The Secret of the Chalisa by Dr. Runjhun Saxena Subhanand

his work. He wanted to make a holistic medicine; I am doing an extensive research on that. In fact I have made some progress, but it’s a long way to go. Once I finish my study on rats, I need some human volunteers. The Dean of the university is very helpful. I hope he will help me in future too. But I’m worried for Pawan. He has suddenly become too big for his age. He has started taking private tuitions and yoga classes and is learning wrestling. He doesn’t want to pursue further studies. Whenever I tell him, he says he wants to be strong to protect me and Suresh. Now we both want to work so that Suresh can study in a good college.”
    “Pawan is a very responsible boy, Didi. If he has made up his mind he will not change. I’ve seen he’s very protective for Bhumija also. Probably he feels it’s his liability to look after the ladies of the house. Suresh is a very bright child. He will definitely make you proud one day. I feel both the boys are doing their best and will bring laurels to their parents. You can be rest assure for that,” Kesari comforted Anjana. “But today I’ve come for Bhumija. She is unable to come out of the guilt. She feels she is the reason for Jijaji's death. Please talk to her. Only you can bring her out of her sorrow,” Kesari remarked.
    “Don’t worry I will talk to her,” Anjana said as they both brought the breakfast out on the dining table.
    “So, Bhumija how are you? Did you buy a new pet?” asked Anjana.
    “No, I didn’t. What if I kill him too?” she said innocently.
    “You won’t kill. You are a very nice girl,” said Pawan. “Come let’s hunt for a puppy today.”
    “Pawan is right, you should buy a puppy,” asserted Anjana.
    “Yes, and I will make an electronic collar for him,” added Suresh.
    “Are you angry with me?” Bhumija spoke hesitantly.
    “No dear, not at all,” Anjana said as she got up from her chair and cuddled her.
    “We all love you. Pawan and Suresh will take care of you whenever you need help. We are all one family, so don’t feel guilty,” Anjana consoled. “You will become a fine doctor one day. You are so gentle and kind. You feel guilty when you care for people and that’s the best quality of a doctor. We are all here to help you, and remember whenever you need someone, Lord Hanuman will always be there,” she said as she took out the silver chain around her neck with a glistening silver pendant of Lord Hanuman. “Wear this always, He will always guide you. He is immortal, so whenever you call him with sincerity, He will surely come.”
    Bhumija’s face was lit up with a smile.
    “Then can I pluck mangoes from your tree?” she said beaming with happiness.
    “Of course darling, go with Pawan and Suresh,” Anjana said as the children left for the garden. The two ladies stood there in the house watching the children play together.
    “This family is my strength, Lord. Keep us together always. Guide us and always let your divine grace shine upon us,” Anjana said a silent prayer in her mind.
    Bhumija watched Anjana as she left for the garden. She saw her beautiful smiling face and a voice which said to her, “Don’t worry dear. Everything will be all right.”
    It was as if yesterday and the same voice reverberated in her ears again, ““Don’t worry dear. Everything will be all right.”
    Bhumija wiped a small tear drop which filed the corner of her eyes.
     

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