Koormans - Nature's Warriors

KOORMANS - NATURE'S WARRIORS

by

MURALI MURTHY

Koorma - Paradise Island

With a terrain ranging from dense rain-forest to soaring mountains - Koorma, a small island off Indian Ocean is an independent Kingdom blessed with rich natural resources, ample rainy season, pleasant weather throughout the year, water resources, with 50% of the island having forest cover inhabited by tribes.

Koormans worship Turtle as their God, and the beaches around Koorma is home to millions of Turtles.
And because Turtles precedes everything else in Koorma, beach activities near many beaches are restricted to ensure safety. There are dedicated beaches for human entertainment.

People of Koorma with their healthy lifestyle, natural way of living, minimal modernization have a average life expectancy of 85.
Even a 80 year old is active, productive and leads a healthy life.
The secret of such high life expectancy and healthy life is Sanjeevini, their priced procession. Sanjeevini is a mountain range rich in minerals and trees having medicinal values.
A quick relief and a remedy for any regular fever, cough or digestive ailments is to go for a short walk on the mountain trail and the fresh air, environment and richness in the ecosystem. A walk and time spent in the mountain was good enough to heal most of the ailments / diseases.

All their medical science revolves around Sanjeevini's plants, trees, soil, worms and stones. With the traditional medical practice and the modern day scientists researching and preparing medicines from the mountain's extracts, Koorma's health is in the safe hands.

This tiny and remote Kingdom had disconnected itself from the entire world for centuries, primarily to safeguard It's ancient traditions.

The kingdom is ruled by the Chivas since 15th century. The present King Manhar Chivas took the throne at the age of 40, after his father Pramang Chivas, who handed over the baton to his son 10 years ago.

Koorma was first opened up to the external world under the leadership of his highness Pramang. His highness in early 1970s started trade links with India and Sri Lanka, with an intent to adapt moderated modernization in select sectors including fashion, automobiles strictly solar/battery powered and Electronics.

Taking cue from his father, Manhar continued with moderated import of goods and exporting handicrafts, arts, grains and fruits to boost the country's economy.

With a total population of 25 Lakhs, the country is self sufficient and able to sustain its economy without depending heavily on the outside world.

Continuing his father's decision, Manhar continues to be extremely choosy to offer Visas to outsiders, especially tourists, to protect Koorma from being exploited, polluted and losing the sheen of its rich natural resources, and protecting Sanjeevini.

Viral Virus

Worried and concerned about the spread of Corona Virus across the globe, Manhar called for a meeting with his advisors and his Health Minister "What do we know about this Corona Virus?"

"My king, it's been 30 days since the onset of this virus and is spreading rampantly across all countries and people are dying"

"How did this start?"

"There are many theories my King, but many believe it is a Virus first found in a Bat and now spreading in Humans. No country till now has found any cure, as none of their medicines are curing the virus"

"Should we be worried?"

"No your highness. This virus is contagious and spreads by human contact. As we are not in touch with outside world, we can never be affected. Even if we get the Virus in our body, our immunity is so high and the Virus will have no impact on us"

"Ok, good. With our prowess in medical science, should we help them with a cure?"

"I would not recommend at this point My King"

"Ok, keep track of this Virus, its spread and let me know if we have to be worried or offer help"

After 3 Months, they meet again on this issue "I believe things have got out of control in many countries?"

"Yes your highness, almost all countries are in deep mess. They have declared it as Pandemic, many countries have locked down all social and economic activities, as 35% of world population is now affected with this Corona Virus and 50% of them are dead"

"Yet no cure found?"

"Nothing is killing the Virus. Unless they come up with a specific medicine or vaccine, they will continue to suffer"

"You still do not suggest us to help?"

"No my King, we do not have resources and ability to help them in such huge scale. We can't afford to exhaust our resources"

"When we know we can help them, I can't sit quite. Put your Scientists on the job to see if we can give them a formula, if not a medicine"

As ordered by the King, the minister asks 2 scientists to visit India and get samples of Virus and study the patients.

The 2 Scientists visits India, after the King requests Indian Govt to allow his men to collect samples.

The two men straight walk to a Quarantine Hospital, touch and collect samples from the critical patients without any protection.

After spending couple of days in the Hospital studying the patients and collecting samples, the two Scientists are ready to depart to their homeland in a special charter flight. The medical staff insist on them getting tested, and Corona Virus was indeed found in both the Scientists. Panic stuck Indian medical staff urge them not to travel, but they just smile and head back home.

The Shrinking Virus

Meanwhile back in Koorma, a new strange disease had set in. Koormans are infected with a new kind of Virus that is shrinking people. The virus was literally shrinking Humans, eventually the affected Humans were vanishing.

When the two scientists returned back home, they were re-assigned the job to look into the cases. They found the formation of these viruses traceable back to a Turtle's cell structure. They realized the Virus has come from turtles. They observed the behavior of this new Virus is to multiply itself very fast and attach itself to every Cell in the body and deform.
The Virus has degenerative affect on each cell, tissue, fat, skin, hairs, bones and eventually the human being will vanish.
The Scientists named the new Virus Pagong.

The Scientists run to the Minister and they all meet the King at a safe distance "Your highness the new Virus Pagong is contagious, and till now 5 people are affected and 2 have degenerated completely, and other 3 are shrunk by half"

"From where did this Pagong come from?"

The Scientists hesitantly murmur with their heads held low "My King the Virus has come from Turtles"

"Turtles!!?"

"Not directly from Turtles. We traced back, and found that this has link to Corona Virus. As these Turtles swim across the ocean frequently to the Indian and Sri Lankan shores, we have reasons to believe the Virus was transferred from the Fishermen there to Turtles. Though the Turtles are not affected by the Virus, the Virus has mutated and changed it's characteristics while inside the Turtles."

"And our people touch these Turtles everyday as part of their rituals to worship them and that's how our people got this Virus?"

"That is correct. And we warn you that Pagong is highly contagious and can spread fast if we do not control it"

"And aren't we supposed to be immune to such viruses?"

"We are immune to almost every Virus that arises out of humans and animals, but not from Turtles. As Turtles are part of our ecosystem and our evolution always had this differentiation with Turtles, we might not be immune to Pagong"

"Yes, after all we consider Turtles as our God and we cannot be immune to them...How do we control? What do you suggest?"

Again in a low and hesitant tone "My King, while we will start working on a cure medically, I am afraid as long as we have millions of Turtles around us, we cant stop the spread or contain the Virus"

"What do you mean?"

"We need to.....get rid of them...cull them all.."

Manhar got up from his seat and in a angry tone "Don't even dare say that. They are our God. It is better we get killed by the Virus, but I can't even think of ordering that. Go and start working on a cure"

The Scientists got back to their Lab and continued their study. As they analyzed it more, they realized it is highly contagious and the number of infected were growing at the rate of 10 in one day, jumped up from 2 in one day, within a week.

A worried and confused Scientists try everything possible but fail to find a headway.
One of the Scientists wakes up in the middle of the night and suddenly calls the other "we know it is so contagious, and when we personally visited the first few patients to collect the samples, how come we are not yet affected"

The two decide to meet in the Lab immediately and starts to brainstorm and reason why they are not affected.
They soon realize they are carrying Corona Virus in them when they visited India.

They quickly took out the Corona Virus sample and spent 3 days constantly on the structure of Corona Virus, comparing with Pagong Virus structure. They jumped up in joy as they find out that Corona is regenerative in nature and Pagong is degenerative in nature.
As both the viruses work in opposite ways, they both can be used to kill each other.

An elated Manhar Chivas ordered the Scientists to quickly come up with medicines to cure Corona Virus as well as Pagong Virus.

After a month of efforts, the Scientists came up with Vaccines based on Pagong to cure Corona, and Vaccines based on Corona to cure Pagong.

The Verdict

This was no less than a miracle, as Koormans helped the world beat Corona Pandemic. Koorma and Manhar Chivas caught the attention of the world and the Media. After some constant persistence, Manhar finally agreed to let Prannoy Roy from NDTV travel to Koorma to take his Interview.

Prannoy elated to meet Manhar "Sir, extremely happy that you let me in your country and giving me this opportunity to take your interview"

"Tell me Mr. Prannoy, why were you so desperate to take my interview"

"Why wouldn't I be...You don't know how big a favour you have done on the entire mankind. World Media is waiting to know about you and your people. I should be asking you, why are you so hesitant to meet us?"

"You will know it by the end of your interview"

"Sure...so if you are ready and with your permission can we start recording our chat?"

"Yes please"

"So, how do you feel saving the world? You are a true hero."

"I am not sure if I agree that me or my people saved the world. We had the skills and the solution and as humans, we just helped each other. That's how a society should be."

"That's impressive. What do you make out of the situation and Pandemic that the entire world went through?"

"This is a lesson to be learnt by everyone in your world. It is man-made situation and you all are responsible for this situation"

"You say man-made?"

"Indeed, you have exploited your resources and abused Nature. This is Nature's way to normalize itself."

"Yes, I agree that we have abused nature and resources. That's the cost we are forced to pay for Modernization. Pardon me saying this, but you are sitting pretty and blessed with such richness, and natural resources that are almost magical"

"Our land is no different than yours. You don't know how to respect your's, we not only respect nature but we worship it"

"But Modernization & Industrialization comes at a cost, how do we balance?"

"There is value and limitations for everything. You should know the limits of selling yourself for Modernization and limits of abusing Nature. As long as we respect nature, it protects us."

"Probably we have gone too far ahead for us to slow down"

"No, this is an opportunity Nature has given you to slow down and change your approach. Ancient Traditions and practices were created by our ancestors which is designed to moderate life as per needs and considering all forms of life in context."

"Yes, we probably went greedy and started abusing nature. What's the reason you have disconnected yourself from the rest of the world?"

"For the same reason you mentioned. You are greedy, selfish and don't respect nature. We have been trained over many generations to follow traditions, worship nature. We don't let people in, to make sure our people are not corrupted."

"I clearly see that. Your country reflects your thoughts and what Nature gives back if you worship it. We need to wake up now as we have lost 40% of world population to this Corona Virus Pandemic. What do you suggest for us to correct ourselves now?"

"We believe in Moderation, that's what I can suggest. Moderation in eating, earning, use of Nature. As you saw in case of this Pandemic, Nature gave a solution for itself. We were only a reason to show that solution to you."

"We surely will learn our lessons after this Pandemic. What parameters qualifies for us outsiders to freely get in your country and see the beauty and experience your magical world"

"You don't need to change anything just to enter our country. You change yourselves and your surroundings. Make every country in the world conducive for natural resources to recharge itself. Lessen your greed and belief that you are superior to nature and other animals. Respect animals and their life, do not kill and eat just because you like the taste, eat only to fill your stomach. As you augment nature around, moderate Modernization, adapt ancient traditions, your immunity will automatically be much stronger, and no Virus like Corona will become a Pandemic. With this, you will make each country in the world - Koorma."

Prannoy Roy, with a confused yet enlightened thoughts concludes the interview.

"Now I realize why you never let outsiders step inside your land. You were protecting yourself from our selfishness. It was really enlightening to have spoken with you. I convey gratitude on behalf of entire mankind for helping us get a second chance"

"I am glad me and my people could give back to Nature and help other fellow humans. Your Virus also helped us fight our small battle, we are also thankful. It is upto you now how you want to portray and project Koormans. We don't want to be Heroes, we just want you to take the message out and help the humanity mend their ways"

Dream Adda

DREAM ADDA

by

MURALI MURTHY

Tanay & Namma Metro

Wearing a crushed shirt and an old faded office bag hung on his shoulders, Tanay Bhat drags himself to office everyday. A grim-faced and a silent Tanay boards a Metro Train daily from Lal bagh to Rajajinagar.

He stays in a 3 storied building with 10 single bedroom houses rented to bachelors, in Mavalli.

He walks down slowly with his head down, to Lal Bagh Metro station and with crowd during the peak time he is pushed into the train. He gets down at Rajajinagar to reach the Insurance office he works for.
Evening 6.30 PM he again takes the Metro and reaches Lal Bagh.
He repeats the announcement and gets down at the station "The train will now arrive in Lal Bagh and the doors will open to your left. Please mind the doors while deboarding".
He reaches home, cooks the same food everyday, turns on his music player to listen to his Music Playlist which only has songs sung by Dr. Rajkumar and sleeps off.

This is his routine from past 1 year.

Tanay works as an Insurance Agent in the company, and is not very efficient at his work, gets yelled by his Boss everyday as he doesn't meet his monthly targets.

During the Lunch break, Tanay everyday comes to have lunch at the small Canteen outside the office, and stands in a corner sipping a cup of Tea from the roadside shop.

The Curious Vismitha

One day a lady in her late 40s wearing a white Chudidhar with a grand Dupatta filled with bright colours and mirror work, stands next to Tanay.
Lighting a cigarette, the lady looks at Tanay and smiles at him. He doesn't reciprocate but quickly finishes his Tea and goes back to his office.

The next day the lady again tries to approach Tanay and looked like she wanted to initiate a conversation, but Tanay again avoids her.
The third day, with a cigarette in one hand and other hand extended towards Tanay she greets him with a bright smile "Hi, I am Vismitha". Unable to avoid her this time, Tanay extend his hands for a loose handshake and introduces himself with his Name.

Though Tanay didn't smoke and hates the smell of the smoke, he liked the flavored smell from her Cigarette.

"Hi Tanay, I am sorry to bother you, I observe you daily standing alone and sipping your Tea. Just curious to know if you are fine"

"Yes, I am fine, why do you ask?"

"I am sorry to intrude your privacy, but I have been observing you daily"

"Daily?"

"Yes, not sure you have ever noticed me, I am hired by your Insurance Company for their Silver Jubilee celebration planning. I am an event planner and helping your company for the event"

"Oh ok, I didn't know about the event or the milestone"

"No wonder...I see you sitting alone in a corner in the office, getting yelled by your Boss everyday, and you come here sad and alone to have your Tea. So I just wanted to talk to you and check if everything is fine with you or if there is anything disturbing you"

"Look here Miss..."

"Vismitha...call me by my name"

"Look here Vismitha, firstly I am not sad or disturbed. And even if I am, why would I want to share it with a stranger. I am getting late for my work now" he walks away.

Next day, they both again bump into each other and Vismitha in her usual style of dressing with clear white Chudidhar and a grand Dupatta and puffing on a Cigarette, again picks up a conversation "Hi Tanay, I am sorry to bother you, as I have been observing you, I felt like reaching out to you, talking to you and helping you. You can consider me as a good friend and share any problem you might have"

"You are now piling on me. Thanks for your concern, but genuinely I don't have any problem and I am not disturbed"

"Then why are you always silent, you don't talk to anyone at office and always alone and sad?"

"Just because I don't talk to people and silent, doesn't mean I am sad"

"Agree, but isn't it normal to have friends, to smile? And I have never seen you laugh since 1 month I have observed you"

"Why should I unnecessarily smile and laugh? I am a sane person, it's just that I don't like to interact with people. Yes I am an introvert but am happy in my space"

"Good to know that"

"Anyways, see you later, got to head back to work"

They both meet again next day and today Tanay himself walks up to Vismitha and greets "Hi Tanay, continuing from yesterday, so you are just saying you are fine and you are just different from others?"

"Yes, each are different and with different characteristics. Being introvert, not happy unnecessarily, and not interested with people around - is normal and not strange. You are extrovert, outspoken, you like people, you are a friendly person and street smart.

"Hmmm..I get what you are saying...We are just two different personalities and its wrong for me to judge just by what I perceive"

"Yes, you are right"

"I remember visiting Mysore Zoo sometime back where there was one Guide who was explaining about Crocodiles. I asked him why Crocodiles are always sleeping and hardly move, why are they so lazy"

"That guide asked me why am I assuming it's lazy and why am I expecting Crocodiles to be moving around all the time. Animals and Humans are different. Animals in general hunt only when they are hungry and conserve their energy all other times. They don't unnecessarily waste energy and move around like Humans"

"Wow, that's a great example"

"Tanay, what's your passion, what are your ambitions?"

"Nothing, I am just an ordinary person with average skills. I don't have much expectations or ambitions, and am contented in life."

"Interesting..you don't have any dreams??"

"No, I frankly don't have any big dreams. I am from a small town Saligrama near Udupi. We have a small house and 1 acre Land near our house. I just want to send as much as money possible back home for their livelihood"

"Wow, very humble. What's your interests or hobbies?"

"Nothing special. I just love Dr. Rajkumar, I only watch his movies and listen to only his songs. And Kola has been part of my life all along"

"I need to rush back to office, bye"

The Kola

Next day they meet again at their usual place and Vismitha eagerly asks "You were talking about Kola yesterday...what's that?"

"Kola is a ritual folk dance in Saligrama and entire coastal belt."

Vismitha could see Tanay's eyes wide open, in excitement and eager to explain and animatedly describe Kola, she realized it's his passion. Tanay goes on "Kola is a ritual in honor of the local deity. It is basically a spirit worship ritual celebrated by Tulu-speaking people in Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka. These spirits are neither good nor bad. Kola is also called 'nema' which means ceremony, which goes on from dusk to dawn.
It is an art involving expressions, performance, stylized dance. It is a belief that the spirit of the deity comes in the one performing the act and is a very religious affair.The area is decorated with flowers, mainly jasmine, and firecracker flower and such others. "

"So, you used to perform Kola?"

"Yes, I was part of a group and I have performed from past 10 years. I loved the music, the colours, the dance, the decorations, makeup, the drums, the beats, the recitals - all were so mesmerizing and magical. People loved my performance, my dance and I loved every bit of it, apart from the religious face of it. The spirit in the performer is believed to mediate and answer questions by the sponsorer."

"So, I assume you can't make a living out of it"

"Yes, it is more of a ritual and one can't make a living out of it. As people these days do not get Kola organized that frequently. I miss it badly.."

Dream Adda

"Tanay, if you are free on Saturday, I want to take you to a place"

"Where?"

"You just come with me, I am sure you will like the place"

"No thanks. I don't think I will be comfortable"

"Trust me Tanay, you will like it"

Tanay hesitantly agrees and both of them meet on Saturday and Vismitha in her usual style of dressing, picks Tanay in her Car. Tanay observes there was no God's idol on the Car dashboard.

She stops at a place that looked like a Cafe and it had a well lit board in bright colours and flashy lights that read "Dream Adda".

Vismitha leads the way and the security guard in a white Pathani Kurtha with a Big mustache is waiting for the visitors to come near him with what seemed like a Rubber Stamp.

"What's that?"

"It's a custom at this place, that man will put that Seal on your hands and you need to smell it before entering the place"

The guard puts a Seal that had name of the place on it. The Seal had a bright neon coloured impression on his hand, and as advised, he smells the impression on his hand..it had a very pleasing smell. As he snorted the impression, he felt something unusual within him. He felt good, he felt water running all over his body, he could feel an enjoyable coldness in his body. The surroundings came to a standstill and everything looked good.
With this strange and happy feeling, Tanay followed Vismitha as she entered the Cafe.
He sees a Receptionist greeting him with folded hands and welcoming them both, who looked strikingly similar to Tanay's favorite yesteryear actress Saritha with exact body language and style of speaking.

They settle down at a table and Tanay sees around and to his amusement, every guy who is serving in that Cafe were wearing one of the attires of Dr. Rajkumar's movies. If one Server is wearing a dress from Aakasmika, another guy was wearing a traditional attire of Bhakta kumbara, one more guy wearing the white suit from Mayura.


Tanay couldn't control his excitement...as he turned around, he was amused to see various themes of Dr. Rajkumar movie set.

Vismitha was seeing Tanay with a smiling face and he asked her "What is this place? Is the owner fond of Dr. Rajkumar as I am?"

"It is a magical place where people see what they want to see. Some call it Dreamland, magic land and few find this their fantasy world."

"What is it for you? Why do you come here?"

"I feel home here...I feel I own this place. This is a place where people find themselves and open up their minds"

Yellidhaane aa ninna Hari

"I feel overwhelmed, I don't know what to say. I would like to meet the owner if possible and learn more about this place"

"Are you sure you want to meet him? He is known to me"

"Really? I want to meet him, I have lot of questions"

"Sure, come along...let me take you to Hari"

Vismitha explains how Hari likes to play tricks...she describes a small game and points at 6 pillars and one of them is a door to his cabin. There is a doorbell against each pillar, Vismitha asks Tanay to press the right doorbell to find the door for his Cabin. Tanay after taking a minute, presses doorbell on the 3rd Pillar, and he is astonished and wonder-stuck to see the Pillar splitting and sees a door to a Cabin.
He asks Vismitha "What if I had chosen the wrong pillar, would I have not met him?"
Vismitha smiles and replies "That's the trick. All doors leads to Hari's cabin. You Go ahead meet and meet me outside the cafe"
Tanay enters the cabin and amazed to meet Hari, who is wearing a white shirt and a black Suit, with a pigeon on his shoulder and looked like Dr. Rajkumar himself.

Tanay asks Hari "Are you.....aah...My Icon...Dr. Rajkumar?"

"Haha...no Tanay..am not. People call me with different names and see me the way they like to see me, I can be what you want me to be"

"I am just speechless...I don't know what's happening with me...By the way, how did you know my name??"

A smiling Hari says "Well you are in my Cafe, and I know all my visitors. Tell me what do you seek from me?"

"I was happy and normal before I met Vismitha and before I came here...at least I thought I was happy...but now I seek more from life"

"These are possibly just reasons for what you to seek."

"I just need clarity, my mind is fogged"

"I had the same confusion sometime back, but a Tattoo solved my problem"

"Tattoo??"

"My colleague is a great Tattoo artist. Her Tattoos does wonders, why don't you try one yourself"

Tanay gladly agreed and he was guided to a small cave like passage that was dark and cramped. It opened up to a dim lit chair, where he was made to sit on a Chair. Durga inked a Tattoo of Lotus flower on Tanay's arm and he was guided out of the Cafe.
As he came out, he couldn't find Vismitha around, he waits for half an hour and goes back home in a Cab.

Tanay can't find Vismitha at their usual meeting place near the office for next one month. He desperately searches for her and enquires at office and surroundings but can't find her.

Tanay wants to meet Vismitha and tell her how life has changed for him since one month. How he has so much confidence on himself, how his performance at work has been exceedingly successful and how all the calls he is making to sell Insurance and people are buying every time he calls, how his boss and colleagues wouldn't stop appreciating him.

Tanay is sad that he couldn't meet Vismitha again and gives up on finding her as he doesn't even have her contact details.

Despite the success and growth at work, Tanay decides to pursue his dream and now has clarity and wants to do what he likes to do.

Tanay wraps up from Bangalore and moves back to Saligrama.

The Search Ends

6 months later, Tanay is now a well known Kola performer. He is in demand and people from Kumta to Mangalore, all wants to have Kola organized and performed by Tanay and group.
Whoever sponsors and gets the Kola play arranged and when Tanay gets the deity in him, all their problems are solved and they see prosperity.
People started to believe he is truly blessed and everytime he performs he is indeed possessed by the deity.

There was a new Durga Parameshwari temple built near Udupi and Tanay and group were invited to perform Kola at the Trustee's house in the same campus. Before performing the act, he visited the temple to take blessing of Durga Parameshwari.

He suddenly started sniffing aloud as he could smell the same unique fragrance and flavour as Vismitha's cigarette. He intensely started finding out from where the smell was coming and he was drawn towards the main Idol of Durga Parameshwari. And he was amazed to see the Agarbatti in front of the goddess that was emanating the smell.

He just stood there shocked and amused.

After 15 minutes of silence, he just bowed to the goddess and carried on with his part in the Kola act.

The Ballads of Nelamangalas

THE BALLADS OF NELAMANGALAS

by

MURALI MURTHY

Ajji Mane

A huge house buzzing with family members, all busy talking and laughing. The entire family across all ages used to sleep in one big hall with cots rolled open in the night and it was fun filled task to roll up all the cots in the morning.

A house bang on the corner of a very busy junction, with a backdrop of Chamundi hills.

Many elders sitting on the Jagali of the house and chatting...with absolutely no traffic on the lane, the only traffic blocks were caused by Cows slowly strolling on the streets.

Few ladies of the house leaning on the terrace wall, chatting and overlooking the people and street below.
Kids of all ages running and playing and few of them riding the rented bicycles.

I was one of those kids, and that's how my childhood summer holidays looked like.

Summer holidays would mean the entire family comes down to Ajji Mane.

Sumptuous traditional food prepared my aunts and Ajji, playing with cousins and evening outings.

It was not just fun and play all the time though, mornings were dedicated for teaching, not the academics or general knowledge, but the teachings were about Madhwa Philosophy, Guru Parampara and not just chanting of Mantras, but explanations of the Mantras to be learnt and recited.

Hymns

The background to such daily teaching sessions was the pious background of our learned Thaatha, a thinker, a philosopher, a scholar, an ardent student of Madhwa school of thought - Sri Vedavyasachar.

He spent all his life studying Veda shaastra and writing his perspectives and interpretations of the Shaastras.
Retired from PWD department, he used to spend most of the time learning from his Guru - Sri H.N.R

Thaatha ensured all the children have thorough knowledge on Shaastras and used to teach everyone Bhagavat geetha. He had instructed Ajji not to serve anyone even a Coffee until they complete reciting Geetha in the morning.
The eldest son Sri Subbannachar was well trained and all the knowledge was imparted.

Thaatha used to write constantly all the time about veda and upanishads...he used to write all the time and on any piece of paper he came across at home.

During his last days, Thaatha held Subbanna's hands and took an oath from him that he would promise to give Brahma gyana to all his siblings.

Being the eldest, wisest and duty-bound, he taught all Mantras and stotras to all the siblings.

Subbanna stressed on understanding the meaning of every Shloka they all recite.
While Annaji was directly taught by his father, JK and Narayan became shishyas of Subbanna and ensured they learnt all Shaastras.
In the words of Narayan "I don't need to listen to any one else's lecture/paatha, even if Sriman Madhwacharya comes and explains, I would prefer listening to Subbannachar - my Guru, as no one can explain things as he does, and we are used to his style of teaching"

The house was filled with Veda gochara, Paatha.
All Brothers and Sisters even today enjoy singing and chanting all Mantras taught to them. That is their favourite way of bonding everytime they meet. Amongst all other Shlokas they are taught, MangaLashtaka has become our family anthem. And no function, be it wedding, Gruhapravesham, or any small function, reciting MangaLashtaka in chorus is mandatory.
Subbanna moved to Tirupati to complete his PhD and started to work as Lecturer and eventually retired as Professor in Psychology.
As all his siblings were still young and studying, he was the sole bread winner of the house after Thaatha passed away.
He used to get Rolls of Cloth and all sisters and brothers used to get dresses stitched with the same Cloth.

It will be incomplete to talk, write about Nelamangalas, if Sri Subbannachar's one of the life time work - Shastra Vichara Kaipidi does not have a mention. A true representation of the Subbanna himself, his thoughts, learning & perspectives. When Narayan & JK were working closely with Subbanna to complete his book, he used to dictate and Narayan used to write down. Once when Subbanna was dictating so fast that Narayan asked him to slow down, for which he explained "I don't have time, We have to be fast. What will you do if it's incomplete".

The Gems

Annaji finished his education, with the intelligence and brilliance he had, Annaji started Earning and slowly sharing the responsibility of running the house at the age of 22.

When Annaji was born, Ajji went to a priest to get his horoscope written...the priest held the horoscope on his head in respect and told Ajji "He will be an amazing personality with intelligence and education beyond our imagination...he will take care of you very well till the end"
And that Priest was spot on, Annaji was duty-bound, knew his responsibility towards his family and happily carried the load on his shoulders. He went on to become an eminent scientist with his works in the field of Liquid Crystals, and was awarded with Bhatnagar Award and it was a proud moment for the entire family (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N._V._Madhusudana).

After settling down in his career, Annaji told Subbanna one day "I am now earning well, I will take care of the family and our siblings...You have done enough and held the responsibility on your shoulders for quite a long time, I will take over now"

All the children of Kamala Bai and Vedavyasachar were intelligent and exceptionally good academically.
All did well in their studies and most part of their education were on Scholarships.

Bonding between the sisters was always exemplary, and they have never fought with each other. The fights were silly, harmless and innocent.

As there were no Maids those days, the sisters used to split the work. Shanthi was assigned job to clean first floor, Vedi was responsible for Ground floor, and Manji was allotted job to clean the common passage and the bathrooms. While Manji usually was busy attending music and arts classes, she used to skip her part of the job. This made Shanthi and Vedi furious and used to fight with Ajji, but as Ajji loved Manji's artwork and bead arts, she used to take side of Manji.

When all sisters used to visit Tirupati every year, Subbanna used to gift each sister a Saree, but gifted 2 Sarees to Manji. And the others used to fight with him.

Subbanna used to visit Mysore for 3 Months in a year, and continued with his Paatha to the brothers and teaching Mantras to the sisters. Both JK and Narayana learnt all the Shaastra teachings, while Narayana spent more time with Subbanna assisting him with own writings and publishing.

Subbanna used to shed tears in joy stating "It was my duty to teach you all, but am so happy that you all are learning so well. I am glad I could fulfill the promise given to our Father."

Subbanna was happy as everyone's voice synchronized and he used to hum and nod his head in jubilation, as all sisters used to recite the Shlokas taught to them.


While Ajji started to show age related ailments with BP variations and her problem with harpees, Subbanna instructed the brothers to not let their Mother go to clinic regularly, but to ensure a Doctor visited the home to check her every week.

Annaji handled house expenses, while Narayana and Vedi took care of Shanthi's and Manji's wedding expenses.


Thaatha's guru HNR used to take Thaatha to the palace on many occasions, where they used to rewarded with bowl full of silver coins from Maharaja in respect of their knowledge and paandithya. Those silver items came handy during sister's marriages.

Shanti did her PhD in CFTRI and Used to get 500₹ scholarship, she used to give 200₹ for Manji's pregnancy expenses and checkups.
Narayan and Vedi were good teachers, and I will always remember how each of us, especially me who spent most of my holidays being taught by Vedi on Maths in school days, later by Narayan in Mandya on Science and Maths. Though they were strict teachers, but were very effective. They ensured I understand what they taught, Narayan explained most complicated problems in the most simplistic way possible.
Narayan & JK with utmost sincerity and interest learnt, followed everything taught by Sri Vedavyasachar and Sri. Subbannachar. The teachings were so impactful and inspirational that they remember every word taught to them, even to date. Even today they recite, practice and teach as much as possible.

The flying Dosas

The famous and mouthwatering Dosas of GTR, which I still crave to eat every time I visit Mysore. Their Dosas are famous since 1970s, the taste, the ambiance has never changed. GTR Dosas are integral part of every Mysorean and so was our family's.

The Brothers and Sisters also loved Dosas, but knowing the hardships and value for money Kamala Ajji would not allow her children to waste money on hotel food.
But being young and craving to have Masala Dosas from GTR, the siblings used to hatch a plan to eat Dosas. This craving to eat atleast once in a fortnight, made them collect 5 paises everyday and pool around 3₹ to get 6 Dosas.
JK used to get the Dosas and wrap it in a bag. Remaining 5 of them used to keep a watch to ensure Ajji is not aware of their plan and used to signal each other and choose the right time to get the Dosas in.
Narayan used to wait on the terrace, and based on the signal, JK used to throw the Bag full of Dosas and Narayan used to catch it. The throws were not always landing in Narayan's hands and many a times the throws used to miss the target with Chatni splattered in the bag.

After savoring Dosas, each of them used to run to the Kitchen to drink Water and Ajji would come to know about their Dosa venture and gave them advice on how they should not waste money.

Ajji

Both Kamala Ajji and Madi Ajji have gone through a strenuous life, seen difficulties, still didn't loose their composure and ensured they taught good values and principles to children and grand children. Kamala Ajji was devout to family values, family tradition. She was kindhearted, very sensitive, emotional, innocent and a epitome of Affection.

I remember the Kayyi thuthu Ajji used to feed, with all her grandchildren sitting around her.

Ajji always used to express her happiness and pride in seeing all her children fairing well in life and used to jubilate their success.

As JK and Narayan had lot of hairs, Ajji used to go and stand outside the Barbour shop and used to send the boys back if she felt they needed more haircut.

JK joined Iron and Steel factory, and when Ajji asked him about his work profile, JK used to explain (on a lighter note) "I carry long iron and Steel rods from one place to other" and the innocent Ajji used to Cry hearing that.

As Ajji was very emotional, none of the sisters used to share their difficulties or any problems in front of her, Ummi became their next mother to vent out and Cry.

Unable to say No to Annaji's suggestion, Vedi took up a clerical Job at the DC office. Despite being a well paid job, she cried in front of Ummi as she always had this remorse that she couldn't pursue her BEd and her passion to teach. She thought it was not intelligent to do clerical job; Ummi helped her complete BEd.

Madi Ajji was no different from her daughter. All the hardships she faced during her lifetime didn't deter her aspiration and her values. She ensured she gave good care and love to her daughter and grandchildren. I can't forget the piping hot and spicy huLi she used to prepare, the stories she used to so animatedly share, her home remedies for almost every ailment.

Madi Ajji took care of all daughters and grand daughters during their pregnancies and she was leading the charge in such situations.

JK went on to pile up Degrees and Masters, he was a Gold medalist in MSc, joined ISRO and climbed up the ladder of success quite fast.

JK got a job in Riyadh and started to earn well and sent money to get house renovated...Ajji who had never seen and handled so much money used to tell JK.."Please don't send me so much money". He had promised sending a Big color TV next time, and by that time Ajji had passed away.

It is still fresh in my memories how Ajji used to suffer from herpes and how we grand children used to take turns to scratch her back using a Comb.

Vedi's wedding was fixed and the entire family was busy preparing for the grand wedding and on one unfortunate day, Ajji had a massive heart attack, she collapsed in the kitchen and she chanted "Narayana Narayana". Kempamma who was around screamed and Narayan ran, held her in his shoulder and Ajji took her last breath on his chest.

Narayan was deeply hurt with this loss as he took care of his mother in her last days. He saw a void in that home after his mother passed away and took transfer to be away from that house and Mysore.

Doddamma

As all brothers and sisters moved out of Mysore pursuing their career and family, Ajji Mane eventually had to be sold. The building still stands tall and the memories still alive, every time I visit Mysore. We stand there reliving our childhood memories and remembering Ajji, Thaatha and Subbanna Mava.

Uma Doddamma slipped into the role of Mother, and our Summer vacations and family gatherings shifted to Saraswathipuram, with Ummi and Bhavaji filling in the void.

Subbanna also set his Summer holidays base in Saraswati puram and the Paatha, manthragosha and singing continued as ever.


They were the guiding force, mentors and idols all of us looked upon. Both Ummi and Bhavaji helped their brothers and sisters emotionally, financially. Uma Bhavaji pushed everyone to buy Site/properties that has helped each of them in their difficult times or just as a good investment.

Some of the etched memories of Doddappa taking us all kids to Chikkmarket, exhibitions, Palace, Zoo, Phalamrutha and Ofcourse sponsoring Movie Tickets, especially Jackie Chan movies that me and keshava loved. Who can forget the Luna and mopeds Doddappa used to park outside the house and how he used to get angry if we tried our hand on it, yet each of us across all ages have driven that Luna. And his famous dialogue to threaten us kids "I will hand you over to the Police"


Doddamma's leadership qualities, her ability to guide each of us, talk through our problems and solutions for every single problem we had, she has been our true guiding force.
The way she used to manage home, work and family, her love for Mysore Silk Sarees that she used to wear and gift as well to all the women..she has left a lasting impression on all of us, especially Malini and Ramya look upon her as their Hero.

My Impressions

I always wondered why all the Nelamamgala brothers and sisters have such high regards and respect for Subbanna Mava, why all of them have so much of love and admiration towards Annaji Mava, why the sisters never get tired praising their brothers and sisters, until I wrote this piece.

I have seen love and affection between the siblings, I love and care my own sister. But the love, care, affection, respect, praise, honour and the way they laud each other all the time made me wonder.

What I realized is that the bonding grew because of the upbringing, pious environment, values that Ajji and Thaatha imparted on them, the influence of Subbanna mava on everyone, the Shlokas that they chanted together.
Subbanna was the impetus in their lives. After Subbannachar passed away, the brothers who were taught every knowledge & shaastra that Subbanna and their father earned were passed on, felt that Subbanna has said everything he wanted to say and teach. He has fulfilled his duty in this world and he is now with them, in form of his works, books, especially - Shaastra Vichara Kaipidi.

The sense of pride on each other's achievement is due to the fact that the financial limitations did not stop them in amassing Degrees and PhDs and mastering in their line of profession.

Despite being blessed with in born intelligence, they worked hard towards their goals.

The hardships the family went through and the way each of them supported each other, stood for each other, sacrifices one made to support the other and the way each of them passionately took responsibility and were unconditionally dutiful, are the reasons I believe they have this undeterred respect and honour for each other. No one has ever taken credit of help and things they have done for the other, and the one who took help even today remembers with the sense of gratitude.

Looks like the prowess to learn and teach is also something that's ingrained for next generations as well. All the brothers and sisters are great in teachings and couple of them also took teaching as their profession.

With all the success each of them have attained, with all the rewards each of them are conferred, the simplicity with which they carry themselves is unbelievable.

My work also involves training my new Employees and this innate ability has surely helped me.

Subbanna Mava used to insist on understanding what you learn, this has deeply influenced me and I practice it in everything I learn or teach.

This flair of mine to Write (Blogs, Novels, Experiential write-ups) and the confidence in effective teaching - is something that I strongly believe has come to me as inheritance.

No doubt the same abilities are inherited by all my Cousins. Starting from Guru, Keshava, Malini, Pramod, Ramya, Badari, Pavana, Shruthi, Samhita to Saakshi, each of us are successful in our own way and are indeed making our parents proud. I see the same kind of pride in my mother's eyes when she sees our success.
The next gen in Anagha, Mihir, Mahima, Pranav & Bhargav have already proved the genes are strong enough to run through many more generations.

I cherish and feel blessed to be born in this great family, knowing all my aunts and uncles being such great achievers and a gifted mother who masters in everything she does - be it cooking, singing, handicrafts or following traditions.

The life lesson for us to learn: How hardships must be faced; How we need to support each other during the hardships, as they overlooked the difficulties and focused on getting over it.
All of them are satisfied with their lives, and have always been happy and content.

This piece of write-up is in admiration, in respect, salutation and applaud to each and every Nelamangala brothers and sisters.

This is also to tell our story, our parent's stories to generations to come and let them know how strong their roots are.

Thanks to J.K for digitizing some of the memories, that are invaluable and a treasure that should be safeguarded for life.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rap9VHtEELWXK2whi2zj1Re4DY_B3RRc
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1WEK7bJryE0pgvZ0zFufDbJRaWl4h3BUv
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gQ5CtS2uKkdCw9No_le0C7lJkttqF-ON
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qQeWOXoaLhFFDhHQLHNxoFy34N63kLBQ
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ECfYXiBfp9WUEGCS3CKuoQSxzPecqWAh
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cquF4U8qrXEBjT2QlC5q-h0ujqli2dQp
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1E_S_aTAi7c46dUUVAxz9Zr5OA33WDRGD
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1s-3Fj7xa-ksHGJXHbF4o-i6rZWhyEKTX
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Cn0hDzjXuloj-GyTOty2WwkFUmo-a-G8
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bZPlyrQS5lXkjRciyartTHVFVhVI1Bm2
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1zarKsw_dk9Hap1SQpbgxF6MSiO4INiW4

Timeless Memories

The Itch

THE ITCH

by

MURALI MURTHY

An Accident

A street vendor selling fruits on the side of Ring Road with cars and bikes zipping in high speeds, all of a sudden she hears a screeching noise followed by a loud bang. Her 1 year old baby starts crying loudly shocked to hear the sudden thumping noise, and the sleeping Dog next to the cart starts barking.

On the other side of the road, a Car has crashed into a two wheeler.
A lady driving the Car has hurt her head and Blood is dripping from her forehead, she comes out to see what happened and sees a two wheeler completely under her Car and a Man's body is also completely under the wheels. The lady sees only his hands soaked in Blood, trembling vigorously and coming to a stand still within few seconds.

With people running from all over, traffic piling up and crowd building, the lady panics leaves the Car behind and starts running away from the scene.

Police Jeep squad reaches the spot, makes a detailed enquiry, as the Street Vendor explains the accident scene to the Police.
Police get on the job, and based on the Vehicle Registration number and the nearby CCTV footage, they trace down the driver as a woman named Surabhi.

Surabhi is admitted to the hospital and is in a state of shock, though her injuries are minor.

As per the doctor's advice the Police kept a close watch on her for 2 days and visited the hospital again for enquiry.

Surabhi with bandage bound on her forehead and crying holding her mother's hand, starts to explain the Incident to the Police Inspector Khan "Am sorry...am sorry" and she starts sobbing..
"Please take your time, we understand, we will be around...you can let us know when you are ready to talk"
Surabhi after a couple minutes controls emotions and starts describing "I was driving my car at around 45 KMPH, I am very careful driver, I never overspeed or drive rash...it wasn't my mistake"
"That's ok, please go on and explain how the accident happen"
"I was driving on the Ring Road...I have a wound on the Right Hand behind the Palm" she points at the Wound and continues " and at that moment, it suddenly started to itch a lot, as I couldn't control it, I just rolled down my eyes to see that wound and started to scratch"
"As I got my eyes back on the road, a Man riding a 2 wheeler suddenly crossed in front of me without any signal. I tried my best to stop the car but eventually I ran over him and knocked him down"

She started crying loudly "I killed a Man... haven't I? Don't know how much his family will be put in trouble because of me"
Khan interrupts Surabhi "It was not a Man, it was a women driving the 2 wheeler"
Surabhi was surprised "What? No..am sure it was a Man. I know what I saw, though I couldn't see his face clearly but I am very sure it was a Man"

"We have taken your statement, we understand your situation, but once you are discharged from the hospital, please come to our Station and Surrender. You can always take legal help to fight your case"

Khan left the place and started gathering more information about both the Women who were involved in the accident.

Surabhi was 36 years old and her husband had died 3 years ago due to a Cardiac Arrest.
The deceased was identified as Anita, who was also around 35 years of age and due to family issues, she got divorce from her husband 1.5 years ago.

While Surabhi spent time in Jail, her Lawyers are fighting out in the Court to get as much lesser jail stay as possible.

The Specialist - Prakash

During an event within the Police Department, Khan met an old time friend and a colleague and started chatting. Both of them were surprised to share a very similar Accident case they handled in their Limits. When Khan described about Surabhi's case, his friend thought it's a replica of his case.
They both realized it cannot be just a coincidence that in both the cases, the women had wound on the right hand and their attention went to scratch the itchy feeling of their wound when the accident occurred, and both these women thought they saw a Man.

Khan suspected something fishy and a peculiar coincidence and shared his thoughts with the Commissioner. On Khan's insistence, the Commissioner assigned the case to a special investigating team, headed by Mr. Prakash Rao.

Prakash was known for solving complex cases, especially mysterious ones with lot of strange things associated with the cases. He was a gold medalist and a very intelligent officer. He had earned the name of a Investigation Specialist.

Prakash took over both the cases, he along with his assistant Mohan started to enquire Surabhi and the deceased Anita's family members.
"Mohan, let's review the cases tomorrow. Get all the recordings of statements"
"Yes sir"
"And don't forget to get postmortem reports of both the deceased"
"Yes sir"

Next day both Prakash and Mohan met at the former's office "Mohan, do we have everything to Start the investigation?"

"Yes sir, I have also studied the case and made some notes"

"Good, even I had a briefing from both the Inspectors. What was the age of both the deceased?"

"Sir, coincidentally all 4 women are in the age range of 35 to 38. Both the deceased and the women who were driving"

"Hmm...Khan was mentioning about some strange thing with a Wound in both the cases"

"Yes sir, both the Women driving their cars mentioned in their statement that a Wound on their right hand was itching badly and their attention was diverted off the road to scratch their wounds"

"Did you check with the Doctors on the cause of the wounds?"

"Yes, I did sir. They say its just a regular bacterial infection. And I found a very strange thing. Both the women who died in the accidents, also had a similar Wound."

"So basically all 4 women involved has this Wound on the Right hand behind the palm?"

"Yes sir"

"Are these women related or know each other?"

"No sir. All are from different profession, some of them are housewives, neither know each other directly or have any common friends"

"Hmm ok...about this Wound....did you check with the doctor if that Wound is kind of virus or contagious?"

"As I said before, it is just a bacterial infection where all four women got it just 2 days prior to the accident"

"As I see, the first accident happened 1 Month before the second one, and none of the women knew each other, and this mysterious coincidence of Wound and the feeling of Itch."

"Mohan, by tomorrow I want you to dig out all cases of unnatural deaths where two women are involved from past one year"

Next day Mohan reached Prakash's office with handful of files "Good Morning sir. As you instructed yesterday, I could find one closest matching case."

"Again these two women didn't know each other, the accused had visited an office for a job interview while the deceased was working in the same company as Tech Support executive. It was lunch time and both of them were on the cafeteria, as all other employees and visitors.
The accused had this itchy feeling and felt shooting pain of her wound on the hand, while she thought a Man touched her inappropriately from behind. She suddenly turned to slap the guy and found a girl standing close to the terrace railing speaking on the phone, and she slipped and fell from 15th floor"

"Freaky....."

Freaky turns Bizarre

After a day of thinking through the cases, Prakash calls Mohan to his office "Take out the reason of death from the equation, what are the common things with all 3 cases?"

"Sir, all 6 women on 3 different accidents had this Wound at the same spot, all in 35 to 38 age."

"Interesting....let me meet the family of all 6 women tomorrow, please arrange for my visit"

Prakash visited all 6 families and on the way back "Mohan, I noted one thing in common with all 6 women. All were married once, either their husbands have passed away or are divorced"

"There must be a link in all 3 cases"

"Indeed sir, no doubt. But what do you think is the common link sir?"

"And one more thing, all these women are looking to get married again. I think this is the common link. My guess is some Psycho is involved who knows about their personal lives and playing games"

"Could be sir, I didn't think of that angle"

"Mohan, you visit the families and friends of all 6 women, one by one again, and make a list of all Men involved in their lives."

"Sure sir, give me one week time"

Mohan gets back to Prakash the next day "Sir, one more uncanny coincidence. All three women who died in the accidents, had nominated a woman named Prajakta. All their life insurance, PF & Bank Accounts have Prajakta as Nominee"

"Good find Mohan, I will meet Prajakta to see how she is related to these cases. You go ahead with your work"

Prakash extracts Prajakta's contact details and meets her at her home. Prajakta is a house wife and is happily married from past 8 years. Aged around 35, Prajakta doesn't know any of those 3 women who named her Nominee.
Even she is perplexed and puzzled why such random people are making her Nominee for their Insurance, PF, Bank accounts and completely unaware why would any unknown people would want her to benefit.

Prakash explains all three cases to Prajakta and asks her to give the List of all Men she has met or involved till date.
Prajakta takes an hour to jot down all the Men she has interacted in her life, and lists the Men she met during Groom hunt days, 8 years ago and mentions she doesn't have any other man in life since she is married.

Prakash comes out of Prajakta's house and immediately calls Mohan "Mohan, when you talk to the 6 women's families and friends, check if they knew Prajakta and get the List of Men whom they met 8 to 10 years ago for matrimonial purpose".

"Why that specific information sir?"

"Prajakta is a house wife with no other men in her life. She is not aware of anyone stalking her or behind her since her marriage, so it has to be someone before her marriage"

Mysterious Link

Mohan met Prakash after 1 week, gathering all information and making notes.

"Sir, no one is aware of Prajakta. The deceased family members are angry and confused why their daughter's nominated someone whom they didn't even knew"

"Okay, I guessed so. What about the men in their lives?"

"Yes sir. I got a list of all Men these families met 8 to 10 years ago for matrimonial purpose and boys behind there women from their friends. The only common name that has come from all the Lists is Karthik"

"Then, that's our man, let's get him"

Prakash and Mohan visits Karthik's house and they are shocked to learn he is Dead. They get to know from Karthik's mother that Karthik commited suicide as he went to depression. When further questioned the old lady said "He got into depression, as he suffered within and was in emotional distress. He was disturbed and hurt and eventually committed suicide, after struggling for 3 months"

"What was bothering him?"

"It's been 9 years now...we were looking for a suitable bride for him. We meet 7 girls, but none of the alliances worked out. After meeting each girl, he used to sulk and be sad."

"Didn't he like any of the 7 girls?"

"He did, but all of them rejected him. Only one gave her nod"

"Do you know why they rejected your son?"

"He had this speech disorder, and used to stammer a lot while speaking."

"Can you identify which of these 7 girls agreed to marry your son?"

The mother went through each name carefully and stopped at the name Prajakta.
Prakash and Mohan looked at each other with their eyes wide open and Prakash further questioned "Then why didn't Karthik and Prajakta get married?"

"We found their Horoscope didn't match and both the families decided not to pursue".

After they came out of Karthik's house, Mohan with a bewildered look asks Prakash "Sir, are you thinking what I am right now? Or am I going crazy?"

"Mohan, there are lot of unexplainable things in this world, and I have seen such paranormal events in few cases, and this is one of them."

"So, is Karthik the root of the problem?"

"Yes, all 3 accidents occured after Karthik's death. In his after life, he has taken revenge on all 6 women, and looks like he had a soft corner for Prajakta and he has helped her"

"But only 3 women are killed, and other three are still alive"

"As all 6 of them were looking to get married again, he has killed 3 and ruined the lives of other 3 by involving them in the accidents. Probably he has ensured none of them who rejected him gets married again & suffer like he did"

"So, was it about revenge just because they rejected him?"

"Looks like he was weak emotionally"

"And what about the Wound and the itch?"

"That's worrying me as well. All 6 women had this Wound"

"So, is that it Sir? How do we close this case?"

"Yes, looks like Karthik has taken his revenge and we can close the cases and report as unintentional accidents."

Two days later, Mohan receives an Email from Prakash's email ID:

That's all your honour, I rest my case.

- Karthik

Mohan initially confused, later gets scared and calls Prakash "Sir, did you send me any mail now?"

"No, I didn't"

"But I have received a one line mail, signed by Karthik, from your ID"

"Get your laptop and come to my Office immediately. Before that, visit the IT Cell and get the IP Address from where the Mail was sent"

Mohan checks and confirms the Mail was indeed sent from Prakash's office PC.

He rushed to Prakash's office and excitingly starts talking "Sir, I checked with IT cell and the Mail has come from your computer here....Sir....Sir..."
Prakash sitting in this office chair turned towards the Computer, doesn't respond.
Mohan goes near the chair and tries to tap him, and finds Prakash in a pool of Blood, flowing from his head which has a bullet Wound and his Gun on the other hand.

Mohan slowly takes step back realizing Prakash has shot himself dead and he observed the same Wound on his right Hand.
Sweat starts to roll down Mohan's forehead, he is shivering and sits on the floor with his hand on his head.

9 Years ago

Karthik had finished his LLB and was a bright student of the Law. His interest was always in Criminal Law and started practicing under Anand Associates, very famous Law firm.
Karthik had idolized a star investigating officer - Prakash Rao. He had studied all the cases Prakash had handled and he was impressed with the way Prakash has solved the most complicated cases.
Karthik always wanted to work under Prakash on couple of cases to gain from his expertise.

Meanwhile, Karthik's mother started to look for a suitable girl for her son. She started arranging meeting with few girls every month. In a span of 6 months, they had seen 7 girls.

As Karthik had this speech disorder and used to Stammer, he had faced humiliations all through his life and always had complex of speaking in front of strangers.
As he started stammering while speaking to the girls he met, 3 of them rejected him because of his problem, while 3 more also rejected but had giggled and made fun.
Though there was some respite as the 7th girl didn't mind his stammering problem, it didn't work out as the Horoscopes didn't match.

This humiliation left Karthik hurt and decided to never see another girl. He was upset and this had done lot of damage to his self confidence.

He got a call from his Boss Anand and mentioned about a case where there is an opportunity to work in Prakash's team.

Elated with this opportunity, he reported to Prakash's team, though there were no direct interactions between them, but he was happy to closely observe Prakash's work.
One day, Prakash got information on whereabouts of a criminal who was on the run, and wanted in this case.
Prakash and his squad ran to the spot and during exchange of firing, Karthik accidentally came in line of fire from Prakash's Gun and was quickly taken to the hospital.

Next day, Prakash visited the hospital to see Karthik and asked him how he was. Karthik excited to see his Hero "I am ffffffine ssssir. Luckily, the bbububuullet just brushed past me and hhhhhit my right hand. It only left mmmme with a small wwwwwound on the paaaaalm"

Prakash burst out of laughter "You can't even speak properly, and you wanted to become a Criminal Lawer?..HaHa..take rest...Bye"

This made an irreparable damage to Karthik and crippled him. An already sulking Karthik could not take this humiliation.
The disgrace he faced from all 6 girls and from his Idol, deeply hurt Karthik and he went into depression and mentally disturbed.

He started to hurt himself physically. The Wound also aggregated and started to itch badly. Unable to bear the pain and itchy feeling, he started digging the Wound with a knife and eventually died of pain and Blood loss.