Chapter 8

Chapter 8

08 May

Sonny returned to his home a little after midnight. He didn’t go to see Poppy because his mother hid the money. Servant told him that his father had a massive stroke and his mother and grandmother are in hospital. He searched the whole home for the money his mother hid. He looked in the cabinets of kitchen but was unable to find it.
“Are you looking for a black canvas bag,” servant asked.
“Yes, one thousand rupee for you, if you tell me where it is?”
“Your mother took it with her.”
“Her husband got a stroke and she is busy guarding the money like a snake.”
“She needed money for the hospital. She had no other money.” This was truth. His father handled all money matters, she even never been to a bank.
He went to his father’s study and found a Chivas Regal bottle, he brought it in his room and asked servant to bring Soda and Ice in his room. He opened the window and lit a cigarette.

2

Danny was zealous of his brother buying paper pulp mills in Canada. This time he had his own chance to make his own life. He called two of his operatives, one was Omar who was marked for elimination because he was a suspected informer to the other gang, and the other was Mulchand, the knife champion. Both were told to take the first flight to Delhi and then they were to arrive in Uttarkashi next day.
But there was a problem. Sonny was not replying. His cell phone was off the line. To dip into the pockets of Bishambar and Roger or to blackmail them, they needed to communicate with Sonny on a stolen cell phone.
Neither Danny nor the Don, in Dubai who was his brother had time to waste. Omar was to communicate with Sonny repeatedly on a cell phone, and then in Uttarkashi they were to kill Ghat-washer Rishi. Omar was to make a final call to Sonny to inform his that the job was done. Mulchand was to finish Omar in the mountains, he was to make sure that cell phone and the murder weapon must be found in the possession of Late-Mulchand. Police would locate the call history and caller’s locations from the phone number.
If all goes well, in two days we will call Sonny’s family with the proofs that Sonny hired a contract killer to kill an innocence Ghat-washer. Endless amount of money be arriving from the family, they would involve Roger too. This time we will ask for Canadian Dollars.

3

It was six AM at IGI Airport in New Delhi. A young Customs officer walked into the cabin of the Immigration officer, with a candy box in his hand.
“Here is your box, it is milk Burfi, and you would love it.” Then he pointed in the window in the direction of parked brown private Jet, which was being refueled.
“Hurry up! The Jet has just arrived into India from United States; it made a refueling stop at Cairo. We must check if they are carrying an illegal passenger or cargo. Let’s go because they say they are in a rush,” said the Customs officer.
“Rich people are always in rush. Congratulations for your marriage! Sorry I couldn’t attend, because my niece too got married the same day.”
“Yes I know, let’s go to inspect the plane, they are in rush. They have to take a passenger and are flying to Dehradoon.”
“So where are you going on Honeymoon.”
“I haven’t decided it yet. My wife is still studying and her exams are due next month. Let’s go and check the plane. Rich people don’t like to be delayed.”
“What if we find some thing in the plane, what will you do then?”
“That’s why I tell you to move your ass. Let’s go to inspect the plane, this is our job. Jeep is waiting outside.”
“I asked you what if we find some thing in the plane. I was wondering whether you love mountains?”
“I do love mountains. It is not a time to discuss my passions and hobbies.”
“Do you want a free honeymoon on Government of India’s expenses?”
“I didn’t’ know they have a free honeymoon package for us? Tell me on the way. Let’s go.” He was desperate.
“They do have a honeymoon package. Do you know India is opening up its borders with China? They need to post Customs and Immigration officers at the Mansarover and Sikkim routes.”
“I am well aware of that. Are you coming or not? You lazy bum! We would be in trouble, each and every event on the airports are recorded.” Young officer said in frustration.
“Look my son, do you know how to get to Lipulekh Pass border post?”
“No I don’t know how to get to Lipulekh pass. Look they are almost done with the refueling. They say they are just two pilots in the plane that is unusual. Poor people waste money; Rich people never waste even one single rupee. You think tons of Jet fuel is wasted on a vacant airliner.”
“I tell you how to get to Lipulekh pass. You take a train to Bareilly and change to meter gauge train and reach Tanak Pur next day. From Tanak Pur you take a bus in the mountains and reach Pithoragarh at night. Fourth day you take another gut wrenching bus ride to Dhar Chula on the Nepal border. I bet you will empty your guts twenty times. Fifth day you will start walking to the Tibet border with a backpack for at least six days. If you are lucky there, Government of India may give you a tent on fifteen thousand feet elevation. You will love to be there. You tea will freeze before you touch the cup to your lips.”
“I don’t think it is the time for this entire lecture.”
“Be my guest and go find some thing in that plane and a free honeymoon is waiting for you.” Immigration Officer said.
“What!”
“I hate mountains. You go and book a free ticket for honeymoon to Mansarover. It is a pilgrim season you won’t be alone.”
“Whose plane is this?”
“Stop reading Hindi newspapers they only print news about the local leaders they are nothing but chess pawns for others who stay in the background.”
Immigration officer hit his seal on a document and said, “I am done. Let’s go.” He picked up the Candy box.
Custom officer’s mouth was hanging. “You said it’s a free ticket to Mansarover.”
“Oh No, I am going to present them this candy box. Thanks! You have been a great help today. I got to give a ride to a passenger too. Luckily I have my son’s resume with me, who knows your candy box may bring luck to me. Let’s rush so they are not pissed off.”
“My wife needs a job too.”

Roger’s private jet was again in the air.
“This is what I love about India. You people are very fast. We are back in the air in just half hour. Only in India!” Eddied said to Kuldeep.
Kuldeep was figuring about what to do with the candy box and the resume.
Freddie said, “Fast! My ass. Last time Boss let me bring me my girl here and we spent three hours to purchase the ticket to a train ride which lasts only one hour.”
Kuldeep laughed.
He got a call from Roger’s central office to board on the plane, office also couriered him a box containing all documents needed Roger’s immediate attention. Kuldeep was overall general-in-charge of Roger’s all Indian operations, so he brought his own box too, containing many documents needing Roger’s immediate attention. Customs and Immigration officers helped him to load both boxes in the plane, they also offered them tea, coffee or soda or anything in their capacity. They handed him their visiting cards with their personal cell phone number scribbled upon it, that in case some other colleagues of them give them any trouble.

4

Vinita woke up Roger at six-thirty. First time in years he had a long and sound sleep.
She said, “My phone is ringing since dawn, Helicopter is in the air, it may arrive here anytime. And your plane would arrive at Dehradoon Airport at little after seven. They said some Kuldeep is also on the plane.”
“Kuldeep is my CEO or rather overseer of my India Operations. I will start my packing, did you wake up Rishi I think he does not know that he is going too.”
“You wake him up, I have no time,” Vinita said and she left.
Roger knocked at Rishi’s door and said, “Hey prophet! Wake up we got to catch a flight.”
Rishi was already awake. “Really? Well thanks! I never have been on a Helicopter.”
“Did you inform Gangagiri,” Roger asked Vinita.
“He is ready with his belongings. Hira Singh has already arranged a car.”
In half hour they reached at the helipad. Roger with his suitcase, Rishi with his small backpack containing only a loincloth and Hermit had a very old orange colored, cloth bag on his shoulder.
A helicopter appeared in the mist and a whirl of dust flew. Two pilots were sitting in it wearing headphones. One pilot took off his earphone and jumped down, he shouted, “Welcome abroad.”
It was a modern Bell helicopter. Passenger cabin was behind the cockpit, two seats were opposite to other two seats and each passenger had a window, there legs were touching with each other.
Pilot fastened their seatbelts and they took off.
Hermit yelled, “Jai-Ganga-Mai. Hur-Hur-Gangae.”
Roger was regretting that he forgot to tell pilots to ascend slowly and they were ascending fast. Luckily Roger felt little problem this time because his body was now assimilated to the high altitude.

5

“Hey Eddie look at the river, that is the Holy River Ganges.”
“All rivers look same to me,” Freddie replied.
“Eddie, You have lot in common with my soon to be ex-wife.”
“I have lot in common with your previous wife too Freddy. But I love Spanish girls.”
“That’s why you married two of them and now working up on third.”
“Actually third Sinyorita found out that I am having an affair with the fourth. She almost killed me yesterday. Freddy.”
“Now pay your attention on the landing, these small airports are bumpy. You break the landing gear and boss will lose a day.”
“I think he makes couple of million dollars in a day,” Eddie said.
“Last year he made couple of billions, let’s say two billions. Two billion divided by three hundred and sixty five comes to what?”
“I think it comes to fifty million a day.”
“You idiot it comes to about five million a day.”

6

Helicopter was gaining height in the valley of Ganges and entered in the high mountain range. Roger and Vinita were sitting together, and Rishi was sitting with Hermit in their opposite seats. It was not possible to talk in the rattling sound of the rotors so nobody said a word; they all were absorbed in the scenery of the Himalayas.

Hermit had tears in his eyes. He walked thousands of kilometers and arrived in Uttarkashi with the ancient idol and yesterday he submersed that idol in the Mother Ganges. One week ago a stranger arrived on the Ghat and asked him to for a loincloth that stranger changed the life of all three people sitting in the helicopter. He was wondering if stranger’s life would change too. Hermit was not sure about it.

They ascended to ten thousand feet to make a straight flight to Dehradoon and left Ganges valley and then left Yamuna valley too. After half hour of flight, mountains were left behind and an airport was visible in the golden morning sunlight. A lone brown colored airplane was standing near terminal, it had Roger’s corporate emblem made on the tail. They landed near the brown plane and a pilot unbuckled their seats and they all jumped out. Their ears were numb due to the noise of the helicopter as well from the fast descent. Roger was astonished that he survived this un-pressurized high altitude flight.
“Thanks Gangagiri. Thanks for saving my life.” He hugged Hermit.

A staircase was protruding under the belly of the brown airplane and young man came out.
“Nice to see you Roger, so you were hiding in Uttarkashi.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you Kuldeep, meet my fiancée Vinita.”
Kuldeep smiled, he shook hands with Vinita. “Vinita you are a lucky girl. Believe me, I am not lying.”
Roger said, “Now meet my friends, this is Rishi he is.”
Rishi broke in, “I am Roger’s brother-in-law.”
“And I am his father-in-law. Jai-Ganga-Mai. Hur-Hur-Gangae,” Hermit announced.
There was an explosion of laugher.
“Congratulations! Roger we have Burfi to celebrate. He went back in the jet and returned with a candy box.”
“Eddie and Freddie also came out of the jet, they had coffee cups in their hands and both were eating a roll of Paratha that Kuldeep brought them from his home.”
Roger led Vinita to his jet, “Hey Eddie and Freddie meet your new boss.”
They both saluted Vinita.
Eddie said to Freddie, “Didn’t I tell you this already?”
“Yes you told me this two years ago,” Freddy replied.
They all laughed.
Roger said to Vinita, “Wish you could come.”
“Well Roger we have whole life together, Go bring your mother to Uttarkashi,” Vinita said.
“I will try. Bye now. Bye Elvis the show runner.”
“Eddie and Freddie, let’s hit the road to Mumbai,” Roger said.
In two minutes jet disappeared in the sky.

Helicopter Pilot informed Rishi that they will be waiting for them till 6pm. Rishi and Vinita had ten hours. Pilot said that they do not fly in the mountains at dark and they had to return to Delhi at night.” He also gave Rishi his cell phone numbers.
Rishi and Vinita took a taxi and reached Haridwar at about 9am.

7

Servant woke up Sonny at 10am. “Sir some one wants to speak to you on line one, he says it is urgent.”
Sonny picked up the phone.
“Hello.”
“Sonny this is Poppy, how are you. We are trying to contact you since morning, what happened?”
“Well my mother stole my money so I can’t pay you for the job.”
“Don’t worry about money. Your cell phone is not working.”
“Oh! I resigned from the company, they took it away.”
“Come outside, we must talk. I have a gift for you.”
Sonny changed clothes and stepped outside, Poppy was waiting for him in a new car. Sonny’s right hand was in sling so Poppy shook his left hand.
“Hello Poppy, how are you.”
“Sonny, I am fine. Here is your gift, brand new cell phone with a camera; it can even record voices, brand new. My girl friend gifted it to me but I have several.”
Poppy gave him a box containing a new cell phone. Cell phone was tempered, it recorded all conversations on a memory card.
“Thanks Poppy I needed a good phone now I need a new number too, you know I can’t drive a motorcycle or car.”
“OK I let’s get you a new number.”
Poppy drove to a phone shop whose owner happened to be a friend of Poppy, he gave a new number without asking for Sonny’s photograph and a copy of identification, both were mandatory requirements to obtain a new number.
“Hey Sonny, I have a good news for you.”
“What.”
“It is about the job yesterday you wanted us to do.”
“Man, I already told you that my money is blocked up.”
“Don’t worry about the money. You are my best friend and your enemy is my enemy; two of our best men took flight to Delhi, there are on the way to Uttarkashi.
Sonny was smiling.
Poppy said, “You must talk to them; they don’t know how to go there, who is the Ghat-washer, where is that goddamn Ghat, where does he lives and more?”
Poppy punched Omar’s cell phone number in the new phone.
“Hello Omar, talk to Sonny.”
“Hey! Hey! Sonny, it is a pleasure to speak with you.”
“Where are you Omar?”
“We just passed Haridwar. Today I saw your holy river Ganges.”
Sonny talked with Omar for ten minutes, now they were friends.
At the end Sonny said, “Hey Omar, before starting your journey in the mountains don’t’ forget to swallow two Avomine tablets otherwise you would spilling your guts all over the Himalayas.”
They laughed.
Poppy dropped Sonny at his home. Everybody was still at the hospital; he went back to bed and fell to sleep.

8

Poppy stopped his stolen car at a deserted place, he removed SIM card from his stolen cell phone and burned it under his cigarette lighter. Under no circumstances he wanted to receive a call from Sonny because Sonny’s new cell phone was recording all conversations on a memory chip.
This night is the last night of our make believe friendship, whole plan is already in place. A Ghat-washer Rishi would die tonight or in the morning. Tomorrow we will unleash fire ants in Sonny’s family’s pants.

Poppy smiled. He called Danny. Danny called his brother in Dubai and gave him the happiest news of his life.
Don asked Abdul, “I think we have a harmonium in our home.”
“Yes Sir, we have it. Previous owner had left it here.”
“Bring it.”
Abdul brought a harmonium and Don started playing it. He was playing it after several years so it took a while to get the right melody.
“Abdul I heard you dance well.”
“Yes sir!”
“Let’s see your Dance.”
“Sir it is impossible to dance at the harmonium tune. One can only dance with beats.”
“Yes! Yes! Yes! Of-course.”
Abdul brought a big brass plate from the kitchen. He started beating it like a perfect drum player. In few minutes Don’s harmonium melody caught up with Abdul’s perfect beats and music was born.
Abdul drummed and danced. Don played harmonium with rigor and vigor, he was sitting on a mat but his whole body was dancing, and his head and shoulders were waving with the tunes.
Abdul stopped to rest, he was panting and sweating. Loud speakers of the mosques screamed.
“Abdul it is pray time.”
“Yes Sir, I am going to take a bath.”
“No Abdul, one must pray on the correct time. You should take bath later on.”
“Very well sir.”

9

It was about quarter to ten in the early noon. May sun was ablaze at the horizon and heat was oppressing. Rishi and Vinita had breakfast in a restaurant and then walked to the manmade island on the Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat and sat on a step with water touching their feet. Water was still cold but not as freezing cold in Uttarkashi. Ganges meets many rivers in the mountains and by the time it reaches Haridwar, it swells up significantly. Most of the water is bypassed to the Ghat by a barrage.
Pilgrims were performing religious rites and taking bath everywhere on the many Ghats
“Rishi, I am overwhelmed with this scene.”
“Yes madam.”
“So I am madam now.”
“Yes you are a rich lady.”
“I will never be rich.”
“Huh!”
“Roger asked me to accompany him to Mumbai,” said Vinita.
“Then why didn’t you go with him?” asked Rishi.
“I am not married to him yet.”
“Marriage is a union of hearts and you say you are not married yet.”
Vinita was shocked to hear this.
“It was inappropriate to go with him, no marriage ceremony is performed yet,” Vinita clarified.
Rishi stayed silence but Vinita was upset, she started cracking her fingers.
“Did I make a mistake? I was worried that I made a mistake.”
“You were worried that you made a mistake?”
“Yes.”
“Then you made a mistake,” Rishi said.
“Well it is too late now. I can call at his brother’s home in Mumbai and leave a message for him?”
“Roger does not work this way, you must learn his ways.”
“What do you mean?”
“Roger has no habit to call ten people for ten jobs, he makes one call to one person and gets ten jobs done.”
“I see, I will call Jennifer, she serves as his central command post.”
Vinita woke up Jennifer in New York; it was apparent from her voice that she was upset but as Vinita gave her the news that she got engaged to Roger. Jennifer was instantly happy and congratulated her.
At the end she said, “Let me find Roger, I will make him call you without a delay.”

10

Hermit took a window seat just behind the pilots. He was watching in amazement. Anytime he saw a river he yelled, “Jai-Ganga-Mai.”
Eddie said to Freddie, “All rivers look Ganges to him.”

Roger was instantly busy with Kuldeep, had no time to think about Vinita. Kuldeep was handing him documents one by one and he read, questioned and signed some of the document. They discussed about a hostile takeover of a manufacturing facility in Indonesia. They arrived at Mumbai Airport in little over two hours. He and Kuldeep were not done yet; they ordered ground transportation to the airport exit and found a car waiting for them. Pilots were to get aircraft serviced before going to a Hotel. He sat in the back seat with Kuldeep and Hermit sat in the front with driver.
Kuldeep’s cell phone rang, it was Jennifer from New York, she wanted to talk with Roger. He handed his phone to Roger.
“How is your brother?”
“He is in Coma.”
“I am sorry and I know it is not a right time to congratulate you for your engagement but I am telling you to let you know that I got the news.”
“Who told you?” Roger was bewildered.

11

Vinita’s cell phone rang. It was Roger.
“Vinita, how are you and where are you?”
“I am fine and we are in Haridwar.”
“Wish I was with you.”
“Me too, I am sorry that I didn’t accompany you.”
“Look, Jet will be returning to fetch you and Rishi from the Dehradoon Airport.”
“What! Are you joking?”
Roger ignored her question, “Joshi Ji too will join you in the Jet.”
“Joshi Ji! How?”
“Helicopter is already in the air to fetch him from Uttarkashi.”
“Joshi Ji, Why?”
“You said you didn’t accompany me because we are not married yet. I have no time to find a priest in Mumbai. Joshi Ji will perform our marriage here.”
“But. . .”
Roger interrupted her, “Hira Singh has sent somebody to run to Joshi and bring him to helipad. I got to run. See you here in Mumbai in some hours.”
Vinita broke the news to Rishi.
“I guess we must buy some clothes.”
At eleven thirty they were racing in the taxi to Dehradoon airport.

12

Roger, Kuldeep and Hermit went straight to hospital where Bishambar was admitted. Kuldeep left for airport to catch returning flight to Delhi.
Roger walked in the hospital and Hermit followed him, a press reporter came running to him and started taking pictures.
Roger grunted, “Go away.”
Before he could ask receptionist about his brother’s room, same reporter pointed him the way and told him the room number. Hospital security guard stopped the reporter follow him further.

A doctor led them to Bishambar’s room, he was on the life support; his mother and sister-in-law Sonali received them with expression less faces. News of Roger’s arrival spread in the hospital and another doctor came running, they shook hands.
“I am Doctor Shah, I am in-charge here.”
“What is the news?”
“News is very bad, your brother had a heart attack followed by a massive stroke. His reflexes are dead.”
“What will happen to him?”
“He is in coma and his heart and brain are damaged. Coma patients are unpredictable. Even if he comes out of coma he would be brain dead.”
“Can any hospital in the world fix him,” Roger asked.
“Nope,” replied Doctor.
His sister-in-law Sonali asked, “Roger how are you.”
“I am fine. I am sorry to see all this,” Roger said.
“He pushed all the limits,” she replied.
His mother had tears in her eyes he felt pity on her.

Hermit stood near the window in the room and watched the arrival of more TV crews, photographers and media vehicles, with their satellite dishes and several antennas protruding. A television was hung from the wall; a reporter was announcing from the hospital entrance that Roger has arrived in Mumbai to see his brother.
Hermit was overwhelmed with everything.
So Rishi sahib’s friend Sethi is not really Sethi, he shouted, “Jai-Ganga-Mai. Hur-Hur-Gangae.”
Everybody looked at him in bewilderment and he was very embaressed.

13

Roger’s jet was again near Dehradoon Airport.
“Freddy, it seem like boss is out of rocker.”
“Yes all rich people go out of their rocker sooner or later, did you see the movie about Howard Hughes?”
“I was watching it in the multiplex but my girl didn’t like it so I ended up seeing some other crap where a boyfriend spanks girlfriend and then begs her for forgiveness for twenty years,” Eddie replied.
“Then they get married?” asked Freddie.
“She marries some other guy the next day of spank, this other guy beats her up everyday for twenty years?”
“I get it. Then they get married.”
“No they do not marry because he spanks her again after twenty years. Freddie.”
Freddie said, “No kidding!”
Eddie said, “I was telling you that boss is out of his mind. He is again using us, as we are tempo drivers. He is going Howard Hughes’s way.”
“It is the time to ask for raise. My wife and her layers are eating up all my money.”
Eddie pointed down to the ground.
“Do you see the rail line entering in a terminal?”
“Yes, A train is leaving it.”
“Idiot! You ask for a raise and you would get yourself fired right here, and find yourself waiting for the train at that railroad station. Boss helped you to make seventy thousand dollars on just one tip.”
“That money was not for running this auto-rickshaw as a slave labor. That was an illegal activity called Insider Trading.”
“Stupid! Shut your snout. Boss is always covered but we could go to Jail.”
“Nobody is listening to us here.”
“You fool you are sitting on the black box recording everything.”
Freddy got worried, “I thought you were a slow learner.”
“Pay your attention on the on the landing.”

14

Helicopter landed again at Uttarkashi at eleven thirty. A crowd of onlookers and school children gathered at the fence. As the rotors stopped and dust was settled, a pilot jumped out and walked to the crowd.
He yelled, “Who is Joshi the Pundit?”
Joshi and Hira Singh walked forward.
“We are both Joshi the Pundits,” Hira Singh said.
“I was told to bring one Joshi the Pundit?”
Hira Singh replied, “Which Joshi the Pundit do you want, this is the village of Joshis and we all are Pundits.”
Pilot had no time to waste he said, “Hop in both of you Joshi the Pundits.”
Hira Singh was happy to have a helicopter ride and he had to do lots of shopping in Dehradoon. Rishi brought him luck. Sethi fixed his own price and rented the whole floor of the hotel as well terrace, which was still rented. Hira Singh refused to accept money for food but Sethi fixed his own price and Vinita handed him another wade of bills. Now he was getting a free Helicopter ride.
He said to Joshi the Pundit, “Rishi is bringing me luck.”
Priest replied, “Yes, same with me too.”
Yesterday Roger gave him ten thousand rupees for the engagement. He refused to accept the money because they were Rishi’s friends but Vinita hid the money in his small room by the temple, and he found it in the morning.

As Rishi and Vinita alighted from the taxi they saw the same helicopter landing near terminal. Everybody presumed they were some VIPs so they entered in the terminal and without any obstruction they walked to the landed helicopter. Soon brown jet appeared from nowhere and approached to the runway.

Hira Singh had a joke in his mind he went to Helicopter pilot and said, “Sorry you brought wrong Joshi the Pundit. Take me back.”
Pilot’s mouth went dry.
“I told you before that I would not be bringing the wrong Joshi the Pundit.”
“You never told me before.”
“Yes I did.” Pilot was angry.
“I just walked in the helicopter just to have a look but you flew it.”
Pilot yelled in anger, “Why didn’t you tell us then.”
“I got scared and fainted,” Hira Singh said with miserable face.
“Well in that case you must take a bus back.”
Hira Singh shouted to Vinita, “He does not want to take me back; he brought the wrong Joshi the Pundit.”
Rishi had a fit of laughter; he turned his face and held his stomach.
Vinita was confused, she looked at Rishi to ask him what is going on and she saw his whole body was shaking with laughter.
Hira Singh bellowed like a Jersey Cow looking for its calf, “Take me back. I want to go home.”
Other Pilot also came down and removed his headphone.
Now Hira Singh yelled to him, “Take me back.”
First Pilot screamed on the other, “Why didn’t you check his ID in Uttarkashi.”
Hira Singh removed a valet from his pocket and took out a picture ID and yelled, “I am not Joshi the Pundit, but you asked me to hop in.”
It was too much for Rishi he sat on the pavement and laughed and Vinita sat with him and started laughing.
Roger’s jet taxied in their direction and stopped fifty yards away from them.
Rishi yelled to Hira Singh, “Hira Singh, this plane will take you to Uttarkashi.”
Hira Singh came to Rishi and said, “OK, I think I will take this plane it would be even faster.”
Both helicopter Pilots jumped in their cabin and they were cleared to fly off immediately. They vanished in the sky with great rush.
They all laughed hysterically.

The door under the belly of the Jet protruded, they walked into it. Hira Singh entered into it just to have a look, he never been on any airplane.
Rishi whispered something in Freddie’s ears, he punched a button and staircase from the jet retracted and door disappeared.
“I am not going to Mumbai,” Hira Singh yelled in Hindi, “Where did the door disappeared, get me down.”
“Hira Singh, it is too late,” said Rishi, “It is not a bus door. You take the train from Mumbai. Dehradoon Express takes only three days to get here.”
Pilot said, “We can’t open the door. We must fly. He punched the jet engines to life and aircraft turned on the taxiway.”
Hira Singh was now desperate. His mouth went dry.
He screamed, “Get me down. Get me down. I just walked in to have a look.”
Vinita was not good at controlling her laugher she went to Roger’s cabin and started laughing in a corner.
Jet stopped and opening again appeared
Hira Singh ran out like a dog running away from the municipal dogcatchers. Eddie and Freddie also stated laughing.

They landed in Mumbai at 3.30pm. Freddie contacted control tower, requested ground transportation to the terminal building, and a car approached the aircraft and took them to terminal. They were out of airport, warm and humid coastal air welcomed them. Nobody was there to receive them.

“Now Vinita do you know where to go from here?”
“I have no idea.”
“We don’t even know where Roger is.”
“And I hate to wake up Jennifer again in New York.”

15

Roger left Hermit with his mother and sister-in-law in the hospital. Roger’s wealth isolated his family from all other relatives and friends. Either Roger gave them jobs and sent them abroad or they drifted apart because Roger’s family was on a different level and they saw themselves unfit to stay around them. Bishambar’s egoistic personality contributed a lot to it and they had no friend or relative.

Both ladies were so upset they even forgot to greet the Hermit. Hermit was a perceiving person soon he grasped the whole situation. For the last one week he was seeing Rishi running the whole show as he was Ganga Mai and Ganga Mai was he. This was the time for Hermit to do the job of Ganga Mai.
He rose and inspected Bishambar,s reflexes. He even forced opened his eyes.
Then he said to Roger’s mother.
“Mother, I accompanied your son from Uttarkashi because I have some medicinal experience.”
“Swami Ji, you cannot do anything anymore. He will stay in coma.”
“Ganga Mai will solve all the problems. I have brought Ganges water for you.” Hermit handed her a small plastic bottle.
“Thanks Swami Ji.” She placed it on the table where other medicines were lying.
He said, “Mother, there is no sense in sitting here. I will take you to your home.”
Both ladies wanted to go to home but none of them had guts to say this to other. Hermit gave them strength and they left the hospital in a taxi.
They arrived home and servant served food and Hermit requested them to eat so they ate.
To cheer up the family he announced, “My dear Sister and Mother I have happy news to share with you. Ganga Mai had found a girl for Roger. The girl is just like Ganga Mai as pretty as my Mother Ganga Mai. Make arrangements to welcome Ganges in your hearts and in this home.”
Both ladies smiled, Sonali said, “Swami Ji, It is indeed good news.”
Roger’s mother said, “It is a good omen too because a holy person has brought a good new in this house full of doom and gloom.”
Sonika said, “Maharaj, please tell us the whole story. Roger is too busy to tell us anything.”

16

Roger was very busy. From the hospital he went to Mumbai headquarters of his company, which was already in frenzy upon the news of his arrival in Mumbai. CEO welcomed him on the main door and brought him to his own office. CEO sat on a sofa in front. Roger instructed him to summon all CEOs in his Indian Establishments and arrange a meeting one by one with each person; some were already on the planes to see him. His second order was to summon all directors in Mumbai. He wanted to see all directors before midnight, even if they had to hire an air taxi. He scheduled a board meeting at midnight.

He got busy with Mumbai CEO and then found other waiting for him with a pile of documents. He summoned chartered accountants, stockbrokers, bankers, attorneys, underwriters and other many other people. His mind was occupied with thousand things and a stenographer was taking all notes. He liked old-fashioned stenography because records could be destroyed and there were no voice or hand signatures. He ate his lunch talking with Calcutta CEO and as he was to call another CEO a lady appeared in the room with a cordless phone.
“Sir! Jennifer wants to speak with you.”
He took the phone to his ears and Jennifer screamed, “Your fiancée is waiting at the airport for one hour.”
“Sorry! Now please excuse me, I am busy.” He disconnected the phone.
He summoned Mumbai CEO again and said, “My guests have arrived at airport. They must reach at my mother’s home ASAP. They have a cell phone and this is the number.” He wrote Vinita’s cell phone on the paper and handed it to CEO.
“I will go and fetch them myself.”
“Didn’t I say ASAP? And I need you here.”
CEO jumped from the seat and ran to his secretary.

17

At quarter to three PM Vinita’s cell phone rang. It came from Roger’s Mumbai headquarter that Roger asked for the apology for the inconvenience and a taxi would be arriving soon.

Taxi brought Rishi, Vinita and Joshi at Bishambar’s home at 4.30pm. Three media vans with satellite dishes on the top were standing in the street.
Roger’s mother asked, “Are you Vinita?”
Vinita nodded.
”You cannot step in this home.”
Vinita’s heart missed a beat.
A servant brought a mustard oil bottle.
Roger’s mother spilled mustard oil on the both sides of the threshold then Vinita was allowed to enter in the home.
They all clapped. Roger’s mother presented her a gold necklace and asked her to wear it and Sonali too gave her four gold bangles.

Hermit was taking a bath and as he walked out of bathroom and saw them.
He yelled, “Jai-Ganga-Mai. Hur-Hur-Gangae.”
Everybody replied, “Jai-Ganga-Mai. Hur-Hur-Gangae.”
Roger’s mother said to Rishi, “You must be Rishi.” Rishi nodded.
“What do you do Rishi,” Sonali asked.
“I am a Ghat-washer”
There was a burst of laugher in the room. Sonika noticed that somebody laughed in her home after a long time.
Rishi continued, “I am here because Roger owes me a massage and a wrestling match.”
They laughed again and then Vinita told them the whole massage story and they again laughed.
Roger’s mother said, “I can’t believe Roger can give massage to anybody. He was always bossy.”
Priest was absorbed in TV, Roger’s Mumbai arrival was the main news on all news channels, and he was overwhelmed with the new developments in his own life. He had a helicopter ride and a Jet ride. Yesterday he performed an engagement ceremony of a very rich and famous man. Now he was in Mumbai to perform his marriage ceremony.

Sonika repeatedly asked herself if it was proper to laugh at the time when her husband is in coma and lying in the hospital. She felt no love for her husband as well son. Today she stepped out from the long and brutal depression.
Hermit was amazed that he read her mind.
How did I do this, how did this happen, is this a dream? I read the mind.
He felt Rishi is also aware of the whole situation; he too is working to change everything.
Hermit smiled. Rishi is not working to change anything but Ganga Mai is at the work. There is only Ganga Mai.

Roger’s mother noticed Sonika was laughing after a long time. She thanked God. A Hermit came to their home from the mountains and things were changing fast. She too was laughing. She too asked herself, was is proper to laugh at the time when her son is in coma and lying in the hospital?

18

Omar wok up Sonny at 3.30, he still had severe headache.
“Hello Sonny, guess what?”
“Hello Omar, where are you?”
“I am in a town called Chamba. I could have called you but this is the only place where this damn cell phone worked. Uttarkashi is about another four hours.”
“What is the news?”
“I doubt if I would get any signal before Uttarkashi, I would like to do the job tonight. Do you know where this Rishi, the Ghat-washer sleeps?”
“A Hermit always stays on the Ghat; he may know where he lives.”
Sonny walked out to use bathroom with the new cell phone still on his ear, he heard laughing, he was stupefied to see Rishi, Hermit, Vinita and a stranger sitting with his mother and grandmother.
“Look Omar, there are guests in the home; I will call you in ten minutes.” Sonny disconnected the phone.
He sat on the toilet seat and tried to evaluate the situation but headache made his mind sluggish.
Two hit men are traveling in the mountains, thousands of miles away, to kill this Ghat-washer who happened to be sitting under my nose.
Sonny laughed and muttered, “Let’s call Poppy. I didn’t ask him to send two men to Uttarkashi. He volunteered to do me a favor.”
But Poppy phone number was stored in his other cell phone. Sonny sneaked to his room and noted Poppy’s cell phone number and called him but he was off the line. He tried several times but no answer. He repeatedly called Omar but it was apparent that he was out of range.

As Sonny’s mother saw him leaving the bathroom, suddenly she remembered the black canvas bag that she forgot in the hospital. She called the hospital and asked the nurse to remove it from the Bishambar’s room and keep it at safe place.

Sonny stayed in his room, he was unable to stand Rishi and Hermit’s faces because Rishi called him on the Ghat to sign the resignation letter and Hermit was a witness. There he got his right hand damaged.
I have a bill to settle with them. I may leave the girl alone.

He heard them all laugh, he was angry on his mother and grandmother.
Is it proper to laugh at the time when my father is in coma and lying in the hospital? They are happy because now they can spend my money. Money is mine. I own it. My father is a fool but I will double it each year. I lost one big bet so what. That is not the end of line. One learns from mistakes. My judgment was correct but cricket match was fixed and government is looking into it.

19

Roger’s mother tried to call Roger at his Mumbai headquarter, they said he is busy and will call back. Finally his mother had no alternative except to call New York.

Roger was very busy with his CEOs, accountants, bankers, underwriters and brokers. Directors of his companies have started arriving. Two directors were in Singapore and Taiwan they too were summoned they were on the planes.
He snapped at his Mumbai CEO, “Where are you arranging the director’s meeting.”
“They all won’t fit in our conference room, we have arranged a conference room in a hotel.”
“Are you out of your mind? This is a private meeting I want an open place. A hotel terrace would work. Conference room can be bugged with listening devices.”
“Roger, Security Company is already sweeping up the place.”
“Let them sweep. Also book up an open air space and keep the real venue secret till the end.”
“OK.”
Then his satellite phone rang and Jennifer said, “Roger call your mother and if anybody from your family wakes me up again I will quit.” She disconnected the phone.
“Get my mother on line,” he barked.
He was talking with an bank director. CEO dialed the number and heard servant’s voice he asked for Roger’s mother and as she came on the line he handed the receiver to him.
Roger said in annoyed tone, “Mother I am busy. Can’t you wait till tomorrow?”
“Congratulations Roger, we met your bride. You got lucky this time. We all are happy. Now come home.”
“I can’t.”
“Just come here for few minutes.”
“I will try.”
“No you better come. Rishi says it is an emergency.”
“I will see what I can do.”
Roger told his Mumbai CEO to arrange a car for him and asked the Bangalore and Mumbai CEO’s to accompany him in car to discuss unfinished business.

Government also woke up on the news of his arrival and several police vehicles were standing at the gate along with media vehicles, a police inspector approached to Mumbai CEO and asked for their destination and escorts accompanied them with sirens in front and back of them. Two motorcycles sped forward to stop the traffic. Cameras and flashes came alive but nobody got a chance to approach him.

“He said he is coming,” Roger’s mother said.
They all clapped with joy. Media vans standing in front of their home already got the news and they switched on their halogen lights. In half hour they heard sirens and a motorcade arrived.
Roger walked in his brother’s driveway; only Mumbai CEO followed him other CEO stayed in the car.
Mumbai CEO saw two parked Mercedes in the driveway and asked him, “Roger we have a minor situation here. These cars belong to Company, we can write them off if you want?”
“Bishambar will never drive again and my sister-in-law does not drive. I will ask my nephew and if he wants I will clear the account. Remind me in the home and then remind me again in your office. Please excuse me now, stay in the car and come back in half hour.”
His sister-in-law told him to stand outside and asked Vinita to stand with him.
His mother again spilled mustard oil on the both sides of the threshold of the main door.
As they were to walk inside Hermit brought out another plastic bottle and spilled Ganges’s water on the both sides of the door and yelled, “Jai-Ganga-Mai. Hur-Hur-Gangae.”
Everybody welcomed them inside expect Sonny who stayed in his room and kept smoking cigarette after cigarette.

Hermit had a very sharp nose he felt cigarette smoke and figured out that it was coming out from a bedroom next to the bathroom, in the end of hallway. Priest was ready for a Puja, they all sat cross-legged on the carpet, and he performed a quick Puja. After Puja they all rose and sat on the sofas. They exchanged pleasantries then Vinita helped Bishambar’s wife in serving up the tea and snacks. In half hour they heard knock on the door Roger’s Mumbai CEO walked in. No time was wasted in introductions. CEO was about to remind Roger about Mercedes cars, Roger said to his sister-in-law servant, “If Sonny is at home, I want to see him now.”

Sonika went to her son’s room and found him smoking. “Your uncle wants to see you.”
He was shocked to know that Roger was in the home.
No, no, no, no. Oh my god.
He put off his cigarette, rushed to the bathroom, wiped his face with the good hand and gargled with mouthwash and came to the edge of the living area and stood there. There was a silence in the room.
“How are you doing and how is your hand?” Roger asked.
“OK”
“I won’t waste even one minute of your time. Do you need both Mercedes cars?”
“Dad needs them?”
“It appears that you are unaware of your father’s medical condition. He will never drive the cars.”
“Is he dead?”
“Did you go to hospital to see you father?”
Sonny shook his head.
“I see. As I said I won’t waste even one minute of your time. Just one question, do you need one or both Mercedes cars.”
Sonny said, “Yes, I need both.”
“You can go back to your smoke.” It was obvious that Sonny was smoking because he smelled smoke.
Then Roger said to Mumbai CEO, “OK settle the bill and arrange the transfer of both cars’ ownership to Sonny’s name.”
Sonny went was very confused. He did not go to his room but sat on a chair by dining table.
Rishi whispered in Roger’s ears, “Gangagiri has inspected Bishambar’s condition?”
“Rishi! What are you waiting for, do what you have to?” he whispered back.
“I need the approval of whole family; we must have a meeting in privacy.”
Roger rose and walked in the direction of Bishambar’s study and said to Rishi, “You decide who is the family and bring them in the study.”
Rishi asked to Roger’s mother, Bishambar’s wife Sonika and Hermit to join Roger in the study.

Roger sat on Bishambar’s chair and looked at the minute-by-minute price-volume details printouts of the stocks Bishambar sold to him. In a split second Roger understood the whole story.
Bishambar, you were always a fool. Why you cared what I do? You got more then you asked. I could have given you much more if you needed or asked. You fool! If I created the wealth, I always shared it with my whole family.
His mother, Sonika, Rishi and Hermit each took a seat around him.
Rishi said softly, “Gangagiri is here to make an effort to cure Bishambar. He will use fresh cobra poison upon him. It can only be done if you all approve and cooperate. This is a risky procedure.”
Everybody nodded in approval.
Rishi whispered, “This means everybody had approved.”
They all nodded.
“If all goes well tomorrow we would do the procedure in the hospital. We all must conspire together, otherwise doctors will never let us do it unless we bring him at home but he is at life support.” Rishi whispered.
Roger asked, “Where do you get a cobra.”
“Gangagiri says we could find it in the jungles of Konkan coast, around Alipore, just across the bay. Many years ago he traveled in that region with snake charmers.”
“When are you leaving?” Roger asked.
“Now.”
“You can not leave before dinner,” said Sonika.
They came back in the living room and resumed their spots.
Roger said to Mumbai CEO, “What do you know about Alipore.”
“I have been there, about one hour boat ride. Why?”
Roger pointed towards Rishi and Hermit. “They are going there after dinner. Arrange them the fastest transportation and the best hotel for two days.”
“There are a couple of resorts on the shore, in the wilderness. I will book them a high-speed boat. Time to time we rent a property there, which has its own marina.”
Roger inquired, “So you take your vacations there.”
CEO smiled. “No I mean our company rents a resort for our business needs.”
CEO asked Rishi “Is that OK or you want to stay in the town which is far away from the shore?”
Rishi said, “A resort in the wilderness suits us best.”
CEO said, “Consider it done. A taxi will be here soon.”
Roger declared, “I am leaving,” he turned to his CEO. “Let’s go, I must see the directors.”
As Roger and CEO were to leave
Priest said, “I will also go with Rishi and Gangagiri. It seems like I am not doing anything here.”
Roger turned back and said to Priest, “Joshi Ji, I request you to stay with my family but I can’t force you against your wish.”
“OK I will stay here.”
“Thank you very much.” Roger replied softly.
CEO muttered to himself, “This is unusual that Roger making a request, he always orders.”
His mother yelled, “Dinner is being served on the table.”
“Mother I have no time. I have to see two hundred people. I can’t wait.” Roger rushed to the main door and walked out. Press reporters ran after him but police intervened and motorcade was on the way to Roger’s Mumbai HQ.

Sonny’s cell phone rang.
Omar said, “Hello Sonny, we have arrived in Uttarkashi. Mulchand will kill Rishi tomorrow.”
“Listen.” He was about to tell them the news that Rishi was in Mumbai but line went dead.
Phone rang again.
“Hello Sonny. We have reached Uttarkashi Mulchand and I. Don’t worry Mulchand will do it. Mulchand is an expert knifeman.” Line went dead again.
Sonny tried to call Omar but they were now off the line.
He muttered, “Seems like they are drunk. They are only wasting their time.”

20

Omar and Mulchand avoided taking a private taxi; they sat on a shared jeep to Uttarkashi. Omar offered additional hundred rupees to driver to take them there as fast as possible and driver gladly accepted their offer. Driver did his best but other passengers accused them of stalling the journey. Both stopped the jeep at least ten times, to either vomit or to have a lemon and soda to overcome the vertigo, both were new to mountain journey. Both were regretting, why they drank whisky at night.
They arrived in Uttarkashi in the evening and had no energy left to find a Ghat, or a Hermit, or a Rishi.
Mulchand called Poppy but he was off the line.
Mulchand asked Omar, “Call Sonny.”
“Why are you pushing me to call him again and again, this is not a way to do the business.”
“Give me your phone, I will call.”
“Use your own phone.”
“It is low on cash.”
Omar was suspicious from the beginning; he gave his phone to Mulchand.
Mulchand dialed the number.
Sonny was on the line.
Mulchand handed the phone to Omar, “Tell him just say hello and tell him that you will do Rishi tomorrow.”
“Hello Sonny, we have arrived in Uttarkashi. Mulchand will kill Rishi tomorrow.” Omar disconnected the phone.
Mulchand felt the ground slipped under his feet.
Omar had a rogue smile on his face. “Happy.”
Mulchand stomped his feet and they walked to a hotel.
Omar said, “I will buy you a bottle. Don’t worry we will do Rishi.”
“Son-of-bitch. Why did you say my name? Phones could be recorded.”
Omar laughed, “OK, I will correct my mistake.”
He dialed Sonny again.
“Hello Sonny. We have reached Uttarkashi Mulchand and me. Don’t worry Mulchand will do it. Mulchand is an expert knifeman.”
Mulchand snatched phone from Omar, he turned it off and put it in his pocket.
“You are really a menace.”
“Let’s find a room and drink. We must do Rishi tomorrow. Do you know that when you slept I used your phone to call Sonny? Ha, ha, ha. I dialed his number at least ten times, well not really ten times because nine were missed calls but still in computer records.”
Mulchand pulled out his cell phone and discovered that Omar was not telling a lie.
“You know that you are a dead man.” Mulchand said.
“Ha, ha, ha. I just saved my life. Let’s go I will buy you a bottle.”
They rented a room in a decent looking hotel.
Omar went out to buy whisky.
Mulchand called Danny in his absence and gave him the whole news.
“Don’t worry Mulchand,” Danny assured him, “Memory chip in Sonny’s phone can record about one hour of conversations but we will edit the memory card. Anyway we need the chip to show to family, it will never go to police, and you are carrying a stolen phone. It is not registered on your name.”
Mulchand was not completely worry free; this time he had a personal score to settle with Omar.
Omar said, “I am going to the liquor shop.”
Mulchand wanted to say, “Go buy your last bottle,” but he said, “Buy the best stuff.”
Omar said, “Of-course.” He almost added, “It’s going to be your farewell party.”
He shut the door and Mulchand locked it from inside.

Omar went to liquor shop. He heard the roar of the river and asked a man.
“Where is the river?”
“You mean Mother Ganges.”
“Yes, where is it.”
“The Ghat is not even two minute’s walk. Follow me.”
That man led him to a Ghat.
“Go straight on this path and you will be on the Ghat.”
Omar arrived at the Ghat. At this time of night, he expected it to be deserted but a group of Hermits was sitting there. He walked to the roaring water and touched it with his finger and it was ice cold. A narrow path led from the last step to the ashrams. He had a plan.
Cold Coffin. Fittest will survive.

21

Sonny ate dinner and left home, he wanted to drive Mercedes, which was his own now but it was not possible to drive it with right hand bandaged and in the sling. He tried to call Poppy but again, he was still inaccessible, he repeatedly tried to call him. Doing things with one hand were a bit difficult. He smoked and experimented with his phone and took some pictures till its battery ran out. He went to his friend’s home and tried Poppy’s number in vain. He wanted to inform Poppy that Rishi is here in Mumbai.
He never wrote Omar’s phone number, it was stored in his new hi-tech phone with dead battery.

He was in thoughts he had a plan. He knew the exact place where Rishi and Hermit were going to stay in Alipore. He worked for the Roger’s Mumbai Company for five years. On several occasions he had entertained corrupt government officials with imported liquor, cigars and high-class prostitutes, in the Alipore rental property, on the behalf of his Company. He mediated many bribery deals and made a cut for himself too.
I must find Poppy or my plan would fail.

22

Vinita handed Rishi her cell phone and charger and said, “Keep it and stay in touch.”
A car brought Rishi and Hermit to Gateway of India and a high-speed boat was waiting for them.
As Hermit saw the ocean he yelled, “Jai-Ganga-Mai. Hur-Hur-Gangae.”
Boat Driver’s name was Mahadev. Hermit said it was a good omen that the person name Mahadev is taking us on a mission. Mahadev means Great God or The Shiva the destroyer. Shiva the God, a symbol of self-endurance always had a cobra around his neck.

They reached Alipore a little before midnight. Their stay was arranged in a private rental property with its own marina, luckily a light bulb was hanging there on a pole. Tropical vegetations and a thick lush grove of coconut, jackfruit and other trees surrounded whole place. Property had enough room for twenty people but they were just two. Mahadev said he was to sleep in his boat, which was theirs for two days; Rishi invited him in and asked him to feel free.
A man came, “I am the house keeper and the cook, my name is Shiva.”
Hermit shouted, “Jai-Ganga-Mai. Hur-Hur-Gangae. Jai Shiva. Jai Mahadev.” That was a good omen too.
Rishi and Hermit took a bath in their attached bathrooms. Shiva made them tea.

In the back of the property, a narrow road passed through the thick vegetation, in the direction of public ferry and the beach. They decided to take a brief walk and came out of the property.
Shiva shouted, “Take this flashlight and watch for the poisonous snakes. Today was a hot day they come out of their warm holes and lie on the cool paved road.”
“Are there cobras?”
“Last week we killed one and other ran away?”
Hermit yelled, “Jai-Ganga-Mai. Hur-Hur-Mahadev.”
That was another good omen.

23

Omar left and Mulchand closed the door; he filled up a syringe with heroine. Omar spent five years in Afghanistan, he was heroine addict It was planned that after doing Rishi they will drink and then Omar would die with the drug overdose. In the morning Police would find his and Rishi’s bodies, police will discover his cell phone in his pocket.
Omar was gone for half an hour, Mulchand was very nervous.
If Omar runs away, whole plan shatters. I would be responsible for this failure. My life is at the stake. Don and his brother Danny, both are also taking a personal interest in this Rishi thing. Oh God!
Then he heard the knock, he opened the door.”
“What took you so long?”
Omar placed a whisky bottle on the table. “What took me so long? I am here on a job. And this is the only whisky I could buy in Uttarkashi.”
“This is coffin varnish.”
“Well that’s all they got here.”
Mulchand made two drinks and Omar gulped his glass.
Omar said, “Hurry up, I went to Ghat. Rishi is smoking pot with the hermit in a room.”
Mulchand looked at him with wide eyes. “What!”
“You heard me.”
Mulchand gulped his own glass and opened his bag. He took out four different metal pieces from four different corners and assembled them into a sharp knife.
“I love night duty.”
He looked at Omar who just gulped another drink.
Mulchand also made another drink and gulped it.
Omar led him to Ghat.
He went to the last step and turned left in the direction of ashrams, to leave the Ghat he had to jump on a rock that was buried in the rushing waters.
Mulchand wanted to ask thousand questions but anyway he followed him. He too jumped on the rock, he immediately suspected foul play but it was too late. Omar shoved him in the ice-cold water.
Mulchand’s body went numb with the suddenly exposure. Water was not deep but current was intense. He screamed and tried to catch a rock but water pushed him. He tried to rise on his feet but rocks hit him on the knees. He rolled like a ball and fell further in the rapids that crashed into the main water. He disappeared in the dark. In the roar of the river his screams went un-noticed.

Omar again jumped back on the Ghat and sat on the last step and laughed.
He sang.
Jack and Jill went up the hill.
Jack fell down.
He drowned.
In the waist deep waa-terrr.
Ice cold waa-terrr.

From a public phone shack and dialed a number in Mumbai.
“Hello this is Omar. Seems like my identity is exposed. I had to finish their swisher.”
“Swisher who …. Mulchand.”
“Yes, him.”
“We are proud of you Omar. Do you have your passport with you.”
“Yes.”
“Take a vacation in Thailand, you deserve it.”
He resisted his temptation to call Danny & Co. and to tell them that their best knife man, Mr. Swisher is gone with a swish.
Let Danny & Company to wait anxiously for Mulchand’s call. Anxiety is good for their blood pressure.

At the hotel reception luckily he found nobody, he went to his room and closed it from inside.
Let’s search Late Mulchand’s belongings.
He found a syringe full of liquid and he smiled. “Heroine! Thanks Mulchand, so you planned my last party.”
He injected himself a small amount and waited for the effect to take place. He turned on the TV and called room service.
“Do you serve food in this hotel?”
“We can get you from the next door restaurant.”
“Is the food any good, do they serve chicken.”
“No sir this is a holy town. No restaurant serves meat here.”
“Thank Almighty! We were also worried about the meat. Get me the best food for two people.”
“You must pay in advance and it may take ten minutes.”
“Come and get the advance.”
He went to the attached bathroom, turned on the light and water tap and shut the door from outside.
He heard a knock. “Sir, money for the food.”
Door is open, come inside. A boy entered and he handed him two hundred rupee.
“Wait, let me double check with my partner.”
He knocked at the bathroom door.
“Hey Ganga Ram, I am ordering pulav for you,” Omar said in muffled voice, “whatever.”
He looked at the man, “Yes also bring vegetable pulav. Keep the change.”
Boy left happily.
Omar made a drink for himself.
He arranged pillows and blankets under a bed sheet to reflect that his partner was sleeping. Food arrived in fifteen minutes. Boy arranged it on the small table and left. He ate some food and rest of it he packed in a polythene bag and threw it out of the window, two dogs rushed to it.
Finally Omar rearranged both luggage pieces and made just one piece because they traveled light.

24

Eddie and Freddie checked in to a hotel near the airport. Freddie was in the bathroom and Eddie was having a drink and watching television.
Eddie knocked on the bathroom door.
Freddie yelled, “What!”
“Hey Freddie, Boss is on the television.”
Freddie opened up the door, he was naked and wet. His body was covered with the foam of soap. He ran to the phone and said, “Yes.”
“Who are you talking to naked with soap all over you?” Said Eddie with a drink in his hand.
“You said boss is on the telephone.” Soap went in Freddie’s eye and now he was rubbing it.
“You dumb idiot, I said Boss is on the television not the telephone.”
Freddie walked back to the bathroom in anger and frustration Eddie said, “I didn’t know you were circumcised.”
“I am not” and he slammed the bathroom door.
“Seems like nobody ever told you,” Eddie said.

25

Roger was busy with accounts, stock prices, interest rates and day-to-day operations and long-term strategies of his ever-growing enterprises. About twenty people were sitting in the waiting room. Some times he was with just one person some time others were summoned in the room. His Mumbai CEO asked him that he is getting late for the Directors meeting. About eighty directors were waiting for him in a conference room of a super star hotel.
Abruptly he rose and said to the three people in the room, “Gentlemen I have a meeting to attend and you are excused. Good night.” And he left the room followed by stenographer and Mumbai CEO. Roger turned back and said to stenographer, “You are excused too, please leave all notes in the drawer in the room.”
And then he said to his CEO, “Lock the room and nobody will enter in it till I check out from here.”
They rushed to a waiting car in the enclosed parking area.
Roger said, “Did you book the whole terrace in the hotel.”
CEO nodded. “Yes.”
“Inform everybody that meeting will be on the hotel’s terrace. I want everybody to be strip-searched and do not allow any electronic devices including watches and phones, don’t spare even hearing aids.”
CEO was running after him with a CB radio in his one hand and cell phone in the other.
It was midnight and a new day started.

26

Midnight was an hour away. Don was making a plan on a paper. He had obtained Roger’s phone numbers, his executive secretary Jennifer’s number, both home numbers of Bishambar.
Danny was to go to personally to Sonny’s mother and Don himself was to call Roger.
How much money should be asked, where should be transferred. He was working with Abdul on the whole plan.
“Think Abdul, think. Think more things, this is going to be an opportunity for lifetime. You too are going to Canada with me, they have a new visa called Nanny Visa.”
“Yes boss, I think you should ask him for my H-1B visa to work in United States.”
“Abdul, have you ever been to college.”
“No Sir! But I went to a primary school.”
“Can you read, write, listen and speak English.”
“No boss, I can read, write, listen and speak Urdu, I can listen, read and speak Arabic, I can listen and speak Hindi and Punjabi, I can listen Persian, I can read some English, and now I can listen some Spanish.”
“Super! Super! Sure! Sure! Roger loves challenges.”
“Sir can I dance?”
“Sing and dance. Bring me my harmonium.”
“Sir it is not your harmonium.”
“Abdul! Abdul! Abdul! Everything is mine. Might is right.”
“Sir we two are Batman and Robin.”
Abdul went and came with a brass plate and the harmonium.
There was lots of singing and dancing till two donkeys arrived from somewhere, they started braying obstinately. Abdul tried to run them away but they kept coming back and took part in the duet. Abdul cursed them in all languages he knew Urdu, Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi, Persian and Spanish. Both parties were persistent. Abdul got one by the tail and to his astonishment he stood on his forelegs.
Abdul was mesmerized for a moment and then donkey hit him in his belly with his both hind legs at the same time. Abdul bounced like a football and luckily fell in the sand.
A passerby laughed, “This donkey is a football player.”
Other said, “A singer.”
Both donkeys brayed and rolled in the sand or rather sang and danced.
Don appeared on the door, “Hey Abdul, “Do donkeys have a language, Seems like you guys communicate with each other very well. Your another achievement.”


End of Chapter 8