Apne

Finally, near the temple, he met an old man who had slipped on the wet stones. Raghav helped him up and said, “Hold my shoulder, apne pitaji (father).” The old man’s eyes glistened. “I lost my son last year,” he whispered. “No one has called me ‘pitaji’ since.”

Amma smiled and pointed to the mountain path. “Tomorrow, carry this pot of water to the temple on the hill. Along the way, you’ll meet three people. Offer them water. But use the word ‘apne’ when you speak to them. Then come back and tell me if the word made a difference.” Finally, near the temple, he met an old

He ran back to Amma and hugged her. “You were right,” he said. “‘Apne’ turns strangers into family. It makes the world less lonely.” “No one has called me ‘pitaji’ since