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Heengwala

(The Asafoetida Seller)
By Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
(English Translation by S Anas Ahmad)

A man named Khan[1], who was about thirty-five years old, stopped in the courtyard. His familiar voice, as always, was heard, “Amma[2],” will you buy some heeng?[3]” He opened the cask tied to his back, set it down, and settled onto the platform beneath the Maulsiri[4] tree. A boy of nine or ten emerged from the inner veranda and said, “We don’t need anything right now, go away!”

But why would Khan leave? Making himself more comfortable and fanning himself with the end of his headdress, he said, “Amma, buy some heeng, Amma! I am going back to my country and will return after many days.”

After washing her hands, Savitri came out of the kitchen and said, “I already have a lot of heeng, Khan! It hasn’t even been fifteen days since I bought some from you.”

Khan spoke again in the same tone, “This is Hera heeng[5], mother. It brings me good luck if you are my first customer of the day. Take just a tola[6] if you please, but definitely take it.” Saying this, he immediately slid a box in front of Savitri and added, “You don’t have to look at anything else, mother; this heeng is the best; I won’t deceive you.”

Savitri replied, “But what will I do with so much heeng? I already have plenty.”

Khan said, “Take some, Amma! I came to give it to you; if not used, it can be stored in the house. I am going back to my country. God knows when I will return.”

And without waiting for an answer, Khan started weighing the heeng.

Savitri’s children grew angry at this. They all spoke in unison, “Don’t buy it, Mother, never take it; he’s forcing it on you!” Ignoring their protests, Savitri took the packet of heeng.

She then asked, “How much, Khan?”

“Thirty-five paise[7], Amma!” Khan answered.

Savitri paid thirty-five paise to Khan for five tolas of heeng at the cost of seven paise per tola. Khan saluted and left, but Savitri’s children were displeased.

The eldest boy said, “Mother, you paid thirty-five paise to Khan for nothing; there was no need to buy heeng.” The younger boy also got annoyed and said, “Mother, give me thirty-five paise too; I won’t stop pestering you until I get it.” Savitri’s daughter, who was eight years old, said in a somber tone, “Don’t ask mother for money. She won’t give it to you. Khan is like her real son.”

Savitri was amused by her children’s words. Suppressing her laughter, she said with mock anger, “Come on, you’re making quite a fuss! The food is ready; come and eat.”

Several months passed by. All the heeng Savitri had stored was used up. Meanwhile, Holi came. There was a lot of fighting in the city during Holi. Sometimes, Savitri wondered if the heengwala Khan might have been killed. She didn’t know why, but she often thought of Khan.

One morning, Savitri was weaving something while sitting on the platform under the same Maulsiri tree. She heard her husband’s stern voice, “What do you want? Don’t go inside. Come here.”

And the reply came, “I have heeng, Hera heeng.” By then, Khan had reached the courtyard and stood in front of Savitri. Seeing Khan, Savitri said, “Khan, it’s been a long time! All the heeng is already finished.”

Khan said, “Amma, I had gone to my country; I returned just the day before.” Savitri said, “There has been a terrible riot here.” Khan said, “I heard. There is no sense among those who fight.” Savitri said, “Khan, you came to our house. Weren’t you scared?”

Placing his hands on both ears, Khan said, “Don’t say that, Amma. Does a son ever feel afraid of his mother? Then why would I?” And after that, he opened his box, weighed some heeng, and gave it to Savitri. Neither of them had any change, so Khan said he would come again to collect the money. He left after saluting Savitri.

This time, people were preparing to celebrate Dussehra with enthusiasm. Goddess Kali’s procession was about to go out at four o’clock in the evening. There was a substantial police presence. Savitri’s children said, “We will also go to see Kali’s procession.”

Savitri’s husband was out of town. Savitri was timid by nature. She offered many temptations to the children, like money, toys, and movies, but they didn’t listen. Their servant Ramu was also very eager to see the procession. He said, “Mother, please let them go; I’ll show them the procession and bring them back.”

Helpless, Savitri had to send the children outside to watch the procession. She repeatedly instructed Ramu to return with the children before it got dark.

After sending the children away, Savitri started waiting for their return. Soon, the day passed. It started getting dark, but the children didn’t return. Now, Savitri was restless, both inside and outside. Then she saw some men running on the road. She ran outside and asked, “Why are you running like this? The procession is over, isn’t it?”

A man said, “There’s been a big riot!”

Savitri’s hands and feet went cold. Then she saw more people coming quickly. Savitri stopped them too. They also said, “There’s been a riot!” What would Savitri do now? She told one of them, “Brother, please bring news of my children. There are two boys and one girl. I will give you any reward you ask for.”

A commoner replied, “Do we even recognize your children, mother?” Saying this, he left.

Savitri thought it was true; how can anyone find my children in such a crowd? But what should she do now? She was getting angry at herself. Why did she send the children at all? They are children, after all; they insisted, but sending them was in her control. Savitri was beside herself with worry. For the children’s well-being, she prayed to all the deities. The noise quieted down. The silence increased as the night progressed. But her children didn’t come back. Savitri grew frustrated and started crying bitterly. And then she heard the same familiar voice, “Amma!”

Savitri ran out and saw that her three children had returned safely with Khan. Khan, seeing Savitri, said, “Times are not good, Amma! Don’t send the children out in such a rush.”

The children ran and hugged their mother.

  • [1] Khan: A Muslim surname meaning “chieftain,” with Turkish origins, predominantly used by the Iranian Pashtuns and the Pathans of Afghanistan.
  • [2] Amma: A respectful term for mother.
  • [3] Heeng: Asafoetida, a spice used as a digestive aid, in food as a condiment, and in pickling. It plays a critical flavoring role in Indian vegetarian cuisine by acting as a savory enhancer.
  • [4] Maulsiri: A tree known as Spanish Cherry.
  • [5] Hera heeng: Special, high-quality asafoetida.
  • [6] Tola: A traditional Indian unit of mass, approximately 11.66 grams

[7] Paise: A subunit of the Indian currency, with 100 paise equaling 1 rupee

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हींगवाला

सुभद्रा कुमारी चौहान

लगभग पैंतीस साल का एक खान आंगन में आकर रुक गया । हमेशा की तरह उसकी आवाज सुनाई दी – “अम्मा… हींग लोगी?”

पीठ पर बंधे हुए पीपे को खोलकर उसने नीचे रख दिया और मौलसिरी के नीचे बने हुए चबूतरे पर बैठ गया। भीतर बरामदे से नौ-दस वर्ष के एक बालक ने बाहर निकलकर उत्तर दिया – ”अभी कुछ नहीं लेना है, जाओ !”

पर खान भला क्यों जाने लगा? ज़रा आराम से बैठ गया और अपने साफे के छोर से हवा करता हुआ बोला- ”अम्मा, हींग ले लो, अम्मा! हम अपने देश जाता है, बहुत दिनों में लौटेगा।”सावित्री रसोईघर से हाथ धोकर बाहर आई और बोली – “हींग तो बहुत-सी ले रखी है खान! अभी पंद्रह दिन हुए नहीं, तुमसे ही तो ली थी।”

वह उसी स्वर में फिर बोला – “हेरा हींग है माँ, हमको तुम्हारे हाथ की बोहनी लगती है। एक ही तोला ले लो, पर लो ज़रूर।” इतना कहकर फौरन एक डिब्बा सावित्री के सामने सरकाते हुए कहा – “तुम और कुछ मत देखो माँ, यह हींग एक नंबर है, हम तुम्हें धोखा नहीं देगा।“

सावित्री बोली – “पर हींग लेकर करूंगी क्या? ढेर-सी तो रखी है।” खान ने कहा – ”कुछ भी ले लो अम्मा! हम देने के लिए आया है, घर में पड़ी रहेगी। हम अपने देश कू जाता है। ख़ुदा जाने, कब लौटेगा?” और खान बिना उत्तर की प्रतीक्षा किए हींग तौलने लगा। इस पर सावित्री के बच्चे नाराज़ हुये। सभी बोल उठे – ”मत लेना माँ, तुम कभी न लेना। ज़बरदस्ती तौले जा रहा है।”

सावित्री ने किसी की बात का उत्तर न देकर, हींग की पुड़िया ले ली। पूछा – ”कितने पैसे हुए खान?” पैंतीस पैसे अम्मा!” खान ने उत्तर दिया। सावित्री ने सात पैसे तोले के भाव से पाँच तोले का दाम, पैंतीस पैसे लाकर खान को दे दिये। खान सलाम करके चला गया। पर बच्चों को माँ की यह बात अच्छी न लगी।

बड़े लड़के ने कहा – “माँ, तुमने खान को वैसे ही पैंतीस पैसे दे दिये। हींग की कुछ ज़रूरत नहीं थी।” छोटा माँ से चिढ़कर बोला – ”दो माँ, पैंतीस पैसे हमको भी दो। हम बिना लिए न रहेंगे।”लड़की जिसकी उम्र आठ साल की थी, बड़े गंभीर स्वर में बोली – ”तुम माँ से पैसा न मांगो। वह तुम्हें न देंगी। उनका बेटा वही खान है।” सावित्री को बच्चों की बातों पर हँसी आ रही थी। उसने अपनी हँसी दबाकर बनावटी क्रोध से कहा – “चलो-चलो, बड़ी बातें बनाने लग गए हो। खाना तैयार है, खाओ।”

कई महीने बीत गये। सावित्री की सब हींग खत्म हो गई। इस बीच होली आई। होली के अवसर पर शहर में खासी मारपीट हो गई थी। सावित्री कभी-कभी सोचती, हींगवाला खान तो नहीं मार डाला गया? न जाने क्यों, उस हींग वाले खान की याद उसे प्राय: आ जाया करती थी। एक दिन सवेरे-सवेरे सावित्री उसी मौलसिरी के पेड़ के नीचे चबूतरे पर बैठी कुछ बुन रही थी। उसने सुना, उसके पति किसी से कड़े स्वर में कह रहे हैं – “क्या काम है? भीतर मत जाओ। यहाँ आओ।” उत्तर मिला – “हींग है, हेरा हींग।” और खान तब तक आंगन में सावित्री के सामने पहुँच चुका था। खान को देखते ही सावित्री ने कहा – “बहुत दिनों में आए खान! हींग तो कब की खत्म हो गई।

खान बोला – “अपने देश गया था अम्मा, परसों ही तो लौटा हूँ।’ सावित्री ने कहा – “यहाँ तो बहुत ज़ोरों का दंगा हो गया है।” खान बोला – “सुना, समझ नहीं है लड़ने वालों में।”

सावित्री बोली – “खान, तुम हमारे घर चले आये। तुम्हें डर नहीं लगा?” खान दोनों कानों पर हाथ रखते हुए खान बोला – “ऐसी बात मत करो अम्मा। बेटे को भी क्या माँ से डर हुआ है, जो मुझे होता?” और इसके बाद ही उसने अपना डिब्बा खोला और एक छटांक हींग तोलकर सावित्री को दे दी। रेजगारी दोनों में से किसी के पास नहीं थी। खान ने कहा कि वह पैसा फिर आकर ले जायेगा। सावित्री को सलाम करके वह चला गया।

 

इस बार लोग दशहरा दूने उत्साह के साथ मनाने की तैयारी में थे। चार बजे शाम को माँ काली का जुलूस निकलने वाला था। पुलिस का काफ़ी प्रबंध था। सावित्री के बच्चों ने कहा – “हम भी काली का जुलूस देखने जायेंगे।”

 

सावित्री के पति शहर से बाहर गए थे। सावित्री स्वभाव से भीरु थी। उसने बच्चों को पैसों का, खिलौनों का, सिनेमा का, न जाने कितने प्रलोभन दिए, पर बच्चे न माने, सो न माने। नौकर रामू भी जुलूस देखने को बहुत उत्सुक हो रहा था। उसने कहा – “भेज दो न माँ जी, मैं अभी दिखाकर लिए आता हूँ।”

लाचार होकर सावित्री को जुलूस देखने के लिए बच्चों को बाहर भेजना पड़ा। उसने बार-बार रामू को ताकीद की कि दिन रहते ही वह बच्चों को लेकर लौट आये।

 

बच्चों को भेजने के साथ ही सावित्री लौटने की प्रतीक्षा करने लगी। देखते-ही-देखते दिन ढल चला। अंधेरा भी बढ़ने लगा, पर बच्चे न लौटे। अब सावित्री को न भीतर चैन था, न बाहर। इतने में उसे कुछ आदमी सड़क पर भागते हुए जान पड़े। वह दौड़कर बाहर आई, पूछा – ”ऐसे भागे क्यों जा रहे हो? जुलूस तो निकल गया न।”

 

एक आदमी बोला – “दंगा हो गया जी, बडा भारी दंगा!” सावित्री के हाथ-पैर ठंडे पड़ गये। तभी कुछ लोग तेजी से आते हुए दिखे। सावित्री ने उन्हें भी रोका। उन्होंने भी कहा – “दंगा हो गया है!”
अब सावित्री क्या करे? उन्हीं में से एक से कहा – “भाई, तुम मेरे बच्चों की खबर ला दो। दो लड़के हैं, एक लड़की। मैं तुम्हें मुँह मांगा इनाम दूंगी।” एक देहाती ने जवाब दिया – “क्या हम तुम्हारे बच्चों को पहचानते हैं माँ जी?” यह कहकर वह चला गया।

 

सावित्री सोचने लगी, सच तो है, इतनी भीड़ में भला कोई मेरे बच्चों को खोजे भी कैसे? पर अब वह भी करें, तो क्या करें? उसे रह-रहकर अपने पर क्रोध आ रहा था। आखिर उसने बच्चों को भेजा ही क्यों? वे तो बच्चे ठहरे, ज़िद तो करते ही, पर भेजना उसके हाथ की बात थी। सावित्री पागल-सी हो गई। बच्चों की मंगल-कामना के लिए उसने सभी देवी-देवता मना डाले। शोरगुल बढ़कर शांत हो गया। रात के साथ-साथ नीरवता बढ़ चली। पर उसके बच्चे लौटकर न आये। सावित्री हताश हो गई और फूट-फूटकर रोने लगी। उसी समय उसे वही चिरपरिचित स्वर सुनाई पड़ा – “अम्मा!”

सावित्री दौड़कर बाहर आई उसने देखा, उसके तीनों बच्चे खान के साथ सकुशल लौट आए हैं। खान ने सावित्री को देखते ही कहा – ”वक्त अच्छा नहीं हैं अम्मा! बच्चों को ऐसी भीड़-भाड़ में बाहर न भेजा करो।”

 

बच्चे दौड़कर माँ से लिपट गये।

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Heengwala

(The Asafoetida Seller)
By Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
(English Translation by S Anas Ahmad)

A man named Khan[1], who was about thirty-five years old, stopped in the courtyard. His familiar voice, as always, was heard, “Amma[2],” will you buy some heeng?[3]” He opened the cask tied to his back, set it down, and settled onto the platform beneath the Maulsiri[4] tree. A boy of nine or ten emerged from the inner veranda and said, “We don’t need anything right now, go away!”

But why would Khan leave? Making himself more comfortable and fanning himself with the end of his headdress, he said, “Amma, buy some heeng, Amma! I am going back to my country and will return after many days.”

After washing her hands, Savitri came out of the kitchen and said, “I already have a lot of heeng, Khan! It hasn’t even been fifteen days since I bought some from you.”

Khan spoke again in the same tone, “This is Hera heeng[5], mother. It brings me good luck if you are my first customer of the day. Take just a tola[6] if you please, but definitely take it.” Saying this, he immediately slid a box in front of Savitri and added, “You don’t have to look at anything else, mother; this heeng is the best; I won’t deceive you.”

Savitri replied, “But what will I do with so much heeng? I already have plenty.”

Khan said, “Take some, Amma! I came to give it to you; if not used, it can be stored in the house. I am going back to my country. God knows when I will return.”

And without waiting for an answer, Khan started weighing the heeng.

Savitri’s children grew angry at this. They all spoke in unison, “Don’t buy it, Mother, never take it; he’s forcing it on you!” Ignoring their protests, Savitri took the packet of heeng.

She then asked, “How much, Khan?”

“Thirty-five paise[7], Amma!” Khan answered.

Savitri paid thirty-five paise to Khan for five tolas of heeng at the cost of seven paise per tola. Khan saluted and left, but Savitri’s children were displeased.

The eldest boy said, “Mother, you paid thirty-five paise to Khan for nothing; there was no need to buy heeng.” The younger boy also got annoyed and said, “Mother, give me thirty-five paise too; I won’t stop pestering you until I get it.” Savitri’s daughter, who was eight years old, said in a somber tone, “Don’t ask mother for money. She won’t give it to you. Khan is like her real son.”

Savitri was amused by her children’s words. Suppressing her laughter, she said with mock anger, “Come on, you’re making quite a fuss! The food is ready; come and eat.”

Several months passed by. All the heeng Savitri had stored was used up. Meanwhile, Holi came. There was a lot of fighting in the city during Holi. Sometimes, Savitri wondered if the heengwala Khan might have been killed. She didn’t know why, but she often thought of Khan.

One morning, Savitri was weaving something while sitting on the platform under the same Maulsiri tree. She heard her husband’s stern voice, “What do you want? Don’t go inside. Come here.”

And the reply came, “I have heeng, Hera heeng.” By then, Khan had reached the courtyard and stood in front of Savitri. Seeing Khan, Savitri said, “Khan, it’s been a long time! All the heeng is already finished.”

Khan said, “Amma, I had gone to my country; I returned just the day before.” Savitri said, “There has been a terrible riot here.” Khan said, “I heard. There is no sense among those who fight.” Savitri said, “Khan, you came to our house. Weren’t you scared?”

Placing his hands on both ears, Khan said, “Don’t say that, Amma. Does a son ever feel afraid of his mother? Then why would I?” And after that, he opened his box, weighed some heeng, and gave it to Savitri. Neither of them had any change, so Khan said he would come again to collect the money. He left after saluting Savitri.

This time, people were preparing to celebrate Dussehra with enthusiasm. Goddess Kali’s procession was about to go out at four o’clock in the evening. There was a substantial police presence. Savitri’s children said, “We will also go to see Kali’s procession.”

Savitri’s husband was out of town. Savitri was timid by nature. She offered many temptations to the children, like money, toys, and movies, but they didn’t listen. Their servant Ramu was also very eager to see the procession. He said, “Mother, please let them go; I’ll show them the procession and bring them back.”

Helpless, Savitri had to send the children outside to watch the procession. She repeatedly instructed Ramu to return with the children before it got dark.

After sending the children away, Savitri started waiting for their return. Soon, the day passed. It started getting dark, but the children didn’t return. Now, Savitri was restless, both inside and outside. Then she saw some men running on the road. She ran outside and asked, “Why are you running like this? The procession is over, isn’t it?”

A man said, “There’s been a big riot!”

Savitri’s hands and feet went cold. Then she saw more people coming quickly. Savitri stopped them too. They also said, “There’s been a riot!” What would Savitri do now? She told one of them, “Brother, please bring news of my children. There are two boys and one girl. I will give you any reward you ask for.”

A commoner replied, “Do we even recognize your children, mother?” Saying this, he left.

Savitri thought it was true; how can anyone find my children in such a crowd? But what should she do now? She was getting angry at herself. Why did she send the children at all? They are children, after all; they insisted, but sending them was in her control. Savitri was beside herself with worry. For the children’s well-being, she prayed to all the deities. The noise quieted down. The silence increased as the night progressed. But her children didn’t come back. Savitri grew frustrated and started crying bitterly. And then she heard the same familiar voice, “Amma!”

Savitri ran out and saw that her three children had returned safely with Khan. Khan, seeing Savitri, said, “Times are not good, Amma! Don’t send the children out in such a rush.”

The children ran and hugged their mother.

  • [1] Khan: A Muslim surname meaning “chieftain,” with Turkish origins, predominantly used by the Iranian Pashtuns and the Pathans of Afghanistan.
  • [2] Amma: A respectful term for mother.
  • [3] Heeng: Asafoetida, a spice used as a digestive aid, in food as a condiment, and in pickling. It plays a critical flavoring role in Indian vegetarian cuisine by acting as a savory enhancer.
  • [4] Maulsiri: A tree known as Spanish Cherry.
  • [5] Hera heeng: Special, high-quality asafoetida.
  • [6] Tola: A traditional Indian unit of mass, approximately 11.66 grams

[7] Paise: A subunit of the Indian currency, with 100 paise equaling 1 rupee

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हींगवाला

सुभद्रा कुमारी चौहान

लगभग पैंतीस साल का एक खान आंगन में आकर रुक गया । हमेशा की तरह उसकी आवाज सुनाई दी – “अम्मा… हींग लोगी?”

पीठ पर बंधे हुए पीपे को खोलकर उसने नीचे रख दिया और मौलसिरी के नीचे बने हुए चबूतरे पर बैठ गया। भीतर बरामदे से नौ-दस वर्ष के एक बालक ने बाहर निकलकर उत्तर दिया – ”अभी कुछ नहीं लेना है, जाओ !”

पर खान भला क्यों जाने लगा? ज़रा आराम से बैठ गया और अपने साफे के छोर से हवा करता हुआ बोला- ”अम्मा, हींग ले लो, अम्मा! हम अपने देश जाता है, बहुत दिनों में लौटेगा।”सावित्री रसोईघर से हाथ धोकर बाहर आई और बोली – “हींग तो बहुत-सी ले रखी है खान! अभी पंद्रह दिन हुए नहीं, तुमसे ही तो ली थी।”

वह उसी स्वर में फिर बोला – “हेरा हींग है माँ, हमको तुम्हारे हाथ की बोहनी लगती है। एक ही तोला ले लो, पर लो ज़रूर।” इतना कहकर फौरन एक डिब्बा सावित्री के सामने सरकाते हुए कहा – “तुम और कुछ मत देखो माँ, यह हींग एक नंबर है, हम तुम्हें धोखा नहीं देगा।“

सावित्री बोली – “पर हींग लेकर करूंगी क्या? ढेर-सी तो रखी है।” खान ने कहा – ”कुछ भी ले लो अम्मा! हम देने के लिए आया है, घर में पड़ी रहेगी। हम अपने देश कू जाता है। ख़ुदा जाने, कब लौटेगा?” और खान बिना उत्तर की प्रतीक्षा किए हींग तौलने लगा। इस पर सावित्री के बच्चे नाराज़ हुये। सभी बोल उठे – ”मत लेना माँ, तुम कभी न लेना। ज़बरदस्ती तौले जा रहा है।”

सावित्री ने किसी की बात का उत्तर न देकर, हींग की पुड़िया ले ली। पूछा – ”कितने पैसे हुए खान?” पैंतीस पैसे अम्मा!” खान ने उत्तर दिया। सावित्री ने सात पैसे तोले के भाव से पाँच तोले का दाम, पैंतीस पैसे लाकर खान को दे दिये। खान सलाम करके चला गया। पर बच्चों को माँ की यह बात अच्छी न लगी।

बड़े लड़के ने कहा – “माँ, तुमने खान को वैसे ही पैंतीस पैसे दे दिये। हींग की कुछ ज़रूरत नहीं थी।” छोटा माँ से चिढ़कर बोला – ”दो माँ, पैंतीस पैसे हमको भी दो। हम बिना लिए न रहेंगे।”लड़की जिसकी उम्र आठ साल की थी, बड़े गंभीर स्वर में बोली – ”तुम माँ से पैसा न मांगो। वह तुम्हें न देंगी। उनका बेटा वही खान है।” सावित्री को बच्चों की बातों पर हँसी आ रही थी। उसने अपनी हँसी दबाकर बनावटी क्रोध से कहा – “चलो-चलो, बड़ी बातें बनाने लग गए हो। खाना तैयार है, खाओ।”

कई महीने बीत गये। सावित्री की सब हींग खत्म हो गई। इस बीच होली आई। होली के अवसर पर शहर में खासी मारपीट हो गई थी। सावित्री कभी-कभी सोचती, हींगवाला खान तो नहीं मार डाला गया? न जाने क्यों, उस हींग वाले खान की याद उसे प्राय: आ जाया करती थी। एक दिन सवेरे-सवेरे सावित्री उसी मौलसिरी के पेड़ के नीचे चबूतरे पर बैठी कुछ बुन रही थी। उसने सुना, उसके पति किसी से कड़े स्वर में कह रहे हैं – “क्या काम है? भीतर मत जाओ। यहाँ आओ।” उत्तर मिला – “हींग है, हेरा हींग।” और खान तब तक आंगन में सावित्री के सामने पहुँच चुका था। खान को देखते ही सावित्री ने कहा – “बहुत दिनों में आए खान! हींग तो कब की खत्म हो गई।

खान बोला – “अपने देश गया था अम्मा, परसों ही तो लौटा हूँ।’ सावित्री ने कहा – “यहाँ तो बहुत ज़ोरों का दंगा हो गया है।” खान बोला – “सुना, समझ नहीं है लड़ने वालों में।”

सावित्री बोली – “खान, तुम हमारे घर चले आये। तुम्हें डर नहीं लगा?” खान दोनों कानों पर हाथ रखते हुए खान बोला – “ऐसी बात मत करो अम्मा। बेटे को भी क्या माँ से डर हुआ है, जो मुझे होता?” और इसके बाद ही उसने अपना डिब्बा खोला और एक छटांक हींग तोलकर सावित्री को दे दी। रेजगारी दोनों में से किसी के पास नहीं थी। खान ने कहा कि वह पैसा फिर आकर ले जायेगा। सावित्री को सलाम करके वह चला गया।

 

इस बार लोग दशहरा दूने उत्साह के साथ मनाने की तैयारी में थे। चार बजे शाम को माँ काली का जुलूस निकलने वाला था। पुलिस का काफ़ी प्रबंध था। सावित्री के बच्चों ने कहा – “हम भी काली का जुलूस देखने जायेंगे।”

 

सावित्री के पति शहर से बाहर गए थे। सावित्री स्वभाव से भीरु थी। उसने बच्चों को पैसों का, खिलौनों का, सिनेमा का, न जाने कितने प्रलोभन दिए, पर बच्चे न माने, सो न माने। नौकर रामू भी जुलूस देखने को बहुत उत्सुक हो रहा था। उसने कहा – “भेज दो न माँ जी, मैं अभी दिखाकर लिए आता हूँ।”

लाचार होकर सावित्री को जुलूस देखने के लिए बच्चों को बाहर भेजना पड़ा। उसने बार-बार रामू को ताकीद की कि दिन रहते ही वह बच्चों को लेकर लौट आये।

 

बच्चों को भेजने के साथ ही सावित्री लौटने की प्रतीक्षा करने लगी। देखते-ही-देखते दिन ढल चला। अंधेरा भी बढ़ने लगा, पर बच्चे न लौटे। अब सावित्री को न भीतर चैन था, न बाहर। इतने में उसे कुछ आदमी सड़क पर भागते हुए जान पड़े। वह दौड़कर बाहर आई, पूछा – ”ऐसे भागे क्यों जा रहे हो? जुलूस तो निकल गया न।”

 

एक आदमी बोला – “दंगा हो गया जी, बडा भारी दंगा!” सावित्री के हाथ-पैर ठंडे पड़ गये। तभी कुछ लोग तेजी से आते हुए दिखे। सावित्री ने उन्हें भी रोका। उन्होंने भी कहा – “दंगा हो गया है!”
अब सावित्री क्या करे? उन्हीं में से एक से कहा – “भाई, तुम मेरे बच्चों की खबर ला दो। दो लड़के हैं, एक लड़की। मैं तुम्हें मुँह मांगा इनाम दूंगी।” एक देहाती ने जवाब दिया – “क्या हम तुम्हारे बच्चों को पहचानते हैं माँ जी?” यह कहकर वह चला गया।

 

सावित्री सोचने लगी, सच तो है, इतनी भीड़ में भला कोई मेरे बच्चों को खोजे भी कैसे? पर अब वह भी करें, तो क्या करें? उसे रह-रहकर अपने पर क्रोध आ रहा था। आखिर उसने बच्चों को भेजा ही क्यों? वे तो बच्चे ठहरे, ज़िद तो करते ही, पर भेजना उसके हाथ की बात थी। सावित्री पागल-सी हो गई। बच्चों की मंगल-कामना के लिए उसने सभी देवी-देवता मना डाले। शोरगुल बढ़कर शांत हो गया। रात के साथ-साथ नीरवता बढ़ चली। पर उसके बच्चे लौटकर न आये। सावित्री हताश हो गई और फूट-फूटकर रोने लगी। उसी समय उसे वही चिरपरिचित स्वर सुनाई पड़ा – “अम्मा!”

सावित्री दौड़कर बाहर आई उसने देखा, उसके तीनों बच्चे खान के साथ सकुशल लौट आए हैं। खान ने सावित्री को देखते ही कहा – ”वक्त अच्छा नहीं हैं अम्मा! बच्चों को ऐसी भीड़-भाड़ में बाहर न भेजा करो।”

 

बच्चे दौड़कर माँ से लिपट गये।

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]]> https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/great-ebooks-in-reasonable-price/feed/ 0 Welcome to Avas eBook Compay https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/welcome-to-avas-ebook-compay/ https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/welcome-to-avas-ebook-compay/#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2021 11:37:37 +0000 https://x-theme.net/avas-ebook/?p=1 Accumsan in nisl nisi scelerisque eu ultrices vitae auctor eu. Sed viverra tellus in hac habitasse platea ullam non nisi est sit amet facilisis magna etiam. Zullam nulla eros ultricies sit amet nonummy id imperdiet feugiat peded lectus mollis hendrerit risus nec sem in justo pellentesque facilisis. Etiam imperdiet imperdiet orciunc nec neque leo dolor tempus non auctor hendrerit quis nisi.

Curabitur ligula sapien tincidunt non euismod vitae posuere imperdiet leoae cenas malesuada. Praesent congue erat at massa cursus turpis vitae tortor.

Semper risus in hendrerit gravida rutrum quisque non tellus celerisque varius morbi enim nunc faucibus a pellentesque sit amet. Turpis tincidunt id aliquet risus feugiat in. Ut sem viverra aliquet eget sited adipiscing diam donec adipiscing tristique risus nec. In aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi. Egestas fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium pellentesque dignissim enim sit amet venenatis urna cursus eget. At augue eget arcu dictum varius duis maecenas sed enim ut sem viverra aliquet eget sit.

]]> https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/welcome-to-avas-ebook-compay/feed/ 1 Vero eos et accusamus https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/vero-eos-et-accusamus-et-iusto-odio/ https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/vero-eos-et-accusamus-et-iusto-odio/#respond Thu, 18 Jul 2019 06:01:03 +0000 https://x-theme.com/avas-education-two/?p=282 Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.

Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid exea commodi consequatur?

Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur? At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio.

]]> https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/vero-eos-et-accusamus-et-iusto-odio/feed/ 0 Eaque ipsa quae abillo https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/eaque-ipsa-quae-ab-illo-inventore/ https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/eaque-ipsa-quae-ab-illo-inventore/#respond Thu, 18 Jul 2019 06:00:03 +0000 https://x-theme.com/avas-education-two/?p=279 Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.

Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid exea commodi consequatur?

Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur? At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio.

]]> https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/eaque-ipsa-quae-ab-illo-inventore/feed/ 0 Sed quia non numquam https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/sed-quia-non-numquam-eius-modi/ https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/sed-quia-non-numquam-eius-modi/#respond Thu, 18 Jul 2019 05:59:12 +0000 https://x-theme.com/avas-education-two/?p=276 Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.

Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid exea commodi consequatur?

Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur? At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio.

]]> https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/sed-quia-non-numquam-eius-modi/feed/ 0 Quis autem vel eum repre https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/quis-autem-vel-eum-reprehenderit/ https://shabdindia.bijnornews.online/quis-autem-vel-eum-reprehenderit/#respond Thu, 18 Jul 2019 05:58:07 +0000 https://x-theme.com/avas-education-two/?p=273 Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.

Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid exea commodi consequatur?

Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur? At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio.

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