The Secret of the Chalisa (6 page)

“You shouldn’t scream at everyone who comes to our home and asks for Anjana Didi,” Kesari said to Pratap after Sanjeev had left the house.

“I don’t like those people who come to my home asking about my sister. I feel as if they are accusing me for her death,” replied Pratap.

“But he was just asking for some help,” argued Kesari.

“Enough Kesari, don’t start your petty fights again with me. I don’t like anyone interfering in my work,” Pratap said rudely and walked off the living room.

Kesari sat there on the sofa feeling angry and sorry for herself.

“Bibiji, do you want tea?” her maid asked.

“Yes, bring me a cup,” answered Kesari as she sat there with glimpses of the past flashing in front of her eyes.

It was a warm summer morning. Under the surveillance of two young boys, two small kids were playing near the gigantic Kempty falls with somersaults of streams before it hit the bottom at 40 feet. The milky cool water was a perfect play for the kids in the summer heat. They were giggling, splashing water and running across the shallow water at the shore. The parents however were sitting by the shore and having cool beverages and snacks.

“Kesari, how are your kids getting along?” asked Anjana.

“Didi, you know how tough it was for me. When seven years after the marriage we didn’t have any child, I convinced Pratap to adopt a baby girl. He was so much against it, but when we adopted Sarita from one of my far off relatives, our life was filled with happiness. The motherhood within me was born and I felt I got everything in my life. She instilled so much joy in my life that I was able to conceive and that too blessed with two more kids. Bhumija and Lakshman are my own kids but my love for Sarita was incomparable,” said Kesari.

“I know I’ve been witness to all that you said. When Pawan and Suresh were born, I deeply felt that you should have a child too. It was a good gesture to adopt her,” said Anjana.

“However, it was very painful for me to lose her. I never knew her pneumonia would progress so much that she will leave us. Didi, there’s such a big void in my heart which I can never refill,” Kesari said with tears welling up in her eyes.

Anjana placed her soothing hand on Kesari's shoulder, “I know it’s very tough but it’s time that you should come out of your guilt. It was not in your hands, you did what a responsible mother should do”.

“Bhumija has been shattered since then. She feels that healing Sarita was her responsibility, since she was looking after her too. At this tender age of seven, she’s deeply hurt. I’ve seen her becoming over possessive for Lakshman.”

“Send her to my home, I’ll speak with her,” Anjana suggested.

“How about your life, Didi? How’s your work going on and how’s Jijaji? I heard he’s doing some valuable research,” Kesari asked changing the topic.

“Everything is going fine. I was married at an early age, but because of Raghav I was able pursue my dreams. He helped me continue my studies and get a post graduate degree in Ayurveda. I’m also doing my PhD. He is a very hardworking man. He is currently working on an anticancer drug and these days he’s very busy with it. Everyday he keeps running behind the authorities to convince him about his project. I try to help him as much as possible. We have opened a laboratory in our home and are trying to see the effect of drug on gnotobiotic rats. The results are very promising. I just hope he succeeds in his endeavor,” Anjana said.

“Is it Didi? Will he discover a cure for all types of cancer?” Kesari was amazed.

“No, not all, but certain variety, especially brain cancers,” answered Anjana.

“Oh that will be such a noble work for the society, how did you get the idea?”

“It was all Raghav's brain work. He wants to make a drug which has anticancer potential and also cures the side effects of the other constituents of the drug. So he is researching on small molecules separately and then combining them to make one drug,” Anjana explained.

“How different you are from your brother. You are so generous and kind. Please teach something to Pratap also. Sometimes I feel he’s not even true to his work as a builder. Now he wants to go into politics also. I’m worried for him. See even today he didn’t come for a family picnic with us. Just sent the car with a driver,” Kesari expressed her concern.

“Pratap Dada was always a different person. Do you know in childhood he confiscated all my toys and I was allowed to play only with few of them that too as he wished. He always told me that girls don’t have any right in their parent’s house. He told me that once I’m married everything that I have will become his by default,” Anjana said laughing.

“Yes, I try to ignore sometimes. How are your boys doing?”

“They are good. Pawan is still thinking about his future education. He wants to continue with Yoga and his wrestling. Suresh is mesmerized with electronics. Every day he breaks and makes new gadgets. Just recently he made a box which opens when you clap twice and closes when you clap once. I just wish both of them find their own path in life.”

“I know it’s a great feeling for a mother. When I see my five year old Lakshman play with colors and brushes, I wish he becomes a great painter. But, Bhumija is a very sensitive one. She has such a pure and soft heart, that she can’t see anyone hurt. Be it animals or humans, her care for both is the same. After that incident she has become responsible in taking care of Lakshman. Sometimes I feel she’s better than me in looking after Lakshman. However, at times she is very mischievous.”

Just then the two young boys came for snacks. “Ma we want some cool drinks too,” said Pawan.

“Take it from the shop Pawan. Take one for Suresh also,” said Anjana. “Where are Bhumija and Lakshman? I told you to look after Bhumija,” asked Anjana.

“I was with her, Ma. She was climbing the cliff to reach the top of the waterfall. So Papa went behind her,” Pawan told.

“Oh my God, where is this mischief maker going?” cried Kesari sounding concerned. She got up from her chair and started looking for Bhumija.

“Don’t worry Kesari, Raghav is with her. He’ll see to it that she’s safe,” Anjana assured.

“Mummy!” Bhumija was happily screaming from the top of the waterfall as if she had climbed Mount Everest. Raghav was there behind her trying to pull her back.

“Come down you mischievous devil,” shouted Kesari.

Bhumija suddenly looked scared and tried to retreat her steps, however the slippery ground took a toll on her. She fell down and was about to fall, when Raghav clasped her hands tightly and pulled her back. Everyone was aghast at the sight. Raghav moved ahead to hold Bhumija tightly and bring her to a safe spot. In doing so, however he came dangerously close to the edge of the cliff. Though he pushed Bhumija away from the waterfall, he lost his balance and fell off the waterfall, towards the rocky bottom.

“Raghav,” Anjana shrieked.

“Papa!” Pawan and Suresh shouted.

Some lay people plunged into the waters for help and tried their best to bring Raghav out. He was unconscious, his breath had stopped and blood was trickling out from his occiput. Anjana and the family rushed towards him. Pawan saw the lonely and terror struck Bhumija on the cliff; he climbed up to bring her down.

“Raghav! Get up Raghav,” Anjana screamed as she held for his pulse. Kesari was yelling for help, calling her driver to get the car immediately.

But, the pulse was gone. In an instant Anjana knew that Raghav had left for his heavenly abode. She closed her eyes tightly and a stream of silent tears flowed down.

A woman became a widower and two children lost their father forever.

Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava

You appeared before Sita in a Diminutive form and spoke to her in humility. You assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.

Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare

With overwhelming might you destroyed the Asuras (demons) and performed all tasks assigned to you by Shri Ram with great skill.

That cold winter evening had peculiar warmth in it. A frail veil of fog was slowly covering the city in its caress, but Pawan’s house was cozy with the burning fireplace. There was an aura of fervency embracing the inmates within it. Hot tea was laid on the table and the sandalwood essence after the evening prayer filled the room with blissful scent. The trio was eagerly waiting for Bhumija, who had promised to bring the idol of goddess Sita with her.

“If Mamaji gets a hint that she’s coming here, he’ll ground her for sure,” remarked Pawan.

“Oh, is it?” asked Ravi. “That idol is an important lead for us so far.”

“I can’t believe how meticulously Ma gave the statue to her. Bhumija is another name of goddess Sita, so it suits her to be the owner of such an idol,” said Pawan.

While they were busy analyzing the situation, Sanjeev was lost in his candid thoughts. His heartbeat was learning to beat in this newly found rhythm. The usual lub-dub-pause was music to his ears and he would discover that he would be smiling at himself. As opposed to the young and handsome god of love, Kaamdev, who was brawny, athletic, well built adult with lusty eyes, Cupid was a naked infant with wings and eyes blindfolded. However, Sanjeev didn’t mind either of them piercing him with their flower laden sinewy arrows. He just wanted to make sure that he doesn’t make a fool of himself in front of Bhumija.

The chain of thoughts was broken by the ringing of the doorbell. Pawan opened the door to welcome his cousin. “Namaste bhaiya, nice to see you after a long time,” said Bhumija. She had changed into a yellow palazzo and blue short kurta and a matching blue pullover without the white coat and stethoscope garlanding around her shoulders. To Sanjeev she still looked ethereal.

“Come in dear, I’m happy to see you here. How did you manage to escape your Father’s spying eyes?” asked Pawan.

“Oh, when I went home to pick up the idol, I told mummy that I had casualty posting today, so will be in the hospital tonight. But see I sneaked in here,” she said giggling and winking her eye.

“So, it means it’s a cousin night out today,” said Pawan jokingly. For the first time Sanjeev saw him laughing with genuine happiness. “Let’s order our usual dinner, McDonald’s burger and Domino’s pizza with Coke. What do say Sanjeev?” he asked.

While Bhumija was nodding in affirmation, Sanjeev was startled by the sudden question. He somehow blurted, “Yes, Ravi and I like that too.”

“OK, I’ll place orders. By the time it comes we can talk. You know Sanjeev, when Ma was there we use to have such overnight stays, with Ma, Bhumija, Lakshman and me. We played monopoly, listened to stories, discussed philosophy, mythology, and medicine. In short, we had fun. You will soon see a glimpse of it,” Pawan’s voice was filled with enthusiasm.

“So where’s the wooden box and booklet?” Bhumija asked Sanjeev who was so lost in unconsciously staring at her that he had to be punched by Ravi to come back to senses.

“Oh yes, the relics, I have them with me,” he said reaching for his backpack.

“Please bring the brown folder also which I gave you,” added Bhumija.

All of them gathered around the table which became a display of the valuables. Pawan took a comfort corner on the couch where Ravi joined him. Sanjeev and Bhumija preferred to sit on the carpeted floor near to the relics.

Bhumija took out the idol of goddess Sita from her tote and placed it on the table. “This is the idol which Bua gave me,” she remarked.

The idol was a beautifully sculptured statue of the goddess, dressed in a yellow and saffron saree. It was adorned with accessories of intricately crafted flowers. The face of the idol reflected the most calm and serene look which any woman can display. It emitted rippling waves of love and congeniality that brought instant pacification to its onlookers. With one hand raised so as to depict blessings, it was the most appeasing image of a woman. Everyone was awe struck at the statue.

“Sumati has indeed done a good job. I’ve never seen such an elegant statue,” reflected Pawan holding the statue in his hands which just fitted in his palms.

“Yes, it is. Was Bajrangi talking about this statue only when he said I’ve broken the box?” said Sanjeev.

“Hmmm, that’s what I’m thinking now. The wooden box does have indentations. In fact they look like mirror image of the ones on the statue’s feet,”

Pawan was right, the feet of the idol had peculiar indentations on the underside which appeared like an intricate lock and key mechanism.

“Let me see too,” said Bhumija taking the idol in her hand. She palpated the idol and the vault simultaneously, and tried to place the statue on the right side of the box. What happened next left everyone aghast.

The statue was pulled close to the box by a magnetic force and with a thud it sealed to it. There was after sound of a clank and a thump and it closed as if it was never separated.

“Oh!” exclaimed Sanjeev. “Oh my God,” cried Bhumija.

Ravi was amused by the complex mechanics. He tried to separate the statue again but it would not yield.

“Don’t use force the vault will disintegrate. Remember the caution mentioned beneath it,” proclaimed Pawan.

They all sat amazed staring at the vault which now had an idol over it. Their silence was interrupted by the door bell.

“I’ll see,” said Pawan. He collected the food from the delivery man and came in to collect his wallet.

“Bhumija check the parcel,” he said.

“Bhaiya, you ordered for Coke he didn’t bring that,” she said.

“You forgot to bring the Coke we ordered,” he stated.

“Sorry sir, I’ll bring it ASAP,” the boy said and left.

“With your lifestyle, no one would believe that you eat junk too,” Bhumija winked at Pawan.

“Oh come on Miss Doctor, once in a while it’s OK. Especially if it’s fun with cousins,” he remarked with a naughty smile.

“This vault is becoming increasingly interesting,” said Bhumija.

“I agree,” said Pawan. “I wish Suresh was here too, but yesterday he left for a work trip. He will be out of station for a couple of days,” added Pawan. “I just remembered I have a similar crafted idol of Lord Ram in the prayer room. That was also crafted by Sumati. Let’s try if it fits,” Pawan said and went to bring the idol.

He returned with a similar looking idol, which was, however bigger in size.

“Let’s try this,” he said.

He tried placing it over the wooden box, but it did not fit. There were no indentations on the feet and the statue appeared too big for the box.

“I don’t think it belongs here,” said Bhumija. “We will have to search for it. Bhaiya tell us the story of Sita which Bua and you use to discuss,” she said.

“Yes, I want to listen too. My mind is clouded with this recent development,” added Sanjeev.

“Ok! Goddess Sita is an embodiment of pure intellect and loyalty. Her role in Ramayana is of an obedient daughter, a caring sister, a loyal wife, a loving daughter-in-law and a perfect mother. She is described as an ideal woman, one who’s always looked up to and is an example for others on path to righteousness.

But that however, is the story part. If you ponder over the esoteric meaning of it you will discover a new Sita. She is the
kundalini shakti
, the serpent power, within your body. The entire life is the journey of this power from the lowest chakra to the highest. She arises from the
muladhar
chakra and ascends upwards. She was born from the furrow in the earth created by a plough. That’s why she was named Sita.

The story of Lord Ram breaking God Shiva's bow to marry Sita, symbolizes how the body breaks the delusions of life to unite with the soul. They were exiled almost soon after marriage for fourteen years. The exile of fourteen years symbolizes the time needed to activate each chakra. The austerities of the exile, the perplexities of forest life were essential for
kundalini
to rise from the lowest chakra to the highest chakra. In fact if you see empirically, one who undergoes toughest of tribulations and failures in life is ultimately the most successful. The story of all great scientists is a testimonial to this fact. Be it Newton, Einstein or Rabindra Nath Tagore, they all could succeed because they knew what failure was.

When Ravana abducted Sita, it depicted the workings of ego and the deluded mind. To unite the soul with the body, two things were helpful. Lakshman is the one-pointed consciousness and Hanuman is the power of the mind. They helped Ram defeat Ravana in a fierce battle.

Everyday there is a battlefield within us, a constant struggle between ego and self. The ones who are ruled by concentration and will power of the mind can unite with the soul and emerge victorious. Those who fall into the trap of delusion are defeated.”

“So there is a Ramayana going on within us every moment of our lives!” exclaimed Sanjeev.

“Yes, the essence is what you chose to be at that very moment, Ram or Ravana. The moment you desire to be Ram, the entire positive forces of nature, your one pointed consciousness and your powerful mind will lead you to your success. The decision is yours, if you let your ego win, you actually lose.”

Pawan’s explanation took everyone by the awe.

“How can you relate this to this verse of Hanuman Chalisa:

Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava

Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare

What does this mean?” asked Sanjeev.

“Sukshma roop is the power of the will and vikat roop is the unimaginable gigantic form it can take. It signifies the energy of your mind. The seed of will power may be small today but when the time arises, it can assume enormous form and burn every obstacle like Lanka. Bheem-roop is the manifestation of
kriya shakti
, or the mystic energy that can transform the impurities of the mind—lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride and jealousy into righteousness.

So it basically means how your mind can assume different forms in different situations. Once you know how to control your mind, you can burn down any delusion, just like Hanuman burned down Lanka.”

“Madam has given this Chalisa, probably to focus my attention on the mind and the heart. But medically I’m unable to find what it is,” stated Sanjeev.

“Well if you want medical opinion, then the mind and the heart are quite connected to each other. Physiologically speaking, our mind is actually our hypothalamus. It is the seat which controls all emotions and handles all the stress. The trigger to secrete Vasopressin arises from the chemoreceptors located in the carotid body and the aortic arch. Vasopressin, as you know controls the kidney functions.

And if we look at the mind per se, then the important part is substantia nigra of mid brain which secretes dopamine. It is a neurotransmitter and a vasodilator. Several neurodisorders are related to dopamine dysfunction,” added Bhumija.

“Yes, true. In Ayurveda, dopamine is found in
Mucuna
(
Mucuna pruriens
) used to treat Parkinson’s disease. However, it is also an aphrodisiac,”Sanjeev chuckled.

“You are going off track,” Bhumija said with stern eyes. “Important here is to focus what is the connection between mind and heart and what has Bua left behind for us to decipher. Can you hand over that brown folder to me which I gave you in the morning?” asked Bhumija. “Bhaiya I want you to see this paper which has a verse of Hanuman Chalisa and some ingredients mentioned,” Bhumija said handing over the paper to Pawan.

Pawan just held the paper to read when the door bell rang. “It must be the delivery boy, I’ll check,” said Pawan and left to open the door.

“Who are you?” Pawan asked as he opened the door. Everyone stared at the door as Pawan remarked. It was too late for any unknown person to knock the door. “Wait, I think I’ve seen you somewhere?” Pawan tried to recollect.

On the door stood a tall dark man in his mid-thirties dressed in trouser, shirt and a long coat. His face had an expression of anxiety and he repeatedly looked behind his back as if trying to trace somebody. He looked tensed and suspicious and was wriggling with his palms and fingers in terror.

“Please let me in. I’m Dr. Vikram and I have important information for Dr. Sanjeev regarding Dr Anjana,” he said catching his breath.