The Secret of the Chalisa (8 page)

“Ayurveda point of view has a different approach. The
Shankh Bhasm
is used for relieving gastritis, nausea, vomiting, and malabsorption syndrome. And since its calcium carbonate, it’s a very good calcium supplement,” added Sanjeev.

“Ok, so let’s take notes,” Bhumija took a note pad and scribbled over it the ingredient and its medicinal use.

“The conch shell has an interesting biomechanical property as well,” added Ravi. “Despite a high mineral content it’s not fragile. It has fracture toughness of two to three fold than its pure mineral counterpart due to its cross lamellar structure. In fact it’s referred to as ‘ceramic plywood’. That’s what the internet says. ” Ravi said.

“That’s an interesting theory. I’ll note it too. The next one is
Makara
, crocodile / antimony. Let me see if there’s some article on it. Oh look, there’s one here. Antimony and bismuth compounds in oncology,” Bhumija said handing the article to Sanjeev.

“It says antimony is used for treatment of Leishmaniasis. But antimony III compounds have anti-tumor activity,” Sanjeev read.

“Yes, I have read articles where antimony had been used for treatment of leukemia. Next is
kachchappa
- tortoise or turtle shell,” said Bhumija making notes. “Tortoise and turtle are very interchangeable term. The order testudine has genera turtle which have aquatic and semi-aquatic reptiles. Turtles have flatter shells while tortoise has dome shaped shells. Tortoise dwells on land while turtles are mostly aquatic. If you talk about the bio-chemical composition, its major part is calcium and collagen with small portion of keratin, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc.”

“Truly said, actually, it is a patented Chinese traditional medicine. It is has plethora of medicinal application. From convulsions to headache to back pain, it’s used to treat a multitude of diseases. Amazingly, it also has anticancer potential and is also implicated for AIDS,” added Sanjeev.

Bhumija made notes as Sanjeev contemplated over the topic.

“Interestingly though, the second avatar of Vishnu was a turtle,
Kurma
. The mythological story says that when the ocean had to be churned for
amrit
, the elixir of immortality, Vishnu took the form of turtle and balanced the mountain on his shell. The great serpent
Vasuki
, was used as a rope and the two sects, Devas and Asuras, churned the ocean. A lot of valuable things came out during the churning, precious stones, animals, gold and the like. Even poison came out which Lord Shiva drank. Due to the grace of goddess Parvati, the poison accumulated in his throat, neither did it descend down or ascended up. Henceforth, Shiva was also known as Neelkanth. Then finally a demigod appeared with pitcher of
amrit
. Inevitability a fight broke out between the Devas and the Asuras for the elixir. Finally Lord Vishnu had to intervene dressed as a female dancer,
Mohini
and save the Devas,” said Bhumija.

“Yes, I’ve heard that story from my mother many a times. I’m sure there must be a metaphysical meaning to it which Pawan Sir would have highlighted,” answered Sanjeev.

“Oh yes, you bet!” replied Bhumija. “He says that our body is a microcosm consisting of both good and bad. However, when one undergoes self-transformation, there is a churning occurring within him. The entire good and bad are equally surfaced and finally what emerges from within is pure uncontaminated intellect. Our mind is also like an ocean, full of thoughts. But when it becomes one pointed, it’s free from delusion and achieves enlightenment. If you ponder over the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, you will discover that they followed the pattern of evolution as highlighted by Darwinian evolution.
The first is
Matsya
, the fish
, second
Kurma
, the turtle, third
Varaha
, the boar
, fourth
Narasimha
, the half lion and half man, fifth
Vamana
, the dwarf, sixth
Parashurama
, the Brahmin warrior, seventh
Rama
, the devoted king, eighth
Krishna
, the deceitful cowherd, ninth
Buddha
, the sage prince and tenth
Kalki
, the saviour who is yet to come ridding on a horse.”

“What’s next in the list?” asked Sanjeev.

“
Mukunda
-Cinnabar or quick silver, and there’s an article for it too,” said Bhumija finding the journal article. Oh my God, even cinnabar has anti-tumor effect,” said Bhumija and scribbled in her notebook. “The next one is kunda-jasmine or arsenic. Wasn’t jasmine your topic of investigation? Analgesic and antidepressant effects?” asked Bhumija.

“Yes, it was. But it’s no more valid as a thesis, as the exact study is published elsewhere,” said Sanjeev with a heavy heart.

“Hmmm… Did you also test for arsenic? There’s an interesting article here on the paradox of arsenic. We know that arsenic is a carcinogen, however in low doses it acts on tumor cells and exhibits anti-tumor potential. I know the forensic implications of arsenic. Once it gets into to your body, the traces remain lifelong and are used for forensic assessment,” Bhumija said.

“I didn’t test for arsenic,” replied Sanjeev. “What’s next?”

“
Nila
- sapphire or antimony. We’ve already discussed about antimony. What’s with Sapphire?” asked Bhumija.

“This seems more like astrology to me. Maybe it’s a form of colour therapy,” Sanjeev was puzzled.

“Let’s check on the internet,” said Ravi as he took out his smartphone.

“Well, I don’t believe in astrology much, but there’s something which I surely know,” Bhumija said. “The entire human body is composed of 50-65% of water. So like any water body on earth, it too is placed under gravitational pull of the earth as well as the moon. So wearing gems helps one to balance the effect of moon on one’s body. The color of the gems is implicated in the color therapy for the body, their primary premise being that the sun light is composed of seven colors and each color has a specific therapeutic effect.”

“So, that means in order to absorb a particular wavelength of color, I need to wear a certain gemstone, “asked Ravi.

“That’s what I feel. However, astrology has a completely different approach. In fact the study of gems is called as Gemology as it deals with extraction, evaluation, purification of gemstones,” answered Bhumija. “Astrology believes in strengthening astral planets with gemstones. The mythological legend says that once
the king of the demons Bali came to the
Indralok
-the Heaven. He wanted to win over the Heaven and all the Gods. In Heaven, he was escorted by Indra himself under the guise of a Brahmin seeking to find an animal for propitiation. Indra pleaded with Bali to become animal for the sacrifice as he was not getting anyone. It was getting late and his
yagna
would be rendered fruitless. Bali accepted it knowing that his body was invincible. This was known to Indra as well and he did not hurt the body of demon king but hit his head with
Vajra
. The demon king was shattered in to pieces of gems simply because he was a unique creature himself.”

“Interesting theories!” exclaimed Ravi. “Going on the lines of Pawan Sir, I believe he would interpret king Bali as the mind and the gems as its innovative capacities. I’ve got some related material on internet. It says that Sapphire is a wisdom stone.
It releases mental tension, depression, unwanted thoughts and spiritual confusion. Sapphire restores balance within the body, aligning the physical, mental and spiritual planes, bringing serenity and peace of mind. It stimulates concentration, brings lightness, joy and peace of mind. It is suitable for treating blood disorders and cellular abnormalities.”

“Ok, I’ll make a note,” said Bhumija. “Next on list is
Kharva
- earthen cup or vessel.”

“In olden times food was cooked and stored in earthen pots, until they were taken over by metal and plastics. Storing and cooking in clay makes the food alkaline which helps in neutralizing acidity of the body. It would thus relieve gastric pain and discomfort,” suggested Sanjeev.

“Other than these nine ingredients, there are eight virtues as well. They 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. We need to figure out what that means,” said Bhumija.

“Since we’ve been discussing so much on the power of the mind, I believe this also designates the power of a concentrated mind. If we ponder over these virtues again adding the word mind or thought before it, it will sound complete,” said Sanjeev.

“Actually, what you said makes sense,” said Bhumija as she read the entire statement again. “That brings me to a very important hypothesis. Are the ingredients mentioned used to treat a nervous system disorder?” asked Bhumija.

“On the contrary, the ingredients have anticancer property in common. And as you said that if they hint towards a nervous system disorder, it could very well be a brain cancer,” suggested Sanjeev with goose bumps in his hand.

It is a case report of a young patient who was treated for posttraumatic stress disorder, who developed depression and psychiatric symptoms. Brain imaging revealed a thalamic tumor,” Bhumija said further reading the document.

“Hey, have you both seen this verse of Chalisa in the booklet?” Ravi said pointing to the booklet. “This one says:
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye
Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye. Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai
.”

Bhumija took the booklet in her hands as she continued reading the article. The frown on her forehead gave a serious look and she seemed lost in her bewildered thoughts. Just then the door bell rang and Ravi went to open the door.

It was close to day break and Pawan had returned after dropping Vikram to his home in Mussoorie. It was still dark and cold outside, however the room was warm with the burning fireplace.

“I left him at his home and gave a warning that one more notorious act from him will put him behind the bars,” said Pawan as he kept the car keys and sat on the sofa.

“Pawan bhaiya!” Bhumija screamed with tears in her eyes. Everyone was astounded by Bhumija's reaction. She cried in horror and came running to Pawan who took her in his arms. Before he could say anything, Bhumija muttered with a sore throat, “Bhaiya, Lakshman has brain cancer,” the love for her sibling took over her strength and she broke out in a bewailing cry.

Sahas badan tumharo yash gave Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave

Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns of your glories; saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him (Shri Hanuman).

Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa

When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord Brahma, the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and Ahish
a(
one of immeasurable dimensions).

Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te

Yamraj (God of Death) Kuber (God of Wealth) and the Digpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe) have been vying with one another in offering homage to your glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expression of your super excellence?

The frail sunlight was breaking the winter dawn, with its gentle warmth penetrating the thick veil of fog all around. It was still cold and the fauna was wet with the misty dew.

“What happened dear? Why are you crying?” asked Pawan. He made her sit on the sofa next to him and gave her a glass of water. He gave an inquisitive look to Sanjeev.

“We were trying to decipher a verse from the Chalisa which was placed in the brown folder. It had ingredients suggestive of an anticancer medication and an article about brain tumor which can present itself as posttraumatic stress disorder. Simultaneously, there was a verse in Chalisa, which highlighted the word ‘Lakhan',” Sanjeev answered in a low voice.

“Stop crying dear. Gather yourself and tell me what your inference is,” Pawan asked.

“The article clearly stated how posttraumatic stress was the presenting symptoms of thalamic tumor. The ingredients mentioned were clearly indicating towards an anticancer drug. What more, the chalisa verse highlighted the name ‘Lakhan'. I’m scared bhaiya, I want to take Lakshman immediately for a brain scan,” wept Bhumija.

“That’s OK, just relax. It’s just an interpretation you drew from the text material you had. I might not be true. So don’t get scared,” consoled Pawan. “It’s going to be morning soon. Go home and take rest today. We will think what to do.”

“No, I can’t take chances. I have to be quick,” Bhumija began to panic.

“Please, don’t stress yourself. I’ll help you as much as I can,” said Sanjeev gathering all his empathy for her.

“Ok, go home and bring Lakshman to the diagnostic Centre, we will meet you there,” said Pawan. “Come, I’ll drop you home.”

“No I’ll go on my own. I don’t want papa to discover that I was here at night,” said Bhumija has she collected her things and bike keys.

Two hours later, Pawan reached the diagnostic center with Sanjeev as Ravi had gone back to work. Bhumija was there doing the initial formalities at the reception counter.

She had changed into a black and white salwar kameez and sweater and her eyes were red and swollen. It seemed she had not stopped crying.

“Where’s Lakshman?” asked Pawan.

“He is inside the imaging room. Mummy has come too. I told her we came for routine evaluation. The head of the department of Radiology is here for consultation. So I asked him to review my brother’s case,” said Bhumija.

“Did you inform Mamiji?” asked Pawan.

“No, I didn’t tell them anything. They don’t even know if you are here.”

“OK, we will sit in the visitor section then.”

“Yes, please wait for me. Once the imaging
is done I’ll send mummy and Lakshman home and wait for the report,” replied Bhumija and left towards the investigation room.

“Why don’t you tell me what happened? Look at your eyes, were you crying? And why are you not eating anything since morning?” Kesari loaded Bhumija with questions.

“Nothing has happened. This is just a routine examination. I had ICU duty so couldn’t sleep the whole night. Once the imaging is done, you leave with Lakshman for home. I’ll collect the reports and come later,” Bhumija told.

It took another hour for the procedure. Bhumija’s heart was palpating like a galloping horse. The fear of losing her baby brother was tearing her apart. Her mind was getting deluded with negative thoughts which seem to cloud her rational decision making capacity. An hour appeared like an year to her and in a short span of time her mind had weaved countless thoughts of the future. Soon she was lost in the memories of her childhood.

It was a bright morning which brought with it new hope for life. Bhumija had come to Anjana’s house with her mother. She rang the door bell, when Pawan answered it.

“Ma, Mamiji has come,” Pawan said in a loud voice.

Anjana was praying in the house when Bhumija joined with her mother, early in the morning. The house reverberated with Hanuman Chalisa in her beautiful sweet voice. The jasmine fragrance spread across the prayer room from the incense sticks. Pawan held in his hand a bell which he rang in rhythm to match the song of the Chalisa. Suresh stood there with folded hands and tried to match his voice with the hymn and the bell. The entire house was filled with the aura of divinity and sanctity. It was a Sunday, but still the house was bustling with activity. Everyone joined the daily prayers and came out to the living room after it ended.

Anjana came with
prasad
to the living room which she offered to Bhumija first.

“Bua, I love your handmade
prasad
,” she said as she picked up
laddus
in both hands.

“Namaste Didi. I thought I’ll drop by for some time,” Kesari greeted Anjana.

“It’s very nice of you, Kesari. I’m happy you brought Bhumija along,” Anjana said. “Take a seat and have breakfast with us.”

“I’ll help you in kitchen Didi,” Kesari said as she followed Anjana to the kitchen. “It’s been one month since Jijaji expired, but you have overcome the situation so well. Looking after two children alone, working and managing the house, I wish I could be half as strong as you.”

“I had to become strong Kesari, to look after my children. I had to be strong to carry out Raghav's research. I had to be strong, so that I don’t drown in my own tears. This world is not a place for the weak. It’s always the survival of the fittest. I cannot shatter the dreams of my husband and the future of my children,” Anjana said in her firm voice.

“I admire you Didi. Are you continuing with the research work which Jijaji left?”

“Oh yes, I will definitely complete his work. I will do whatever it takes to enhance his work. He wanted to make a holistic medicine; I am doing an extensive research on that. In fact I have made some progress, but it’s a long way to go. Once I finish my study on rats, I need some human volunteers. The Dean of the university is very helpful. I hope he will help me in future too. But I’m worried for Pawan. He has suddenly become too big for his age. He has started taking private tuitions and yoga classes and is learning wrestling. He doesn’t want to pursue further studies. Whenever I tell him, he says he wants to be strong to protect me and Suresh. Now we both want to work so that Suresh can study in a good college.”

“Pawan is a very responsible boy, Didi. If he has made up his mind he will not change. I’ve seen he’s very protective for Bhumija also. Probably he feels it’s his liability to look after the ladies of the house. Suresh is a very bright child. He will definitely make you proud one day. I feel both the boys are doing their best and will bring laurels to their parents. You can be rest assure for that,” Kesari comforted Anjana. “But today I’ve come for Bhumija. She is unable to come out of the guilt. She feels she is the reason for Jijaji's death. Please talk to her. Only you can bring her out of her sorrow,” Kesari remarked.

“Don’t worry I will talk to her,” Anjana said as they both brought the breakfast out on the dining table.

“So, Bhumija how are you? Did you buy a new pet?” asked Anjana.

“No, I didn’t. What if I kill him too?” she said innocently.

“You won’t kill. You are a very nice girl,” said Pawan. “Come let’s hunt for a puppy today.”

“Pawan is right, you should buy a puppy,” asserted Anjana.

“Yes, and I will make an electronic collar for him,” added Suresh.

“Are you angry with me?” Bhumija spoke hesitantly.

“No dear, not at all,” Anjana said as she got up from her chair and cuddled her.

“We all love you. Pawan and Suresh will take care of you whenever you need help. We are all one family, so don’t feel guilty,” Anjana consoled. “You will become a fine doctor one day. You are so gentle and kind. You feel guilty when you care for people and that’s the best quality of a doctor. We are all here to help you, and remember whenever you need someone, Lord Hanuman will always be there,” she said as she took out the silver chain around her neck with a glistening silver pendant of Lord Hanuman. “Wear this always, He will always guide you. He is immortal, so whenever you call him with sincerity, He will surely come.”

Bhumija’s face was lit up with a smile.

“Then can I pluck mangoes from your tree?” she said beaming with happiness.

“Of course darling, go with Pawan and Suresh,” Anjana said as the children left for the garden. The two ladies stood there in the house watching the children play together.

“This family is my strength, Lord. Keep us together always. Guide us and always let your divine grace shine upon us,” Anjana said a silent prayer in her mind.

Bhumija watched Anjana as she left for the garden. She saw her beautiful smiling face and a voice which said to her, “Don’t worry dear. Everything will be all right.”

It was as if yesterday and the same voice reverberated in her ears again, ““Don’t worry dear. Everything will be all right.”

Bhumija wiped a small tear drop which filed the corner of her eyes.

On the other hand Pawan and Sanjeev sat in the reception area, both equally tensed.

“Give me the booklet, it will help me relieve my anxiety,” Pawan asked. As Sanjeev handed over the Chalisa booklet to him, Pawan opened the first page and started reciting in his mind. Sanjeev stared at Pawan as he read the booklet. In an instant the expression changed from anxiety to peacefulness. Here was a man who practiced what he preached. He had learnt to control his emotions, prevent the mind from being clouded by passivity and transform despair into hope.

“How did you do it?” Sanjeev asked perplexed.

“What?” Pawan asked with a faint smile.

“How did you gain your composure so soon? In just a night the world has gone topsy-turvy, but you’ve maintained the peace of your mind.”