“Grandpa! Tell me a story.” Prem was having the same conversation with his grandpa every day.

“Not today sweetie. I will tell you tomorrow.” Grandpa replied.

“You keep saying this daily. I want to hear a story today.” Prem remained stubborn.

Everybody used to call the old man Grandpa. Nobody was sure what his original name was but the name Grandpa stuck wit.

As it was Grandpa’s birthday today, all family members had arrived. The past one week was joyous with celebrations. Prem, the youngest kid in the family was becoming inseparable from his grandpa. It was his habit to nag grandpa to narrate a story, which grandpa skillfully ignored. But today Prem was adamant not to let go of grandpa without getting him to tell a story.

Grandpa let out a sigh as he began a story “Once upon a time, there was a king in a city. He was very mighty. He had two sons.”

Prem interrupted “Grandpa! Stop! Stop! I don’t want to hear another story featuring a king. Please tell me a different tale.”

“What kind of story do you want to hear?”

“I want a story where a small kid appears. There must be lots of gun fight type action sequence. Plus aliens from other planet should make an entry. Can you tell me such a story?” Prem quizzed Grandpa.

Grandpa contemplated for a while “Ok. As you wish, Prem. Gear up to listen to one amazing story!”

The sun was rising, extending its red hands of light from the massive ocean which held it captive all night. The flock of birds flying in the sky enhanced the beauty of the already perfect blue sky. Two people standing on the beach shore were enchanted, watching this beautiful day unfold.

“Daddy, the sun is more beautiful than the stars in our planet. I don’t feel like leaving this place.” Aston was awe struck.

“Yes Aston. This planet has captivated me too with its lovely rivers, snow white peaks and dense green forests. All this makes it look like heaven. But we have to return back to our planet once our work here is done.” Megan was quick to answer his son Aston.

“Daddy, I am asking you repeatedly, the reason we came to this planet. Why do you keep evading my question?”

Megan couldn’t postpone answering him any further “The star in our planet Raytheon will be destroyed after 300,000 years. There is possibility of our planet and it’s people becoming extinct. Hence, we have come to this planet in search of finding a suitable environment to nurture our human race in the future.”

“Is Earth suitable planet for us to live?”

“Yes. The climatic conditions are favorable. The most important thing for our survival is the presence of water. Plus, there are other species living in this world too. I have decided to place the life seeds of our human race here.”

“Can we place the life seeds in this beach itself, daddy?”

“No Aston. For the life seeds to germinate and grow without getting destroyed we have to go to a place which has very cold climate. We must go to a different place.”

The next moment, both of them were standing on a snow filled mountain.

“This place looks just like our planet Raytheon.”

Both started climbing up the mountain. Aston was sliding in the snow and playing cheerfully.

Long time had passed before they came to a halt. They stood before a huge iceberg.

Megan pushed it away to find an opening.

Both of them cautiously entered and found it to be very dark.

Meghan asked “Aston, You are not afraid. Aren’t you?”

“No daddy!” Aston was quick to reply.

They travelled quite a long distance in the dark. Aston got hold of a small stone and began drawing pictures on the walls, while steadily following Megan.

Suddenly Megan stopped. He glanced all around the place and found a monkey to be sleeping in a corner.

 Megan took out a needle like instrument and poked it on the monkey’s hand. The monkey woke up and cried out loud. Aston was keen in drawing and remained oblivious to what was happening.

“Aston, we have to get back to Raytheon. Come let’s get out of here.”

“What will happen to this planet, daddy?” Aston was curious.

“Our human race will flourish in this planet called earth.”

“Can all people in our planet then settle down in earth?”

“That’s not possible”

“Why is it not daddy?”

“What is your age Aston?”

“500 years”

“What is my age?”

“It must be around 100000 years, am I right?”

“Yes. Now what do you think is your grandpa’s age?”

“He must be around 250000 years old” Aston was puzzled as to why daddy was asking so many questions.

“The gravitational force in Earth is more than what is felt in Raytheon. People cannot live more than 120 years here. Hence it is not suitable for us to live here.”

Both of them boarded their space shuttle and embarked on their journey to Raytheon.

Aston could not take his eyes off earth. Slowly it was disappearing out of his sight. Tears welled up his eyes. Megan couldn’t help but notice Aston crying, which wrenched his heart. He consoled himself thinking everything will be alright by the time they reached Raytheon.

Shalini was busying herself with makeup, sitting in her room of a wonderful resort nestled in the lap of majestic mountains of Kashmir. Surya was feeding some food to their three year old daughter Nisha.

“Are you not old enough to eat by yourself?” Surya was clearly disinterested in the task at hand.

“Of all the tours that we have been to, this is clearly the best. I really love this place!” Shalini was bubbling with ecstasy.

“Do you say it is better than our honeymoon?” Surya raised an eyebrow.

“What was the place we went to? Ah! Agra! One long boring trip!” she concluded.

“Hey! We were newly married and I thought visiting Tajmahal would be romantic” Surya had to defend.

“There was no such thing as romance in Tajmahal. But I feel so romantic just being in this place!” Shalini winked naughtily at Surya.

Meanwhile accidently Nisha’s dress got stained with food and she started wailing “My shirt has become so messy.”

“You are keen in taking a walk. Don’t you bother to console Nisha?” Surya stopped her.

“No chance, honey! You are always on tour in the military and never stay in home frequently. I am tired of taking care of Nisha single handedly. I came determined to take a break and completely rest here. “

“Can you not wait for a while? We can also join you.” Surya took a chance.

“Sorry darling! I am going alone.” Shalini stuck to her decision.

“Why do you not like me coming with you?” Surya was helpless.

“You will be talking non-stop and disturbing my desire to enjoy this nature’s beauty whole heartedly. I think going alone would be a good option. I will be back soon honey!” Shalini pinched his cheek and waved good bye.

As it was the beginning of summer, there was not much snow to be seen. Shalini paced slowly and noticed that the road had ended. Shalini sat on a rock nearby and admired the beauty of the mountains. A small path leading down the mountain caught her attention. She started walking in the path, without thinking too much. She kept walking down the path for a long time and noticed the path still going. She thought maybe it would be wise to return back. At that moment, she found herself standing in front of a cave.

Some strange power was drawing her inside the cave. As she went inside the cave it was pitch dark. Luckily, she had her torchlight and switched it on. She walked touching the mystical drawings she found on the wall. She lost track of how long she was in the cave. Suddenly she fell in a deep abyss when she set foot forward unknowingly. The valley’s darkness swallowed her, orphaning her torchlight on the cliff.

* * *

Surya was thoroughly enraged. Nisha had been fussy all the time; Crying, being stubborn and was sleeping only now. It was two hours since Shalini had left for her nature walk and still there was no sign of her. He couldn’t reach her phone as she had left her cell phone in the room itself.

He heeded the advice of a local person and went to the police station to give a complaint.

The police inspector along with four other constables searched the resort grounds. Surya also joined them in searching, carrying Nisha in his hands. Nisha was now awake from her slumber.

The inspector noticed this and told Surya “Sir, You have your daughter. Please stay in your room. If we find Shalini we will surely inform you.”

“It’s ok. Can I search for a little longer with you?” Surya was pleading.

Again the search led them to that road end.

Inspector tried to walk down the narrow path.

He advised Surya “Sir, Please go to your room. This path looks slightly dangerous. It will not be advisable to walk down the path with a child.”

But Surya was not to be shaken away “We will be fine sir. We have gone on many such trekking events with Nisha. Allow me to come with you.”

Finally all of them started travelling down the path cautiously. It ended in front of the cave.

A constable asked “Sir, Can we go inside?”

“Is the lady crazy to go inside this unknown cave?”

“It is better to check out this cave too.”

The inspector turned towards Surya “Sir, if you wish we can check this cave. But I feel your wife must not have gone in. It looks pretty dangerous too. I cannot guarantee what will happen to us if we have to go inside this cave.”

Surya contemplated and realized what the inspector told makes sense. They started their walk back to the resort. Only Nisha was sobbing hysterically looking at the cave.

The inspector paid a visit to Surya after two days.

Shalini’s parents and her sister were present in the room. Surya’s face was red from crying.

“Did you come to know anything about Shalini, sir?” Surya asked hastily.

“After you returned to your room, we went inside the cave and searched to find this torchlight on the cliff of a deep valley. Is this yours?”

“Yes! It is mine. Then what happened to Shalini?” Surya was puzzled.

“I am sorry to say this Surya. She must have fallen into the valley and died.”

Surya felt his heart had stopped when he heard that. His whole body rattled as he hid his face and cried uncontrollably.

* * *

“Nisha take a deep breath and exhale out slowly.”

Surya had come to Doctor Kailash’s hospital for a regular health checkup of Nisha.

Doctor Kailash examined her and told “She is perfectly normal. Just a few vitamin tablets are to be given.”

“Ok doctor.”

“I came to know about what happened to your wife Surya. I am extremely sorry. How are you now managing to take care of Nisha as a single parent?”

“What else can be done doctor? Shalini’s sister Sunita has come to take care of her.”

“Has the child accepted the fact that her mother is gone?”

“I don’t know what goes on in her mind doctor. Since the day Shalini died, I have not seen Nisha cry or laugh.”

“That is a very abnormal behavior Surya. Why did you not mention it earlier to me?”

Kailash switched to cartoon channel in his television.

Nisha was watching the TV screen without any response.

Again he changed channels to show a sad movie.

Nisha was watching the channel quietly without any expression.

Doctor Kailash asked “How was Nisha when her mother was alive?”

“She would be talking non-stop. Sometimes she will be adamant and cry too. Basically she will be very active doctor.”

“Did you notice the changes in her behavior now?”

“Sorry doctor. I was lost in my own grief that I failed to realize this.”

“Her mind is now affected. She is in a state of trauma. Her expressions have become numb. She has lost her states of being happy, sad or angry. What she is facing is grave danger. When she grows old, chances of her falling into depression are high. It may even lead to suicidal thoughts.”

“Is there a possibility of recovery doctor?”

“If adults face this problem, they can recover as time passes. But she is such a young kid; the chances of recovery are slim.”

Surya remained paralyzed on hearing this. He regained his composure and took Nisha in his hands.

“Don’t worry Surya. Hope for the best. We can take a brain test next week to be on the safer side.” The doctor reassured him.

Surya thanked the doctor and returned home to find Sunita busy preparing food.

Sunita asked “What did the doctor tell, Surya?”

Surya remained silent. At that moment he got a call from his superior officer in military.

“Surya, terrorist’s infiltration in Kashmir border is on the increase. Many murders and bombing incidents have occurred this month. They have also kidnapped the daughter of Home minister. So you have to start to work immediately. You are ordered to report to duty at our headquarters in Baramulla tomorrow.”

Surya began with a hesitation “Sir, My daughter is not feeling well. Plus, you know about my personal loss. My mind is numbed with pain. I had thought of asking you for a month’s leave.”

“If you regard your personal life more, then why did you join the military? Now stop giving excuses and report to duty tomorrow” his superior barked off and cut the call.

Surya threw away his phone enraged.

Sunita was shocked to see this happening. She understood the reason behind his wrath.

Not wanting to start a conversation at this moment, she went inside kitchen.

A little while later, she called out “Surya, come let’s eat.”

Surya remained still without answering.

She went on “I feel sad seeing you in such a difficult situation. How will you able to take care of Nisha as a single parent? There is plenty of time ahead of you both. Please don’t mistake me, I am willing to come and stay with you here. I will take care of Nisha forever. I am not asking you to marry me because I know how much you loved my sister. But I want to dedicate my life to bringing up Nisha. I have decided not to marry anyone.”

Surya was packing his belongings in a suitcase and remained quiet.

A taxi came to their doorsteps after an hour. Surya left the house taking his suitcase along. He noticed Sunita standing near the door.

“Tomorrow you go to Chennai. I have booked your train tickets. Perhaps it would be in our best interest if your mother can take care of Nisha from now.” Surya said and boarded the taxi.

It was Sunita’s turn to be silent as she was watching Surya leave in the taxi.

“Terrorists have kidnapped the daughter of our home minister. To rescue her we have decided to form a four member team of you people. There must not be even a slightest threat to her life. You have to proceed in this mission with extreme caution. Good luck.”

The four people gathered in the room were listening intently to what the superior officer had said.

Then they travelled by a jeep to an abandoned building at the city outskirts. They watched the happenings inside the building with hawk eyes. There were six people inside.

Surya had an action plan “If we throw them a surprise attack now, they would not have anticipated it and we can take them down. But we have to move fast.”

One commando disagreed “No Surya. These people would be definitely armed. Major advised us not to risk the child’s life.”

“Yes. Even I feel it will not be such a good idea to attack now” told another commando.

 “Let’s be patient and wait for a while.”

They resumed their watch on the terrorists. Time was passing but in vain. Surya ran out of his patience and ran towards the building.

Others called out after him “Surya, Don’t go! Stop! ”

Surya reached the building and kicked open the door. The people inside were watching television. Surya opened fire and killed three people on the spot.

Surya’s team joined him at that time and they captured the other terrorists. Meanwhile, Surya entered the adjacent room. He found a small girl huddled hiding near the bed. Surya wasted no time in taking the girl and as he was exiting the room, searing pain shot through his leg where he was hit by a bullet.

Surya shot back his assailant.

The other two terrorists were shot by his commandos.

Surya gave the child to his friend and asked him to safely put her in the jeep.

Surya glanced at the terrorists lying on the ground. One of the terrorist was fighting for his life. Surya dropped to his knees near him and watched him closely.

Megan was now 350000 years old. He looked pale and withered clearly awaiting his last few days of life. Beside his bed were his son Aston and grandson Saman having a conversation.

“Daddy I noticed you are under a lot of mental agony lately. Please share with me about what is bothering you?” Aston looked concerned.

Megan let out a sigh “I am worried whether the efforts I have taken to sustain our human race are fruitful?”

“Are you afraid our planet will be destroyed?”

“Our star will be destroyed in another 50,000 years. This will result in grave consequences for Raytheon. My concern is not related to Raytheon in fact. I am anxious about the future of earth.”

“Earth and its stars will exist for several thousand years. Why do you have to worry unnecessarily?”

“Earth’s destruction will not be an act of nature. However, actions caused by our human race in earth can trigger an earlier destruction of earth, even before Raytheon is no longer in existence.”

“Daddy I am unable to comprehend what you are saying. I need details.”

“The people in our planet do not bear grudges towards others. They don’t desire to kill each other. It’s not in our blood to wage wars. Besides, we choose a lifestyle that doesn’t harm nature in anyway. Our scientific advancements do not cause any kind of destruction to nature. But all these happen regularly in earth. So I fear our race living in earth will become extinct soon.”

“You take me by surprise daddy. People living in earth are our descendants, right? Then why are their characteristics different from us?”

“Unlike us, people living in earth lack some abilities in the way they think. We think in five dimensions. But people in earth are trained to think in four dimensions only. That is the reason for them to have varied characteristics.”

Aston was confused than he already was and looked up at his dad.

 “You know that we are able to perceive the three dimensions of length, breadth and height. Apart from that we are able to intuitively feel a fourth dimension, namely, time. Although, people in earth can sense all these dimensions, they lack ability to perceive the fifth dimension called ‘Soul’ which we are able to do.”

Aston was piqued “Daddy, I have always wanted to ask you more about this fifth dimension, soul. I think this is the right time for you to explain.”

Megan briefed “Soul, the fifth dimension encompasses the probability of everything which has happened, which is happening or not happening and bound to happen in this universe. When all the other four dimensions are external, soul is something which is internal. When man is able to concentrate and focus his thoughts on a single spot, then the fifth dimension is revealed. In this dimension, power travels faster than light. Thereby cleansing humans and making them choose a rightful path. It also fosters harmony among people. This is why people in Raytheon are able to live without having conflicts with one another.”

“Can soul come to an end one day, daddy?”

“No. Even if we are dead, soul can never be destroyed. We continue to live in our fifth dimension even after we are dead. You are able to chat with your grandpa who died, right? We are able to communicate our thoughts using telepathy, which operates in this fifth dimension. By this way, a dead person is capable of communicating with any living person.”

“Are there any other dimensions apart from soul?”

“Yes. There is one other dimension, ‘The Supreme soul’. In this sixth dimension, the capabilities are limitless. In fact it is so powerful that even the people at Raytheon are not able to perceive it. Our ancestors believed that the God who created us is performing in this sixth dimension.”

“Is there not even a single person in earth who is able to realize his soul?”

“Sadly, no. The human brain is designed in a way different from ours. It is extremely rare to find a human who is able to realize his soul, but even if he does, it becomes too much for them to bear and they become mentally unstable.”

“In that case, then is it not possible to rescue the people in earth?”

“It is possible. A person from our planet has to go to earth and select a suitable person, teach him the ways of realizing one’s soul. That chosen person has to spread this to all others and lead them on a righteous path. Then there will be no war. No destruction causing nuclear weapons. No natural disasters like global warming. After the era of these two people belonging to two different worlds, their descendants will take forward the legacy and lead human beings in a spiritual path.”

“Why has not anybody from Raytheon gone to earth so far to sort things out?”

“The person from Raytheon who goes to earth has to spend the rest of his life together with a chosen person in earth. They should be each other’s soul mate. One day, they will die at the same moment. This will reduce the life span of our person who goes to earth. Although, we are accustomed to live for 350000 years, we cannot survive more than 120 years in earth. So far, nobody has volunteered to go to earth for this reason.”

Megan closed his eyes exhausted after his long speech. Aston left his room with great mental turmoil. He did not seem to realize what was going on in the mind of little Saman.

* * *

Surya was busy planting a new coconut sapling in his garden. Nisha who was sitting on the steps was lost in watching the small chirpy sparrows perched on the wall.

Surya remembered that Nisha’s medical result would be now available. He entered the house anxious to make a call to doctor.

He saw Nisha’s grandma lying down tired.

“Are you still not feeling better?”

“No. Sunita has promised to come and help us. Can you pick her up from Delhi airport today at 4 o’clock?”

“Why does she have to come? Am I not here to take care of you?”

“It would be better if she comes as she will take care of cooking while I can rest.”

Surya couldn’t respond to her, he proceeded to make the phone call to doctor which was no less comforting.

“The brain scan shows that everything is normal. But another test shows some deficiency in the secretion of a chemical of her brain. Hence there is a possibility of her getting affected by mental disease. This can be overcome if she is taken care properly. You can come to the hospital and collect all reports.”

Surya face registered shock on hearing what the doctor said. He got up and searched for Nisha outside. She was watching the birds without any expression.

Surya put on his shoes and drove to the hospital.

As soon as Surya left, a parrot was flying high near to Nisha. Nisha watched the parrot with great awe. She did not even realize that it was a toy parrot.

She followed the parrot mesmerized. The parrot fell near the lake beside her house.

As she made an effort to pick the parrot from ground, a figure closed her mouth, snatched her and took her away.

* * *

“Surya why are you not talking with me? Do you dislike me coming to Delhi?” Sunita erupted after having a one way conversation from the moment she stepped in the car.

“Nothing like that Sunita” Surya said in a frail tone.

“I have come here to help my sick mother. I will return back to Chennai in a week. I don’t have any intention of disturbing you.” She continued.

“I am not thinking about that. My mind is elsewhere. Today I received Nisha’s medical reports.”

“Oh! Is it? Nisha is perfectly healthy, right?”

“No, she has the possibility of incurring mental disease.” Surya told what the doctor had diagnosed.

“Do you have the report with you?”

Sunita skimmed the report.

“Did the doctor prescribe any medicine?”

“No, as she is young he did not recommend tablets. He said after five years we will run the tests again and then decide the course of action. Till then we ought to take extremely good care of her.”

“Nowadays there are many advanced medicines available for mental disorders. You don’t have to worry. I have seen children with mental disorder getting healed, completing education and pursuing their career successfully. She will be alright. Do not be disheartened.”

“I also keep hoping for the best to happen.”

They had reached home. Sunita entered the house followed by Surya, carrying her luggage.

Sunita woke up her mother “Where is Nisha?”

Her mother replied “I don’t know when I fell asleep, must be the tiredness. Nisha was playing in the garden. Did you not see her?”

Immediately they hurried to the garden. Nisha was not there. They searched all surrounding areas and finally reached the lake.

Surya noticed Nisha’s pendant lying on the ground.

“Has she fallen into the lake?” Sunita eyes squirmed with fear.

“No, she has been kidnapped. And I know who did this. Come let’s go home.” Surya was steadfast in his approach.

Surya made a quick call to his superior officer in military.

“Sir, someone has kidnapped my daughter. I suspect it must be the Kashmir terrorists.” Surya spoke his mind.

“You have to go to Srinagar at once. I will send four commandos to accompany you and will also inform the officer there. He will assist in finding your daughter.” The major chalked out an action plan fast.

Surya disconnected the call and boarded his car with an anguished look.

At the same moment, a van was travelling away from Delhi border. There was a man sitting next to the driver.

The man instructed the driver “Najib, do not go in major highways as patrol will be heavy. Take lesser known routes, it doesn’t matter even if we reach Baramulla late by two days.”

“I know Omar. Just keep an eye on what’s behind your back.”

Nisha was seen sleeping in the back seat.

Surya and four other commandos were in a discussion at the military general office.

“Why do you suspect that your girl has been kidnapped by terrorists with whom you fought two months earlier, Surya?”

“The successful termination of their plans by our troops two months ago sounded the death knell for terrorists here. They had kidnapped heavily guarded home minister’s daughter. Can you imagine their ferocity? In order to free her, they demanded releasing five of their important associates. If only they had got what they wanted, it would have shattered the confidence of officers working here. Besides I can’t forget the cruelty I saw in the eyes of one of the terrorist’s I shot. It leaves me with no doubt that they are responsible for kidnapping my daughter for revenge.”

 “Please don’t mistake me Surya but does it not feel odd to you that they have kept your daughter alive till now?”

“No. Their target is to trap me. If I fall into their hands, they will publish in internet a video of me being killed by terrorists and cause upheaval amidst our people and soldiers. I firmly believe that they won’t harm my daughter. If they do so, they won’t garner the support of people here.”

“Where do you plan to search?”

“Do you have records or photographs of parents, siblings and friends of the terrorists we killed in the operation?”

“This file has all the details” The Major passed a bulky file in Surya’s direction.

Surya opened the file and glanced. There he found all details and photographs. As he was leafing through each page, his eyes fixated at a photo for a long time.

“Who is this?”

“This is Najib. He is the brother of Farooq, a terrorist you killed.”

“I want to have all records of his recent call history and activities as soon as possible.”

The military general issued commands. Surya and other commandoes dispersed.

Surya was exiting the building when he heard someone call him “Surya!”

He turned to find that it was Riyaz, a commando in his team.

Riyaz spoke “I joined task force last month. Before coming here I was a Sergeant in Indian army. I was eager to join this team after knowing about your bravery in rescuing home minister’s daughter. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I will have an opportunity to work with you. I feel fortunate to assist you in freeing your daughter. My blood is boiling to hunt the people responsible for this and shoot them like dogs, Surya.”

Both of them walked a bit and ordered coffee in a nearby hotel.

Riyaz started talking “I felt sorry hearing what happened to your wife. Now your daughter is also in grave danger. I am surprised to see you acting brave even in this situation.”

Surya broke his silence “I sincerely believe that I will get back my daughter alive. Nobody will have the guts to kill her, after looking at her sweet face once”

“Your strength lies in that confidence you have, Surya. What is she studying?”

“She doesn’t attend school. She is a special needs child.”

“Oh! Forgive me if I had asked something wrong.”

A man approached them hastily.

“You are Surya, right? I have been searching for you everywhere to give details you asked about the person, Najib.”

“Ok. Please proceed.”

“He lives in a small village near Baramulla where he runs a hotel called ‘Paradise Valley’”

Surya’s mind was racing “What did you say is the hotel name?”

“ ‘Paradise Valley’. See this picture of the hotel.”

Surya got up with a jolt on seeing it. Riyaz enquired “What is the hurry, Surya?”

“I have stayed in this hotel. My wife was with me in that hotel for a few days before she …. Before she...” Surya couldn’t complete the sentence. His head was spinning.

Saman was in his room, counting the stars in the sky. He assumed that earth will be somewhere in this constellation of stars. As the human race in Raytheon were slowly diminishing, children of his age group were rare to find. He raised doubts whether he can find people his age on earth. But soon he remembered his grandpa’s words that earth was slowly becoming extinct.

He felt very lonely in Raytheon. He thought taking ‘soul practice’ for some time would be a good idea. He sat down and closed his eyes. But he was unable to realize his soul today. He was once again reminded of what grandpa told him “People in earth cannot realize their soul. That is the reason why they are becoming extinct. In order to save them, a person from Raytheon must go to earth and teach a person there on how to realize one’s soul.”

Saman had reached a conclusion and proceeded to meet his father in his office. He climbed the stairs in office and reached the upper floor which had a space shuttle. His dad has been giving him lessons on how to operate it.

Saman boarded the space shuttle and buckled himself for a ride to earth. His life in Raytheon was done, he was never going to return back. Within a few seconds the shuttle disappeared.

* * *

Nisha was kept locked inside a dark room. Her hands and legs were tied. There was a piece of cloth covering her mouth. The room was used to hold spare items adjacent to the hotel.

“Najib, the child has not slept at all. Can we give her sleeping pills?”

“No need. She is behaving quite well. Not playing tantrums. Eating what is given to her without making a fuss. I am very surprised to see how well behaved she is. But she has not uttered a single word. May be she is dumb.” Najib stroked his beard.

“Will Surya be in Kashmir now?”

“Definitely he would have guessed it was us who kidnapped Nisha. We can expect him anytime now. Our men are closely guarding of our hotel, right?”

“Yes. You need not worry about security there. In a short while, our leader will arrive. We have to make the entire world know of Surya’s death. People should feel mortal terror to fight us back.”

“What should we do with the child?”

“I think it is unnecessary to kill her. We will put her in any ashram here.”

They heard someone knocking on the door “Najib! Najib!”

“You mother is knocking, allow her to come in”

Najib opened the door to let his mother inside the room.

 “I find many people outside with guns. What is going on here?” asked his mother and glanced at Nisha. She was shocked.

“Are you mad to be following your brother’s footsteps? Whose daughter is this? Allah will punish you for bearing the resentment of her parents.” She scolded Najib.

“I am doing this to seek answers for my brother’s death. The man who shot my brother will arrive shortly. His death will be a severe lesson for India and it’s Army.”

His mother pleaded “Please listen to me. Turnover the child to police and become a better man. Lead a righteous life. I have you, my only son alive. Please don’t put me in a situation where I am left with none.”

Her pleas fell on Najib’s deaf ears “Hey mother! Shut up! Don’t start your ramblings now!”

Najib threw his mother out of the room and closed the door behind her.

“Your mother won’t inform the police, right?”

Najib shook his head “No, I mean everything to her. She was simply blabbering. She will do no such thing.”

Once again there was a knocking on the door.

“Your mother is troubling us more than I thought. Turn her away sternly this time.”

Najib opened the door irritated.

He found one of his men standing at the door who informed him “Our leader is staying in the top floor of hotel. He wants to meet both of you at once.”

Najib obliged “Ok. Then you take care of the child while we are gone.”

“No, I am the only person guarding the backside of hotel. I have to be there.”

“Ok. You proceed. We will come soon.”

“Omar, what shall we do with the child?” Najib asked his partner.

“We have her tied. I don’t think she is a very active girl. No need to worry about her. We will meet our leader and come back as soon as possible.”

Both of them locked the room and went to meet their leader.

Najib’s mother was watching Najib and Omar leave the room. She silently opened the room and closed the door behind her.

She untied Nisha’s limbs and put her inside a drum. She made signs to tell Nisha to remain silent without making noise. Rolling the drum, she reached the back side of the hotel. The guard present there volunteered “Can I help with you with the drum?”

“My only son did not help me, why are you coming forward to help?”

The guard asked “What is inside the drum?”

Najib’s mother replied deftly “There are some useless and unwanted things. I am unable to carry them, so I am moving them with this drum.”

“Ok. Leave this place soon or else you may get into trouble if you are here.”

He rolled the drum to the end of the road and left the old lady along with her drum there.

Once he was out of sight, Nisha came out.

Najib’s mother instructed her “Look little girl! Do you see the path going down? At the end of this path, you will find a cave. Go inside it and hide there, till I come with police men at the right time. Nobody will search you there. ”

Nisha nodded and took the path down the hill. Najib’s mother stood watching her until she disappeared from her sight and returned back to the hotel.

* * *

In the dense bush near the hotel stood four people hiding, closely huddled together.

“How many terrorists are seen surrounding the hotel?”

“There are six people on guard outside and perhaps five people inside.”

“Surya, we have to attack them at a time when they least expect, then only we will be able to take them down with an element of surprise. I will go first. The rest of you can follow me and open fire.”

“Surya, please make a decision. Inside that hotel, your daughter’s life is at stake. We can attack only if we have your full permission.”

Surya stood muted. Riyaz noticed Surya’s hands were trembling even though he was holding a gun. Riyaz squeezed Surya’s hand and made gestures asking him to remain brave.

Then suddenly Riyaz ran forward towards the hotel.

He shot two terrorists before him. Surya followed Riyaz. Both of them entered the hotel and shot down few more terrorists.

Meanwhile the whole team of commandos made an entry inside the hotel.

“Every terrorist outside has been killed.”

“May be there are two more terrorists inside here hiding somewhere.”

At that instant, Surya was about to be hit by a volley of bullets. He ducked and hid behind a secure place. Riyaz too hid next to Surya. They started firing a series of shots directed towards the adjacent room.

After few seconds, there was no firing from the other room.

Riyaz and Surya went inside the room with extreme caution.

They found both Najib and Omar dead on the floor. Najib’s mother was sitting mournfully beside Najib’s body.

“Surya, search for Nisha.” Riyaz said as he paced the room.

Surya went in and out of all rooms. But still couldn’t find Nisha anywhere.

Surya panicked “Riyaz, Nisha is not here! I searched all rooms!”

Najib’s mother gestured Surya to come with her.

Both of them reached the end of the road outside the hotel.

She directed Surya to go down the path at the end of the road. “If you reach it’s end, there will be a cave. I have asked your daughter to remain hidden there.”

Surya was hit by old memories “This is the place where I lost my wife. Why did you ask Nisha to hide there?”

“Don’t worry. Your daughter will remain safe there. Her mother’s soul will protect her. Please believe what I say.” The old lady insisted.

Surya hurriedly went down the path.

* * *

“Aston, you look troubled. What is bothering you?” Megan was able to tell something was wrong.

“Saman is missing for a few days. I don’t know where he has gone. I am worried whether he got lost.”

“Are you not able to guess where Saman might be gone?”

“No. Do you know?”

“I am guessing he will be in earth now. When we both had visited earth you were adamant about staying there. Your son will also be like you, right? There is something in earth which young kids find attractive.”

“Ok. Let him go to earth. But why has he not returned after so many days?”

“He won’t return Aston. He was listening to our conversation we had the other day regarding earth’s extinction. I was able to see the child’s desire to save planet earth that day itself. You need not worry about him. He is going to use his ‘soul’ to lead human beings on a righteous path thereby saving earth. He is the savior of earth.”

Aston’s face registered shock “What are you telling? Will Saman not come back?”

“Why are you getting tensed? What your son is doing is a great work. He is saving our human race from extinction. He is God’s own child.”

Little did Megan’s words help in consoling Aston. He brushed away tears which had exploded at the thought of not seeing Saman again.

* * *

Nisha who was walking down alone, felt like it was a familiar path. Some force was pulling her to the cave. She reached the cave entrance in a while. She thought her eyes were playing tricks on her when she felt like she saw her mother there. She proceeded inside the cave without hesitation. Although she saw weird drawings on the wall, she seemed to understand them.

As she kept walking, she tripped over a stone and was about to fall into a valley when she was miraculously saved by a hand, which lifted her. Those hands belonged to a small boy. But he had the strength of a young adult.

That little boy watched Nisha amazed. Then he signaled Nisha to follow him. He picked something from the ground and showed it to her.

It was a chain with a pendant. Nisha dusted the dirt away and found a picture of her with her mom Shalini. It was the very same chain that Shalini wore before she died. The boy enquired Nisha whether the little girl in the photo was her.

Nisha couldn’t answer him as she was crying inconsolably. This was the first time since Shalini had died that Nisha was able to express her grief.

“Mommy! Where did you go leaving me alone? Please come back soon. I can’t live without you. Please come to me soon.”

Nisha did not stop crying for a long time. The boy was looking at her, a bit frightened.

He came near Nisha, held her hands in his and stood for a while. Then he placed one hand on her head.

Nisha experienced something wonderful go through her body. She felt a flood like power surging through her. That soon settled into some sought of spiritual peace.

She could now hear a voice from her heart. She remembered her mother’s voice used to be like that.

“Nisha, I am your mom speaking to you.” Said that gentle voice.

“Where did you go leaving me mommy?”

“I did not go anywhere darling. I am with you always. I am watching you anytime.”

“I am unable to see you mom” Nisha said.

“You cannot see me, but you can hear my voice in your heart. You can feel my hug.”

“Where did you go all this time?”

“Now the time has come for you to realize my presence. Till today you were incapable of doing it. You have put yourself through hell all this time. Your daddy is also very sad thinking about you. You have to change to be your normal self; laughing and being happy always. Be cheerful and make your dad happy too. Take this small boy along with you to our house. His name is Saman. His parents are in a very far away land. Hereafter we are his caretakers. Mommy’s soul will always protect you. Promise me you will do all things I mentioned. That will make me very happy Nisha darling!”

“Definitely mommy! I promise. Can I talk with you again?”

“Saman will help you to talk with me. Now hurry up and go to your father. He is coming searching for you.”

Nisha stopped hearing her mother’s voice.

Nisha took Saman’s hand and walked towards the cave’s entrance. Saman was making some gestures seeing the drawings on the wall.

“Oh! Is it the work of your daddy?” Nisha asked.

Saman nodded. Then he made another gesture.

Nisha inferred what he spoke “You are asking me whether I am able to understand right? I am able to clearly understand.” Referring to the drawing she spoke “This is a house. There is a garden outside. A lady is standing too. She is your father’s mother. Am I right Saman?”

Saman notified through signs that what she said was right.

They had by now come out of the cave.

“Where are your parents Saman?”

Saman pointed in the direction of sky.

“Oh! Are they dead?”

Saman shook his head ‘No’.

Nisha was interrupted by a voice, before she could question him any further “Nisha! Are you here?”

Surya was running towards her. Nisha also ran and hugged him tight.

“When I was walking inside the cave, this little boy Saman saved me from falling into a valley. Then I spoke with mommy. She told me to keep Saman with us in our house.”

Surya was shocked beyond belief to hear this from Nisha. Again he hugged her tight and showered kisses.

“Daddy, hereafter I am going to be talking to you happily. I will be a good girl.”

“Ok Nisha sweetie.”

All of them travelled up the path leading to the hotel. Nisha was holding Saman’s hand and following her daddy.

They reached the hotel.

Inside the hotel, Riyaz breathed a sigh of relief “Now I am relieved that you got back your daughter. Come let’s take rest in a room here. Tomorrow we will begin our journey to Delhi.”

Surya and Riyaz settled in a room and switched on television.

Saman placed his hand on Nisha’s head. Both of them remained seated silently.

“What are you doing? Is this a new game?” Riyaz commented on seeing them.

The evening news had just started in TV.

“An amicable solution has been reached between India and Pakistan regarding Kashmir border issue.

CNN has reported that there are chances of success in the recent talks held between Israel and Palestine to overcome their problems.

America and Russia have entered into an agreement to destroy all their nuclear weapons.

The developed and developing nations have taken a stance to eradicate global warming.”

Riyaz switched off the television and went on with his rants “Not even one mention about your daughter’s kidnapping in the news? If the same had happened to home minister’s daughter then they would have publicized it to the core. We military officers command least respect from them.”

“Leave it Riyaz. I am more than happy that my daughter is back safe. Switch on the TV. Let’s hear some more good news.”

“Your daughter’s arrival is perfect, triggering a lot of happy events.”

“Good times are here to roll Riyaz. For all of us.”

Surya and Riyaz had a hearty laugh.

The children were playing oblivious to the happenings around them.

* * *

Grandpa had finished telling the story. Prem, who was listening with great interest, was slightly disappointed “What grandpa! The story ended so soon?”

“Yes Prem. All were happy. The story also came to a happy ending. Did you like it?”

“It was good. But I couldn’t understand what you said about ‘soul’, ’dimension’ etc. Can you not tell me in a much simpler manner? Foolish grandpa! ” Prem teased his grandpa and ran from the room.

Then somebody called out “Grandpa! Come, it’s time to cut the cake.”

They led grandpa to the table on which there was a cake. He sat on a chair and took the knife beside the cake.

Grandpa’s eldest grandson asked “Grandpa! What is your age?”

“What year is it now?”

“It is now 2133 grandpa.”

“I came to earth in 2013. Now I think you can calculate my age.” Grandpa winked.

Everybody looked surprised and was murmuring. “Is it true that he is 120 years old? Unbelievable! Even in this age he is able to hold the knife steadily.”

Grandpa cut the cake blissfully and fed a piece to grandma first. All were singing “Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!”

Then all were busy chatting and enjoying the party.

Grandpa felt a little bit dizzy. He got up from the chair slowly and walked to his room. He closed his eyes lying on his bed. Immediately he fell asleep.

When he woke up, grandma was sitting beside him.

“All our guests have gone. They did not want to disturb your sleep so they left without telling you.”

Grandpa was silent as he watched outside the window.

Grandma continued “Your youngest grandson Krish is expecting a baby soon. He has asked us to come to his home in moon. I refused him telling we can’t travel that far in this old age.”

Grandma noticed the tears from grandpa’s eyes and anxiously asked “What happened? Why are you crying now?”

Grandpa made grandma come closer to him.

“I have cheated you. At least before I die, I must tell you the truth.” Grandpa broke his silence.

“What are you saying?” Grandma was clearly confused.

“I was not born in earth as you think. I was born in a planet called Raytheon. Several millions of years before the ancestors of Raytheon made efforts to sustain human race in earth. But as a result of harmful activities of man, earth was pushed to its destruction. In order to save earth from becoming extinct and to lead people in a spiritual path, I came to earth.”

“Do you think I will be fooled by this story? Did you lead people in spiritual path? You have not given any spiritual discourse. Not even read a spiritual book in your life. Like everybody else, you married, had kids and lived a good life. How will anybody believe that you led people into spiritual path and saved earth from destruction?”

“Do you remember I taught you ‘Soul practice’ in your childhood? You used to say that gives you unlimited power. You continue to do that even today. Not only you, but our children, their children and all our generations are doing it, following you. That is an exercise by which we are able to perceive the fifth dimension, namely, soul. This was a well-kept secret in Raytheon planet. When you and our family practice this, the generated positive vibrations are transmitted to all people in this earth. This in turn triggers them to do nurture good thoughts and deeds. If earth has survived another nuclear war and effects of global warming, then it is due to this.”

It was grandma’s turn to be silent.

“Are you angry with me that I have deceived you, your entire life?”

 “No”

She hugged grandpa placing her face on his chest. “I have to tell you something, grandpa!”

“Why are you calling me ‘Grandpa’?”

“On hearing everybody call you Grandpa, it came out of my lips naturally. Can I tell you something?”

“Hmmm”

“I love you Saman”

“I love you too Nisha”

Saman ran his fingers through Nisha’s white hair lovingly. Nisha could hear Saman’s heart beat crystal clear. Both of them stayed in that ecstatic state not realizing the time gone by.

It was now twelve. Saman’s heart stopped. At the same instant, Nisha’s heart stopped beating.

The wind stopped blowing. The music of the birds paused. The trees halted swaying. This was earth’s way of paying last respects to the two wonderful departed souls.

Transcending the Speed of Light – Consciousness, Quantum Physics and the Fifth Dimension – Marc Seifer Ph.D

About Lemuria and Telos – http://www.lemurianconnection.com/category/about-lemuria-and-telos/