My sister Liza was sitting near the dining hall in the ashram. Jatinder Gill massi came and sat with her. She asked her, “I never saw you in the ashram before , are you new here?” Liza introduced herself as Riya’s sister. She narrated to Jatinder massi how we had lost our granny, and we now had no place to stay, and I was searching for a pg (paying guest) accommodation so we could stay together.
That’s the gist of the conversation between my sister Liza and Jatinder massi. After a month, we moved to a PG accommodation in Jalandhar so that I could finish my third semester of college. Soon enough, we came to know that the Sidhu family will give us a place to stay in their house. I had seen the Sidhu family in the ashram, but hadn’t spoken much with them. Sidhu uncle was married to Biji (Preeti Sidhu ji). Biji was Jatinder massi’s sister. We assumed we would stay as paying guests in their house.
After a month, Jatinder Massi and Sidhu uncle came to the PG where we were staying and took us with them. We did not expect that kind gesture at all – they took the trouble to come and get us. When we reached their house, Biji welcomed us with open arms.
They showered a lot of love on us. We felt like we finally got a family. We stayed there almost for more than three years. They helped us with our admissions into new colleges and schools. Uncle sometimes used to pick Liza up from her school. They considered us as their daughter and took great care of us. We cannot be grateful enough to that family. We created a lot of beautiful memories. We would fight, love, watch movies, dance, go out, and so on.
I miss them. They helped us grow up into who we are today.
Thank you biji, massi and uncle for giving us a family and accepting us as a part of this lovely family.
People like you are a great example to illustrate kindness and giving. I learned a lot from all of you. I will keep your teachings close to my heart and spread them.
Whether we stay together or not, we will always be a family, which Swamiji made. Thank you , not just for giving us shelter, but for your time, unconditional love, and blessings. We will feel we have succeeded if we can do that much for someone without expecting anything in return, as of you did for us.
Liza and I will do our best to make all of you proud. We love you.
Thank you, Swamiji, for everything.
Keep smiling,
Thank you,
Riya Om
Image Credit: Anand Bhaiya
Editing credit: Prahalad bhaiya
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