Indrajith - The Illusionist

Indrajith

“Do you like the name Indrajith?” Teja asked Mini.

Teja was one of the top 10 richest people in the world. His only desire was to bring about a revolutionary change on Earth. His dream was to create robots that looked exactly like man and for human beings to colonize Mars. He was also a single father to his only child, Mini, after losing his wife in an accident.

“Who are you naming as Indrajith? You never said you are getting me a puppy” asked Mini.

Though she was 14 years old, she was shorter than the other kids of her age. She was the apple of Teja’s eyes as she lost her mother at such a young age.

“Indrajith is not a puppy. I am contemplating of naming the new robot that I am creating as Indrajith.”

“Indrajith! It is a strange name! Usually you name your robots as Remo or Max, isn't it? ”

“Do you remember I used to tell you the epic story Ramayana? Indrajith is the son of fierce daemon, Ravanan.”

“So, that makes Indrajith a bad guy. Nowadays, people are fearing robots that they will become powerful than human beings and destroy them. How will people accept your new robot if you name him after a daemon? Will they not oppose it?”

“Indrajith is not evil as you think. He loves his father very much. A brave warrior too. He has all the powers and weapons to destroy his enemies. He defeated Lakshmanan in the battle of Ramayana. Lakshmanan would have been dead if Lord Hanuman had not brought the herbs from Sanjeevi mountain. On top of all these, he has a unique ability. He is a sorcerer. He is capable of creating multiple images of him and disappearing from his enemy’s sight. So, it is extremely difficult to defeat him in a battle.”

“Whatever you say, I am not convinced. I don't like this name. I am feeling sleepy. So, I am going to bed.”

After Mini left, Teja read a book at his bed and switched off his bedside lamp. He fell asleep in a few minutes. He dreamt of himself, Mini and his wife Mega traveling in a car on a windy mountain. As they were approaching a sharp bend, the car skid and went off the cliff. The car landed on a lake. Mega was dying. “Daddy!” shouted Mini.

Teja woke up from his dream with a shudder. He immediately went to Mini’s room and opened the door slowly.

He relaxed only after seeing that Mini was sleeping peacefully.

He retreated to his room and tried to sleep.

———-******———-

The chief of Police department, Narasimha was in his office awaiting someone. A few minutes later, Deeraj entered the room and sat opposite Narasimha. Deeraj was his sub-ordinate. Very smart fellow. He had progressed rapidly at this young age and had reached a higher position in the department.

Narasimha came right to the matter on hand after their usual banter.

“Do you remember that we destroyed the medical mafia last year with a team headed by you? Now, there is a suspicion that something fishy is going on in medical field again.” Narasimha said.

Deeraj was listening intently to each word.

“Today there are 20 prominent hospitals in India. In these hospitals, patient’s brains are scanned even though it is irrelevant to their disease. Would you believe that even for dengue, a brain scan is done? What is surprising though is that patients are not charged to do this brain scan. Then, what could be the motive behind this scan? It remains a mystery.”

“I don’t feel that this is a pressing issue.” Deeraj said.

“We can’t ignore this, Deeraj. As per existing data, this has been done on 10000 patients. So, there is some conspiracy behind this. Your next mission is to get to the bottom of this and expose the culprits.”

Deeraj left the room feeling disinterested.

———******———

Teja was in his research laboratory watching a demo of his latest model of robot.

Chief scientist SuryaDev was explaining the research.

“We have modeled a software similar to a human brain and have fitted it on this robot. The exterior appearance of the robot will be similar to that of a human being. This robot is not designed with metals, like the earlier models. In fact, this new version of robot has skin, tissues and organs similar to human beings.”

“Excellent! But how does this robot differ from human beings?”

“Every human being has got a unique pattern of retina. It is very difficult to create such unique patterns even with the latest scientific advancements. So, all robots of this new version will have the same retina structure.”

“How about their ability to think?”

“The robot that is before you has a copy of the brain of the late poet PuviNesan, who died 10 years ago. You must listen to this robot recite a poem.”

The robot recited a poem.

“The poem that the robot recited was the poet’s 100th poem. There is no way that the robot would have known about it earlier. And this is not a coincidence. So, we can come to the conclusion that the robot thinks like the poet, 100% of the time.”

“Amazing!”

Teja exited the research laboratory and went to meet Vicky, his trusted assistant on fourth floor.

“The new model of robot is being developed at a rapid rate!”

“Yes, but what is the use? The government is against us for creating robots that are clones of human beings. They fear that a robot looking and thinking like a human being will lead to more scams. It may cause confusions and disruptions in the society.”

“The average common man thinks only about his contemporary time. Whereas God thinks about the society in the next 100 may be 1000 years. I want to be God!”

Teja noticed that Vicky was smiling at him mockingly.

“Any progress on the assignment that you were working on?”

“So far, we have 10,000 samples. The details of which are in this computer.”

“This is disheartening! You goal is 10 lakh samples.”

“We are doing this illegally. Persuading our suppliers to agree to this, is a Himalayan task.”

“Do not come up with some lame excuses. You must be thinking of achieving your goal all the time. Think about it every second. You will definitely see light at the end of tunnel.”

Teja came out of his office. He could see the space shuttle at a distance in the vast open ground. Within a week, the shuttle would be completely ready. The day for human being to step foot on Mars was not far away.

His dreams were coming true. A new world, new society. Everything being developed by him.

These thoughts were making him fly. But later he realized the tasks to be done and came back to reality. He remembered that Mini would be waiting for him. He left to his home at once.

——-****———

Narasimha loves to gorge on non-vegetarian food. It was his favorite habit of visiting lesser known restaurants and enjoying their food. He visited Medhina bhai’s shop weekly, without fail. This time Deeraj also accompanied him to the small joint.

“I have a new clue in the medical scam case. Each of the proprietors of the 20 hospitals have met a man called Vicky at different times. He is the assistant to the powerful industrialist Teja. ”

“Teja? Is he the one who blabbers about creating robots and sending man to Mars?”

“Yes. The same guy. Within a few days of seeing Vicky, crores of money have been transferred to their Swiss accounts.”

“This is an interesting piece of information!”

“I am planning to increase surveillance on Vicky and Teja. I am hoping to see good progress on this case by next week.”

———******———-

“How was you day at school, Mini?”

“It was alright. Maths teacher taught Algebra which was quite a bore. English subject was fine. But history lessons were interesting. They taught us about the people who were oppressed in the last century. Like how, black people were treated in America, Dalit people were treated in India. This caused me to think, daddy. The robots that we create are similar to human beings. Though they have the ability to think like a human, they do not have any ambitions of their own. Is it their fate to serve mankind?” asked Mini curiously.

“The first person to voice the opinion that robots should get freedom will not be another robot. That has to come from a human being. In fact, human beings should have programmed these robots with the thought of obtaining freedom. This has to be ingrained in the software that controls these robots.”

“In the future, will robots think like a man?”

“In the present world, scientists make a software copy of the human brain and install it in robots to make them think. If this is successful, then robots will be able to think just like a man. They can co-exist with man on this Earth. But the robots that are created after approximately 100,000 years, will have a very different thinking ability. You can see that animals think differently than plants, humans think differently than animals. Similarly, robots will devise their own method of reasoning. This new method of reasoning will be based on mathematical principles. Human being’s emotions will be captured in mathematical formulae and will be used to create software to drive the new robots. Once this happens, the human beings will lose the spot that they have the best reasoning power in universe.”

“So, can these advanced robots turn out to be more powerful than us and one day eventually destroy us?”

“There is a possibility that might happen. But this is a situation that can occur 100,000 years later. My belief is that the human race would have been destroyed by then, either due to nature’s fury, human’s greed or war between political powers. This will happen within a few centuries. Human beings themselves will be responsible for their destruction. You cannot blame the robots. ”

“Wow! You are a pessimist, dad!”

“May be! Even if human beings are dead, Earth will still be inhabited by robots.”

“How is that possible? I don't understand.”

“If mankind is wiped from the face of earth, then it is left with only robots. These robots have a copy of the human brain, so they think like us. Even if our body dies, our thoughts remain in existence through them. Now, am I being a pessimist or optimist?”

“You win! So, have you decided to go ahead with the name Indrajith?”

“Yes”

“Can I see it?”

“Definitely!”

“It is quite late now. Your office is far away and I am feeling sleepy.”

“Why do you need to visit my office? Come along with me.”

Teja took Mini to their car garage. He turned a knob on the wall. The wall opened and there was a flight of stairs leading to his laboratory. As they descended the steps, Mini was surprised to see a robot who looked just like Teja. In fact, she could not believe that it was actually a robot. It was reading a book named ‘The Fabric of cosmos’.

“Indrajith, have you finished this book too?” asked Teja.

“There are still 50 pages remaining. There is no other book that explains the creation of this universe so beautifully.”

“You read 5 books in a day. It is getting very difficult for me to satisfy your quest for knowledge.”

“This loneliness is slowly killing me. That is the reason why I am keeping myself occupied by reading books. When can I step out into the outer world? I am longing to interact with other human beings and robots.”

“You will be free very soon. I have brought a friend to meet you. She is my daughter Mini.”

Indrajith shook hands with Mini.

“Daddy, did you create Indrajith? Is it different to those that your scientists have created in the research laboratory? Do anybody know about Indrajith?”

“No one know about him. He is one of kind, Mini, unlike the other robots in my lab.”

“What makes him so special?”

“Today, the top scientists are trying to create a robot that can think like a man and I would say they have achieved 90% success in trying to do so. These robots can think like a man. But Indrajith can think about his own thoughts. He can reason like a man.”

Mini spent some time playing with Indrajith.

“Dad, I feel like I am interacting with you when I am with Indrajith. I like him so much, including his name!”

Teja smiled lovingly at his daughter.

——-****——-

“Chief! I have cleared the mystery surrounding Teja’s case. I can now see the clear picture by connecting the dots.”

Narasimha could sense the urgency in Deeraj’s voice and body language. He mostly avoided meeting someone from work on Sunday’s at his home. But this was an exception.

“Come, have a seat. I will make you some coffee.”

“It’s alright. You have to listen to this first. Teja is creating powerful robots who look like human beings. Like a clone of you and me , sir.”

“Is it not illegal to create clone like robots?”

“Yes. There is a possibility to use these clones to rob a bank, commit a murder or do many other scams. Hence, our government has banned any such activity.”

“So, what is their connection to the scams that are happening at the hospitals?”

“In order to create a robot which is clone of me, they not only want the robot to look like me, but the robot should think like me. By doing the brain scan of patients they get a software copy of their brain and install it in the robots that they create. I have all the evidence necessary to prosecute Teja.”

“Come on, let’s go in our car!”

“Where are we going?”

“To arrest Teja.”

———****——-

Teja woke up in the middle of the night due to nightmares. He thought of paying a visit to Indrajith and went to his garage. Indrajith stopped reading and looked at Teja feeling excited. Teja understood how lonely Indrajith must be feeling.

“What book are you reading today?”

“It is a book called ‘Parallel worlds’. It talks about the existence of universes similar to ours.”

“Yes. But this has not been proven scientifically yet.”

“Do you think there is a chance for any kind of living organisms to exist other than on Earth?”

“I don't know about that. But I can say for sure that the day when man steps onto other planets is not far.”

“Human beings will not be interested to leave Earth. You know very well that many people do not even leave their home towns, let alone leaving Earth.”

“When man faces challenging situations, he will be forced to abandon Earth. But he will still reminisce about the golden time that he spent on Earth.”

“Will you leave earth, if you have to?”

“Definitely. I am like Columbus to Vasco da Gama. My ambition is to step foot on as many planets as possible.”

“I am reminded of the history books that I read, on hearing the names Columbus and Vasco da Gama. Especially Mahabharatham. What a classical history book! Such great people have lived at that time.”

“Mahabharatham is not a historical story. That is an epic story. I have always doubted whether it is completely true or fictious or a mixture of both.”

“In a story that has numerous powerful characters, the one character that left a deep impression on me is that of Aravan. In fact, I get agitated at the thought of him.”

“He sacrificed his life before the war of Mahabharatham. This was the usual practice in those days. There is nothing special about him.”

“This raises a doubt that why not Lord Krishna sacrifice his life? Why did they not let Arjuna or Dharma to sacrifice their lives? Why was an innocent and simple fellow like Aravan be sacrificed in a war between the mightiest of people?”

“You would not be alive, if you had asked the same question to Aravan. According to him, it was his greatest honor to sacrifice his life.”

“Traditionally, this was how the weaker section of people have been conditioned by the powerful people. Who will be the Aravan in a war that happens in the future between human beings? Is it robots like me?”

“May be! Who knows?”

“Are you saying that you will sacrifice me when you want to protect yourself in tumultuous situation?”

Teja remained silent, not wanting to answer the question.

“Your silence causes panic. Why are my hands shivering? Is this how we fear for life?”

At that moment, there was a loud knocking at the front door. Teja became alert.

“They have found out about us. We have to wake up Mini. Even if I am dead, don't worry about me. Mini has to escape from here, to be safe.”

Teja ran upstairs.

Indrajith was thinking feverishly.

“If Teja is in danger now, that implies I am in danger too. I have to escape.”

What Indrajith did next was intriguing. He removed a stone slab from the ground. There was a set of stairs going down. He went down and remained there for few minutes and then came back to the lab.

——****——

It was Narasimha and Deeraj who were knocking the door. They waited for few minutes then broke the door and searched the house. They arrested Teja who was in his bedroom.

Narasimha started questioning Teja. He lit a cigarette and offered one to Teja. Teja refused it saying he doesn't smoke.

“Even I did not have this habit until I joined the police force. Nowadays I am an addict to relieve my stress. How do you handle stress?” asked Narasimha.

“I listen to music or read books.”

“You have a daughter, right? Where is she now?”

“She is at a friend’s place. Why do you have to bring her into our investigation?”

“I was just asking about her whereabouts. Don't worry she will be safe.”

“She is a little girl. She has not committed any crime.”

“I have not accused you of any crime till now. Do you feel you have committed something bad?”

“I have brain scans of patients taken without their consent. These are sensitive information of patients. Without the consent of the patients the hospitals should not share this information to others. This is punishable by law.”

“This is a petty crime that you have committed. But the bigger crime that you have committed is to create robots that look like human beings. Do you understand the repercussions of crimes that can happen with these human look alike robots?”

“I know, but I am least bothered about it. I am basically a scientist. There is always a thirst for discovery through out my life. My ambition is to invent something new. It is the duty of the government to think about the consequences, not me.”

“Scientists discovered nuclear fission, 100 years ago. Nuclear weapons were a later invention. Till now, we live with a fear of being destroyed by nuclear weapons. Is it not necessary for scientists to care about the society?”

“I do have social responsibility. After several 100 may be 1000s of years later, man kind may be pushed to extinction. He may face adverse situations due to global warming or any other natural calamity. When he has to be transported to other worlds or planets, only robots can survive on Earth as they can withstand the harsh climatic conditions here. Then mankind will be extinct and robots will rule the future. Do you think I don't care about the society enough?”

“Human beings are destroyed and robots rule Earth. How could this benefit mankind in any way?”

“The robots that I have invented are clones of human beings, who can also think like a human being. Even when the body of human beings are destroyed, the spirit of mankind will still be alive.”

“I dont understand.”

“How do you define a human? Is he only a body? Our philosophical books suggest that even when the human body dies our spirit is alive. I don't know if that is true. According to me, a human cannot be defined by his body or spirit. It his thoughts that define him, shape him. I am making sure that those thoughts continue to live perennially. Now, do you think I have committed a crime in doing so?”

“These may be the benefits several hundred years later. But till then how are we going to tackle the confusions or problems caused by your invention?”

“My robots are not going to live on Earth. So human beings will not be affected.”

Narasimha was in for a shock when he heard that.

“I know you built a space shuttle to travel to Mars. Were you planning to goto Mars?”

Teja lips curled in a smile.

“You are more intelligent than I thought you would be, Narasimha. I would have reached Mars by now.”

Narasimha was stunned by this reply.

“Who are you? Are you Teja? Are you a human or a robot?” demanded Narasimha.

“Do you know about Indrajith who is one of the characters in Ramayana?”

“You sorcerer! Has Teja gone to Mars? Tell me the truth!” shouted Narasimha.

At the same time, he got a call from Deeraj.

“Chief! We were fooled! I scanned Teja’s place thoroughly. I saw 10 robots looking like Teja in a secret chamber. Each of them are saying that they are Indrajith.”

Narasimha’s hands started trembling. Indrajith starting laughing like a maniac.

“Teja invented one robot called Indrajith. But that robot has created another ten robots like him. So, who am I now? Am I Teja or Indrajith? Or the Indrajith invented by Indrajith? Can you make a guess?” smirked Indrajith.

“I will beat you and break you to pieces” shouted Narasimha.

“This is not important at the moment. Switch on the television, first.”

As Narasimha switched on the television, a woman with panic stricken face was reading the news.

“NASA scientists have confirmed that an asteroid is traveling towards Earth. As it was taking a different route they assured that there was no harmful effects on Earth. But the asteroid has changed path and it will strike Earth directly in a week. This will wipe out everything on Earth.”

Narasimha fainted on hearing this news.

——-****——-

A year later in Mars

“Do you like living in Mars, Mini?”

“I love it! We have created our own world like Earth. All are robots except us. But no one would believe that they are robots, as they look and behave similar to human beings. Tell me, how did you achieve this?”

“I took a software copy of 10000 human being’s brains and installed them in these robots. Hence, I was able to make this dream of robots colonizing Mars come true.”

Mini was silent for sometime. With slight hesitation she spoke again.

“Dad, what happened that night?”

“When?”

“That night when we escaped from Earth. I was asleep, when I woke up hearing someone knocking on the door. You were there along with Indrajith. We left him there and escaped through the back door. We reached Mars later, traveling in our space shuttle. Why did we not bring Indrajith along with us? I feel like we have betrayed him by leaving him behind on Earth.”

“Don’t worry about it Mini. His home is Earth. By this time, he would have created heaven on earth by building a whole society of robots.”

“Sometimes, I doubt whether I am a robot myself. I wonder if the human Mini was killed in accident when she was young. Am I a robot that you invented in remembrance of her?”

“It’s late in the night. You should go to sleep Mini.”

Teja switched off her bedside lamp.

“Dad, can I ask you something?”

“May I know who you are? Are you Teja or Indrajith?”

“Don’t think too much into it, Mini. Sleep tight.”

Teja went to his bedroom and fell sleep soon.

He doesn't have nightmares anymore.

THE END

Identity Question

The Identity Question

Riya was jumping with excitement like a young deer. Maran was trailing behind her, slowly walking with her big bag of books. Riya was exhausted soon.

“Dad, my legs are aching.” Riya said.

Maran bent down and lifted her. He started carrying her on his shoulders.

Maran was a typical example of a common man. A hardworking person. A patient employer. A man who lived life by humble means. He never places himself in a complex situation. He has all the characteristics of an average man.

Like all other fathers, he used to drop his kid at school.

“Please let me down, father. I am a grownup girl now. People will make fun of me, if they see me like this.” Rita pleaded.

Her words fell on Maran’s deaf ears. He lowered Riya when they reached school. Riya ran to her class in a flash.

Maran returned home and had breakfast. He was leaving to his garment shop that he was running in Madurai.

He kissed his wife Vanitha on her forehead before leaving. This was their daily ritual. Still, Vanitha was overjoyed and eagerly anticipated this moment each day.

She stood by the door, watching him leave their house.

That fateful incident happened when Maran was crossing the road. A car hit him and did not even stop. People crowded around Maran to see what happened to him.

Vanitha came rushing to her husband lying on the street. He was immediately admitted in the hospital where he was admitted in ICU. He was in coma as he suffered a big injury to his head.

There were no signs of improvement even after three days of medical treatment. The doctor recommended that Maran be taken to the famous neurosurgeon doctor Sathyan in Chennai.

Vanitha travelled to Chennai with the emotionless Maran. But she had the slightest hint of hope that he would recover.

——-******——-

“Temperature has not reduced for our kid.”

Swapna informed her husband, standing by the door to Jeevan’s room.

Jeevan was irritated that she interrupted her while he was writing. He would always be lost in his own world when he was writing, regardless of his environment.

Jeevan was a writer. You would very well know the characteristics of a writer. He prefers loneliness. He always lives high on emotions. He travels to many different worlds in his human life. Sometimes, he would be too engrossed in his work that he would forget his own kid’s birth day.

“Did you give her medicines?” Jeevan asked.

“Yes.”

“I am sure no doctor will be available at this late hour. Let’s wait till tomorrow morning.”

Swapna left the room with no expression.

Jeevan couldn't focus on writing again. He went to his daughter Diya’s room. She was in a deep sleep. He touched her forehead. The heat was scorching his fingers.

He went to his bedroom. Swapna turned her back to him. Jeevan adjusted his pillow and laid down. Thoughts about his story’s continuity and his unwell kid were simultaneously rushing to his mind. He was pretty sure that he was not going to sleep that night.

——-****———

Sathyan apologized to Nithyan as he kept him waiting for some time in his room. Nithyan was a psychologist at the same hospital that Sathyan worked. They used to indulge in conversations about philosophy, politics, history, etc, whenever they were free.

“I was attending to a patient called Maran, who was in a critical state in coma. He suffered heavy brain damage as he was in an accident. That is the reason for my delay. Now, tell me, what brings you here?” asked Sathyan.

“I came here to know the status of your project of artificial brain transplant” said Nithyan.

“It has been completed successfully. I am thinking of testing this on the patient Maran that I mentioned earlier.”

“Excellent! How did you make it possible?”

“The project involves scanning a person’s brain and making a copy. Every neuron connection is recorded accurately. We then make a digital copy of the brain connections and load it on to a chip. We place this chip in a brain shaped prosthetic. By performing a surgery, we place this prosthetic brain on a patient.”

“My best wishes for your project to succeed! But, first answer this. This artificial brain is a software copy. Will this be similar to the brain functioning of the original person from whom the copy was taken?”

“Definitely! The person with artificial brain and the original person will behave the same under the same situations.”

“You are saying that people with the same brain will think the same way. Does that mean that thoughts originate from brain?”

“Yes. Even a child knows this fact. There is no room for doubt in that.”

“I believe that thoughts do not originate from brain. Thoughts stay alive even after our death. Thoughts use our brain as an instrument. After our death, thoughts choose a different human form. This is the logic behind man having many births, which is explained in Hindu mythology.”

“These are not scientific explanations. I find it hilarious that you being a doctor believe such stories.”

“Do you know that in order to resurrect dead patients with heart disease, we use angiotherapy. The patient’s chest is pressed hard with the help of instruments. Interestingly, people who were thought to be dead have come back alive, following angiotherapy. They have been dead for a few moments. After which they have been brought back to life. So, in the brief time during which they were dead, they should be devoid of any thoughts, right? But, they were able to clearly tell the happenings around the time when they were dead. How would you explain this?”

“Why do we have to argue, unnecessarily? Let’s make a deal. We will have to wait to observe the behavior of the patient to whom I am going to do the artificial brain transplant surgery. If my patient and the original person behaves the same way and have the same characteristics, then I win. Otherwise, I will accept my defeat.”

At that time, the door opened and Jeevan rushed inside.

“My daughter is suffering from brain fever. I had admitted her yesterday. Today I have been informed that her treatment costs two lakh rupees. I don't have that much money. I will somehow pay the amount in two months. Please instruct your stuff to continue their treatment to her.”

Sathyan looked at Jeevan intently.

“What are you doing?” asked Sathyan.

“I am a writer.”

Sathyan was quiet for a while.

“I will make sure that you do not spend a penny for your daughter’s treatment, provided you accept to a small experiment to be conducted on you. I hope you will co-operate. All we need to do, is scan your brain. This can be done in less than half an hour.”

Jeevan agreed immediately.

As soon Jeevan left the room feeling relieved, Sathyan smiled at Nithyan.

“The competition begins now!”

It had been one month since Maran had undergone brain surgery. Though he had recovered fast, Vanitha was worried seeing him read books all the time or write something. Maran had reduced drastically the time that he spent with her and their child. She missed her husband who was always smiling and made other people smile. She felt like she was living with a stranger under her roof.

“Dad, it is getting late for school. Come, let’s go!” said Riya.

Maran left their house with Riya. Riya as usual gave her school bag to Maran, but he instead made her carry on her little shoulders.

“Dad, you used to carry my bags daily saying that it will be too heavy for me. Now, why are you not carrying them?”

“You have grown up now, Riya. You should do your own work.”

Riya walked a few meters and stopped midway.

“My legs are aching dad.”

“Your school is just a few meters away. Come on, let’s go.”

Riya shot a questioning look at her dad, while continuing to walk.

Maran dropped her off at school and returned home. He had his breakfast and prepared to leave the house.

Vanitha said “You have taken ample rest. Can you please go to our shop, at least today? This past one month has been very stressful for me, managing both the shop and our house.”

Maran replied “No, Vanitha. You go to our shop. I have other plans.”

Vanitha hurried to the door, on seeing him leave, in anticipation of something. But, Maran did not bother about her as he slipped on his shoes.

“I will be leaving to another place today. I will be back in another two weeks.” He said.

“May I know what is the purpose of this travel?”

“I have been asked to write a story in exchange for 20 lakh rupees. I am going to stay alone at a hotel in Goa to write my story well.”

“What is this new habit of writing? I have never seen you as much as reading a book earlier. Why are you not bothered about our business anymore? Something is wrong with you. Let’s meet your doctor immediately” Vanitha burst out.

Maran did not utter a word and left the place.

Vanitha immediately rushed to see Doctor Sathyan at his hospital.

“Doctor, my husband is acting weird. I feel like I am with a stranger in my own house. Can you please bring him back to normal?” begged Vanitha.

“We have performed brain transplant surgery on him. He has now transformed into a new person. It is a miracle that he is even alive today. Only you must adjust to his new ways of living. By the way, what is he doing now?” Sathyan asked.

“He is always seen with a book in his hand. He is least bothered about business. I am surprised that he thinks he can write a book.”

“He will be alright soon. He will soon become someone famous. Do not worry about him.”

As Vanitha left the room, Sathyan’ s lips curled up in a smug smile.

——*****——-

Jeevan was seen excitedly having a conversation with Swapna, which was extremely rare.

“I am leaving to Goa tomorrow for the next two weeks. I got an opportunity to write a story. Do you know how much the agreement is for? 20 lakhs! They have given me 5 lakhs in advance. Do not reveal this news to anyone else. I should not be discussing about my story to anybody.”

“Diya has not completely recovered. But you are leaving us for 2 weeks. How will I manage her all alone?” sighed Swapna.

“This is the biggest opportunity of my life. I was struggling to get even 1000 rupees for my story. Now, they have promised to give me 20 lakhs. All our financial difficulties will melt away, if we have this money.”

Swapna left to the kitchen without another word seeing that Jeevan has made up his mind. Jeevan was engrossed in his next story.

——-******———

Jeevan stayed for a week in Royal Park hotel, one of the star hotels in Goa. His story was shaping brilliantly as he was all alone and devoid of any sought of interference. Every day, he would spend time at the beach, watching the sun rise over the horizon. This was a great source of his imagination. He also noticed another man watching the sunrise. He made up his mind to talk to him today.

“This is a secluded part of the beach where there is no crowd. We are blessed to be watching this gorgeous sun rise, aren't we?”

“I couldn't agree more! I feel like the sun is tasting freedom as it rises from the sea as a giant red ball. We are indeed blessed to watch this beautiful sun which lights up the sky in different hues, the birds that fly across the sky like flowers strewn around and the sound of waves that is so soothing like a lullaby to us!”

Jeevan was shocked to hear this answer because that would have been his exact same reply if someone asked him that question.

“May I know your name, sir? I am judging from your answer that you must either be a poet or a writer.”

“My name is Maran. I am not a writer. In fact, I am unable to do any business for long. Currently, I am roaming the world as a nomad.” replied Maran.

Jeevan suspected that Maran was not revealing the truth.

“My name is Jeevan. I am an IT professional.”

“Even I thought that you would be a writer.” said Maran.

Jeevan was taken aback.

Maran continued “If you are spending so much time at the beach at such an early hour, then you have to be a writer, isn't it?”

Jeevan did not like the way the conversation was heading. He took leave of Maran and returned to his room. He was surprised to see that Maran was also entering his hotel. He wondered why he had not seen Maran even once before.

Jeevan did not feel good about staying in the same hotel as Maran any longer. The book publication company had asked him not to reveal his story to anyone. Jeevan feared that he would reveal his secret to Maran. He was surprised to hear Maran speak the same thing he thought.

Jeevan checked in to another hotel few streets away. He did not see Maran after that. He finished his story in two days and returned to Chennai. By now, he had forgotten about Maran completely.

The publication company loved his story. He got a cheque for 20 lakhs as promised.

For the first time in his life, he bought clothes and gifts for his wife Swapna and daughter Diya. They were ecstatic with Jeevan’s success.

——-****——-

The next day Jeevan received the shock of his life through a phone call. The editor of the publication company wanted to see him immediately.

As Jeevan met the editor at his office, he could see that the editor was infuriated.

“What story have you written? We have received another story with the exact same words. You were writing half decent stories earlier. But now, you have stooped to stealing other’s stories.”

“I don’t understand your allegation. This is my original story.”

“Did you discuss this story with anyone else?”

“No. I was all alone when I wrote this story in Goa. I did not speak to anyone. Wait, who sent you the other story?”

“It’s a new writer called Maran.”

“Now, I know the reason for this confusion. I will meet you again and explain everything. Please give me the address of Maran.”

“His home town is Madurai. He is now staying in a hotel in Saidapet.”

Jeevan went to the hotel where Maran was staying. Vanitha opened the door when he knocked on Maran’s room as he was in the bathroom. Maran was shocked to see Jeevan in his room when he came out of his bathroom.

“Jeevan, why did you come here? How did you know where to find me?” Maran asked.

“Do not act as though you are innocent! Tell me the truth, that you are a writer!” snarled Jeevan.

Maran remained silent.

“I suspected that you were a writer when I met you in Goa. Why did you steal my story?”

“When did I steal your story? Think about this the other way round. Maybe you had stolen my story and now acting like an innocent man.”

“I have written hundreds of stories earlier. How many stories have you written? How can you write such a brilliant story in your first attempt?”

“You may have written many stories. And it might be true that I had written none. But you cannot judge a person’s creativity with how many stories they have written. I assure you that I had written the story myself.”

“There is no use talking to you. I have decided to take you to court.”

Jeevan stomped away from Maran’s room. Vanitha, who was watching the events unfold, left to meet Doctor Sathyan.

 “What did you do to my husband? When you performed brain transplant surgery, did you fit in the brain from a dead person?”

“I cannot answer all these questions. Your husband is fine now. Then why are you concerned about all this?”

“You know that you need government’s approval for performing brain transplant surgery as there few ethical problems with this, similar to cloning.”

“What do you want, Vanitha?”

“I want to know the donor of the brain. If not, then I will report this to the government.”

“It belongs to a writer called Jeevan. He is alive. We have taken a copy of his brain and fitted that to your husband.”

Vanitha saw Maran at the door. He must have followed her to doctor’s office.

“The true writer of your story is Jeevan because you are not Maran. You have the body of Maran. But all your thoughts are those of Jeevan.”

“What are you saying Vanitha?”

“The brain that was transplanted to you was a copy of Jeevan’s.”

Maran froze with shock on hearing this.

——-****———

The next day, Jeevan met the editor at his office.

“Maran had called me yesterday. He confessed that he stole your story. He returned the 20 lakh rupees that we had given him, to give it to you. We learnt a lesson dealing with a newbie writer. Please accept our apologies as we suspected you of stealing someone else’s story.”

“Where is Maran now?”

“He left for Madurai last night.”

“I have to meet him immediately. Please give me his Madurai address.”

Jeevan rode all the way to Madurai only to find Maran’s house locked.

He enquired Maran’s neighbors to find that he had shifted to some other city. He even visited Maran’s garment store to see Maran’s brother as its manager.

——-****——

Nithyan had come to meet Sathyan at his office.

“You had called me to convey an important matter. What is it?”

“I won in our competition!”

“What competition?”

“Remember the discussion that we had to confirm whether thoughts originated from brain or from somewhere else? Now, I can say with confidence that thoughts originate from brain. My patient Maran has the same characteristics of Jeevan. He has also written a story just like him. Both of their stories are the exact same. Not even one word is different. Here, you can read both their stories.”

“I suspect you had a role to play in this?”

“Yes! Of course! I made the editor to give them both an opportunity to write stories. I also gave them 20 lakhs each.”

“So, this is also one of your experiments?”

“Yes! Now, it is time for you to accept your defeat and give me 40 lakhs.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes! Of course, I am!”

“I will meet you with the cheque tomorrow. Take this 20 rupees as advance, as this is the only money that I have right now.”

Nithyan left Sathyan’s room with both the stories.

The next day Nithyan couldn't contain his excitement when he met Sathyan.

“Sathyan, you lost! You told that the stories are the exact same. Please read the last five pages. Both have a different ending. As the first 250 pages were same, no one read the last five pages, including you and the editor.”

Sathyan grabbed the books and read the last few pages.

“You are right! The endings are different!”

“Do you understand now? If both these men had the same thoughts, then how come the ending of their stories is different? Will you now accept that our thoughts are being directed by something apart from our brain? Do you think our philosophies that suggest strongly that our thoughts never die, even after our death, say so without a solid reasoning?”

“We cannot arrive at a conclusion so simply. There can be glitches in the software that made a copy of Maran’s brain.”

“Sathyan, do not find lame excuses to deny your defeat. Accept that you have lost in this competition. I will not ask for 40 lakhs. Just, return the 20 rupees back to me.”

“Wait! If we want their brains to function in the same way, then they must be in the same situation. When they started writing their story, they were in the same hotel. But, they were in a different hotel for the last two days. Hence, that might have affected their imagination and in turn, the outcome of their story.”

“Your explanation is unacceptable. Please give me back my 20 rupees.”

Nithyan snatched the note from Sathyan’s and left the room. Sathyan was lost deep in thought.

——***——-

Vanitha was very happy these days. It has been 2 months since they moved to Coimbatore. She noticed many positive changes in Maran. He had been successful in starting a new garment business in a new place. He was very much interested in growing his business.

As usual, he was leaving with Riya to school that day. Vanitha hurried to their porch. It felt good when Maran kissed Vanitha on her forehead after what seemed like ages.

Riya became exhausted walking a few meters and stopped.

“Riya, are your legs aching?” asked Maran.

“No, dad. I will walk to school for the remaining distance, as I have grown up.”

That night, Maran was wide awake in his bed. His mind was overflowing with thoughts of new stories. He successfully kept his itch to start writing under check. But he couldn't control it anymore.

He took out a pen and started writing frantically. He lost track of time as he kept writing through the night. Suddenly, he heard Riya babbling something in her sleep.

“Dad, please carry me to school. I am not a big girl. My legs are aching. Please carry me.”

Maran looked at Riya for a few minutes. With a long sigh, he tore all the papers that he had written.

He laid down next to Riya and said to himself.

“I am not him.”

——-****——-

A Tale of Two Universes

A tale of two Universes

2017

Ranjith’s statue was standing tall at a staggering 600 feet. Colorful lights shone brilliantly accentuating the features. There was a massive crowd of people, from all over the world. This meant that the policemen were being extra vigil. The statue could be seen even 20 kilometers away from the center of New Delhi. Everyone was mesmerized by the grandeur of the statue. The statue was reflecting Ranjith’s overbearing persona in real life.

Remo was overwhelmed with the energy radiating from the statue and started to leave the place. As he walked away, everywhere on the streets he could see pictures of Ranjit. He reached a deserted street and waited. The person who he had been waiting for made an appearance.

“Jerry, did you bring what I asked for?” Remo asked eagerly.

Jerry shook his head indicating no.

“Did you not get any of the books that I asked for? ‘Experiments with Truth’, ‘Discovery of India’ or ‘Freedom at Midnight’? You are lying, then. I can afford whatever money you ask for. Please get me these books.”

“Remo, you are well aware of the fact that we are living in the autocratic rule of Ranjith. The sale of all history books are banned. Especially, books relating to India’s independence struggle and the leaders who fought for it.”

“I understand that the ban is applicable only in our country. But you promised me that you will get these books from America?”

“Customs department have snatched those books, that I got delivered for you. They have even arrested my guy who helped me do this.”

Remo walked away feeling disappointed. Jerry caught up with him.

“Remo, why don’t you visit America? There is a library in Sunnyvale which has the largest collection of history books. You can read everything to your heart’s content.”

“There are lot of restrictions for people like me to travel to foreign countries. It is possible only for government officials and wealthy business men. History scholars like me are facing a ban on foreign travel.”

“That’s true. Listen to my plan. A friend of mine who is a government official wants to send some invaluable jewelry to his daughter in America. They need someone in person to make the delivery. My friend has also got a son. I will arrange for your travel to America by forging your photo on his son’s passport. You can get the visa easily. What do you say?”

“ Looks like a risky venture. Give me some time to think about it.”

“This is the only option for you to travel without spending a penny. Do let me know by tomorrow.”

Remo walked towards his home, deep in thought.

———*****———-

Jenny was watching the only channel run by the government on television. Not surprisingly, they were praising Ranjith.

“Are you feeling alright?” Jenny asked Remo with concern, after seeing his sullen face.

“Jerry disappointed me once again. He couldn’t get me the books.”

“Why do you want these books, Remo?”

“Let me tell you what I know of our country’s history. Ranjith has been ruling our country for 42 years since 1975. He succeeded Heeralal who was our prime minister from 1947 till 1975. We do not know for sure, what were Heeralal’s policies, his economic and foreign ties with other countries. All these have been kept a mystery. All I know is that he was one of the important leaders of India’s independence struggle. Apart from him, we do not know anything about other leaders such as Mohandas, Jawahar, Rajagopal, Subash, Vallabhai etc. The history of our nation has been kept in the dark because of this dictatorship rule which is going on now.”

“So what did they teach you in your postgraduate study in history?”

“The topics covered were all lies about how Ranjith made our nation into a superpower, how other nations fear us, how our citizens are happy living here. The list goes on. But what is happening in reality is that democracy has been killed. People from opposition party are now either in prison or not alive. People cannot even own lands here as everything has been snatched by the government citing development works. Agriculture has come to a standstill in our villages. Even food and other essential day to day to items we use are being sold in ration shops. Unfortunately, this has become our history.”

“Do you think our nation would change?”

“Jerry pitched me  an idea. Are you willing to come to America with me?”

There was a knock at the door. Remo hesitantly opened the door. He knew the people at his door steps were from the Intelligence department.

“Are you Remo?” asked one of the officers.

“Yes.”

“Are you a researcher in History?”

“Yes. That’s true.”

“Please come with us, then.”

“Why should I come with you? I have done no wrong.”

“Ranjith wants to meet you.”

Remo was too stunned to disagree. he followed the officers to their car meekly.

———*****———-

Remo had not met Ranjith earlier. He would not have even thought of meeting him in his wildest dreams.

Ranjith looked like he was 72 years old. His lips were slightly dark may be because of his smoking habit. He had a bald forehead. He did not mince words when he enquired Remo.

“I heard that you are studying history. What do you know about our country’s history?”

“To be honest with you, I don’t know much. And you know the reason why.”

Ranjith gave a sly smile.

“I like that you are being frank with me. That was why I summoned you to help me. What is your general view of history?”

“History means documenting a nation’s politics and recording day to day activities.”

“You are honest but dumb. History is not simply recording daily events. It has to created. Have you visited the Taj Mahal? Our history says that a benevolent king built the Taj Mahal for his queen. Did history mention that the hands of the people who worked on it were severed? Is these cruel facts recorded anywhere? Therefore, history is always created and not merely recorded.”

Remo was silent.

“It has been 42 years since I captured this seat of power. It is true that it gave me a high in the earlier days. But now, I am ready to renounce my power. But something else bothers me deeply. Can you guess what it might be?”

Remo did not speak a word.

“So, I get that you won’t be chatty. My concern is how history would depict me. How my rule of 42 years be judged, is a question that is giving me sleepless nights. And I would like you to set this right.”

“How can I help you with this?”

“You are going to create a new history by writing about me. Don’t be bothered with doing the  research. You are just going to write whatever I say. All I need is your attention. Do not mess up because of your enthusiasm. So, we can start from tomorrow. Every day you can spend two hours with me. See you tomorrow.”

Remo’s hands were shaking with rage. He felt like scolding Ranjith.

Remo contacted Jerry a few minutes later.

“Jerry, please do the necessary for myself and my wife Jenny to travel to America.”

“Both of you, together? That’s a bit difficult, but manageable. Be ready by tomorrow.”

Remo walked to his home thinking of ways to convince Jenny about his plan.

———******————-

Within two days of landing in America, Remo visited the library which Jerry had mentioned along with Jenny. He felt like stumbling upon gold as he saw all the books that he ever wanted to read.

There was a beautiful lake next to the library. People were seen walking or running around the lake on the pavement. Pigeons and other birds were busy preying on the fish from the lake. Jenny and Remo sat at one of the cement benches adjacent to the lake, admiring the lake’s beauty.

Remo was startled by some noise coming from behind. He saw that a small boy was approaching them fast, skating on his rollerblades. Before Remo could think, the boy had snatched the bag of books from him.

Remo chased the boy, shouting all the time. The boy stopped after a distance and looked at the books in his bag. He was angry that he couldn't find anything valuable. So, he tore the books and dumped them in the lake. He showed his middle finger to Remo and left the place.

Jenny came looking for Remo.

“It looks like wherever I go, bad luck is following me. All the books are now gone forever.”

Jenny took out a huge book with red cover from her bag titled ‘History of 20th century India.’

“I took this book on a whim, seeing you read books all the time.”

Remo grabbed the book from her hand and turned to the first page where he saw the line ‘Dedicated to my friend Rasik’.

Remo was curious to know about the writer of the book. He glanced at the cover and had not heard of the name Robert Muller earlier. He read the author’s notes looking for more clues.

“Jenny, the person who had written this book had lived in San Jose. I am very much surprised to see that an American had written about Indian history. We definitely have to pay him a visit.”

“I found the place where he stayed.” Jenny showed her mobile to Remo.

“How did you find it?” Remo asked her surprised.

“Only in India, we have a ban on Internet. This is America a free country where you can browse to your heart’s content.”

“We have to meet him immediately, Jenny.”

“I am afraid that’s not possible. Wikipedia says he died 30 years ago.”

“But there is a chance of meeting his son or grandson at his home. Let’s go to the address you showed me.”

They took a taxi to Robert Muller’s place.

As they knocked on the door, a man of about 50 years answered it and welcomed them inside.

Remo asked about Robert Muller.

“You are right. This book was written by my grandfather. He was very much interested in history. He was initially researching about the history of America and Europe and had written quite a lot of books. In 1948, an Indian moved to the house next to us. He belonged to one of the political families in India. They became good friends over the years. He was the one who got granddad interested in India’s politics as they spent hours talking about it. My grand dad compiled everything in a book.”

“Then, he must be having many books relating to the history of India in his possession?”

“That’s right. He had many books such as ‘Freedom at Midnight, Discovery of India, My experiments with Truth’. Unfortunately, I sold those books last year.”

Jenny could see the wave of disappointment across Remo’s face.

“Why don’t you guys visit my grand dad’s friend’s home. I will hand you the keys. You might get those books.”

Jenny asked “May I know who was the Indian who lived there?”

“Rasik. He was the son of India’s first prime minister.”

———*********————-

Rasik’s house was in a  dilapidated condition. Jenny gathered some more information about him from Wikipedia that he was a Nobel prize winning scientist. There was information on his numerous inventions.

They came to know that Rasik was not politically inclined. In fact, he died just two weeks after Heeralal died.

Jenny and Remo scoured the house. They couldn't find the books they wanted. There were few scientific books in the cupboard.

Remo lost hope and said “There is no use in searching for history books in a scientist’s home. Come on, let’s go Jenny.”

Suddenly, Jenny had an idea.

“Remo, do you want to return to India immediately?”

“I have no interest in returning to that hell hole soon.”

“With the money we have, we can’t even sustain for a week in the hotel. Let’s request Muller’s grandson to allow us to stay in this big house till our American visit visa expires in the next six months. I am sure he wouldn't object.”

 They moved in and started cleaning the house for the next couple of days.

Jenny accidentally stumbled on a secret doorway when she removed a picture from the wall while cleaning. They both entered the hidden room.

There was a desk and chair in the room. Remo took the diary in the middle of the desk and read.

“Finally, the Gods have blessed us with Rasik’s personal diary. This has an account of his everyday life. I am sure it will talk about the political situations in free India. I will read it tonight.”

“What do you suggest I do when you are reading?”

“Why don’t you read Muller’s book? It is a huge book and you are fast reader than me. Let’s discuss our findings tomorrow.”

Jenny agreed and left with Muller’s book in her hand to their bedroom. Meanwhile, Remo settled on the couch in living room.

Rasik’s diary must have been written 40 years ago. The pages showed signs of aging as he was slowly engrossed in reading Rasik’s life told as a story in his diary.

——-******———-

STORY - 1

1922

This is my auto biography, told more like a story. But, certainly this is different than other auto biographies that you have read as this lists the happenings in my life for only 3 years. Infact, I can summarize my entire life in this 3 years. And, this country’s history is also re-written in these 3 years.

I would like to start this story from the first half of 1922. I was 6 years old, then. Usually, we forget incidents that happened so early in our life. But, not me. I can recollect few incidents that feel like they just happened yesterday.

I can recall that day in November, when I was playing in Sabarmati ashram. I could hear the voices of father and grandfather having an emotional conversation.

I had a close bonding with my grandfather than with my father. He used to patiently answer my questions, however immature they may be. The time my father spent with me was miniscule. Despite the fact that grandfather was far more busier than my father, he made it a point to spend time with me. Everyone used to address grandfather as the ‘Father of the nation’. People used to visit in throngs to catch a glimpse of him. I was a lucky child to have spent time in the laps of top political leaders who came to visit my grand dad. Everyone knew who Rasik was, as I was grandfather's pet.

Gradually, I started seeing the world through the eyes of my grand dad.

He had introduced me to the magical world of books right from when I was 5 years. He used to narrate me epic stories. So, whenever I felt lonely, I used to seek abode in books. He used to read a lot of political and history books. He used to appreciate the book ‘War and Peace’ written by Leo Tolstoy. And also encouraged me to read it. But somehow I was attracted to books on science. Grand dad was of the belief that science is against humankind. We used to have heated arguments over this topic.

The most important thing that I learnt from my grandfather was living your principles. I couldn't be at peace as easily as him, following an argument. Whenever there was an argument between father and grand father, I used to be silently watching what’s happening, though at the bottom of my heart I was taking grandfather's side. Grand father had named my father Harilal, after the king who embodied truthfulness named Harichandra. But, my father was just opposite to that. He was a man who never had an undermining principle or any strong beliefs.

I was attracted to the argument that was currently happening inside.

“Hari, my daughter-in-law informed me that you are drinking heavily these days. Are you trying to punish me? Are you showing your anger towards me by doing this?”

“I am not worthy enough to show my anger towards you, father. I am a simple man. In fact, I curse the day I was born. So, I am driving fast to my death bed by drinking. Please stop worrying about me, father. You have more important things to tend to, such as this country and it’s people.”

“You know very well, that I can’t ignore you, son. I will strive my best to fulfill your desires. Tell me.”

“I can’t carry on with my work in this Ashram. I want to be given opportunities to prove my talent. I am planning to run for the Congress head in Marati state.”

“This is a grave mistake. One must not go after a post. One must prove one’s capabilities and automatically you will be in the desired position.”

“So, you are denying my request?”

“I cannot favor your desire just because you are my son. You are unsuitable for the leadership role.”

“I am not going to disagree with you on this. I need your blessings as I am going my own way. “

I saw father leave the room with anger.

There were tears running from grand father’s eyes.

———*******————

That evening few important leaders such as Jawahar, Rajagopal and Muhammad Ali were visiting grandfather. Grandfather was having a discussion with his assistants pending that important meeting.

I eagerly awaited the leaders.

Rajagopal used to narrate many mythological stories, even better than grand father.

Tina used to accompany Jawahar and Muhammad. I enjoy playing with her.

The guests arrived sharp on time. This was their way of paying respect to my grandfather as he was a staunch believer of punctuality, similar to how he valued non-violence.

Kids of my age were playing outside as the conversation among leaders was going on inside.

We were chasing each other inside the room. On seeing us running inside, Muhammad scolded us.

“They are kids playing happily. Kids, come here.” Grand father called us towards him.

Tina sat on grand father’s lap and I settled on Jawahar’s lap.

The adults continued their conversation.

Ali said “I don't believe that Satyagraha movement will achieve the results we want. In fact, this may lead to more confusion among people. We have to approach this by law and fight for our independence. I also think that Satyagraha movement is against your belief of non-violence.”

Grandfather replied “ Satyagraha is not against non-violence. We respect our enemies. We are in talks with them for independance. That doesn't mean we are cowards. We don't need to fight to get independence. Satyagraha is a tool to help us achieve that.”

Ali said “You have created a divide among Indian muslims when you voiced your support for Khilafat movement. Muslims want access to quality education and free radical thinking. Your stand might picture them as traditionalists.”

Rajagopal said “Why don’t you make Jinnah as the Congress leader in the coming election and show that you favor Muslims?”

Grandfather said “It is upto the people to choose their leader, not me.”

Rajagopal said “So, in that case, will you support Jinnah, by not posing another candidate against him?”

Grandfather said “I believe there should be healthy competition in any election.”

The meeting ended as a failure as the leaders could not reach a consensus.

Rajagopal spoke to Ali privately.

Ali said “Mohandas is a hypocrite! It is just a drama that he is putting in front of everyone to show that he is not favoring any religion.”

Rajagopal asked him “So, have you made up your mind to run for the leadership?”

Ali replied “Yes. It’s my duty to represent the Muslims of India.”

Rajagopal said “It is impossible to win without the support of Mohandas. Sadly, that is the current political situation. Please think twice before running for the post.”

They left the ashram taking Tina with them.

————*******———-

It was nightfall. Mother was busy preparing dinner of roti and dal. I was going through today’s newspaper.

I skipped all political news as I was disinterested in them. A small news in the center page caught my eye. It was an interview of the great scientist Albert Einstein. Though I couldn't understand most of the scientific talk, one question caught my attention.

The question went like this. “Is it possible for man to do time travel in the future?”

The answer Einstein gave was “Yes. All scientific principles suggest that  it is possible. In fact, we can travel both to the future and to the past. In order to design such a machine, complex engineering is required. But I am sure, after one or two centuries man can do it.”

The phrase time travel took me to a dream world. I wondered if India would have attained independence after a hundred years. I also imagined seeing King Shivaji in action at the battlefield or visiting Buddha in person with time machine.

I was enthusiastically sharing this with my mother but she did not bother much. Yet, I went on and on. I asked her what she would have done, if she had a chance to go back 10 years.

“I would not have married your father.” She replied without second thought.

I was shocked to hear that. I went and buried my face in a pillow, sobbing all the while.

She came to pat my head.

“Your father has not returned home. Lock the house while, I go fetch him.”

“Mother, I am scared to be alone. I will also come with you.”

“You know where I am going. You are not supposed to come to such places.”

But I was adamant in my stand and she took me to the nearest bar, in search of my father.

My father was lying on the ground at a corner of the bar. Everyone was staring at us, as we carried our father by his shoulders and brought him to our home.

He was blabbering as he lay on the bed. “I am the son of ‘Father of this nation’, who follows his every word. Except, that I disobeyed him by drinking alcohol. Even the Gods can't stop me from doing it. This is not a punishment to you, father. I am punishing the Gods themselves.”

After some time, father was sound asleep.

I and mother went to the other room.

“Mother, I am sorry. I should not have gotten angry at you. You would have been happy if you had not married father.”

Mother hugged me and cried.

———******———-

The next day father was not in home. Mother searched everywhere but he was not found.

It had been one week since dad left home. Mother looked pale, worrying about his absence. She stopped talking to me. I felt very bad. I knew mother wanted dad to return home. I wanted to see my mother as her usual self. I resolved to search for my father and bring him home.

“I will return home with father.” I scribbled in my childish handwriting and left the house.

I roamed the streets. Finally, I came to the railway station. My dad was nowhere to be found. I rested for a while inside the cool train compartment. Before I knew it, I fainted from hunger of not eating for the past few days. I did not even notice the train moving.

The ticket examiner woke me and asked some questions. I did not even come back to my senses then. The man next to me answered on my behalf. The examiner left after getting some money from the man. I fainted again.

Sometime later, another man woke me. A sikh next to me offered me some food. I gobbled that as I was immensely hungry. He asked if I was still hungry and I nodded. He offered some more roti.

I slept again. But this time, it was a deep sleep. In my dreams, I could see my father and my mother. I did not know how many days had passed since I left my mother. I felt like going back to her.

I started crying inconsolably. The sikh tried to console me and failed.

He arrived at his destination and asked me to come with him. I was in a dilemma. The tearful face of my mother flashed in mind. I resolved not to go with him but to bring back my father to our house. The sikh left the train.

Approximately, one week would have passed in the train. I don't cry anymore. But my resolve to bring back father was more stronger than ever. I met so many people on the train. They kindly offered me food to eat. But I never answered any of their questions to why I was alone.

The train also came to it’s final destination of Chennai. Once again, I roamed the streets. It was an entirely new place with a language that I did not understand and new sights and sounds. But my resolve to find my father stayed strong.

I lost track of the days as I searched for my father. I was blessed to get food from the kind people of Chennai.

I had a photograph of my father with me. I used to enquire people showing that photograph.

Nobody saw him. One day, I came to a bar. People shooed me away saying I shouldn't be here. But I stood firm.

The bar owner asked me what was I doing there. I showed him the photo and asked if he had seen the man in the photo.

The bar owner was astonished.

“He is the son of Mohandas. Why are you searching him?”

I stood silent. He asked several questions that I finally started weeping.

“Son, listen to me. I saw this man here several days earlier. He had fainted from heavy drinking. When I woke him, he asked when is the bus to KanyaKumari. As soon as I answered him, he left this place. My hunch is that he would be in KanyaKumari.”

I left the bar and was roaming on the beach. The beach was deserted as it was nightfall. I sat on the cool sands watching the waves crash on the shoreline. An old man came and sat next to me.

He started talking to me in Hindi. He enquired my name, what I was doing there, etc.

I replied with a false name. “Ram”.

“Why are you alone at this time of the day?”

“My father left us. I am in search of him.”

“Is your father dead?”

“No, he deserted my mother and me.”

The man showed a photograph to me.

I was surprised to see it was my grandfather's photo.

“Do you know where this great man lives?”

“I know that pretty well. I have played in his lap.”

“Will you take me to his place?”

“I am not going anywhere without finding my father.”

“Do you know where your father might be?”

“I think he would be in KanyaKumari.”

“Then, let’s do one thing. We both will search for your father in KanyaKumari. After we have found him, you should take me to Mohandas’s place.”

I agreed. He took me to a resting house where we spent the night. The next day we boarded a train to KanyaKumari.

Our co-passengers in the train were discussing about politics intently. The old man was observing them keenly.

I was browsing the newspaper. I saw some news bearing the photo of Muhammad Ali, Jawahar and Vallabhai.

The old man asked me “Do you know who these men are?”

“I don’t like any of them. I like only this man.” I pointed to a photo of Einstein in the last page.

“Oh! Do you know who this man is?”

“I know him very well. He was the man who said that time travel is possible.”

“I see that you have a great interest in science.”

“Yes, I do. I want to design the machine with which we can do time travel.”

“Would you believe me if I say that I am a scientist myself?”

“Is it? You don't look like one, though.”

The old man showed another photo of him with Einstein.

“You have met Einstein in person! Can you please teach my science?”

“For you to learn science, you have to master mathematics.”

“You can ask me any question in maths. I will add, subtract, multiply any two numbers.”

The old man laughed. “That alone is not sufficient, son. You have to learn Algebra.”

“So, will I be a scientist if I learn Algebra.”

“No. But that is the first step. You have to master many more complex mathematical formulae.”

“Can you teach me Algebra, please?”

The old man agreed and taught me Algebra. I was happy when he observed that my reasoning skills were extraordinary.

We reached KanyaKumari after 3 days.

“Where are we going to start?”

“I have a hunch that he might be in one of the bars.”

The old man was shocked to hear that.

When we enquired at one of the bars, we found that father was staying in one of the villages nearby with a person named Kayalvizhi.

The next day we travelled to that village in a bullock cart.

There was a small riot on the way to the village. The mob stood around our bullock cart not allowing us to proceed.

We got down from the cart. The policemen arrived after some time and dispersed the crowd though resorting to violence and tear gas.

I hid in one of the houses near by. After some time, the situation was cleared.

I came out of my hiding. I couldn't see the old man anywhere. I resolved to find my father alone without his assistance and climbed onto a bullock cart.

As I was nearing the village, there was another mob of people revolting.

I climbed down and wanted to hide immediately. But I was caught by the mobsters and they tore my shirt. Someone also, hit me with a stick.

I fumbled to the ground. I saw a lake at a distance and crawled towards it. But, suddenly the world came crashing and I blanked out.

When I opened my eyes, I was in a hut with the old man. He must have found me somehow. He was seen talking to another old woman.  He was very happy to see me conscious.

I said “I thought I had escaped from you. But looks like you are stuck with me.”

The man laughed.

“Your dad is staying in this village. He has gone to Madurai for a medical treatment. He will be back soon. Everything will turn out fine.”

Next day I woke up feeling someone caressing my forehead. I knew it was my father.

I was too stunned to see my father near me. I pushed his hand aside and turned away from him.

My father hugged me and started crying. I did not speak a word. I let all my anger flow as tears.

Father said “Rasik, here after I won’t leave you or your mother anywhere. Please forgive me.”

The old man was talking to Kayal, my father’s caretaker. She was shocked to hear that my father was Heeralal and I was Mohandas’s grandson.

We were delighted to know that grandfather was visiting Madurai in two days. We were happy to meet grand father again.

We reached Madurai and visited the resting house. He was seen in a conversation with other leaders. Grand mother was also sitting next to him.

Grand father hugged me and my father as soon as he saw us.

Father fell at grand father’s feet and apologized.

“Promise me that you will never repeat this again, son. At least for the sake of your wife and son. I was pained to hear that they went to bars in search of you.” said grandfather.

“I won’t disobey you here after, father. I will not touch alcohol in my life ever again.”

“I am so happy to hear that. Now, tell me what do I have to do in order to make your life straight again?”

Father stood there thinking without uttering a word.

The old man interrupted the silence and said “Sir, it will be wise of you to give the leader post of Congress to your son. He can be service to our nation.”

“Sir, I have immense respect for you. You have saved my son and grandson. I am indebted to you for my entire life time. First, one has to work hard. Thereafter, post and power will follow. Heera has to work from ground up. Then automatically roles will come to a person who deserves it.”

Grandmother tried to talk but as Jawahar came to see grand father, she was interrupted.

Grandmother spoke in private to the old man and my father.

“Sir, I do not wish to lose my son once again. Please share your opinion on how to make Heera’s life better.”

“You have to visit Rajaji and talk about your son’s political ambitions.”

“I know what you are implying indirectly. You are asking us to stand against my husband. If the country is more important to him than his son, then I would say it is the vice-versa with me. The Kasthuri who doesn't raise a question against her husband is gone. I am ready to fight against my husband for the wellbeing of my son.”

“Rajagopal is currently in Chennai. Muhammad Ali is also coming to meet him. We will travel to Chennai to meet him.”

All of them agreed on the plan. There was a steady crowd of people to see grandfather. He did not have time to play with me. So, I left with my father and grandmother to Chennai.

The next day all of us met Rajagopal at his residence. He disagreed to help us out against the wishes of my grandfather.

But there was an unexpected incident the next day. In Pune, an entire police station was set ablaze as Indians revolted against the autocratic rule by the British. The revolters raided a nearby English settlement and killed 164 Britishers, including women and children.

My grand father condemned this act strongly and stopped his Satyagraha movement.

Rajagopal asked father to meet him at his house. Muhammad Ali, Subash and other leaders were also present. They welcomed my grandmother and my father warmly.

Rajagopal addressed the gathering. “We are at an important juncture in history. We strongly condemn the violent act that happened today. But still, Mohandas must not have stopped our Satyagraha movement. Can we forget so soon the atrocities meted out to us by Britishers in the JalianWalaBagh massacre?  This violence in Pune is our retaliation to that. Even though, it is wrong, we understand the sentiments of Indians. But by stopping Satyagraha, we have set back India’s struggle for freedom by 20 years. How many of you agree with this?”

Everyone in the room agreed.

“We have gathered here to discuss our next steps. We cannot blindly support Mohandas’s decisions hereafter even though we are only half convinced by it. We are proposing to nominate a person for the Congress leadership post in the election that is happening next month. Let’s zero in on that person.”

“Jawahar is nominated for the leader post from Mohandas’s camp. He is the popular choice of the people as well. We do not have such a strong and popular leader on our side.”

Rajaji said “I am nominating Muhammad to run for this post from our side. Please let me know of your opinions.”

“Muhammad will definitely lose. His support among Hindus is less.”

Rajaji said “I agree, that was the situation two days ago. But now the decks have reversed. People are angered by Mohandas’s decision to stop Satyagraha. People have started to lose hope that they would attain independence under his leadership. We have to make use of this situation to our favor. Muhammad will run for the leadership post. Mohandas’s son Heeralal will run for the party general secretary. Our strength lies in the fact that his very own son is standing against him.”

Everyone agreed that this would be the best decision after some discussion.

The leaders addressed the crowd that had gathered in Marina beach that evening.

My father was giving an emotional speech. The people were moved by it. The press cited that a new shining star had born that night.

The day of election was close by. In one of the huge campaign meeting, the leaders addressed the crowd. Father got the chance to speak at the end.

Father said “Today is an important day in history. Till now, my father was King Dasaratha and I was his obedient son Rama. But today I have morphed into Lava-Kusa while my father has become Rama. How much trouble have we been subjected to, in this 200 years that the Britishers ruled us? All our rights have been snatched. Our country’s wealth has been stripped off. We have been made into beggars in our home land. Once, India was the most powerful economy in the world. There was a competition among other countries to have trade dealings with us. But now, other western countries economies are flourishing. But, our economy has dwindled. Is this because of the scientific development of western countries? We boast of scientists such as Aryabhatta and Varahameera even before 1000 years. Then, why are we lacking in scientific advancements? No, this is because our country has been enslaved by the British rule. We should not delay even for a minute to breathe an air of freedom. We should not abandon our struggle for independence. In fact, I would say we have to fight with more zeal than ever. It is possible that we make some mistakes along this path. But this is merely the anguish of the enslaved people. This should not make us forsake our struggle.  And this has become the point of disagreement with my father. Our proposed leader Muhammad Ali is a well-versed man. He is the only one capable of uniting Hindus and Muslims. Let us all come under his leadership to make India stronger. Please put in all efforts to make India better. Jai Hind.”

The crowd was ecstatic with a roaring applause. There were chants everywhere in support of Muhammad Ali and father.

In the election that happened, Muhammad defeated others by a huge margin.

Grandfather and Jawahar resigned from their respective posts. Grandfather’s political career was coming to an end.

All the leaders, surrounded my father. Though he was talking to so many people, father excused himself from the crowd once he saw the old man standing several meters away from him.

“Sir, I have reborn as a new man now, all because of you. You also saved my son. You have been his guide and rescued me from darkness. Your contribution in changing the course of history is immense. I won’t forget you in my lifetime. May I ask who are you, where are you coming from?”

“I am a nomad, who wanders to every nook and corner of this world, in search of new experiences. I have no name or no home town. My work here is done. See you.”

That was the last time I saw the old man.

Father returned to Ahmedabad with me. People gave us a grand reception. But mother was silent without talking to us. She was speaking to me with mock anger. After I consoled her, she was listening to my adventures and experiences enthusiastically.

Father tried to initiate conversation with mother, but he failed. After a few hours, mother’s anger subsided.

Father said “It’s been 2 months since I stopped drinking. I have risen to a point where I am respected by the people of our nation. Are you not happy at all?”

Mother replied “You may have tasted success with your political views. But remember that your father is a Mahatma. His every decision is undermined by truth. I can foresee that history will remember him for that.”

Father said “My father lives by his principles. But he doesn't know the nitty gritty of life. He doesn't accommodate those well. Look at the independence struggle of other countries. Do you think that was anymore violent to the struggle that happens here? Citing the violence and abandoning Satyagraha is utter foolishness. Don’t you understand that?”

Mother said “I am a woman. I know only this much”, not wanting to extend the argument any further.

We went to sleep that night.

Father was excitedly sharing his political views to mother. But she remained silent turning her back towards us. Father shook her mildly to see if she was asleep. She had transcended to a deep sleep by then.

END OF STORY 1

——-******———-

The next day, Remo shared what he read from Rasik’s diary with Jenny.

“I know that Mohandas was the father of Heeralal. But I did not realize he had such an important role to play in the independence of India. I am surprised to see that he sowed the first seed to our freedom struggle.”

“This has not been mentioned in our history books.”

“That’s true. In fact, Heeralal has been projected as an alcoholic. This must be one of the many lies of Ranjith. Though Heeralal had a drinking problem, he never touched alcohol after he became the leader.”

“All these sounds so interesting.”

“OK. Tell me what did you read in Muller’s book?”

“There was account of all the historic incidents that happened after 1922. As soon as Heeralal became the general secretary, the Congress split into it. Jawahar became the leader of Congress. Rajagopal, Muhammad Ali, Heeralal and other leaders formed a party called Sudandra. Congress faced a massive defeat in the next election as a result of people’s anger towards Mohandas’s decisions. Even Jawahar opposed Mohandas’s schema called ‘Gram Rajayam’ as he was more interested in socialistic ideals. In 1925, Mohandas retired from active politics. He spent the rest of his days alone in Sabarmati ashram.”

“What became of Heeralal?”

“He turned out to be one of Indian political superhero. He became more popular among the masses than Jawahar or Ali because of the fact that he did not support his father’s non-violence principle wholeheartedly. He instigated Indians against Britishers. Many revolt erupted across India. His party cadres attacked supporters of Congress. The government failed to control this wide spread violence. In 1927, Ali and Heeralal were arrested and put in Andaman prison. In 1942, when the second world war started, they were released. In exchange for their release, they were forced to support the Britishers in second world war.”

“Wow! We have stumbled upon a treasure trove of information. I read only Rasik’s first story. There are two more parts to it. We have to definitely read those too.”

They both searched every corner in the house. But the remaining two stories were not found.

Slowly all their savings disappeared. They found jobs in the nearby Walmart posing as fake citizens of America.

One day when Jenny returned home from work, she opened the door with her key. Suddenly she got suspicious.

“Remo, there are 3 keys in this key ring. The other 2 keys will not open this door. May be it can be used in some other place?”

“You may be right. We can ask Muller’s grandson about it.”

Next day they met Muller’s grandson and showed him the keys.

“I know that the second key is used to open a wooden cabin in the forest. Rasik loved walking in the woods, four miles from here. He built a cabin himself and used to resort to it for peace. I don’t know anything about the third key.”

Remo got the directions to the wooden cabin and both of them left to the woods nearby.

The woods were tranquil. Remo had not seen such tall trees in his life. So many different birds were chirping which felt like a symphony to his ears. Remo fell in love with the place. But on the contrary Jenny did not like such secluded places. She hesitantly followed Remo.

Soon they spotted the wooden cabin in the distance. It was near to a stream. The sound of water gushing was so rhythmic.

Remo opened the door.

The entire house was covered with so much dust that they started sneezing upon entering. They covered their nose and searched the house.

In the bedroom upstairs Jenny found a desk and chair. She opened one of the drawers and found a blue diary. She signalled Remo to leave the house.

They left the house. That night Remo settled to read the second diary. He carefully removed the dust from it’s pages and started reading. He thought Jenny must be reading the rest of Muller’s book too.

As he turned pages, he was immediately transported to the happenings in 1947.

STORY - 2

1947 August

I am a young man of 31 years. I am returning to Ahmedabad after staying in Europe for 10 years. In the next half hour my train will reach Ahmedabad.

The cool crisp air of early morning was blowing across my face as I sat near the window. I could sense the freedom in air. I could feel that India was inching close to freedom.

There has been massive changes happening in the political landscape of India. While I was studying science in Europe, father had become a prominent leader in India. Meanwhile, grand father’s political career that started by uniting people and seeing them march towards freedom was declining.

I wanted to meet grand father as soon as I came to India. This caused slight disappointment to my father.

My train had come to a halt in Ahmedabad. My first stop was Sabarmati Ashram. It pained me to see the once lively Ashram wear a deserted look. What I expected to see was an old frail man, who would be dejected by failure. But instead, I was surprised to see a glow like never before on my grandfather's face. He was calmly reading the newspaper.

He failed to recognize me. I introduced myself and he was overjoyed. Our conversation drifted to politics after some time.

“My political career ended 25 years ago. I am saddened by that, but also happy with that. My son who was an alcoholic is now a transformed man in a responsible post. If I had been stubborn, it would have destroyed him. He has risen at a time when I had fallen. On seeing Heera and Muhammad work together the Hindus and Muslims have joined forces. There was a possibility that they may have turned foes, but not anymore.”

Grandfather was lost in thought for a while. He then continued “The saddening part is that this beautiful country is losing it’s soul. The violence against Britishers and Congress cadres are being ignored. After we get independence from Britishers, this country will not be a peaceful nation as I had once imagined it to be. Villages will be destroyed. Principles of western countries will be forced upon us. Economic and military advancements will be of top most priority. Sudandra party will come to power and Muhammad Ali will become it’s prime minister. In the name of democracy, there will be a slightly autocratic rule. All I worry about is the state of India after 20 years.”

“I am contented now, Rasik. The fact that people have forgotten me is for the good. Look how peaceful this place has become. In this tranquility, the confusions in our mind can be brought to focus more clearly. I have subjected myself to self-evaluation. As a result, I have gotten rid of few poisonous thoughts that I had. I am transforming myself to surrender in the feet of God.”

We chatted for a while about my experiences abroad, my scientific course etc. Then I left the ashram and travelled to Delhi.

———-*****———-

Father was majestically standing in front of the house. He welcomed me warmly and enquired about my well-being non-stop.

“You are coming to India after ten years and yet your first stop is to see your grandfather and not even your mother? Anyway, I hope he is fine.” asked Heeralal.

“He is at peace, father. He is not bothered about politics anymore. An entire nation has forgotten about him. But we have to remember that all this started because of him. So, in order to pay my respects, I met him first.”

“You want us to respect him, right? We will honor him by printing his face on India’s first currency notes after independence. That is the most that you can expect. We can’t follow his principles anymore.”

“We are trying to blindly copy the western countries. Where as, he is rooted to our soil. His dream is to form a country that values the importance of our villages, one which gives full freedom to them. I don't see anything wrong with his way of thinking.”

“Can you tell me where you stand in Grama Rajyam? I know you have an interest in science. But will you be happy if I ask you to string a kite? This is the situation with him.”

“Today there are two distinct ideologies with respect to politics. Government is now constricted to only defining a country’s foreign policies, protecting it’s people and country. A powerful military has become indispensable to support this ideology. According to this, people are responsible for shaping their own economy. Investors are hugely favored. Government principles are not applicable to them.  This is the rightist principle. America and a few countries in Europe have structured their politics around this ideology.”

“On the other extreme, we have government which imposes numerous restrictions on its people. The main aim of this type of government is to break the barrier between the rich and the poor. They interfere with the day to day living of people by imposing huge tax rates and many trade restrictions. They would not interfere with other country’s situation. This is the leftist principle.”

“So, how does India fit into either of these ideologies? Jawahar is the bearer of the rightist principles with his Congress party while Muhammad is the leader of leftist principles with his Sundadra party. India will have an unique democracy in practice.”

“I am disinterested in Indian politics. Can I see grandmother?”

“She is staying with us. Two years ago, when she was ailing, your grandfather refused to allow a surgery to be performed on her. I fought with him and made sure she got the best treatment. Ever since, she has stayed with us.”

“Grand mother knows grandfather’s principles. This may not be the only reason, she is staying with us.”

“Yeah, there is more to it. Your grandfather asks everyone to control their feelings that comes naturally to them. He blabbered such things saying he is experimenting with truth. This caused great embarrassment to your grandmother. How can a person overcome lust when he is constantly thinking about it? Your grandfather disgraced himself in the eyes of public. Anyway, you are also growing old. When are you planning to marry?”

“Whenever I find a suitable woman.”

———******————

Viceroy Mountbatten had invited top Indian leaders to a party at his palace. Father took me with him to the party.

The party was a huge success with good conversations, excellent food and amazing dance performances. Father was discussing something with Jawahar. Muhammad Ali was also seen with them.

I knew nobody in the place and therefore retreated to the palace gardens. I felt instantly at peace. But that did not last for long.

A gorgeous young lady came and sat near me. I had not witnessed such a beauty in my life. But she was crying. She had noticed that I was sitting near her.

A few minutes later, a young man came looking for her. He looked like a wealthy person. There was some argument going on between them. The young man stomped away with rage.

After he left, the woman cried inconsolably. I went and sat next to her. She looked at me with prodding eyes.

“Do you hear the sounds around you? Look at the celebration, awesome sights around you. Yet, we are both here yearning for some loneliness.”

“I don’t want to be alone. My heart is at storm. I can feel better if I can share it with somebody.”

“Why don’t you share it with me?”

“May I know who are you? Why are you so kind to me?”

“I don’t know that myself. Infact, I am an introvert. But the truth is I haven't seen a more pretty woman than you. I want to make you feel better.”

She blushed on hearing that.

“We are complete strangers. Then, how do you think you can console me?”

“Have you travelled by train?”

“Yes, I have.”

“You must have travelled in first class. So, you might not have experienced the joys of traveling in third class. There will be fellow passengers who are complete strangers sitting next to you. But by the time you reach your destination, you would have shared everything with them and them with you. You can consider me as your fellow companion.”

“So, you will be my companion only for a short duration?”

“I suspect you have a life long companion.”

“Yes. I am engaged to the man who argued with me earlier. Our wedding is approaching fast. He is from a wealthy Parisi business family. He is imposing lot of restrictions even before our wedding. Plus, he always doubts my behaviors. He wants me to be at his side all the time.”

“Tina, what are you doing here?”

Muhammad Ali came looking for Tina, the woman I was chatting with. I was surprised to know that it was the same Tina, with whom I had spent my childhood.

“Who are you talking to?” Muhammad asked.

“Sir, I am known to you. I am Rasik, Heeralal’s son. I came to the garden seeking some alone time. By chance, I met your daughter here.”

“Are you Heeralal’s son? Your father told me that you had returned from Europe. I am very happy to see you. Continue your conversation, I will be back.”

After Muhammad left, Tina hugged me tight.

“How many years have passed since we last met? That too when I least expected it?” Tina said.

“I used to recall the time we spent playing in our childhood even today.”

“Those were the few precious occasions when I was genuinely happy in my childhood.”

“I think your future husband has more affection on you. That may explain his behavior.”

“True love should be like two birds flying higher and higher in the limitless sky. There should be no restrictions.”

Once again, Muhammad came looking for Tina.

“Nasir is angry with you. Please go and console him. Rasik, I apologize to you for cutting your conversation short but this is an embarrassing situation. We are in Delhi till the end of this week. Why don’t you meet us at our home? We can have a chat relaxedly.”

Tina’s eyes met mine as she departed with her father.

I was once again lost in the tranquility of the garden.

A little later, 2 small boys looking like brothers came to play in the garden. The older one must be around 4 years and the younger boy around 2.

Suddenly they started to pick a fight. The younger brother was beating the older one. He even started biting him. But the older brother did not retaliate. He simply wanted to stop his brother, but to no vain.

I was watching this and my patience was wearing thin. I went near them and warned the younger brother. But he did not listen to me.

I lifted him and made him sit at one of the branches in the tree. He started wailing loudly. He was afraid to get down from the branch as it was pretty high.

I told him if he apologized to his brother I would set him on the ground. But he never listened to me and continued crying.

Their mother came looking for them. She must be of my age and was slim, tall with long hair and a sharp nose.

She panicked on seeing her younger kid atop the tree and ran towards him.

“Please be patient. Let him apologize to his brother.”

But she was not easily convinced of the idea.

“Please trust me. If we make him realize his mistake it will bring about a good change in his behavior.”

The kid was crying in the branch for the next half hour. Then he became silent and looked at me and his brother repeatedly.

“Sorry” uttered the young boy.

“Promise me that you won’t repeat this again.”

“Hmmm.”

“What’s your name?”

“Ranjit”

“What’s your brother’s name?”

“Raj.”

“Raj, please forgive me. I will not behave like this here after” repeat after me, I said.

“I had apologised earlier.” the boy argued.

“Then I can't set you to the ground.” I stood firm in my decision.

“Raj, please forgive me.” Finally the boy pleaded.

I set the boy to the ground.

They both ran to a different place to play. Their mother thanked me.

“My younger son is a bit rude. He was lucky to be alive after a month he was born. So, I get tensed that something bad will happen to him. He uses my fear to his advantage.”

“What does their father do?”

“We have separated after difference of opinion. He never visited our boys after we parted ways.”

“May I know your name? And what are you doing in a party for political leaders?”

“I am Nethra. I am assisting Jawahar, the leader of Congress party.”

“I am Rasik, Heeralal’s son.”

“It’s been quite some time since we came to the garden. Let’s go inside to see what my kids are up to.”

Father was still in deep discussion with the leaders. My eyes searched for Tina. She was in a corner of the room. I could see that Nasir was consoling her. I wanted to talk to her in private again.

I pointed Tina to Nethra.

“You might recognize Tina who used to play with us in our childhood.”

“Looks like you are in love with her?” asked Nethra.

“It’s been just one hour since I met her. How can you say I am in love with her?”

“It can happen. I can feel that in your eyes.”

“No, you are wrong then.”

“Be careful young man about what you wish for. She is a slightly arrogant lady. And on top of that she is engaged to be married soon even though she is facing problems with her fiancé.”

I remained silent wondering whether she was telling such things to warn me or out of jealously to deter me from loving Tina.

We started to leave the palace when the party got over. I wanted to see Tina, and found her going away with Nasir. When we locked eyes, Tina’s face lit up with a smile.

I was unaware of the fact that Nethra was watching all of this with rage.

———*****————

Father had a meeting with Muhammad Ali and took me with him. I also agreed as there might be a possibility to talk to Tina at his house.

The meeting was to discuss the next steps when British government announces freedom to India in the next two weeks. I wondered why father wanted me to participate in these political meetings. That might be because he wants me to be his political heir.

All important leaders were gathered at Muhammad’s place. The meeting started.

Rajagopal said “After the Britishers announce our freedom, they will ask us to form a temporary government. Who do you think should be made the prime minister?”

Heeralal said “Viceroy likes Jawahar very much. But in the last election, our party won the majority of the votes. So, we can put a request to Viceroy to make Muhammad our prime minister.”

Rajagopal said “We are getting huge opposition from a set of Hindus that free India’s first prime minister cannot be a Muslim. There are Hindu terrorists like Savarkar who are creating much noise about it.”

Heeralal said “I am of the opinion that except for a minor section of Hindus, everybody wants Hindus and Muslims to stay together. I don’t think there will be much opposition to Ali being the prime minister. We have to make people understand that only by having a Muslim prime minister India will not be divided into a Hindu state and a Muslim state.”

Ali said “ Viceroy would suggest that the Congress party and Sundadra party joining together to form the government. Even, I feel that is the best way to go forward. In that case, we need to give ministerial berths to leaders like Jawahar and Vallabhai.”

I was losing interest in following these political conversations. I left the room and retreated to the library next door. I was reading some book.

“You don’t have interest in politics but you read about politics?”

Tina asked me from near the door. She looked like a pristine angel in a white chudithar. It was impossible to avert my gaze from her.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Beauty. I have never witnessed such a beautiful person in my life.”

Tina blushed and smiled.

“You haven't answered my question yet.”

“What did you ask?”

“Do you read books on politics?”

“No, I don’t. I only read books on science. I don't know anything but science.”

“Are you a scientist?”

“Yes.”

“I used to have an interest in science. But on the compulsion of my father, I studied law. So, what is your area of research?”

“Quantum physics.”

“Quantum physics, is it? Do you believe in the fact that we have many parallel universes?”

“I am surprised that you know so much about quantum physics. I am doing my research on the existence of parallel universe. We know that our universe is made up of many stars and planets. Based on the advancements we made in quantum physics, many scientists strongly believe that there could be other parallel universes co-existing with us. Moreover, they believe that some of the universes could be very similar to our universe. There could be another planet like Earth. There may be human life too in that universe. Or more precisely, there could be clones like you and me. They could be having a conversation like us. It is not mandatory for all universes to be an exact replica of ours. But there can be slight variations too. If you are a lawyer in this universe, you might be a scientist in the alternate universe. Don't think I am fooling you with some story. These are theories based on scientific formulae. My aim is to build a machine that makes it possible to travel between universes.”

Tina pondered over the facts.

“What are you thinking?”

“I am wondering what I would be doing in the parallel universe?”

“We might be lovers over there.”

“And?”

“I might be kissing you right now.”

“You know I am engaged, right?”

“I know. We can stop the wedding which is against your wishes.”

“That is not a simple task. My father is dead strong in this wedding going ahead.”

“Our fathers are political buddies.”

“Yes.”

“Is that a blessing or a curse?”

“My father would like to keep his family and political affairs separate. He wouldn't like us to be together.”

“But we could be good friends at least?”

“That’s possible.”

“Even after your wedding?”

“Nasir is a fool, he will be angry if our friendship continues.”

“We can be friends without him knowing about it.”

“Hmmm.”

“Friends can kiss each other?”

I leaned forward and kissed her. I was not surprised when she did not push me away.

“The door.. “, Tina moaned.

I went and closed the door.

We entered Tina’s bedroom nearby and went to a state of immense joy.

I was watching Tina smoothing her dress mesmerised by her beauty.

“What are you looking at?” she asked.

“Tina..Is this possible even after your wedding?” I asked.

Before I could finish my sentence, she said in a definitive tone “This will continue forever. My wedding with Nasir will not happen.”

We heard noises coming from outside.

“I will leave now, before they come looking for me.”

I saw father taking leave from Muhammad Ali.

I was able to sense that Tina was looking at me, even as I left their house.

———-*******———-

I came to a meeting with father in Jawahar’s home. Nethra was also there.

Father said “Your ideal vision of a society with no rich-poor divide is excellent. But that cannot be achieved by imposing high tax on people or restrictions on trade. We Indians have excelled in trade since the past 100 years. We have expanded our business across all continents. It is not fair to cripple such a vibrant economy.”

Jawahar answered “You are quoting history from 1000 years ago. But, I am referring to the economy of the last 20 years. Look at the state of America now. Look at what happened to their capitalist economy in which they take immense pride in? There was a massive downfall in their economy because they had no regulations on their share market and finance.”

Father counter argued that “But they have risen above it now. Haven't they?”

Jawahar said “That was because President Roosevelt introduced socialistic reforms. In fact, most countries in Europe have followed suit.”

Father said “In the future, these countries are going to become swamped with debts. Just wait and see. But when we come to power in India, we will make India a superpower within ten years.”

I was feeling uncomfortable in this discussion. Nethra sensed that I was squirming in my chair.

She gestured me to come out. We went to a nearby room where Ranjith and Raj were playing.

Ranjith tried to flee the room on seeing me. I caught him midway.

“Your mother says that you have become a good boy. Is that true?”

Ranjith tried to escape my hold without answering a word.

I am not going to let go off you, without hearing your answer.

“Hmmm.. Yes, I am a good boy.” replied Ranjith meekly.

As I released my hold the kids ran out of the room.

Nethra said to me “I have been thinking about you for the past few days. The frequency though increases when I see Ranjith.”

I did not say anything.

“His rudeness is because he doesn't have a good role model as his father. He never used to show love towards the kids or punished them when they did something wrong. I notice a major difference in the children’s attitude when they are with you. It may be because you behave like their father.”

“Nethra, I am a friend to you and the kids. There is nothing more that I can do.”

“I came to know that you met Tina.”

I was taken aback by her questioning tone.

“I went to a political meeting at Ali’s house along with my father.”

“Then, you must have spent some time with her alone?”

“I don’t know where you are going with this line of questioning. I am just a friend of hers.”

“I heard she is pleading to her father to stop the wedding.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“So, your friend has not shared even this with you?”

My father came looking for me. “Rasik, we have to leave.”

As I stood up to leave, Nethra interrupted me.

“The kids would like to play with him, so can Rasik leave after having dinner tonight?”

My father agreed and left the room.

I went to the kid’s room to escape from Nethra.

I was playing with them for some time. Ranjith was now becoming more comfortable by my presence.

After some time, Nethra served dinner for me and the kids.

She then took the kids to their bedroom to put them to sleep. But Ranjith was crying as he did not want to go to bed.

“Nethra, you proceed downstairs. I will join you after the kids have slept.”

I narrated a story to the kids. They were listening intently to every word. Alas, they fell asleep.

I made sure they had their blanket covered and went downstairs. Nethra was waiting for me.

I felt uncomfortable being alone with her. Nethra broke the awkward silence between us.

“Are you interested in politics? Your dad wants you to accompany him to every meeting?”

“I am least interested in politics. But I don’t want to hurt father’s sentiments. So, I don't refuse when he needs me.”

“I have political ambitions. I and after my time, my kids should rule this country.”

“Lofty ambitions, I would say.”

“Raj is the gentle one among the two kids. Ranjith has the smartness and shrewdness. He will transform into a powerful leader one day. But most importantly he should have a good mentor. And above all, he needs a good father figure in his life.”

Nethra looked deeply into my eyes.

“I have to leave. It’s getting late, Nethra” I said.

“What’s the urgency?”

Nethra came near me and clasped my hands firmly. I yanked my hands free and left the house at once.

————*******———-

It was an important day. The entire house was buzzing with energy even as I was getting up. There were throngs of people waiting to meet father. They all seemed to be ecstatic, happily singing and dancing.

Father came to my room and shook hands with me.

“Viceroy has announced freedom to our country. We shall begin to live in free India from August 15th, 1947.”

I sat frozen in my bed for a few minutes as the depth of what he said hit me. The first thought that came to my mind was that of grandfather. It was also saddening that I might be the only person who remembers him now.

I expressed my anguish to my father.

“You should seek the blessings of grandfather now.”

“Do you think I don’t know that? Next week we will meet him at Sabarmati ashram.”

I was fuming as to why father was delaying the meeting with grandfather to next week.

“Rasi, we are going to Muhammad Ali’s house now. Get ready.”

Two weeks had passed since I last met Tina. The thought of seeing her today, lifted my spirits.

There was a huge crowd before Ali’s house. But I could sense something was wrong from his grief stricken face. I wondered what would bother him at this joyous occasion.

Ali hugged my father as soon as he saw him. They exchanged sweets too.

A few minutes later, Jawahar came there. After a brief discussion, the leaders were seen addressing the press. Ali spoke on behalf of them.

“Our struggle for independence that took place for over 200 years has come to an end today. On this historic day, we should all stand united and express our solidarity. Viceroy has asked me to lead the temporary government. But I want Congress’s participation too in forming the government. Hence, I requested Jawahar to join us and he has graciously accepted it. Both the parties have reached an agreement on who should hold the various portfolios. As a result, we are happy to announce that Heeralal is made the deputy prime minister, Jawahar, the foreign relations minister, Rajagopal, the finance minister and Vallabhai as the home minister. I also wish the citizens of India for achieving this.”

Muhammad Ali was an excellent orator like Jawahar and my father. But for some reason his speech today did not hit the bull. That may be because he did not show genuine happiness.

I searched everywhere for Tina. I also enquired one of their servants.

She said that Tina argued with her dad for stopping her wedding and had left to her friend’s home as she was angry. I guessed that this might be the reason for Ali’s unhappiness.

I informed my dad that I was leaving and left to Tina’s friend’s house.

————*******———-

I met Tina at her friend’s house. Tina said “I cannot marry that fool, Rasik. Tell me what should I do now?”

“We will marry soon. I will speak to my father about it.” I consoled her.

“There is no use in talking to your father. My father is angry with me already. He is a stubborn man. He fears that he would have to break his promise to Nasir’s family. And he is not bothered about his own daughter’s well being. That was why I was angry with him and left the house. In the current situation, even your father will not want hostile relationship with my father. This leaves us with no choice but to marry secretly against our parent’s wishes.”

“I am least bothered about going against my parent’s wishes. But I do want the blessings of my grandfather. I am going to meet him in Sabarmati ashram. We can start tomorrow, if you can come with me, Tina.”

“Definitely we need his blessings.”

There was a sudden knock on the door. Muhammad Ali was standing outside the room.

“Rasi, what are you doing here?” Muhammad asked me with an angry look.

As I stood there thinking of my reply, Tina stepped in.

“I want to marry him, father.”

“Heera has used you as a pawn to insult me. Why has he back stabbed me, now?” Muhammad shouted with rage.

“My father doesn't know anything about our love. Please do not be angry with him.” I pleaded.

“Fine, I believe your words. But do you think your father will accept your marriage with Tina?”

“He would not agree.”

“Is this the way you two show respect to your parents? How will I face Nasir’s parents? When I am about to step into the public office, do you realise how much my enemies will hurt me with your matter? Have you ever thought about how this will affect me?”

“Father, please don’t bother about what others would think. Will you not be happy that your daughter is contented?”

“You have already hurt me, Tina. You are not my daughter anymore. It is true that I was angry with you earlier. But I came here with immense joy to share the fact that India got independence. I came prepared to console you and to take you back to our house. But now, I can never forgive you, as you have betrayed me. I have to forget the fact that I had a daughter named Tina.”

Muhammad left the place with a crestfallen face.

I consoled Tina who was crying after Muhammad left the room.

Father came to my room that night and woke me up from my sleep.

“Son, Muhammad is no more.”

I became numb with shock on hearing this. We rushed to Ali’s home. I wanted to see Tina immediately. She was sitting near Muhammad’s body with a blank expression on her face. I met her in private.

“I killed my father, Rasi. I have to repay my sins by fulfilling his last wish of marrying Nasir. Please leave me alone.”

I left the room without a word.

I and father paid our last respects to Muhammad Ali and returned home.

Father said “I have a greater responsibility on my shoulders now as I am becoming the prime minister of this nation. Muhammad, who was like a big brother to me, always guiding me in the right path is no more. I feel lost. I can feel better if you are by my side as my pillar of support, Rasi.”

“I am not in a good state of mind right now, father. Please forgive me, as I want to go to America now. I am going to continue my research. I believe Rajagopal is better suited to support your political journey. Who is a better administrator than him? Please bless me in my future endeavors.”

“Are you not going to stay for the swearing in ceremony?”

“I am afraid that’s not possible. Please forgive me.”

“Tell me you are at least coming with me, when I am meeting your grandfather tomorrow.”

“I am not in a position to meet him right now, father.”

“Son, what is bothering you? You were excited about all this even yesterday.”

“I will explain everything when the time is right.”

Father left the room with much disappointment.

———******————-

I set sail to America on August 15th, 1947. The same day when my father became the prime minister of free India.

I was watching the night sky from the deserted upper deck of the ship.

There must be another universe beyond the stars shining in the sky. The Tina from Earth who rejected me must be waiting to marry me in the parallel universe. I am going to dedicate the rest of my life on Earth to meet Tina in the parallel universe.

I am coming to join you Tina. Not in this world, but in a parallel universe, which has to be our heaven.

Wait for my arrival Tina.

END OF STORY - 2

Remo and Jenny were discussing what they read the next day.

“Heeralal had to overcome so many obstacles to become the prime minister. I would say he is one lucky guy. Despite the fact that Jawahar and Muhammad had better chances, it was Heeralal who became prime minister.”

“You know what is more interesting? It is the life of our leader, Ranjith.”

“He was a rude guy even as a kid.”

“What else is mentioned in Muller’s book, Jenny?”

“According to Muller, Heeralal ruled well till 1970. His theories of capitalist economy was well received by people. Trade flourished as India grew to be a superpower like other western countries. Poverty was completely eradicated. The per capita income of people was the same as those in America.”

“So, what happened after 1970?”

“The reason for Heeralal’s downfall was his dictatorship rule. Even though there was freedom to determine the economy, political freedom was curbed. The state governments under Congress were dissolved. He encouraged religious divide among people for short term political gains. As a result, there was an uprising that led to the separation of Pakistan and Bangladesh from India in 1971. Heeralal’s downfall started since then.”

“What happened to Jawahar, Nethra and Ranjith?”

“Till 1970, Jawahar was the leader of Congress. But he was sidelined after suffering continuous defeat at the polls. The party came under the control of Nethra and Ranjith. Jawahar was made a namesake leader. The other people in party were attracted by Ranjith’s enthusiasm to lift the party. They believed he would steer the party to victory in the elections that were supposed to happen in 1975. I read till this.”

“What happened to Rasik?”

“Rasik who went to America in 1947, did not return to India till 1975. He busied himself in research totally and also got the Nobel prize. Tina did not meet Rasik even once after her wedding to Nasir. She spent her life as a dutiful wife.”

“To know the rest, we have to find the third diary.”

“The third key will help us find it.”

They were both brainstorming ideas as to where the third book might be.

Jenny suddenly shouted with excitement.

“This third key must be that of Rasik’s research laboratory.”

“Do you know where his laboratory is?”

“Found it! Rasik was seen often going to a small hill, some 40 miles away from here. I suspect his lab should be up there.”

Following Jenny’s idea, we reached the hill and searched for any building that resembled a lab. We found one and Remo inserted the third key. The door opened.

There was a desk and chair similar to other places. They found a green diary in the desk.

“Remo, let’s read this diary here itself and we will read it together. Otherwise, my head will burst with excitement.”

Remo turned to the first page. They were transported to Rasik’s world.

———******——-

1975

I woke up suddenly in the middle of night. My clock showed that it was 2 AM. This is becoming a regular occurrence nowadays. Whenever I wake up like this, I can hear my heartbeat so clearly. This also increases my palpitations. I wonder if this is a premonition to something bad happening in the near future. But I overcome such negative thoughts by reasoning as a scientist.

I locked the house and took my car to my lab. I stood in front of the machine I had built for over a year. How much have I struggled to make it work? Just a few more days and it should work brilliantly.

I was engrossed in my research when I felt sunlight seeping through the window. Exhausted, I returned home.

I heard the telephone ring and picked it up. It was a call from father. He was tensed when he said “Do you know for how long I have tried reaching you? You have to come to India at once, to meet your grand father whose health is in a bad state.”

I was shocked.

——****———

I went to Sabarmati ashram immediately as soon as I landed in India. Grand father was in a bed with grand mother by his side.

Grand father was 107 years old now. Even grand mother must be of the same age. But, looking at them we can easily reduce their age by 40 years. Good genes run in the family.

Grand father was lying on the bed with his eyes closed. As grand mother informed him of my arrival, he signalled me to come near him.

He clasped my hands and kissed them. He whispered in my ears in a feeble tone.

“Rasik, do not listen to your father.”

He closed his eyes once again.

I sat for a long time by his feet.

Grand mother asked me to come to the next room. I deduced that she must have guessed what grandfather told me. May be she wanted to have a chat about it with me.

“How long are you going to be here, Rasik?”

“It’s been 5 years since I visited India. I am planning to spend the next 2 months here. For how long has grand father been sick?”

“One week. He longed to see you, Rasik. You are neither a favorite of your father or mother. You are his favorite person.”

“Nobody knows his true worth, including you, grandmother.”

“Your grandfather might be a great leader. But have you ever thought whether he is a good husband or a good father? He is a dictator when it comes to his home affairs. I have never once questioned his political beliefs. Infact, I have toiled along with him in the independence struggle. Kasthuri has always shadowed Mohandas. But, when he voluntarily tried to destroy my son’s life, that is when I revolted against him.”

“My father is an opportunist. He gathered all the big shot leaders on his side and isolated grand father. He easily grabbed the victory that grandfather worked hard to achieve.”

“I don't want to get into politics. But I value the love which Heeralal showed me. He was the one who went against grandfather's wish to perform surgery when my health was critical. Your grandfather was of the stupid opinion that surgery is against the human’s soul. Luckily, your father took no nonsense and saved my life. You know the stunts that your grand father performed in the name of experiments with truth. If I had behaved the same, would he still tolerate me? He can get away with these, only because he has the ego of a man.”

I stood silent. Grandmother continued.

“Your father has some plans laid out for you. Follow that for a better life, son.”

My father entered the room at that instant.

Father said “I thought you will come to see me first.”

As grand mother signaled father, he changed the topic. We had the usual conversation of enquiring about each other’s well being and that of our relatives. After that father took me to the adjacent room.

“28 years! Since I became the prime minister of this nation. I have transformed India from a poor country to a global superpower. It has joined the club of top 10 richest countries in the world. This has been due to the liberal economic policies we have been following since the day we attained independence. Hunger remains unheard today. Even the poor people have access to good education and medical facilities. Our infrastructure is on par with those of western countries.”

I said “But we had to pay a huge price for all this, father. Our villages have been destroyed. Our environment is plagued by pollution. Countless tribal people have lost their land to build factories instead. They have not been compensated sufficiently. Nature has shown it’s wrath on us by heavy floods and drought. You crushed people with iron fist when they revolted against your government. You pretty well know that thousands of people lost their life.”

“So, what alternatives do you suggest? Look at our neighbour, China. Do you see the repercussions of following socialist economy? Half of their population is famished. Do you not feel that I have been more successful on comparing to their country’s condition?”

“Sorry, I don't know much about economy. But, all I know is that you do not support democracy. Pakistan and West Bengal got divided from India due to the political games that you played. Even today, there are riots happening in Punjab.”

“Other foreign countries are trying to sabotage our progress. I do not want to end my political career this way. My rule should be on a high pedestal similar to King Ashoka’s rule. That is where I need your help. We are going to meet someone today. You have to speak on behalf of me to him.”

“I do not know anyone from politics.”

“You know him pretty well. And you are her favorite. That is going to help me, in turn.”

———*****———-

My father was a simple man despite being the prime minister. He refused to have security personnels accompany him during his car journey. He also dislikes regular traffic being stopped due to his travel.

Our car stopped at Nethra’s house. It’s been 28 years since I last saw her. She had become the deputy leader of Congress now. Jawahar had retired from active politics. It was decided that she will lead Congress in the forthcoming election. Her son Ranjith was the leader of youth wing.

My visit was totally unexpected to Nethra. She welcomed my father warmly and ignored me completely. Ranjith was sitting next to her. He was very active and also a bit restless. I could sense his hatred towards me from his glaring look.

Father spoke to Nethra. “I and Jawahar had always been on opposite poles when it comes to politics. But, I had always held him in highest regard. We are both close to 80 years. Time has come for us to retire. The future rests in the shoulders of youngsters like you and Rasik. You have to combine forces to work for the betterment of future generations. What do you say, Nethra?”

I understood father’s games when he mentioned my name along with Nethra’s. He was trying to suck me into politics.

Nethra replied “Please explain with details.”

“In the forthcoming elections, Sundadra and Congress parties should form an alliance. Otherwise, we cannot get majority votes with the stiff competition from Communist parties and other regional parties. This is not good for prevailing the unity of our nation.”

“Who will be the leader in this new alliance?”

“Sundadra party has the support of people more than the Congress. We would win the majority of seats in the forthcoming elections. So, it is only fair that Rasik becomes the prime minister and you become the deputy prime minister.”

“The Congress will agree to form an alliance with you only if Ranjith is made the prime minister. Furthermore, Rasik should not hold any post either in the party or in the government. If you agree to this, then we can enter into an alliance. Otherwise, Congress will fight this election by itself.”

I could see the wave of shock on father’s face, whereas I heaved a sigh of relief.

My father took leave of Nethra with a disappointed face. I did not speak a word when we travelled in car. I sensed the turmoil in his mind and remained quiet.

I was surprised when the car stopped at the President’s palace. I wondered why father brought me here.

The president Sanjeev was expecting my father. They discussed about general affairs.

Father said “Our people are not like before. Earlier, people used to be satisfied with increased growth in trade and higher employment opportunities. Now, they have started questioning about environmental pollution and wellbeing of our farmers.”

The president said “Will the law to acquire land pass in this parliament session at least? Did you speak with opposition party leader Jawahar, regarding this?”

Father said “Jawahar, is projecting me as a villain to the people of India by propagating about this law. He says I am against farmers. People have also changed with times. Leftist policies are not working anymore. To effectively run a government both leftist and rightist principles are needed.”

“Well said.”

“New leadership is required to bring about this change. I am going to retire. I leave it to my son Rasik to lead the party and our nation.”

I was in for a great shock. I never expected father to make such a huge decision without consulting me first.

I was about to leave the room in a fit of rage, when father’s assistant said something in his ear.

Father said to the president “My father, Mohandas is no more.”

Father’s eyes were moist with tears as he said that.

——-*****———

There were flowers all over grandfather’s body. He looked like he was in a deep, undisturbed sleep. He had the same gentle smile on his face, just like when he slept. Was he in a state of eternal dream or was death an eternal sleep? He was 105 years when he died. Even in his last stages, he wasn't bed ridden. His death was a peaceful one.

Because of father’s adjusting qualities, he won in the arguments between him and grandfather. He ended the political career of a man who was celebrated as the father of the nation. It was because of father’s street smartness that he was able to rule for 22 long years.

Many leaders came to pay their last respects to grandfather. They faked grief and enquired about grandfather’s demise to my father.

“Long live father of the nation!” chanted people outside the house.

Not one soul cared about grandfather for the past 35 years. I felt my blood boiling when people were praising him now.

Father’s assistant informed him that opposition leader Jawahar was on his way. Father went to the door to receive him.Despite being the opposition leader, people had high regards for him.

As soon as Jawahar came, he hugged father. They remained hugging for a few minutes.

“How did he die?” asked Jawahar.

“His death was so peaceful. He died in his sleep last night.”

Jawahar couldn't control his tears on seeing grandfather’s body. He knelt by his feet and wept uncontrollably.

Father said “My father hated his own son. But loved Jawahar more than his own son.”

Jawahar came near me on seeing me.

“Rasik, when did you return from America?”

“It’s been one week since I came here.”

“I will catch up with you at some other time to discuss about your research.”

Jawahar was well versed in philosophy, politics, history and science. We have spent countless hours in deep conversation.

Jawahar was talking to other relatives after enquiring about my well-being.

After some time, grandfather’s body was taken to the burial ground and cremated.

My family members all returned home. I was not in a position to socialize with anyone as my mind was full of grandfather’s thoughts.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see my father standing. He gestured me to follow him to the adjacent room.

Father himself broke the silence between us.

“Do you know how great the old man was? The one that we cremated today?”

I remained silent to let my father continue.

“Fools! People say that we got independence not because of his efforts. If the world war hadn't happened, then we would not have got independence. What do these fools know about history? Do you know how was our struggle to independence before our time? They were just small scale revolts happening here and there. Is it such a simple task to bring an entire nation into independence struggle? Your grandfather died without getting any appreciation for all the hard work that he did.”

“You are an arrogant, straight forward person like your grandfather. I am not his enemy per se. Only that I am against his stubbornness and principles. He did not believe I have leadership abilities even for a bit. He infact wanted me to serve in his Ashram. What will I do there? Clean toilets? I believe that your grandfather is an autocrat. He had misled so many married people to follow celibacy and destroyed their lives.”

I still kept quiet, not wanting to prolong this conversation.

“Never mind me. I never listened to my father’s words. At least, you can obey what I say, don't you?”

“What do you expect me to do, father?” I asked finally.

“I want you to be by my side in what is left of my political career. You should succeed me as the next ruler of this nation.”

“Please don't kill democracy by bringing in your son as your successor. Moreover, I am not interested in politics at the least. My interest lies in science.”

“You have won the Nobel prize last year. What more do you want to achieve in science?”

“I want to invent a machine that brings to life my scientific theories. I am currently in the process of doing it. So, I am leaving to America tomorrow.”

“You said you will be here for a month?”

“I dont have the proper infrastructure here. That’s why I am leaving soon.”

The truth was I feared father would try to persuade me to enter politics repeatedly if I stayed longer in India. I did not reveal this reason to him.

Father tried to convince for a long time, but I remained stubborn with my decision. As soon as he left, I made arrangements for my travel to America. I spent the rest of the night talking to my mother and other relatives before going to bed.

——-*****———

The next day morning I boarded the plane to Sunnyvale in America. My travel went smooth.

I spent the next 2 months immersed in my research. Let me explain in detail about my research.

We know that our universe is made up of many stars and planets. Based on the advancements we made in quantum physics, many scientists strongly believe that there could be other parallel universes co-existing with us. Moreover, they believe that some of the universes could be very similar to our universe. There could be another planet like Earth. There may be human life too in that universe. Or precisely, there could be clones like you and me. Who knows, your clone might also be reading a story like you now. It is not mandatory for all universes to be an exact replica of ours. But, there can be slight variations too. If you are a writer in this universe, you might be a scientist in the alternate universe. Don't think I am fooling you with some nonsense. These are theories based on scientific formulae.

I have built a machine that makes it possible to travel between universes. Today, I can say with pride that it is in a fully functioning state.

But in order to test it’s success, I have to test it with a human being. And no one in their right mind will agree to be part of this experiment. Alas, I have decided to try it out myself.

I stepped into the machine in front of me. Radiations engulfed me as my body was transformed into a million particles. Within few seconds, I vanished from Earth.

———*****———-

Parallel universe

1922

The daily prayer meeting was going on in Sabarmati Ashram.

Gandhiji was reciting paragraphs from Bhagavad Gita, Kuran and Bible.

It was followed by people singing devotional songs.

Gandhiji addressed the gathering as the meeting wound up.

“This prayer meeting is a daily occurrence at our Ashram. Each one of you have been eagerly participating without missing a day. Let me tell you about a boy in this Ashram. He is 12 years old. He once asked me a question. ‘Grandfather, you are praying to God daily. Then why don't you ask for our country’s independence to God? Why do involve yourself in Satyagraha instead? You are not only troubling yourself but also other people.’”

The hall burst into laughter.

“The small boy is an intelligent fellow. Knowledge can be gained only by asking more questions. We curtail this innate curiosity in kids by imposing restrictions on them. Why do we worship God? Is it to make our wishes come true? No, it is because prayer demolishes the demon in the bottom our heart. It cleanses our mind through pure thoughts. That is why it is important that our struggle should be a non-violent one. We should make a difference in our enemy by showing love. Prayer is helpful in achieving this.”

As Gandhiji continued, his assistant whispered a bad news.

“The boy is no longer here.”

Gandhiji was shocked to hear that.

“Hey Ram! Why are you subjecting me to such grief?”

———******———-

The boy was looking for someone in Chennai railway station. He noticed intently at the passengers getting off or boarding each train.

His face was tired as he kept looking for that person for a long time. On top of that, he was extremely hungry. If only he had little money, he would have eaten. He fainted on the platform itself.

When he opened his eyes, two policemen were standing before him.

“Hey boy! Who are you? What is your name? What are you doing here alone?”

The boy made up his mind not to divulge his true name and details of his parents.

“My name is Ram. I came here looking for my father.”

“Has your father left you and your mother?”

The boy stood silent.

“Was there any problem between your mother and your father?”

The boy started crying. The policemen thought of leaving him alone as he was not in a proper mindset to answer their questions.

“I am very hungry. Please buy me something to eat.” The small boy asked.

The policemen decided to ignore his plea and started to leave the place. But, the boy followed them.

Finally, they gave him one rupee coin. The boy gleefully went to a nearby restaurant.

Everyone was eating rice. Whereas the boy coming from North India had rotis.

He felt invigorated and started searching for his father with renewed zeal.

——-*****———

As soon as I gained consciousness, I registered surprise that I was still in one piece.

Next, I had to figure out the place I was in. I could hear a stream of water gushing nearby. People were walking on the streets. They were also seen bathing on the banks of the river. Some were seen washing clothes. I must be in some city in India. But, it was still not clear whether I was in the same universe or in a parallel universe.

I slowly stood up and started walking. A wave of pain seeped through my entire body but I continued walking. I glanced at the shops in the market. I had brought with me few gold bars to spend. The first thing I did was, I located a pawn shop and sold the gold in exchange for currency. I purchased a newspaper and saw that the year was 1921. I did not expect this at all.

Because I had not invented a time machine. My machine can only travel between universes. But  here I was in a world that was 52 years ago.

There can only be two explanations to this. First that I had travelled back in time in my own universe to 1922.

Or the second would be that in this universe, civilization was delayed by 52 years. Right from the time when human evolved from monkey, the time when Jesus was born, when Europe grew in strength, when Britishers enslaved India, everything will take place in this universe with a delay of 52 years.

I continued reading the newspaper.

India was still under British rule. They had addressed my grand father Mohandas by his last name as Gandhi. Even Jawahar was called as Nehru, Muhammad Ali as Jinnah. There was no mention of my father anywhere. I am guessing this must have been the time, when he was becoming famous.

I strongly believed that I was in another universe. I was excited with happiness that my research was a success.

I was wondering when I should return back to my world. Alas, I decided to meet my father and grandfather in this world and return back to my world.

I deduced that I was in Chennai. I roamed the streets. I could spot a few Britishers. I was surprised to see them interacting freely with Indians. The people in Chennai were speaking in Tamil. I couldn't understand anything as I knew only Hindi and English. I wanted a person who can be my translator. I looked around for help.

I had reached the beach. People were seen everywhere, as it was evening. They started to leave as night fell. I did not wish to leave the beach. It was so peaceful, sitting and watching the waves. I noticed that the beach was deserted by that time. I started to leave when I noticed someone sitting near a boat.

I saw a boy of around ten years staring at the waves. I could see that he had been crying for a long time.

He did not look like he was from Chennai. I suspected he must be from North India. I sat near him and started to chat with him.

“Son, do you know Hindi?” I asked him in English.

The boy did not answer.

“What is your name?” I asked him in Hindi.

“Ram.”

“Why are you crying?”

“My dad left me and went away.”

“Is he no more?”

“No. He abandoned us one day.”

“Are you Tamilian?”

“No. I am from Gujarat. It has been one year since my father left my family. I came to Chennai two months ago. I learnt to speak in Tamil by interacting with the people here.”

“I see that there are no elders to accompany you?”

“They are not bothered about my father.”

“Fine. Let’s make a deal. I will help you, find your father. In turn, you have to take me to this man.”

I showed the boy the photo of my grandfather, Mohandas.

The boy was shocked on seeing the photo. He took out another photo. A photo of him playing on grand father’s lap.

“I know Mahatma very well. He is visiting Madurai in two weeks. We will meet him there.” said the boy.

“Do you know where your father might be? Where do we start looking for him?”

“A man told me that my father has gone to Kanyakumari. I don't have enough money to go there.”

“Don’t worry. I will accompany you to Kanyakumari tomorrow.”

The boy was expressionless. I stayed the night with him in a motel. The next day we boarded a train to Kanyakumari. It would take three days to reach.

Three people sitting in our compartment were discussing political affairs. One was a muslim, another a Sikh and another a hindu brahmin, which I guessed from the streaks on his forehead.

The muslim said, “I fear that Gandhi would lose the support of the muslims because of the disagreement he has with Jinnah.”

The hindu brahmin said “Gandhiji led independence struggle is for all the people in the country. He cannot make decisions to satisfy just one section of people.”

The Sikh said “Why don't you tell directly that he is favouring the upper Hindu class of people? As Ambedkar is against Gandhiji, most probably Gandhiji will lose the support of minority community too.”

The Brahmin said “ Gandhiji was the one who proclaimed Dalits are the children of God. He voiced his opinion for their welfare. But Ambedkar failed to understand his intentions. What is stopping them from working together?”

The Sikh told “The concern Gandhiji has for Dalit people is the empathy that a mightier person has on a person who is weaker. But Ambedkar wants Dalit to get rights so that they stand equally before the mightier class. This is the only difference in their approach.”

I was overhearing their conversation with great interest. Ram was browsing through the daily newspaper. He saw the pictures of Gandhi, Nehru and Ambedkar.

“Who do you want to be when you grow up? Like Gandhiji?” I asked him.

Ram turned a few pages and showed a picture of Einstein, in one corner of the page.

“I want to be like him.” He said.

“Do you know him?”

“I know. He is Einstein, a great scientist.”

“What did he invent?”

“Like how we are traveling from Chennai to KanyaKumari. He discovered that it is possible to travel between the past and the future.”

I was taken aback by his answer.

“I can see that you are very much interested in science.”

“I have this much interest”, gestured the boy stretching his arms wide.

“Do you know mathematics?” I asked.

“You can test me to do calculations on any two numbers. I will add, subtract and multiply easily however big the numbers are.”

I tested his mathematical skills. It was top notch.

“So, can I become a scientist if I know to perform these things?”

“No. But that is just the first step. Then you have to learn Algebra. Then you have to master many more complex mathematical formulae.”

“Can you teach me Algebra, please?”

“Yes, I can do that.”

“Can we start right now?”

I hesitated.

“Just now they made an announcement that there is some repair work to be conducted on the train and it will take a week for us to reach Kanyakumari. So, it will be a good way to pass time if you taught me mathematics.”

I agreed. One gets immeasurable joy when teaching a bright student. That was how I felt when I taught Ram. I was amazed at the speed with which he was grasping things.

We reached Kanyakumari after ten days. We were confused as to where to start looking for Ram’s father. Finally, we decided to approach the police.

We went to the nearby police station. The chief inspector was a British man, giving orders to his subordinates. Everyone was in a high alert situation following news that a revolt was going to take place after three days.

We were waiting to speak to the chief inspector. As soon as we got permission, we entered his room. I explained to him about Ram’s father gone missing.

The chief inspector listened patiently and replied “At the moment, I cannot look for the boy’s father. We are taking preventive steps to control the huge riot that is bound to occur in the next three days. Sorry, we are hard-pressed for time and resources at the moment.”

We left the police station and rested for a while in a motel. Then we started the search for Ram’s father.

Ram said “Let’s go to all bars in this town.”

I was shocked to hear him say that.

“My father is an alcoholic. There is higher chance of finding him there” explained Ram.

“You stay here, while I go and look for him. You are forbidden to enter such places. “

“I have visited numerous bars earlier.”

“I am surprised that you went to bars. You are a good boy.”

“I used to go to the bars to bring home my father who would be on a high from excessive drinking.”

I was reminded of my father, who used to force his wishes on me. And here Ram’s father showed no concern towards Ram. There were not much differences between the two men.

The whole day was spent visiting every bar in the town. Still, there was no sight of Ram’s father.

A man was watching us intently in the last bar in the town that we went.

That man was the owner of the bar. He said “You look like a gentleman, but not wise enough to not bring a child to such places.”

I explained to him. “His father is an alcoholic. He is missing now. So we came here looking for him.”

“Do you have a picture of his father?”

On seeing the photograph of Ram’s father, the owner recognized him. “I have seen him quite a few times here. He comes here alone and drinks heavily. After losing his consciousness, he would be found on the streets nearby. But, I haven’t seen him for the past one week. May be he would have gone somewhere else.”

“Does he have any friends here?”

“I have seen a woman take him home whenever, he is lying on the streets. Her name is Kayalvizhi.”

We enquired about her whereabouts and returned to our hotel. We decided to go to her village the next day.

We are travelling to Kayalvizhi’s village the next day by a bullock cart. On our way, there was an agitation going on. People were seen making noises and waving the Indian flag.

“Long live Gandhi!” shouted the mob.

“Britishers! Go back to where you came from!”

“We need freedom!”

The policemen were struggling to keep the crowd under check. People were not bothered about obeying their command to disperse.

With no other option, the police resorted to beating the people. We got down from our cart.

The police began to open fire at random people.

We started running away to escape the police men. In the mayhem, I lost the boy. I found refuge in a house nearby. But, I felt guilty for losing him and kept worrying whether the boy would be safe.

The next day, things returned to normal. I thanked the family who provided me shelter and started searching for the boy. There were very few people on the streets, all were under the watchful monitoring of the police men.

I decided to search for the boy’s father instead. So, I walked towards Kayalvizhi’s village.

As I was sitting cramped for the whole time while riding in the bullock cart, I was exhausted. On seeing a lake nearby, I thought of resting for a while.

As I went near the lake, I saw something that made my eyes go wide with fear.

I was palpitating to see a young boy lying near the lake naked.

I confirmed that the boy was Ram. I was surprised by his willpower to search for his father, which made him travel so far, that too all alone by himself.

He had been shot in his right shoulder. An old lady crossing nearby, tore a piece of her sari and covered Ram’s private parts.

We both carried Ram to that old woman’s hut.

The old woman’s grandson was there in her hut. He must be around Ram’s age. He brought some of his clothes on his grandmother’s request, with which we dressed Ram.

The old lady said something to her grandson. He left the hut and returned with a doctor after a few hours.

The doctor performed a tiny surgery to extract the bullet from Ram’s shoulder. He also dressed the wound and gave him some tablets. He also informed them that Ram will regain consciousness tomorrow and that he will recover completely in a week.

I enquired the old lady about Kayalzihi’s whereabouts. I was excited on hearing that she lives only two streets away in the same village.

I requested the old lady to take me to her home. We went there to find the door locked. We enquired when Kayalvizhi would return to her neighbor.

The neighbor said “There is some man staying at her house for the past two months. He looked like he was from North India. He is a heavy drinker too. Kayalvizhi has taken him to Madurai for a medical treatment to cure his drinking problem. I am expecting them to return tomorrow. She is a real beauty. I don’t know what she saw in that man, to fall for him?”

We thanked her and asked her to inform us whenever they are back.

We returned to the hut to see Ram still sleeping. “Ram, please be patient for a day. You are going to see your father tomorrow.” I said.

Ram woke up the next day and smiled at me.

“You thought of abandoning me, but I found you again!” he said.

“Yes! You are quite the troublemaker, Ram” I said.

I turned to the door on sensing a man’s presence.

“Rasik, what are you doing here?” asked the man who came inside the hut.

I was shocked to hear the stranger call me by my name, when I realized that the small boy was sitting up on his bed, looking equally shocked.

“Rasik, how did you get shot? How did you find me here?” asked the stranger.

I realized that the boy’s name was not Ram. My mind was spiraling at the thought of the boy also being named Rasik. Definitely, this was not a coincidence.

The boy pushed away his father who came near to hug him and began to slap himself.

The boy’s father took Rasik’s hands and hugged him. Rasik was silent with tears flowing from his eyes.

I noticed a woman standing near the door. She would be Kayalvizhi. I went and spoke to her.

“Is the boy’s father staying with you?”

“Yes.

“May I know what your relationship to him is?”

Kayal did not answer.

“Do you know that he is married and has a son? It’s time for you to stop having an affair with him.”

“Sir, do you know who Rasik’s father is? Do you know that he is the son of a great man called Gandhiji. He deserves atmost respect from all of us. But instead look at his situation now. If the sin I have committed is to console him and be his support when he was going through a bad phase, then I am prepared to do it any number of times in the future.”

I felt like my head was spinning as I realized that I was in the parallel universe with the clones of my father and myself. Convincing myself with this hard hitting truth was tough.

The boy who is my clone has been keeping his original name as a secret. I could understand the reason behind his actions. But one thing that I couldn’t accept was how bad my father was. How did he change to become a man who is a drunkard and who neglects his family? Even I was shook to my core when I saw my father’s pathetic situation. How will grandfather be able to witness this?

The person who is my father in my world is a man with self-pride. He embodies the qualities of a gentleman. But, the man in front of me looks like an illiterate. Even I failed to recognize him.

I made up my mind to follow the same technique as that of the small boy. I am not going to reveal my real name or where I am coming from.

My duty here was to make sure the life of my clone is not wasted.

 Heeralal turned towards me and fell at my feet.

“Sir, you saved my son! You are God to me!”

As I had travelled back in time by 51 years, I was older than my father by 32 years. Nevertheless, I couldn’t possibly allow my father to touch my feet.

I caught hold of his hand.

“You are such a great man. Please restrain yourself from falling at my feet.”

“My father is a great man. I am garbage when compared to him. I only earn him disrespect with my actions. May I know your name, sir?”

“My name is Ranjan Das.” I lied.

“I have a request. Please take my son to his grandfather.”

“I will definitely do it. But,on the condition that you should also accompany me. And you should never drink in your life.”

“I don’t deserve to be in front of them again. I know the pain that I have caused by being with them. Unable to watch them in agony, I left them. Please forgive me, I cannot see them.”

“Even if I leave you here, your son will not leave you. He went to places that he should not have gone such as bars, in search of you. Please think about his future and wellbeing. You have to come with us.”

Heeralal pondered over for a minutes and spoke.

“Fine, sir. I will come with you. My father is viewing my life as a continuation of his life. But I cannot be a celibate. I cannot work as a volunteer in his ashram. I will not take to the streets holding our flag and protesting. I won’t go to prison. All I want is to go to England and study law. I want to become a successful lawyer. Will my father accept all my conditions?”

“I will make your father agree to your wishes. Please come with me.”

Heeralal agreed to meet Gandhiji, though not whole heartedly. We came to know that Gandhiji is visiting Madurai in a week. We planned to meet him there.

Many significant events were shaping Indian politics. During this time, Gandhiji was gaining a strong foothold in politics after Gokhale’s demise. He led the Satyagraha movement against the Britishers. The muslims also favoured him after he announced his support to Khilafat movement. On the other hand, Jinnah was quite popular among the Congress leaders. But, he raised his voice against Gandhiji’s Satyagraha movement. So, he lost people’s support and retired from active politics.

In summary, this was the time were the seeds to divide India and Pakistan were sowed.

We all travelled to Madurai. Gandhiji came to Madurai the next day. We were waiting at the place where he stayed to meet him.

Gandhiji’s wife Kasthuribai was with him. Heeralal stood at the door, unable to look at his parents. I and the little boy entered Gandhiji’s room.

Gandhiji’s face lit up as soon as he saw Rasik.

“You naughty boy! Where were you all this while?” asked Gandhiji to Rasik.

The boy narrated all the incidents.

“Where is your father, Heeralal?”

Gandhiji came near the door, looking for his son.

“Heera, why are you leading a life without any purpose? That too with no concern towards your wife and son.”

Heera fell down with remorse at the feet of his parents.

“Father, I have brought a gift that you like” said Heera.

Heera showed the watch that he had bought for his father.

Gandhiji said “The watch looks great. How did buy this watch? Did you earn the money by doing some work?”

“This gentleman helped me buy this watch for you. He was instrumental in bringing Rasik and myself here.”

“Sir, I am indebted to you throughout my life. Please advise Heera to stay with me forever. He might listen to your wise words” said Gandhiji.

“Sir, Your son wants to study law and become a successful lawyer in England. I too feel that is best for him.” I said.

“Sir, I am requesting people to forsake their expensive lifestyle. I advise them to lead a simple and truthful life. What will people think of me, if I send my own son to live luxuriously in England? I should set a good example for people to follow.”

“A great man like you, who is fighting for the freedom of our country at one hand, is crushing the freedom of your son on the other hand.”

“I cannot do anything about this. This is the price that I pay for being the nation’s father.”

As other local leaders came to meet Gandhiji, he left us with Kasthuribai.

She asked “Has Heera stopped drinking nowadays?”

“He has stopped for a few days. Whether he will completely abandon this habit, is left at your hands.”

Kasthuribai looked at me with a quizzical look.

“Both father and son are adamant about their wishes. You have to convince your husband for the wellbeing of your son.”

“The entire nation obeys each and every word of his. How can I, being his wife, speak against him? Do tell me, what I can do as a mother? ”

“My mother passed away when I was young. So, my grandmother raised me. I would tell you what my grandmother would do, if she were in your shoes. She would have fought with her husband for her son’s bright future. She would not hesitate to even leave him. Why don’t you talk to Rajaji and make arrangements to send Heera to England?”

“I would not do anything against my husband’s wishes.”

“This inaction of yours is not only going to adversely affect your son’s life, but also that of an entire nation. If only you let your son to make his own decisions, he will bring about a great change in politics. He will unite all the people, even those against Gandhiji’s principles. He will prevent the nation from splitting into two. All these can happen only if you convince your husband. Please listen to your consciousness and take a firm decision for the betterment of your family and this country.”

“Sir, you have spoken great words. But I have no special status apart from being Gandhiji’s wife. My husband’s words mean something to me. So, please advise Heera to obey his orders.”

I failed in my efforts to convince Kasthuribai. I made one last request to her.

“Please send the boy Rasik with me. He has massive interest in learning science. And I feel privileged to be his teacher. Can you convince your family to send him with me?”

“Definitely, I will help you with this. You were the one who saved his life.”

At that moment, a young girl entered the room looking for Rasik.

“Rasik, where did you go? There was no one with whom I could play.”

“Tina, do you know how many places I visited alone?”

The little boy was beaming with pride as he recounted his experiences.

I stood there staring at Tina’s face. It looked just like her from my world. I went near her and kissed her forehead. My eyes welled up.

She brushed my tears away with her little fingers.

Tina said “Sir, Have we met before? You look familiar.”

I came to this parallel universe looking for you, Tina. I had a little hope that I could live happily here with you. But, you are now a little angel. I hugged her tight.

Tina left to play outside with the boy.

Kasthuribai kept her word. I decided to take the boy with me to my world. There was one more thing, I needed to do.

I took the boy along with me to Germany by ship.

We met Einstein in Germany. He was creating a new revolution in the field of physics by founding the relativity theory. During the same time, another scientist called Boger founded the quantum theory. It formed the basis on which the existence of parallel universe was explained. But there were a few contradictions between the two theories. Relativity theory was only applicable to larger objects like stars and planets. Whereas, quantum theory was used to explain the functioning of small atomic particles. It could not be applied to explain the behavior of large objects.

There was lot of discussion going on between Einstein and Boger to find another theory that linked the two major theories that each one of them had proposed.

I discovered the string theory which could bring together both the theories. I wanted to discuss my findings with Einstein.

Einstein was surprised to know that people from India have come to see him. He was even more shocked to see Gandhiji’s grandson taking an interest in science.

He enquired a lot about Gandhiji and his principles. Following which our conversation proceeded to science matters.

He listened with great interest as I explained to him my String theory. He collected all the documents which I had brought with me.

One week had passed, when we met again.

“Even though your string theory sounds believable, conducting tests to prove that it works is quite challenging. So, there is not much use for your theory” Einstein said.

I said “Please give me a year’s time. I will construct a machine based on the principles of String theory, using which we can travel to other universes.”

Einstein agreed to my request although with little hesitation.

I spent the next one year in Germany. I nurtured Rasik’s interest in science. We were fortunate enough to interact with other great scientists, including Einstein.

My machine was now ready.

Top scientists including Einstein and Boger were assembled to see the machine functioning.

Einstein said “You are now going to travel to another universe using this machine. Will you return back?”

I said “I have no idea of returning back.”

Einstein said “Then how do we know that your machine is working as expected?”

I said “The machine is going to be here. You can come to my universe to see whether my experiment was a success.”

I stepped into the machine along with Rasik. We were engulfed in a bright stream of light and we vanished.

We came back to my world. The boy was astonished as he did not have much idea of what was going on.

As soon as we stepped in my world, the phone rang.

It was my father. He was concerned that he did not hear from me for a long time. He heaved a sigh of relief on hearing that I was fine.

My respect for my father grew several folds now. I had always taken grandfather’s side when there was a tiff between my father and grandfather, assuming my grandfather would be right. But, I changed my mind after knowing my father’s situation in the parallel universe. If my father had been free to do what he likes, he would have been hugely successful. My father is solely responsible for stopping the partition of India and for making India a superpower. He is an important legend just like my grandfather.

The boy, Rasik became his usual, active self and visited the library. He started reading all the books I had written.

The next couple of months I was completely engrossed in my research. Using my machine, I was able to travel to the parallel universe but to a time that was 53 years ago. I wanted to see the current state of the parallel universe. Would India have got independence? How will my father and grandfather be? So, I worked on the time machine to be able to choose the time to travel to. Rasik used to keep himself occupied by reading books when I was busy with research. It was my daily habit to teach him science and mathematics for two hours each day.

I used to call my father occasionally. His party faced massive defeat at the polls. Congress won and Ranjith became the prime minister.

Seven months later, my father called to say that Ranjith has been arrested on counts of bribery. The court had ordered his immediate resignation. I could sense excitement in father’s voice. He was proposing to start a protest for holding elections again. He asked me to come to India to be his support. I did not give him any false hopes.

As days passed, I completed my research. I was planning to travel to the parallel universe along with Rasik. Before that, I wanted to speak to my father.

Father said “Ranjith has announced the country would be in an emergency rule. People from the opposition party are falling dead in mysterious way. I sense that my life is in danger as well. I came to know that they are planning to kill me using secret service men. You don't worry about me. But please be safe, there.”

I heard a gunshot when father was talking.

“Rasik, be safe!” Those were my father’s last words as the phone line got disconnected.

I was numb from shock to know my father was dead. I was feeling guilty. If only I had been his pillar of support and entered politics 27 years ago, will this have happened to him? Would I have been able to explain his actions and make him change his decisions?” I was thinking over it for a long time.

I lost interest in living any further. I cancelled the plan to travel to parallel universe. But the small boy, Rasik should stay safe. I informed him that he alone would be traveling to the parallel universe. He was excited to know that he was rejoining his family. He stepped into the machine and vanished into thin air as the light rays surrounded him.

The entire place was quiet. I felt the pain of loneliness as I realized there was no one for me. I decided to write my life as a story as three parts.

It has been two days since I started writing my story. I hid the first two parts in the houses that I lived earlier.

Today I started writing the third part. Hours flew by as I wrote. I was nearing the end.

It must have been around midnight. I heard a knock on the door. I could sense that these were the last few minutes I was going to be alive. A man came inside, bursting the door. He held a gun in his hand. I looked at his face which had a stone like expression. I continued writing when the bullet hit my forehead.

END OF STORY THREE

We remained silent for a few minutes after reading the story, unable to bear the ending.

Jenny said “Ranjith has murdered our first prime minister Heeralal and his family.”

Remo said “Yes. That’s true.”

“Such a terrifying truth! We have to let the world know about this.”

“Jenny, we won't be alive after that.”

Jenny said “All this sounds like science fiction to me. Rasik going to a parallel universe, seeing a country like India, meeting a small boy called Rasik there and bringing him here. Do you think this would have been true?”

Remo said “Yeah. I believe so. But what I am unable to understand is that in the first story, when Rasik from our world is a small kid, he leaves his home, in search of his father. He meets an elderly man and finds his father with his help. In the third story, the grown up Rasik goes to the parallel universe and meets his own clone as a child. After which, the same sequence of events happen in both the stories. Rasik from our world offers the same help as that of the elderly man from the first story. How is it possible for the same events to happen in both the universes?”

Jenny said “Rasik has mentioned in his book that there can be other universes which are similar to our universe. Even the occurrence of events might be the same.”

Remo said “If so, then who was the elderly man who came in the first story?”

Jenny said “That man might have come from another universe to help Rasik.”

Remo said “That is possible, though it is hard to believe. Did you notice that things were starting to be different between the two universes as the years progressed?”

Jenny said “Yes. Kasthuribai in our world used to voice her opinion boldly, even if it is against her husband. She was the person behind the transformation of Heeralal, from a drunkard to a great leader. But, Kasthuribai in parallel universe was timid. So, Heeralal continued to be a drunkard. Do you realize how powerful a women can be?”

Remo said “I have a wish. I am itching to go to the parallel universe now to see their state of affairs.”

Jenny said “Even I am dying to visit the parallel universe. As this was Rasik’s laboratory, the time machine must be here somewhere.”

Both of them searched the entire place. They found a cot in a room. They removed the cot to find an iron handle on the floor. As they pulled the handle, it led them to a secret room downstairs. Remo went first followed by Jenny.

There was a weird looking machine in the center of the huge room. They stepped into the machine and Remo spent some time figuring out the controls.

After Remo pressed a button, they were covered in a flash of light and disappeared.

Parallel universe

2017

Jenny and Remo were looking with awe at the new world into which they had stepped in.

Remo said “This is Delhi at 2014.”

Jenny said “Yes. From what we read in Rasik’s story, we know what happened here in 1922. But how do we know what happened after that?”

Remo said “Books will tell us.”

They went to a bookstore and bought as many history books as they could. They stayed at a hotel that night and read those books.

Remo said “Heeralal has remained a drunkard all through his life in this world.”

Jenny said “Look at how his mother’s hesitation and timidness to go against her husband’s words has re-written the history in this world?”

Remo said “Till 1922, the history of both the worlds has been the same. After that it differs from what happened in our world. Gandhiji continued to lead the independence struggle till they got freedom. After that, he was assassinated. Following which Jawaharlal Nehru became the prime minister and the Congress party was in power for nearly 50 years. All these happened because of one woman, Kasthuribai.”

Jenny said “Come on, let’s step outside our hotel. We have spent all our time here, since the moment we came here.”

They roamed the streets of the parallel universe. There were lot of people in front of a shop, glued to the television, watching the cricket match between India and Pakistan. As India lost the match, the people left the place sneering. Remo and Jenny were listening to them.

“I am so angry that I would like to make Pakistan disappear from the face of Earth” said one of the man.

“A country called Pakistan was formed only because of Gandhi” said another man.

“Do not blame Gandhi entirely for that. Nehru should also be held accountable. If only he had not become our prime minister, India would have been a superpower long ago.”

“Don’t worry, my friend. Modi will make your dreams come true now. The Congress party will vanish after a few years.”ll

As the men left, Jenny smiled at Remo.

Remo said “The people in this universe do not know the value of what they have got. If only they knew about the dictatorship rule in our world, they wouldn’t value their democracy or freedom so lightly. They don’t realise that they are free now because of great leaders like Gandhi and Nehru, who fought for it.”

Jenny said “Remo, can I tell you what I wish for?”

Remo said “I know what you are going to say Jenny. You want to stay in this world, right?”

Jenny said “ Yes. After breathing air of freedom and seeing the happy faces of people here, it’s difficult for me to go back to our world. Moreover, Rasik has also returned to this world. So, we need not go looking for him.”

Remo agreed. “Even I thought the same.”

Remo hugged Jenny. She rested her face on his shoulder. Both of them were embarking on a new journey towards a better future.

THE END