Silent Witnesses at the Temple

 

In a deserted forest stood a temple. A ritual was underway. Inside the sanctum, a priest and two men were present. After the prayer, the priest said, “This deity is awakened. Whoever sincerely asks for forgiveness is granted mercy.”

The first man folded his hands and prayed, “Lord, you know I perform my duties with full devotion. But the hospital where I work kept dead patients on life support during the epidemic, just to make money. I witnessed it all. I stayed silent, even though I saw everything with my own eyes. Survival is a harsh struggle. I was helpless. Please forgive me.”

The second man prayed, “My father died in that epidemic. He was a good man. If he unknowingly committed any sin, please forgive him. Give him a place at your feet.”

The priest said, “So be it.” Both men stepped outside the temple.

The first man asked, “Sir, in which hospital did your father pass away?”

The second man named the hospital.

The first man fell at his feet and said, “Sir, I work at that very hospital. I beg your forgiveness.”

The second man’s heart was flooded with emotions—anger, hatred, sorrow. He closed his eyes and tried to steady himself. Within moments, tears began to flow from his eyes.

The first man asked, “Sir, why are there tears in your eyes?”

The second man replied, “I too am a silent witness, just like you. I knew what was happening. My father is no longer alive, but because of my love for him, I too remained helpless.”