MEHERA WAS THE QUEEN OF HEARTS

 
Our days on the Hill were filled with the loving attention of the ladies living in the ashram. Mehera, with her Persian beauty, was the Queen of Hearts. Mummy, Hilloo and I all adored her. I remember vividly how we children sat in a corner with her as she told us about Krishna and Radha or of Mirabai, the queen who gave away her material world for the love of Krishna.

She told us stories of saints and Perfect Masters — Tukaram, Tulsidas, Dyaneshwar and others. We listened with rapt attention as she spoke so beautifully that it was as if the scenes were taking place right before our eyes.

The stories we most enjoyed were about Lord Krishna, how mischievous He was with His Beloved Radha and the gopis (milkmaids) and how they danced the divine dance in ecstasy. Sometimes Mehera would giggle as she spoke, showing the childlike quality of her heart.