“Now we have to walk” said Dr. Singh (junior) about the long walk ahead. He was not worried about himself as he used to take such walks but he was worried about his elder brother who was more used to comforts of a city and he was thinking that it would be better that his brother stayed in the vehicle. But as he knew that he would be left alone here he did not spoke his thoughts not wanting to disappoint his brother who was looking excited at the thought of reaching the heart of the problem. They continued their walk over the old trail made clear by frequent walking of people coming to see the ruins even though it was evident that the trail was not frequently used. But it was there and it meant that something was there in the wilderness. The team continued it walk and people started to talk and absorbed the surroundings. They felt elated by the surroundings and any sense that they were going in a lion’s den was felt. The surroundings were such that it made them cheerful. There were plenty of greenery and birds in the forest were merrily going about their business. It was something that made the atmosphere around more alive. It was not like walking for a trek where people do not hear any sound for miles. The whole forest seemed too alive and happy. The party continued to trek along and passed water among them. When about half of the distance was covered, mama ji asked them to carry on as he would like to take some rest. As they continued, Narendra got worried that mama ji would fall far behind them so decided that he would trek back and come with him. As Narendra approached the place where they left mama ji he was surprised to find him missing. Feeling warned he started to search for him. It then when he saw smoke rising behind a tree. He smiled and walked to the tree. “I think I have caught you smoking” said Narendra coming on the other side of the tree With a surprise the chillum fell from mama ji’s hand. He was not smoking tobacco but something else. “What are you smoking here?” asked Narendra now his chance to be surprised as mama ji picked up the chillum and refilled it with some weed and a dark brown to black substance. “It is the gift of nature and the quality found in these parts is better than what we find in the plains. It’s here and in Himanchal that we can get the finest quality of these.” Said mama ji enjoying the surprise which was evident from Narendra’s face “But it is not legal and nor is good for health” said Narendra “I would have it rather sold in general stores if you ask me. Our laws have been borrowed from the British and they have distaste for every thing beautiful. And as for as it being bad for health, do I look as some who is anything but in pink of his health?” said mama ji smiling “But …” he wanted to say something but he did not have words for his thoughts “But what? Do you want some” mama ji asked trying to hand him the chillum “No way. I do not smoke” Narendra took few steps back from where he was standing “It would not bite. You don’t have to run like a child and don’t need to make faces as well. It is your choice but for years I have not found anything bad about it. And it keeps mind fresh.” “I have mind fresh even without these poisons” “Who said these were poisons? I know the artificial ones made in the laboratories are harmful for mind as well as body but these natural stimulants are good for mind. They are non addictive but give a good high.” Said mama ji “Who said that they are non additive?” “Except the government and people who get money for various sources to propagate false information about various things no one ever says that these natural things are addictive in nature. They are just clean and green fun!” “I think after this case is done and dusted I would rather be as far from you as possible. You are bad influence to have around” said Narendra “How bad can you tell me? Lets talk on the way. I have finished my daily dose” said mama ji “Ok” They walked fast enough to catch the rest of the team before they could reach the target.
“Where were you guys? We were getting worried about you two” said Amit “We got discussing some moral issues.” Said mama ji smiling at Narendra who also smiled back. He was shaking his head in disbelief. How can a man who was so highly regarded by many can have hobbies like a common man? He is just a bad influence to have around he concluded. A charming, bad influence. He has to learn a lot from mama ji. They rested of some time at one place and had water go round. When everyone had water they continued their journey. Even now Narendra was not able to believe what he had seen and heard back there. He wanted to talk about this with Dr. Singh (senior). He was interested in picking his brain on its psychological issue. He knew he can wait for that talk as there are pressing items on the job card right now and if they failed to finish them then it would be good bye to any talk with anyone. They have come along a long way from any habitation and if they failed even finding their bodies would be difficult. They were not aware that a back up party was also moving towards the ruins for some other direction. The party dispatched by the orders of someone sitting in Delhi hoped to reach the ruins good time but they did not know that this party had a map for the ruins and they would reach the place more than three hours before the second party can even see those ruins. After a long walk up the hill they suddenly came to s spot from where the ruins were right in front of the. All they had to do was to go down the trail and they would come right in front of these ruins. The doctor was having other thoughts. He was sure that the place would be guarded even though they did not met a single soul till know and no body felt that they were being watched. Human subconscious was a reliable friend in such circumstances and no body pick any negative vibes coming from any direction. They did not felt piercing eyes following them. All they felt was fresh and alive forest. They could have been walking around some park in Delhi. Even though it was strange not feel any thing malevolent they were glad to reach the ruins without any mishap. “It is quite strange that we have arrived here without any resistance.” Said Dr. Singh (junior) “Yes I was expecting some more bravery from the enemy that we are in its territory” said Narendra “It is not showing any signs of its presence only because we are in its territory” said mama ji “They know very well that we may not be able to cross the line to enter their domain even though we are standing right in front of they citadel. We may not even find the place from where we can go in as we do not know where to look for.” “Yes I think it may be the case” said the doctor “Or it may be that we are at the totally wrong place” This was something every one was thinking but no one was willing to air his thoughts. All of them were quite amused in not finding any resistance to their march towards the enemy camp. All they felt was calmness and peace. No negative vibes anywhere. “It could be they want us to find them so that they can torture us after catching us.” Said on of the agents accompanying them “As far as I know they can torture us even without catching us” said mama ji “but they don’t believe in torturing people. Why would they torture anyone when they can read someone’s mind to get the information? And you torture only to get the information otherwise you are a psycho killer which I know for sure which they are not.” “I think two of us would go down and have a look and then rest would come if the place is clear” said the doctor “Do you think they would be aware of our presence till know?” asked mama ji “I am not letting you guys reach those ruins before me”
He started to walk before everybody and rest of them just followed him. The agents were ready for any kind of surprises by the doctor had to agree with mama ji that even if they did not show their presence they would have had know their movements through the forest. The only reason he could think of them not showing themselves till know is that they were not bothered by their presence. And he was hoping to use this over confidence of theirs to his advantage. As they reached the front of the ruins they were surprised that how such a place could be left unknown to the world. Even though the place was completely in ruins and there was no wall which could be said to have stood more than 5 feet in height the place oozed grandeur. The building in it time would have be a marvel to look at. It would have been one of the magnificent pieces of the whole empire which ever it was. It may have been the seat of the government itself. All of them forced their memories
to think about the empire which could have built this but none of them could think of any. The architect was amazing and they were not able to match with any of the old architecture they have seen in Delhi or anywhere in India. Even ever confident mama ji had his jaw dropped in awe. “Who could have built this place and how in the hell has this place not on the tourist place till know.” Asked Dr. Singh (junior) He considered himself as someone like an authority on local tourists and religious places. He had till now not even heard of such a place, not even in rumors. “They place keeps itself out of the memory of the people who have visited it.” Said Amit “What did you say” asked Dr. Singh (senior) “How can someone forget a place so magnificent” “As I had forgot about it. It has all come back to me when I stood in front where once the door would have stood.” Pointing in the direction from where they entered. “I do not know how or from where to enter but I am sure that the gateway to the other side is somewhere through these ruins. I can sense them waiting for us.” “People be careful from now on, be very careful. The enemy can attack form any side and on to any one.” Shouted the doctor pulling out a gun “I do not think we would need it” said mama ji but every other agent had a gun in his hands now. “We cannot defeat them. We can only pray that we can persuade them to let us go.” “Even if we cannot defeat them I would like to make so much damage that they will not forget in a hurry and would think twice before interfering in our matters again.” Said the doctor with an angry voice
Dr. Singh (senior) was keenly observing Amit who was looking at peace since he put his legs here. The calmness around Amit had assured Dr. Singh (senior) that they had nothing to worry about. He was busy developing a new theory which could tell why the events took such turns as they have. And as much he saw Amit he was sure that for now he is right. He wanted to tell the agents that there is no need of weapons here but he let them have it so that they also can feel safe. Feeling safe was most important in such situations. If one felt safe then the chances of him taking a wrong decision decreases. And he wanted them not to take a single wrong decision. Amit stood in front of two pillars separated by a distance. They might have formed a doorway in distant past when this building would have been in ruins and people would have used to actually lived or worked in it. He was closely watching those two pillars. They were made of some metal and they were as smooth as they could have been. They did not show any signs of rust or any other form of damage. It reminded Dr. Singh (senior) of the Iron Pillar in Delhi. But here the two pillars were shining as if glowing from within.