The Secret of the Chalisa Read Free Page B

from Ravi’s hand and stared at it. He then examined the box in detail.
    The box was made of wood with intricate carvings in the borders. It had some grooves on the top. There were three grooves in line and one groove on the left side in the front of them. On one of the long side, there were two drawers which were locked. On the underside was the note of caution.
    Sanjeev then took out the small booklet. It was the size of his palm, red colored with Hanuman Chalisa written in gold. Inside was written the Hanuman Chalisa in red on a yellow paper. However, some of the words of the Chalisa were in bold font.
    “Oh My God! What is this puzzle?” said Sanjeev in amazement.
    “I’m not sure what it means, but it seems your guide left you something more valuable than just your thesis papers. You need to find it out,” replied Ravi.
    Sanjeev gazed at the massive Hanuman idol behind him. His mind had gone blank. He didn’t know from where to start, what to do and how to react in this situation.
    He again gazed at the booklet and started reading the Chalisa from the beginning. It was nothing new for him, he recited it daily. He read it once and nothing struck him. Then he handed it to Ravi who read it too and found nothing in it. It was the usual Chalisa which had been sung by Indians since ages.
    “There should be something in them. We need to figure it out,” said Sanjeev to Ravi.
    Ravi shook the box again and said, “There’s a peculiar sound coming from the box. It seems as though there is some liquid inside it and some keys.”
    “Yes, you are right,” said Sanjeev. “This Chalisa has some bold letters. Let’s see if it makes some sense.”
    Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj Nij mane mukure sudhar
    Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu Jo dayaku phal char
    Budhi Hin Tanu Janike Sumirau Pavan Kumar
    Bal budhi Vidya dehu mohe Harahu Kalesa Vikar
    The first few letters means lotus feet of the guru which indicates my guide, Dr Anjana’s feet I think,” said Sanjeev.
    “Yes you’re correct I feel. Probably that’s why she left this for you because you were her student,” deduced Ravi.
    “Here, see the next line. Pavan Kumar is in bold. Oh! You know her elder son’s name is Pawan Kumar Sharma. And the next few words say that one may gain strength and wisdom through him. He is a wrestler so I don’t doubt his strength. But wisdom? I don’t know how he can do that,” expressed Sanjeev.
    “But that clearly means that we must go to him. He seems to be an important lead here. After all we don’t have anyone else to solve our query,” said Ravi.
    “Come fast. We must go to his house immediately,” Sanjeev said packing his stuff and holding Ravi’s hand to help him get up.
    “Wait!” Ravi said holding Sanjeev back. “I want this story.”
    “Story? What story are you talking about?” Sanjeev was puzzled.
    “I want to cover this death mystery of your guide for my newspaper. If people are spreading so many rumors there has to be some truth behind it. I want to explore that; it will be a big story for me and a boost to my career. Can you help me establish myself in my journalism world?” asked Ravi.
    Sanjeev thought for a while. He wanted research papers to complete his thesis, but in exchange he can be of help to his best friend, it was a good deal for him.
    “Ok, but you will not publish anything which will demean her name,” Sanjeev said.
    “Done,” asserted Ravi and moved ahead.
    He gazed up at the Hanuman deity again with devotion. He, the supreme Lord of intellect and wisdom, He who illuminated all three worlds had also illuminated Sanjeev’s world. His heart was filled with hope. He thanked Him in his mind, “Just lead me to the right answer God.”

Chapter 4
    It was late evening when Sanjeev and Ravi reached Pawan Kumar's house. The winter days were short. The darkness had started falling and coldness was creeping in like a soft mist flowing over the mountains. The house still looked beautiful and majestic. It