got the necessary remedies performed.

While going over to Machilipatnam on some work, Sitaramayya got down at Gudiwada on his way to meet his wife. His mother-in-law received him cordially this time and inquired about their welfare. He received due respect and treatment wholeheartedly from her.

After a lapse of three months, Sitaramayya was meeting his wife. He noticed something new in her looks. Her eyes looked like bright, glowing lamps. Perhaps pregnant women may appear like that! Sitaramayya looked at her affectionately and said softly, 'My dear! How are you? Is your health all right? Father asked me to convey his best wishes. Your friend, Tayaru, got ready to come over here for your Seemantham function. But due to some sudden, unavoidable reason, she had to stay home. She apologized for the same. By the way, Bharati, the tiny plants you planted in the back yard are now flowering nicely.' Sitaramayya thus narrated all the details in a pleasing manner.

Bharatamma was pleased and smiled at him. She asked, 'How is my father-in-law's health? Is he all right? Is the cook preparing and providing proper food and other things carefully? She has been somewhat lazy and absent-minded. Added to it, she is deaf also!'

Sitaramayya replied, 'Don't bother! Everything is all right. Your absence is conspicuously felt by everybody there; we had to sell a little land and I looked after it.'

Both were silent for a while. Bharatamma breathed heavily and, keeping the subsequent, financial problems that crept up after her mother-in-law's demise in mind, she remarked, 'Don't get disturbed. Kindly seek employment for yourself. Let us not be dependents on anybody. We should not hang heavily on anyone. We can live by ourselves. After the delivery we will join you wherever you may work. Let us live a contented life.' She looked at him calmly and tenderly.

'Bharati! I am already on the lookout for a job. I applied to Andhra Insurance Company and in that context, on my way to Machilipatnam, I got down here. How can I go via Gudiwada without meeting you? Our relatives are helping me to get the job, definitely. The past is vested with God,' he said.

Bharatamma felt very happy and said, 'Believe me! You will get the job with God's grace. My intuition tells me so. Don't worry hereafter,' she assured him convincingly.

In the evening, before leaving for Machilipatnam, Sitaramayya advised Bharati to take care of her health. 'Take timely food every day. If your wish takes concrete shape and if I get the job, I will write to you.' Bharatamma had carefully saved some money earlier. She gave it to him, saying, 'Keep this amount with you. It will help you to meet your expenses.' Sitaramayya declined the offer, 'No, Bharati! I have sufficient money with me. Keep it with you.' But she insisted and thrust the money into his pocket, saying, 'I don't need it. Kindly you take it!'

Bharatamma looked at her husband steadily for a while; suddenly she felt a wave of fear in herself, just for a moment. Again, her looks followed him up to the end of the street on his way to Machilipatnam.

* * *
From her childhood days, Bharatamma had the habit of alms-giving. If anybody expressed a liking for anything in her position, she would give it away without any hesitation. She never liked to keep things for herself. She had no special attachment for any particular thing. In her childhood, she was lavish in alms-giving.

Whenever anybody came to their gate and stretched his hand for alms, he never left with an empty hand. She was keeping a basket full of rice, always ready, for this purpose. Besides, small change, too, was kept ready, in a small tin. On hearing a voice at the gate, Bharatamma used to rush with alms.

At nights, every day, an old man used to come, carrying a yoke with alms bowls and small ringing bells on either side of it. On hearing the approaching bells, Bharatamma would proceed to the gate without any loss of time. He used to bless her whole-heartedly to have all-round prosperity in her life. For a few days, there had been no ringing of the bells. She was expecting him every night and after a few days, she came to know that he was no more. The sad news pricked her kind heart; she felt his disappearance a lot and she remembered him. The charitable nature never left her.

One evening, an ascetic person in saffron clothes approached their gate and begged aloud for alms. At that time, Bharatamma was in the prayer room. On hearing him, breathing heavily, but walking steadily, she carried a small basket filled with rice, along with a few coins also, to the gate. The person at the gate looked like Lord Siva, with matted hair and dressed in saffron. She had a devotional feeling towards him, bowed to him and passed on the alms to his pouch. The coins were later given to him, hoping to have his blessings.

The ascetic glanced at her and closed his eyes for a moment. After a while, he declared, calmly looking at her, 'Child! My pouch is full now. I don't need to proceed further for alms. Shortly, your pouch will be full and your prayers will yield the fruit as you desire. You will have an excellent son and you will attain salvation.'

Usually such ascetic persons blessed housewives, saying, 'May your married life last long!' or, 'May your longevity be quite long!' or, 'May your progeny flourish!' For some unknown reason, the ascetic did not bless her like that!

As the pregnancy advanced further, the body of Bharatamma became bulky, due to an increase of water content all over. She was gasping whenever she tried to walk, as if she was not carrying a normal child. The child inside was felt as too heavy. On her golden skin, black streaks were appearing. There is a belief that such color is an indication of a masculine child. As such, people began to predict the birth of a son, who, as per the faith in the community, would help his ancestors to skip over a particular zone in the hell—'Punnamanaraka.'

Bharatamma was performing her daily prayers regularly. While Bharatamma slept on a cot, Durgamma slept very near her cot, on a mat. Who could know the exact time when the mother's help would be required?

As soon as Bharatamma went to bed, she was getting dreams and the dormant activity would wake up and manifest itself in a thousand ways during her sleep. After she woke up, it would appear as though the dream was reality and all the world around was an illusion. The whole experience was, perhaps, due to her mental agitation and devotional ecstasy. She was getting drowned in ardent devotion.

Delivery days were fast approaching. The elder daughter of Durgamma had died after giving birth to Gopalam at Visakhapatnam. Durgamma, therefore, became overcautious and it was decided to arrange for the delivery at Gudiwada, taking all the necessary precautions. However, there were discussions in the family. Another sister of Bharatamma, by the name of Saraswatamma, offered that the delivery could very happily take place at her house. She was the wife of Vemuri Chinnayya Rao of Machilipatnam. Saraswatamma sent a message to her mother to that effect.

Bharatamma also agreed to go over to Machilipatnam. Durgamma got an auspicious day fixed for the journey. She offered her prayers in the local Bheemeswara Temple and offerings were made to the Lord. It was the journey day.

At the time of their departure from home, according to the local faith, Washerman (Dhobi), carrying soiled clothes, was asked to come towards them as a good augury. Bharatamma went round the paternal house and the sacred Tulasifort in the yard in particular. She stepped out of the house and got into the cart. Unexpectedly, two Brahmins also came towards them, in the opposite direction. Everyone felt that all these omens indicate supreme happiness for Bharatamma. She left for Machilipatnam.

Her sister, Saraswatamma, took immense care in fixing up the midwife also. An experienced person, in whose hands there had been many happy deliveries, was fixed to attend on Bharatamma.

In her house a room was perfectly cleaned and kept ready exclusively for the delivery. The window doors were closed and covered with curtains. In those days, dark rooms were allotted for delivery. In a small niche in that room, a castor oil lamp, alone, was allowed to glow. A hurricane lamp was kept ready at hand.

Bharatamma reached Machilipatnam, along with Durgamma and a few servants. In the allotted room, a portrait of Lord Krishna playing the flute was mounted on the wall. Whether it was already there or whether at the request of Bharatamma, it was hung there—is not known. The cot had coarse cotton yarn woven on it and was kept ready by the time Bharatamma arrived from Gudiwada. Their prayer room was adjacent to the delivery room. Bharatamma lay on the cot and while looking at the portrait, she uttered the sacred name of Lord Krishna, always. Everybody was anxious and eager for her delivery.

According to the oral calculations and predictions, Bharatamma would give forth a child in the period 30 June to 2nd July. But there are no signs of pangs for Bharatamma; so Durgamma began to doubt the prediction. Bharatamma was not physically strong by nature. Due to an anemic condition, she looked pale. But her eyes were bright and twinkling. She believed that the delivery would be easy. Though she was active at heart, at the same time, she was very eager to have the delivery at the earliest and ease herself. She began to imagine her blessed son in her beloved arms.

She began to imagine that her son would be like this or like that and so on. In her imagination, her son would appear for a while and fade out suddenly. She tried to create a definite picture of her son and retain it in her imagination. But she failed.

Therefore, she was able to imagine a hazy son in her mind. Suckling the child, bathing him, sending him to sleep, singing a lullaby, etc., were her mental functions. In her dreamy state, a sudden cry of the infant would be heard and she would get up with a jerk and look around. She would notice her mother, fast asleep nearby and later realize that she had had a dream.

She would look at her stomach and would say to herself, 'Ah! The child is still here! I dreamt that he is weeping!' There was some movement inside. It was not a dream. It was a fact. Perhaps with a desire to come out, he was slightly struggling. 'That is why my beloved one is moving his hands and legs briskly! Be patient my dear! I am more eager to see you! How can you know my eagerness! Minutes are passing on as if they are eons. I am counting days. With wide open eyes, I am awaiting your arrival!' Thinking like this, she was once again plunging into sleep, continuing her dreams.

Suddenly, on 3rd July, pangs started for Bharatamma. The pains were increasing more and more. They were unbearable. She started twisting this way and that. It was though at any moment the delivery might take place. But there was a decrease of the pains and they disappeared!

The next day, again, the pangs started, as on the previous day! Bharatamma could not bear the pain. It was thought that the child was on the way. Hot water was kept ready in the room. The midwife was ready at hand, near the cot. But the pains disappeared as quickly as they developed. Thus six days elapsed with false pains appearing and disappearing, telling on the nerves of Bharatamma.

It was the 8th July. At midnight pangs started extremely, violently and painfully. She was twirling and twisting and started shouting loudly. People around were terrified. Doubts of her survival were sprouting out at their hearts for the first time. There was gradual aggravation of pangs. It appeared as though the earth was having pangs and quaking.

Everybody was on their toes anxiously awaiting the delivery at any moment. Bharatamma was fluttering like a leaf in a cyclone. To prevent the turning of the child into horizontal position, the midwife tied a cloth tightly on the stomach of Bharatamma, in vain. As if unwilling to enter the world, the child turned away. The midwife put forth all her experience and skill, and with a great difficulty, turned the child into a normal direction and remarked, 'The little insolent fellow is tumultuous.'

Soon after, the hues and cries of Bharatamma reverberated all over. Everyone was perturbed and the gray-headed midwife, herself, was looking aghast.

There were indications that a new being is going to enter this illusory world, making its way through the mother's womb. Slowly the head started to gleam out. Immediately, Saraswatamma noted the time. Bharatamma was whirling and twirling continuously.

Thus took place the incoming of a stranger into the world. It appeared as though a hill pierced its way out through the earth. It seemed to be a spiraling king cobra living inside a cavern at the root of trees came out when a forest fire was spreading all over.

A babe was born. An old lady rang a silver plate signifantly. As soon as the infant came out he started to cry kar-kar—as if he was reluctant to come out of an erstwhile dark area into a darker world. It was extremely difficult to keep him at peace.

Bharatamma was very much exhausted. She had a completely relaxed breath as if she unloaded a very heavy weight. The dreamy expectation of the mother, for nine full months, came to a culmination on that day. She felt as though she unloaded a very heavy weight. Bharatamma was very much tired and began to breathe easily after the delivery.

She had been waiting for nine months to become a mother and cherished her motherhood. Her waiting had come to an end at last.

The gifted fruit of all her earlier prayers was in her hands, in the form of a child. The midwife very carefully examined the child whether all the limbs were all right or not. With the help of a thread, she severed the umbilical cord that had been hitherto connecting the child to the mother. Thus the bond was cut, once and for all.

The waist of the mother was tied up all around. The infant was given a bath and exposed to benzoin incense and carefully made to lie on the soft linen near the mother. Later the consecration was performed. Members of the family had been eagerly awaiting the birth of the uplifter of the Uppaluri lineage. He was now born. It was Suddha Padyami of Ashada Month, Kala Yukta year. The birth star was punarvasu. The time of birth was 6:15 A.M. As per the English almanac, it was 9th July 1918.

The midwife received more emoluments than agreed to earlier. New sarees also were presented to her by Durgamma. She also said, 'In Your blessed hands, a dangerous period has passed over. We cannot forget your help in our lifetime.' The midwife replied respectfully, 'At one stage for me, also, my hands and legs have stiffened, unable to decide what to do. I struggled at heart and I doubted even the survival of your daughter. This is an abnormal delivery. She had pangs seven times like cyclones and I had never seen such a difficult delivery earlier.' The midwife bowed to Durgamma and left.

Durgamma prayed to God in innumerable forms, for saving her daughter from the terrible jaws of death. When she would go to Gudiwada she would get special worships performed in her daughter's name, in Bheemeswara Temple.

Bharatamma was slim by birth. But she had Himalayan strength at heart, though weak physically. By this delivery, her body was butted, squabbled and wrangled everywhere. By looking at the blessed infant sleeping soundly in the linen, again and again, Bharatamma forgot all the earlier torment, as if in hell for the past seven days. She was experiencing a great tranquility, as if touched by a magical herb. She was experiencing supreme happiness now. All the hair on her body stood like bristles. She was shedding tears of joy. As usual, her imagination started functioning in full swing.

'Oh! This child is the Divine gift of my Lord Shri Krishna. He graced me with this gift. Therefore this child is born with specific purpose. My longtime desire has materialized. Like a great treasure he will be taken care of, he shall be brought up in the same manner as Yashoda Mata brought up Lord Bala Krishna. His graceful gift, childish gossip, all sorts of pranks will make me forget myself and the world. In a special manner he should be brought up since he has a bright future. His name and fame will make my birth a historic one.'

In this manner, Bharatamma began to imagine about her future, with her infant son by her side in the bed. Though her body was painful, as if crushed by an elephant, her mind was full of ecstasies. When she would slip into sleep her inner conscience would reveal entirely new realms.

She was listening to a melodious flute. It was not known where it was coming from. From Brindavan? From Gokulam? She ran and ran but could not find Muralidhar. It appeared that the music of the flute was emanating from a nearby place. She ran in that direction. She felt that she was approaching it but the music was going floating in the air. Whatever speed she was moving with, she could not know the whereabouts of Krishna. While floating in the sky, she suddenly fell down, uttering the words, 'Krishna, Krishna.'

Durgamma heard her daughter uttering, 'Krishna', 'Krishna', and woke her up with a great difficulty. Bharatamma opened her eyes as if she descended from a different plane and stared around. After a moment, with a feeble voice, she asked for a little water to drink, recalling her dream. The mother in an infant's bed may feel more thirsty to avoid it. Durgamma prepared a special fluid of Chebulic Myrobalan (Karakkaya in Telugu) fruit and kept ready. With that solution, Bharatamma's palate was satisfied. She was listening to a sweet music of a divine flute clearly.

After three days making her dreams completely a mere illusion, Bharatamma had an attack of pleurisy. She was running a high temperature and it was felt that paddy grains get parched on touch, in her hot body. With extreme weakness and paleness, she stuck herself up to the cot like dried skin of a fruit. Her golden complexion was smeared by a thin black hue. The lively grace of her face was turning dim. In those days it was said that when a mother in a child's bed is attacked by any disease, even Lord Brahma cannot save her.

Doctors administered treatment, to no avail. The condition of Bharatamma was turning grim, causing anxiety. Bands of wet cloth were applied on her forehand again and again in vain. Medicines also were becoming ineffective. Even a fluid diet was not received properly by her. Added to it Bharatamma began to develop hiccups: Her feet and legs were getting out of control. Her body began to become rough and stiff gradually. She was feeling drowsy. But she was uttering, 'Krishna, Krishna,' in a low tone as if she was in a delirium state.

Though she was struggling for life, her dreamy world continued to be active. Her imaginations were centering round her son.

The child was weeping aloud continuously. Bharatamma heard his cry and got up. The cradle was empty. Where have all my people gone? Not even one is seen. Why? How did they allow him to go out? She began to run in search of her son. She could hear the cry of the boy, but where is he? Nowhere he is seen. Bharatamma felt impatient and uneasy, listening to his continuous cry.

At last, at a far off place under a tree, Bharatamma saw her son. She tried to pick him up and hug him eagerly. But she could not approach him. On the other hand, the distance between the mother and the child appeared to increase. What is this mystery? The boy is clearly seen and his cry is distinctly heard but the child is beyond reach. Why? Is this boy getting away from her? Suddenly the child's cry was not audible. In her very presence, how could the boy disappear?

She felt her body very light like a cork. She felt as if she was falling into a valley. Bharatamma tried to bawl out in vain. She was gazing all around in a helpless condition. She was terrified. She observed some heavenly beings travelling in the sky, carrying empty palanquin. She stretched her hands towards them for help. They were waving their hands to come up. She slipped down into the valley. Nothing was visible there. It was a dark den. 'What happened to the child? What is happening to me?' she vaguely questioned herself.

Bharatamma groaned aloud for a while. She was uttering the word, 'Krishna, Krishna.' Durgamma got up immediately and asked her daughter, 'What happened child, any bad dream?' Bharatamma opened her eyes a little. She remembered that she had fallen into a valley. But how is she now here? She stared at everything. Durgamma felt that her daughter had had a bad dream and she took rectifying steps against its bad effects. A little medicine was given. Bharatamma felt relieved a little and her mind was active again.

She felt that her dream could not be an empty dream. There was some inner meaning for it. 'Will I lose him? Or will he lose me? No, no, I don't care for me. But the child should survive and live safely. He is the boon of Lord Sri Krishna.' Thus thinking, Bharatamma began to meditate for a while. The secret suddenly struck at her heart. The doors towards the future were opening. The secret of her life became clear to her. 'Krishna' is the root of the entire world—cause and effect relationship, activity and inactivity in the world. There is always an ultimate goal for His actions. Krishna is the protector and rescuer for the world. He is the Ocean of kindness. Why does he separate my son from me? All this is a play for Him. He is the director of the worldly drama.

Bharatamma was recalling a few lines from Bhagavatam at her heart. 'Depending upon the turbulent condition of the river and in the channels, innumerable sand particles join one another, continue to move together and separate from one another. In a similar way, in the great flow of time and in the illusionary world, a number of living things live together and get scattered. The birth of a living thing to another living thing is illusion. The bond developing between them is another illusion. Those bonds are as a matter of fact between the bodies but not the living things. Death is a period of recess for the living thing. In this illusionary network, the beings who wear bodies are awaiting that recess period.'

Bharatamma thought to herself that she was born with an ultimate purpose; after it is fulfilled, she had no place on the earth. For the sake of the birth of a child, with a divine purpose, her body was used as a tool. Why should she be afraid of death? Thus thinking, the mind of Bharatamma gradually settled to peace.

Does her desire remain unfulfilled? Will all estimates and plans get upset? After a seedling is planted, will it not be provided with water? While a birth is taking place, will not the necessary precautions be taken care of?

The thoughts of Bharatamma developed like waves in an ocean and began to move about her son. For her, the child was the central point.

In the heart of hearts she had a very important idea to express out. She was feeling restless and anxious. She thought of her son who had been occupying her tender heart for a while.

After her, who will look after her son? Who will take up the responsibility of his future? Who will support him? Who should be entrusted with this heavy responsibility? Should it be entrusted to her husband who had been loving her in thought, word and deed? Probably not. For a moment on her mental screen, the image of her husband appeared and disappeared. Then who else?

Thus thinking, again and again, finally, her thoughts took a concrete shape. She felt calm at heart and breathed easily.

Yes! If this responsibility is entrusted to 'him', her wish will be completely and correctly executed. Her son will not feel her absence at all. Though he is motherless, he will not be unprotected under his shelter and care. Her son will grow happily. Her ambition will definitely be achieved.

Bharatamma moved this way and that in her cot and beckoned to her melancholic mother to come nearer. She told her in a feeble voice, 'Please send word for father. I have to talk to him specially.'

Doubting the survival of her daughter till her husband's return from Gudivada, Durgamma asked her daughter in a convulsive tone, 'Please speak out to us, we will inform your father.'

Bharatamma nodded across and uttered, 'I, myself, should talk to him. Send word for him immediately.' A messenger rushed to Gudivada, for Pantulu. At Gudivada, for some unknown reason, her father desired to see his daughter and he was preparing to come to Machilipatnam. Pantulu felt depressed and demoralized on receiving the message. A nameless terror showed in his face. He controlled himself and proceeded to Machilipatnam.

'Bharatamma! Your father has come! Please open your eyes,' Durgamma stuttered.

Pantulu looked at his daughter in the deathbed. All his heart was squeezed on seeing his child in a horrible condition. 'Oh God! What sins did I commit? My eldest daughter had passed away and the wound is not yet healed. That agony is pounding up again and again at my heart. And now, an innocent child: She is not even sixteen. Is her longevity only that much? Lord! How can I be stable enough to survive? Why am I given such horrifying punishment?' Pantulu was tremulous at heart.

Bharatamma slowly lifted her eyelids and looked at her father with satisfaction. She tried to speak out something. She wetted her lips slowly with her tongue and moaned.

'Our daughter is trying to tell you only, specially, something. We have been waiting for you with wide open eyes,' said Durgamma.

Pantulu sat near his daughter's head and holding her hand in his, looked into her eyes, tenderly touching her forehead and hair, he asked her, 'Speak out without fear and without any hesitation, my dear child.' Bharatamma gathered all her sinking energy and muttered, 'Father.' She looked at the cradle and the infant. Pantulu understood that she wanted to say something about the child. He was very attentive. Besides Durgamma, Saraswatamma and all the others were around her cot. Outside, the sky was cloudy and the wind was blowing fast. There were indications of rain. Small droplets of rain started to fall here and there.

Bharatamma thought over again and again as to what to say. Lord Krishna occupied her heart, totally. She thought of Him for a moment and began to speak out slowly, in a low tone.

'Father, he is not an ordinary child. His birth is unique. He is the boon of my Lord Krishna. I believe that his birth is purposeful. In the future, he will attain great heights.' Bharatamma looked at the child again and said, 'It is definite.' She was gasping for breath. The room was perfectly silent. Pin-drop silence prevailed all over. Outside the room there were trickling sounds of raindrops.

The disappearing energy traces were again gathered and she said, 'Father, do not bring him up like an ordinary child. Please create a great philosophical and spiritual atmosphere all around and in such background, only, he should be brought up, literally.' She breathed heavily for a while and again said, 'Only in your utmost care, he can attain my desired supreme standards of life. My conscience is sure of it.'

While lying on the deathbed, Bharatamma spoke out her heart, clearly, to her father. It is said that an oil lamp gives a brighter glow before getting put off.

Bharatamma felt that her husband as well as all others, could not execute her will properly. So she entrusted this heavy responsibility to her father only. She had a great respect for her father. She had immense faith in him. Her husband might marry again and beget a number of children. Under the care of a stepmother, her son could not receive necessary care and attention. Her son would be simply one among the many. A person who should create history, might perish insignificantly. His genius would develop properly to get him name and fame all over the world, only under the care of her father.

Her father responded to her, without any hesitation. 'Your world is as good as the Holy Veda for me, my dear child. As directed by you, very carefully, and attentively, I will bring up your son. I will provide all the necessary spiritual atmosphere all around him. You are my Goddess of Prosperity. I will not violate your word—believe me.' He was about to shed tears for a moment. Grief was suppressed with a great difficulty.

Bharatamma appeared to be pleased by her father's promise. She looked at him thankfully. Yet, Bharatamma stretched her hand towards her father and opened her palm, suggesting to him to swear, 'Lake-like mother and rock-like child.'

Pantulu was bewildered at his daughter's suggestion. Immediately he was moved to tears. For a moment, he closed his eyes and spoke to her with a rather firm voice, 'My dear, I abide by my word. If I violate it, I am bound to have mean births in the future. Can I have higher ones? I am swearing in the name of God. I promise you, that by my thought, word and deed, I take up the responsibility of your son, as you desire.' Under any circumstances, whatever they may be, I will not leave him under the care of anybody else. I will protect him as if he is the heart of my hearts. Believe me, my dear child,' he said with a quavering voice. Agony gushed out of him like a squeezed sponge.

Durgamma was very much perturbed. With a tremulous voice she asked Bharatamma, 'Anything else? Please speak out, dear.' She, too, wanted to share the responsibility. It was clear that Bharatamma was approaching her end. She thought for a while and muttered, 'Mother, do not beat him. Do not rebuke him, never hurt his feelings, let him never feel my absence. Look after him like your own child. This is my last wish.' Bharatamma was breathing heavily. The motherhood in a woman's life is clearly a visible manifestation of God's handwriting.

Her father again said, 'You need not repeat your direction to us again. It is divine direction for us. I stand by my promise. I will fulfill it as if it is the performance of the last sacred Yagna. Till I breathe my last, I will never violate my promise. Please be assured of it, without giving any scope for doubt at your heart.'

He soothed her reassuringly, on an emphatical note. He was a man of burning integrity, a moral code of certainty, a strong cognisant of the deep conviction, a passionate spirit imbued with tradition. A word given to a dying person was a law into itself, a divine obligation and bounden duty.

That the prophecy shall be on the way to fulfillment? Has the boy destined to sit on a spiritual throne? Was it a wishful thinking of motherly instinct?

Durgamma was standing by the side of the cot sobbing, tears rolling down her cheeks. The elder sister, Saraswatamma, wept and wept and her eyes turned red. All their relatives were standing aside, with gloomy eyes.

The heart of Bharatamma felt relieved of all the heaviness. She knew her father thoroughly. He would always stand by his word. As such, her son would reach supreme heights under his care. Bharatamma would no longer be afraid of death. She was ready for it.

The last moments were approaching fast. Her son was sleeping in the cradle. He was brought to her, to have her affectionate last looks at him. There was immense happiness in her eyes while looking at him. It appeared as though the face of Bharatamma was reflected on her son's face.

The last hours of sunset cast strange, oppressive, eerie light inside the room. The atmosphere changed all of a sudden. The rain started. The modicum of flame from the earthen lamp started flickering like a rattling dying bird, vying with dying of Bharatamma.

At a distance on the trees, the birds were making all sorts of queer sounds. The eyes of Bharatamma were rolling-up and unsteady. Eyelids were heavy. Her body was very cold and sweating; heartbeat was becoming slower and slower.

Bharatamma was losing consciousness and her lips were moving very little indistinctively. Perhaps she was uttering, 'Krishna,' 'Krishna.' Her eyes became heavy pupils and moved unsteadily; stupor encircled her. Her body was drowning into an abyss, her life was sinking into an immense void.

The bird of life in her body began to flutter its wings to go away; the eyes of Bharatamma were closed once and for all. Her breath became faint. She was lifted from the cot and made to lie over a mat on which already some old clothes were spread. A little Tulasi water was forcibly slipped into her mouth; she appeared to have swallowed it. The lamp in the niche began to flutter. The reptile on the wall made a fearful cry. There was a thunderbolt somewhere outside.

The goddess of death that had been following Bharatamma like a shadow which took her into Her arms and embraced her. The hamsa (symbolic celestial bird which dwells in the human body) in her, spread its wings and flew away to unknown spheres. The body of Bharatamma became totally still and there was a bright lightning outside. The lamp in the niche got itself put out. Her signature in this world is full-stopped, as if the seraphic being completed her fate-allotted mission on earth. All the astrological calculations went nose dived before ineluctable destiny!

The whole house was plunged into deep sorrow and the cries disturbed the sleeping child in the cradle; he woke up and his cries joined the rest. On that day, the history of Bharatamma came to a close at 7:30 P.M. It was 16th July, 1918.

Uppaluri Seetaramayya considered seven proposals for his marriage. Bharatamma's proposal was the seventh one. She had severe birth pangs, seven times and the son was born. Seven days after his birth, she passed away. Perhaps in the future, the life of this child would be linked up with the number seven.

The neighbourhood people remarked, 'How cruel fate robbed his mother immediately after his birth? Nothing more unfortunate can be imagined than the motherless child. Who knows what future lay before him?'

Seven days after giving birth to a son, Bharatamma died and the family of Pantulu was paralyzed by the pathos of fate. He lost two wives and two daughters. Only an iron-willed man could withstand and surpass, to the onslaught grief.