True devotion doesn’t hinge on deals

WE often experience happiness and satisfaction when our wishes and desires are fulfilled. However, when things don’t go as planned, we feel disappointed or even question God, wondering why our prayers weren’t answered. It’s during such moments that our faith is truly tested.

My daughter was preparing for the medical entrance exam. Like any hopeful parent, I silently made a personal ‘deal’ with God: whether she succeeded or not, I would visit Sri Hazur Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded (Maharashtra) to offer prayers. The results, however, were disappointing. She didn’t clear the exam. Despite the setback, I didn’t blame God. Somewhere deep within, I believed there must be a greater purpose behind this apparent failure. I still resolved to visit the gurdwara, keeping the promise I had made in my heart.

I expressed my desire to visit Sri Hazur Sahib to my family and offered to make train reservations if anyone wanted to accompany me. They were unsure, so I decided to travel alone. Coincidentally, I got a side berth in the train — my preference as it allowed space for early morning prayers. During the journey, I met a couple from Dehradun who were also headed to Nanded. They asked if I would swap my side berth with theirs. Although it was my favoured spot, I agreed.

The next morning, I woke up to find the train stationary for hours. I asked the coach attendant about the delay and was told that due to heavy rainfall, the tracks were submerged and the train wouldn’t reach our destination until midnight. I was disheartened, as I had planned to reach by evening, offer prayers and depart early next day.

At midnight, we finally arrived in Nanded. While waiting in a queue for a room at the gurdwara, I felt a tap on my shoulder — it was the same couple. They asked me to stay in their room. Initially reluctant, I eventually accepted their request and joined them. After taking a bath, I told them that after offering prayers, I would be leaving the next morning. They smiled and said, “You won’t be going anywhere.”

I accompanied them to Gurdwara Godavari Ghat, collected holy water with the sangat and fulfilled my vow to visit Sri Hazur Sahib. I then informed the couple that I was leaving. Again, they smiled, “You’ll be back.”

At the station, I checked my train — it was on time. Yet something compelled me to check next day’s availability. Miraculously, I got a confirmed berth. I cancelled my ticket and booked afresh. An extra coach had been added to the next day’s train.

Back at the gurdwara, I ran into that couple. They smiled knowingly and asked, “What happened? Missed your train?” I shared my story, and they simply said, “We told you — you wouldn’t leave today.”

For a long time, I pondered whether this was a coincidence or divine intervention. The couple had appeared at just the right moments, guiding me gently. This experience taught me that true devotion doesn’t hinge on outcomes or deals. There is deep peace in surrendering to God’s will, trusting the journey and keeping faith — no matter what unfolds.