Tales of Bhanu : The Priest's Secret - 2

"So Thakur sahab, what are the plans for today.", Thakur Dayal's friends asked.

"I'll be taking you all on a long drive in my new car.", Thakur Dayal told his friends.

"What you've got a new car?", one of them questioned.

"Yes, dad has got me a Mercedes for successfully completing my education in England.", Dayal said.

"That's great Dayal, you're one lucky bastard.", and they all started laughing.

Dayal promised to meet them later that evening and then he would take all of them on a long drive.

Later that evening:

"Wow, look at his car.", Dayal's friends were discussing amongst themselves while looking at his new car. It has left everyone awestruck, as none of them had seen a Mercedes before that.

"Are you guys just going to stare at it, or someone wants to experience the real magic? Come on inside.", Dayal said.

His friends sat in the car and they were all excited. One of them had brought a few bottle of liquor and they opened it to celebrate.

Dayal too was enjoying, the road was empty and therefore, he was driving the car at a high speed. He too had few drinks and was a little bit high. Everyone was enjoying the ride, they were playing loud music and the car's speed is giving them the adrenaline rush.

Immediately they felt a jolt.

"Dayal stop, i think we have hit someone.", one of them said.

"Don't worry it must be animal, these annoying animals should know when to cross the roads and when not to cross it.", and Dayal continued driving while humming under the effect of alcohol.

"Dayal we hit a man.", one of the friend who was sitting next to him said.

"What? Are you sure?", Dayal immediately hit the brakes and turned the car.

It took them 5 minutes to reach the spot. All of them got out of the car and started examining the area where the accident happened.

"Guys come here.", one of them exclaimed.

All of them ran towards him, there was a man lying at the side of the road in the pool of blood. His head was bleeding continuously, and one his leg was twisted badly.

They checked for his pulse.

"He's dead.", one of them said with a look of horror on his face.

Dayal was in a state of shock, he wasn't able to believe what happened. "What will we do now?", he wasn't able to think of anything.

"Dayal, you leave for the home. It’s pretty dark out here, and I guess there’s nobody around. We'll take care of all this, meet us in the morning tomorrow. And don't tell anyone about it.", one of the friend said and asked Dayal to leave.

Dayal was very scared, he went back home and silently parked the car in the garage. He made sure that no one sees the dent in his car by covering it. He went to his room, and slept. He didn't want to think about anything, he was numb and just wanted the night to end.

Next morning,

"What happened?", Dayal asked as soon as he met his group of friends.

"Don't worry we took care of him."

"Thank you so much guys, you don't know how scared I was last night.", Dayal explained.

"Don't worry, you're our friend. No problem can even touch you while we're there. Just make sure that you take care of us now.", one of them said.

"What do you mean?", Dayal was confused.

"Well, just some money. And no one will ever come to know about it.", the friend said.

"Don't worry you'll get the money.", Dayal replied. He was relaxed, as he doesn't have to worry about the accident anymore.

"By the way do you know who that guy was.", Dayal questioned.

"Yes, he was a farmer. His name was Gopi Kumar, he's from this village only. Don't worry, nothing will happen. We'll manage.", they assured him.

After that, he got the dent repaired and when the mechanic asked, he said that he banged into an electricity pole while parking the car.

In next few days, Dayal tried to recover and he was able to forget about the journey. He just thought of it as a bad nightmare and continued enjoying with his friends. To divert his mind, he started helping his father in village related duties.

"Dayal, i want you to visit a house in the village. You will have to collect the land's papers and pay them the money. I have given the address to the driver, he'll take you there", the Zamindar told Dayal.

"Ok dad.", and Dayal left for the village.

Village was 10 kms from the Dayal's house and he had to take the same route. He closed his eyes and pretended to take a nap. He didn't want to see the same spot where accident happened, even though he never thought much about the accident but it still remained in his mind.

"Sahab, we've reached.", driver said. Dayal looked out of the window and saw they had entered the village. He was a bit relieved after crossing that spot and entering the village.

"How far is the house from here?", Dayal asked.

"Sahab, you've to go to that house with yellow paint. I won't be able to take the car till there, so you'll have to walk.", driver gave him the directions.

"Don't worry I'll manage.", Dayal said.

Dayal got down the car and walked towards the house. He liked the village, it reminded him of his childhood memories when he used to come there to play cricket with his friend. He spotted some kids playing cricket in a nearby field, he also loved the village environment. For some reason he always felt at peace in the village.

"Is anyone there?", Dayal said while knocking the door.

A boy opened the door.

"Yes, who's this.", the boy asked.

"Namaste, Zamindar has sent me. He told me that i've to collect some land papers from you.", Dayal said.

"Have you got the money?", the boy questioned.

Dayal replied in affirmative.

The boy went inside to get the papers. Suddenly, a girl came at the door and started staring at Dayal. Dayal smiled at her, he loved kids and he remembered he bought a chocolate on the way. He took out the chocolate and gave it to the girl, the girl first hesitated but then took it. There was a big smile on her face, she thanked him and ran inside.

"Here are the papers.", boy had brought the papers. But he asked Dayal to give the money first. Dayal felt a little bit awkward.

"My dad asked me to take money and then give the papers.", the boy explained. Dayal smiled and gave him the money.

The boy started counting the money as Dayal examined the papers.

Suddenly he spotted something,

Name: Gopi Kumar

To be continued....

Tales of Bhanu : The Priest's Secret - 1

"Mo, we should go out somewhere. I am getting bored in summer vacations.", Bhanu said.

"No dear, your dad has office and you still have to finish your summer vacation homework.", his mom replied.

"But mom none of my friends are here, what should i do?", Bhanu questioned in an upset tone.

"Go out, make new friends.", she replied.

Bhanu was not satisfied with the answer, but still he picked up the cycle and left the home.

Bhanu a class 8th student was having his summer vacations, and none of his friends was around. It had been like this for 10 days and he started getting bored, and that day he had nothing to do. He just roamed around on his bicycle until he reached near the Hanuman temple.

He loved the temple, especially because he always felt calm while sitting in the corridor of the temple. He parked the cycle against a wall, took out his Enid Blyton novel from the cycle carrier and proceeded towards the temple's corridor.

"Hello Bhanu, how are you today." asked the temple's priest.

"Namaste Pandit ji. I am fine and how are you.", Bhanu replied.

"I am fine son. I see you're again getting bored today. You should make new friends.", priest said.

"No one talks to me, but i have friends. You're my friend and also the head priest. Hey where is the head priest?", Bhanu asked.

"He is resting in his chamber.", priest replied.

Bhanu stood up and proceeded towards the backside of the temple, where priests’ chamber was located. It was a small room with basic furniture and portraits of various deities.

"Namaste pandit ji.", Bhanu said as he entered the room.

"Hello Bhanu, what a surprise. Come inside.", head priest replied.

"What happened you're looking a bit nervous today?", Bhanu questioned.

"Nothing I was just thinking about something today.", head priest said.

"What were you thinking about, tell me.", Bhanu was curious.

"No, leave it. It's an old story.", head priest answered.

"It's ok, anyway i am getting bored today. So, i'll listen to your story.", Bhanu said.

"Ok so listen."

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This is the story of Bindiya Kumar(Bindu), Ramesh Kumar(Ramu), their father Gopi and Thakur Dayal.

There was a village Haripur and Thakur Dayal was the son of the Zamindar. He had just returned from England after finishing his studies and all day used to roam around, or boast about his degree amongst his friends. He was a brat.

On the other hand, Gopi was a farmer and had a small patch of land, but it was enough to support his family that consisted of Bindu and Ramu. Gopi's wife died in an accident 3 months after the marriage. He never married again but instead adopted Bindu and Ramu, he loved both of them a lot.

Gopi studied until 7th standard and had to leave the school due to family pressure, therefore, he decided that he'll make sure Bindu and Ramu finished their education.

Ramu was 15 yrs old, he was in 9th standard. He was a very mature guy. He used to take care of the house and his sister when their dad used to be out of the station. He also gave tuitions to some of the village kids, to help Gopi financially.

Bindu was a 10 yr old girl, she was in 5th standard. A typical village girl, she was very naughty and loved to play pranks on his brother. Bindu knew how to cook, and every day she used to help her father in cooking the dinner/lunch. She learned cooking from Gopi only.

Overall, they were a happy family. Ramu and Bindu were obedient kids, whereas Gopi was a loving father and was very fond of both of them. He wanted both Ramu and Bindu to get a good job after completing their education; therefore, he got them admitted into a school unlike the kids of many other farmers in the same village.

One day Gopi came back from his work early, and called Ramu.

"Son, I have to tell you something important.", Gopi said.

"Yup dad tell me.", Ramu replied.

"I have got a good job in the city, and therefore, very soon i'll be leaving. They are going to pay me 5000 Rs a month which is almost 3 times more than what i earn here.", Gopi explained.

"That's a great news dad, you can leave without any worries. I am there to take care of the house, our land and Bindu. If you want i can leave the school."

"No Ramu, i don't want you leave the school. I'll keep sending you the money every month which will be enough to run the household expenses. Plus, i'll be selling the land, which in turn will be enough to finance yours and your sister's education till class 12th.", Gopi told him his plans.

"But dad, is it really necessary to sell the land. That is the only thing you have except this house.", Ramu looked worried.

"Nothing is bigger in front of my two kids, and i want to secure your future. Selling the land will make sure that both you will complete your schooling.", Gopi answered.

"Ok dad, as you say. But dad, when will you be coming back, how many vacations will you get. How will we remain in contact with you?", Ramu questioned.

"Don't worry son, i'll be writing letters to you and whenever i'll get a chance. I'll phone at the PCO next to the kirana store. And I’ll be visiting you in every few months or will call you to the city.", Gopi replied.

"Ok dad. Anything else you want me to take care of?", Ramu asked.

"Yes son, I want you to take care of some papers kept in my cupboard. Give them to the Zamindar, he'll come to our house next week to pay the money. But give him the papers only after he gives you the money. Tomorrow i want you to accompany me to the bank, i'll get you accustomed to the proceeding and we'll open a bank account where you can deposit the savings and the money from the Zamindar.", Gopi said.

For next 3 days Gopi explained Ramu everything, and prepared him to take responsibility of himself, his younger sister and the house. Gopi didn't know when he's going to call Ramu and Bindu to the city, he didn't know how the job would turn out to be. But he made sure that he'll make the future of his children secure. He didn't want to leave them but he was doing it so that he could earn some extra money and ensure a better life for his children.

On the 4th day Gopi left for the city.