Biphupoo as we used to call her was the elder of the two daughters of our grandfather. She was also older than our father.
She was born in the village called Boodgur about 8 miles from Kolar Gold fields and 16 miles from Bangarapet. There was no transportation between Kolar Gold Fields and the village Boodgur. I have written before that it had no roads and no planned streets.
Our Biphupoo grew there, was married, bore a few children and was buried in the same village after her death.
The house where she lived was just a shade better than a hut with no flooring, no proper ventilation, no furniture and more importantly no bathrooms. All natural necessities were usually taken care of during the night and in emergency behind a rock at some distance from the house. Bath was taken in one corner of the kitchen which had a drain for the water to flow out of the house. Of course there was no electricity, no gas not even running water or basins. Water was drawn from a nearby well which was a blessing as it was so pure to be better than today's mineral water.
They did not need any hospital as disease was unusual. Little ailment was cured through knowledge of herbs.
People lived on whatever small lands they possessed. There was no regular post office as it was not needed. Emergency messages were passed by hand. They had to go to Kolar Gold Fields if they wanted to mail or send a telegram.
Of course there was less population, no brawls and people lived peacefully.
You must be wondering as to what could be the purpose of writing about an elderly lady of our family who did not inspire any interest. You are wrong.
The greatness about her was that she was contented with whatever she had and wherever she lived. She knew her three brothers were fairly well placed, lived in a town with whatever modern amenities were available at that time. She may have visited her brothers perhaps once or twice as we knew. Myself and Doctor Sab visited her once in our lifetime alongwith our father.
Her mother our Dadi Amma was also living in Bangarapet until perhaps Biphupoo was herself old enough. She could have desired to move to where we were and claim or press her brothers to try to rehabilitate her two sons. She had no such desire and if she had done so I am sure she wouldn't be happier. I say this because when we met her in her place I asked her as to why she should not move to Bangarapet and live like we live.
You know her reply was like a sermon from great men. She first kissed me on the forehead and then said "I know I am happy here but I wouldn't know I would have the same happiness elsewhere". Now, my son Akbar do you understand why I narrated the story of our Biphupoo?
Later when I grew I thought her answer was meant to convey that she preferred to accept what she knew, rather than try for what she did not know.
How many people do you think there are in this world who can be content with what they have? If anyone thinks that wealthy people are happier than the rest, he is living in a fool's paradise. You know what some wise guy said. Wealth carries a secret tag, "Worry".
Akbar, the story of Biphupoo may not interest you but it certainly leaves a moral. I am sure you will understand it better when you grow up.