As I move forward towards the path of Kundalini awakening, I feel the need to describe my learnings through direct experience of what these internal energies are , I mean you must have heard of Chakra awakening , Kundalini awakening and a lot of such esoteric mumbo jumbo which only a few people can comprehend and even few understand . It is being sold like packaged water or a can of soda in the free market. Mediations, therapies, Nathbraham meditations, chakra healing, Feng Shue. What are these things and how do they facilitate us in our journey of like, to they only cause good or can create havoc in our lives.

Lets looker deeper into these phenomena our body is a vessel made of panch bhoota or the five elements. Inside the perishable body is another world the world of thoughts feelings and emotions, the world of swirling energies, this energy that runs like a serpent behind thought the spine is the Kundalini energy. There are 7 primary points called the chakra’s that rise from the tail bone and move upwards even beyond and above the head.

Muladhara: This is the chakra at the base of the anus, it is symbolized by the four lotus petals and is the abode of Lord Ganapati. From here emerge the three Nadi’s called the Ida, the Pin-gala, Sushumna. Muladhara is thus the base Chakra.

Savadishtana: This means where you have been established, this is two figure length above the Muladhara. The Chakra is blocked in most of us due to fear of death. If one can vanquish the fear of death one can activate this chakra. It is depicted by six petals, a half crescent moon and a dot on top where Vishnu resides with his conch, chakra, lotus. It contains unconscious desires, sexual energies that have been latent and suppressed, it takes a lot of practice and sadhana to raise the energies above this chakra. It is associated with the tsetse and ovaries and helps in balancing the flow of estrogen and testosterone in the body add regulates sexual impulses and desires.

Manipura: This chakra is just above the navel near the solar flex region and is associated with the color yellow. It is associated with digestion and it symbolizes fire. It relates to digestion in our body a weak Agni means the food is not being digested well which leads to toxicity in the body. The energies in this chakra can be related by Pranayama, where one moves its breath through the diaphragm up and down. This chakra resides above the naval and is symbolized by ten petals and ram inscribed in the center with a triangle that symbolizes the fire element.

Anahata: This is the heart chakra associated with feelings of calmness, clarity, serenity. This resides near the heart and brings openness and awareness in us to be able to see the contradictory events that unfold in our lives with a sense of balance. It means pure, clean and stainless it also denotes a sound caused by the touching of two objects. Mediating on this Chakra brings calmness and blissfulness to us.

Vishuddah: Also known as the throat chakra because it resides in the throat region. Being in the treat it is associated with the thyroid gland in the human endocrine system the gland in the neck. It is associated with hearing and speaking, a person who is timid and can’t speak up will have problems in this chakra. Singing helps a lot in clearing this chakra and activating it to its full potential. It is also associated with the deity Sadashiva and is symbolized by sixteen purple petals. The feeling of guilt within us blocks the kundalini from rising through this chakra as it becomes weak and subdued.

Ajna: Known as the guru chakra or the third eye is associated with the brain and can be activated with meditation and pranayama. It helps activate brain activity and the third eye brings in intuition the ability to see the future and predict coming events, premonition. One connects to the subconscious mind through this chakra. This chakra can be activated by making ohm sounds. Spiritual energy enters the body through the third eye and it has been worshipped and adored by Hindu’s by putting bindi, till, tika or the three stripes on the forehead.

Sahasra: This the crown chakra and the seventh chakra. It is associated with a thousand petals and when one raises the energy to this level, one gets a feeling of Nivikalpa samadhi. This is the final or the seventh chakra and resides above the head it makes us see the mysteries of the soul.

The root of evil has been much debated over centuries by philosophers and thinkers all over the world. Most people attribute evil to Satan or Shaitan, the simplest answer is that evil is done when the man is influenced by Satan or the dark forces. This is a very shallow explanation of evil and why it exists in the world. It just divides things into Good and Evil a very simple concept propagated by most religions around the world. Life thus is a tussle between good and evil, the deva’s and the Rickshas, Lucifer, and God, it is a very myopic thought and explanation. A very black and white explanation.   Let’s look at this phenomena a bit closer and try and give a deeper meaning to good and evil. Basically, if we look at the Bhagwat Geeta, Krishna says to Arjun that man does evil due to the influence of these three major energies Rajas, Satave and Tamas.

Rajas are the sustaining force or the energy that balances things keeps them neutral, it is the sustenance energy. The energy that keeps things neutral. Satave is the positive force of energy that charges us with a positive force so that we do good and achieve joy and happiness it is the pleasant energy in us. Tamas is the negative force that is the destructive side of us, ultimately this is a powerful force to which takes us towards evil or a-dharma. Silence has also observed this phenomenon, it breaks it down into Positron, neutron, and electron. Man and his actions are dictated by these three energies and how he manages to circulate these inside his human body. Tamas is the negative force that creates evil acts and makes us do evil acts or partake in evil. Death, macabre murders, wars, Genocide, rapes, be headings all this and much more formulate into evil acts or deeds. Stealing, raping and destroying public property, setting busses on fire, street fights all these are part of evil and rise of Tamas in all of us. Till the world exist evil will exist there is no stopping it. God exists because evil exists without one the other cannot exist therefore evil is as important as good.

When Tamas rises in us we turn towards Rajas and vice- versa, like a trapeze artist on a. Rope, he has to keep falling to the left and then to the right just to maintain balance. In a similar fashion, we need to regulate these energies within us. It’s best to have a balance but to create the new the old has to be destroyed.

We see this in the actions of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh. Brahma is Positive energy, the creator, Vishnu is the sustainer of the Rajas who sustenance the creation and Shiva is the destroyer the Tamas or the negative force that destroys all. The entire universe is a play of these three forces in tandem. Creation, Sustenance, and Destruction. All happen together in a rhythmic dance, one energy tugging at the other.

So don’t think of just good and evil now look at the universe as a dance of these three forces.

I have suddenly almost stopped writing intact I have not posted a decent full post on my blog for the past two months or so. I don’t know why my writings have slowed down, some sort of brain lethargy has set in, ideas don’t seem to come fast, old stories lie in the basement of my mind, I start writing and then skip to something else, there is no coherence in the mind, thoughts come and go, come and go but I am not able to put down anything on paper in a structured manner. The lack of sales of my e-books has also resulted in me losing some motivation and steam, there has been a response to my new book The Madness of The Monk but the sales have been only of the free copies which have not resulted in any substantial revenue. The rest of the books have been bought by Book Bloggers who I have paid to do the review of my books. I have reduced the cost of all my. EBooks to Rs 99 each book, yet there has not been a kick in sales figures. Genuine books sales average of 6 to 10 books a month. I guess it is a slow process, I wonder how guys like Chetan Bhagat became best sellers and sold millions of copies worldwide. It is taking me a Herculean task to sell even 10 a month, does that mean my writings are bad or not up to the mark. Well, I am writing all my books in the first person, maybe I should try writing in the third person that will create more impact.

My traveling has also cut down, I feel that I have slowed a lot in my travels and somehow the zip is missing in my journey, I am sure to blog lethargy has set i.e. call this blog lethargy when you start losing interest in blogging and in writing. I am trying to figure out how to overcome this lack of interest that has set in. Maybe I need to expose myself to some new things, some new topics and do research on new subjects, or maybe develop a new blog.

I have also instructed my team to recheck all my books for any errors and mistakes as a lot of grammatical errors have taken place in the self-published books lately. I genuinely need inspiration and some great insight otherwise my bog journey is doomed, guys pray for me.

In the Christian faith wine has been given a lot of significance it is the blood of Christ it is what he shared with his 14 disciples during the last supper before he was caught in the forest and subsequently crucified. The wine and its cooler signify blood. I am very aware of that wine is burgundy in color and so is blood. I have seen both and also tasted them both.

Wine is a symbol of brotherhood when people commune together they have wine and drink from the same challis. Wine is the blood of Christ therefore in Christian theology it is said to be divine. It is the fruit and nectar of the gods and flows in our body sustaining us. It runs in our veins and it flows like oil in the body of Christ, we are one with him as we sip his wine.

“ They say you are the master of the regression method , you can hypnotise people and take them to the past even make them a child and make them see their childhood memories .” Rashmi had heard about the great skills of the man and his special methods that he used to cure and heal his patients .” Yes the regression method is very unique but you need to be ready for it first , through hypnosis I can take you to your subconscious mind and unearth old wounds or pain points that have not healed some how because you have been unable to deal with the pain itself . Once we identify these pressure points in the mind I can use brain mapping to get their prices location . After mapping through serums and medication these memories can be erased permanently . Then during your active day you have no recollection of them and when you are going through your internal dialogue you are not beating your self our blaming yourself for these issues .’ Dr. Razdan described the treatment to Rashmi .’ It seems very elaborate I will have to stay here in the clinic for a while .” Rashmi replied .” Your mother has entrusted you to me now you have to do as I say . My compounder will give you the medication and tell you the timing , you will stay here in the dormitory upstairs we have a nurse called Kurupa she will do the need full and look after your stay in the clinic . “ Dr. Razdan handed his diagnosis to Rashmi .” Kurupa what a weird name , she must be fat ass ugly bitch , the name says it all .” Rashmi tried to imagine the looks of Kurupa .’ Well she is more like Hidimba large and as the name says very plain to look at , beware the rumour is she use to be a witch .” Dr. Razdan smiled adding a bit of intrigue to the whole thing .” Then the Witch will meet the Bitch today .” Rashmi was ready to meet the woman who would make her stay at the ward as comfortable as possible or so she thought .

‘ So Nayi murgi a gayi , Rashmi naam hei na tumhara , mein Kurupa is ward ki matron .” A large fat lady with a gash on her left cheek appeared from the dark , she had a glass of water in one hand and some pills in the other , she was wearing a white sari with a green border  her hair were left loose . “ Kurupa madam so you have been entrusted to look after me , you are the fairy god mother it seems .” Rashmi wanted to know more about her matron .” Zyaada bakar bakar mat kar yeh tera ghar nahi ek metal ward hei , yahna ka kannon duniya se ulta hei .” Kurupa tried to explain .” You have to sleep in the day and remain awake in the night .” Kurupa said as if reading to her the house rules .” Your sleep patterns your diet all has been structured to loosen up parts of your mind .The mind has three parts the conscious mind , the subconscious mind and the super conscious mind .Right now your conscious mind is alert and active you can see and perceive things in the here and now .All the data that is needed to run bodily functions and make mental calculations to help in decision making are processed from this part of the mind .” Kurupa tried to show off all she had learnt from the good doctor over the years .” Ya ! I have read about on that shit over the net , I was interested in this physiotherapy gyaan when I was a programmer , we had a lot of deranged people their , many had to work odd hours as they had to deliver projects to clients abroad , you see I am used to the upside down life I have done grave yard shifts all my life .” Rashmi was unfettered .” I have just began this is your crash course , so conscious mind is the active mind most of us only use this part of the brain to do daily functions , day to day tasks etc . Now then you have the subconscious mind , this is where past memory is stored , memory of your child hood , learnings and experiences . This is the part of the brain that can be triggered when you are rested or in deep sleep . Dreams come to us from this part of the brain , it is also responsible for creative thinking , intuition ,poetry , music and art .” Krupa boasted of her vast knowledge on this subject .” Basically tum log dimağ ka bhosda bana te ho .” Rashmi launched aloud .’ Zyaada smart mat ban nahi to tere dimag ka dahi bana  dungi.” Krupa said with a stifled smile .” Oye moti mein Rashmi Verma hun pure campus ko apni ungli par nachati thi mein .’ Rashmi took off her jacket and flung her self on the hospital bed  which was a spongy mattress covered with stained white sheets , it had one pillow and a stool kept next to it . The entire room had cots wit plastic sheets covering them today there was no one in the dormitory , she had to sleep all alone .’ I will continue your lesson on the mind and it’s games some other day ,as of now try to sleep .” Rashmi tried to asses her surrounding a sound irritated her , it was the tap tap tap sound of water dribbling form the basin . A window was broken and breeze flew in from it . The ward had some oxygen cylinders , siring’s the cupboard  was full of medicines and bottles , there  was picture of OSHO , Einstein and Socrates on the walls . On the extreme left was a brace made out of cloth this was used to tie up the patients when they had a seizure or a fit , it was meant to control very violent patients . The walls were old with the paint pealing off due to rain water seeping into the walls . There were some pan stains on the wooden door , every thing smelled stale and there was a medicinal odour in the air .

Rashmi wore her white apron which was the only clothing allowed to her while she was in the ward as a mental patient . Her bi polar nature and extreme mood swings that went up and down like a YO YO could make her violent with rage . This clinic was her last hope , and she had to get ready to fight all her demons once again . With thoughts from the past swirling in her mind she tried to sleep and soon the medicine kicked in , she became drowsy and in no time fell into a deep sleep and then her dream began .

The Dream 

Rashmi found herself in a swimming pool , she was barely ten years old paddling away in her flip flops in the shallow side of the pool .A young lad about 6 years old was swimming with a tube around his waist , it was Rashmi’s brother Vivek . “ I have told this boy to stay on the shallow side of the pool , but he keeps going towards the deep end , come back Vivek don’t go to the deep end the instructor is not around .” A lady old enough to be Rashmi’s mom shouted out , they had come for their regular swim session .Suddenly the small boy lost himself in the pool , his head was underwater and his body could barely float . Rashmi tried to save him she gave a huge scream ,’ Help help my brother he is drowning .’ The panic had begun but she was the nearest to him and she plugged head first into the water and desperately started to throw her arms about .She stretched and stretched huffed and puffed but as she came near the Boy had gotten stiff , the struggle was over her younger brother was no more , he had drowned . As if on cue the instructor jumped into the water and bought the limbless boy out of the pool . He tired to give him mouth to mouth trying to revive  the boy . Soon the ambulance arrived and the boy was whisked off to the hospital . Rashmi was weeping and her mom was trying to console her , she knew her brother and not survived , she had lost him for ever .

Suddenly some one plug the curtains open ,’ Madam Rashmi Verma wake tip this is a wrap strict rules followed here .’ Krupa’s words bought the scene back to the ward .’ No bhai no baht what will I do without you don’t leave me bhai don’t leave me “ Rashmi was still talking to herself in her sleep .’ Oye uth haramzadi sapne baad mein dekh lena .’ Krupa said with a stern voice , the routine had to go on and today she had one more session with the good doctor .’ You had a bad dream it seems , you were talking to yourself some Vivek who is he .’ Krupa wanted to know .Rashmi woke up in haste and jumped up on her bed as if she had seen a ghost .’ Shit I can’t believe it was a dream , but it seemed it all happen yesterday , it was so alive the memories still raw like an open wound which was still throbbing with warm blood and puss oozing out of it . That what bad memories are they are like warts , puss and slime one needs to clean the system out of these before any phycological healing can take place . “ A nightmare it seems , what did you see in your dream .” Krupa was all ears .” Just flashes of water in the pool and images of the past my younger brother drowning in a swimming accident , he was a kid had no swimming experience I am his elder sister I could have saved him , I fell like shit today , so heavy it’s the guilt I carry , I should have done everything to save him , I tried go knows I tried , I tried oh! Vivek I miss you my bro .” Saying this tears started rolling down her cheeks .” Zyada natak mat kar keep your tears for your therapy session with the Dr. Chal ghet up goto the loo , you tooth brush is on the basin .” Kurupa gave out her instructions . Rashmi plonked out of bed and with her worn out crumpled apron she walked up-to the basin . She picked up the tooth brush and wrestled with the tap that was dripping with water  as she stood up to brush her face , she came face to face with the mirror , but she was shocked instead of her raging face she saw the dark face of her Mama , full with stubble and mooch , she just saw flashes of the face , she screamed and gave a loud screech almost falling back with a recoil .As if on cue the old famous song from the movie Mehal rang into her ears “ Aye ga aye ga aye ga ane wala aye ga aye ga .” The music was coming from Dr Razdan’s Radio . Rashmi almost froze  as she head this song . She had heard this before many times , her mama would play this song to  her when he was with her , she knew the tune well .She brushed her teeth in haste and then walked into the corridor of the ward , following the sound of the song . All of a sudden a old brass chandelier started to quiver as the sound of the song rose up in the air . It made a crackling sound .She walked bare foot down the flight of stairs chasing the song as it were . Soon she had arrived at the door  of Dr. Razdan’s  study , she peeped through the half open door and then kept staring in wonder .What she saw startled the fat short podgy Razdan was half naked wearing rad women’s stocking with garters , he had a black bra strapped to his chest and he was standing in-front of the mirror painting his lips with a purple lipstick . All the while he admired his half naked fat body in-front of the mirror humming the song of the black and white Ashok Kumar film Mehal ,” Aye ga aye ga   aye ga ane wala , aye ga .” The good Dr. Kept humming in-front of the mirror , after a while when he had finished powdering his face he glared to the left and saw Rashmi’s face peering at him , with one switch blow to the door he shut is a jar , a huge thud sound reverberated in the air . Rashmi almost fell back , she couldn’t believe her eye’s . Had she been day dreaming , was this for real , was that etc Dr. Himself or was that the reincarnation of her mama molester . What was real and what was not had begun to merge in this place you couldn’t make head and tail of anything .She rubbed her eye’s again and again and then slapped her face a few times . It was morning yes she was awake but then what was all this bizarre things she was seeing .She walked ahead across the front porch into the garden . The Gardner was doing his bit planting some new shrubs , he had kept the bird cage on the garden wall and Rashmi was distracted by the sound of the chirping birds the more the song played the more the birds chirped , it seemed like the lyrics of the song egged the birds to sing with more persistence and sweetness . The sun was out by now as it was way into the morning hour . Rashmi could hear the traffic blaring the routine of the city had started as people went about their every day routine . Rashmi felt light she could breath the fresh air and feel the breeze on her cheeks .She closed her eyes sat down on the garden grass in a yogic posture , no doubt trying to mediate , she had learnt this technique from her ex husband Naveen , he had been a ex cop and used to meditate regularly to relive stress . Rashmi was stress after seeing bizarre flashes of madness in ten morning . She wanted to feel alright she wanted to relax and that she did . She did the surya namaskar , the shav asana and then walked bare foot on the grass no doubt trying to soak in the dew and energise the base of her two feet .Age had taken it’s tole on the poor girl her hair line was receding and she had wrinkles around her eyes , too much work in-front of the computer I guess . She had become fat from a plump girl to a broad aunty the transformation had taken place , time it takes its toll on all of us and our little princess was no exception . Her breasts once talk of the town had sagged , they were large still but the bounce was gone . The yoga would help keep her fit and the deep breathing would energise her .

“ So you are here , good good do your exercise we have a session today remember .” Dr Razdan walked into the garden and greeted Rashmi . He had a newspaper in his hand and a form in the other .” Please sign this form , just formalities so that our treatment can start .”  The Dr. Handed Rashmi the form . It was the normal consent form which patients had to sign before they went into therapy session .Rashmi signed it with out even looking at it , the she looked at the Dr. And said .’ You have strange tastes doc really strange , I did not know you like women’s clothing , I think you need the session more then me .”

 The Dr. Smiled ,’ Don’t believe everything you see here , the eye might see one thing the mind will interpret it in some other way , you must be hallucinating it’s the medicine darling . “ he smiled again as if mischievously this time .” You like the song Aye ga aye ga it seems it woke you up .” He enquired .” Yes I know the tune Ashok Kumar was my mothers favourite actor . This was the first black and white horror film .” She recollected . “ Yes it really spooked me when I first saw it , it can really spook you at night especially when I stand on the balcony staring at the vast desert sand dunes at night .The sound is of the desert night , the tune is haunting as if some one longing for a loved one in great pain and agony . The longing it’s so raw in the song and the way it was choreographed .” Nostalgia yes thats what the good doctor felt .” She is a widow you know .” The Doctor said in a shrill tone .” Who dod you mean .” Rashmi enquired .” Kurupa the matron your fairy god. Mother , I bought her to help out with my patients and research work  . She was helpless the scar on her cheek , she got it from her brother in-law . They almost left her for dead after her husband passed away in the line of duty during the Indo Pak war .” He meandered around the women history .’ Really she did seem a bit odd to me must be painful loosing a husband , widows don’t get much respect in our country . I know that our men are very cruel to our women especially in small towns like ours .” Rashmi tried  to explain her point of view on this matter . “ Kurupa that’s why she has been christened with that name , it means ugly .” Razdan twisted the newspaper in his hand .” Ya thats a nasty scar , some one must have hit her with a sickle or a cheap blade .Was she also raped ?” Rashmi wanted to know after all she would be spending a lot of time with our bulky lass .” Well her brother in-law forced himself on her with out consent and did that repeatedly , when she resisted they threw her out of the house and attacked her . The Vidhwa ashram was her only hope and saviour .”  Razdan knew the women history .’ You seem to have taught her all the tricks of your trade man she is an expert on the operations of the subconscious mind , she gave me a full lecture on that last night . Must be some journey from a destitute widow to a psychiatric’s assistant , and I thought only I had a story to tell .” Rashmi sighed as she said this .” We all have are unique journeys full of joy , pain , suffering , years and laughter , each one is exciting with twists and turns bends and dead ends . The problem is that we are so involved with our own mental drama that we do not even once pause to see what the other has gone through . Believe me each one of us have travelled a fascinating road .”  Razdan grew sombre and reflective as he said those words .

“ But then some journeys are more fascinating then others , wait till we get to our session .’ She winked at the good doctor and walked back into the porch . She knew that soon she will be on the doctors leather chair ,a s he will began to unravel the deep recesses of her mind , god knows what will appal today from her deep sub conscious mind today . As of now all she could do was wait .

“ Kya naam hei tumhara .” Dr Razdan chewed his ball point pen and asked the most obvious question . “ Dr. I am Rashmi Verma .” The lady with bob cut silver hair replied .” Why are you here in a psychiatric ward and what do you want from me .” Dr Razdan looked a bit perplexed as he asked this question .’ Well I have always been branded as the other women , a women who is loose of character , I was the slut of the campus but I think people were just jealous that I had so many boys around me . Tell me Dr. Am I loose women lacking in virtue . Kya mein aap ko aise ladki lagti hun .” The wall clock struck six and the ghantta rang six times . The sound reverberated in the air , this was just a minor distraction in their conversation .

‘ Srimati ji pehle aap meri godi se tho utariye phir mein yeh analysis karun ga .”  The Dr tried to catch a breathe as Rashmi  suddenly realised she was sitting on the Dr. Lap and had her hands around him in an embrace . She jerked and got out of his lap walked to the other side of the table and sat on the leather couch which was the Patients chair .She looked like a confident woman she had not lost her style , oomph and virility but yes age had caught up with her as she had passed her middle age . With silver streaks in her hair you could tell this goose had been cooked many times . But she had experience on her side and wisdom , like fine wine she had matured and aged with grace . Leaving her campus days behind her life and moved on and taken many curves and bends , some lead to success the other just ended up as dead ends . She would no doubt put all her lovers in college as dead ends as she never married them or they decided to leave her for greener pastures .’ Mard tho bahut aye zindigi mein , par mein sirf usko respect deti hun jisne mujhse shaadi kari .” She took off her jacket and stretched on the leather couch  ,” Aap Jesi auraat our shadi , how many lovers have you had .” The wise Dr Razdan who was bald a bit hunched looked at her with peering eyes .” Ab tho ginti bhi bhool gayi , but yes I had a husband once his name was Naved .” She looked towards the ceiling and then all around the wall of the clinic . There were charts , huge charts on the wall , with diagrams and pictures showing the various psychiatric ailments that were common to the people of Jasalmir . Mano Rog that is what was treated here and Dr. Razdan was an expert he had practised in the city for decades , mainly helping out the village poor and the army personals stationed in the area with their mental problems . Most had issues with their spouses , some drank a lot , some just suffered from drug addictions , the others suffered from an even deadlier disease and that was poverty . Razdan was a widower and lived in a huge two stories bungalow , on top were the beds meant for the patients and he had his clinic on the gourd floor . He had a huge garden with caged birds singing all day along , he loved his bride and would feed them and give them water but he kept them caged and confined . They would chirp all day and at Tims he would talk to them ,” Kya hall hei ! Kajri aah bahut naach rahi ho .’ He would talk to his favourite bird patted the tip of the cage with his palm as if to show his love and affection for his adopted babies . He  lived the old fashioned way it seemed that he was still in the 1970’s era , he wore Safari suits and brown lather Bata shoes . He was clean shaven and only ventured out of his bungalow for a medical conference or to visit the Vidhwa ashram , he was their patron and also donated handsomely to the ladies of the Ashram . But today there was a special lady in his clinic a middle aged women now passed her prime called Rashmi Verma .The Ghost had returned to haunt Jaisalmer   , after all this was also Rashmi’s home town . Her Father had been the DIG in the Rajasthan police and had served the state for years in this capacity . This was also were her mother had been a school teacher at the Modern High school for decades , she had taught Chemistry and Biology to the students , many had graduated with Honours and had made a name for themselves . Rashmi had in a sense come a full circle , she had grown in the desert land . The city of Kings and Maharaja’s , of forts and camels , the town even had a brand of cigarettes named after it .

“ Is umar mein ek pagal Khane mein kese aiye aap .” Dr Razdan quizzed Rashmi . “ Kuch nahi i am just fucking bored with life , sex bahut kar Liya and after a point all men are the same , they all want  one thing and thats between my legs . I was a computer programer you know with a big software company in Bangalore called Kaan Infotech , they even sent me to Amsterdam to work .” She paused for a moment as if distracted by the sounds of the chirping birds in the cage .’ Phir kaya hua how did life bring you here .” Razdan grew curious after all it had always been his strategy to let his patients do the talking , the more they spoke the. More relaxed they felt and the more intimate the Dr. and Patient relationship became .” I excelled  at my work , I was made the team leader and even flew the globe recruiting for my company . I was a big shot yaar ! It was my dream to travel the world , I was fed up of India , the narrow minded people with a shallow mentality , some how I was too forward thinking to live in India . I know I much I wanted to be out of the country . My mother use to keep having her fits , I had no support all the men I though would help me , they just fucked me in return of some favour or the other . I just feel into the trap of one man or the other , I felt so used .” Rashmi sighed as she narrated her tail , there was some madness in her tome but her eyes light up when she spoke of her travels around the world .Yes our Rashmi was like the birds in the cage , she just wanted to break free and that’d so she did . From the clutches of a patriarchal society  she flew westwards towards freedom , where no one would judge her or chid her for her character , there would be no moral policing .” Salle Gore login mein yeh baat tho acche hei they have a concept of partner , no body wants to get married everyone lives with their partner , husband and wife is a old concept now in the west .” She started her monologue again .” Well I think that suits your style more , since you believe in free amorous relationships only .” Razdan  tried to get her to talk further , but to facilitate that he handed her two large blue tablets .” Here have them they will calm you down you will feel better , just some relaxants .” He handed her a glass of water , Rashmi swallowed the pills and then closed her eyes , Dr. Razdan walked to the side table on which a very old fashioned radio was place , the large ones with wooden casing and a knob and dial , he switched the Radio on , suddenly he increased the volume and a song started playing , it was familiar one not for the Dr. But for Rashmi , the tune was from an old Raj Kapoor hit film called Bobby .” Hum tum ek kameran mein band ho aur Chabi kho jaye .” The music echoed through the clinic walls , the Dr . Started dancing to the tune of the song ,” Oh this is my favourite song  I use to look like Rishi Kapoor once ,

I had hair on my head once you know .” Razdan was as if transported to his youth . His dancing grew more brisk and vibrant as he kicked the aluminium stool and hurled his arms in the air , the song got louder as he turned the volume full blast ,” Hum tum ek kamrein mean band ho are chabhi kho jaye , ahh haha  bada mast gana hei .” As the Dr danced around the patients chair , Rashmi opened her eyes she had been distracted by the song and the vibrant and energetic Sufi whirling that the Dr was doing , he kept going round and round like a Sufi saint , he circled her once then twice and then thrice humming the tune of Bobby picture . As Rashmi opens her eyes she looked at Razdan with amazement and then her face started to turn pale and yellow . Instead of the face of the Dr, she started being the face of her demon , her mama yes her Chand mama .When the Dr turned his face to the left the face of Chand mama appeared and when he turned his face to the left Dr Razdan’s face reappeared . She felt scare and sad , so scared that she screamed after a point as the dance grew to a crechendo she screamed with all her might .” Stop it stop it , you have raped me for years as a child what is ti you want from me now , you bastard leave me alone leave me alone , my body is my temple I wont allow you to defile ti any more , choodh de muggy madarchod chodh they mujehy haramzade , help me some one help me .” Rashmi screamed as she put her hands on her ears to shut the music away ,she closed her eyes out of fear . No doubt the song had trigged her most painful memories , the memories of her mama molesting her while her mother use to go away to the school to teach .The memories had become a part of her subconscious mind and the song which the mama use to sing while  he would be trying to strip her of her frock was still reverberating in the air .Her scream filled the air it caused a flutter in the grid cage , the birds grew restless and began to chirp loudly as if they sympathised with Rashmi .” Stop it Dr. Stop this song , I cant take it any more just stop it , I thought I had left the bastard behind but he keeps coming back to haunt me .” She picked her sandals and drew it at the Old fashioned Radio , the damn thing fell on the floor and crashed into two pieces .

Dr. Razdan looked at the broken radio on the floor as a sheet of silence descended upon them ,”Hmmm he gave a long sigh mujehy lagta hei hum tumhara treatment ab shuru kar saktein hein .  “ He knew he had touched a raw nerve of his new client and it would now be easier to get to the root of her Phycological problem , thus the treatment and already begun , Rashmi had a dark spot in her Subconscious mind and that dark spot was her Mama Molester her was the root of it all , the root of her very Phycological make up . He had hit something and now  diagnosing her problem would become easier .

“ Mama tha mera salla molested me when I was twelve , I was so sacred , mummy ko nahi bataya bas that was it my journey has a Nympho started , it was Naved at high school . I taught him all he knew meiney hei tho use sex karna sikhaya , he didn’t even know what a blow job was duffer salla .” She hissed .’ Phir Kay hua .’ Razdan questioned her .’ Kuch nahi the cycle started from there , he got married to some bitch his mom choose for him and dumped me . I remember giving him blow jobs in the evening , we use to do do our studied together buts most of the time he would be taking about his plans to open a travel agency and I would be sucking his cock with pee in it , I use to ask him to clean his poppet before I blew him . Guys are so un hygienic . But he turned out to be a harami .

Puri phenol ki botal pee gaye thi mein , they ahd to flush my stomach for 2 days to get me back to life , that was my first sucide  attempt .” She paused all the emotions and the trauma of the past had just flashed in-front of my eyes .” So how many times you have attempted to take your life .” Razdan needs to know his patients history of self destruction .” Well I have thought about it dozens of time but attempted it only three times . This was my first attempt , my second attempt was when I divorced my first husband and the third was just before I came here , I had just broken up with my dutch partner Michal I tried to jump from the window into my garden but a huge tree broke my fall , nothing much happened I just fractured my hip see I even have some bruises here from the fall on my thighs .” Rashmi lifted her skirt to show the Dr. Her wondrous milky thighs , Razdan looked at her skin bemused he no doubt had lust in his here , but this was his patient and he had to maintain some distance which he did .” Three times thats a lot for a woman your age , is it you’re hyper sensitivity to things that cause you to self destruct . Talk to me open up to me I need to read your mind before I can treat you .” Razdan wanted more information about her past .” I can take you back in time it’s called Regression though hypnosis I will make you a 10 year old child again this way I can find your dark spots in the mind and then try to heal them through medication  , I can also erase all your bad and vile memories , as if they never happened .

“ The good Dr. Walked up to his Electronic regression machine which was a contraption with wires coming out , it was attached to a head era which the patient had to wear . There was a screen on the side of the bed where the blips would be monitored and the Dr could then read the blips to make his diagnosis .” Hi tech machine Doctor you guys in India have really advanced . I mean don’t get me wrong health care in Europe is the best in the world , but India is getting close .  Three suicide attempts you must really think I am a freak .” Rashmi smiled it was as if she was enjoying her little session , after a long time she could openly talk to some one , just me totally naked in-front of some one with out being judged .” I love talking to you doctor it makes me feel light already . There was one other guy who I could share all my dark secrets with .” She paused to stare at the broken radio set on the floor .” Ya ! Tell me who was this guy you loved to confide in .” Razdan figured her a bit more .” Mottu yaar mera best friend in college , mean usko sab kuch batati  thi , he was my bunny my motto , he was so cute always wanted a fuck from me and I always showed him the door , but he kept coming back silly guy .” Rashmi was feeling light and happy after all the medicine had started to kick in .

You have had many men in your life it seems .” Razdan asked .’ Yes most were losers , as I said men are just looking to bang me , I lost respect for them thats what happened , it got to a point I sue to fuck them and then fuck their friends just to humiliate them it was my way for putting their face in the mud . Men I know them like the back of my hand , they would all get jealous and worked up .Their was this madarchodh Raizada in college , I fucked him first in my campus days and just to put him down I fucked all his friends to , salla he hit me once for close dancing with his friends , but I didn’t give a shit my sexuality is my weapon and I know how to use it , I can get into a man’s mind like no one can and when you learn the game you can play it to your advantage .” She spoke like an expert in the art of dating and love making . “ So all the trouble in your life has been caused by the men you slept with .’ Razdan paced about as he heard of  Rashmi’s ordeal .’ Well I did come from a broken home and I had a younger brother who died of a swimming accident , i was the only child of the house after that  , my mom is also mental she is scared of the dark and has fits at times , to add to that the men in my life have created a lot of havoc .”

“ You have had an interesting life it seems , I can see a best seller coming .’ Razdan chided her it was his way of using humour to lighten up things .” Array I might just make you mad , you have no idea what twisted life I have lead .” Rashmi said as if she wanted to go on an on .

“ We will have to meet for your next session on Tuesday for that to happen , let’s take it one step at a time , I am sure your stories will vent end . But you see a psychiatric treatment is a slow one it takes time even years to get to the patients root problem and once I can diagnose that then I can really start healing you .” It seems your mama is a real pain point in your subconscious , after that. Are the long list of your lovers who have further twisted you which resulted in the several suicide    attempts  you have made . I have all the staff , medication and equipment in my clinic to heal you , but you have to trust me and at all times tell me the truth the whole truth , no lies just pure truth then only the healing process will have an impact on you .” Razdan gave his long sermon as he opens the bird cage and cleans it then he put some water in dish for the birds to drink .Then he turned to Rashmi and said “ You are going to be my little caged bird now , my little pet and it will be my duty to fix you so that you can live in the real world again .” He looked a Rashmi with a glint in his eyes this was going to be a long journey for both of them and it seemed they both knew it .

Bimal meet his mentor Goswami Sir before boarding the train to Mumbai with Nandani ,” Bless you Bimal , you must meet my old acquaintance Jagan Bhai he is a big shot in Bollywood , he is a cor dilators helps director hire the right actors , doubles , stunt man and dancers . He will guide you as it is now you dance sing and act like the original , be safe and save money you might need it in bad times .” Goswami da gave his advice .The home front was taken care of Bimal mother would run the Muri stall and his one sister would stay back to help in the house . Bimal and Nandini would travel to Mumbai to full fill their dream and bring home some riches to others in the family too .

The train ride was long and arduous Nandani had cups of tea and chips through out the trip , the train finally landed at Mumbai central as the two siblings got out of the station a huge hoarding showing Mihtun holding a machine Gun with blood on his shirt stared at them it was the poster of his big hit Shatranj .” See Mithun Bhai is king of Mumbai .” Bimal shouted as the two boreded a Rickshaw for Andheri , they had to meet Jagan Bhai who had arranged a small room for them to stay . The office was on the third floor of an under construction building .” Come come come in Jagan Bhai invited the two in his office , which was smaller then a toilet , with one phone two chairs and a table .Their was calendar of Durga on the wall and wash basin to the right . The desk was full of filmy magazines , he had lots scraps of paper lying around , maybe some movie idea he was thinking about ,” Yes Goswami sir told me about you , you are a Mihtun clone , mean a hamshakal , you also dance like him , come get up let me see how you dance .” Jagan insisted , hesitantly Bimal got up and cleared his throat and started singing “ Dance dance dance dance is life , life id dance .” With this tune he moved his legs like Mithun he had the same lean and long legs and being much younger than the old man he had a narrow waist too .” Yes yes that is it .” Jagan Bhai got out from behind his desk and switched on the TV , their was Mithun dancing with Mandakini to the tune of Dance Dance Dance .

The kids playing cricket on the basement ran up the stairs to see the free show , they gathered around the windows as Bimal did his gig .’ Good good I am sure you will get work , at least of a good duplicate or a double to Mithun da , but you need to learn fighting karate , shooting Guns and horse riding Mithun does all this in his films . I will send you to Vindu Ji he is great fight master he will train you , he will take a fee but not much . I assure you will be a great asset for me after all you are my commission Bimal .’ Jagan Bhai laughed and stretched forward to grab a pan from a moist packet lying in-front of him , he was sure to make a killing selling Bimal to the dream world and vice versa .

Bimal stayed in a small room with Nandani in a old building in Andheri east this is was cheaper area but he had to take the bus every day for his action and stunts trainer Vindu Bhai who lived in Khar area .” Nanadani salla life mean kabuki fight nah kaya , I cant fight a fly , how ill I learn karate .” Nandani tried to cheer him ,” Self defence dada you never know when it can come in handy , so just go for it . So their was Bimal learning Karate and the art of Kung Fu from Vindu sir . Vindu sir looked like a wrestler straight out of the film Dangal , he was six feet plus muscular with a huge mooch ,” Again fight is about concentration the more alert you are the more you focus the more impactful your blows will be , start eating Goat and Sheep meat you Bengali’s are too frail all you eat is fish , if you want to fight eat red meat you need protein and it will help your break dance also .” Vindu Bhai did his duty as an instructor . Bimal was  tired , he was hungry apart from samosa on the station he had had no meal . Vindu Bhai took him to the near tea stall .’ I know son you are new to the city and you want to follow the foot step of Mithun da but have you heard of his struggles , he went hungry for months slept on pavements , did stage shows sang in dance bars , before he got a chance to become Helens assistant for a Cabaret number she was doing .But he kept his dance alive and finally made it . “ Vindu explained a piece of history to Bimal . “ He was also a Naxal and they say he killed a few people during the struggle in Bengal , but they have no proof , he was very hot headed , the death of his brother changed his life .It was then he handed for Bollywood .” I added my two bit of Knowledge to Jagan’s banter .” Kasam Peda karne wale ki , Dance Dance , Yamraj , Watan ke Rakhwale he gave so many front bencher hits , all low budget films but he made money always , very sharp business man ran a huge hotel in Otty for years . You see sky is the limit even for you as his clone , see how far you go .” Bimal gave him a bun omelette ,” Have this and buy some juice you look starved .”

Bimal would often walk back quite a distance before he boarded the bus . He wanted the feel of the city today especially at nights . The Juhu Beach all light up with Chat and Tikki stall , Kulfi Flooda and Chocolate Pan , this place would be teaming with people .Kids begging their folks to buy them a ballon or get them to ride a horse .The walls and hoardings filled with up coming films , he would soften go to watch a film in Galaxy in Bandra , it still gave him the feel of Cinema the old fashioned way . Today he was watching  Bagawat Ek Jung , the movie transported him to his world of dreams , he had the usual Campa cola with pop corns and trigged back to his dingy one bed set , to find Nandani fast a sleep. This was to be his life from home to Jagan Bhai’s office then to the studio’s from Mehboob Studio to Film City he had started getting small dancing and singing parts as a Mithun clone in many B grade films .He had even perfected a new dance number from the super hit Kasam Peda karnewale ki . He was also a big hit in his own biradari of duplicates . He friends with Salman’s Duplicate ,  Duplicate Rajesh Khanna , Duplicate Asrani and so many more .

They would do mimicry after every lunch session the Deva Anand duplicate by the name of Imran Bhai would dance to the songs of Guide and throw his muffler around the place , he also had the Dev Anand Cap and he would toss it about just like the Maestro ,” He is a legend yaar ! Dev sahib what movie jewel thief it was after watching that I decided to become his duplicate and try and ape him .” Imran felt proud of his talent .They even had a lady impersonate Basanti the famous Hema Malini character from Sholay .It was a motley crew of small town talented upstarts who specialised in imitating their Bollywood idols . Sameer who dis the Salman Khan get up was so devoted to his Bhai that he even had a poster of the man from Mine Pyaar Kiya in his Poja ghar .After tea break they would play Antakshri with each other and then collect their day wages for the day and head home .

Mithun da was everywhere in my world I use to see his Dance Dance number blaring from Mico Phones being carried by temp’s and cycle rickshaws to help in political campaigns also . As I said in India entertainment is everything , song and dance is in our blood and Mithun da was the Baap of Entertainment . I had very big shoes to fill .I was getting a bit tired doing bit side roles and duplicate fight scenes in films .I wanted to act with my master one day . Be with Mithun da himself in his movie as his fight and dance double , now that would be a treat . I would be the pride of Park street Bimal the local lad made good , a true success only if I could get to work side by Sid with him . My father would br so proud of me and why not it was not an impossible dream , after all I had come so far from the streets of Calcutta to the heart of the film world , I had the talent and I had practised my performances .They were still a bit crude but being poor I did not have the money for the right clothes make up and equipment , even then my live performances where much appreciated and I had learnt a lot for my other Duplicate friends how they better themselves each day .

My missio n was simple add more and more acts to my performance and make Mithun da ooze out of my performance so that no one knew who the real Mithun was and who was the duplicate .Bimal ahd his plan chalked out , success to him would only happen if he gets to act with the big man it was simple and to help him achieve that he would need a lot of help form Jagan Bhai . Jagan Bhai ahd the contacts to paint him in a Mithun Film and he also had the word from the inside .

Bimal had to make an ally of Jagan and he had the perfect honey trap his own sister Nandani .

Bimal had lived in the by lanes of Calcutta for decades , he lived in one of the many shanty towns near the tram line behind the Park Street area which is the most commercial part of Calcutta . It has the famous English bakery Flurry’s to the left and the two out famous dinners Peter Cat famous for Hello Kabab and Mogambo another continental eatery . The streets ends with the Park Hotel a symbol of luxury in Calcutta and it still remains a party spot of the cities young and famous . Bimal was a poor Bengali boy not a street urchin but not a urban lad either , he went to school till the eleventh standard in the local government school but then dropped out , to look after the family business selling Jhaal Muri in local parks . His father was a tram driver and mother helped in the business .

Bimal had two younger sisters , they were not abject poverty but just managed to make ends meet . Life was tough , he woke up before dawn and went to sleep at night . Now it was unto him to look after his family , as his father was getting old and soon would be retired from his service . The only escape from his tough life on the street and escape the ever increasing confusion in his head , he would often buy a Rs 5 cinema ticket and watch the latest Bollywood films , he enjoyed local Hollywood cinema also and was a great fan of Bimal Roy and Satyajit Ray . He understood art cinema like no other film critic , maybe because he was living the life these filmmakers were projecting in their films  . But his heart would skip a beat when his favourite start Mithun Chakarborty films would hit the theatre , he would be the first to buy a ticket and many times payed in black to get ticket . He watched Disco Dancer 25 times and always in the hall , Jal he watched 12 times , then there was Aag hi Aag , Yamraj , Agnipath and many more . He loved Mithun Da for his acting and much more for his dancing . Bimal was mesmerised  by Mithun’s dance moves in The Disco Dancer , he would practice these moves infant of his mirror in his room , wearing the trade mark head band and shirt instead of a Guitar Bimal had a cricket bat in his hand . He would switch the TV on and dance to the music of Disco Dancer every time the song came up . He had  become as good as the master himself over the years of practice .

His family ealised he had a talent for dancing and acting , may be that could be their ticket out of poverty ,” Bimal Da you are brilliant in your Disco Dancer dance , you must try and do some shows in our local fair and festivals , I am sure you will make money , we can charge people Rs 1 for a ticket to watch your dance .” Nandini his youngest sister gave a quiet suggestion after watching Bimal perform in his room .

So it was decided the first performance will be given in-front of the Muri Stand near Nan-dan’s , there was a lot of arty party crowd there .Bimal had a lot of friends in this area mostly fellow hawkers selling book, post cards , Cola or other such Nik Naks . There were a few taxi drivers who were a big fan of his Mithun dancing . The performance started early in the afternoon . Suddenly Bimal jumped form Behind his stall and shouted “ See the famous dance Disco Dancer of Mithun , performed by me you will not know the difference come Babu Ji dance with me I will show you the dance moves of Disco Dancer . As if that was not an enough of a attention grab Nandini his sister started chatting up the women folks to gather around for the Disco Dancer song all with music and lights .As if it was all a choreographed event Bimal took out his outfit a Silver shirt with red and blue bulbs on them , it looked like the Yaraana outfit of Amitabh when he sang the song ‘ Sara Zamana Hasino ka Diwana .’ Nandini gave him the white head band and in Minutes our local Park street Mithun was ready to perform . Bimal danced that day like no other his hard practice in-front of the mirror paid off , he moved his legs just like the original Dada the son of Bengal , he moved his waist just the way the super star use to , the look he gave with his eye the way he moved his hands in a circular motion , no one could make the difference as Bimal was now old enough to look like the original , he was tall , darkish and slim , he had dada’s eyes and all his mannerism . He was a cheap copy though but good enough for the street crowd at Nan-dan’s who had to pay only a buck to watch him . The first show was a hit as Bimal got a lot of support from the local flute vendor , who played the flute to the Disco Dancer tune and of course the taxi drivers who barred their horns from time to time to egg our man on and motivate him . The show went on for half an hour and it was a success , they never sold an Jhaal Muri that day but they made more money than they had made the entire month .The act had delivered the desired result , as Nandini had professed this talent of Bimal could be the families way out of poverty and desolation .

When one is poor you except what you get and be great full for it , at least Bimal and his siblings did not have to sleep under a bus shelter , eat from the garbage bins or beg for money . They had a roof over their head and enough means and resources to dream of a better future , every one has that right and now it was unto Bimal to take charge of thief family  . That night he was very restless he tossed and turned in bed as if his soul was howling form inside or was it the hidden kalakar within him who wanted to get out . He got up switched the lamp light and went in-front of the mirror , he then tied the silver head band to his head and picked up a comb to represent the mike . Within min utes he was Mithun the icon , the super hero the messiah of the masses the real entertainer . He began to play act and practice his moves . A screeching tram on the tram line stopped him in his act .He looked to his right and their was wooden table on top of it lay the famous poetry book of Ravindra Nath Tagore Geetanjali , it was a book his father had gifted to him years back , something that told the family that they too had superior literary roots . Bimal understood that if he had to get out of his current situation he would have to create absolute poetry .

He started spending more time in Tolly Gunge looking at VCR in video shops of Mithun’s films , the great man had purchased a hotel in Otty and was shooting all his films their , these were low budget brain dead revenge gatha’s meant for the chavani class . But this was what he was and that was exactly his audience the poor , the destitute , the labourers the rickshaw pullers and the coolie’s that is were his audience was and he had to enact that he was Mithun and he was their entertainer .But was Bimal really up to this task was he the finished product the Mithun Clone the world had been waiting for , he needed a master , sine one who could Hawn his skills and make him the gem he wanted to be . He found his mentor in Dance Mater Goswami .

Goawami ji was a dance instructor he helped the local brass band and nautanki’s to perform better . He was a dancer himself in the olden days but only the classics for him , he tried to stay away from commercial Bollywood stuff that was just left for the wedding season . But Goswami ji knew his dance , he wad old now nearly the end of his fifties but he still knew some old moves especially the ones performed by Mithun .’ Goswami da become my teacher teach me all about dance and make me like Mithun Da , I just love his art .” Goswami was a wise sage and said ,” With attention you can achieve everything but if you loose attention you loose your rhythm your concentration and then the dance .” He explained making gestures with his hand .” I will train you , your father and me go back a long way we went to the same school , but I will be strict .’ So it was settled every evening after selling muni Bimal would trek upto the bada maidan to be with his sir Goswami ,” First rule in dance be flexible , like rubber , you body has to feel the rhythm and the beat for that your heart has to feel it , the body and the dance moves are just an enactment of the rhythm .” He explained as he waved a wooden stick about , he had a old tape recorder on the side and switched it on immediately music of Disco Dancer filled the air and Bimal started dancing like the Big Boss , when Goswami sir though his moves were exaggerated our out of tune he would back him with his stick , at times with force some time he would hit Bimal on the thighs sometimes on his knees , jus to get the body language right ,” No no master ji you will ill me like this I am here to learn dance not Karate .’ Bimal asked him to stop .’ This is just the begging n son I am a tough task master I will make you like a ball dancer your every move will be poetry I want people not to know the difference between you and Mithun da , you have to be that good .” Goswami was positive that with time Bimal will perfect his art of dancing and singing just like his hero .

He regularly practiced in-front of his stall giving live performances , he made enough money to buy a pair of new sun glasses , silver shirt new head band , his act looked better and better all the time especially the way he moon walked on the side walks in-front of the red light . Many passer by would stop over and two some money some would even take pictures but they ere tourists mostly . “ Mazza a gaya we have made a killing today almost Rs 80 , I am so happy Bhai you need to goto Mumbai , Calcutta is to small for you even small mimicry artists make millions in Mumbai and drive big cars .’ Nandini said with stars in her eyes she was sure that her dear brother would take her along to the big city and she would be part fo his journey from being a Street Hawker to a Mithun Clone .” No something is missing Goswami sir is teaching me dancing and I have perfected many moves but I feel my get up is in complete I am not getting that feel , I need a guitar the one Mitun had in Disco dancer the electric one , that will add more glamor to my act , a real electric guitar , but we don’t have that much money that Guitar will cost thousands .” He felt sad , he was trying to count how long that would take fro him to save up and his dream looked very distant .” Bhai way not steal it from a music shop !.” Nandini had all the answers ,” But from where .” Bimal asked .” Mehta music store , behind the tram line , it is a small shop but they sell most music equipment , guitar , flute , tabla and what not .” But how was the other question , simple break the window make a forced exist and run with the stuff , before that they would need to chop of the shop burger alarm which was simple you need to chop a wire connecting the alarm to the wooden roof that would make the alarm redundant , then they could make a forced entry with out much noise .

“ Let’s do it Bhai , for Disco and for Mithun da .” Nandini had  s shrewd smile on her face , she would remain Bimal’s financial advisor and money managers for times to come but as of now they had a music shop to loot . They decided to absolve the shop from a far ,” Here use this Bimal gave Nandini a pair of plastic Binoculars , now you will see everything .” Mr Mehta was a small fat balding figure in his forties , he ran the shop with his wife they took turns during the day , mostly local band members or people from the music school would visit the music store to buy instruments or get their old instruments like sitar and sarangi repaired . In the basement The Mehta’s had a work shop with three employees who repaired old music instruments . Th shop would shut at 7; 00 pm and the couple would retire to bed to 10:00 dead of night past 12 mid night would be the right time to strike , all the staff would have left for their homes far away from the shop . If the burglar alarm could be chopped off one could break the window pane with brick open the windows form inside and make a forced entry without much commotion or any one waking up . The electric Guitar lay in the almara in a wooden casket all that was required was to whisk it out of the shop .” This is easy Bhai , the guitar is ours tonight .” Nandani was confident that she could get the loot , if Bimal could climb on the roof of the shop through the tree branches near by and cut the alarm wires .

As planned the super thieves the Bonney and Clide of Bong land enacted their plan to capture the soul of Bimal the electric guitar . Bimal climes on top of a neighboring tree and slithers down , then he jumped on top of the shop roof . It was slippery but he managed to hold his balance , on the edge of the roof was a panel that linked to the burglar alarm all he had to do was open the panel and chop of all the wires with his scissors   that he had held in his mouth . He crawled all the way across the roof and located the white panel , as he took the cover off , sparks flew as if it was a cracker , Bimal tree the panel with shudder as it flew out of his hands and feel on the street below . This awake the street dogs who began to bark . Bimal was scared  he closed his eyes and began to pray , oh! God don’t let him get caught today . Then there was silence again and he began the tasks of cutting off the wires off the alarm . Nandini as watching all the action from across the street hidden behind an empty rickshaw with her Binoculars , her heart fainted when Bimal tropes the panel cover , but was pleased that the first phase of the mission had completed , Binal gave her a two thumbs up indicating that the alarms had been copped off . It was now her turn , she slowly walked across the street towards the shop with slow steady steps , she avoided the pavements and the puddles . Then she went behind the shop and spotted a appropriate entry point a window  big enough to let her through . She had a cloth bag tied to her shoulder and she took out a brick just half a piece to strike and break the window . But that would make noise and wake every one , so she waited for a while , her eyes staring at the floor , she waited for a Taxi or a jeep or a car to cross , the rumbling of the engine would be enough distraction for her to strike hard and break the window pane .

A green ambassador passed by the road roaring Wirth speed , this was her cue to strike and like Sati she did , in one blow the window was broken , she opened the window and made a forced entry . The street lights fell into the room through the window and she saw the red and white electric guitar in-front of her . For seconds she froze as if mesmerised by the guitar its shape and its beauty  .Suddenly the room got light up with bright green purple and orange disco lights . Their was flashes of lights on the walls of the music shop , now in-front of her was Mithin da in his Disco suit with guitar in hand , he played the tune of Disco Dancer and did his trade mark leg shake typical Mithun da .’ I know I am your dream , love people. Who dream , this is my gift to you to help you full fill yours .” The half God half Elvis figure gave the electric guitar to Nandani and then in puff vanished , everything vanished with him the lights the music the sounds , she was back into the real world the dark interior of the music shop , with the window broken and air coming in through the broken space .She had no time to waste she opened the casket picked up the guitar , checked that it had all the strings and made a dash back out of the window across the street and into the tram lines behind the Park Street area . Bimal had asked her to wait for him behind Suruchi the famous Bengali eatery in the area .

“ Dada Dekho I got it Mithun gave it to me , he came out of the casket and gave it to me , he said it was his gift to you .” Bimal was amused ,” You have been dreaming chal there is a lot of time for our dream to be fulfilled , but yes this is the first step .” There we had it Bimal and Nandani had burgled a shop , but for passion people have done worse this was just an electric guitar .

Bimal always looked at his act of busting a music shop as a Divine Epiphany where Mithun appears as the fairy God mother and blesses him and Nandani , and the guitar was his Prasad to Bimal .” All is fair in Dance and war .” Bimal smiled his training was compete he has all the moves the gestures , the act he was a real Mithun clone even more real then the great man himself , all that was needed was a large stage that could hold and showcase his talent . Calcutta was too small for him now , he had ambitions and with Nandini egging him on , he new he had to take the next big step , head towards the city of dreams Mumbai .

Sandeep’s secretary was roped in to take an appointment with Shraddha . It was to be a Friday lunch , a kind of working lunch as they say in India’s silicon valley .” You what , you want to sell coconut water in fresh coconuts through a Dunkin Doughnut franchisee model , sounds good but can it be executed , you need to show your plan and profitability charts to the Venture Capital investor plus you will need a strong and experienced team with the right qualifications thats a must .” Shraddha gave her advice to DeV , she could see the man was in a hurry to get going .” We are having an event called Bhasha you can join us it will be a perfect place to make contacts and chat up some fund managers , you will have to get into the game .”

story.com had a plush office very new age , sleek , eco friendly and vibrant decor and look to it’s interiors .But thats what Shraddha madam likes the most she is into the best and thats what she is always striving for .She even managed to get the TATA’s to invest in her company and was a hit in the IAS and government circles of Karnataka . In no time she had made story.com a content portal for Indian startup eco system , again here it was stories of the brave leaders and entrepreneurs who were doing things differently and were embracing technology to build their companies and product lines , she reported on these start up wonders ,in came the Venture Capital these were investment bankers , HNI’s with a lot of cash and they wanted to invest in great seed ideas that could mature in to a profitable business in the future thus getting their clients higher then expected returns .With that came the regulators and government officials who would give the necessary permissions and permits to these new start ups helping them grow faster cutting the red tape of industry as it where .Shraddha was the  ring leader getting all these guys together to benefit industry and society over all , at least that is what her goal with story.com was . She would make money through reports , events , portal advertising , seminars and exhibitions , also commission if she got your new start up  idea seed funding . I guess that is why she was game for it when Dev approached her , she was in it for her cut . A deal was done she would take 5% of the total VC fund pool after disbursement of the amount into the company account . They were targeting 1 million dollar as the first round of funding for the brand Dunk in Coconut . This was going to be challenging as presentations would be made , meetings arranged , dinners more meetings along with inspection that all formalities have been meet .

“ We can chat with Suresh Tata he is a relative of JRD , he could invest he is into farming and agriculture that sort of stuff , he owns a lot of Fertiliser plants up north .I am sure we can get him to sell some coconut’s .” Shraddha smiled and took a sip of coconut water from a straw .

So it was Jaynto who had to make the product presentations , he sat days on end on internet , studied journals , scouted libraries looking for different flavours , concoctions , experimented with different tastes of coconut water and finally decided on four primary flavours Rose , Khas , lime , Cola . “ Yes we will have four flavours of coconut water Rose , Khas , Lime , Cola along with coconut malai of the same flavour we will have cocktail sticks with line and pineapple slices stuck to them , this concoction will be sold chilled through franchisee outlets and stalls across the city . We will start with Cochin and Delhi as our test markets .” The man had got it all figured out .

Sandeep had to be won over and that was a job Dev took on himself ,” See boss you are not getting younger , you will get a fat severance package and you have your savings and graduity to fall back on , you know this is our ticket to a bright future , your experience will be needed to get Dun Kin Coconut going .” Dev put the cards on the table ,’ Think you will be a founder member of a start up idea a new age entrepreneur , you will be giving motivational lectures and write books on your journey , now tats some think to aspire for .” Dev got even more convincing .” When the company gets funding you will be a millionaire your self and have large number of stocks , who know where your life could go too .’  He finished his sermon to Kanwar with elan .” Ok I am in .” thats it it was that easy finally Sandeep had been roped into the board of Dunkin Doughnut .

Dev still needed funds to get the paper work done pay for reports this he bowed from his Appa , in all 1 lakh rupees . He set up Dunk-in Coconut as a registered Privately held company with His Dad , Him , Sandeep , Jayanto and Shraddha as its board members .

Dev had been a coconut lover as a child and enjoyed the drink all his life , he would go boating and fishing in the Kerla backwaters , see the farmers climb up tall coconut trees and then with their blades strike them down to the ground in huge bunches . The fresh coconut where cleaned and sold in the markets and at the sea beach where people enjoyed the water and coconut mania for Rs 5 . He will now be branding and productising this simple need gap into a franchisee model idea , charging a premium for cleanliness , variety ,service  standardisation .

The D day and arrived then Dunkin Coconut team had to give a presents to Suresh Tata , who was a prospective funder of the idea . Dev and his gang had taken the day off form the office the entire team flee to Bangalore for the presentation in great secrecy after all no one in Dunkin Donut should no this all was going on and their head of Operation was also a part of the conspiracy .

“ Big day Dev sir Shraddha madam is waiting for you all , go in to the board room it is open .” Shraddha’s secretary ushered the team in . In the board room where already seated Shraddha and Suresh Tata ,” Ah1 so you are the boys who want to detail fresh Coconut water to the world , I mist say it was a nutty idea when I first heard of it , but then I am a nut myself , Hi I am Suresh .” Mr. Tata warmly welcome Dev and Sandeep . In minutes Jayanto took the floor with his presentation , now and again Sandeep gave his two bit on the operations and Dev chipped in with the financial figures and the first year production plan .All in all the meeting went beyond lunch time , all were engrossed in the presentations with side discussion taking place all the while . ‘ We would use ice candy and frosts to cast the outer side of the Coconuts the kids can lick them of it will be good for those who have a sweet tooth .’ Suresh gave an innovative idea to the team .

By Thea time it looked that Mr. Tata had been convince to part with the first round of funding but there was a catch he wanted a three year plan and expansion plan for countries out of India . Plus the funds would be given in trenches one a period of three years for operational costs that the company will incur .” I guess you have sailed through we will fund you and look forward to selling those coconut’s .’ Mr.Tata left with a smile of contentment.

“ Yo man Dev we did it guys , we are in bunnies VC funding in the bag it’s party time , it’s time to celebrate ,lets hit the Pub’s on MG Road .” On cue Jayanto shouted he was the the one most excited his frustrating life at DunKin Doughnut was over he was the boss now , it was freedom all the way and the gang wanted to party .

“ Cheer’s here’s to Dev and his magic Idea , to DunkIn Coconut’s lets get nuts guys , it’s coconut toquilla shots for all tonight .” Jayanto barked with ecstatically . It was a new dawn and a new journey for all of us , we had to leave our jobs at DunKin Donuts and plugs into our start up idea . We had to build from scratch but before all that it was time to get drunk , dance on the bar and gorge on raw sushi .

‘ Dreams thats what life is about dreams within dreams and thats what we talk about stories of dreamers like Dev and company story.com will be carrying the story of DunKin Coconut winning first round of venture funding tomorrow , will have all your mug shots on my website tomorrow , so watch out there going to be lot of guys calling you up .’ She smiled , she knew this will be breaking news for her portal .” But yaar wait till 12 noon we will all put in our papers with the HR let us inform our employer before you tell the whole world , we owe them that much I have worked their for more then a decade now .’ Sandeep was sure he wanted to follow a strict policy on this , no news report before resignation it was settled .The part was over past mid night and Dev decided to hitch hike with Shraddha in her Camry Toyota .

“Put the widows up na Dev I hate the noice of traffic it stops me thinking .” She asked Dev to do her a favour .” You must be over the moon it’s a big thing for you getting started on your own idea and that to with some one else money .’ She light up a Silk Cut cigarette and light it up with as diamond studded lighter , Shradda was always dressed like a Queen , she loved Traditional stuff like Sari , Shalwar at times trousers for the board meetings .She was sophisticated and bold , dusky and vivacious like a middle eastern princess and our Dev was no less of a king , they hit it off the tow of them , even in the tequila part in the bar they exchanged a few jokes . Young people in Bangalore during the start up boom ,” I find you a bit tense at times , you need to loosen up , come let me. Take that heavy blazer off . She helped Dev with his blazer and then offered him his cigarette , “ It’s all a process a network , you scratch my back I scratch yours , an act system no one knows who is making money and who is loosing it , but their is money all around thats for sure ,” She paused to see how Dev reacts to her observation .” It is a dog eat dog world I am told , but with fiends like you we have nothing to worry about , I am sure you can keep the Tata’s under control .” Dev knew that Shraddha was astute and she had experience by her side , he had full faith in her abilities .” I like south now we will open our first office in Cochin my dad will be a help in that .” Dev tried to make his future plans .” Not so fast Mr. You need to go though Murari Bapu first . “ Who the hell is he .” Dev enquired .” He is the Don of Kerala , he is the man behind the success of the Communist in the state , a kind of God father , to get your outlets and stall’s running you will need permissions , health clearance certificated and a lot of red tape awaits you my dear ,” Shraddha knew there was a task at hand .” The Murari is a fixer of sorts , if we get his blessings the state and local administration is ours ,we can get guards and man poser easily .” She knew her business plan , but Murari Bapu had to me met with and taken into confidence . “ So what are we waiting for fix him up now with the funding in the bag you can also hope for a fat cut .” He smiled ,” Yes no less then 5% remember , oh! Your hotel has arrived .” She asked the driver to stop near the reception .’ See you Dev will keep you posted bye! “ Shraddha waved at Dev who waited for the car to get out of the gate . He felt light in his heart , he felt at ease that he ha her by this side , during the most challenging phase of his life when he was building his dream and his company. Yes she was a great alley to have and this would be a partnership that would go long .

A office was hired in the centre of Cochin and an advertising agency deployed to make the logo and banners for the brand and also design POP and shop designs .” Once a Malyali always a malayali you have found your root’s selling Coconut water , your own business idea is taking off , I am so proud .” Appa Dev’s father was pleased .

The first phase of the cricket world cup was over and I felt like going to some place cool near the blue sea and island maybe .Yes I have friends all over the world now and I decided to head off for Mauritius in search of love and the sea . I have been to the island two years back but my yearning for the love of a women I left behind was pulling me back , also I made some good friends like Kavi Raj the police officer , Kavish who is a sergeant their whole family greeted me well last time and I was also invited to the family dinner where I was a guest of honour . I decided to contact Kavi Raj and sent him my tickets the two way trip costed me Rs 75,000 and Kavi Raj did my hotel booking at Blue Bay for a $ 130 a night . Their is no visa fee for Indians to enter and you get a 20 days tourist visa for free no bother .

Kavi Raj came over to pick me up and I parked myself in my new abode it was facing the sea and I could see only the vast oceanic blue collar with coral sand and white beaches , Some foreign era sun bathed the others just did some sailing all afternoon which was very popular along with motor boat racing .The sea was calm and the sun. was pout but it must be 23 degree centigrade only . It rained two nights on the trot as the sea got rough and frightening at night their was a roaring storm and I slept in my room after closing all the sliding doors . Walking distance to my hotel room was a restaurant serving Italian and Mauritian food along with wine and scotch . I zeroed in on it and enjoyed beef pasta , Chicken curry and rice and even a cheese Pizza. This was a alcohol free trip for me and I stuck to coke no beer even . A few days I hung around with Kavi Raj as we even managed to catch a Bollywood film called Bharat in the cineplex .

Most days I stood upon my balcony just staring at the sea from time to time I took some photographs from my mounted camera . In the morning a group of taxi drivers would gun for me asking for business . I ventured into the local departmental store to buy a cigarette pack . Near my hotel was the. Beach were families gathered for a picnic , some did boating others listen to live music , the kids eat ice cream , hawkers sold toys , clothes , food stalls mounted on vans sold cutlets , pakoda’s , samosa and other savouries .Their was a carnival feel to the place at night when singers sang and musicians made music .Four days in this city I had started getting it’s feel and the slowness and the calmness of the sea was putting me to sleep till the wee hours of the morning .i had arrived back into the city only to welcomed by Kavi raj and his police men for a dinner date at a local guest house . Yes I can say with pride the security and police forces of this city are my friends and comrades in arm .