Santbal A Saint with a Difference

Author(s): T U Mehta
Publisher: Navjivan Prakashan Mandir

Page 33

CHAPTER 2
Life at Bombay
These inherited qualities of character helped Shivlal in his settlement at Bombay where initially he had to pass very difficult days. At the start he got a small job involving much labour at the shop of a relative. He had no proper residential accommodation and not even necessary facilities to take bath. This resulted skin disease. The employer was also harsh in his attitude and was often rebuking and insulting him without reason. Shivlal complained to his maternal uncle who advised him to resign. He was put to serve a Cloth shop wherein his uncle was a partner. But that shop was also required to be closed as it made losses. He then joined the services of a Parsee timber merchant at the salary of Rs. 35/- p.m. It was the firm of M/s F. K. Modi & Sons. One Rustomji who was managing the said firm was a kind gentleman. Shivlal acquired proficiency in conducting the timber business and his straightforward dealings created a very good impression in the market. This was well appreciated and his salary was increased. He became popular by his honest and straightforward dealings not only amongst the customers but also amongst other merchants in the line. There was one Muslim merchant in this line named Gulam Husein who also was reputed in the market for his honesty. He had good feelings for Shivlal. His son was good friend of Shivlal. On the unfortunate death of Gulam Husein, his son requested Shivlal to help him in his business. Shivlal agreed to help him on condition that he would not be a party to anything which was immoral or unbusinesslike. This was agreed. Shivlal