All Digital!
– Written by: Ajit Harchekar
Rahul’s health had recently deteriorated. Sometimes his chest would pound, sometimes his sugar levels would rise and cause dizziness, climbing stairs left him breathless. A cold and cough were always present.
After many days of this, he finally went to the doctor. The doctor listened carefully and advised him to get blood, urine, thyroid, creatinine, ECG, angiography, and other tests done and bring back the reports.
Rahul read everything. Doing all these tests would cost a lot of money. He began to wonder if there was another way. Then he got an idea.
He searched on Google: “Well near me?” He found that there was a well about 150 meters away. Directions showed it would take seven minutes to walk there.
So he only got a CBC blood report and made a photocopy of it. Carrying that copy, he went to the well. On the way, he read many boards saying “Fast decisions, Maharashtra progressing rapidly!”
He quickly reached the well and sat on its edge. He threw the report paper into the well and began to cry. After crying for a long time, someone came to him and asked why he was crying.
Rahul was convinced this man was God himself, come to help. Rahul told him that his medical report had fallen into the well and cried again.
God said, “Don’t cry, I’ll get your report out.” Rahul replied, “That would be a great favor, God.”
God then pulled out a report from the well and gave it to Rahul. It was a urine test report. Rahul said, “This isn’t my lost report, I don’t need this one!”
God replied, “If you don’t want it, fine. I have other work, I’m leaving!” He threw the urine report back into the well and went away.
Rahul began to wonder—has God changed now? Was the old story of the woodcutter false? What should he do? Just then his phone rang.
He checked and saw a message:
“Rahul, I understood your idea. You want all your medical reports free. But a person must take proper care of their health and should not hesitate to spend money for it. Still, since you truly don’t have enough money today, I have sent all your remaining medical reports to your email! They will be useful to you.
The bill for all your reports (10% less than MRP) is attached. Deposit it online into my account within the next three months. Account details are given. (Remember, I know your ATM card PIN!)
Wish you the best health! And remember: ‘Everything happens by speaking!’ Next time, don’t go searching for wells. Just call me, and after listening to two or three ads, I’ll come! (Of course, conditions apply—nothing is free!)
Now, like you humans, we gods too have gone digital. Please understand, devotion must remain!
(If you want to meet in person, type ‘God @ Woodcutter’s Well’ and check Google Maps. Meeting time: 5 to 7 in the evening. Do not bring flowers, garlands, or offerings.)
About the Author
Ajit Vasant Harchekar (b. 6 May 1944) retired in 2002 from the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, where he served as Head of the Architectural Department. Alongside his professional career, he has nurtured a deep passion for literature and the arts. His book of children’s poems was recognized with the Third Prize by the Maratha Mandir Sahitya Manch.
Harchekar continues to write across genres, including short stories, stand‑up comedy pieces, one‑act plays, and humorous sketches. His creative work reflects both wit and social observation, making him a distinctive voice in contemporary Marathi writing.
