Mr.Rahul Ghose, Mr.Raj Roy, and Dr.Madhusudan Gomez have been friends since childhood. They all attended the same school and college. After completing their education, one of them started his own magazine, Ghose became a mystery novelist, and Gomez became a lecturer at a government college after acquiring his doctorate from the University of Kansas in Engineering. Although they are all from Kolkata, the City of Joy, their professions have led them to different locations. Raj Roy is in Delhi, Rahul Ghose is in Mumbai, and Madhusudan Gomez is in Damchara, Assam. Despite the distance between them, they share a common interest in historical texts and enjoy deciphering the mysteries encoded within them. All three of them can read, write, and speak in 13 major languages and 27 minor languages, as well as three ancient texts that are no longer spoken by people in the modern world.
Now let us begin our story. This will be the first instalment.
Dr. Gomez was sitting in his living room on a Sunday morning, reading the English newspaper while sipping on his favorite Darjeeling tea. Once he was done reading, he planned to enjoy a delicious breakfast of Puri and Alur Dam, which was prepared by his wife, Mrs. Sulata Gomez.
She had come to stay with him for a few days while her office was closed for some holidays. She had also applied for leave for a few more days, and if approved, she would be able to stay with her husband for a few more days. Dr. Gomez and Mrs. Sulata got married last year in an arranged marriage, but their love for each other had blossomed quickly. However, due to their jobs, they lived in different locations and could only meet during their holidays or if one of them took leave from work.
Mr.Gomez was just going to finish his tea when the doorbell rang for two times. Upon opening the door, he was confronted by an unfamiliar figure.
“Hello Dr.Gomez”
“Hello…you are ?”
“I am Dr.Paresh Chandra Nath from Benaras Hindu University. I work there as a Professor of Linguistics.”
Since he didn't know this individual and didn't have an appointment with him, Dr. Gomez wasn't entirely confident. He therefore felt uneasy about allowing this stranger into his quarters.
Prof. Nath appears older. He has a pretty thin moustache and is rather tall. However, he is bearless. His nose stands out the most amid his exceedingly sharp facial features.
“But why have you come to meet me. I am an Engineer and I have no relation with Linguistics”…Dr.Gomez query the Professor.
“Yes you have. I know that you are interested about ancient texts and the reason I have come here to see you relates to that.”
Gomez was surprised to hear this. As the passion for unravelling mysteries from the ancient text is one of the secret that was only known to three of them. Not even his wife knows about Gomez's passion. How could this person have known this?
Prof. Nath grinned and said, "Do not be amazed, Dr. Gomez.""Your acquaintance Mr.Ghose has given me your address and informed me that you are the only person who can help me in solving this mystery. You will also be delighted to know that both of your friends are coming to your place day after tomorrow for this same purpose.”
“But why in my place?”..Gomez was a little irritated as he was planning for a sweet holiday with his lovely wife. But now it seems that plan will not take place as he knows his friends. They were not coming here without any reason. Something is really important here.
“May I come in?”
“Yes, Professor…please come in and take your seat.”
“Thank you.”…Prof.Nath took his seat and started his story.
"The mystery pertains exclusively to Damchara, and that's why myself and your friends will gather in your home. as you are staying here for a long time"
“What” Dr.Gomez got startled…”Tell me the entire story, Professor”
“Sure.”
End of Part I
This story is also available in my newsletter I Tell Differently.