Vedantic Tales : The Blue Pellet

Madhav took the pellet in his hand and looked at the sannyasin with astonishment. But, sir, he said, my mother! The sight of me having convulsions and then apparently dying will cause her great fright and anxiety. Her heart, sir, is not good. This may overtax it.

Let us see what happens, the sannyasin repeated. I thought you said you would do something for me or did I not hear a right? Of late my hearing is none too good.

I will take it, sir, Madhav said, and popping the pill into his mouth, washed it down with a scoop of Ganga water.

The sannyasin nodded. Now go, he said, and hurry.

Madhav found his mother in the living room reading one of her holy books. This time he stood a moment on the threshold until she became aware of his presence. She looked up and smiled at him a faint smile that made her face look only more drawn. It was the slow smile of one who has been much hurt but who yet endures.

I have been waiting for you, Madhav, she said. Come and sit by me a while.

He must at least warn her. He had not promised not to. Mother, there is something I must tell you...

She lifted her hand as though to ward off a blow. Please, Madhav dear, not now. Can't we enjoy a few moments together? Later we can talk about your plans. Come and sit down. Let me read to you as I used to. I will like to remember our moments together when I am alone. There have been so few of them lately.

But, Mother, Madhav said, this isn't about my leaving the world. It's about something that I think is going to happen right now. I don't understand it but ...

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