(picture is from internet)

Dom and Louisa were inseparable. Coming from diverse backgrounds this miracle occurred with head bumps.friendship sprouted. Both were good in their studies and in a healthy spirit of rivalry, their relationship flourished. The only cloud in their lives was the green eyed monster. Both were wildly popular and had many friends of both sexes. This made each one jealous of the other’s close friends. Being of volatile Latin blood, their anger did not take long to boil over. They would not talk to each other for days. Then they would kiss and make up.

In an experiment undertaken by the city’s Education dept, economically weak kids were bused to affluent neighborhoods. Louisa was one such kid and Dom came from an aristocratic background. She was made to sit with Dom. They were both eight years old.

Their relationship began with a bang on their heads and dislike. But gradually they became aware of each other and when Dom rescued Louisa from being mercilessly teased by a bunch of boys, their

When this liking turned to love was hard to pinpoint. Both families were unhappy about this alliance but seeing their determination, they gave in grudgingly.

It is wedding rehearsal day. Elders from both families wil be meeting for first time. Only the parents had met before. Then a miracle happened. When everyone gathered, Louisa’s grandmother stared at an elderly gentleman across the table. It was Dominic’s great uncle David Vargas. Then she asked “Are your parents Louisa and David Souza?’ Seeing the uncle’s nod, she squealed delightfully tears streaming down her cheeks. David realizes he was staring at his long lost sister Louisa. Louisa had runaway from home at the age of seventeen because her family was forcing her to join the convent. She had no desire to become a bride of Christ. So she ran away to America. Luckily on the boat she met a fellow Spaniard and together they found a place to stay and later got married. Now there were no qualms as far as this alliance was concerned. In fact everyone said Louisa was lucky for them. She was the spitting image of her grandma. It became a family affair. Everyone beamed.

The bride and groom said their vows and kissed. The cake was cut. Suddenly, Dominic pulls out a knife from his pocket! Everyone is shocked and stare at him. Louisa’s mouth opens and eyes quizz. Dominic calls out to his best man to bring out the surprise. The best man lays down two green dolls on the table. With great fanfare a boy and girl doll in green color were produced. With a flourish, Dom presents the knife to Louisa and asks her to stab the girl doll to put an end to all their petty jealousies. He does likewise. There is a burst of applause. He starts their marriage without a single dark cloud.

Now they are truly gliding on cloud nine.

Dainty flick of wrist
Quick mental whisk
Salty dew drops

Shared tender love
Tendrils of affection
Kisses, make up

Aching heart heavy
Mourns memory loss
Time robbed us both honey!

picture from internet

“Daddy please  hurry! I am unable to breath! I am scared” she whimpered. 

Lou woke up in dead sweat!   The piteous cries belonged to his beloved Maria.

Maria, Mat, Mark were his beloved triplets.  Lou, Mark and Matt were cops, posted in Lower Manhattan.

September 11, 2001

Horrified, New York and world watched toppling of TwinTowers.  Maria worked on twenty second floor.  Many jumped out of windows, she headed for stairs.

Detectives Lou, Matt, Mark rushed to disaster area.  Frantically they searched the rubble.   Police dogs helped save many.  Clinging to hope on a wing and prayer they searched as buried Maria cried for help :   “Daddy please  hurry! I am unable to breath! I am scared”

Maria was sure her family would save her.  She kept calling from cell every few minutes.  Dogs sniffed following the sound but Maria was buried deep. With bare bleeding hands, they cleared debris like wild men.  Time was running out. 

One last push created a passageway.  Slim Mark crawled inside.  The cell phone beeped for the last time.    Marked  hurried on .  His elbow hit something.  He saw his sister’s handbag.  He moved on.  He reached dead end.

Maria watched as her daddy and brothers searched for her shouting her name.  She was perplexed.  She was standing next to them.

Nightly she whimpers:   “Daddy please  hurry! I am unable to breath! I am scared”

Note: this is based on a true event. A dear friend lost her niece that day.

Baba was a cobbler and polished shoes also.  In his skilled hands even old worn out shoes got a new lease in life.    His mom sewed and repaired for the neighborhood on an ancient machine which was diligently oiled and kept fit.  The three children attended the local school as their baba wanted them to find another profession as cobblers had meager earnings.

Shomu always considered himself a winner and often wished he could change his name to Victor.  He was very fond of this word which he had learnt in his English class.  Slowly the family started calling him Vicky to please him and the old name Shomu was forgotten.

After school, Vicky would run home and help his brothers with homework and his beloved amu with household chores before joining his baba.  He relished polishing shoes and make them shine.  Baba would indulge him but only after ensuring that he had finished his school homework.  Vicky would whistle happily and shine shoes to his heart’s content.  He always got a bit more in tips than his baba.  It was mainly his happy face and cheerful manner that pleased their clientele. 

Vicky had just turned sixteen when he was forced to run his baba’s shoe repair business alone as they’d lost him tragically when a bus with failed brakes mowed him down along with others in its path.  After a lot of hue and cry the bus owners had given each victim’s family a large sum of money.  Vicky’s amu had quickly banked the money for her sons’ higher education and in case there was an emergency.  Vicky joined night school so that he could work in morning to help amu manage the house.  He also ensured that his brothers studied hard and did not get into bad company.

Sen Dada was a regular customer of his baba and now Victor’s. He was in the lottery business.  Each month he’d jested with baba that he should buy a lottery ticket as he’d surely win.  Sen Dada always told baba he was a lucky man indeed with three obedient sons and a hard working bahu (wife).  Baba had remained impassive and always refused
to buy a lottery ticket that cost Rupees twenty.  Now again, Sen Dada tried to sell the lottery ticket.  But Victor stuck to his guns and shook his head and continued shining the shoes.  The shoes literally glistened and Sen Dada could see his face in them.  He was delighted and decided to gift a lottery ticket instead of paying for his shoeshine.  Victor in a weak moment accepted the ticket, breaking his baba’s rule.  He apologized to baba in his heart.

On his way home, Victor stopped at the nearby Durgabaari

and placed the ticket in front of Kali Ma asking for her blessing.  He also told Kali Ma that as far back as he could recall he had always felt like a winner and maybe this ticket would get his family out of poverty and a better way of life.  Then he sped home.

The lottery was a bumper one and the prize money was a whopping fifty lakh rupees.  Every Calcuttan who could afford twenty bucks had bought a ticket.  The momentum had built up and the excitement was palpable and could be cut with a knife.  The madness and razor edge excitement was akin to the one when India played cricket with their arch enemies Pakistan.  Next morning was the drawing day. 

Sen Dada always kept ten tickets for himself.  Now he held nine as the tenth one he had gifted to Victor. 

The numbers were announced and everyone rushed to buy the evening paper as it carried the results in print.  Victor had been so busy whole day long that he had completely forgotten about the ticket.    Suddenly he heard sounds of drum beats approaching as a group of ten of so of his friends and family approached with Sen Dada leading them.

Dada came near and embraced him like a son.  He said, “Victor, you are indeed a Victor.  Your ticket has won the prize money.”  Victor’s mouth fell open.  Then pure joy coursed through his veins making him giddy with happiness.  He pulled the ticket out of his pocket and it matched the numbers in the evening paper.  Suddenly Victor uttered the words, “Where should I keep it, what should I do?  Where should I keep it, what should I do?”  He kept muttering these sentences over and over again.  Victor had lost his mind after his victory!

http://www.binaguptapoetry.com/vicors-dream-part-two-1106.htm

all pictures are from the internet disclaimer

A Journey- a Connection

Sometimes, certain journeys are like a renaissance painting, a bit blurred but pleasant on the eye and soul soothing.  Such were the trips we’d made consecutively a few years ago during our visit to India.

My sister has great faith in this particular Devi shrine in Himachal and both times she was delighted to have us n make it a family outing.

We piled into a Tata Sumo van in wee hours.  Bro-in-law’s  best friend Jay likes to drive.  After invoking  Hindu god Ganesh and   goddess shakti also knowns as “devi” we were on our way.  Jay is a diehard fan of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan hence out of his copious pockets he withdrew some tapes and we were treated to some soulful sufi music.   We were entranced.  The mood was set for the trip.

I have absolutely no road sense, so will only dwell on what my mind captured on these trips.  On our way after several hours, I recall having a sumptuous meal at a  (roadside diner)   Dhaba.  Then we were climbing the mountains and the hairpin curves around white limestone/sandstone cliffs were rather daunting.  Luckily none of us was nauseous and then we had halted midway up the mountain at a Shiva shrine inside a cave.  This was a natural cave temple of Trilokpur containing a stalactite and stalagamite dedicated to Shiva. High on the ridge of the cave we saw the ruins of a palace and baradari (audience hall). Ihe Shiva temple was very ancient and we had to bend very low to enter this shrine.  Outside, there was a lovely waterfall(banganga) and I felt this is how mount Kailash would be with Ganga flowing out of the Shiva locks as he meditated.

  After paying due obeisance we were on our way reluctant to leave as it was very peaceful high up in the mountains. The Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys of lower Himalayas. Ancient Hindu Temples like Bajreshwari Devi, Chamunda Devi, Baijnath Shiv temple and Jwala Devi ji dot the country side. The valley, sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range, is green and luxuriant. It provides a tremendous contrast in nature.

I recall visiting the various “Devi” shrine during these trips. The one place that completely enchanted me was this ancient shrine of Mata called Bagalamukhi.    The Bankhandi temple is located on the Dehra-Dharamsala road, Kangra. There had been a rock fall and a good portion had fallen inwards inside the cave itself.  The inner sanctorum was intact and the caretakers had built a small entrance and veranda around it.  Belief had it that whatever boon you ask there will be fulfilled.  My sister firmly believed in it after a narrow escape and her husband had promised  the Devi that he would return to give thanks and hold a langar (lunch)for the local children and their families. 

After due respects everyone was busy mustering up the locals and preparing for the langar feast.  I absorbed the peace and tranquility of the place.  It was incredible.  The aura and the vibrations were amazing.  Mercifully there were no crowds and in fact at that time we were the only ones there.  I was allowed to sit in the inner sanctorum and the bliss was tangible.  I closed my eyes and meditated.  I was transported.  It was almost an out of body experience.  I was floating and drawn towards the deity. Peace descended on my bruised spirit like a soothing salve.  The Mother had taken me in her arms and removed all my hurts absorbing them and filling the void with love.  I was in a blissful state.  had journeyed within and without. This shrine’s power was quite potent and I felt it fully. I cherish this experience holding it close to my heart.

*In Hinduism, Bagalamukhi or Bagala is one of the ten mahavidya goddesses. Bagalamukhi Devi smashes the devotee’s misconceptions and delusions by her cudgel. She is also known as Pitambara in Northern Parts of India. (wiki)

**Kangra HP, rich in culture and history is sheltered by the massive Dhauladhar range of mountains and this majestic mountain range surpasses all others in its grandeur The history of Kangra valley dates back to vedic times, more than 3,500 years ago. It finds mention in the Puranas the Mahabharta and in Rajtarangani. Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in the Himalayas. The famous Bajeshwari Devi temple is located in the town.  Kangra town is situated at the confluence of the Baner and Majhi streams, overlooking the Banganga torrent famous for temples, forts and now a speedily emerging as a business centre. There are two other important Hill stations in district Kangra known as Dharamsala and Palampur. All in all, Kangra with a numerous important temples is a great destination for people looking to go on a religious holiday escape.

Dharamshala is full of Buddhist air and McLeod Ganj is Dalai Lama’s official residence, and home to several Buddhist monasteries and thousands of Tibetan refugees.  We got a taste of mini Tibet here.  The shrine of Budhha was very majestic and peaceful. (Source-internet)

pics. from internet

   
 
Sikkim, my beloved home is indeed a Shangri La and it is doubly dear now that I’ve met my love here.  Thank God for the swine flu outbreak overseas that made Sikkim her choice for vacation instead of Europe.

  
 
Sunaina (Guddi) was aptly named as she had large doe shaped eyes with gold flecks, light brown hair to match and a svelte figure.  Her coloring was wheatish with a perfect nose and lips.  Overall her features were well sculpted and hailing from a robust sport loving family from Punjab, she was in fine form and disgustingly healthy.  Even her back breaking routine as a medical student had not made a dent in her stunning looks. She was a beauty in every sense of the word and was used to guys falling head over heels in love with her.  Tom and Jerry as she lovingly called her two older brothers Sunil and Kapil both hockey players kept her under their watchful eyes and no one dared to misbehave with their little sister “Guddi” (doll).  Guddi was effervescent and bubbly and her only fault was she loved challenges so much so that she got into many scrapes.
 
Kunal (KK) was from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.  He found the spirit of sports all around him as he was born into a family with many well known sportspersons including Sikkim Royalty.  KK took up the game of Archery at a tender age and emerged as an excellent Archer and his illustrious career culminated when he was honored with the Arjuna Award by the Government of India.  He became a household name after winning the Olympic Gold medal.  KK was quiet by nature.  He was fairly tall at five feet ten and had an athletic body due to a five mile run every morning.  His face had a haunting quality, with dark brooding eyes that had the stillness of a deep thinker.  His looks were swarthy and his eyes had a hint of slant that added to his intriguing persona.  His looks beckoned and held yet did not encourage.  He was an introvert yet once people got to know him they loved him lifelong.  He was true and loyal to a fault.  Unspoiled by his success, he was down to earth and took it all in his stride.  Besides archery, he was a writer and had written many books under the pen name “Shivam”.  His books sold well and fetched handsome royalties.  Besides which his family owned property and a couple of restaurants and travel business in the state.  They were an entity in Sikkim.  He had one elder sister Pema Kusho who was married and lived in Katmandu, Nepal.  One odd thing about him was that even though local girls and others chased him around and sent alluring feelers, he did not trust anyone.  He had a deep seated fear of betrayal in love.   His parents knew better and did not force marriage on him either.  They felt he needed to find a soul mate himself.  They however hopefully rang bells and made wishes whenever they visited Buddhist monasteries.  They were eager for a grandchild.

 
Guddddiiii! Her friends jeered.  “We dare you to make that runner fall in love with you! They had challenged.  None of them was aware of KK’s identity and had only seen him run every morning like clockwork and they had seen his agile body and impassive face and had fallen for him.  Guddi (Sunaina) was here for two weeks with her childhood friends Pia and Sia who were fraternal twins.  Together they created quite a ruckus and folks usually smiled at their boisterous ways.  Guddi said “No Problem. He will be eating out of my hand long before our vacation is over!”  She planned well for her “love game” (shikaar).

Next morning wearing her jogging suit, light makeup and ponytail she ran headlong into KK.  Her onward rush knocked them both off their feet and they fell down in a heap.  Brushing themselves they got up and apologized profusely to each other!  KK said “Please let me make up for this and take you out for lunch!”  Guddi was delighted! Her plan had succeeded.  KK had thought it had been his fault! She shook hands and promised to meet at the nearby restaurant and triumphantly entered her hotel.  Pia and Sia pounced on her and seeing her gloating smile they understood.  She said she had been invited for lunch.  They giggled collectively.  Guddi wanted to look her best and hence pulled out the beautiful sheath dress that she had purchased in the local market that enhanced her beauty manifold.  She was a knockout in that dress and soon went for her rendezvous.

KK could not stop chiding himself.  “Why did I have to call her for lunch? What has come over me?  I should’ve apologized profusely and come away! Why can’t I stop thinking about her? He questioned himself.  He decided to be polite and not give away to his feelings.  He had to collect himself and be calm.  His heart seemed to have a mind of its own. 
Lunch was an eye opener for the both of us.  After I had literally floored him with my brush, why do I feel floored now?  I seem to be drowning in his deep mesmerizing eyes!  He is an exotic bird of this wonderful Shangri La and I know the family back home would be shocked by my choice! But this time, I feel I have really fallen hard.  I have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, my hands and eyes are fluttery and I cannot stop wondering about him.  I wonder how he feels about me. O God! What is happening to me? Is this love?  It is painful, so it must be real.

I was so excited that I was finally going to meet her.  Now my tongue is tied in knots.  Am I psyching myself to shine in her eyes?  Why can’t I string two words together?  And I consider myself a writer.  If this is love then I am surely doomed!

KK and Guddi had a silent lunch broken by intermittent monosyllables
Both felt strong emotional undercurrents.

The only good thing that came about during lunch was that Guddi came to know KK was a national hero and a celebrity in his own right and the restaurant staff and owner felt honored by his patronage.   This fact filled her with joy.  She also felt relieved inside!

During the next ten days, KK and Guddi came to know each other well and shared all their feelings and emotions.  They became inseparable as they were totally in love.  KK’s parents were delighted and came to love and accept Guddi wholeheartedly.  Pia and Sia tactfully left them alone and were secretly happy for their beloved friend.  They too came to know and love KK.  Now all of them were keeping their fingers crossed as the last hurdle was to get a blessing from Guddi’s family.  They felt that would be a hard nut to crack!

http://www.binaguptapoetry.com/the-lovers-part-ii-mirza-sahiban-1022.htm

The forest was cool and misty.  Bravely the boy decided to keep going as long as there was light.  As the evening shadows lengthened and the dappled sunlight played hide and seek with the tree boughs, the boy decided to find a cozy spot to lie down for the night.  He was of slight built and a dry hollow tree would easily do for him.  He gave a sweeping glance all around when suddenly the ground under his feet caved in and he was dragged underground.  Wildly he tried to hang on to the undergrowth but was sucked into the earth and the ground closed up after him. 

The boy came to after what seemed an eon.  He found himself resting on a soft bed and his sister lovingly hovering over him with eyes full of love.  His eyes opened wide and then his heart stopped.  His sister’s eyes were sorrowful.  He hugged her tight and asked about her sadness.  She replied that she missed him terribly and even though she longed to be with him she had been given another task on the other side of the world.  There was another orphan baby who needed her.  She had been allowed one night with him before leaving.  The boy requested his sister to tell him another story.  The sister agreed and said listen:

There was a small family consisting of a young doctor Sam Souza and his wife Mona who was a busy interior designer.  They had a seven year old son Robin.   They loved him dearly and as they were busy career people, they had asked the boy’s maternal grandmother to come and stay with them.  This way the boy would not be lonely and they would not be worried either.  They also bought a small dog, a beagle named “Goofy” for their son Robin.  Robin loved his granny dearly and the pet dog put him on seventh heaven.  Both the dog and child were inseparable.  They did everything together.  Only when the boy was in school, “Goofy’ kept vigil by the window and bounded out even when Robin was a mile away from home. 

One day, while playing in the schoolyard, a bully pushed Robin hard and he fell and suffered concussion.  At once the principal called Dr. Souza to come and get him.  In the meantime, the school nurse did her best to look after Robin who was as white as a sheet.  The bully too was feeling bad for a change.  Also the principal had made him do 200 sit ups holding both his ears in front of the school.  Everyone had jeered at him but he finished his punishment full of regret. 

Robin stayed home for two days.   Now boys will be boys and he was a bundle of energy and asked granny if he could play outside with Goofy.  Granny agreed and both went out with a ball.  They played catch for a while and then the next ball went further than intended and Robin asked Goofy to fetch.  Goofy loped off quickly.  Robin waited for him to come back but he only heard a tiny squeal and then there was silence.  He ran towards the trees where the ball had landed and to his horror he saw a python slithering away and by the lump in its body, it appeared that it had swallowed poor Goofy.  Robin was horrified, scared and then tearful.  He ran home shouting granny grannyyyyy!  Granny came running out with his dad Sam who had just come home to check on his son.  Tearfully between sobs Robin told them that a python had eaten his beloved Goofy.  They had no reason not to believe the boy who was above average in intelligence.  Also he could identify animals from a very young age.  Dr. Sam called the forest department and reported the incident.  He was informed that indeed a python had escaped from its enclosure from the nearby zoo and they had been searching for it whole morning. 

Robin was sad and missed Goofy terribly.  His parents wanted to get him another puppy but he was not ready.  They decided to leave him alone with his grief.  In the evenings after school Robin would play alone with the ball hitting it on the back wall of the house and catching it.  He was missing “goofy” and in a fit of anger he hit the ball hard and it went farther then he had intended down the road.  He ran to fetch it when suddenly all hell broke lose.  A car came swerving and would have hit the boy but for the dog that came flying out of nowhere and pushed Robin out of harm’s way!   As Robin got up and dusted himself he saw “Goofy’ vanishing into thin air.  His heart leapt in joy.  Goofy had saved him.  In the meantime the angry car driver came to him and shook him.  He told him to never do that in future.  He advised that Robin should always look in both directions before crossing the road.  If the dog had not saved him, he would’ve lost his life today.  Then he enquired about Dr. Souza.  He had important documents for him. Robin took the stranger home who told all present the miraculous escape of Robin and the wonder dog.  

Everyone was stunned. They informed the insurance agent that the dog had died a month ago!  He was shocked to learn this bit of news. 
He described the dog in detail and now they were certain that Goofy had returned from dead to save Robin’s life.

Note: Animal ghosts — or phantimals — even those of dinosaurs can be seen at certain locations that have a terrible history,  it seems as though there may be a sort of “warp” or portal where apparitions can more easily materialize

 Trumpets heralded the arrival of the king and the royal session began.  Gopal was presented to the king.  The king was impressed by the bearing of this cowherd.  He carried himself with confidence.  The king put forth the three questions to him:

 
How will you take care of my daughter?  Gopal said, “Your highness I will care for your daughter in the same way as I care for my parents whom I love dearly”.
 
How will you keep her happy?  “I will try my best to keep her happy, your highness.  That is all I can promise”.
 
 
How will you keep her from harm?  Gopal replied, “Birth and death are in the hands of God.  I will try my utmost to care for her.  I cannot promise more than that.  Rest is in God’s hands”.
 
 
The king was very happy with Gopal’s answers and decided to marry his daughter to him.  After ensuring that he was not offending Gopal’s parents, he had a nice home built where Gopal had his old home so that his daughter could be comfortable.   Gopal and his parents accepted all this grudgingly as they were proud people and mindful of their self respect and dignity.  As per Gopal’s wishes, the king had a simple marriage celebration and bid a tearful farewell to his daughter.  The queen was happy as she had fallen under the spell of Gopal.  She knew her daughter was in good hands.
 
 
Gopal saw his wife Survarna for the first time on his wedding night and was mesmerized by her great beauty and childlike simplicity.  He fell in love with her.  Suvarna too liked this simple cowherd and was crazy about his flute.  She would begin to sway to his music as though under a spell.  There was only one problem in their happy married life.  Suvarna could not talk!! Try as she might no words would emerge from her lovely mouth.  All her life she had been given everything on a platter even before she uttered a word.  Gopal was grief stricken.  He decided to find a cure for his beloved wife.
 
 
Exactly a year ago this day.

  
 
Gopal was as usual lost in his flute playing and was unaware of his surroundings.  Suddenly, an old monk had appeared out of nowhere and asked for food.  Gopal had  emerged from his reverie and had offered his lunch pack with due respect.  The holy man ate the simple fare with great enjoyment.  After he had enjoyed the last morsel and drunk the buttermilk, he had suddenly changed in appearance.  He transformed himself to the Indian god Shiva.  He now had a tiger skin around his torso, a snake around his neck, matted hair, and a trident in one hand.  He was astride a magnificent bull.  Gopal was wonderstruck and quickly lay down flat on the ground to pay his respects in the Hindu way.  The lord was very pleased with his simplicity and had asked Gopal if he desired anything from him.     Gopal said Lord I have everything I need.  All I need is your blessings for my friends and family.  The lord was very pleased with this answer and had then given him a holy chant of seven words.  He said, “every time you chant these words, a gold pot would appear out of thin air with whatever food you desire and it would not empty until you have fed your family.  Then it would disappear”.  Lord Shiva next said, “ Gopal you have to make a solemn promise to never reveal the secret about this divine boon”.  Gopal had promised the lord accordingly.  As Gopal had fed the lord with his lunch selflessly God had rewarded his act of kindness.  Gopal’s family had never slept hungry from that day onwards.
 
 
Gopal had only one thought in mind.  He wanted to gift his lovely wife with a stream of words.  His mind was in a whirl.  Suddenly he had a brilliant idea.  He went to a secluded spot on the nearby hill and prayed to Lord Shiva fervently.  He asked for the lord’s blessing in his efforts to make his wife speak and sing. Next he chanted the sacred words and the golden pot appeared.  He wished the pot to be full of sweet fragrant words.  He opened his eyes and found the magical gold pot full of alphabet soup with all kinds of glorious words floating in it.  It appeared to be a healthy vegetable broth.  He quickly took it home and made Suvarna drink it to the last drop.  When the soup was finished, the golden pot disappeared and she fell into a deep sleep. 
 
 
Next morning, Survarna woke up with a lot of excitement.  She felt on top of the world and wanted to sing.  She opened her mouth and out came a beautiful melody never heard before.  The old parents and Gopal himself were enchanted.  They quietly they let Suvarna sing to her heart’s content and rejoiced.  Their cup of happiness overflowed.
Gopal sent a letter to the King and requested him to hold a musical competition in exactly a week’s time.  He next prepared Suvarna with all the songs he knew.  He played the flute and she sang the songs in accompaniment.  Together they created magic.  They were ready. 
The following week, Gopal and his family donned their best clothes and boarded the horse drawn carriage which the king had gifted his daughter.  It was pulled by a pair of   finest Arabian horses this side of the mountains.  They were at the palace gates in no time.  The king and queen were waiting at the entrance and with great fanfare and pomp escorted them to the main hall. The nobles and citizens of Sonakpore were already seated.  Gopal, Suvarna and his parents were seated next to the king and queen and the evening began.  All the known artists, maestros, singers, musicians presented their items.  The hall echoed with “bravo” and thundering claps in appreciation.  Now it was Gopal’s turn.  Gently he helped Suvarna to her feet and together they stood in front of the audience.
Gopal removed his flute from his belt and started playing.  Suvarna soon opened her lips and sang along.  Her voice was crystal clear and pure.  She poured her all into it and the king and queen were beside themselves with joy.  They had been as much in the dark about this miracle as the townspeople.  Everyone was on their feet clapping and weeping in happiness.  There was no question about the winner.  The king named his daughter
The Nightingale of Sonakpur.  He kissed Gopal on his forehead in gratitude.  The queen always knew things would turn out well in the end as she had implicit faith in god.

Extra chairs had been placed in the aisles and in any available gap.  The concert hall was wall to wall with fans of the young and the older maestro.  Both artists were going to sing five different ragas in their own inimitable style.  The tickets had sold out within two days of issue.  Shivam Shastry (SS) was only sixteen but had a towering stature in the Carnatic music world.  Madhava Madhavan (MM) was an institution in himself.   His disciples already had fame and fortune.  MM hailed from a family of classical singers dating back a couple of centuries.  Goddess Saraswati  still looked upon the Madhavan family with benevolence.   There was only one aberration.  For the first time, girls and not sons would carry on the Madhavan legacy.  MM had two daughters and no son.

***    ***   ***   ***

Rukmini was in love.  Ever since she attended the concert of young Madhava Madhavan with her paati, she could not keep her eyes off this handsome singer.  MM sang and played the mridangam with equal ease.   Rukmini was twelve and MM was sixteen and was performing with his father and guru SreeVenkatesh Madhvan (SVM). 

Rukmini lived in Bangalore with her widowed mother who was a doctor.  Against the wishes of her family Savitri had single handedly managed to complete her studies and had even married a fellow student.  Both the doctors set up a modest hospital with ten beds and now it was  200 bed facility.  They were both hard working with hearts of gold.  Once due to overwork and lack of sleep, Dr. Subramanian Swamy (Subbu) committed a fatal error in diagnosis and the patient died.  The family of the deceased were none the wiser but Subbu could not forgive himself and in a state of depression died in a head on collision at a busy intersection…  Savitri’s world was unraveling.  In one blow, she lost her husband, dear friend and right hand.  Their daughter Rukmini was only five years old and could not understand why her beloved appa will not be coming home.     Savitri was drowning.  Then she thought of her feisty paati in the village who was still on talking terms with her.  She immediately sent for her.  Now she could leave Rukmini with her and attend to her work without guilt.  Life thus moved on.   Savitri’s family too forgave her and rallied around her in her hour of need plus the fact that she was a successful doctor also went a long way towards this reconciliation!!

***   ***   ***

Rukmini was seventeen and enjoying her vacation in paati’s village.  Across from paati’s home was the only modern guest house of this village.  Rukmini noticed a lot of hustle and bustle in the guesthouse.  She asked Kavithamma their live in help and distant relative about it and she told her that Madhava Madhavan was going to stay there.  The village was honoring him as he had ties to this village through his mother and they wished to honor him and also bring their tiny village into limelight thereof.  He was all of 21 years old and very handsome.  Rukmini was on cloud nine.  She owned all his music albums and was simply transported into another world on hearing his voice.    She could not sing but music was in her soul and she loved his voice.  Per family tradition, Ruku too was going into medicine like her parents.

_**

Ruku was too excited to sleep.  Paati and Kavithamma had gone to help with childbirth in the neighborhood.  She keeps a vigil near the window so that she could get a glimpse of her idol.  Finally she sees him enter the guesthouse surrounded by the organizers. Listening to his music, she dozes off.  Around 3.30am she feels thirsty and as she drinks  water she glances out and sees MM emerge from the guesthouse and quietly go for walk.  She too scrambles and runs after him without thinking. 
MM walks slowly looking at the paddy fields and enjoys the quiet and the clean air.  Full moon is still bright enough even though the dark is dissipating.  Finally he goes and sits near the village river’s banks.   Actually MM was near exhaustion with too many concerts, lack of sleep and a touch of fever.  He wanted to getaway from everyone and  be by himself.  Hence this walk in the wee hours.  He lies down on his back in the grass and falls into a deep slumber.  

 Ruku gets scared after seeing MM lying like this in the grass.  She rushes over and places his head in her lap nd hugs him.  She realizes that he has fever.  Scared, she tries to lift him but instead in his feverish stupor MM hugs her closer and somehow Ruku starts expressing her crush by kissing him.  He too responds and things get out of hand and they make passionate love.  Then Ruku helps MM get up and with superhuman effort manages to bring him back and leaves him at the guesthouse door.  He is very feverish and in semi stupor.  MM falls in his bed in deep sleep.  Ruku comes home and realizes that paati has not returned.  She is both happy and scared.

***  ***   ***

Ruku returns to Bangalore  and starts studying for her finals.  Once in a while she smiles secretly to herself.   She realizes that her beloved in all fairness was not in his senses during those magical moments.  But she did not care and hugged that memory close to her heart.  Ever since appa’s death, she had been very lonely and had fixated all her love on MM who in reality was not even aware of her existence.  
  

Ruku had been feeling nauseous these days and was off food.  Being savvy she realized that she may be pregnant.  This fact filled her with joy.  The only thing was that she needed to break it gently to her mom who doted on her only child.     Next week was her eighteenth birthday and her mom and she went for a special dinner to their favorite restaurant.  Paati stayed home.  There Ruku  spilled the beans.  Savitri was horrified.  Quickly she gathered her wits about her and calmly told Ruku that they will have to plan something quickly to do damage control.  Ruku is adamant about keeping the baby.  Savitri feels she is treading on eggshells.  She does not want to lose her only child and at same time wants to protect her from herself.  In no time, she gets a substitute doctor to takeover the reins of the hospital and  removes Ruku from school on medical grounds.    Savitri is a respected doctor and no one questions her decision.  Swearing paati to secrecy Savitri and Ruku leave for an obscure hamlet where no one knows them.   

They rent a house and begin living there for next six months.    She introduces Ruku as a  pregnant war widow.  Everyone feels sorry for Ruku and go out of their way to help her.  Time passes by on wings.  Ruku is having labor pains.  Finally with Savitri’s  help she gives birth to a boy.  Since the birth had been difficult she  falls asleep exhausted.  Meanwhile Savitri had arranged for a still born baby  and switches the child  with the baby boy- her grandson.  She notices his beautiful face and a star shaped birthmark on his neck.  He appears to be a noble soul.  Savitri hardens her heart and after ensuring that the baby was fine for a week or so, she quietly leaves it on the doorstep of the priest of the Shiva temple.  She had found out that he had two daughters but no son.  Ruku on knowing about her still born child is devastated.  She does not wish to stay there another moment..  They leave for Bangalore after visiting the Shiva temple.  

Ruku puts all her energies into her studies and joins her mother in the hospital.  All joy from her life had fled.  In the interim, she’d read  news about MM getting married to a classical kathak dancer and fathering two girls over the years but no son. 
***  ***  ***   ***

Priest Rama Shastry cannot help but feel regret that the baby was not a boy. Then he consoles himself that it was the lord’s will.  Suddenly he hears sounds of a child crying.  He finds a baby lying on his steps.  He realizes it is a baby boy.  He is very excited and considers it a blessing from Shiva.  He names the baby Shivam and happily places it in his wife Seeta’s lap.  Seeta is a very placid uncomplicated soul.    If the Shastry wanted her to care for the baby, then be it so.  As it is she had ample milk to feed her two week old girl and enough for Shivam.  She will become his Yashoda.

_**   ***

Shivam happily gurgled as though he was in his own nest.  One main ingredient that he had extra was music.  Music was in his soul. From day one Shivam’s hands and arms moved rhythmically to some divine melody which only he heard.  Early on Rama Shastry realized he had a musical prodigy in his home.  He quickly visits Sri Nageshwaran who was a retired musician of yester years. 

SN had garnered both fame and fortune in his heyday and was resting on his laurels.  He survived on a modest sum. One being a small stipend that a wealthy patron had settled upon him for the duration of his life.  The house was ancestral and one portion had been rented and he and his wife lived frugally.  Luckily they were also in good health.   Now Ramashastry was persuading him to tutor Shivam.  He was a hard taskmaster and did not take students unless they were exceptional.  He agrees conditionally and would give his decision after hearing Shivam.  Shivam was now five years old and had already created some original music which the Shastry had recorded on an old tape recorder.  

SN listens to the tape and is wonderstruck.  In all his 70+ years he had not heard such music.  These were new compositions and even though the basic ragas were the same, the treatment was fresh.  There was something divine in this music.  He agrees to take on Shivam sight unseen and without fees as it would be his privilege.  Ramashastry is delighted.  Thus under the expert tutelage of the venerable SN,  Shivam’s  exuberant music is given some skilful tempering and discipline.  At times SN feels as though he was showing a lamp to the sun- such was the quality of Shivam’s compositions…  Soon SN has taught Shivam all he knew and suggests additional guidance from other able gurus.
 
 
He writes a letter to his friend and disciple Madhava Madhavan who is now a big name.    MM had had both his father MM senior and SN as his gurus and held SN in very high regard.  He immediately replies to SN that due to too many commitments he would not be able to help Shivam himself but the senior MM would take on Shivam, as he was already teaching music to his two granddaughters Shivani and  Kritika.  SN is delighted.   Shivam was indeed lucky.   MM senior was revered in the music world.  Also Shivam would be residing with the senior MM in his home in Chennai.  MM junior lived in Bangalore.  These days his girls were with their paata who was also their guru. Ten year old Shivam was all set to join them.   He had spent five years with SN.

***  ***  ***

The minute MM sr. lays eyes on Shivam he is thunderstruck!!  Shivam is the spitting image of MM jr. when he was that age.  How could that be!  He is really puzzled. 
However, he keeps his own counsel and begins to put Shivam through his musical paces.  Shivam’s talent is indeed awe inspiring.  MM sr. reckons that Shivam is far ahead of the whole Madhavan clan.  The girls Shivani and Kritika were also gifted and sang like angels.  Excitement courses through his tired old veins and he feels rejuvenated.  Shivani and Kritika are seven and five and well on their way to be great classical singers.  MM sr.;s  heart used to swell with pride when they sang but now Shivam’s talent has overshadowed all.  He vows to teach everything that he knows to this worthy shishya.  Together they create some wonderful original compositions.  This year’s Thyagraja Festival was in for a treat with Shivam’s eclectic singing.  He rubbed his hands in glee.  After all he was Shivam’s guru.  One day,  a musical score was  at the back of his mind and he wanted to share it with Shivam.  He was too impatient and goes to wake up Shivam.

Shivam is fast asleep.  As the guru approaches to gently wake him up, his hand is arrested in the air.  He is in a state of shock.  He sees the star shaped birthmark on Shivam’s neck!!  This had been running in their family for generations!! Both he and MM jr. had it and even Kritika had it on her neck.  Shivani however did not have this birth mark.  His mind is in a tizzy!!  Shivam looks like MM jr. and has the birthmark- but how where why could he be his grandson.  He is truly mystified.

_**   ***

Shivam has been in Chennai in the guru’s house for 6 years.  He has made good friends with Shivani and Kritika who adore his simplicity and generosity of spirit.  He is like their anna.  Now they are all ready to sing in public.  A big event is planned and concert tickets have already sold out.  MM jr. and Shivam will be facing each other for the first time.

The girls leave for Bangalore to attend their mother Indu’s Dance School’s first public concert and be with her before they return for their  own music concert.  Shivam goes back to his family in the village.  He misses his Sitamma very much and his appa and sisters.  For past six years he had been back home only for brief periods.  He was attending regular school in Chennai now with the girls.

****    ****   ****

  MM Jr.’s wife Indirani Madhava (Indu) was very excited.  Her students were ready for a public performance and already the venue and posters had been circulated.  She was praying for a good turnout.  They had arranged to hold the performance at the Rangabhumi Auditorium as its owner was the father of one of her students and was not charging any fee.  It was his gift for his daughter.  Even free ads had been placed in the Bangalore papers by another parent.  The cost of this concert was minimal.  Only regret that Indu harbored was that her two girls would not be performing even though they could dance well.  Their first love was music.  So be it.  She had made peace with her dreams.
The day of the concert arrived.  MM jr and the girls arrived to give moral support to Indu. She was on 7th heaven to have her loved ones with her.  Getting dressed quickly they arrived at the venue.  It is all hustle and bustle.  Luckily all the tickets were sold out by the students’ families and friends.  Indu  was a renowned danseuse and was scheduled to give the opening performance herself.  

Indu was looking exceptionally lovely today.  Happiness had made her face glow.  MM jr. and the girls hearts swelled in pride as they watched her electrifying performance.  She set the stage on fire with her delightful performance.  There was thunderous applause as she took a final bow and then daintily exited the stage.  Without wasting too much time in between, the students starting performing one after another.  Group number was last.
It was during the group performance that the calamity happened.  Due to frequent power failures, one of the lighting fixtures had become faulty and had sparked setting off a fire which soon blazed licking all in its path.  Quick witted, Indu rushed to the stage and pushed the girls off the stage.  Then holding her precious gold Sarsawathi and Nataraj statues close she too tried to run but the blazing curtain fell on her scorching her.  By the time help arrives it was too late.  She was gone.  All present are devastated.  It all happened so quickly that except disbelief and horror nothing else was visible on all faces. The girls and Madhava were in a state of shock.  Indu was the only casualty in this fire.  The family went into mourning.

***   ***  ***

MM jr. had cancelled all appointment and had gone into seclusion.  But the girls even though orphaned had bounced back as they were surrounded by loving relatives.  Their one regret was that they had not been able to be with their amma more often due to their music and now it was too late.  They decide to keep the dance school going.  Now they force their appa to come out of depression as they needed him too.  Finally MM jr. realizes his selfishness as the girls too were orphaned and gradually comes to terms with his great loss.  The girls are now thirteen and eleven respectively.  The  concert is a month away.

****   ****   ****

***   ***   ***

 
Savitri and  Ruku are dog tired.  Their hospital is overflowing with flu patients and they are hard put to keep up with the care needed.  Savitri too comes down with flu. And now Ruku had to manage all by herself.  Once in a semi unconscious state Savitri babbles about Ruku’s lovely baby boy and her grandson.  Ruku is stunned.  She cannot believe her ears.
Now she is determined to know the truth when Savitri recovers.  With Ruku’s expert care Savitri is finally as good as new.  Ruku forces her to rest for another week   as she had never seen her amma rest.  Savtri agrees as she does feel wobbly and weak.  Next evening when mother and daughter are having a cup of tea,  Ruku tells Savitri that she would like a promise from her  that whatever she asks, Savitri will reply honestly.  Savitri agrees.  Then Ruku throws a bombshell.  She says “amma pls tell me truthfully whether I had a healthy baby boy or a stillborn girl?”  Savitri was stunned as though lightening had struck her.  She mumbles” how did you know?”  Then Ruku tells her that she had babbled the truth in semi comatose state.  Savitri says thank God, you know.  I have been carrying this burden like a stone on my heart.  At that time I thought that was the best thing to do.  You had your whole life ahead of you and a baby was the last thing you needed especially as a single mother.  Yet that baby’s beautiful face has been haunting me.  Then she tells Ruku that her son had been adopted by Rama Shastry  the temple priest.  Ruku says she must meet her son and if possible bring him home.
Together they leave to bring the child home if possible.
 
 
In the morning they visit the Shiva Temple and ask to see the priest.  Rama Shastry invites them to his house and there they tell him the purpose of their visit.  When RN finds out that Ruku is Shivam’s mother, he is very happy and then feels very sad for his wife Seeta who loves Shivam very much, even more than their two girls. Next he informs the two ladies that Shivam is a musical prodigy and at present is the disciple of the senior MM and resides in that house in Chennai.  Ruku and Savitri are stunned.  They become silent in order to be able to absorb this turn of events.  They had not divulged the name of Shivam’s father to RN and had maintained that she was an army widow.  But now they feel they have to confess.  So they tell RN who the father is and he is not surprised.  Life was the biggest joker of all and it does come full circle.  Full of pride, RN informs them that Shivam will be performing his first concert with MM jr. and his two daughters Shivani and Kritika.  The tickets had been sold out already.  The women are delighted and after thanking  RN and Sita, they leave for Chennai.  None of them is aware of the tragedy that has struck MM jr. and his family.   Shivam was to arrive home in a week’s time and was still in Chennai.

_**   ***
The Prodigy- Conclusion Part 5

Ruku and Savitri upon reaching Chennai  request to see the elder MM.  They tell him that they have been sent by, Shivam’s father, Sri Rama Shastry.  MM Sr. agrees to meet them.  Upon reaching there, they tell him that what they are going to divulge is an extremely delicate manner and may even come as a shock.  Then they spill the beans as it occurred unvarnished.  They even said that it is quite possible that MM Jr. may not even recall the incident as he was running a fever at that time.  MM sr. is elated and perplexed.  Having known crazy fans himself it seemed all plausible plus the star shaped birthmark was a clincher.  He knew that MM Jr. had indeed been at that location at that time.  He came to know that now both the women were respected doctors and owned a renowned hospital in Bangalore.  Then he tells them about the sad demise of Indu Madhava and how MM jr. who loved her very much has gone into seclusion.   He says in order to set things right for Shivam, he will have to let MM Jr. know about him plus it may help in getting him out of his grief.  He also finds out that Ruku is still unmarried and has great affection for his son.  So the three of them put their heads together and hatch a plot to bring father and son together and also put an official stamp on it.
The following week, MM Sr. fakes a heart attack and has his wife call MM jr. in panic.  At once MM jr. drops everything and grabbing his girls comes to Chennai.  He rushes at his father’s side.  The doctor tells him that he should not agitate the old man in any manner whatsoever.  After a few minutes of faking, MM Sr. calls his son closer and spills the secret..  Jr. is stunned but somehow believes it.  Everything, all his hazy thoughts and dreams that had been troubling him feel vindicated.  There is a sense of life coming together full circle.  He however had no recollection of that crazy fan.  He wishes to see his son.  Sr. sends for Shivam who has not yet left for his village.  But he warns him against saying anything to the boy.  Shivam and his father meet one another for the first time.  Shivam touches the feet of his guru’s son and is happy.  Then Sr. sends for Ruku and Savitri who are already sitting with his wife.   Sr. gives the letter sent by SN Shastry to Shivam in which he has asked Shivam to believe whatever is conveyed by Drs. Rukmini and Savitri as it was the truth.  Seetamma was his adopted mother and Rukmini was his real mother and MM jr. his father.  Shivam is stunned but still loves SN and Sitamma as his parents.  He has known none other.  For the sake of Shivam, rukmini and MM jr meet once in a while to exchange news about him.  They are still filled with wonder that they have a beautiful son.  They become good friends.  MM jr has not forgotten Indu as he had loved her very much and still grieves for her

***   ***  ****   ****
Concert day finally arrives and there is lots of excitement in the MM sr.’s household.  Three generations of Madhavans were planning to sing tonight.  The crowds were in for a rare treat.  Amidst thunderous applause this slight change in programming was announced.  After requisite invocations and abhishekhams, serious singing begins.  First senior MM sings in raga kalyani and then Jr. sings his composition in kalyani, next the girls sing the same raga in unison.  The crowd is fully smitten. 

Now it is Shivam’s turn.  To date no one had heard him.  Not even MM jr.  MM sr. rubs his hands in glee as he wants to see his son’s expression of wonder when his son sings!!
After due respects to God and guru, Shivam starts singing.   His eyes are closed and he only sees Lord Shiva whilst singing.  The crowd is totally mesmerized by his clear tones and voice modulation and the inherent purity in his voice.  Amidst once more once more and with his guru and appa and sister’s blessings  he sings his  own elegant thillanas, bhajans, namavalis and abhangs.  He wows the crowd so much that  involuntarily they rise and give him a standing ovation.  The concert is a roaring success.  Both MMs and Shivani and Kritika are beaming in happiness.  Ruku and Savitri and Shastry family are in tears.  Their hearts are bursting in pride and joy.  They feel blessed that Shivam belongs to them.
In a very short period of time Shivam is awarded Musician of the Year Award by Sangeet Natak Academy, Central Government.  He is the youngest awardee.  Soon he is acclaimed as a poet, composer and respected for his in depth knowledge in Carnatic Music and own exquisite compositions.
***  ***  ***

It is the grand opening of the Indira Madhava burn Unit of Savitri’s hospital.  The donation has come from MM jr to mark her first death anniversary.  In this one year, Ruku and MM Jr. have become good friends and when Sr. suggests that they get married, they both agree.  Shivam now has four sisters: Shivani and  Kritika and the two Shastri girls.  All four dote on him equally. He loves all his sisters  and considers Sitaamma as his real mother above all. 

Glossary:

Appa: father
Amma: mother
Anna: elder brother
Paati: grand mother
Paata: grand father

The media was going crazy trying to get a glimpse of the Spanish Royal family and a chance for an interview with the grieving family members.  Everyone was stoic and tight-lipped.  Donna Isabella was brain dead. She had fallen down the marble staircase of her duplex penthouse in Manhattan and was on life support.  Per her living will, her shell shocked husband had asked the doctors to switch off her life support machine – but this news had been leaked out and now there a huge uproar from her devout  family members and the catholic clergy as Euthanasia was illegal in Spain.

************************
Princess Donna Isabella had led a sheltered life and was always chaperoned by her beloved duena Tita Lozano who loved her like her own child.  She was the favorite of her Papa as she was the only daughter with two brothers.  She had blossomed into a beautiful young woman and had persuaded her papa to permit her to attend the wedding of her best friend Donna Maria to her elder brother Carlos’s best friend Paulo.  Carlos and she were in Rome for the wedding.  This was the first time she was away from the family and relished every moment.  It was a perfect morning and she had risen early and had quietly sneaked out on her own to visit the famous Fountain of Trevi.  Her friend and chauffeur whisked her away and she found herself standing in front of the fountain.  She opened her scarf and let her auburn tresses fly in the wind.  She laughed in sheer joy.  She looked picture perfect.  Diametrically opposite her stood Patrick Murphy who was there on a short Roman Holiday after a grueling work week.  He too was enjoying the view of Trevi when the sound of joyous laughter came as a pleasant wave and caressed his ears.

He lifted his head with a rich mane of blond hair and stared into a pair of dark limpid eyes.  He was enchanted.  Then as Isabella blushed and turned away to take some shots with her camera, he too did likewise.  But as luck would have it, they were so engrossed in capturing Trevi from all angles that they bumped into one another unawares!!  Patrick caught her in his arms or else she’d have toppled and fallen.  He was mesmerized by the pair of dark mischief laden eyes full of  laughter.  A dimple appeared on her left cheek and captivated him completely.  He was lost.    For her it was an adventure and her almost twenty year old heart was beating fast in excitement.

She was giddy headed and reckless and agreed when he asked her for coffee and a snack.  They made their way to an open air café and ordered coffee and croissants.  Both spoke at once asking questions and then he said you first.  Bella merely said she was a college student in town for her friend’s wedding.  Patrick said he was an architect and was working for the firm who had won the contract to rebuild New York world trade center.  He also mentioned that he had been offered a junior partnership in his firm as the senior partners were very pleased with his avant garde and futuristic design sense.  He would be their bridge between old world and the new mod design concepts.  Cupid had really struck and even though they’d just met, they both felt as though they knew one another from ages and time flew.  Soon they realized it was lunchtime and Isabella had to rush back for a formal luncheon with her friend.  Promising to call as soon as she was able to meet, she vanished from his sight.

to be contd….