Aarti is in her mid 50’s if not in early 60’s. She came and settled in Mumbai when she was in her 20’s, with 3 kids and a couple of cloths that is it! She worked as a domestic help, her husband did different jobs. They taught their kids lived struggling with the ups and downs of the city. This struggle for them was “life” a survival stint.
When I think about spiritual solutions to many problems, I have not thought about life from their level. At that level of existence survival itself is a blessing. Survival is the whole objective of life. When I am writing it I feel, the place is changed but we are still living in a jungle where animals are struggling for survival! The reasons are different though.
So, our protagonist survived in city. Of course, one of the kids spoiled himself but other two are graduates. The best thing about this struggle is – one owns a house at the extreme end of the suburban city. Well, where is the house is not a question, one must be proud of the growth in 30 years from few cloths & nothing much to two graduates & a house in Mumbai – commendable!
This is what I like about capitalism (no not entirety of capitalism!) – work hard and reap the rewards. I like the concept of financial freedom. Aarti and her family is still trying to get in the zone of financial freedom (even many of us).
Aarti Amma has taught many lessons – one of them is hard work and other is managing relations. Both need a consistent practice, I am on it.
Image for representational purpose, source Shunya’s notes
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