GADAI MAKES A PLEDGE

A fictional narrative based on incidents from the childhood of Sri Ramakrishna.

- GITANJALI MURARI

“Kaka!” A child’s sweet voice broke Dharmadas Laha’s concentration. Glancing up from his accounts, he saw Gadai racing towards him. “Where have you been, my son?” The landlord swung the boy up in his arms, “I’ve missed you!”

“I’m learning stories from the puranas,” Gadai said, eyes twinkling brightly, “I enjoy it so much that I forget everything, and time just flies.”

“Time does fly,” Dharmadas agreed, “it seems like only yesterday when we celebrated your rice-eating ceremony…you were an infant then and now look at you…you’re a schoolboy!”

Gadai nodded, “That’s true, Kaka…I’m growing up fast!”

Dharmadas laughed, “Go inside, son…your Kaki and Gayavishnu will be overjoyed to see you.”