goldrush

Ganesha, alias Gunsey, was known for his huge paunch, large molars and a prominent nose. The festivities associated with him run for ten solid days in Maharastra. In popularity, he surpasses his mother Durga (or Parvati or Betty, for short) who is sought after for only four days in a year! In fact, Gunsey is someone who needs to be invoked before any other deity is worshipped. Ganesha-bandana is a must. Especially, where money is involved. Nicknamed Siddhidata, if appeased properly, he can perform miracles in financial circles.
That is just what was going on....
Money Mohan, his associate Chhidam Broom and Mama Sonia were closeted with Gunsey in the inner room. They were trying to evolve a scheme to retain the support of the trio Niloo Basu, E. A. Choorie and ‘Dicky’ Raja. They had given the ultimatum – find a way out or we go out, if our views are not considered!
‘Hm!’ Gunsey grunted. ‘You do have a problem.’
‘A serious problem,’ Mama Sonia corrected him. ‘Cost of each and every item is skyrocketing. I know from my own experiences in the kitchen. In Italy also, same situation prevails. I myself could do with more funds. But, they need to be generated first!’
‘Yes,’ Gunsey stroked his long nose and closed his eyes in meditation. ‘What you need to do is to discover some hidden treasure. Then you and your people can share the spoils.’
‘Where do we find it?’ Chhidam Broom asked polishing his spectacles.
‘I was told that Nero Moody has discovered an oil reserve in his territory,’ Gunsey said. ‘Exploit it.’
‘That is an option no doubt,’ Money Mohan agreed patting his turban in place. ‘But, we would prefer to look for other alternatives first.’
‘Why don’t you dig for oil in areas where you are more comfortable?’ Gunsey asked. ‘If you lagey raho I am certain you will uncover more and more sources of such hidden treasure!’
The trio looked at each other.
Outside their chamber, Niloo, Choorie and Raja sat in grim silence. They must return with some positive decision otherwise they will cut a sorry figure with their clan.
Suddenly, Gunsey’s mobile woke up to the melodies of sarey jahan se achha…
Gunsey listened for a few seconds and as he listened, his face lit up with a smile.
‘You have heard about sona?’ he asked.
‘Who hasn’t?’ Mama Sonia was not amused. ‘Sona, chandi – gold and silver. There is a Gold Coast in Africa. The powder of sona has fantastic medicinal properties in Ayurveda.’
‘Madam – that was Sean Poorie on the mobile,’ Gunsey disclosed.
‘You mean the Son Pari of Star Plus?’ she was excited.
‘No. This was her cousin. She tells me that sona is available in Sonarpur. You can tell that to the trio waiting outside. They can go and start digging for gold in their own backyard.’
‘Kolar Gold Fields has outlived its utility,’ Money Mohan became philosophical. ‘You have to move to newer pastures.’
‘Yes,’ Ganesha had the last word – ‘Krishna must hand over the reins to Buddha!’