Meeting a Dearest Friend
Most people are afraid of death, even though nobody knows what death is. They only know that death is departure from this world and it is certain. Still, they are scared of such a departure. However, some exceptional courageous persons accept death as a close friend and welcome it with joy and pleasure. My dear friend, Late Madhukarrao Mahajan from Vile Parle was one such fearless person.
In September, 1989, if I recollect well, I met Shri Madhukarrao as usual at Ramabai Paranjape Yoga Kendra, Vile Parle, on the second Monday. After finishing my work, he accompanied me up to the railway station. I casually asked him about his social work, health and other matters. As usual, he talked and answered my questions in his mild, smiling style. That day he seemed to be in a peculiar mood.
He was physically tired but spiritually delighted. He asked me, “Sir, will you spare your time for me on some day in November or December next?”
“Is there any special programme?” I asked. “Nothing very special”, he explained, “I am expecting my dearest friend and I would like you to attend our meeting.”
I assured him of my presence and asked, “Is he some distinguished person?” “Of course, he is. So far I have not seen him; hence, I am eager to see him”, replied Shri Mahajan.
“May I know his name and whereabouts?” I asked.
“He has no name, no religion, no nationality, no sex and no language. He is friendly to each and everybody, and meets each one of us but only once in life”, Shri Madhukarrao uttered as if he was speaking to himself and then kept mum.
I started staring at him in surprise, grasped his shoulders and asked, “Are you not well?”
He broke the silence and said calmly, “The doctor at Tata Hospital has checked me and diagnosed that I am suffering from cancer. He has predicted that my life will last for a month or two; hence, I am waiting for death, my dearest friend.”
On hearing this, I could not utter a single word.
And, on 25th November, 1989, I read about the sad news of the final departure of Shri Madhukarrao Mahajan. I felt very sorry for not keeping my promise to meet him on that last occasion.