The entire world faded away, and Rhehan was just looking at his old man. Those tiny heart warming eyes, that soothing smile, were so heart melting so see again. The glow on his face was just the same, as if he had not aged even a single day! He was dressed in a maroon colored robe and had tears in his eyes.
They both just stood at their positions, looking at each other, stupified. Everybody was stunned to see tears in old monk"s eyes once again. Last time they had seen it, when he had returned back from city after leaving back Rhehan all alone. The man of this stature and devotion, who was oblivious to all wordly things and emotions, was crying again after seing the boy again after so many years.
The old monk looked at Rhehan from head to toe, with teary eyes yet a smile on his face. Today for the first time the other monks could see a human vulnerable side of the old monk.
The old monk slowly walked towards Rhehan, looking in his green eyes. Rhehan"s heart raced terribly as he saw the old man approaching him. Suddenly he found himself once again in the warm embrace of his old man and he trembled in disbelief!
The old man had clutched him tightly in his arms. Rhehan raised his s.h.i.+vering hands and hugged back the old man. The moment his hands touched the old man, he broke down in tears. He started crying his heart out once again, hugging the old monk more tightly.
The old monk too, could not stop his tears and he kissed the boy"s head, patting his back lovingly. He patted his back for few more minutes, till the boy had ceased crying. His breathing had relaxed a bit and he finally calmed down.
The old monk retraced his arms, looking at the boy"s face now and smiling at him warmly. He lovingly wiped away Rhehan"s tears, looking in his eyes. The old monk"s touch indeed worked like magic and Rhehan was feeling much more relaxed and happy. He did not even remember the last time he had felt this relaxed. He felt as if a heavy weight has been lifted from his heart and his soul has been liberated.
Finally Rhehan opened his mouth to speak up. "I will not ask you now, why you left me like this. I already have the answer. I now understand, how difficult it must have been for you to change your path entirely for me, and live a different life. I understand it now Sifu*." Rhehan folded his hands, feeling extremely blessed and relaxed.
He then looked at Lord Buddha"s statue and apologised deeply in his heart. He apologised for all the curses, all the questions he had put up before G.o.d! He indeed had no idea, that not just he had a very good upbringing but rather blessed with highly evolved spiritual family! n.o.body could have asked for a better family and upbringing!!!
*Sifu- Chinese term for teacher and father.
Si- Teacher
Fu- Father.