The Secret of the Chalisa (5 page)

Sankar suvan
Kesri Nandan
Tej
pratap
maha jag vandan

As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and pride of Shri Kesari. With the lustre of your Vast Sway, you are propitiated all over the universe.

“Mamiji will never help you,” remarked Pawan. “I don’t know why Ma left something important to him.”

“But he is the next obvious lead. How can I leave him?” said Sanjeev. “I need to speak to him at least once. Maybe I can get my next clue.”

“Or maybe you can get a thrashing,” said Pawan with his voice filled with anger.

“Yes, I can imagine that,” said Ravi. “The way his hooligans were behaving, it’s very likely that they can spank us at the mention of Madam’s name.”

“If you notice the next verse the words Kesari nandan and Pratap are highlighted,” Sanjeev made his point.

“Hmmm… yes, Pratap is the name of Mamaji. Actually his wife’s name is Kesari. Kesari nandan would mean their child,” Pawan pondered.

“Can you give me his address? I’ll visit him tomorrow. Anyways it’s late for today,” asked Sanjeev.

“What are you going to ask him?” asked Ravi.

Sanjeev was at a loss of words. He had not planned what he wanted to talk Pratap about. He was clueless how to proceed further and thought that Pratap would be his next ray of hope.

“Mamaji is a tough nut to crack,” said Pawan.

“I think we should go through the information we have till now. Bajrangi told that he made that wooden vault and his wife made idols for it. He actually believed that I broke the vault by removing the idols. But where are those idols? I have no clue at all,” Sanjeev was puzzled.

“Do you think Ma would have left the idols with Mamaji? Personally I don’t think so,” Pawan added.

“But they should be somewhere!” exclaimed Ravi. “And we can’t proceed further until we have them.”

The observation was very clear. The vault couldn’t open without the key and any forceful attempt would destroy the vault.

“To find those idols I need to ask him for help, no matter what he says,” Sanjeev determined.

“OK, if you persist. Anyways I’m not accompanying you. But I can suggest you one thing. Talk to Bhumija. She’s more sensible than her father,” Pawan advised.

It was becoming tougher for Sanjeev. With every step forward he discovered that things became complicated even more. He thought of giving up so many times but thesis completion was a strong motivating force driving him. The saddened look on Sanjeev’s face melted Pawan’s heart.

“I guess I can give you some more information. When you are prepared for danger the fear of unknown vanishes.

So Mamaji amd Mamiji live in Dalan Wala locality. It’s one of the most sought after residential places of the day. It’s their ancestral home. Ma was also living there before marriage. As a child I have very fond memories of my childhood with my Nanaji and Naniji. But after their death my visits decreased.

Mamaji is a builder by profession but he is also a political party worker. They say that this year he may become an MLA. I find him a very shrewd person though. But Mamiji is a very gentle and humble lady. She’s raised her two kids very well. They named their elder daughter Bhumija.

She’s a very adorable girl, full of love and laughter. Just like her mother she’s very caring. People choose profession, but in her case the profession chose her rightly. She’s a doctor and appearing for her post graduate entrance examinations. She has all it takes to be a good doctor, a caring nature, genuine empathy for patients, profound insight for diagnosis and treatment of diseases, intellectual approach and a kind heart. No wonder Ma and she enmeshed so well. I’ve seen her working late hours with Ma in the laboratory and then without begrudging she left for hospital early morning.

She justifies her name aptly, just like Goddess Sita, she is an epitome of love, affection and wisdom. You’ll relate well with her as you are also a doctor. She may also give you an opinion on her ongoing research with Ma. After all she’s the only one remaining who could throw some light on that subject.

Mamiji’s second child is a son, Lakshman. He’s a sad story though. All his milestones as a child were normal; in fact he showed great potential in fine arts. His explicit painting skills have been showcased in art galleries. Colors and brushes seem to become alive in his hands. He was about to go abroad for graduation in fine arts, when a sad incident happened.

They say one night he returned late after attending a birthday part of his friend. Coming so late was against his nature and principles, but when he came he was looking exhausted as if he was returning from a marathon. He looked scared to his bones and even his name brought terror to him. He was just repeating the name Celact. In the morning they took him to the doctor, even Ma went rushing there. Since then it’s been a sorrow to see such a talented child being robbed off of his creativeness. He was diagnosed acute stress syndrome, though some said post traumatic stress disorder, and some even suggested schizophrenia. Sadly, Ma expired few days after that.

Ma had been trying to treat him, but there was just a transient reduction in his symptoms. Bhumija still takes utmost care of him. They both worked late in the lab to formulate some palliative medications. However their efforts had been in vain, in fact in the presence of Ma he would utter Celact repeatedly.

Well this just gave me an idea. You can approach Mamaji with an effort to treat Lakshman. I know he won’t allow you in, but Kesari will entertain. You may just be a silver lining in the dark cloud for her.”

Pawan’s words illuminated Sanjeev’s thoughts. “Did you say Celact?” Sanjeev sounded amazed. “That’s a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In normal words it means a pain killer. Was he taking those?” inquired Sanjeev.

“I’m not sure. Why, is it a problem?” asked Pawan.

“It was supposed to be a potent pain killer, until recently it was proved that it increases risk of heart attackin cardiac disorder patients. So it was completely withdrawn from the market. It could be purchased as over-the-counter medication hence it was subjected to a lot of medication misue.”

“Madam and I were working on the drug of central nervous system. Though this ingredient has less potency if used alone, it has shown promising results in its action on the Gate Control theory. So was madam trying it as palliative medication for pain and stress control in Lakshman?” Sanjeev’s mind was racing to match the palpitations of his heart. Somewhere there was a bleak opportunity that a major breakthrough can happen.

“I’m not the right person to answer this question Sanjeev,” answered Pawan.

“And the right person is no more there,” replied Ravi.

“But Bhumija can definitely throw some light on this subject,” suggested Pawan.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but don’t you feel that the plan is too well laid? I mean, the chalisa was written years back and not for the context of solving a puzzle. How come all the characters of the chalisa are present around us?” Ravi raised the question feeling perplexed. In fact he spoke what others were trying to push under the carpet.

There was sudden gloomy silence in the room, as if the truth has struck them right on the face. “Yes, I agree,” said Pawan breaking the austere silence. “It’s true that it seems too well laid, but I have a feeling that it was designed so. I can never fathom the depth of Ma's intelligence. I believe she purposely made chalisa as a clue. The characters were chosen henceforth by her to carry out her message. She had been reciting Hanuman Chalisa day in and day out. I’ve followed the same routine from her. I personally know how deeply it can etch your mind and thoughts. She must have designed her plan as per chalisa to lead to something extremely precious.”

“And I believe we don’t have any other option. Either we accept it without prejudice or cloud our mind with delusions and distrust. I feel she’s calling us to take that leap of faith and then see what we can discover. That’s the premise on which I base my search and I’ll go all the way to prove it right,” the emerging determination of Sanjeev filled the room with a wave of motivation.

Yes, there was hope and with this hope he would go to meet Pratap the next day.

Vidyavan guni ati chatur
Ram kaj karibe ko aatur

You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully accomplished, always keen to carry out the behest's of Shri Ram.

Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya
Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya

You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen to the narration of Shri Ram's Life Stories. Your heart is filled with what Shri Ram stood for. You therefore always dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita.

Located in the heart of the city, dalanwala was the heart beat of the city. Its majestic bungalows spread themselves like a wave of splendor and grandiosity. Brushed with soothing canopy the houses were encased in a flowery fragrance of the beautiful winter bloom. Keeping in pace with times, there were numerous tall towers coming up which added to the extravagance of the place. Every now and then one could see an Audi or BMW sweep through the road. The faint sunshine was barely able to make its way through the bleak fog.

Sanjeev and Ravi stood there in front of the huge bungalow feeling awkward to the core. The stood there admiring the magnificence of the building and hesitated to step in. After giving each other a feeble glance, they gathered courage and Sanjeev rang the door bell

The door was opened by a butler dressed in white uniform. He gently asked the duo whom they wished to meet, as if such a gesture was a part of his everyday door opening routine.

“Is Mr. Pratap at home? We would like to meet him for some important work,” said Sanjeev.

“Come inside Sir, I’ll call Saahibji,” the butler answered and went inside the home.

Sanjeev and Ravi were standing in front of the most splendid home they had ever seen in their life. With an ochre painted background, the walls had textured surface throughout which was just perfect to display the extortionate paintings and sculpture. A carpeted helical staircase led to the upper floor of the house with a grand overlooking gallery. The parapet was beautiful decorated with fine filigree which shimmered like gold. Up high in the center of one of the walls was a huge truncated head of a dear mounted on a wooden oval frame. Below it was an intricate fire place which had burnt coal ashes still remaining. The floor had a rug of tiger skin and Ravi wondered if he was stepping on a real tiger. Sanjeev and Ravi took their seat on the grand sofa which was placed there.

It was not long when Pratap came and asked with a coarse voice filled with authority, “What important work brought you here? If you are seeking youth party tickets, then sorry we can’t entertain any more as of now.” He was tall and sturdy but his face carried an expression of anger. He wore a white kurta pajama with a thick fur waistcoat to match the winter season. Though the dress looked simple for a politician, his shoes were black and expensive leather make.

“No… No Sir, not for ticket,” stammered Sanjeev. “Actually I am Dr Anjana’s student. I… I… came here to ask for some information. Actually Sir, she left me a wooden box and a booklet of Hanuman Chalisa,” Sanjeev hurriedly took out the relics as he tried to explain Pratap. “I… I just wanted to ask you…..” He couldn’t even complete when Pratap roared in coarse voice, “Look Mr…., whatever you name is, I don’t know anything about these and neither I’m interested in helping you out in any way,” his voice was filled with annoyance.

“Actually Sir she mentions about Dhuvaje and Vajra in booklet which are your party symbols, so I thought,” Sanjeev stammered again. “And it mentions about your children also, so….”

That was enough to flare Pratap’s frenzy, “I don’t know anything about Anjana and you cannot speak to my children. Just leave immediately, or else I’ll throw you out.”

Hearing Pratap scream, his wife came out to the living room. “What happened,” she said,startled.

“See Kesari, some dumb head has come inquiring about Anjana,” he grunted.

“What is he asking about Didi? Maybe he knows something and has come here for help. After all she died in a mysterious way,” she stated.

“No, no. I’m not entertaining him. You leave else….,” Pratap commented.

While everyone else was caught up in the raging talks, Ravi glanced towards the parapet. He saw someone sneaking through the curtains. A graceful young girl dressed in pink kurta and chudidar and a matching pullover, with a white coat on her shoulder and a stethoscope hanging across an arm, she had an air of compassion surrounding her. She stood there looking at the scene below, but disappeared as soon as she saw Ravi staring at her.

Ravi held Sanjeev’s arm and hushed him out of the house. “Not now,” he whispered in his ears. They stepped out of the house and stood on the opposite side of the road staring at the house. Sanjeev was disappointed. Pratap's rude behavior made things tough for him. Just then Ravi saw the same figure peeping through a window from the balcony onlooking the road. Ravi sensed something strange. He signaled Sanjeev to stop and see, but she vanished away in a flash again. They just waited there trying to decrypt the mystery when they saw her coming out from the bungalow on an Activa. The Activa stopped in front of them, and she handed a piece of paper to Sanjeev and sped away swiftly as if she was scared of being traced.

It all happened so quickly that Sanjeev could hardly react. He stood there with the note in his hand staring at the road from where she left. Ravi took the paper from his hand and read out aloud, “Meet me in an hour in Café Coffee Day near medical college on Rajpur road.”

They reached the destination much before time and waited for her to come.

“I wonder what she has to tell us,” asked Sanjeev.

“I don’t even know who she is, but I’m guessing she is the daughter of Mr. Pratap about whom Pawan Sir told us,” answered Ravi.

“We should ask her about the symbols and their meaning,” Sanjeev suggested.

Sanjeev could feel his palpitations. Each heartbeat was rising like a wave in the ocean and engulfing the mind with unanswered questions. He sat fidgeting with his fingers and vigorously shaking his left leg until Ravi placed his hand on his feet reminding him to calm down.

Fifteen minutes later she arrived. Dressed in pink kurta and chudidar and pink pullover, this time she had her white coat and stethoscope both hung on her right arm. Left arm had a stunning Rado watch and a silver chain with a pendant of Hanuman hung across her sleek neck. With no make up and extravagant accessories, she looked like a beautiful white lily blooming in spring. Her hair were left loose, with a delicate pin holding half of them back, while few strands curled down on her cheek. Her spotless radiant face glowed with radiance and natural blush. Her eyes twinkled with warmth highlighted by a thin stroke of kohl. A pair of small glittering studs in her ears shone on her face.

Thin, tall and slender she walked her way confidently towards Sanjeev and sat down at the seat in front of him.

Sanjeev couldn’t keep his eyes away from her. He didn’t realize he was staring at her like a tourist who sees the Taj Mahal for the first time. His heart was still beating fast, but this time it was a different feeling. He didn’t realize whether it skipped a beat or two. From a distance he felt a sweet voice singing his name, when he was broken from his trance by Ravi.

“Are you Sanjeev?” she asked.

“Ya, yes, yes..I.. I’m Sanju, I mean Sanjeev,” he blurted.

She gave a perplexed look and said, “Well I’m Bhumija. Bua had mentioned about you,” she said.

Sanjeev’s heart skipped another beat, “My name?” he uttered in surprise.

“Yes, she spoke about your thesis work with me and how well it has come out. She left some research papers with me and told to hand it over to you when you came. I didn’t know it will be after her…,” she couldn’t complete her sentence when her voice broke and her beautiful eyes were watery. However she gathered herself and said, “When I saw you at home today, I understood that you must have come for those papers so I brought them with me,” with this she handed over a brown folder to Sanjeev.

Sanjeev however, was amazed as usual. He didn’t know that the events would take this unexpected turn. He held the brown folder in his hand not knowing how to react when Bhumija spoke again.

“But I don't understand what help you were asking for from my dad? I just heard Dhuvaje and Vajra, and a reference about some booklet. What’s that?” she asked.

“So you are not aware of the relics?” asked Ravi.

“What relics?” she inquired.

“It’s a long story so far. Let’s order some coffee while we debrief you,” said Sanjeev. Sanjeev and Ravi then told her how they got the relics and how much they had progressed so far. Bhumija, like an ideal student sat there with her cup of coffee engrossed in the story. She listened patiently and ardently, as if the mention of Anjana brought peace to her thoughts. Whenever, Sanjeev unfolded an event she would acknowledge the wisdom of Anjana proudly. Her face reflected a genuine compassion and intellect. One could guess from her gesture that her love for Anjana was pure and unconditional and that Anjana too would have loved her like that.

“I didn’t know she left a trail behind. But if it was for these documents which I gave you, then why such a complex procedure? Unless it’s not just about your thesis,” she remarked.

“True, I agree with Bhumija,” said Ravi.

Sanjeev opened the brown folder and checked the papers inside it.

Most of them were blank with few chemical reactions mentioned over them. Some of them were research articles from journals, while others were review papers.However, one of them had a verse of Hanuman Chalisa written over it.

Ashta siddhi nava nidhi ke dātā, asa bara dīnha jānakī mātā

meaning..

Mother Sita granted you a boon to become the bestower of 8 Siddhis (supernatural powers) and 9 Nidhis (divine treasures)

8 Siddhis (Supernatural powers) are:

Aṇ
imā
: Ability to reduce one's size

Mahima
: Ability to increase one's size

Garima
: Ability to increase one's weight infinitely

Laghima
: Ability to become lighter than the lightest

Prāpti
: Ability to Obtain anything

Prākāmya
: Ability to acquire anything desired

Iṣiṭ
va
: Lordship over creation

Vaśitva
: Having control over things

9 Nidhis (treasures) are:

Mahapadma
: Great lotus flower

Padma
: Lotus/ a Himalayan lake with treasures

Shankha
: Conch shell

Makara
: Crocodile/ Antimony

Kachchhapa
: Tortoise or turtle shell

Mukunda
: Cinnabar/ Quick Silver

Kunda
: Jasmine/ Arsenic

Nila
: Sapphire/ Antimony

Kharva
: Cups, vessels baked in fire

“Look here,” Sanjeev exclaimed. “This paper too has Hanuman Chalisa verse on it. Coincidentally, the same verse is highlighted in the same manner in the booklet,” he said opening the booklet. “Did you notice this? Did madam mention anything about this?” he asked.

“No, I didn’t. This paper was not there. I remember working with her in her lab and keeping important documents in this folder. I didn’t keep this, nor do I know anything about it,” Bhumija sounded astonished. “Can you show me the wooden vault?”

Sanjeev took out the box from his backpack and handed it to her. “Did you say it had idols over it?” she inquired.

“Yes, that’s what Bajrangi told us,” answered Sanjeev.

“Well, Bua gave me an idol of goddess Sita few days before the incident. I’m not sure if you are looking for the same.”

“Can we see that,” said Ravi his voice filled with excitement.

“You can’t come to my home for sure, so I’ll have to bring it somewhere. I’ll come to Pawan Bhaiya’s home secretly as my father won’t allow me to meet him too now,” she said. “May I see that paper again,” she asked Sanjeev who handed over the chalisa verse written on the research paper.

“I don’t understand. These are not the ingredients with which we were working. Do they belong to your thesis? And what is with the supernatural powers?” she asked.

Sanjeev gave a glance, shrugged his shoulders and nodded in negation.

“Since Bua has written this, there must be some hidden meaning to it. When I was a small child she use to design treasure hunt games for my brother and me. She would leave clues for us which we had to decipher in order to reach to the treasure. Oh, what fun it was!” she exclaimed with a faint smile seeming lost in her childhood. “I’m getting late for hospital, but I promise I’ll bring you the idol today evening at Pawan bhaiya's place. You can see it there. I guess its another treasure hunt game which Bua has planned for you,” a naughty smile sweeped her face which almost caused an adrenaline rush in Sanjeev. “Say, 6pm today?” she asked Sanjeev who was lost in his thoughts until Ravi pinched him amd said, “Yes sure. We will be there by then.”

Bhumija left CCD leaving the distracted Sanjeev engrossed in his thoughts. After all these days of stress and unhappiness suddenly he felt a pang of pleasure in the depths of his heart. He was not sure whether he heard birds chipping, bells ringing and soft music in his ears, or was it his imagination. But he was sure, whatever that undefined feeling was, it was nice and brought peace to his heart. He was smiling to himself, unhindered, pellucid and unclouded, and he loved that.