Page:Masani - Gandhi's story.pdf/30

26 was the one person from whom Mohan had no secrets. Even when he tried to keep back something from her Rambha's loving and watchful eyes would see it, and as soon as she could get him alone she would put her arms around him and say, “Come, Mohan, tell me what is troubling you,” and Mohan would find himself pouring out his heart to her. After he had finished, Rambha would smile wisely and give him advice.

Mohan had told her about his fears of the dark and of evil spirits that roamed at night.

"You will not be afraid if you read the Ramayan and take the name of the Lord,” said Rambha. It was through Rambha that Mohan first started reading the Ramayan. He soon learned to recite many of its verses, and at night when he was afraid he said them to himself.

When Mohan's father was alive, the house was always full of visitors. Kaba Gandhi was very broadminded and had many friends of different religions. He would invite them to his house and, after the fashion of the great Indian Emperor Akbar, he and his friends would have lively discussions about religion.

Mohan was sometimes allowed to be present in the room during these discussions. He would sit quietly in a corner and listen to them. Sometimes the words they used were difficult and some of the things they said were hard to understand. But Mohan took in every