Conjurer & The Sacred Lemons

by Prakash

  Doctor Edgar then prescribed at least 6-7 tablets for morning and night. He explained to Ursula how and when to give these tablets.

  Both Patrick and Ursula looked relieved after listening to Dr.Edgar. Ursula left for the house while Patrick rushed to the factory to complete half days work.

  Ursula and her mother had lot of discussion in the afternoon regarding what Doctor Edgar advised and his analysis. Children came from the school at 4 pm and immediately insisted on Grandma on playing the card game. Patrick returned home somewhat late in the evening.

  The medication was started by Patrick from the same day. As these were psychotropic pills Patrick experienced drowsiness and went to the sleep early. Next 3-4 days the medication was working fine. Patrick had a good night sleep and in the morning he looked fresh and energetic. Ursula was happy to see the progress Patrick was making.

  This weekend also William’s went for a small sightseeing in New Orleans. This time Ursula selected New Orleans Botanical garden. Children as usual enjoyed playing in the garden. On Sunday this time also they all went to hill point church and attended the mass.

  On Sunday late night while he was in deep sleep, Patrick experienced that someone is trying to move their bed. As he was under the psychotropic drugs, the fear or frightening was not experienced by him but somehow he woke up and put on the lights. Hearing the noise Ursula also woke up.

  “What happened honey …” Ursula asked.

  “Ursula see someone had moved our bed to this side” Patrick pointed to somewhat changed position of the bed.

  “Dear, it may be due to your restless movements “Ursula tried to calm him down

  “No Ursula. I thought someone tried first to remove the blanket from me and then I experienced bed being moved to one side “Patrick was firm on what he experienced.

  “Dear I was with you ...I should also have felt the same ...right? “ Ursula asked the counter question.

  “I am not sure. But that is what I experienced” Patrick replied.

  “Honey ...It may be a dream .Remember what Dr.Edgar had said “Ursula again tried to remove the fear.

  “Ok...” Patrick was again feeling sleepy due to the drugs.

  The rest of the night was peaceful.

  Monday was a new moon day. After the dinner Ursula and Patrick were watching their favorite TV show while relaxing on the couch. His mother in law was also watching the show along with them.

  Suddenly Patrick felt that someone is trying to pull him from the couch. He tried resisting. Ursula noticed something is happening and she tried to hold Patrick’s hand but the force was much higher and Patrick was literally thrown from the couch to the carpet. Ursula couldn’t believe her eyes. She tried to stop by holding his hand but she also experienced a great pull.

  Ursula rushed towards Patrick. He was still on the carpet lying helplessly.

  “Did you get hurt Honey? “Ursula asked worriedly.

  “No, I am ok. Just some pain in the back as I hit the carpet with a force “Patrick replied.

  Patrick’s mother in law was looking at this scene in disbelief .This particular incidence had happened in front of both of them. However they were unable to understand how the incidence had happened. They did not see anyone, neither had they heard any noise. Only Ursula noticed Patrick making some strange movements on the couch when she tried to hold his hand.

  Patrick stood up and again carefully looked around to see whether something or someone is nearby. But everything in the living room was at the place.

  “Patrick, have you slipped from the couch “Ursula asked.

  “Not sure but I experienced some pull “Patrick replied.

  Ursula did not comment on this. She also had experienced that pull as she tried to hold his hand.

  They did not discuss the matter further. Patrick took his pills and went asleep. Ursula was by his side and awake for an hour or so thinking what was the reasons for such incidences and why they were happening only to Patrick.

  After Patrick left for the factory and kid for their school, Ursula and her mother had their lunch.

  “Ursula I was surprised by what had happened yesterday “Ursula’s mother said.

  “Yeh. Mother .I am worried. Now nothing is working” Ursula replied.

  “I could see Patrick being pulled and thrown at the carpet “Ursula’s mother told her.

  “Mom Dr.Edgar says such incidences are not uncommon and they are due to loss of body and mind synchronization “Ursula replied.

  “Ursula, I suggest we meet the father in the church “Ursula’s mother suggested.

  “Mom how that will help Patrick and also I had some other suspicion “Ursula told her mother.

  Ursula then narrated about Rag Peter , the old homeless and jobless old who lives in the neighborhood and keeps on loitering here and there.`

  “But Ursula, how could that old fellow do all these things and why to Patrick?” mother asked.

  “I do not know but I am sharing my suspicion “Ursula replied.

  “Ever since I had seen him from the day we moved here… I was feeling that this old fellow is not a good one “Ursula continued.

  ‘You know …his looks… his loitering around in the neighborhood…staying in the abandoned house ...”

  “Somehow I feel this old fellow is indulged in something which people here are not aware of. “ Ursula continued. Her mother was listening but did not give any response.

  “Do you mean he does some witch or magic?” Ursula’s mother enquired.

  “Frankly I do not know. But whenever I look at him somehow I feel uneasy” Ursula replied.

  “But question still remains. Why the hell he should do this to Patrick?” Ursula’s mother asked

  : May be we are newcomers. That too from outside. He may not have liked us joining this neighborhood “Ursula tried to reason out

  “Difficult to guess, but if you have suspicion, let us check that angle also” Ursula’s mother tried to be with her daughter though she was not convinced.

  However diverting the subject again to the divine help Ursula’s mother continued on her own line of thoughts... to seek help of the church.

  “Listen Ursula certain things are behind normal human beings like us. Church & Pastors could understand and interpret abnormal things based on the accumulated knowledge and their religious nature “Mom tried to convince her.

  “Mom, if that is going to help Patrick, I do not have a problem consulting the father but let me also track this old folk simulatously“Ursula replied.

  Both of them immediately started for the church as they wanted to return back before children retuned from the school.

  “Good afternoon Father Agnel “Ursula’s mother offered her greetings.

  “Good afternoon to both of you “Father Agnel greeted both of them.

  “Tell me Mom and my daughter, what is the problem?” Father Agnel asked.

  “Father my husband is experiencing some abnormal things in last 5 weeks. We have consulted doctors and taken medicines but nothing seems to be working “Ursula was literally in tears.

  “Tell me in detail daughter “Father requested.

  Ursula described the whole story right from their shifting from Jersey to Mandeville and various experiences Patrick had in the last 5 weeks. Father Angel was listening carefully.

  “What did the doctor suggest” Father asked Ursula.

  “Doctor diagnosed it as a psychosomatic issue and prescribed some medicines. 3-4 days medicines did work but yesterday night again Patrick experienced someone pulling him out of the couch and throwing him on the carpet “Ursula was literally crying now.

  “Dear Daughter. Have courage. We sinners have to undergo some agonies in life. It is part and parcel of being human “Father Agnel tried to pacify Ursula.

  “Father Ursula and I had witnessed this incidence. Till now earlier incidences happened to Patrick but not in front of Ursula. So she always assumed that Patrick had either a nightmare or it was just hallucinat
ion” Ursula’s mother told clearly indicating that something abnormal is involved.

  “Mom, the universe has lot of negative energy. Sometimes these negative forces become strong and create problems for us “Father Agnel said.

  “Father Do you mean that it is related to something like Ghost or Haunting “Ursula’s mother asked.

  “Mam, these are formless creatures. You can call them by any name. These ill and sinful energies are capable of demonstrating their existence and create problem for some of us “Father Agnel replied.

  “Father is there a remedy to get over these so called ill and sinful energies “Ursula asked impatiently.

  “Yes daughter. Our Lord in the sky. He is the supreme. He is omnipotent. He helps those who are trouble “Father Agnel said confidently.

  Father Agnel promised them that he would come to their house next day afternoon and then decide what could be done to decapitate those sinful spells.

  Ursula and her mother retuned home before Children returned from the school.

  In the evening Ursula spoke to Patrick about their visit to the church and their discussion with the father. Patrick listened silently. He did not approve or oppose. He himself was going through trouble and limitless emotions. If Father could help him in getting alright he was not opposed to the idea.

  That night also Patrick experienced another episode. Initially he heard some abnormal sound like that on owl which was growing slowly. Patrick did not wake up. He was just lying on the bed. Suddenly he felt that someone is trying to put a pillow like thing on his mouth. He started suffocating and tried moving his legs in desperate attempt to free himself. Ursula woke up due to this and saw Patrick struggling, wet with sweat and gasping for breath. She immediately put on the light.

  “Patrick ... are you alright “Ursula asked.

  Patrick was still in shock and did not reply.

  “What happened honey ...” Ursula asked again.

  Restoring his composure Patrick replied “I felt someone trying to put the pillow on my face and tried to strangulate me “Patrick said slowly.

  Ursula did not had comment or answer to Patrick’s explanation. She could see pillow lying in one corner of the bedroom. She rushed all over the house to ascertain if some stranger was there but couldn’t find anyone. She returned to the bedroom.

  She offered water and coffee to Patrick. Patrick was normal now. Probably he got used to these incidences or drugs were helping him to take it lightly. Rest of the night he slept quite well.

  In the morning there was a silence both from Patrick and Ursula. Ursula did not want her mother to know the earlier night’s experience. She thought she might get more stressed if she was told about the incidence. Patrick went to the factory and kids to the school as usual.

  Father Agnel with one of his colleague arrived at the William’s house at around 2 pm. Ursula and Mom greeted both of them.

  Father Agnel took the round of the living room, Kitchen and all the bedrooms. He had also taken a round of the garage and the bunker. His colleague was also following him. Just when they were climbing down the stairs from the first floor, Father Agnel’s colleague fell down tumbling from the staircase to the end straight on the carpet. Ursula and her mother became speechless for a minute or so after witnessing his fall.

  The colleague suffered some minor bruises but appeared to be shaken completely.

  “What happened Dear Jerry … “Father Agnel asked while giving him his hand to get up?

  “Father I am unable to understand. I slipped on the staircase probably “Jerry replied.

  “Jesus is there to protect all of us. Be brave “Father told Jerry.

  Father Agnel and Jerry sat on the couch. Ursula meanwhile brought coffee for both of them.

  “Dear Daughter. The problem is not as severe as it appears to you “Father Agnel said slowly.

  “It seems that there is a lot of negative energy on first floor of the house and in the bunker “Father said cautiously.

  “But there is nothing to fear. This sinful spell can trouble and play some pranks but would not be able to harm anyone of you “Father Agnel added.

  “But father how to stop the trouble once for all “Ursula asked impatiently.

  “Dear Daughter do not worry. Time being I am putting this sermonized cross in your house .It will help you to get over the trouble “Father Agnel said confidently.

  “And this Saturday we will arrange complete cleansing of this House. That should stop the trouble permanently.” Father Agnel assured Ursula.

  “Thanks Father.” Ursula and her mother expressed their deep gratitude.

  “Jerry my son, please plan for arranging for every material and things required for cleansing of the house before coming Saturday. Also do intimate other 4 pastors to be present here on Saturday “Father Agnel instructed Jeery.

  Turning towards Ursula and her mother Father Agnel said “We will require all of you to be present in the house on coming Saturday. Please plan your activities accordingly”

  Father and Jerry left the house.

  Ursula and her mother were looking relaxed now. Probably they now got backing of the sermonized cross which was their protector now.

  Kids retuned from the school and as always glued to cartoons on TV. Patrick retuned a while after and was in the living room reading newspaper.

  Ursula briefed Patrick about the visit of Father Agnel and what he instructed. She also showed him the cross given by the father. Patrick also felt some relaxation after touching the cross to his head.

  Chapter 7

  Following the Rag Peter

  Though Ursula had sought help of the church and father to cleanse the house she was still having apprehensions that the actual culprit behind the trouble is Rag Peter. Though her mother disapproved her theory and also suggested to drop the idea of observing him and his actions, Ursula was determined to check her apprehensions about the old man .She suspected that the fellow may be engineering these incidences to trouble Patrick. Her theory was simple. The old fellow did not like the William’s, who were outsiders to settle down in this community. To drive them away the fellow might be doing some abnormal things like magic or witch hunting on Patrick.

  Ursula was determined to cross check here apprehensions. In the afternoon she was having ample time to take this activity without her mother, Patrick or the children knowing about it. First she thought of hiring a private detective to do the job but that meant sharing the entire personal things with him and also the dollars.

  Ursula worked out a plan to track rag Peter. First he thought of collecting information from the neighborhood about him. After collecting the information she thought of keeping a watch of his movement’s right from morning to the night. She even considered entering his home, an abandoned house where he was staying for last few years. She started carefully jotting the down the activities she need to do to unearth rag Peter. The only issue which was bothering her was to keep this plan and activities secret from the family. She was also little worried about the safety aspect. What if this fellow came to know about his surveillance and he turns violent. However she was ready to face any threat or danger to get Patrick rid of the trouble.

  Rag Peter as he was known in the community was living for last 15 years in the community. Almost entire Mandeville knew about him including the police and government officers. There was no criminal record or even some complaint against him from anyone in the locality. Community members used to give him food, sometimes money. However on his own he never approached anyone in the community either for food or money.

  He used to wander around the neighborhood from dawn to dusk. Many people had seen him talking to himself or just sitting hours together at different places.

  Ursula thought that the nearby neighbors are the good source to collect some preliminary information about the rag Peter. However she thought if she started asking directly against rag Peter, the neighbors’ may get suspicious about her motive.

  In last 2 months sh
e had a brief opportunity to meet Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Wang who were their nearest neighbors. The occasion was the school function where all these 3 ladies met each other and had their first interaction. Later on daily they sued to meet at the school bus stop for 5 -10 minutes as they all used to come to drop their children there for school bus. However the daily conversation used to be mostly related to school studies, examinations and sports activities.

  Ursula first decided to try her luck with Mrs. Watson. The reason was she was more open and almost of the same age group that of her .Next day morning when she met Mrs. Watson at the school bus stop, she enquired whether they could meet in the afternoon. Mrs. Watson agreed and asked Ursula to come to her house that afternoon.

  In the afternoon Ursula reached Watson’s house. Mrs. Watson was waiting for her. They both sat down in the hall after exchanging pleasantries.

  “I just thought of getting familiar with each other “Ursula broke the ice.

  “Yes, we should. Being in a same community we need to know each other “Mrs. Watson replied.

  “We had just settled down here in last 3 months and as such did not get opportunity to get to know others. So I thought let us make a beginning “Ursula explained further.

  Mrs., Watson nodded in the affirmative.