This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
In the Ramayana, Rama goes to Lanka to rescue his abducted wife, Sita, from the grip of Ravana, the king of the Demons in Lanka. Before starting for his battle with Ravana, Rama wanted the blessings of Devi Durga. He came to know that the Goddess would be pleased only if she is worshipped with 108 Neel Kamal (blue lotuses). After travelling the whole world, Rama could gather only one hundred and seven of them. He finally decided to offer one of his eyes, which resembled blue lotuses. Durga, being pleased with the devotion of Rama, appeared before him and blessed him. Devi took the form of Chandi to kill demon brothers Chanda and Munda. Chanda and his brother Munda could not be killed in day time or at night so the Sandhi-kshna was chosen to kill them(i.e., the crossover period between Ashtami [the next day] and Navami [the day after]). Ravana was killed on the tenth day, Dashami. Since the period of this worship was different from the conventional period, this puja is also known as Akal-Bodhan; a worship (Bodhan) in an unconventional time (A-Kaal). The Original period of worship is Spring.
PROLOGUE
Sirjee, I will not go on that side of the forest.”
Mainak Dutta, who was carefully studying the route map, looked at his young local guide, Jiko, whose face became pale hearing Mainak’s plan.
Mainak- Why you don’t want to accompany me on going there?
Jiko (looking frightened)- No one goes there. The area is abandoned.
Mainak- Jiko,I know most of this Neora Valley jungle area is still unaccessible. That’s why, making it an adventurous place for the nature lover & trekker like me to take the challenge to explore the still unknown terrain.
Jiko- Sirjee, you are not understanding. The area is cursed. No one ever comes back from the place. According to the local villagers, some evil powers reside their & the place remains always dark.
Mainak ( started laughing)- What a childish explanation! The forest in Neora valley has such luxurious growth that even sunlight finds it difficult to touch the ground.
Jiko- Believe me Sirjee! Don’t go on that way.
Mainak- I will go Jiko. If you don’t want to come, it’s your choice. But please, don’t try to stop me with your superstitious thoughts.
Jiko looked at Mainak who was adamant. He sighed!
After a month, Local Police came in Jiko’s small house to enquire about Mainak Dutta who was missing & His parents are searching for him.
Kolkata Police Head Quater, Lalbazar,
“May I come in Sir?”
Deputy Commissioner IPS Vijay Sahay looked towards the door & smiled. “Come in Mukherjee!”
Senior Inspector Soumojit Mukherjee entered inside & saluted the DCP of Crime Branch.
Vijay- Mukherjee, I want your team to investigate the mysterious death of Abhishek Sanyal.
Soumojit raised his eyebrows.
Soumojit- Mysterious death! Whatever I read in Newspaper, it was an accident. His car got collided with another car & that driver was seriously injured & according to that driver statement, Mr Abhishek Sanyal suddenly took the turn.
Vijay- That’s why, you are my favorite. Always updated with events. But tell me, why you feel the other car driver is telling the truth?
Soumojit- Why should he lie?
Vijay forwarded the case file towards Soumojit.
Vijay- You have to investigate the case. Abhishek Sanyal was an retired officer of our Department & he was also a close friend of Commissioner Sir, in fact, they were family friends plus recently he started his own Private Detective Agency. So, there may be anything suspicious! & also, Abhishek Sanyal’s only daughter is the fiance of our state Home Secretary’s son. So, you can understand the pressure of the case.
Soumojit- It’s really difficult to deal with the high profile case suspects!
Vijay- You have to Mukherjee. All The best. I want result soon.
Soumojit- Thank You Sir.
Vijay- By the way, everything is all right Mukherjee? Vasudha applied for transfer. You both are newly weds. Husband Wife always requests for together posting. But you both are lucky to be in same team & she wants Transfer??
Soumojit ( after few minutes of silence)- Sir, it’s your decision whether you accept or reject her application. Need to study the case.
Soumojit took the file, saluted his boss & came out from the cabin in hurry.
Neora Valley, Some Information
Neora Valley spreads over an area of 88 km² and is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Eastern India. It borders Sikkim & Bhutan. Neora Valley, one of the last tracts of virgin wilderness in the country, sustains a unique ecosystem where tropical, sub-tropical, sub-temperate, and temperate vegetative system still harbours a wealth of flora and fauna.