Bhatnagar Ji couldn't understand the riddle at all—why was this happening? What kind of ghost is this that makes no distinction between dreams and reality? How does his wife find out exactly what he dreams about?
Caught in this puzzle, when he arrived at the office the next day, he decided to seek advice from his friend, Vilas Ji. When Vilas Ji heard about this strange ghost, he too was baffled.
The next day was a holiday at the office, so they made a plan: first, the two friends would search for the beggar woman who roams around the Rabri shop. Then, Vilas Ji would take Bhatnagar Ji to a place where there’s a surefire remedy for ghosts and spirits.
It was decided that they wouldn’t inform their families that it was a holiday. Vilas Ji would come to Bhatnagar Ji’s house fully prepared, and from there, they would leave for their special mission in Bhatnagar Ji's car.
If they mentioned the holiday at home, it was likely they wouldn’t be allowed to go out, or worse, their wives might decide to join them for a day out, ruining the plan entirely.
The next day, according to plan, Vilas Ji arrived, and Bhatnagar Ji left with him. They didn’t find the beggar woman near the Rabri shop, but they certainly had their fill of rabri. Afterward, Vilas Ji took Bhatnagar Ji to one of his Gurus, whose ashram was located in a secluded area a little outside the city.
It was a very serene place. Bhatnagar Ji asked in surprise, “Does Swami Ji exorcise ghosts?”
Vilas Ji replied, “He doesn’t chase away ghosts, but any kind of obstacle can be removed here. A ghost is just an obstacle for you, that’s why I brought you here. Swami Ji is very accomplished.”
Indeed, Swami Ji listened to Bhatnagar Ji’s story with great attention, occasionally closing his eyes in concentration. After hearing the entire story, Swami Ji remained silent for a while, deep in thought.
Vilas Ji asked, “What are you thinking, Prabhu? Is there no solution to this problem?”
“No!”
“Oh, then?” Both Vilas Ji and Bhatnagar Ji asked together, “What needs to be done?”
Swami Ji replied, “No, no, it’s very simple.”
“Really?” They both felt a sigh of relief.
Swami Ji said, “It’s very easy, consider it like hitting the jackpot.”
“How, Swami Ji?” asked Bhatnagar Ji.
Swami Ji continued, “The fact that your wife knows what you dream about should be a matter of great joy for you. Why would you want to banish such a ghost? It’s actually a blessing for you. From now on, whenever you dream, dream that you are buying things that make your wife happy. Buy her favorite clothes, jewelry, and so on in your dream. When she realizes what you’re dreaming about, her happiness will multiply many times over. When she’s happy, even the ghosts will vanish. They only trouble you when there’s sorrow.”
“But Swami Ji, how can I control what I dream about? Dreams come on their own. How can I have control over that?”
“Silence! You fool.” Swami Ji suddenly shouted in anger. “Idiot, if your wife has control over your dreams, why can’t you?”
Bhatnagar Ji was startled and humiliated. Almost pleading, he asked, “But how?”
Swami Ji suddenly softened and looked at Bhatnagar Ji kindly. “Child, we dream about what we can’t do in reality. Go to expensive showrooms, jewelry shops, and look at things your wife would love. When you can’t buy them during the day, you will dream of buying them at night.”
Bhatnagar Ji’s eyes lit up. He gratefully glanced at Vilas Ji, and the two friends, having found a solution to their problem, headed back home. Both were very happy.
(To be continued...)
