— Komal Gautam
Today, when I visited Ranu Bhaiya’s Beda, he greeted me with a warm smile and said, “Didi, you have come after such a long time… We also feel happy when you visit us. People from outside usually do not stay here, but the didis who come to teach the children are the ones who stay with us.”
Hearing these words filled my heart with emotion. The warmth and affection in his voice were deeply touching. Since this Beda had shifted from Chakrighat, we had not been able to visit. As there was only one child here and due to some other reasons, it wasn’t possible to come earlier. Still, Ranu Bhaiya would always insist lovingly, “Didi, please visit the Beda at least once.” His constant invitation and my own wish to visit were finally fulfilled today.
As soon as I reached the Beda, I felt a unique sense of peace and belonging. I had long conversations with Didi about their daily life, the children, and the situation there. I also spoke openly with the Bhaiyas at the Beda about many things — their lives, struggles, and hopes for the future. Listening to them helped me understand their world more deeply.
During our conversation, I mentioned that my fellowship had now ended. Hearing this, they lovingly replied, “This is your home too, Didi… Never think too much before coming here.” Their words touched my heart deeply. In that one sentence, there was so much love, warmth, and trust that for a moment, I was left speechless.
Today’s experience was not just a visit, but a moment of reconnecting with a beautiful bond. This visit made me realize that wherever we work with love and sincerity, we create a home for ourselves there. And the people there become our own. Today was truly special for me and will remain a cherished memory forever..