Sinnappan ****

Sinnappan was an ardent devotee. He knew that he had to serve the poor and needy and help the less fortunate. He was constantly thinking about how he could do this. That weekend they would visit the Old Folks Home. The devotees planned to cook a grand lunch, and serve the devotees.

On the morning, Sinnappan was excited. He coaxed his wife and daughter to come along too. “Imagine the joy we would be bringing to these poor old folks. It is a golden opportunity to help them.”

The meal was cooked lovingly. The ladies chanted the Gayatri mantra as they cut the vegetables and cooked the delicious meal. The men and children helped lay out the banana leaves, and pandered to the inmates’ every demand.

The seva was over, and the devotees had finished cleaning up. They were ready to go back.

Sinnappan sat near an old man. “Uncle, how was the meal ? Did you enjoy it ?”

Pandirajan looked at Sinnappan sadly. He nodded. Then he touched Sinnappan’s arm. He spoke in fluent
English. “Thambi. It is very good of all of you to spare your time for us. But today was supposed to have been our chicken day. The day we get chicken with our lunch. But since you came, we had to forgo it. If anyone benefited, it was the catering contractor. He will get paid by the management even though he supplied no food today.”

Sinnappan was stunned.

***

That night, Pandirajan slept soundly. He dreamt of his wife. She was serving him lunch. When Pandirajan woke up the next morning, the dream was still vivid in his mind. He missed his wife. He missed her love and affection. He missed her cooking and caring. Pandirajan’s wife had died more than 20 years ago.

***

Sinnappan lay awake for a long while that night. It had been a seva of convenience. The inmates of the home had been looking forward to the chicken lunch. Without realising what they wanted, Sinnappan and his group had served them a vegetarian lunch. Sinnappan resolved to visit the home again soon. He would talk to the inmates. He would find out their needs. Then he would serve them.

***

Sinnappan sat with Pandirajan. For a while no words were spoken. Then Pandirajan spoke. “I was hasty when I blamed you for making us miss the chicken meal. I realised later that what you gave us was far more precious. Your love and care.”

Sinnappan was taken aback at these words.

Pandirajan’s eyes were moist. “That night I dreamt of my wife. I remembered the simple meals she had served me. With her love, even the simplest meal was a delight. When you and your friends came, you served us with love. No chicken can come anywhere near.”