Care for an illusory companion?

AI-generated image based on the main characters of the movie "Sarvam Maya", written and directed by Akhil Sathyan and produced by Firefly Films. Streaming on JioHotstar.

Imagine you are possessed. By a human from the afterlife who grows close to you but remains invisible to others. Cheerfully goes on to help you cope with the difficult decisions in life. Will you cherish such a partner or rush to exorcise it?

In the movie Sarvam Maya, the main male character is an atheist who turns priest while waiting for an opening in the profession that is his passion, music. He is befriended by a sprightly young girl; the same one he, as the priest, had managed to spirit out of a patient. Only he can see and hear her. She begins by being attached to his mobile. Then they go on to become very attached to each other. In the process they find closure. 

Let's think beyond the movie for a minute. What if gaining such a mystical friend were a natural part of every life? No, not to make one a superhuman with the super strength to do good or wreak havoc. Just a partner you are very comfortable with, you trust fully and with whom you can’t help falling in love, almost.

Will this make us view death differently? Will death stop being the dreaded end, but a natural stage in life?

Will we turn more compassionate towards those who are approaching that stage? Will we stop turning our head away in fear (and some element of disgust) when the body of a fellow patient in the hospital ward is being rolled away?

Once we have such a companion, will we turn more grateful to the life we have been granted? Will it make it easier for us to find true closure? 

Just as the hero in the movie reconnected with his father, found human love, stood up to the goons he used to run away from, and made a mark in music. All thanks to her. And, in turn, she who befriended him finally became aware of who she was and how she had died.

We may not be able to choose such a companion. However, chances are there will be something in common, finished or in progress. 

The movie title Sarvam Maya means "all is an illusion". Indeed, when all is illusory, why lug a grudge, why just plod along and abandon the life you truly want? That could be the path to being the true you, to that coveted closure.