The Secret of the Chalisa (9 page)

“Practise, my child, practise,” replied Pawan. “It took years of patience for me to reach this stage. Numerous failures and defeats made me strong, continuous self reflection made me humble and belief in the truth of life gave me hope and strength. When I started lessening my karmic retributions, my soul felt less burdened.

My father passed away when I was very young. At that moment of life I had to make a strong decision which would change my entire future. I could have continued with my dreams and aspirations and left the family to struggle. When I saw my mother standing strong amidst crisis, I decided to follow her path. She made my father’s dream her own. My father’s aptitude and acumen for research took him on a path of valuable discovery. He designed studies and would remain away from house for weeks getting approval for the same. I saw him work so hard in his life, sometimes surviving on only one meal a day. After he passed away, I saw my mother do the same. To fulfill the dreams of my father and future of her children, she worked day in and day out. She skipped her usual meals and sleep for us. In those tough times, I saw her drawing strength from Hanuman Chalisa and devotion in Lord Ram. It was this faith which brought her happiness despite a hard life. She was an example for me to follow. So I too decided to live her ideals in my life and work for the happiness of the family. Living for a greater cause elevated my life state and I was able to find happiness in my personal life too. My mother and I looked after all children younger to me in the family be it intellectually or spiritually. I treated all my younger cousins and my brother as my children, and decided never to marry. I wanted to live my life helping this generation bring laurels to the family name and today I have no regrets. I’ve lived my life well and without fear, so restoring my inner peace is very easy for me.”

“Do you think it can be true?” asked Sanjeev.

“What?”

“I’m talking about the interpretation of the verse of Hanuman Chalisa. Can Lakshman really have brain tumor?”

“I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I know one thing, that the Chalisa is true. It depends on the devotee what he wants to search in it. Maybe Ma used it as a vehicle to transfer some information to you, but it depends on your faith to discover it. When I read the verse: ‘
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye
Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye,’
I had two thoughts. First was the legend of
sanjeevani buti
, in which Hanuman bought this rare medicine to protect the life of Lakshman. So, if you all were discussing about the anticancer medication suggestive of sanjeevani buti, it points to be the drug of choice for Lakshman. Second thing which struck me was the word, ‘
sanjeevan’
, which might point to you as well. It denotes that you help in bringing life to Lakshman. You may call it your destiny or misfortune, but serendipitously you are now the owner of a valuable drug composition.”

The recent events had brought turmoil in Sanjeev’s life. He was flustered whether this new discovery should bring happiness to him or add to his misery. But his heart poured out for Bhumija, and for her, he wanted to do everything he can.

“Can you interpret the next verses for me? Maybe we can find some more help,” asked Sanjeev.

“Actually I was contemplating over it. The next three verses sing the glory of Hanuman. While Hanuman is the mind of the body,
Shesh-nag
, the thousand headed serpent designates the cosmic mind. The devotion of Hanumanis so paramount, that even the cosmic mind is praising him. Be it the gods of death or money, saints or sages, scholars or poets, everyone is singing the glory of Hanuman. These verses are not highlighted in particular, but I believe if the Chalisa suggests the making of
sanjeevani buti
, the discoverer will be equally appreciated. There was a time when such a glory was sung for my mother and father for their hard work and discoveries.

The Divine Mind,
Brahma
, created Life in his mind. This world is His thoughts. Look around yourself, hasn’t man created an equally beautiful world? From various tools and machines to the beautiful architecture surrounding us, isn’t it the creation of a man’s mind? Is he less than
Brahma
? Where the
Rajas
, positive energy in him created beauty, the
Tamas
, negative energy in him gave birth to atrocities around him. When you train your mind towards good and make it one pointed, you ignite the goodness within it. It depends on your mind to make
sanjeevani
either as medicine or as poison.”

“Theoretically it sounds good and simple, but practically it may not be that easy. In order to proceed further I need to procure the ingredients necessary, in fact some of them are endangered species now. Even if I had them with me, titrating the exact volume of constituents may take months or even years. In the present circumstances, it’s very clear that we don’t have time. The clock is ticking even as we talk,” Sanjeev voiced his concern.

“Yes, I know, but fear of unknown is the biggest impediment for growth. The moment you think of your growth, the negative tendencies within you will tell you it’s not possible, you will fail. The thought of failure and defeat has been driving this world since a long time. However, there is a voice inside you which will prompt you to proceed. It is the
sattava
residing within you. The moment you shun your fear and decide to progress no matter what, the protective forces in the nature will guide you. When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think, “This is never going to work out,” then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight.

Everyone goes through the phase of temporary downfall, but successful are the ones who take that leap of faith. One of the most renowned peace activist of the day has said, ‘Dig beneath your feet, there you will find spring.’ I’ll tell you a story of Hanuman.

Hanuman was a notorious child. He was arrogant of his strength and speed and would often chase trouble to the sages and saints. One day he angered one of the sages so much that he cursed him to forget about his supernatural powers until someone reminds him. So when Hanuman stood there near the ocean, fearing he may fail, Jamvant reminded him of his powers. He had to use his powers for a greater cause, to fly to Lanka and find Goddess Sita. He was the only hope for Lord Ram to find his abducted wife. Imagine the courage he needed that time to overcome his fear. But he did and as a result achieved boundless success.

That is how mind overcomes its innate weaknesses and wins in the end,” Pawan motivated Sanjeev.

While they were engaged in their talk, Bhumija came with the imaging report. Her eyes were swollen, and red, however her face showed the immense courage she took to overcome her emotions.

“The MRI revealed
glioblastoma multiforme. Lakshman has left thalamic tumor,” she sobbed as she spoke.

Three months ago…..

The night was getting darker. It was that season of the year when it’s neither too hot nor too cold in Dehradun. The woolens stored in the cupboards were slowly coming out with light shawls and sleeveless sweaters being the first to peep out.

Two men met at a cheap and low standard hotel near the railway station.

“Why are we meeting here? You could have called me at some better place or even you home,” said one with indignation.

“I don’t want anyone to see us together and overhear our talks,” said the other.

“Have you got any information about her research work?” asked the first.

“Yes, I do have some very useful information. She is working on a holistic drug. I think it’s an anticancer drug, but it has CNS activity too,” said the second.

“Oh My God, it will be a major breakthrough if she does that. Such a drug will sell in billions,” said the first in amazement.

“But I’ve realized it’s a very complicated procedure. Her study on rats has shown promising results. The ethics committee and institutional review board have given approval for human trials as well,” remarked the second.

“Are you serious? So when do we steal the drug?” asked the first.

“Have some patience; we can’t steal the drug now. Let her work on the titration values and procedure, and then we will steal the drug. Once we have the formula of the drug, we can steal the ingredients and make our own drug,” said the second.

“That’s a nice plot actually. We can make the drug before her that ways. Patenting and selling will fetch us a fortune then, may be even a Noble Prize,” remarked the first with excitement.

“Yes, that’s true. But we have to be very cautious. I want that drug at any cost. Even if I have to kill her for that I’ll do,” said the second with a wicked smile.

Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha Ram milaye rajpad deenha

You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united him with Shri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne.

Tumharo mantra
Vibheeshan
mana Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana

By heeding your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka. This is known all over the Universe.

“What is the prognosis for
glioblastoma multiforme?” asked Sanjeev.

The three of them sat in a restaurant near the diagnostic center. Pawan brought both of them there so that they can talk and discuss. Bhumija sat there trying to control her emotions from overpowering her. Though she controlled her tears, her heart was aching with sorrow for her younger brother.

The street was busy outside, mostly with patients and their families who were visiting the nearby hospital. Although the winter had not regressed, the place was warm due to warm sunshine and numerous people bustling around the street.

“Prognosis is poor, without treatment up to three months and with treatment up to one to two years is the survival rate,” answered Bhumija with a heavy heart. “If the drug suggested by Bua has any anticancer potential, it has to be tested now. Else it will be too late.”

“We need to work on it,” said Sanjeev as he passed the tea to Bhumija.

“How much progresses have you made?” asked Pawan.

“We just have a list of ingredients and of course my thesis work on jasmine,” said Sanjeev.

“We need to procure the ingredients. I think there must be some work in Bua's lab as well. We can also check that.”

“I can go back to the college lab and find there. I also know some contacts which Madam gave me. Some of them helped me with my thesis. May be there are some people who can supply us the ingredients.”

“I can ask the same in my pharmacology department of the college. How soon can we start?” asked Bhumija.

“We should begin our work as soon as possible. Infact, it will be better if we divide our work so that we save time. Once we have some lead, we can meet up,” suggested Sanjeev.

“That sounds good. Sanjeev you go to your college. I’ll drop Bhumija to her college. Both of you come to my house in the
evening,” said Pawan as he paid the bill and all of them set to leave.

When Sanjeev reached the department, it was not the same. Absence of Dr Anjana was reflected clearly in the department and its workings. It didn’t seem as organized as before. Her students were the most affected. Some of them were in search of another guide who could help them. It was the other professor, Dr Kamalbali, who noticed Sanjeev.

“You’ve been away from the department for quite a while Sanjeev,” remarked Dr Kamalbali.

“Yes sir, I was completing my remaining thesis work,” Sanjeev answered.

“Remaining work?” said the professor with a devious laugh. “A similar study has been published; don’t you think you should rewrite your thesis? This time it will be under my guidance.”

Sanjeev was spellbound at his words. “How does he know about the paper?” an obvious question arose in Sanjeev’s mind.

“A new thesis will take another year to be redone. You should better leave this exam and enroll under me like other students,” Kamalbali said arrogantly.

“It was not the same research sir, only a part of it has been published. My thesis still remains an original work which I will complete during the stipulated period,” Sanjeev said.

“A month, my dear, just a month is what you have,” the professor said barbarously and left the department.

Sanjeev left for the laboratory unheeded by the remark. While he was searching for some papers and materials which would be helpful, one of the student who had been junior to him arrived.

“Oh, Sanjeev Sir, where were you? You don’t know what all happened after Madam’s death. The entire department has gone haywire,” he said.

“Are you pointing to Kamalbali Sir? He always had rivalry with Madam. He’s not as good as her,” replied Sanjeev.

“Not only that sir, there are other things that also happened. Do you remember there was a theft last month in the department when some of the materials and papers from the lab were stolen? Madam was looking into the matter and had set up an inquiry for the same. Bali sir stopped that search. He proclaimed that it was false and not worth wasting time. There was some doctor by the name Dr Vikram, who would meet him secretly. Rumor was they both were involved in the theft, so it was stopped after Madam’s death. But the worst was yet to come. He asked me to stop my research which I was pursuing under Madam, and resubmit a new synopsis for another study,” he poured out all the information to Sanjeev.

Sanjeev was astonished at the discovery that Kamalbali and Vikram knew each other, but it was clear to him that it was Kamalbali who would have leaked his doctoral work to Vikram.

“What was your study on?” he asked.

“I was studying the nausea and vomiting relieving properties of Shankh Bhasm in cancer patients,” he answered. A smile swept across Sanjeev’s face. It was one of the ingredients he was in search for.

“Oh! That’s very ruthless of him,” Sanjeev replied. “Can you give me your material and synopsis? From where did you gather your study ingredients,” he asked inquisitively.

“One of Madam’s old students helped me. He’s in Sri Lanka now. He helped me procure the material. His name is Satyavrat. He told me that once he was falsely accused for some illegal crime in his department. With Madam’s help he was able to produce evidence to prove his innocence. Ever since he’s so grateful that he’ll give any kind of help you want. I’ll give you his address and contact number.”

Sanjeev was so overwhelmed at the information that he couldn’t believe his ears. He took the information and left the department.

On the other hand Bhumija was also keen to find the ingredients which would help cure her brother’s illness. She was engulfed with two extreme emotions, love for the life of her brother and the fear of losing it. She determined that she would do anything for her brother.

She reached the pharmacology department of her college to meet the head of the department. Dr Chandrasekhar Banergee, was a renowned professor of pharmacology with numerous research papers to his credit. He had patented a number of drugs and was a visiting professor in foreign universities.

“Good afternoon Sir, I needed some help from you. Can you please help me?” the sincerity with which she spoke moved Dr Banergee and he said, “Yes sure, if it’s within my scope.”

Bhumija explained how her aunt was doing some research before her death and procurement of some important ingredients may be helpful for brother. The mere mention of Dr. Anjana took Dr Banergee by surprise.

“Are you Dr Anjana’s niece? Oh, why didn’t you tell me before? She had spoken to me many times. There are some papers on which we had done research together. In fact she had ordered some materials when she knew that I would be traveling to Tibet and Mansarovar. It will be my pleasure to hand over those to you,” he said as he moved to the large wooden cupboard placed in the corner of his room.

He brought out a large green waterproof envelope which was marked ‘private’ and placed it on the desk. From it he took out a small plastic box which had three zip lock pouches.

“Here, this is what she asked for. These are lotus seeds,” he said as he took out one pouch. “And these are extracts from turtle and tortoise shell which are used in Chinese traditional medicine. This third pouch has cinnabar concentrate.”

For a moment Bhumija was bewildered. She didn’t know whether she should cry in amazement or admiration. She held the box in her hands and sigh a small ‘Thank you’ in response.

“Well I’m not sure how you’re going to use it. But extraction of concentrates from them
is a tedious task and needs to be done in a well equipped laboratory. Mine is open to you whenever you need it,” he said.

“You don’t know Sir how grateful I am to you. I will surely come back if I’m stuck,” Bhumija said as she picked up the box and started to leave.

Bhumija came out of the college and thought of going to Pawan’s home. She prayed that Sanjeev too would have got some important clue to work on.

It was evening when she reached Pawan’s house. Cold was slowly seeping in and a blanket of mist was gradually covering the city. The house was lit by the lamps outside and the usual fireplace kept the interior warm. Bhumija stepped in and found Sanjeev and Pawan seated near the table.

“Professor Chandrasekhar was very helpful. Bua had asked for some ingredients which he gladly gave me,” she said as she placed her bag on the table and took a seat on the sofa.

“I too got some valuable information. One of my junior will give me the Shankh Bhasm which he had ordered. Moreover he has given me contact information of madam’s old student. We need to speak to him for remaining facts,” Sanjeev updated others of his progress.

“Dr Kamalbali seems to be a very strange figure. If you take a third eye perspective, the rumors appear to be true. Kamalbali and Vikram must have known each other in the past. Kamalbali would have passed the research information to him and he acted innocent in front of Ma to gather all the information. Then he published your thesis work under his name by stealing material from your lab, that too with the help of Kamalbali. Now since Kamalbali is running the department, he has stopped all investigation leading to this matter. On the other hand, Vikram came to us for help so that in future we do not suspect him for any wrong. Hmm... Smart move I must say,” contemplated Pawan.

“Actually, I’m worried for something else. If Vikram and Kamalbali have seeped in to the secrets so much, do they know of this
sanjeevani buti
research too? If they know anything, it will have arduous consequences,” remarked Sanjeev.

“You are right, I think you should immediately contact Dr Satyavrat for his help,” Bhumija said her voice shaking with panic.

Sanjeev took out his mobile phone and dialed the ISD number. However, despite calling twice no one answered the phone. “Leave a voice message,” suggested Bhumija.

“If you people have seen the booklet again, the following two verses denote the current circumstances,” observed Pawan.

“Actually I saw, but I couldn’t relate anyone to Sugriv or Vibhishan,” answered Sanjeev.

“That’s because you didn’t read in between the lines. The first one describes about the friendship of Lord Ram with Sugriv, but it happened only when Ram killed the elder brother Bali who was a shrewd ruler and had confiscated Sugriv's wife and kingdom. So it’s about defeat of Bali. Doesn’t your Dr Kamalbali fit well into the scene? His name in fact has ‘Bali’ too. The illegal happenings at the department were indirectly conveyed to us by Ma. So maybe the rumors were not the rumors, they were correct.