The shy blushing bundle was carried in with fanfare.  Finally Sheila Rani Kher had found a bride for lame son Raju who had been afflicted by polio since childhood.  Sheila was actually the great aunt of the bride.  Maya, the newlywed had just lost her parents in a rock fall during a pilgrimage to the family shrine in lower Himalayas.  She was barely sixteen and lack of dowry had brought her to this impasse.  Maya was still under shock and had performed marriage rituals in dumb misery.  Apathetically she curled up on the nuptial bed adorned with rose petals.  Her extremely fair hands and feet were covered with intricate traditional henna designs.  Maya was wearing a ruby red salwar suit (harem pants and top) and her dupatta (scarf) was laced with tiny gold bells studded with gold lace stars.  On her forehead a gold Tikka glittered (forehead ornament) hung by pearls string from her hair.   Her anklets and bracelets made tinkling sounds each time she fidgeted. She had a black and gold bead necklace called mangalsutra around her neck which was the symbol of a marriage.  She was a sumptuous feast wrapped up in gold and rubies.  She waited for her husband with heart in mouth.   

Distant beat of drums could still be heard as women relatives continued their song and dance.   All the men were hung over on country liquor and sounds of puking could be heard sporadically. Sheila had a haranguing tongue that kept husband and son in check and now she was letting loose choice epithets as she and others were forced to clean up after the men.  Still Sheila was very happy as she longed to become a grand-mother. 

Raju was slim, of medium height, fair complexion, high cheekbones, a perfect nose and chiseled lips.  A small neat moustache formed a great base for his twinkling kindly eyes.  His dependency on a cane had not soured him and he thanked god for a wonderful mother.  She massaged his limbs daily and tied a fresh amulet on his arm every other week and fed him his favorite dishes.  He was aware of her mixing various herbs in his food.  He still ate everything knowing it was for his betterment.  The latest concoction had been the flesh of a cactus which an itinerant monk had given to her to enhance Raju’s manliness and strengthen his limbs.  Raju hated the taste but grudgingly ate it as he had implicit faith in his mom’s love.  Raju had a pet mule “Shera” who helped carry him over mountain passes.  He travelled into satellite towns to purchase goods for the family’s dry grocery store when inventory ran low.  This also gave him news of their community, district and state.   Raju had a fine brain and with the help of a kindly headmaster had obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics.  Now he taught English and math in junior classes and was happy with his lot.  He had been bulldozed into this marriage by his pushy mother against his will.  Thus, he entered his bedroom with equal trepidation as his bride. 

Raju and Maya had met briefly at family gatherings only.  Maya was still wallowing in misery and was scared for her future.  She was however savvy about birds and bees as her mother had prepared her well, tutoring her to expertly fend off straying hands and other mauling.  She always carried a tiny dagger on her person.  It was a family heirloom and very ancient.  One peculiar thing about Maya’s mother’s family had been that it was a family of seers and often a child was born with a third eye.  In olden times people ostracized them due to ignorance but these days they were respected and much sought after.

Per umpteen movie scenes of first wedding night, Raju removed the veil covering Maya face and spoke to her very gently.  Listening to his kind tone, Maya lost a bit of her fear and paid closer attention to his words.  He said “First and foremost I wish to express my grief over the loss of your parents.  Rest assured I will not make any demands on you until unless you yourself are willing and ready.  In the interim we can become good friends and understand one another.  Also please do not fear mother even though she is like a prickly pear.  She has a heart of gold.”  Hearing this, Maya’s worries vanished.  Time has a way of passing and it was two years already since Raju and Maya had married.  Now they had become fast friends and Maya was ready for a family.  Raju felt great joy at his chance of happiness finally as he loved kids and longed to be a dad.  Maya had come to love and respect Raju and his parents who had been extremely patient with her.  Maya was not a shirker and helped Sheila in tending home and caring for the cows and kitchen garden.    In nine months Maya presented the family with twins, a boy and girl.  They named them Suraj and Tara after sun and star. 

The kids grew like weeds.  Suraj was a handful whereas Tara was placid.  From early on family tiptoed around her.  They felt her quiet power as though some goddess had reincarnated in their home and treated her with deference.  Tara was born with the third eye and often in sleep she started making predictions that always came true.  Be it the rainfall or lack of it, a birth, death, windfall et al.  Soon whole town clamored after her but she only spoke in sleep state.  Maya protected her daughter fiercely.   She knew well that such a gift could be a curse too.

Tara was very fond of her brother and always covered up for him.  Suraj too loved her very much and even though she was his twin he looked up to her. 

Suraj was playing ball with his friends after school when one of the volleys’s overshot and landed in the bushes.  The kids ran to retrieve it.  By sheer bad luck Suraj got bitten by a cobra that was nesting there.   The quick thinking kids spat out the venom by biting into his leg.  Poison was spreading fast.  Two of them ran to fetch help.   

Suraj’s vitals had become feeble.  The local doctor was trying his best.  The family sat praying non-stop.  Then Tara came running and put her hand on her brother’s forehead.  She started swaying and chanting in a strange ancient tongue.  The venom started transferring from Suraj’s veins into Tara’s.  Suraj stabilized and Tara fell into a deep swoon. 

A week before Tara had had a vision and knew Suraj had a short life span.  She chanted non-stop for two days before the deity appeared.  They had made a pact.  The twins would now each live to fifty and not a day more.  Tara had happily given up half her life span for Suraj.  No one knew about this pact.     

Word count: 1168

note: Third eye means clairvoyance in the Hindu religion 

picture from internet

Little Bobbie was in seventh heaven to have the secret room as his very own and wanted to sleep there as well.  His parents decided to make him happy as this way they could keep an eye on him more easily.

Bobbie was an only child and ever since he learnt to walk, he would be all over the
house playing with toys in hand.  His mom Raji tried to restrain him in his room by feeding and playing with him there.  Gradually Bobbie kept to his room and when he was lonely he would start speaking with his friend Kanha.  He would say” Kanha, please come and play with me.  I want to be your playmate.”  Suddenly, Kanha would emerge from the silver statue and they would play for hours together.  Now the sounds of two pairs of anklets would reverberate in the house.    Raji and the maid would hear this delightful tinkle and smile.  It never occurred to them that it was the sound made by two pairs.  After Bobbie got tired and fell asleep hugging his pal Balgopal, the Lord would merge back into the statue.

One day Bobbie woke up early and looked for his pal but he was not there!  Instead there was a lovely peacock feather on his pillow.

He stared at it in wonder!  He had liked the feather on Balgopal’s gold crown and had wanted one also.  Carefully he put the feather in his Alphabet book. 

Raji had finished cooking and was between chores.  She decided to sit early with Bobbie to teach the alphabets and numbers.  On opening the book, she found the lovely peacock feather.  Upon asking the child where he got it, Bobbie said “Mom my pal Gopal gave it to me!”  Raji was mystified and questioned her son further.  She asked “Which Gopal?”  Bobbie pointed to the silver statue in the swing.  He said “He plays with me every day and even sleeps with me.  I had asked him to get me a feather just like the one he has on his head.”   Raji was overjoyed and believed her son!  She realized the room had a very peaceful aura and instead of the usual musty smell, it had a pleasing fragrance of fresh jasmine flowers and camphor.  She hugged her son and kissed him in pure joy.  She joined her hands and prayed babbling her thanks to Him for gracing their home.
It was Janamashtami day and Bobbie’s parents both fasted and broke it only after midnight.  Next day they held kirtan in their home and invited all the neighbors for lunch.  The silver Kanha seated in the swing occupied the place of honor in the living room where one corner has been converted into a temporary temple.  Fifty six varieties of sweets had been prepared for the lord and the house resounded with sounds of bhajans and rejoicing celebrating the birth of the lord.  Finally it was over and the lord was returned to Bobbie’s room.  Bobbie had been excited by the day’s goings on and had played to his heart’s content with the guest’s kids.  He had other playmates now.

Bobbie was often invited to other homes and between play and day school he became busy and hence did not call out to his playmate as often as before.  Their meetings became infrequent and then stopped completely. 
Bobbie was sent home early from school as he was unwell.  Raji immediately took him to the doctor who said he had caught a virus and gave him a mild sedative and medicines.  The child’s fever was very high and Raji sat by his bedside placing cooling cloth pads on his forehead to lower the temperature.  She was weeping silently.  Then as Bobbie settled down into a fitful rest, she left the room.  

After an hour or so, Bobbie woke up suddenly and cried out to his old pal Balgopal.  He said “please Kanha come and talk to me.  I know I have been busy but you know I love you very much Kanha.”  The lord emerged from the statue and sat by his side.  Then Kanha placed his tiny hand on Bobbie’s forehead and in a few minutes the fever vanished.  Bobbie got up and both played as before.  Then the Lord told Bobbie that now that he had become a big boy he did not need him any more and that whenever he remembered HIM he should close his eyes and he would appear as HE lived in his heart.  He said he had to visit other boys who needed him.  They hugged each other and the Lord merged into the statue never to appear again.

Kesar and Rajratan smiled happily in their portraits which hung in Bobbie’s room and which his sons had left for Bobbie along with the silver statue and the swing.

all pictures are from the internet except last one which is mine 

Little Bobby loved to venture now that he could crawl.  His mom Raji was usually at her wit’s end turning pots n pans, closets, nooks and crannies for him.  Finally she’d extricate him with cobwebs hanging on curly locks and dust smearing his cherubic face.  His endearing smile melted her anger and she hugged him to her bosom, thankful that he was safe.

Bobby

“Mom is really busy today and now that my tummy is full, I can go and seek new adventure.”  His tiny anklets tinkling, the baby made a beeline for his favorite haunt, that secret room with big brass inlaid doorway and old fashioned chain and lock where happily he gurgled and cooed as though playing with someone.  Luckily the door had been unlocked for mopping and dusting.

“Today I am going to explore that dark corner which has some really interesting jars and pots.  Even though I like that silver baby in the swing a lot but if I can crawl into the rocking chair, then I can have a better look.  Let’s see if I am able to climb on.” 

Pre-Partition of India and Pakistan

Chowdhary Ratan Singh was greatly respected in his town in West Punjab, now in Pakistan.  His family owned a flourishing business in dry fruits.  His brothers and their families also lived in the rambling mansion.  Ratan had one son and two daughters.  He got his girls settled early and was on the lookout for a suitable bride for his son Rajratan(Raj).  Around that time there was a problem in the dry fruit supply from Kabul and he sent Raj to investigate.  Raj went to meet their main supplier Aftab Khan who invited him for dinner.  There he met Khan’s daughter Kesar and fell head over heels in love with her.  Kesar felt the same pull.  She knew her father was ready to marry her off to her awful cousin Kaif who was a mean person and hence knowing their families would never agree, they bolted to Delhi.

Kesar’s mother was in the know and not only approved but had given whatever money she could lay her hands on and jewelry.  She even sent a maid to help them.  Both the fathers were angry and washed their hands off them and forbid everyone from even uttering their names.  Ratan cursed his first born but on his deathbed forgave his son and wished they had patched up. 
Rajratan Singh and Kesar were hardworking and after selling their jewelry and diamond ear-rings they were able to have enough seed money to start they own dry fruit business in Delhi.  Both knew the supply sources and through a trusted hand were able to build up their business from scratch.  Here in Delhi festivals and marriages took place all the time hence dry fruits were always in demand.  They had chosen well.  The couple missed their old homes.  They constructed their new home incorporating the beauty of both ancestral homes.  The doors had brass inlaid work and the windows and latticed balconies had intricate colored glass designs to keep the harsh summer sun out.  Cross ventilation kept their home cool.  They were happy except for the one recurring pain in their bosom for their kith n kin whom they missed dreadfully.    Raj and Kesar each had worn cameos of their parents around their neck and hence got paintings done of their elders and it occupied a place of honor in their diwan khana (drawing room).  The kids would get to know their grand parents in this manner only.

Time sped and Raj and Kesar’s two sons decided to study abroad where they subsequently married and settled down never to return. The parents  grieved for their sons realizing how their own parents must’ve felt.  They reconciled and now took one day a time.      

There was a lot of unrest against the British rule.  Some firebrand Hindus decided to bomb the local prison and set free their leaders.  Raj and Kesar were in the bazaar when the bomb misfired and were killed instantly.  Their horse buggy driver and jack of all cook Bakshi quickly gathered up their mangled bodies and got them cremated before sundown. Then they dispatched mail to their sons overseas to return home and immerse the ashes in the holy Ganges.    The letters never reached as the post office was bombed the next day.  The sons remained oblivious of their parent’s demise.  Finally the family lawyer as per instructions sold off the mansion keeping one room locked with family heirlooms for the sons whom he had informed via telegram.  It was a clause that was agreed upon by the buyer in the sale deed.  Their parent’s curse did not let Raj and Kesar rest in peace and their ashes languished along with the heirlooms.  They lingered on.

This was the room which attracted the baby most.  The keys had been provided to the new owner for mopping and dusting and for this service the sale price had been adjusted.

Little Bobby managed to climb the rocker in the forbidden room.  He was in seventh heaven.  There were so many interesting objects on the mantle above the fireplace.  Also there were those huge pictures of old people.  He scrambled down and crawled into the corner, when suddenly four hands quickly embraced him and hugged him.  He felt kisses being showered on his cheeks and squealed with delight.  The maid was passing by and heard the sound and came rushing in.  She brought out the dirty squirmy brat and then his mother saw perfect lip marks on his two cheeks! She got the fright of her life!  She decided to investigate.  She saw the nook where Bobby had crawled and there under the red velvet cloth lay two pots tied up with red threads.  They looked like someone’s ashes!

So the old people’s spirits were still in residence!  Oh my God! Her hand flew to her mouth in a silent cry.  She quickly called her husband home and showed him the ashes.

Next morning they called the local pundit who knew the departed well and said that they were waiting for salvation at the hands of their sons.  Fortunately the sons were finally in town to tie up the loose ends of the family business and property sale and had indicated that they would like to see what their parents had stored for them.  They were grief stricken and remorseful about their callous neglect.  But it was too late.  Next day they performed “Havan” and all rituals required to speed off their loved ones.  They immersed the ashes in the holy Ganges.  In their dream their parents had asked them to gift their silver swing with Bal Gopal to little Bobby their little playmate whom they had enjoyed during transition.

Bobby was in seventh heaven as now the secret room was thrown open and made into his playroom.  He slept with the Balgopal by his bedside.  His elderly friends no longer played with him.  They were resting in peace.

pictures from internet- not mine

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

 
***   ***    ***

Sheila
 
Sheila was Yogi’s mother and a widow.  She was very attractive and still retained her perfect form and lovely voice.  The only thing that had changed was her bubbly happy go lucky spirit.  She had now become more quiet and pensive.  She had gotten married to an army officer of her parent’s choice and had been relatively happy.  Her heart however belonged to her childhood sweetheart Amar Pundit and she had always thought they would get married one day.  But as fate would have it Amar died in a freak road accident and Sheila was inconsolable.  She almost lost her mind in grief.  The family out of concern quickly got her married to a family friend’s son who adored Sheila.  Yogi was born soon after.  He had been fathered by Amar but only Sheila knew about it.  India was at war with Pakistan and as luck would have it; her husband was killed in the very first sortie.  Sheila returned to her parent’s home carrying her infant son.  She did not wish to get remarried or leave her home ever again.  The family had a huge barnyard of a house and Sheila was welcome to stay.  She was the only sister to four older brothers and they all loved her.
Sheila decided to hone her singing skills.  She approached the revered Pandit Jairaj of the famous Hindustani gharana.  The guruji put her through her paces and reasonably appeased, accepted her as a student.  Guruji was a very hard taskmaster but Sheila did not shirk and won over the guruji in a short time. 

Pandit Jairaj was often invited to sing at prestigious events and often he invited Sheila along.  Occasionally he even let her give solo performances.  Thus gradually Sheila gained self confidence and then after three years, she decided to strike out on her own with her guru’s blessing.   Sheila loved to experiment and loved fusing old with the new.  Her first solo disc was sent to the local radio station and soon it caught the fancy of the young and old alike.  Her compact disc (cd) became a hit.  Sheila has arrived.  Subsequently she made several new cds with her own brand of fusion music and lyrics and they sold well as she had become known by then.  She even gave solo concerts.  Thus Sheila became financially independent and well able to care for Yogi and herself.  But she loved her old home and never left it.  Banaras had a strong hold on her.  She belonged.
 
***   ***   ***

Amar
 
Amar Pundit’s lineage was a veritable who’s who amongst the learned savants and sages of Banaras.  His family was very orthodox and traditional and conversant in all the holy texts and Vedas.  Amar was the second son and hence when he strayed from the family fold, there wasn’t much opposition.  He wanted to be an astronaut and was pursuing his career accordingly.  Sheila and he were school friends and had gravitated towards one another from day one.  Opposites attract as they say.  Amar was the quiet one and Sheila was the chatterbox.  Amar loved chess, Sheila loved tennis. Amar loved the library, Sheila loved the movies.  Thus each one gained from the other.  Amar however was extremely good looking and had a strong lithe body.  He loved to do yoga first thing in the morning.  He was in perfect shape and swam life a fish.  He had great discipline and strength of mind.  Sheila’s family loved him like a son.  Often they would be seen on the roof of the house where Amar would point out all the constellations and then point out to that one particular star which he said belonged to only the two of them.  Laughingly he would say, once he became an astronaut, he would take her there.  He was crazy about astronomy and dreamed of visiting faraway galaxies and planets.
 
***   ***   ***
 
As far back as he could recall Amar had that same recurring dream.  He would find himself prostrate before a huge gold Buddha statue in a subterranean cave in a remote mountain.  Ancient Tibetan chants washed over him and he seemed to be mouthing the same with fervor.   All he’d recall upon waking up was that he felt energized and at peace after this dream.  In his spare time, he took to researching Buddhist texts to find an answer.   Often in his dreams, he also saw his head in the cosmos and the planets and stars rotating and revolving around him!  He would awake all shook up and perplexed after this particular dream.
 
****   ***   ****

The Monk

To free my mind
I sit to unwind
Detached from tree
A mere leaf I be
Can hold neither them nor me
Time and tide I ever be
Stilling mind I sit still
Lotus pose daily drill
Mind’s activity to abate
Ever wiping its slate
Detached thoughtless
Purposeless- nirvana
To free mind
I sit to unwind
A monk I be!

When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering
 Like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.
Bhagavad-Gita Gita
***   ****   ***

The Monk

 
The head monk Tenzin Rinchen who was the senior most amongst the yellow hat sect was dying.  All the senior monks had been summoned to pay their last respects and get final instructions.  There were five of them in all and now they had to follow old traditions and after suitable visions and divination, they would find the home where the head monk had reincarnated.
 
***   ***  ***
 
The lake was like a blue turquoise studded in the pristine Himalayas.  The monks gathered early in the morning mists.  They chanted the sacred prayers paying obeisance to invoke the Goddess Kali of the lake.  Finally after exact one hundred eight minutes the Goddess appeared on the surface of the lake and pointed towards the foothills and Ganges valley- there seemed to appear a glowing light in the sky showing the direction they should take.  Quickly they noted the latitude and longitude and the constellations and after final prayer, they headed back to the cave.  There they collected the sacred relics and some personal objects belonging to the venerable yellow hat and began their quest.

Two of the monks Yongten and Tsewang  were sent on this mission and the other three stayed back to prepare for the anointment of the reincarnated one.  They had many secret ceremonies to perform.
 
***   ***   ***
 
Yongten and Tsewang got up early in the morning to take a dip in the holy lake and ask for blessing from Goddess Kali.  Then they were on their way following the direction of the holy light as was manifested by Kali.  They carried with them a sacred lamp.  When the glow was strong they knew they were on the right track but if the lamp’s glow weakened, and then they knew they had to turn back.  This was their compass of faith.  They lived off the fruits in the forest and if some kindly villager invited them over they accepted their invitations.  This gave them an opportunity to know about the village and its people.  They usually turned their conversation to children with uncommon abilities and grace.  So far they had struck out.  They did not lose heart but pressed on.  Soon they entered the forest leading to the city of Banaras.

***   ****   ***
 
Yogi was seated on a tree branch and as usual was in deep reverie.  Some ancient chants and Sanskrit slokas continuously played in his head.  Of its own volition, he started writing these in the dirt in front of his feet and then suddenly he wrote the letters Y and T.
He came to and looked at what he had written but was mystified.  He had no clue.  But he was aware that something momentous was about to take place which would change his life forever.  His inner spirit was beckoning the two monks Yongten and Tsewang. 
 

***   ***   ***
 
Yogi’s mother Sheila was having strange dreams.  She saw Yogi dressed in flowing saffron robe with tonsured head seated on a high dais.  People were prostrated before him and were chanting ancient hymns.  She too found herself bowing to her son!  She was confused.  How? What? Why?  She knew in her guts that her son was different and his destiny was preordained.  Only she did not know when that would happen.  She also felt pangs of separation from him which she quelled fiercely.  She bided time nevertheless.
 
***   ***   ***
 
Yongsten and Tsewang lighted their lamp to determine if they were on the right track.  The lamp glowed brightly.  They were reassured.  Quickly they settled down for the night in the dilapidated hut they had come across in the forest.   They would leave early and head for the great city of Banaras.

***   ***   ***

Banaras*
Mystic Banaras city of Shiva and sanctity, resting on left bank of the holy river Ganga is the Hindu’s center for nirvana. It is believed here in Banaras Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati stood when time started ticking for the first time. A plethora of folklore is associated with this ancient city.  Varanasi has found place in the Buddhist scriptures as well as the great Hindu epic of Mahabharata.  ‘Kashi’ signifies that it is a ‘site of spiritual luminance.’  It is the city of the dead, the undead and rebirth.

***   ***  ***
Monks Yongten and Tsewang
The two monks resumed their quest through the forest.   Soon they experienced a subtle change in the air and in the flora and fauna.  This part had strong vibrations and the trees were greener and flowers brighter.  They knew they were headed in the right direction.  Their bent shoulders straightened and their gait gathered speed.  They felt rejuvenated.  They confirmed by lighting their special lamp and the flame was strong and steady.  They smiled satisfied.
At the edge of the forest they came across a sprawling house.  Involuntarily their eyes looked up and espied a young boy standing in the roof.  He was calm and looking towards them as though expecting them.  It appeared as though he had beckoned them here.  They were compelled to bow towards the child!  Gathering themselves they entered the courtyard. 

Yogi’s cousins surrounded the monks and as was customary invited them inside and ran to fetch the elders.  The monks were served with a simple repast and then everyone gathered to know about them.  They plied them with questions about where they were from and where were they headed.  The monks exchanged glances and then asked about the child on the roof.  Instantly everyone knew they were enquiring about Yogi.  Quickly the cousins ran to fetch Yogi and Sheila.
Sheila’s heart was pounding.  She felt it in her bones that something momentous was about to take place.  She felt bereft and elated.
With unhurried steps, Yogi descended the staircase and entered the living room.  He quietly sat down in front of the two monks with an impassive demeanor.  The monks seemed nonplussed at first.

Then they asked to speak with the boy’s parents.  Sheila came forward saying she was a widow.  Then the monks spoke about their quest and the passing away of their head monk and subsequent reincarnation.  They had come to fetch their master home.  They said they had been guided to this house and were certain the child Yogi was their master.
The whole family was wonderstruck except Sheila.  Then grudgingly they too felt that this statement felt just right.  Yogi had always seemed removed from them.  He belonged on a different plane altogether.  Then the monks in order to clinch this matter conducted the ancient tests as was customary.  Yogi passed all the tests without faltering for a second.   Yongten and Tsewang were satisfied.  The head monk Tenzin Rinchen had reincarnated as Yogi.
Now came the hard part.  They had to take the child away from his family.  Sheila felt all torn up inside.  Yet she knew that this was Yogi’s destiny.  He was destined for greater things in the service of humanity.
He was going home.

 
note:* Banaras aka Varanasi, Kashi info. and picture from internet

Hindustani gharana: particular style of singing

Neil Bhatia, the son of Bhatia the leading Builder of Delhi was in Shimla on a working holiday.  He was staying at Hotel Oberoi Cecil.  There was a builder’s convention in the hotel.  After attending a few talks and workshops, Neil decided to take a walk down the Mall.  His timing coincided with Rose and they met halfway.  Neil was classically handsome with killer looks and blue eyed fair Rose looked ravishing in an aquamarine dress.  It was love at first sight.  Smiles and nods soon changed to handshakes and embraces leading to an engagement.  Bhatias and D’Costas were both broadminded and had full faith in their children.  Soon a marriage was solemnized in a church and in Hindu tradition and Rose moved back to Delhi.   After all the festivities and honeymoon excitement was over, Rose began an avante garde Nursery school with the latest teaching techniques.  Her family school catered to children of foreign ambassadors and the wealthy.  Hence she was familiar with the latest innovations and utilized them in her school as money was no object.  With in laws’ blessings, she also set aside eleven scholarships for those deserving children who could not pay the steep school fees.
Her staff was hand picked and as committed to quality teaching as her.  Hence when Rose was pregnant, she could stay home without any worries.  Jay Bhatia was born one stormy day and looked like the elements were rejoicing with her two families. 

 
****    ****  ****   ****
 
O Virgin Mary!! I, Rose D’Costa Bhatia wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the miraculous recovery of my love Neil.  As promised I have come on this pilgrimage to your beautiful St. Michael’s Church in Mahim, Mumbai.   I am fulfilling my vow and completing my Novena by attending mass on nine consecutive Wednesdays with my son Jay. Thank you Mother.

Rose D’Costa was an incredibly lovely Anglo- Indian of 23 years.  She wished to get away from her family run convent school and strike out on her own.  She applied and got a teaching post at the famous Bishop Cotton School in Shimla.   She was very happy and often during free time explored the town and its environs.  Once she found herself outside the Kali Bari Temple.  She was hesitating to enter when she saw the priest emerge from within.  Priest Durgesh saw her interest and showed her the temple complex giving a running commentary about its history.  They became friends.

 
****    ****    ****
 
Today, I cannot contain my joy.  My innermost desire to become the head priest of our Goddess Durga’s shrine has become a reality.  Father is unwell and needs to rest.  Mother Durga has always been kind to our family and continues to bestow HER benevolence.  Our Kali Bari temple is graced with the presence of Goddess Shymala (Shimla).  I simply love morning arti best and chanting Durga mantras constantly. 
 
Durgesh’s college friend was getting married in Delhi and he decided to shop for the wedding gift there itself. Knowing his best friend’s likes, it did not take him long and as he was hailing a taxi, a car suddenly burst out of the parking lot and hit him.  The accelerator had been  erroneously pressed by the child driver in mischief and Durgesh was injured badly.  Meantime, the car’s chauffeur managed to grab the steering from the child’s hands and halt the car. But it was too late and Durgesh was grievously injured.

****   ****    ****
 
Yes, I think I can finally negotiate and deliver the property vacant to dad for our next big project.  Dad will be delighted and relieved. The squatter has finally agreed to meet and surely we can come to an amicable settlement.  I can feel it in my bones.  Then I can celebrate with my bundle of joy Jay and Rosie who have both been very patient with my short temper lately.  I feel awful about my behavior and after today will make it up for it to them..  In fact I will surprise them with tickets to Disney World In Florida USA.  They will be delighted. 

The Bhatias had purchased a large property on the outskirts of Delhi and Neil had to go there to negotiate with the last squatter.  Waving goodbye to Rose and son Jay, Neil rushed out.  As he was driving on the highway, a truck with failed brakes suddenly jumped the median and crashed into his car.   The steering embedded in his chest and he lost consciousness.  The accountant who was seated next to Neil was shaken but uninjured and immediately alerted everyone.  An ambulance was on its way. 

 
Neil required a heart transplant.  Durgesh was brought in unconscious at the same time.  His injuries were grievous.  The police had found Rose Bhatia’s phone number along with Soham Kher in Durgesh’s  pocket.  Soham was out of reach but Rose was available and was coincidently in the hospital itself.  The police informed Rose about Pandit Durgesh’s accident.  Rose called the head priest in Shimla at once and advised him about her own plight as well.  Once the senior priest came to know that their son could not be saved, he gave permission to have his heart donated to Neil.  He felt, in this way a vital part of his son would be alive in Neil’s body.  The heart transplant was a success. 
 
***   ***   ***
 
Neil slowly regained his strength.  Only his nights were bizarre.  He found himself nightly in a Goddess Durga Shrine performing arti and chanting Durga stotram constantly.  Rose then told him about Pandit Durgesh and how she had become his friend.  Neil wanted to visit the temple and also meet Durgesh’s parents.  Rose decided to call them to Delhi instead. Upon arrival, they came to know that their son’s heart remembered Goddess Durga and hence Neil the staunch Krishna devotee was fluently reciting all Durga slokas without a single error.  He had never chanted them before.  His donated heart knew.
 
“Om Sarva mangala Maangalye   Shivey Sarvaartha Saadhikey    Sharanye Trayambikey Gauri     Naraayani Namostutey
 
Lord Krishna and Goddess Durga had collaborated.
 
Jay Bhatia now basked in the love of three sets of grand parents viz. Priest Shastri’s family, D’Costas and Bhatias.  He was lovingly cherished by all.

Lord Krishna : Indian deity, god

 Goddess Durga (wife of Shiva) is also called shakti, Goddess Shymala (power)

Shimla is a hill station in Himachal state in India

Mumbai is Bombay India

picture from internet

Piled up on the tiny table in the foyer was today’s mail.  Most letters seemed familiar and medical profession related except one.  He picked it up curiously.   He peeled off his address and underneath found a letter addressed to: God, Central Post Office, Mumbai 400 001.   How strange!! He slit open the letter and it said: Dear God, I am in big trouble.  Today I saw a man shot dead right in front of my eyes and I am scared the killers will find me as I am the only eye witness.  Please God, help me. (as translated from Hindi)

It had no return address.  Somehow a letter addressed to God had been forwarded to him by postal mishandling!! Thoughtfully, Kevin set it aside and retired.

~~~~~       ~~~~~~     ~~~~~

Mrs. Pestonjee was turning into a royal pain.  Even extensive plastic surgery could not rejuvenate this crumbling edifice but she still wanted to throw more money.  Fountain of youth was still elusive to her and Dr. Kevin had lost patience.  He vowed to refer her to one of his hungry juniors.  He preferred restorative surgery.  Tired and dispirited he drove faster than usual.  Suddenly he had to swerve sharply as a young woman ran full tilt towards his car.  He was at the top of the slope and hence had not seen her.  Quickly she opened his car door and cowered inside and begged him to drive.  He started the car at once.  Running a few yards down the slope, were three thugs with guns.  They ran towards the woods.

~~~~~~      ~~~~~~~       ~~~~~~

Lila had found refuge in Dr. Kevin’s house but was worried about her dependent parents.  She owned a flower shop outside the famous Hindu God Ganesh’s temple and did brisk business.  She lived nearby in a cheap rented apartment that met her family’s needs.  Lila had witnessed the murder of a famous businessman two weeks ago- it was a case of botched up kidnapping and the thugs had ended up murdering their golden goose.  Now they were on the lookout for her.   She was afraid for her life and with no one to turn to- she had penned a letter to Lord Ganesh and mailed it.  She had felt that the temple priest may throw out her letter but as the lord was everywhere he will get it at the post office. Now her life was in God’s hands.  She and her family had implicit faith in Lord Ganesh.

~~~~~~      ~~~~~~~    ~~~~~~~~

Sister Maria was enjoying the break in her monotonous life.  Dr. Kevin had brought to the church her look alike and she was teaching her all of her peculiar habits etc. so that Lila could pass herself off as Sister Maria.  With a shoe implant, Lila even had a limp like Sister Maria.  Skilled makeup, implants and reversible plastic surgery had changed her completely..  In the interim that Lila was undergoing makeover and facial transformation, Sister Maria used to visit her parents and help out.  No one was the wiser as the nuns frequented this neighborhood and were a common sight.  Soon she was ready to take Sister Maria’s place.  In the meantime to allay suspicion, Dr. Kevin had mailed a letter in Lila’s handwriting to her parents from the Middle East saying she was happy and they should not worry.  This letter was read by the gangsters after bribing the mailman and then resealed.  Their worries were lulled.  Now dressed up as Sister Maria, Lila visited her parents daily and all was well.

~~~~~~~           ~~~~~~~~~       ~~~~~~~~~~~~

The court was filled to capacity.  The businessman’s family had engaged city’s top legal firm to get justice and to put the notorious culprits behind bars for life. The media too was there in full force.  Sister Maria was seated quietly in the back and no one paid any attention to her.  The testimony had begun and due to the lack of any eye witness the defense was urging the case be thrown out.

The nun got up quietly and entered the restroom.  Suddenly there was a diversion in the corridor as a man fell down clutching his heart and screaming.  The bathroom door opened and a veiled woman quickly walked to the courtroom.  In a few minutes, Sister Maria returned and took her seat.

The defense lawyer got up and said that he would like to present to the court his star eye witness.  There was a hush in the court and the gangsters were aghast.  Lila removed her veil and boldly identified the three killers and they were sentenced for life.  The victim’s family was very grateful and awarded Lila a huge amount of money for her bravery.  There was even talk of a movie based on this case.  Lila was rich and famous.

Lila could now fearlessly stay with her parents.  With the money awarded, they moved to their village and lead peaceful lives.  Her God Lord Ganesh had not let her down.

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….

Patrick Murphy felt himself drowning!! This was the first time he felt like that after his school days crush for science teacher with the sexy voice and drop dead gorgeous looks!!  He was in body changing phase and as his awareness grew, so did his puppy love for his teacher.  But that crush died rather quickly as he saw his teacher in a clinch with the  Physical Ed lady teacher and that fizzled his ardor like to a wet blanket on raging fire.

Isabella sped to her room to freshen up and hastened to the luncheon her friend’s family had thrown.  Her face was pink with all the morning excitement and she was dying to confide to her bro Carlos as they were very close to each other.  Finally she caught him on the terrace and told him about her invite and meeting with Patrick.  He cautioned her but upon seeing her happy face he agreed to come along and checkout Patrick.  Then Bella called and made rendezvous with the three of them for brunch on the piazza.

Carlos and Patrick hit off at the outset as both were avid soccer fans and traded notes et al.  Patrick had developed his love for soccer whilst in Europe for a couple of years studying architecture.  Carlos got good vibes from Patrick and gave his blessings to both Bella and Patrick.  Then he cautioned Patrick about their blueblood and warned him about possible bottlenecks where their alliance was concerned from the family and left them alone.  Time flew for both Bella and Patrick and it was time to leave.  Reluctantly they parted after exchanging phones and email info. etc.   Patrick informed Bella that he may actually make a work related trip to Madrid to get design inspiration from the magnificent edifices.  She was elated and promised to keep in touch in the interim and bid adieu.

Patrick and Carlos and Bella kept in constant touch and through them Patrick came to know the likes and dislikes of their parents and the other sibling Roberto.  He searched and found a rare coin to add to the royal dad’s collection.  Bella’s mom was fond of intricate filigreed hand held fans.  Patrick had picked up a rare fan on one of his trips to China and reluctantly decided to part with it as well.  He felt it was small price to pay for his Bella.  For Roberto and Carlos he decided to get autographed soccer balls.  Here he had a lucky break as David Beckham upon moving to California had short listed a few architectural firms and Patrick’s firm was one of them.  So, it was easy for him to request  autographed soccer balls. For his Bella, Patrick got his jewelry designer friend to design a beautiful delicate bracelet in platinum and precious stones.  All gifts ready and wrapped he could relax now.

He could concentrate on his projects as he wanted to do well financially so that he could provide all that his loving heart wished for his Bella viz. a lifestyle she was used to or at least up to her level. Their love had raced full throttle.

Patrick called up Bella and asked to speak to her dad.  Bella informed that already Carlos and she had filled him in about Rome events.  Patrick asked formal permission to court Bella.  Dad gave in conditionally saying he’d like to meet him personally first and invited him for dinner.    The royal apartments with their rich history and décor made his heart sink but he loved Bella dearly and was determined to disarm her Patrician parents.  He had his gift bag ready and after a lavish dinner when they retired to the den, Patrick decided to give the gifts.  Diffidently he gave the coin and fan to the parents.  They were both delighted and disarmed as they realized the thought and care behind this gesture as their intrinsic value for them was meaningless.  Roberto and Carlos were delighted with the autographed soccer balls from David Beckham.  Finally he gave Bella the bracelet and she was charmed by its workmanship and beauty.  Last but not the least, Patrick had even brought a lovely antique cameo for Tita, Bella’s nanny who blushed and curtsied happily.
The wooing of the whole family en masse was a fait complit!!  Patrick was half way there
And his love boat was rock steady!!

to be contd…for concluding part

Donna Maria, Bella’s mom had a weak heart.  These days, she was feeling under the weather and wanted her darling wed whilst she was still alive.  She had developed a soft corner for Patrick who was always courteous and well mannered and managed to convince Carlos Sr. to bless their alliance.  Carlos Sr. himself had developed a grudging respect for Bella’s choice despite himself and the marriage was fixed to the lovers’ delight.  It was a royal wedding and a grand affair with the world’s Who’s Who in attendance along with Patrick’s mom and twin sister Tricia and his firm’s senior partners.
After a fantastic honeymoon in St. Moritz and French Riviera the newly weds departed for New York.

***************************

It was their first wedding anniversary and Patrick had taken Bella to his favorite haunts in Carmel and San Francisco with a final trip to the Wine country in Sonoma California.  They enjoyed themselves immensely. The night before their departure they went for a dinner dance cruise in Frisco Bay.  As they were returning home their boat had a head on collision with another speedboat which was being steered by a drunken soldier on furlough.  They fell in the bay.  After a couple of hours they were fished out and mercifully none the worse for wear and quietly returned home thankful to be alive.

There was another reason for their concern as Bella was pregnant.  There was a double rejoicing as she was carrying twins per the Murphy family gene pool n tradition.  On their return from the doctor’s office, they decided to visit their attorney to put all their affairs in order as their recent accident had shook them up.   After nine plus months Bella gave birth to a boy and a girl.  The girl Sophia Maria with lovely blond hair and the boy Sean Robert had her auburn hair.  They were all in seventh heaven.  The proud parents and all the grand parents.  After the twin’s christening, the Murphy’s made another trip to the attorney’s office and set up trust funds for the twins and also decided to make a living will just in case something untoward happens.  Now, their affairs were in order and they were at peace.

***********************************

The twins fourth birthday party was a grand success and this time the grandparents and both Roberto and Carlos had come in a special chartered plane for this event.  Everyone
was happy and content.  Donna Maria and Carlos Sr. were attending the special Sunday mass at St Patrick’s church and all the men were at Flushing Meadows for the tennis matches.  They were staying at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and were planning to return there directly before the evening gala event.  Bella was at home busy supervising the arrangements for the evening party thrown in her parent’s honor and she was eager to introduce them to her new acquired American friends.

Bella was very happy with her designer gown which Donna Maria had brought for her. She was ready for the evening and was already dressed and decided to make a final round of the kitchen and checkup on the staff and the twins.  As she started coming down the steps, her foot slipped and she fell headlong down the marble steps.  She let out a scream and lost consciousness.  The way she fell, she had cracked her head severely and was declared brain dead upon arrival at the hospital.  The whole Murphy house was in mourning.  It was one month since Bella was on life support system

************************************

The court was full of spectators and the media was going crazy outside.  Today the Church attorney and the Spanish pastor were going to speak.  Outside pro and con choice groups were also holding silent vigils.  Patrick wanted to let his love go peacefully as per her wishes but her family was totally against this!!  He was unhappy and confused.  The twins were bewildered and missed their mother.  Luckily his office had given him leave of absence and he also worked from home when needed.

***********************
Everyone had spoken their bit before the judge and were waiting for the court verdict.  Suddenly from the back of the court a stately African American  woman called Tabitha got up and asked permission to approach the bench.  The judge allowed her to approach and speak.  She said “Your honor by profession I am a psychic and  a medium.  People who have crossed over use me to convey their wishes to their loved ones if they have passed away before fulfilling them or wish to let their loved ones know where to find some important document etc.

.  Today I had a very strange thing happened to me.  I have been following the case of Mrs. Bella Murphy when suddenly her spirit contacted me and asked me to convey her wishes to this court and her parents especially.  To convince all present her spirit has given me some irrefutable information which only she and her close family know of.  The judge asked Bella’s Family to listen carefully to what Tabitha had to convey.

First she said that in childhood Bella had a pet rabbit named Senor Poirot!! The whole family were taken aback.  Then Tabitha said that Bella also said that the heirloom ring which Donna Maria’s grandmother had given her, she had taken in childhood and since there was so much hue and cry when it went missing, she had gotten scared and had hidden it in the tiny purse of her favorite doll which was still lying in her room in the palace.  With court’s permission Donna Maria called Tita and soon it was verified that the purse did contain the ring that had been missing for past fifteen years.  Tabitha also mentioned a few personal quirks of the parents and Roberto and Carlos and thus all present were convinced that indeed it was Bella’s spirit that had used Tabitha as her medium.  This was a first for Tabitha as normally only people who had died contacted her but even though Bella was brain dead still she was on life support and hence alive.  The Judge then pronounced his verdict.

You decide how to end it!! per your conviction n conscience******************************************************************

notes:

Living will: A living will is one form of advance medical directive. Advance medical directives pertain to treatment preferences and the designation of a surrogate decision-maker in the event that a person should become unable to make medical decisions on their own behalf.

***************************

Euthanasia
Should euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide be legal? *

Core Question   Should euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide be legal?
Definitions and Language   Euthanasia
Physician-Assisted Suicide/ Physician Aid in Dying
Differentiating Terms

Moral Questions   Slippery Slope -   Religious Concerns -   Double Effect

Advance Directives   Living Wills -   Health Care Power of Attorney

End-of-Life Medical Care   Palliative Care -   Futility -  Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders
Euthanasia in Practice -   Ethical Concerns -   Hippocratic Oath -  Motivations for Hastened Death

Health Care Implications   American Healthcare System
Insurance Considerations -Special Groups   Disabled Patients -  Elderly Patients -  Poor Patients
Minority Patients -   Female Patients -  Infant Patients