“Do you have it with you? We can check that too for handwriting.”
“Oh yes, I must be having it,” said Sanjeev as he started searching for the crumpled paper in his backpack. “Here it is,” he said handing it over to the lawyer.
“That’s nice. Now we need a sample of Vikram’s handwriting too,” he suggested. “Then we can compare all these letters. This threatening letter which you received hints that someone wants you out of the house and he did so by putting the blame of Vikram’s death on Pawan. However, we need evidence to prove this theory.”
“I can go to Mussoorie and collect it from his home,” said Sanjeev.
“No, I wouldn’t suggest that. People who have killed Vikram and threatened Pawan must be keeping a watch on you too. You need to take precautions.”
“Then how will we find proof,” said Sanjeev.
They sat rattling their brains when Sanjeev came up with an idea. “Vikram was a close friend of Dr Kamalbali. He must have send letters in the department in his name. We can check that. In fact I’ll ask Chaubey ji to help us,” Sanjeev said as he pulled out his phone to search for Chaubey ji’s number.
“Nice idea, call him and ask him to check. If he finds anything ask him to give them to me,” the lawyer stated.
“In the meanwhile let’s go to the police station and submit this threatening letter. They won't release him today, but at least we will initiate the process,” the lawyer said and they all left for the police station.
Sanjeev called Chaubeyji enroute and asked for help.
“Sanjeev babu, the department is closed and I cannot check anything till tomorrow morning. I was cleaning the desk and cupboards last week. It was then I discovered that Dr. Kamalbali had taken all the letters to his home. There is no new mail in the department right now,” Chaubeyji told.
When they reached the police station, Sanjeev felt empathy to see Pawan behind bars. He sincerely wished for his early release. Pawan has always emphasized him the power of a one-pointed mind. Today Sanjeev wanted to use this power of thought for his release. He collected all the energy within him and sincerely prayed for Pawan. Suresh went to meet his brother.
The lawyer explained the police how Pawan himself was threatened as he showed him the piece of letter.
“Please match this handwriting with your letter which you got from Vikram’s house,” suggested the lawyer handing over the crumpled paper to the police.
“I know it’s a good proof, but this work can be done only by our forensic experts. However, if you had some more evidence that would have been better,” said the inspector.
“Right now we don’t have anything else,” said the Lawyer.
“Then we can’t do anything,” answered the inspector.
They had to leave the police station because they realized that any kind of argument would be in vain. Suresh took Sanjeev to his home. “Come to my place we can plan certain things.
When they reached home Sanjeev’s phone was ringing. He saw it was Bhumija and hesitated to answer. “Is Pawan bhaiya in prison?” she was almost screaming on the phone.
“Don’t worry he’ll be out soon, we had given some evidences. But please don’t mention about it to anyone,” answered Sanjeev.
“Please take care of him.”
“I will, don’t worry at all. I won’t let anything happen to him,” Sanjeev assured and hung up the phone.
“Sit and have tea,” said Suresh. “You can stay here if you want.”
“No thank you. I’ll go back to the house, have some work there. I wanted to ask you about the vault,” Sanjeev said.
“Oh yes, that vault! I can tell you more if I see it. If you want I can arrange for X-ray scan for it. Once I had designed a box which opened through voice activation. Mostly opening and closing of locks is programmed with noise. You must have seen those toys which light up when you clap and switch off when you clap again. However, I wanted it to recognize the pattern of voice. It was a very tedious task as I had to convert voice into binary pattern. I was inspired by the story of Alibaba and forty thieves. There was a scene in the story when the thieves open the cave by saying ‘khul ja Sim Sim (open up Sim Sim)’. So I made a box on the same principle.”
“That’s very interesting. I will definitely bring the box to you, it’s there at Pawan Sir’s home,” said Sanjeev.
“However I was wondering about Vikram’s death. Pawan bhaiya never met Vikram before, how will he give him medicine to kill Ma? What a ridiculous notion!”
“Let’s hope we can get some more evidence. However, all this just proves that Madam’s death was planned. There must be some loop hole which we need to figure out,” said Sanjeev.
Sanjeev and Suresh chatted some more when he left for Pawan’s house eager to work in the lab. When he reached home he had a strange feeling. The house was calm as usual but not disturbed. It still had a peacefulness surrounding the house as if some divine power was protecting the house. Sanjeev went in to the lab and collected all the ingredients at one place. He was perplexed; his mind was occupied and couldn’t think clearly. So he started searching on the desk for some papers which could give him a hint. There were different types of papers, some articles, some newspaper clippings, and some handwritten notes.
Amongst them he found extracted verses from the Chalisa with elaborate meaning. He sat reading them to find solace. They looked like an explanation from some mentor. The papers were folded, marked and highlighted as if read again and again to find wisdom.
Aur manorath jo koy laavai, Soy amit jeevan phal paavai.
Whatever wish or desire is cherished by a devotee, Lord Hanuman grants that to him. Even more, He bestows upon him the very nectarine fruit of human existence—God-realization. God-ward movement of the mind is the bestower of bhoga (enjoyments of the world) and Moksha (Liberation). Movement to Moksha requires chitta shuddhi (purity of the heart). Even while an aspirant is struggling in the world of transient goals, Hanuman’s grace bestows upon him all that he desires: removal of obstacles, attainment of objects, improvement in human relations, relief from maladies of body and mind, prosperity and success of all kinds. His blessings have no limits.
Chaaron jug parataap tumhaaraa Hai parasiddha jagat ujiyaaraa.
Your Valor has been acclaimed throughout the four yugas (time-cycles). In fact, this world is illumined by Your glory. The importance of faith (Hanuman) in spiritual movement is timeless. From a practical point of .view, the yugas are experienced in the daily life of every individual. When sattwa predominates, you are in Satya Yuga. You are able to think clearly and feel qualitatively. When sattwa is overpowered by rajas, you are in Treta Yuga. The intellect—Sita Devi—has been kidnapped by the distracted mind (the ten-headed Ravana). When sattwa is further thwarted by rajas and tamas, you are in Dwapar Yuga (refers to battle of the Pandavas and Kauravas—forces of light against the dark forces). When rajas-tamas reduces sattwa to a minimum, when you are overpowered by stress, dullness, and delusion, you experience Kali Yuga. The role of faith (Hanuman) is the center and support in all these yugas.
Sadhu sant ke tum rakhavaare, Asur nikandan raam dulaare.
You are the protector of saints and sages. You are the destroyer of demons, and You are the beloved devotee of Lord Rama. God incarnates for establishing dharma (righteous order), destroying the forces of darkness, assisting spiritual seekers, protecting saints and sages and doing immense good to the world. Hanuman (the spirit of faith) assists Rama (the avatara movement) in all His Divine activities.’
He sat there reading and rereading the passage. It filled him with fresh motivation. He realized that Anjana would have read it over and over in times of stress and doubt.
Suddenly an idea struck him. He may not know the exact titer value but he can try individual anticancer drugs on Lakshman. Who knows there might be some improvement?
Chapter 23
Ram rasayan tumhare pasa Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa
You possess the power of devotion to
Shri Ram. In all rebirths you will always remain Shri Raghupati's most dedicated disciple.
Sanjeev couldn’t sleep that night. He was too eager to go and give the medicine to Bhumija. He got ready early morning and took some antimony extracts with him. He reached Bhumija’s house and waited for Pratap to leave. When he saw him leave in his car he sneaked into the house.
“Come in,” Bhumija said as she opened the door. “Mummy, he is Sanjeev. He is a student of Bua and he has some medicine for Lakshman.”
“Oh, really? Can you help my son? I never thought that he will have such rare form of cancer and….,” she couldn’t complete her sentence when tears broke out in her eyes.
“It’s OK mummy, we are trying to find a solution,” Bhumija said consoling her mother. “Sanjeev, you have to come upstairs, to Lakshman’s room to see him. He doesn’t come downstairs,” Bhumija said escorting Sanjeev upstairs. “I don’t know how he’s going to react to you; he doesn’t like strangers these days. Even when he sees us he gives a different response each time.”
Sanjeev was curious too. Not only had he wanted to meet him, but also see the effect of his medication on him.
As he reached upstairs to Lakshman’s room, he saw the room was silent. It was neat and clean. The bed sheets were neatly folded, the flower base at the bedside was filled with beautiful flowers, and the net curtains were neatly pulled over to a side. Sanjeev noticed Lakshman sitting near the window on a chair staring outside. He was wearing loose pajamas and a pullover. The room was kept warm with heaters.
Bhumija reached near Lakshman and said, “Look who has come to meet you, a friend of Bua.”
Lakshman, who was staring with a blank face, changed his expression at the mention of Anjana’s name. He turned to Bhumija and gave a terrified look. His breathing increased and he muttered with difficulty, “Celact.”
He then slowly turned his face towards Sanjeev. What he observed next startled him. Lakshman came towards Sanjeev and started blabbering something which was not cohesive. He was speaking so fast that no one could understand. His breathing became heavy and troublesome. He was sweating even in the cold weather. Then he screamed out loud, “Help Bua,” and started seizing.
Bhumija was taken aback. No one expected this strange response, he had never spoken any other thing other than the word ‘Celact’.
“Fast, give me the phenytoin injection,” she shouted.
“Stop, don’t give that,” said Sanjeev. “Give him this antimony extract, I’ve got it in a syringe for injection,” he said quickly taking out the injection from his backpack.
Bhumija hesitated for a second, but then injected the medicine. To everyone’s surprise the seizures stopped immediately. Lakshman was unconscious but his breath became regular and so his pulse and heartbeat.
“It worked,” remarked Bhumija in exhilaration. “How did you do it?”
“I assumed that the seizure activity was due to the tumor pressing the brain or it was creating a hypoxic environment. So if we reduce tumor activity, seizing and depression will stop,” explained Sanjeev.
While they were engrossed in their talks, Bhumija heard someone calling her faintly.
“Didi.”
It was Lakshman. He was gaining consciousness, and was looking tired. Bhumija was welled up with emotion. She couldn’t believe her eyes. After his illness, this was the first time he spoke something and recognized Bhumija. She hugged him close.
“Give me my phone,” he said looking here and there. “Fast, give me my phone,” Lakshman said.
Bhumija instantly searched for the phone and found it in the cupboard. “Here it is. What happened? You should rest,” she said panicking.
But Lakshman seemed to be in a hurry. He immediately handed the phone to Sanjeev and said, “Take this. Help Bua, save her.”
Sanjeev was perplexed. He didn’t know how to react, but he took the phone. Before he could say anything, Lakshman was sick again. He was frowning and his face gave a nauseated appearance. It looked as if he was about to throw up, and by the time they could gather themselves he vomited. It was a heavy bout of vomitus with consequent release of diarrhea. He became so weak that he fell unconscious again.
“Oh My God, it seems like a side effect of the drug,” said Sanjeev. “We cannot give him un-titrated dose.”
“The drug is very potent, it can’t be given alone,” said Bhumija. “His pulse and heart rate is normal. He should gain consciousness soon. If not I’ll take him to casualty ward.”
“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have tried this,” Sanjeev felt helpless and guilty.
“It’s not your fault. He’ll be fine.”
“I guess I’ll leave, there’s a lot to work on the medicine. I’ll keep the phone with me,” Sanjeev said as he gathered his stuff to leave.
Sanjeev left the home worried. He couldn’t come out of the guilt of deteriorating Lakshman's health. He drove his bike engrossed in his thoughts. He was thinking from where he could get his answers. He didn’t realize that in his thoughts he drove to Suresh's home. When he stopped his bike he found himself in front of Anjana’s home where she used to stay most of the time, and then it suddenly struck him, “If she lives here, she must have left some information here too."
Chapter 24
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai Janam janam ke dukh bisravai
Through hymns sung in devotion to you, one can find Shri Ram and become free from sufferings of several births.
Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee
If at the time of death one enters the Divine Abode of Shri Ram, thereafter in all future births he is born as the Lord's devotee.
Sanjeev went inside Suresh’s house looking for him. However, he was not there but Sanjeev saw his wife.
“Mam, I’m Sanjeev, is Suresh Sir at home?” he asked.
“Oh come in Sanjeev. Yes I know you. He’s gone for work, you had any work with him?” she asked.
“Actually I wanted permission to look in Madam’s room. May be she left some clue.”
“Oh sure you can search, it’s on the left in the corridor. Have some tea first, you look tired,” she said so politely that Sanjeev could not ignore. He thought that he could talk about Anjana in the meanwhile.
“I knew how Madam was in college. How was she at home?”
“Oh she was genuinely a nice person. She was not like the usual mother-in-law kind of a person as they show in TV soaps these days. She was someone who knew how to live her life with a purpose. She never interfered in my life and gave me full freedom to live the way I want. She was learned and a very spiritual person. Weekly once we use to have bhajan kirtan in the house. Oh you should have heard her sing, what a lovely voice she had. I really want justice for her. She lived a fulfilled life her death should have been respectable.”
Sanjeev had finished the tea when he was escorted by Suresh’s wife to Anjana’s room.
“You can sit here and check the room. I had cleaned it and replaced some stuff; just ask me if you want to know anything. I’ll be in the kitchen,” she said and left.
Sanjeev stood there exploring Anjana’s room. It was a big room with a very comfortable feel. The low ceiling kept the room warm. It was painted white and had wooden cupboards and bed. There was also a study desk by the window with an old fashioned black lamp at its side. Doors and windows had cotton curtains. It was so peaceful and relaxing, that anyone could spent hours there without getting bored.
Sanjeev sat there on the chair thinking where to begin. He then looked on the desk, checked its drawers, searched the cupboard, but there was nothing peculiar which he could find. There were usual papers, some college stuff and books. There was also some more Hanuman Chalisa with detailed meanings, mostly what Pawan had already explained him.
He just sat there thinking what he needs to do next. He was engrossed in his thoughts when he heard prayer bells ringing in the house. He picked up his backpack and went towards the hall.
The hall had a prayer
room in one corner where Suresh’s wife was preparing for evening prayers. The prayer room was well lit and scented with beautiful fragrance. Fresh flowers adorned the idols.
“Oh good you came. Did you find anything?” she asked.
“No nothing unusual. Thank you for your help, I’ll leave now,” answered Sanjeev.
“Wait for evening arti then you can leave,” she replied.
She started the arti in melodious voice, while Sanjeev stood behind with hands folded. His mind was preoccupied. He was trying to plan what to do next, whether he should go to the lab and work on the medicine, or he should try to rescue Pawan. Both were tedious tasks and he had no lead to go further. He clasped his hands tightly and thought, “Show me the way.”
Suddenly his eyes fell on the idols in the prayer room. Amongst all the big idols, there was a small idol of Lord Ram. He was dressed in saffron clothes with a bow on one shoulder and a quiver of arrows on the other. His right palm was raised as if he was blessing his devotees. He had the most divine look on his face, calm and serene. A mystical smile ran through his face which created a celestial aura around the idol. Though it was carved in stone, it appeared as if it had life and it had the capacity to vanquish any kind of sorrow from this earth. His feet were bare but bore some indentations.
Seeing it Sanjeev knew he had found his answer.
Chapter 25
Aur Devta Chit na dharehi Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi
One need not entertain any other deity for Propitiation, as devotion of Shri Hanuman alone can give all happiness
Sankat kate mite sab peera Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera
One is freed from all the sufferings and ill fated contingencies of rebirths in the world. One who adores and remembers Shri Hanuman.
“From where did you get this beautiful idol?” he asked Suresh’s wife.
“It was placed in Ma's room. She used to pray to it. But after her, I thought I’ll place it here, so that I can offer daily prayers.”
The Secret of the Chalisa Page 12