KUSUM BHATNAGAR
Kusum Bhatnagar on our wedding in 1972
So Bhatnagars was an extended family to us. Every sad and happy occasion were shared. I came to know that as Mrs Bhatnagar was a teacher working away from home and would be comfortable only to leave her kids in the care of dependable neighbor like Harvinder's mom. Hence the Bhatnagar and Kapoor families became extension of each other and the three Bhatnagar kids were like kid brothers to Harvinder and her siblings.
When I reached Ajmer for the first time after my wedding, Bhatnagars made elaborate arrangements in the honor of a new son-in-law in me as per their own prevellent Kayasth rituals. All of them would address me as 'Kunwar Sahib'.
I was sought of elated to find sudden love and affection from strangers till now. Little kids were found hovering arround me. I had no choice but to keep connected with them for life because of their affectionate nature, which we continue to do so even with their kids.
At the time of wedding of their oldest son Manoj (Pappu), I was asked to remain constantly near to Aunti Ji as she wanted all the respect to their older son-in-law properly extended to me by bride's family. And the sons were equally never lacking in their endeavor to respect me. On my last trip to Ajmer, Manoj gifted me a silken cloth to me which I got that tailored as Salwar-Kamiz and still use the same often in Gurudwara.
This is the Silk Cloth gifted to me by Manoj
In 2001 we made a trip to Ajmer to meet Bhatnagar Family, I found that they were affluent now. The family led by Manoj was owning a small scale industry with a car and a mansion to boast off. The whole family got electrified with excitement by our visit, little nephews and nieces were reluctant to go to their schools next morning so as to remain with their favorite 'Bua '. The little Juhi announced to her friends that 'Gori Bua' from America had arrived to meet them. It was a time of celebrations.
Prithviraj Chauhan Memorial on nearby Taragarh hill top.
Prithviraj Chauhan (1149–1192 CE) a son Ajmer, was a king of the Chauhan dynasty, who ruled the kingdoms of Ajmer and Delhi in northern India during the latter half of the 12th century. Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First battle of Tarain in 1191. Ghauri attacked for a second time the following year, whereupon Chauhan was defeated, captured at the Second battle of Tarain (1192) and executed.
Even today Afghans vent their anger by stabbing on the grave of Chauhan because according to them Prithviraj had killed Ghori. Sher singh Rana, a member of Rajput community, visited Afghanistan to trace grave of Prithviraj Chauhan, he dug Chauhan's "grave" and collected sand from it. This incident created sensation in Indian news and public media – as he said he did it to get back India's pride & respect. Thanks Sanjai for the efforts to reach this historic place and Suruchi for correcting the facts.
Suruchi flanked by Aunty Ji and Uncle Ji
Manoj spared his car and driver to take us to Khawaja Dargah and then to Pushkar.
Aunty led the Pushkar tour by taking us to Brahm Sarovar and performed special Puja with her own hands & money for the blessings of a son to our newly wedded son Shiv.
Harvinder with Aunty Ji
The same ritual was repeated at Brahma Temple. Her affection and love touched us.
Harvinder earlier told me that She was seriously keen to adopt her by regularising the official formalities even. That did not happen though, but virtually She treated us like her own blood.
With Sanjiv at Dargah
She also warned us to visit again to thank the diety if a son was born. After Gobind was born in 2003, so it was obvious to visit Ajmer again to pay our gratitude to the Bhatnagar family and Pushkar temple.
But to our unfortune, Aunty Ji had fallen victim to cruelty of nature after getting an attack of paralysis. She could not herself accompany us to Pushkar. Her kids and Bhatnagar uncle were supporting her immensely. She was still cheerful despite such a ghastly attack. Ravi Bhabhi who was in charge of the kitchen and household was ably serving her in the day time, while Renu Bhabhi would serve her in the evening after her full time job. Other four grand kids were found all arround their grandma even in her distressed times. Rekha Bhabhi visited her periodically being stationed away from Ajmer.
When Harvinder desired to talk to Aunty Ji a couple of months back, Suruchi replied on FB that she was not able to communicate with any one and lacked senses to recognize even. We all started feeling sad as we faced our worst fears. That unenvitable happened right today. Our loving Aunty Ji is no more!
Aunty Ji, if you are listening to us in Heaven, and I am sure your place is reserved there for you, Harvinder me & Shiv's family is missing you a lot. I am sure that Your kids and their further kids will walk on the foot steps set up by you. Bhatnagar Uncle Ji will face bravely your loss by continuing to guide the rest of the family superbly.
May Aunty Ji's soul rest in peace.
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