Arpit Bakshi's Blog

Chapter 2

Some 4 Prithvi Years Later

Mukunda was now five and argumentative as a fifty. He was cute, cheerful and confident. But being humble, that simply was not there on the list.

Wouldn’t take no for an answer and wouldn’t let anyone get away, till he is done explaining his point of view. To add to the woes of those stuck in crossfire of his words, he was athletic and would not mind chasing the person in question to narrate his story. If you disagreed with what he thought, he used to take it upon himself to make you understand his views. Neither time nor energy was a constraint for him (at least).

He was star of Ksharanpur, nonetheless. Anybody who had ample of time (for leisure) at hand and wanted to hear to few of the most tiringly long details of matters of trivial interest, would often sit down with Mukunda.

‘Shoes are more comfortably than slippers.’ said Raghava. Vallabha chuckled; she knew he was now in deep trouble.

‘No. Slippers are awesome, uncle. Am I right, Aunt?’ he demanded an affirmation from Vallabha.

‘Don’t know. I don’t even know how to differ a slipper from a shoe.’ she said holding back her smile.

‘Why in heaven’s name, I am always surrounded by people who know nothing.’ he shot back, with frustration apparent on his face.

‘You mean to say, we are idiots?’ queried Raghava, with both his arms on his flanks.

‘Not you, uncle! You at least can point a slipper from a shoe.’ he said with a poker face. Vallabha’s laughter and joy now knew no bounds. The pleasure that you get, when you see a Vamana challenging a King Bali, it was that. The pleasure that you get, when you see a toddler standing up for what he considers right, it was that.

Mukunda held his robe firm and sat on the floor of his room, he knew the establishment of superiority of slippers, would take some explaining.

‘Aunt! A slipper is a shoe with little to no hassles. You can fit your feet into it and take your feet out of it in a jiffy.’

‘Never thought of it that way.’ she said.

‘A shoe is like this palace, you need to cross so many doors and cross so many hallways, just to reach you room. While wearing slippers is like camping outside, under the moon or by the lakeside. No dearth of fresh air.’

The smile on Raghava’s face now was replaced by amazement for the analogy.

‘He is right palaces are no fun.’ added Raghava.

‘Just like shoes are no fun.’ he said.

‘Not yet, dear! Not yet!’ said Raghava. Mukunda sighed, and murmured something inaudibly. Probably ruing his efforts going waste.

‘What else do you need to agree?’ he asked.

‘How about this? Can you race me in your slippers? That too when I am wearing shoes?’

‘Why would I race you? I would rather go to the beach and pour sand in between my toes protruding out of my slippers.’

‘Let me guess! Your whole idea of discussion is centered on your disliking for shoes and your liking for beaches and camping. You don’t want to go to school?’ said Vallabha.

‘I never said that.’ he said so with that cute expression of innocence on his face.

‘You did and that too quite tacitly. What’s the matter? School doesn’t interest you anymore?’ she queried.

‘A school is a school, where you are schooled. I don’t like getting schooled.’ he replied, while crossing his arms in anguish.

‘Don’t you enjoy company of Madhav and Rukmini?’

‘Madhav – yes, but Rukmini is an altogether different story.’

‘What about her?’

‘She behaves like my nanny. She thinks she cares for me, I think she pesters me.’

‘Beware! Young lad you are talking about her Papa’s princess.’ said Raghava.

‘No, Uncle, she is good. But her goodness often wanders into the dark territories of annoyingness.’ he replied.

‘Did she eat from your lunch?’ inquired Vallabha.

‘No. I don’t mind sharing my lunch.’

‘Then what on Prithvi did she do?’ said Raghava.

‘The other day I was too sleepy, because you know the previous night those imageries were all over the lake..’

‘Mukunda, we don’t look at the lake, when that happens. You should sleep when its time to.’ interrupted Vallabha.

‘And I saw those beautiful play of color all night long. So, I was tired and dozed off in Miss. Vaishnavi’s class and she told the teacher about it.’ he continued, as if Vallabha’s word didn’t make their way to his eardrums.

‘She did it for your good. You would have missed the lesson.’ said Vallabha.

‘She embarrassed me to no end.’ he added.

‘You are five, you will get over it.’ said Raghava, chuckling.

‘It’s not only about her. I have read all my books at the beginning of the session, what is there to listen to?’

‘Then what on Prithvi do you want? No more beating around the bush, tell me straight.’ she said.

‘I want to play with Samganak.’

Vallabha raised her arm and made a call on her wrist-phone. ‘Here tell it to your Pita-Maha.’

The holographic image wobbled for a fraction of a second and then captured a full foot by foot of two-dimensional space of the hall.

‘Hey! Mukunda. How is my buddy doing?’ said Shyam.

‘I am perturbed. Aunt Vallabha thinks I am not smart enough to be around Samganak.’

‘Raghava! Did I ever say that?’ she screeched.

‘The whole matter is that your Grandson, doesn’t want to go to school. He thinks its below his dignity to sit among commoners.’

‘Pita-Maha! Please ask Madhav how much I adore school. Where else can I nap, if not school. And mind you uncle! Those commoners are my friends. Ridicule a man, but never his friends.’

Vallabha picked him up in her arms and started tickling him left, right and center. ‘ Now tell me! Is this a man chuckling or a ticklish boy?’

Mukunda, while still chuckling (involuntarily) said ‘Pita-Maha! See how aunt cannot tolerate me making headways in life?’

‘What headways? What do you want Mukunda? Vallabha will you stop that for few seconds?’

‘He wants access to Samganak.’ Raghava answered.

Shyam raised his eyebrow quite idiosyncratically and thought for a movement. The hologram wobbled as he then moved his right arm swiftly to reach his won wrist-phone.

‘Mohan is now in Holo-Con with us. Mohan the lad wants access to the Samganak. As our Chief Scientific Advisor, it is for you to decide.’

Mohan eyes widened but he held his other facial expression unperturbed. ‘Samganak! Hmm!’ he murmured.

‘I am fine with it Mukunda. You can visit anytime and see what Samganak looks like.’ he then said. The after-smile from the tickling now ceased, instantaneously.

‘I swear Pita-Maha! I will not talk to anybody, if these pranks do not stop. Right away.’ he said. ‘Why what occurred?’ said Mohan, while trying not to burst into laughter.

‘Am I visitor here? Why would I ask for a guided tour? I want to code Samganak.’

‘Then you need to pass through a test! How do we know you even deserve to be anywhere near that big machine?’ said Mohan.

‘Fair and Square! Mohan, he is an ambitious lad and must I say smart too. Test him right now.’ said Shyam. A half complaining and a half sobbing grunt emanated from Mukunda’s wide agape mouth.

‘Your only key to Samganak is answer to this question. Spell Samganak.’ he said.

Mukunda regained his composure; he knew this was doable. He could already see the titanium frame of Samganak glistening in front of his eyes. ‘As-Aa-Em-Ge-Aa-En-Aa-Kh.’ he replied.

‘Can’t help, Shyam! The boy is right. There is no stopping him.’ said Mohan.

Shyam stood there with his eyes wide and face stiff in amazement, he drew in a large gasp of breath and said ‘Boy’s a genius.’

‘Not only genius but brave too, unlike my father.’ he said and embraced Vallabha.

‘Wait! What?’ said Shyam.

‘I am brave, he was not!’ exclaimed, affirming what Shyam heard.

All the joyful pretentions and any hint of smile vanished from everyone’s face (in the room). More so for Shyam, to him it felt like his face ran cold.

‘You father is a brave man, Mukunda.’ he said while still trying to not choke on his own breath.

‘He might have been intelligent but brave? I have no reasons to believe that.’

‘He built this wonderful place for us to live. He reunited ShriRam and us.’

‘That’s what Pita-Maha; no doubt he must have been smart. But not brave. I am brave. I never step back from what is required. He couldn’t join us here, when he was required the most.’ he replied.

‘The choices a man makes, makes him brave. He sacrificed his own spot to make sure we all reach here safely.’

‘Now don’t tell me hundred thousand people could make it but he could not. Moreover, it was Uncle Mohan who defeated Kamsa. Uncle Mohan is brave, Krishna was not.’

Shyam exhaled in despair and said ‘Go to the lawns and enjoy your day. You want access to Samganak, you will have it.’

Vallabha placed Mukunda down and he rushed outwards with both his hands up in victory.

‘Who feed him all that?’ said Shyam.

‘Even we are to figure that out, yet. No one in Ksharanpur talks like that for Krishna. No clue, who conjured these notions in his head.‘ she replied.

‘It’s tough on the boy. He needs his father by his side. Probably his way of coping.’ said Raghava.

‘Mohan! How many Bhoomi year’s must have lapsed?’ said Shyam.

‘We simply don’t know how to calculate time-factors for outward Universes. I have no clue. But, must have been eons.’

‘Use the last available Bhoomi to Prithvi time-scale.’

‘Few thousands if not more.’ he said, knowing well what Shyam was trying to back calculate.

‘How much Bhoomidium was left, back home?’

‘All of it! It cannot just vanish or get used up.’

‘Any chances..’ the image wobbled. Communication deterioration and disruption was a norm when tides turned. Whether it was the moon’s gravity or some kind of interference from the lake’s changing water levels, no one knew.

‘Shyam, Bhoomidium or lack of it doesn’t matter. Bhoomi collapsed unto itself, Madhavpur must have sunk by now.’

The bitter realization of the fact that he might never see his nephew again, sent him down the dark aisle of despair and helplessness. But he was not an Uncle anymore, he was a Pita-Maha and responsibilities bigger than ever before were now his.

He didn’t say anything, just nodded in nonchalant agreement and got off the call.

‘Carry on, Mohan! Let me and Raghava go and see where the kids are.’

Mohan nodded and disconnected his wrist-phone.

Standing on the porch of the entrance to the main hall, Vallabha could see Mukunda playing with Madhav and Rukmini. What Vallabha saw next, took away at least an ounce or two from her already heavy heart.

Madhav for some good reason, known to only a five year old, was pestering Rukmini (in a playful but annoying manner). Mukunda stepped in and reprimanded him.

‘He is bitter and hurtful by his words alone. Soft and kind by his actions.’ said Vallabha.

‘To what levels have we stooped? We are judging a toddler, that too for his talkativeness?’ said Raghava.

‘Wish that cloud could shows up again and somehow Krishna could make it.’

Raghava nodded, patted her on her shoulder and then left for the administrative office.

Sufficient arrangements were made for Mukunda’s Samganak classes. Miss. Vaishnavi was instructed to let Mukunda off the hook by lunchtime. And, Mukunda was instructed to either finish his lunch in 20 minutes sharp or be prepared to forgo it. And, ‘No’, napping was not allowed while in the System Chamber; he was told, beforehand.

It was his first day and he could not help but stand and stare the ‘Café Evolution’ (from outside), enough. It was sweltering hot, but he would refuse to enter; rather simply won’t listen. He counted the number of floors, some five to six times. And, then recounted.

‘There were four floors in Krishna’s Cafe Evolution, why is it three here?’ he finally said.

‘There were just three, in the original one too.’ Mohan replied, while lugging him by his hand in a bid to tract him inside.

‘No! Mother has narrated the tales about Café Evolution to me. And, it was four.’

‘Your mother barely visited the lab once or twice. And, I used to work there; you stubborn kid.’ he said.

‘Pita-Maha! Uncle Mohan always call me names.’ he said, amply displaying his grudge.

‘He was never my favorite too; lets drop this idea of Samganak. We want neither him nor his fancy toys.’ he said while turning a little on his torso, as if preparing to retreat.

‘This trick won’t work on me, Pita-Maha. Uncle Mohan, cannot wish me away so easily.’ he said, resuming his counting. Mohan grabbed him by his hand and picked him up ‘ Come on in. Your relentless counting won’t change the architecture of the building.’

A foot from the entrance, Mohan closed his eyes and issued a thought command. The door slid open, letting a burst of light into the main hall. The floor to the walls to the ceiling, were now shining in bright daylight. But none of that could match the glittering brilliance of the dark metal of the Samganak’s chassis. Its contours dipped in slant sunshine, seemed as if, were coming to life.

‘That’s pure titanium on it, isn’t it?’ he said and then shook his legs with vigor. Mohan placed him down.

Awestruck he started taking little steps toward the machine. Starting from the left side of the vast panel, he started sliding his palm over it. He slid his hand over it from end to end. He turned and said ‘Pita-Maha! See, I don’t even reach the Command-Panel. How will I work on it?’

‘You will. But before that you need to learn the basics. What are these big computing machines all about and what kind of respect they deserve.’ said Shyam.

‘When can I get access to the main control panel?’ he said turning towards Mohan. He couldn’t help but see the similarities between then and now.

Krishna prevented Mohan from encryption codes, for his own good. And, Mohan craved for them as if he was being denied some fundamental right of his. Now he could see the flames of same desperation and want engulfing Mukunda.

‘What for, you can always ask Pita-Maha for a wrist-device to play games and prepare class reports.’ he said.

‘Pita-Maha! Uncle always does that..’

‘Does what?’ enquired Shyam.

‘Looks down upon me! He doesn’t love me. He loves Madhav.’ he replied.

‘I definitely love Madhav, cause he is my son. And, yes you are right I don’t love you.’

Mukunda frowned to no end, looking toward Shyam in despair and anguish.

It was then that Mohan picked him up and tickled him under his chin, on his neck. ‘I don’t love you. I adore you. And not only cause of the fact that you are my nephew. But, I love you for your tantrums and your foolhardiness, you little moron.’ said Mohan.

Mukunda turned toward Shyam and while still chuckling from the soft tickling, said ‘Are we sure he isn’t lying this time around?’

‘Of course! Why would you ask so?’ said Shyam, troubled by Mukunda’s endless skepticism.

‘Nothing much! Just that he is known for switching sides, way too often.’ he said and then laughed, mercilessly.

Shyam took a fraction of second to get the reference, but when he did; he could not help but burst into fits of laughter. Mohan smiled, then eventually chuckled and said ‘You are no less evil than Kamsa, won’t mind siding with you.’

Mukunda grasped his uncle’s face with both his palm and kissed him on his forehead.

Mohan then placed him down and said ‘You won’t get access to the Samganak, until next year. You will have to learn extensively about the machine, then prove your worth by presenting us with a detailed road map of what different would you do with your access. How would you put it to good use for all Manavas.’

Mukunda nodded. This time around he didn’t find faults with his uncle’s plan.

Meanwhile, Mohan turned toward Shyam for discussing nitty-gritty of the training program and the logistics for bringing Mukunda to café Evolution. Mukunda placed his left ear on the cold surface plate of the Samganak. He could feel the chill travelling up his skin towards his head. As he started sweeping his face across the machine, he could hear some voices underneath.

His mind knew those humming were the noises from the circuitry of the Samganak, but his heart wanted him to believe otherwise. It was as if Samganak was whispering something into his years. Maybe, narrating the tale of what he has been through. How he has seen the rise and fall of Madhavpur. How he colluded with Mohan to defeat Kamsa. How his soul was Brahmported from his earlier home to his new abode, in a pen like device. And, how when he gained consciousness again on Prithvi, his original Master was nowhere to be seen.

‘I will pick him up from the school and will bring him along here, tomorrow by thirty past two.’ said Shyam. And, then he turned toward Mukunda and said ‘Let’s go.’

As they were stepping outside the main door, Mohan ruffled Mukunda’s hair and said ‘I will be teaching you skills, I have not even taught to Madhav. So never doubt my love for you. Will always be on your side.’

Mukunda smiled and then walked alongside his Pita-Maha down the Bhoomi Avenue, eastwards.

Add this book on Goodreads Buy this book on Amazon Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Indian Mythology My Rating: 3.75 stars I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. …

Source: Book Review: The Code Of Manavas: Beyond The Realm by Arpit Bakshi

In distant antiquity there lived a Japanese Monk. He used to travel from city to city, telling peasants about Emperor’s work and good deeds.

The word soon reached the Emperor. The Monk was traced and taken to the Royal Court.

Happy with the young 30 odd year old Monk’s work, Emperor gifted him a Tea set. With intricate designs and covered with gold leaf, the tea set was no ordinary. But more than the intricacies and the gold, the Monk grew fondness to the fact that the Emperor himself gifted him the set.

But one fine day, as fate had it, one of the cup slipped from the Monk’s hand and landed on to the wooden floor. But not without breaking apart in numerous pieces.

‘What have i done’? yelled the Monk. But he was a honest and a determined man. Not able to bear the site of broken cup, that too when it was gifted by the Emperor, he embarked on a ruthlessly tiring journey. Of putting all the broken pieces together.

It was a fine spring morning and the streets of Kyoto were laden with cherry blossoms. A group of four men knocked the Monk’s door. A young volunteer while letting the people in asked ‘ May i know what brings you here today?’

A man on far right of the group said ‘The Emperor’s son wants to see the revered Monk.’

The Emperor’s son who grew up listening to the tales of the mystic Monk and his reverence to his father, finally had shown up to see him.

‘I am afraid. He is busy with his Golden Cup.’ he said.

‘I have waited years to accumulate all the  wisdom to meet the revered Monk. I cannot wait any further.’ the son replied.

The boy guided them to the Monk’s room.

As the Emperor’s men announced the arrival of the Emperor’s son, Monk said ‘Oh! You should have waited some more long. How do i serve you Tea when the Golden Cup is still to be fixed?’

The Monk was now Ninety and his face was full with wear and tear of ages.

The Emperor’s men listening to the blunt reply of the Monk, stepped in and said to the Emperor’s son ‘He loves the Tea set, that your father gifted him. He broke one by mistake, and has been trying to mend it relentlessly for past sixty years.’

Hearing which the son, stepped forward and took a close look at the remaining of the Tea set.

‘What stops you from serving us the Tea? You and us are five. And that’s the number of cups still in good shape.’

The Monk looked up and finally realised what he was missing while trying to the mend the broken cup, for all those years.

He finally got up from his place and started heading toward the door.

As he was about to leave the room and go, the Emperor’s son asked ‘Did you finally mend the cup? What are you upto next?’

‘No! I haven’t. And it can never be mended into it’s original glory again.’

‘Then why give up now, after all those years?’ the son asked.

‘Because i realise that some thing else is broken and needs immediate mending.’

‘What?’

‘My life.’ said the Hermit.

Happy to Share!

The Code of Manavas (First in Maha Vishnu Trilogy) is a ‘Read of The Month‘ on Kobo (Sci-Fi and Fantasy). Along side with the Author of the Month – George R.R. Martin.

Promise to keep the momentum going. Thanks to all my Readers and Supporters.

We are a Team. Thanks for all your Love and Support.

Arpit Bakshi

They were both busy taking brisk steps when Vallabha noticed something. Rather she heard something.

‘Did he just say something?’ she hollered.

Shyam while still pacing toward the city looked toward Mukunda. He with his forefinger of right arm still pointing toward the lake, was constantly gazing the shore.

‘Pa..Pe..Pa..’ he muttered again.

‘He did. He just spoke his first babble.’ Shyam laughed.

Vallabha brought herself to a halt and cupped his soft little cheek. ‘Speak again for your aunt.’

‘Pa..Pa..’ this time around he was more audibly clear. Shyam now slowed down too. ‘Look! He is muttering papa.’ he said.

‘He is probably babbling Pita-Maha. He loves you a lot.’ she countered.

‘I myself find it a bit tongue-twister, why would he try the word for his first.’ said Shyam. Amidst all this celebratory chatter of him uttering, he was busy staring at the lake. His index finger was still pointing toward the shore, with no sign of relenting. His eyes were steadfast, as if he could see something, which others couldn’t.

A year or so passed. The city was taking shape and growing it’s own identity. There was enough work for everyone in Ksharanpur. But, only two in the whole populace used to go through their day with inexplicable rigidity.

One was Radhika, who would look into the daily affairs of the palace and would sub-consciously leave no time for anything else in her daily schedule. And, the other was Mukunda who would sit by the side of his room’s window and would either play by himself or gaze at the lake for length.

After that incident, no one ever took Mukunda anywhere near the lake or for that matter anywhere outside the palace. Shyam would often visit him in the room and on some occasion seeing him playing all by himself, would stand by the door and just watch. On one such occasion, Vallabha came unannounced and stood by Shyam’s side.

‘Where is Radhika?’ she said.

‘Must be somewhere in the palace. Perhaps. ‘

‘She should be attending to Mukunda more often. He is growing a little over reclusive for his age.’ she said.

‘I am not sure what is happening around here. This is not the world that Krishna envisioned.’

‘It seems Radhika has receded into her own cocoon and doesn’t want to form any bond with anyone. But one thing is for sure. I cannot see him suffer like this, lying in a corner of room, unloved.’ she said.

‘But what can we do?’

‘Look at him. All he wants is to be by that lakeside. He cannot think of anything else. Just allow me to take him to the shore. Just once.’ she replied.

Shyam inhaled deeply and said ‘Don’t you remember what happened the last time around?’

‘I do. But can we let fear define our everyday life?’

‘Of course not; just pick him up, I will accompany you.’

As they were moving out of the palatial gate, they saw Radhika standing by the lawns. Shyam pointed toward her, and drew Mukunda’s attention to his mother.

Mukunda waved and chuckled as if his happiness knew no bounds.

Radhika acknowledged the wave with a very measured smile and then waved back. ‘Where would you like to go for a stroll?’ asked Shyam.

To which Mukunda reciprocated ‘PaPa Where..’

Radhika broke into a fit of laughter and started moving toward them. As she inched in Shyam handed him to his mother. For a quarter of a minute or so he was happy and embraced Radhika, with his small and soft arms. But then he again started looking toward Shyam. After all he knew that his mother’s love would not get him an evening stroll outside the palace, in real Ksharanpur.

‘He adores his Pita-Maha.’ said Radhika, while still smiling with ecstasy.

‘He sure does. But he knows the fact that only Pita-Maha would cave into his demands. He is a true wanderer by nature.’’ replied Vallabha.

Mukunda was now growing impatient and wanted to be back with Shyam. He started moving his hand in vigorous random movements and started mumbling again.

‘Here! Enjoy your evening, you guys. I will finish my work and would see you in the dining, later tonight.’ said Radhika, while handing Mukunda back to Shyam.

As soon as he was with Shyam again, his babble turned into ‘PaPa Where..’

‘To the shores..’ replied Shyam. Radhika waved and then went back to the lawns.

As they stepped onto the pavement besides the shore, Shyam was cautious than ever before. But this time around neither the winds grew stronger nor any lull grew apparent.

Mukunda was trying to spring from his embrace and was eager as ever to reach out for the lake. ‘PaPa Where..’ he repeated.

‘To the shores..’ Shyam repeated.

‘When would he say his first coherent sentence?’ enquired Vallabha.

Even before Shyam could think of saying anything, Mukunda raised his finger and drew in a deep breath.

‘Where PaPa?’ he said. And then in rapid succession uttered ‘Where is PaPa?’

Shyam grew a little confused and then Mukunda spoke again.

‘Where is my PaPa?’ was his first coherent sentence.

They both were now looking toward him in amazement. Shyam then turned his gaze toward Vallabha, to which Vallabha nodded.

They both knew what Mukunda was seeking an answer to.

‘He is Beyond the Realm.’ replied Shyam, while pointing toward the lake.

End of Chapter 1.

P.S. – ‘The Exile of Mukunda’ {Beyond The Perceptible} including but not limiting to plot and storyline, is copyrighted to Arpit Bakshi. The material can be shared only with proper Attributions to the Author, solely for non-commercial purposes.

The First Book in the Maha Vishnu Trilogy can be found here – http://goo.gl/cwEgBF

Maha Vishnu Trilogy

The Exile of Mukunda {Beyond The Perceptible}

Chapter 1

Some 9 Prithvi months later

The mist had finally started to lift and the lakefront was now visible under the nascent sunlight. The tranquil blue water of the lake could be seen as far as the sight could decipher and no matter in which direction one looked. It surrounded the city from all eight directions and acted as a natural boundary to it.

Those waters were not meant for charting and no one ever ventured even close to them. Give or take a few feet, the lake never encroached the shores. On most days of the year the waters were placid and on many quiet days, even the sound of the waves could not be heard. More so after the daylight, when at dusk a thick layer of mist would very systematically make lake invisible.

As soon as the last batch of Brahmportation landed on Prithvi, Shyam gathered everyone and moved in quickly to constitute the city. It took him months to plan everything from the bricks to the buildings, making sure that each facility was built exactly as it was in Madhavpur.

‘You will have to do me a favor. Rather two.’ said Shyam.

‘Just spell them out.’

‘Choose a name of your liking for the city and then rule it with all your courage and wisdom.’

ShriRam stood in silence, without even batting an eyelid. ‘Having thoughts?’

‘I remember the day, when I made you wear that crown of thorns.’ he said.

Now Shyam went speechless. He realized how he had become more mechanized than those big construction machines placing one story over another. As if he was running on some kind of fuel, and that fuel didn’t power emotions.

‘I gained my younger daughter back. While you had to leave behind your son.’ said ShriRam. Shyam sighed.

‘I am left with no interest to oversee the daily management of our settlements, any further. If you are not willing to head the state, I will probably have to reach out further. I do understand that you want to spend quality time with your daughters. And that’s fine with me. But I too have an urge to retire.’ he said.

‘I could have united us all on that very day, but I didn’t. I owe you this one. I will take over all the affairs of Ksharanpur from here onwards.’ ShriRam replied.

Even while, when Shyam was making sure that construction of the city was going on in full swing, ShriRam was visiting each family to make sure that everyone else felt at home.

But, the person who mattered most to him was feeling completely out of place. Her eyes still teary were waiting for the heavens above to part and for miracles to happen. Soon her tears paved way for cries; cries of loneliness and helplessness. She was already in pain of what she had to leave behind, when another pain subjugated the former one.

It was the Eighth day of the waning moon, when one cry peaked and tapered while another one rose. Both Shyam and ShriRam were racing up and down the hall, when Mohan and Raghava entered.

‘I simply cannot believe that all of them had to go into the labor, on the same night.’ said Raghava.

‘As if they get a vote.’ said Shyam.

‘Doctors are at it. They will be fine, relax you both.’ said ShriRam.

‘I am more concerned about Radhika. I barely can look her eye into eye. This pain is too excruciating for her.’ said Mohan.

‘She is my daughter, I am sure she would come out strong.’

Just when Shyam could extend his arm to reach out for his friend’s shoulder, an elderly looking doctor came rushing out of the Operation Room.

‘It’s a baby boy for Meera and a baby girl for Vallabha.’ he said.

‘What about Radhika doctor?’ said Shyam with a wobbling voice.

‘It’s a baby boy, but her parameters are weak.’

ShriRam dashed toward the O.R. and went straight to the bed by the window corner. Shyam followed.

He wanted to extend his hand to grab that of his daughter, but his eyes got stuck on the soft face of the baby.

He clasped her hand with both his palms and said ‘Look at the child. He is progeny of the one whom you miss so very much. He sacrificed everything for us, for you. You will have to pull yourself up to raise his Son.’

‘Let us see, what we can do.’ said the doctor.

Shyam nodded and convinced ShriRam to leave along with him.

As soon as they left the door, the baby’s cry emanating from the O.R. filled the hallway. ShriRam turned midway, only to be stopped by Shyam.

‘Please Shri, a little patience. Let the doctors handle.’

‘There is my daughter and my grandson in there, they need me.’

‘He is my grandson too, but right now they need medical assistance. You and me can only crowd the room.’

ShriRam sighed. ‘Have faith in Lord Rama, Shri.’

They both sat on the metal chairs placed alongside the hallway wall. As Shyam placed his back against the chair, he realized he was perspiring heavily. It was hard on him too, but he could not have let his friend fall apart.

Barely, a minute or so after they both seated; the baby’s cry subsided. ShriRam rose from his seat, and this time even Shyam didn’t stop him.

Rushing towards the O.R., he saw doctors emerging from the door. ShriRam froze midway and sweats could be seen tumbling down Shyam’s face (in the glistening hallway lights).

‘You both may come in.’ he said.

While, ShriRam didn’t stop before reaching the bedside of Radhika. Shyam stopped and stood at some feet’s distance. Unlike ShriRam, he seemed more composed now.

‘Her parameters now look normal, it seems.’ Shyam said.

‘We placed the baby alongside her, and placed her arm in an embracing position. The baby held her finger and within moments rejuvenated her heartbeat.’ said doctor.

ShriRam now couldn’t hold himself back and those long held tears started rolling down his cheeks. He raised Radhika’s arm and placed a kiss on her hand.

‘He is no ordinary kid. He is a flower of hope.’ said the doctor.

‘Not an iota of doubt on that, he will liberate us all. He will be our Mukunda.’ said Shyam.

As, ShriRam rose from the bedside; Mohan and Raghava arrived. Holding their babies in their arm.

‘Do you see what I see?’ said ShriRam smilingly.

‘Yes, Indeed! Our boys aren’t boys anymore. They have crossed onto the threshold of being fathers. The batons are exchanging hands.’ said Shyam.

A whole year went by. With ShriRam bringing order to the City, Shyam was spending most of his time with all his grandkids. He was now a Pita-Maha.

‘Who is your favorite, of them all?’ asked Vallabha. She knew the answer and had heard the supporting arguments multiple times. But still she couldn’t help but tease Shyam, lovingly.

‘Rukmini is cutest of them all.’ he said.

‘Inferences are clear; Madhav isn’t cute. He isn’t a charming lad.’ said Vallabha.

‘I said – of them all. That doesn’t make others less charming.’

‘Forget about pretty, cute and charming. Whom do you love the most?’

‘See all of them make us smile, but..’

‘Just pick a name.’ she was barely able to conceal her smile any further.

‘Mukunda.’ he said.

To which she burst into laughter. ‘You are in such deep love with the kid, that you can’t even feign it.’

‘You are being mean. I cannot think of spending my day without any of them. But, Yes! By a fraction of a milligram, I care for him a tad bit more.’ he said.

‘We all do. And who wouldn’t, he is most mischievous of them all. His single touch brought Radhika back to life.’ she replied.

Shyam nodded.

The sunset just seemed right. The thin lining of silver-greyish cloud just above the horizon, adorned the setting sun, as a silver ring would hold a ruby. It all felt right because those momentary visuals made every Manava forget that the circular placid lake made no sense. That is not how nature works and that it being there could not have been the work of the nature.

The winds were now growing and the sweet scent of the misty lake waters now dominated the breeze.

‘The evening is more pleasant than usual. Shyam how about a stroll near the lakefront.’ said Vallabha as they left the grass covered pavement some 100 meters from the lakefront. Shyam nodded and said ‘Let me hold Madhav and Rukmini.’

Vallabha took Mukunda from Shyam. Mukunda took no qualms in expressing his displeasure from being away from his Pita-Maha. Looking at his heavy-lidded eyes, Shyam couldn’t help but laugh.

But again it was not Mukunda’s fault. Madhav and Rukmini too were equally fond of Shyam. Rukmini was giggling out of joy, lovingly embracing his Pita-Maha. Vallabha extended her arm and cupped her right cheek. ‘Love you, Sweetheart.’ she said.

‘You asked her, right?’ said Shyam.

‘A number of times! But, she has a pile of administrative files to clear, she says.’

‘She wasn’t like this. But probably she needs more time by herself.’

‘Radhika should come out, more often. She cannot spend all her time in the palace.’ said Vallabha.

As they stepped on the golden grainy sand of the beach shore, they both noticed something. The wind grew wilder; the coconut trees (planted all along the shore line, by the lawn side) started swinging to the gusts.

‘The weather here can be surprising at times.’

‘The lake! The lake is responding to the winds, it usually remains calm.’ replied Shyam.

‘When would the lake be open for swim?’ she said.

‘Not anytime sooner, kid. We still aren’t sure what it is.’

As they inched toward the lakefront, Mukunda started growing restless and was constantly pointing toward the shores.

Shyam smiled and said ‘You want to go there. Come let us sit by the lake.’

He pointed toward the yellow line drawn on the beach and said ‘Vallabha, lets sit by that line. Don’t let any of these toddlers cross that, though.’

As soon as they sat by the line, the winds lulled. And even before they could face each other in amazement, a sound of roar grew in the background. The waves jumped and reached for the line, as if they were already ambushing.

The cold lake water touched the bare feet of Mukunda, and he started laughing and chuckling in joy and amazement.

Shyam and Vallabha, with kids still in their lap, crawled back.

‘This never happens, the line is well studied and lake never breaches it.’ said Shyam as he got up and stepped back further.

The lake was growing much restless now. They both quickly receded back to safety, and finally got off the beach.

‘The first time we brought the kids to the lake, and this happens.’ he said.

‘It’s just a lake, with cold clear water. Maybe we are being hyper-critical.’ she replied.

Shyam nodded. But, then he saw something and couldn’t believe his eyes.

The mist had already started covering the lake, but this time around it was different.

The mist was light and some visuals started appearing on those mist screens. Shyam turned and looked around, lest somebody was playing tricks and was projecting something onto the mist.

There was no one else in sight.

The visuals were now gaining coherence and were getting more prominent.

They were images of Madhavpur.

They both couldn’t help but gasp in astonishment.

P.S. – ‘The Exile of Mukunda’ {Beyond The Perceptible} is copyrighted to Arpit Bakshi. The material can be shared only with proper Attributions to the Author, solely for non-commercial purposes.

The First Book in the Maha Vishnu Trilogy can be found here – http://goo.gl/cwEgBF

It’s almost March.

In Indian Calendar, this time of Year is also known as Basant or in it’s Sanskrit form – ‘Vaasant’. Let’s take a detour and for a moment analyse this word Etymologically.

Shall We?

Vaasant is made up of two words, Vaas & Ant. Meaning – End of Hibernation. The season when people start venturing out, when many animals come out of their hibernation and plants wear their green again. So, it is that Time of year when Nature blossoms in it’s full colour. The days are now bright and sunny. The evening are pleasant.

If you would remember, it was a harsh cold winter towards the final part of the story of ‘The Code of Manavas’. A harsh one indeed. Which left each inhabitant of Madhavpur and Ayudhpur affected in some way or another.

You must be wondering, where are all those people now?

Though i wouldn’t let the big secret out, before it actually is March. But, still would leave you with this – They are safe and sound. And, are in a city named – Ksharanpur. Building their hopes again, on the foundation of faith. One brick at a time.

Find out More in “The Exile of Mukunda” {Beyond The Perceptible} beginning This March.

I was not always this loveless nerd, that i am today. I too had a love story.

And, then few Love Passages too..You know those Short Passages which never materialise into a full blown story..Yes Those ;)

I was studying at MARS. No! Not that fourth rock from the Sun – Mars; but ‘Madhavpur Advanced Research School’ MARS. I was in First year and Radhika’s father ShriRam was just learning about the proximity between her daughter and me.

And, Boy! Was he upset? He went crazy. Of all absurd reasons a girl’s conservative daddy would cook up, his were beyond those. He thought, I was too gawky and thin. Ya, well go ahead. Question your own daughter’s choice and wisdom. Who am i to meddle in your family affairs?

Nonetheless, the college was crazy and apart from that bi-annual cultural fest, we rarely partied.

2nd Semester – 1st October, 2040 A.D.

I haven’t met Radhika for at least 6 months now. And this was when we were in the same City. Her father simply wouldn’t allow that. And i don’t blame her either. We both were in our First Years. And, First year of your college is for making new friends. Getting to know new people. Basically to discover.

And with her ever vigilant paranoid dad (Yes! ShriRam that’s you), I knew she wasn’t going anywhere either.

So, 1st October. I was rushing to the Open-Air Theatre situated right in front of the College Cafeteria, when i bumped into somebody. My flute slipped from my hand and fell. What would have happened next? I picked up my flute, right? Wrong.

I saw contour of a face shining in setting sun’s slant sunlight. Her tresses which were now touching her radiant cheeks (like Monsoon clouds touch the horizon), were glowing golden (drenched in sunlight). Her’s was the sweetest and most adorable face, i had seen in past 6 months.

I wish the awesomeness that she was, would have been limited to the face. But she was awesomeness incarnated, indeed from Head to Toe. Tall, spirited, charming and above all dressed in a halter-top and shorts.

We were in a eye-lock, my heart was throbbing and my mind was racing.

“Would you be mine?” was all i wanted to ask.

And, “Are your Headsets ok?” was all i could ask.

She smiled. Though it was October, still suddenly it started feeling like Spring engulfing everything around.

“Hope so.” she picked her earphones up.

“What music do you listen to?” I asked, to which she so very softly placed her earphone with her playlist on, into my ears. I smiled and picked up my flute.

“Fest?” she asked.

“Yes. Be There.”

That night, i didn’t play what i was rehearsing for 2 weeks. I played her playlist.

Yes. She was there, 5th from the front row.

So, was Radhika. 9th from the front row. She sneaked out of her house and made it to the feast.

Interestingly enough, as soon as the Playlist Girl heard me playing her songs, she waved from the audience like anything.

I didn’t notice Radhika until i was done with my performance and was about to exit the stage. I was seeing her after exact six months. Her one glimpse made me forget that ‘bumping into’ incidence.

It was that evening, when Radhika gifted me my Venu (the flute).

For Vallabha, that was our first and last interaction (She was my college-mate, so yes i did manage to get her Name).

There are times when the difference between Science and Science Fiction becomes too thin to be distinguishable. And, these are those Times.

Discovery of Gravitational Waves at LIGO (in a matter of days) has became very popular on social media. And, everybody is talking about it. But it caught my eye for a particular reason. This is also the central theme of my next SciFi book “The Exile of Mukunda”. I had this particular theme in mind for past 2 years. Without divulging much on the plot, lets talk about what these waves are or are supposed to be.

Suppose you are fast approaching a Binary Black-Hole (B-H) system constituting B-H A and B-H B. And you don’t want to get sucked into either of them. What would you do?

For beginner’s, a Binary Black-Hole system is a system where two black holes revolve around each other.And in our illustration let’s say they both are of equal mass and size.

Again, what would you do? If i were you, i would calculate the centre of gravity of the system and then sneak in at that exact location. thus making it impossible for both of the B-H to exert any gravitational pull on me.

Why would none of B-H be able to exert any gravitational pull, do the pulls cancel out? On first look it would look like that. Now let’s state another example. When the famous Apple fell on Newton, what was that apple trying to do? Hurt newton? Of course not.

Hit the ground? You would probably say so. On the surface of it, it seems so. Now let’s imagine that Sir Isaac Newton move a little and let us dig the surface (and examine the facts). Suppose, there is a 10 feet pit at the very spot where apple will fall. Now does that apple stop on the nonexistent surface or rushes towards the bottom of the pit? Now, lets make that pit a 1000 feet deep. And, then 10000 feet deep and so on.

Now tell me what is that apple up to (or in this case down to)?

The Apple in lack of any solid hinderance would always try rushing toward the centre of the earth or centre of Gravity of the Earth.

Back to our Binary B-H system. At the centre of gravity of the B-H system, gravitational forces are not cancelling out, rather they are not exerting themselves. I am already at the place where forces of Gravity wanted me to be.

This brings me to the latest discovery or confirmation of the existence of Gravitational Waves. The origin of which was coalescing or merging of two Black-Holes of a binary system. The ringdown (the readjustment of mass/energy of the newly formed system) then emitted massive Gravitational Waves in all directions (including the directions in which LIGO was sending its Laser-Beams).

Now, whether space-time distorting shockwaves emitted forth by Black-Hole system are indeed Gravitational Waves or are some sort of new way through which Universe stabilises big changes in centre of gravity, is yet to be seen (Atleast, I need more convincing). But if the space/distance between two stationary objects can fluctuate, we indeed have a lot to learn about The Universe.

P.S. – The web-Episodes of the second book in Maha Vishnu Trilogy – “The Exile of Mukunda (Beyond the Perceptible)” can be found on the Book Blog starting First week of March 2016.

It took me 2 years of writer’s block, 1 year of incessant writing sessions and 1 year of proof-reading to come up with what now is available for my readers – “The Code of Manavas”.

I am not sure about you, but me & waiting, we ain’t no good friends :)

Starting this March, i will be happy to share Web-Episodes of my second book – “The Exile of Mukunda”. The episodes will be Along with the Author and the chapters would be shared even before first round of editing (Proofread but not Edited).

Readers are welcome to share their, views, reviews and criticism.

And, Yes the Blogs from the Future or Krishna’s Journal (As i call them) would happen too. In fact for the Part -II of Maha Vishnu Trilogy, they would take up a major role and would give the readers an alternative perspective of the story.

Till then, Happy reading.