The Banyan Tree That Sets the Souls Free : Chapter 4

 The Unraveling or A Misunderstood Prophecy

Akriti was recounting all the tales she had heard from the neighbours about the Banyan tree. Rumours were ripe that many evil spirits always haunted the tree. Many had even observed the roots coiling and uncoiling while a few heard screams.

Akriti then slowly began recounting the incident about how she stumbled upon the prophecy. When the reporter asked her how she identified this to be the tree, she replied,

“You see, the stone carving depicted a demon hidden in the tree while a sage meditates. The demon may be signifying evil, while the sage represents the good. Now, the only tree with a reputation for evil is this very tree,” continued Akriti.

“We are yet to identify what the sage represents here, but yes, this tree has been here for ages and must have witnessed strange rituals. The carving in the temple was in an ancient Tamil language which was translated by my revered guide Prof. Siddhartha,” said Akriti.

She then proceeded to read it out loud,

“The Banyan Tree stood witness to some of the most revolting rituals. It stands tall, even when there is no vermillion or turmeric smeared on it. Free are the spirits that haunt this tree, so reads this inscription, a prophecy. A time shall come when the truth will dawn and take you afar to the end of the journey long,” continued Akriti. 

“I have Prof. Siddhartha live on phone with me, to give us more information,” finished Akriti.

 

***

Shikha had calmed down and was witnessing the media coverage. So was the young man.

“But what she says is wrong,” said Shikha.

“Yes, they think what they understand is the truth,” replied the Banyan tree.

“But, is the prophecy really about you?” asked Shikha.

“Yes indeed, I am one of the Kalpavrikshas,” replied the Banyan Tree.

“Oh, then how can you be evil if you grant wishes?” asked Shika.

“I am not evil, I grant wishes of the spirits that are estranged and stuck,” replied the Banyan tree.

***

Anmol was getting anxious with each passing minute.

“Is this true? Do you house demons? Where are they? I don’t see any of them until now?”

“Wait and watch, you will understand it very soon. Sometimes, what we see or hear may not be the whole truth but part of a truth. Believing partial truths is more harmful than believing lies,” said the Banyan tree.

Suddenly, Anmol began to understand when Akriti got talking about coiling of the roots. It happened to him when he became angry. His struggle with the roots and movements were misunderstood by them. The whole truth dawned on him.

“I understood now, the demons they are talking about are us.” At this point, he saw the young woman free herself and fly above the Banyan tree as if she had invisible wings. The old woman watched with pained eyes.

***

“Oh, so you can grant me my wish. Please, destroy Subhash completely. I want to see him meet his gory end. I want to see him struggle in pain like I did,” asked Shikha.

“You are mistaken. I help you let go of this emotion called revenge. But yes, what Subhash has done to you, Karma will catch up eventually. He will get his punishment but at the right time. Now, concentrate on your soul, do you see the shining bright light ahead, but you are in a cage?” asked the Banyan tree.

“Yes, I do. The light feels warm and welcoming, yet, I am a prisoner,” replied Shika.

“Now, clear every thought and memory coming to you right now.”

“I am trying, but I am stuck with memories of Subhash,” replied Shikha.

“Let go, you are free, he will get his punishment. Allow yourself the freedom, don’t allow him to make a home in your consciousness. He doesn’t deserve a place in your consciousness. Your thoughts must be only about reaching the light,” said the Banyan tree at length.

Shikha was relieved to let all the memories of Subhash fade away. It was as if she was watching herself drift away from Subhash towards the shining, warm light. She looked around to see if she was free from the roots of the Banyan tree. At last, she was free from the bondage of vengeance that binded her to this mortal world.

***

“I don’t get it. How did she do that?” enquired  Anmol.

“She is now free from the bondage,” replied the Banyan tree.

“Oh, the prophecy means you help us free ourselves; How dumb of me to look for demons hiding in the tree,” he said.

“It is now time to let go of the attachment you have for your daughter,” said the Banyan tree.

“But, I have a doubt, why is the woman who is lodged high up there not able to free herself?” asked Anmol.