34 The Code in the Script
Arjuna, Saraswati, and Aditi also sat down and enjoyed the meal with them and it was clear that they were quite happy and comfortable in the presence of Elize and Ronald. Johan even for a while forgot his and Martie’s predicament because they took him back to the times at the ashram. Arjuna asked him to have a serious conversation later on and deliberately let him forgot the many questions that troubled him and with the help of the beautiful ladies let him feel at home with their charm and memories. They relived the funny moments with swami Prabubada and the other believers in the ashram and Ronald and Elize laughed with them. Saraswati and Aditi even performed a magical, traditional dance just there in the refectory before Arjuna accompanied him to his room. The dance brought tears to his eyes and took Johan way back while he read the messages in eloquently performed movements by the beautiful dancers.
The bodyguards waited outside the door but the door stood open while Arjuna came and sat at Johan’s side on the bed. Johan is now looking earnestly at Arjuna. It is time for answers!
“I don’t understand, Arjuna. Back in India, you saved us out of the claws of these people and now you are working with them? Do you remember how we discussed the strange end time occult of Vipracitti? Do you remember how we evaded and feared Ahmed and his kin? We wondered what happened to those people who disappeared after they had contact with this strange occult. How did they bewitch all of you? My friend, please tell me what is going on.”
Arjuna smiles. “Johan, do you still remember how we visited the poorest of the poor in the slums and helped them with food and clothes?”
“Of course, I remember.”
“Well, one day, about two years after you had left, I tried to help an old bum standing up where he lied in an ally in the dirt. I wanted to take him to a haven for the homeless to be fed and clothed there. When I lifted him, he looked into my eyes and he unlocked my thoughts.”
Johan frowns. “I still don’t understand.”
“The old bum was the prophet, Vipracitti, who waited for me because he chose me just as he did with you and Martie. We are so lucky, Johan, but soon you will understand. He will come and show you the truth. I asked him to spare my family and they all are also free now.”
“Your whole family? And swami Prabupada?”
“The prophet saw another future for the swami, but we were lucky.”
“And the rest of your family, are they here?”
“No, only my sisters and I were flown here because we are very good friends. Ronald told us you would not surrender by yourself and requested us to make you as comfortable as possible until you see the prophet. He is convinced that only the prophet will let you see the light.”
“Do you know how you can make my stay comfortable?”
“Anything at all possible, I will certainly try, my friend.”
“These people are paranoid. They think I contemplate taking my own life. But I cannot, Arjuna, because what then would happen to Martie? Thus, I want your help and you know me so well. You know I have the habit of carrying a notebook with me with a small pencil in which I write down verses of Sanskrit and mantras. Do you remember how I impressed swami Prabupada with how quickly I learned Sanskrit and how this habit of mine helped me to remember the verses? Won’t you get me a small notebook with a pencil with their consent, Arjuna?”
Arjuna smiles. “I am sure I can help you with that. I remember that habit very well. It is a good thing I am here because the security people here won’t understand, but I shall tell Ronald about this old habit since our ashram days because he has the final say. Something else?”
“Do you remember how we sat and meditated late in the evening under the stars, Arjuna? I dearly want to sit with you in the evenings under the starry sky and meditate. Don’t you believe in Vishnu anymore?”
Arjuna laughs out loudly. “Why should I not believe in Vishnu, Johan. Swami Prabupada taught us a lot, but the prophet saved us from our blindness and Vishnu gave him the right so that we as the chosen ones know exactly how everything fits together. You may think light and darkness are opposites, but even Prabupada’s principles should teach you that everything is only differentiations of Bhagavan: positive or negative; light or darkness. Each of us exhibits the unique manifestation of Bhagavan that together forms the whole of what exists now and what will be. You surely learned it from the Shrimad Bhagavatam. Sometimes we land in a crucial point of our existence and if we take the right decisions, what follows will bring better results for all and only the prophet has the power to convince you about this as he did for the rest of us. Just like Krishna helped Arjuna in the Bhagavad-Gita to see the light, the prophet will help you to fulfill your responsibility and destiny to ensure better outcomes for this world of ours.”
“Won’t you then arrange for us to meditate at least one evening outside under the stars, my friend?”
“I can’t see why I would be unable to convince Ronald; thus, I promise: one cloudless evening I will come and fetch you, Johan.”
“Thanks so much, Arjuna. I hope you will be able to do what you’ve promised.”
~*~*~
They are at the front door and Jack rings the bell. The door opens and Michael stands there with a broad smile when he sees them.
“Hello, my goodness! It seems the whole family is here. Is this your mother, Kadin?”
Michael smiles and stretches his hand out to Rene. She smiles friendly and gives him a firm handshake.
“Now I can put a face to a name. Pleased to meet you, Michael. Kadin simply can’t wait to hear about the code you deciphered and she is working on our nerves. That’s why you see all of us here.”
Michael laughs heartily. “She’s got a mind of her own, that one! But come in, let me take you to the sitting room, and then I shall get the code. I’m sorry you won’t be able to meet Vyasa, Rene, because he departed this morning to Durban but there is a big, framed portrait of him against the wall in the sitting room.”
Both Rene and Jack look quite disappointed and Jack confirms it. “Oh no, we need his help. That is one of the reasons we all are here.”
Michael leads them into the sitting room. “With what should he help you?”
Rene explains: “We have just been at the psychiatrist. Something strange happened and she couldn’t relieve the children from the hold of the wizard and she literally chased us away like dogs and swore she doesn’t want to see us again. If you ask me, I think she now needs a shrink. I think she’ll never be the same again.”
Kadin burst out laughing and Billy has a grin on his face. Rene chides her. “Sis, my child! Don’t laugh! That woman had a terrible experience.”
“Sorry, mother. It is just the way you put it that is so funny. I don’t revel in the lady’s torture, poor thing. All her fairies flew out of the window and she doesn’t know where she is at this stage.”
Jack is annoyed by her words. “Kadin! I don’t know you like this. Usually, you are emphatic towards others but now you sound as cold-hearted as that monster that climbed into your head.”
He looks at Michael. “We hoped your swami could give us advice as to how to get rid of that bug in her brain.”
Kadin laughs again. “Sorry father, but you are funny today!”
Michael smiles. “I have the swami’s smartphone number and I shall give it to you, Madam, then you can phone him tonight. Just give him a chance to move in and settle at his new lodging in Durban.”
Rene is pleasantly surprised. “Thanks, Michael, that is nice of you.”
Kadin stamps her foot impatiently on the floor. “Damn! Go and get that darn code! I can’t wait any longer!