Human life on Earth is often seen as a journey, but what happens when that journey ends? Many believe that after death, the soul transitions to another realm, unknown and undiscovered. Mythologically, it is said that the soul faces judgment by divine forces, where their deeds in life are evaluated. Those who have done good are sent to heaven, while those burdened by bad karma are dragged to hell. This story delves into that timeless belief, offering a reflection on good and bad karma and the lessons they impart.
Somewhere in India:
In a crowded lane, children were playing cricket, their youthful energy filling the street. A small boy, gripping a ball, prepared to bowl with all his might, aiming to get the batsman out. Suddenly, an old man passing by scolded them, “Is this a place to play? This lane is too narrow even to walk!”
Ignoring the man’s irritation, the bowler launched the ball, and the batsman hit it high into the air. The kids yelled, “Catch it, Kamla!” as Kamla, one of the fielders, ran towards the ball. But it soared beyond his reach and smashed through the window of Devi’s house, a quiet residence at the end of the lane.
For a moment, everything went still. The batsman, Bheem, trembled and whispered, “Oh no! Amma’s window is broken!” Panic set in, and the children scattered, each trying to hide, pretending they weren’t involved. Some hid behind scooters, others disappeared into nearby houses, leaving the scene empty.
Just when they thought they were safe, the broken ball rolled silently out of Devi’s house, as if someone inside had tossed it back. But there was no reaction from the house—no scolding, no anger. Intrigued, I decided to enter the house to uncover the mystery of the calm within.
In the Realm of Hell:
In a corner of hell, a massive cauldron of boiling oil bubbled furiously. Yamdoots, the enforcers of death, were punishing souls for their earthly misdeeds. Spirits wailed in agony as they were plunged into the burning liquid. After their time in the cauldron, these spirits faced more torment—hung upside down, with birds pecking at their flesh, their cries echoing across the infernal landscape.
When the punishment ended, these souls were gathered in a grand hall, where their fates would be decided. Some would be allowed to ascend to heaven for their good deeds, while others remained in hell, their suffering far from over.
Back in India:
I entered Devi’s house, the air thick with silence. Inside, there was no light. I fumbled for my phone, turning on the flashlight to navigate through the gloom. I found an old room, its walls covered in cobwebs, and a dusty photo of a family—a grandmother, her son, daughter-in-law, and a small child.
Suddenly, an elderly voice broke the silence. “He is my Tittu,” a frail old woman said, standing at the doorway. She repeated, “He is my son, Tittu.” I felt ashamed for entering without permission, but before I could apologize, she asked, “Who are you, and why are you here?”
I explained how the stillness of the house had drawn me in. I gestured to the family photo and asked, “Is this your family?”
“Yes, they were my family,” she replied. “But they don’t live with me anymore.”
“And Tittu? Is he your son?” I asked.
With a sad smile, she said, “Yes, my only son, Tittu.”
“Where is he now?” I pressed gently.
She hesitated, then whispered, “Tittu is no more. He died in a road accident.”
I didn’t know what to say. I felt the weight of her grief, and, sensing that she wanted to be alone, I left the house quietly.
Back in Hell:
In the grand hall of judgment, Yamraaj, the king of death, took his seat on a golden throne. His voice boomed, “Who will ascend to heaven next?”
The yamdoots brought forward a name—Tittu Sachdeva from India. A spirit weakly raised his hand and whispered, “I am Tittu.” The yamdoots helped him to the front, where Yamraaj declared, “Your punishments are complete. You are free to go to heaven.”
But to everyone’s surprise, Tittu responded, “Yamraaj, I do not wish to go to heaven. I have a request.”
The hall fell silent. Yamraaj, intrigued, allowed him to speak.
“I wish to return to Earth,” Tittu said.
“You have been punished for your sins. Your time on Earth is over,” Yamraaj replied sternly.
“Please,” Tittu begged, “Just for one day. I want to see my loved ones one last time.”
After a long pause, Yamraaj agreed, but with conditions. “You will not be able to speak, touch, or interact with anyone. You will only observe. And after 24 hours, you will return to hell. However, before leaving, you may hug one person of your choice.”
Tittu accepted, grateful for the chance.
A Lesson in Karma:
Tittu returned to Earth as a silent observer, witnessing the lives of his mother, his friends, and the people he had left behind. He saw their grief, their struggles, and their moments of joy. Most of all, he saw how his actions had impacted their lives—both the good and the bad.
As the 24 hours neared their end, Tittu stood before his mother. Though he could not speak, he felt her pain and her longing for him. In his final act, he embraced her, offering a silent apology for the mistakes he had made. Tears filled her eyes as she felt a strange warmth, not knowing it was the spirit of her son.
Tittu returned to the realm of the dead, having learned a valuable lesson: Our actions on Earth ripple far beyond our time here. It is our karma that shapes not just our fate, but the lives of those around us.
Final Reflection:
Karma is inescapable. Whether in this life or the next, we are bound to face the consequences of our deeds. By living with kindness, compassion, and integrity, we create a legacy that transcends death. The story of Tittu reminds us that while we may not control our fate after life, we have the power to shape our journey through the choices we make today.
