Week 10 Storytelling: Helpless Maa

03/01/16 

DEAR ABBY:

I am writing to you because I have no other choice. I need advice about what to do with my two sons, Vishnu and Rama. I have one son, Vishnu, who thinks about nature and culture first. Another son, Rama, who thinks about laws and conduct. Both sons can work in harmony but holding onto their pride, they often don’t. People usually come to me for advice in the town because everyone sees me as a mother but I have failed them when I cannot even keep my own house in peace. Please, I am helpless. How do I make my sons get along when they are so different? Vishnu is on the verge of changing his identity and name to ‘Krishna’ so he won’t be longer known as ‘Rama’s brother’ or my ‘other’ son. I am trying to be supportive in both of them but it gets difficult at times. I beg to obtain Shakti to keep them happy as well as myself. My sons are the world to me and all I want is them to get along.--- HELPESS MAA, IN BENGAL

DEAR HELPESS MAA:

Don’t lose hope. It sounds like you have great sons. By the tone of your letter I can automatically tell that you are a divine mother. I know at times it can be tough but you have to realize that these are two different beings. They are allowed to have differences and similarities. It not fair to you to face this much stress from their behavior or personality. You being a mother is already a Shakti and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Suggest that the boys see your perspective and if they turn out to be the good sons you say, they will abide and listen to your plea. Then be prepared, because your sons will have a lot to say but that should not mean you don’t.

03/15/16

DEAR ABBY:

I took your advice and I spoke to my sons about my problems with them not getting along. I spoke to them separately and then together. It turns out that Vishnu has been wanting to change himself for a girl. Her name is Radha. I have never met her before but my son tells me she comes by the town often since her grandmother lives down the street. Rama tells me that Vishnu sneaks out at night to play tunes with his flute down by the river for her almost every night. I even caught a picture. Abby, I think it may be her that is ruining the brother’s friendship. I am trying to understand his side of the story but I cannot until I speak to this girl.---HELPLESS MAA, IN BENGAL

                                           Radha listening to Krishna play. Source 

DEAR HELPESS MAA:

I know it is easy to blame others for personal problems but I do agree that you should speak to her before anything else. Don’t let your other sons mention anything about her until you get to meet her. As for the brothers, set up a time in the day to sit down with both of them and talk about their day to day activities. 

03/30/16 

DEAR ABBY:

Thank you for your advice. I think it worked out for the best. My Vishnu is now Krishna thanks to Radhika. He really loves her as well as she loves him. I could see that Rama was getting jealous since he decided not to speak to SIta, his love, at the moment. That situation I can figure out later. I am just glad that I have a better communication with them. They are my world. If my boys are happy then that makes me happy.---NOT SO HELPESS MAA, IN BENGAL

Author's Note:
I have used Durga as the mother that is writing to Abby. I have never tried this style so if you are confused it's because so was I. I tried having a heartfelt mother like the mother God herself, being torn apart for having two sons who are very different than the other. I know that Rama is an incarnation of Vishnu but I thought it would be fun to play it up as different people since the characteristics change. I wanted to add Radha into the mix so I decided to play up the fact that Krishna and Radha were the love birds and Rama was the jealous brother. I honestly did not follow any particular story, just created one using the characteristics of each character.

Bibliography:
Radha
Durga
Rama and Vishnu from Seven Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art by Devdutt Pattanaik