Andrew, raised in a fairly modern family with a rich bevy of friends from his college and school was finally getting ready to pursue his dreams. His visa got sponsored and Michigan was inviting him every passing day. In order to act all “i have it under control”, Andrew began to suppress his excitement outwardly but internally he was a firework. His parents started spending more time with him, making sure no body takes advantage of their prized lad . They began doing all the thinking for him, occasionally touching serious topics such as visiting a local Church on Sundays and staying away from the 3 vices – liquor, smoking and drugs and the dangers of lust as well. His flight was in next 19 hours and the entire house was in full order of making sure the boy landed on his feet.
Santosh, raised in an orthodox Tamil Brahmin family , with 1 year job experience from his on campus placement, was equally excited about visiting Michigan. His packing included all his subject books, home made spice and ready-to-eat packets and other pooja articles that he would be needing for his daily prayer in a land allegedly known to lure people into trivial materialistic living. Santosh tried on his jacket which his college buddy, Jeffrey had gifted him . They had solid 5 years in their friendship. His fingers suddenly hit something in the pocket. Santosh was taken aback as he began to read the word – BIBLE. He was in a confused state, to find the most revered book of the Holy cross in his jacket. He picked up his mobile to ask Jeffrey about the intention of this . Jeffrey had already messaged him, expecting a text from Santosh that read “Bro, I wanted to send you as much love from me as I can, and couldn’t find anything that you might need or use and still think of me. I believed in the relationship that we shared and I wanted to send you the blessings of the divine, in a way I see it. I trust, you will take this well”. As Santosh read this, he dialed up Jeff and simply said “I love you dog, This is beautiful” as he hung up the phone before either of them got any more mushy. 20 hours later, as the Michigan air greeted its newly landed visitors, the Marriott Residence laid out a carpet for all its residents. It was a night of local football rivalry as the reception was buzz with cocktails and nachos, as loud cheers and cuss words overpowered the air. Santosh chose a corner of the pub where there appeared to be lesser human presence. He began to take out a peppermint and chewed the nervousness out of his breath, when a fellow desi guy with stubble shot him a look.
They both couldn’t look away, as their eyes conveyed a silent longing of warmth but wore the poker faced look of “I am cool, thanks”. The desi guy came forward towards Santosh as his heart was beating fast when he heard the words “Hey, man. I am Andrew. I just landed, I am sorry if you were expecting someone, but I felt comfortable to have some native company and I invited myself In." Santosh hurriedly got up and stuck out his palms which began to show nervous sweats as he realized Andrew’s palm was equally sweaty and they both gave each other a tight handshake. As further conversation ensued, it came to light that they were enrolled in the same university but for different disciplines. As the night began to grow darker, among the noisy cherubic atmosphere of football cheer and sneer, the divine was silently tying a lovely bond of brotherhood as Santosh and Andrew decided to be roommates. Night happened, and as dawn greeted them to a deep silence that was broken by an occasional waffle iron sound or a bark from a pet or two. Andrew came down having a drugged look as Santosh had prepared 2 sets of a plate of fruit cuts , lemon juice and a traditional black coffee with whipped cream. Andrew, even though being at a very premature stage of their friendship, hugged Santosh for his proactive display of warmth as they readied themselves to compare their house hunting choices.
Then came the sound of someone loudly cussing in their mother tongue about the lack of his favorite foods not being available in the country. This new character apparently was on the phone with his “vaapa” , as he appeared to use that word often in his speech “"Baaba, what kind of a third world country have I got myself into. How can people even consider eating pigs for breakfast and why the hell is there no coffee with milk but wine in the morning – May Allah save me Abee” . Andrew nudged Santosh’s elbow as he was lost in his Insta feed . They both stealthily walked towards this guy. As they came near him, Santosh sneezed loud, as Andrew introduced themselves to the new guy. Santosh goes “Bro , your scent is taking over the whole place. I like it but I very well know, I may develop a headache, but its so exotic”. The new lad , now, off the phone , announced himself as Ibrahim and that he was looking for a place to stay near his University. As though rehearsed in a play, simultaneously Andrew threw his hands in the air proclaiming “Thank you Jesus” as Santosh’s lips gave out a Grateful “Narayanaaa” . They confessed to Ibrahim that they found a common place, but the rent was too high and were looking for a third roommate. God seemed to have by great mercy arranged this meeting of the trio.
A few days passed, as the 3 finally set up their respective places in their 3 bhk apartment and began to get ready for their first day in college. As Santosh Straightened his jacket in the air to get the dust off it, the Bible from the packet flew from it and fell into the hands of Andrew, who appeared to be kneeling towards a poster cut out of Lord Jesus. Andrew, shocked and stunned, like a dam burst, let out a huge cry and began weeping out of devotion as Ibrahim himself, who was in his own Fajr prayer ( Morning namaz ) came out midway shocked by Andrew’s Wail. Andrew among sobs, asked Santosh how of all people he had a copy of the bible, when he began to narrate his story. Apparently, Andrew forgot to pack his own pocket copy of the Bible and was praying to his Lord to show a sign that he was under his grace when this came flying into his hands out of nowhere. Ibrahim also began to get emotional and began shouting Alhamdulillah and the three hugged each other in a silent moment of brotherhood. They confessed how kind the divine had been, realizing their plight and arranging an circumstance like this. Apparently, Andrew a big pork lover, Santosh, a pure vegetarian and Ibrahim, who doesn’t eat pork but consumes other meat were all three contrasting personalities. But, Life, by the will of the divine, humbles us sometimes, by how deftly it alters our plans sometimes making it much better than out original plan.
Amen, Ameen or Rama , dear reader. However different we might be , by how we identify the divine, never forget that the Divine teaches nothing but Love for each other and nothing else. The hands that pray, will never cause harm or injury to others, no matter to who they pray to.
Preserve the Sanctity of Love, that All Faiths ask us to cultivate.
