1

The intent was to withdraw two hundred rupees. But all it took were an innocent additional press of a button and a lousy confirmation. The result was two thousand rupees in my wallet. I made up my mind to stop at Nilay’s bakery. He was a nice guy and a good friend. He would give me change for a five hundred rupee note.

“Nilay my man, how’re you doing?”

“Good man, it’s been some time since we last met. How was your entrance?”

One question can spoil a whole day. As I averted my gaze, he probably thought that it wasn’t the best thing to ask. ‘How’s your dog?’ would’ve been a better one.

“Listen Shyam, get a load of this.” I looked curiously at the ring he was wearing. It had three precious stones arrayed on it. “Have you heard of Raman Namboodiri?” he asked.

“No.”

“He’s a renowned priest and astrologer. Many mortals also consider him to be a mystic. The say when he sits in complete concentration, his face resembles that of Hanuman.

“I had consulted him two months ago. He recommended wearing this ring. He said it would ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. And you know what? Since wearing this piece of jewelry my business has improved. Had I told you about the new baking equipment which I had bought? Things are looking much better. I suggest you meet him.”

“For what?” I asked somewhat skeptically.

“You want to hear some good news right? You never know. Maybe he’ll prescribe a solution.”

Wait a minute. Should I meet an astrologer to pass my MBBS entrance exam? What could he possibly do now that I’ve already written the exam? Nilay showed me the mystic’s number on his mobile phone. It was true that I did have a moderate amount of faith in astrology, though I didn’t completely believe in it. I had sometimes wondered whether there was a connection between astrology and religion.

“Okay. Maybe I can ask him whether I should go for a fourth attempt.”

“Life is strange. You never know what would happen. Could you go back one year in history and picture yourself imagining all this happening exactly as it is today? I couldn’t.”

“Well, I can…..because I’m basically doing the same thing I was last year---writing the MBBS entrance exam and bombing it.”

“Don’t be concerned man. There’s a solution for everything. I’ll tell you what…..I’ll fix you an appointment. He knows me.”

I agreed. My eyes ran over the biscuits placed in the cupboard as Nilay called Raman Namboodiri and spoke to him. I looked outside the store to see whether there were any pretty college-going girls. None.

“Got it! 12 pm. Day after tomorrow.”

“Great! Thanks man. I’m going to my friend’s place the day after. I think I can meet Raman Namboodiri and from there go straight to my friend.”

Nilay explained the whereabouts of the consultant. Okay! Let’s do this!