4-16 Prithi Chand calls upon Sulhi

People praised Guru Arjan Dev ji for having such a beautiful wedding for his son.  Many people received donations from Guru ji and praised him.  Thousands came to the celebrations and were very happy.  When they went back to their homes, they told their family and friends about the wedding, while praising Guru ji.  They also talked about the first engagement that broke off.  They praised Guru ji for doing what he did.  They said: “Chandoo is a powerful man but Guru ji was fearless and refused his proposal.  Chandoo sent his people a few times but Guru ji refused it without worries.  Chandoo tried to bribe Guru ji but Guru ji didn’t accept it.  Guru ji saw Chandoo as a foolish person.  He spoke bad things about the Guru’s glory with pride.  All of the Sikhs found this out and didn’t like it.  He disrespected the Guru.  The Sikhs knew what bad things he said.  They knew he was proud of himself.  Considering the situation, the Sikhs from all around came to the conclusion that Chandoo’s daughter should not be married into Guru ji’s family.  Guru ji listened to the Sikhs and didn’t care about Chandoo.  Chandoo threatened Guru ji but he didn’t care.  He married his son to another Sikh’s daughter.”  The people near Prithi Chand’s place talked about what had happened.  Prithi Chand did not like to hear his younger brother’s praises.  He was burning without fire.  He started to think of many things to do.  He wanted to destroy his brother.  He was jealous to see his brother’s praises grow after trying to kill him many times.  His brother’s praises grew like the tides growing because of the full moon.  He thought to himself: “I have only gotten weaker.  I am in pain.  I couldn’t kill my brother or his son.  I couldn’t have them arrested by the Emperor either.  Sulhi Khan couldn’t do anything.  I should look for an opportunity to kill my enemy now.  I will write to Sulhi and ask for him to come to my village.  If Sulhi shows his strength, he can arrest Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Chandoo is my brother’s enemy too now.  Sulhi should meet him and discuss arresting the Guru, like Rahu grabbing the moon.”  Prithi Chand wrote to Sulhi, with burning anger: “from your friend Prithi Mal.  Listen to my request: I have love for you in my heart.  I only think about you.  You have completed a lot of tasks for me.  I have one pending task regarding my brother: I want to take the Gurta from him.  We tried many things before but we were unsuccessful.  I need your help in breaking my enemy’s peace.  My enemy is being praised in the world.  He is growing.  I hear his praise and it burns my chest.  Come and complete my task.  Give me the Gurta and kill Guru Arjan Dev ji.  I trust you.  My enemy is strong now.  I want you to be angry at him.”  Prithi Chand sent the letter to Delhi and said to the messenger: “take this quickly.  I will reward you.”  The messenger left from Guru-ka-Khotta (also known as Sodian da Khotta) and headed towards Delhi. 

The messenger met Sulhi Khan and gave him his Salaam.  He gave him the letter of Prithi Chand.  Sulhi Khan read the letter.  He burned with anger when he heard that Guru Arjan Dev ji’s glory grew: “isn’t the Guru afraid of me yet?  What kind of a friend am I?  How can I be great if my friend is not happy?  Go and tell my friend: “so what if the Guru married his son?  I am going to get permission from the Emperor to arrest the Guru.  Don’t worry.  I am coming.  I don’t need Chandoo.  I will kill him quickly like a snake.  Keep calm and trust your friend.  I will come in a few days and kill Guru Arjan Dev ji.  I will get my friend the Gurta Ghaddi.  I will only rest when his enemy is dead.”  He wrote this response for his friend and sent it back with the messenger.  The fool did not know that his own end was near. 

The messenger brought the response of Sulhi Khan back to Prithi Chand.  Prithi Chand was anxious to receive the response.  He received the letter and read it.  It was as if a hungry person received food after many days.  He thought to himself: “if my friend comes now, I will do what it takes to kill my brother.  I will take the Gurta Ghaddi and become the owner of everything.”  The messenger said: “your friend is coming.  You should collect feed for his army’s horses.  Collect food and ghee.  He is being gracious and coming to your aide.  He has respect for you.  He will come in a few days.  He will use his strength and complete your task.  He read your letter with delight.  He respected me and told me to tell you not to worry.  He is coming.  Just as there’s no stopping a released arrow, he can’t be stopped.  He mobilized his soldiers.  He wants to kill your enemy like an elephant pulls a banana tree from the roots.”  Prithi Chand heard this and was extremely happy; like a hot, perspiring person feeling the cold wind.  He gave the messenger a reward of 20 Rajitpuns.  He said: “Sulhi Khan will complete my tasks.”  He had faith in his friend.  He started to wait for his friend.  It was as though an elephant wanting to kill a lion.  He started to collect food and feed for the army of Sulhi Khan.  He bought food from the villages around his area. 

Sulhi roared in Delhi: “I am going to strike the enemies like lightening.”  The Sangat of Delhi heard this: “the Turk has spoken bad things about Guru ji.”  The Sangat got together and wrote an Ardaas: “your servants bow their heads to you, Guru ji.  Prithi Chand has turned Sulhi Khan against you.  Sulhi Khan has spoken bad words about you: “I will go to Majha and arrest the Guru.”  Guru ji, we wanted to tell this to you as we heard it.  Please do something.  Either leave the city and go to the jungle where Sulhi can’t reach you or reconcile with your brother Prithi Chand.  There is no other way out of this.  Sulhi Khan is coming.  He has made an excuse and taken permission from Jahangir.  He wants to kill you.”  The Sangat wrote this letter and sent it to Guru ji.

When Guru ji received the letter from the Sangat of Delhi, Guru ji read it.  The Masands sitting by heard about Sulhi Khan coming.  They were in pain.  It was like an arrow pierced their hearts.  Guru Arjan Dev ji didn’t say anything.  He stayed quiet.  The Masands spoke out: “this is a very bad thing.  The enemy will show their hatred.  This problem that has come cannot be avoided.  We should prepare for this.  Chandoo is your enemy too.  They are egotistical and are close to the Emperor.  Please meet these people and solve this conflict, Guru ji.  Otherwise you can think about this.  The Divaans and Shahs keep saying bad things about you to the Emperor.  They are going to turn the Emperor against you.  The Emperor may come towards you.”  When Guru ji heard the coward Masands, Guru ji stayed quiet.  The Masands noticed Guru ji’s silence and said: “listen Guru ji: the Turks are powerful.  The Emperor is biased.  He does not listen to Hindus or Sikhs.  Sulhi is a sinner.  He will show his strength.  He has come before but you were in Vadaali at that time, completing Baba Bhudda ji’s words.  The problem was avoided then.  It was our duty to tell you but it is up to you what you wish to do.  We are happy because you are happy.  Good or bad, we are connected to you.  It is not a time to be quiet.  We should prepare for this now.  We won’t be able to prepare for this when the problem comes in front of our face.  We can’t dig a well when the house catches on fire.  You can’t build a dam after the water of the river is gone.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “don’t be worried.  Whatever is going to happen, will happen.  It cannot be avoided by wisdom or physical strength.  The will of Sri Kartar does not go without results.  Whatever Parmeshwar does not wish to do, millions can try to but they will not succeed.  Humans can try but it will be useless.  Have faith in your heart.  Just watch the drama of Parmeshwar.”

4-17 Sulhi Comes with his Army

Sulhi had a lot of pending tasks and wanted to come to Majha.  He couldn’t go to other places in the land without the Emperor’s permission.  He went to go see the Emperor.  He bowed to him and then spoke when he was given the time to speak: “I wish to go to Majha Desh.  I have some pending tasks that I need to attend to.  Guru Arjan Dev ji calls himself the Guru of the world.  He has spoiled many people.  The people of that area aren’t giving taxes.  Thousands follow the Guru and are refusing to pay taxes.  I need to solve this and collect the taxes.  They won’t pay the taxes unless I go there.  I have gone there before for this issue.  Only I can go and do this.”  The Emperor responded: “yes, this should be top priority.  The people should pay their taxes.  They will begin to rebel otherwise.  Go quickly and take as many soldiers as you need.  Nobody will stop you.”  Sulhi got the permission from the Emperor to go to Majha.  He was happy with this.  He went to Chandoo to speak to him.

Sulhi came to Chandoo and said: “listen Divaan ji.  We both have the same aim.  The one that refused your daughter’s marriage proposal is also my enemy.  I will arrest him and kill him.  I won’t let him live in peace.  I would like you to stay with the Emperor and keep praising me.  Keep telling the Emperor that the Guru is bad.  I will call myself “Sulhi” only when I bring your enemy back.  I am going to Majha Desh now.  I will complete your task.  I am upset with what he did to you.  He refused your daughter’s hand for his son.  I will arrest the Guru.”  Chandoo was happy to hear this.  His work was being done without him doing anything.  It was as if a person trying to catch a snake is unsuccessful and out comes a mongoose, all of a sudden, and kills it.  He said to Sulhi: “don’t worry.  I will praise you to the Emperor.  Take this Siropa and complete my task.”  Chandoo gave expensive clothes to Sulhi Khan and sent him off.

Sulhi set off with a big army.  The Sangat of Delhi noticed what was going on.  The Sangat sent a messenger to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They told the messenger: “go to Guru ji, without resting.”  The messenger came to Guru ji and read out the letter: “from the Sangat of Delhi.  Your servants.  Sulhi is coming your way.  He has left Delhi and will come to you soon.  You are omnipotent and fearless but we are scared.  There are corrupt people near the Emperor.  Chandoo is slandering you.  We are afraid that he may turn the Emperor against you.  We couldn’t do anything but send you a message.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji read the letter and sat quietly in the Sangat.  He was calm and fearless.  The Masands become worried at Guru ji’s silence.  They didn’t know what the future held.  Guru ji already knew what the future was and what his task was going to be.   The Masands didn’t know what Guru ji did.  The Masands then spoke: “Prabhoo ji, what shall we do now?  You are calm.  Have you thought of anything?  It seems as though you have a plan regarding your enemy coming here.  We are losing our patience.  What will we do when Sulhi Khan comes?  We don’t have an army to fight him.  Sulhi Khan is your elder brother’s friend.  He doesn’t consider right from wrong.  Sulhi came here before but your brother convinced him to go back.  The Emperor doesn’t want to have bad relations with you but the corrupt people say bad things about you to him.  They say that the people of Majha have been turned into rebels by you.  The corrupt people in the Emperor’s court raise storms against you by saying things to the Emperor.  You are sitting in silence for some reason.  Please give us hope by which we may be at peace.  The enemy is coming to do bad.  You aren’t doing anything.  We are scared like deer from hunting dogs.  We are under your protection.  Please save us.  Please compromise and speak to these people.  Otherwise we should leave from here for a few months.  We hope Sulhi doesn’t come here to arrest you.  Who knows what he will do.  We won’t be able to do anything when he comes.  The Emperor’s court is filled with corrupt people.  Please speak, oh master.  Give us hope so we are at peace.”  The Sikh Masands said this over and over again.  They kept pleading to Guru ji.  Guru ji then spoke: “have faith on Parmeshwar.  Don’t be restless.  Guru Nanak Dev ji will protect us all.  They will be in stress who wish to put stress on the Guru’s home.  Sulhi is not destined to come to Amritsar.  He will be dealt with on the way.  Just as a dog runs towards deer but is faced with a lion on the way, that is what will happen to Sulhi.”  The Sikhs heard this and felt peace.  They had faith on Guru ji’s words.  They knew that his words always became reality.  They were no longer worried.  They knew that Sulhi was as good as dead.  The messenger went back to Delhi.

The messenger told the Sangat of Delhi what Guru ji said.  The Sangat was relieved to hear Guru ji’s words of Sulhi not being able to reach Amritsar and that he will have an obstacle on the way.  Guru ji’s words were permanent like the Sumer Mountain.  The Sangat was happy to hear all this.

Now listen to the Katha of Sulhi.  When Sulhi left Delhi, he saw a lot of bad omens.  His mind was not at ease, seeing the bad signs.  His left eye and left arm twitched.  When he mounted his horse, a crow came and sat on top of his head.  Crows and vultures go where the dead are.  Someone sneezed on his left side.  As he travelled out of Delhi, he saw Deer running towards him.  The people who were with him, said to him: “Khan ji, we are seeing bad omens.  We want your happiness.  These omens are not good though.  We have tested these omens many times.  These things are not good signs.”  Sulhi was a proud person.  Although he himself was uneasy with the bad omens, he pretended not to care and said: “this is all superstition.  I’m not going to war where I would die.  I’m going to arrest a Fakir and kill him.  Don’t have these doubts.  I am going to my Desh.  I have no enemies there, that can face me.  I just have the Guru of the Hindus who is my enemy.  I will arrest him.  He is just a Fakir.  He has no soldiers.  First, I will meet my friend Prithi Chand.  I have no enemy in Majha.  Nobody in Majha can scare me even in their dreams.  I will bring money from the area of Majha.  I will arrest the Fakir and kill him.  My ally, Chandoo, is with the Emperor right now.  Chandoo is a big Divaan.  For what reason should I think about these omens?  I don’t see anyone who is stronger than me.”  After saying this, Sulhi travelled with pride in his mind.  The corrupt fool was going to arrest Guru ji.  He took his sons, relatives and friends.

Sulhi rested along the way during the night.  After a few days, he reached Kotha Graam.  He sent a solider ahead to tell Prithi Chand that his friend Sulhi Khan had come.  The soldier told Prithi Chand: “your friend wishes to see you.”  Prithi Chand heard this and thought to himself: “great!  My task will be done.”  He made preparations with all the food.  He didn’t sleep the night, being anxious to see Sulhi Khan.  As morning came, Sulhi Chand came.  Prithi Chand took some people of his village and went to receive Sulhi Khan.  He met Sulhi Khan with happiness.  The two met and hugged each other.  They asked how each other was.  They were really happy to see each other.  Both were corrupt.  Prithi Chand blessed Sulhi Khan, considering himself as the Guru: “the Satguru will complete your tasks.  You will prosper and grow.  Your wishes will be fulfilled.  The Guru will be with you.  The Emperor likes you and he will praise you.”  Sulhi Khan folded his hands and said: “Baba ji, it is your blessing that protects me and fulfills my wishes.  I have no shortage because I have your blessing.  Your task that is pending, I will complete that this time.  I will complete your task and finish this conflict once and for all.  I have come to make you into the Guru.” 

4-18 Sulhi Dies

Sulhi camped outside of Kotha Graam with his huge army.  Prithi Chand served them all with great eagerness.  He took a lot of money, pouches of gold and coins, and gave it to Sulhi Khan in his camp.  He said to Sulhi: “this is a small token from the house of the Guru.  This is Prashaad for you.”  Sulhi responded: “it’s because of your blessings that I prosper.  Why did you bring money?  I am your friend.”  Sulhi didn’t want to take the money but Prithi Chand insisted.  He served Sulhi Khan and his army.  He made sure Sulhi was happy.  Both friends were then sitting alone in a tent.  Prithi Chand started a conversation: “my brother is getting richer by the day.  He spent a lot of money on his son’s wedding.  He is not afraid of the Emperor.  He harbours fugitives and thieves.  He doesn’t respect the Umraavs.  He refused the marriage proposal of Divaan Chandoo’s daughter for his son.  He refused the proposal and his Sikhs called the Divaan a dog.  I’ve been surprised at his actions.  He is egotistical.  He tells everyone not to pay taxes.  Nothing has happened to him yet.  Thousands come to him everyday.  His glory is growing by the day.”  Sulhi gave Prithi Chand hope: “I told the Emperor everything before I came.  I told Chandoo all this as well.  Chandoo is with the Emperor right now.  You should get ready to become the Guru.  I will arrest Guru Arjan Dev ji as soon as I get to Majha.  I will throw him in jail for a few months and see what people see.  When people forget about him, we will see what to do with him.  We need to see what the Emperor says as well.  We will have him killed in jail by some way.  You will become the Guru of the world.  You will get all the money from the Sikhs.  The Sangat will worship your feet.  I will kill his son as well.  I will use my strength to complete your task.  When your enemy and his son dies, I will consider myself a good friend.  What good is a friend if one does not complete a friend’s task?  I was waiting for this for a long time.  When I first came, Guru Arjan Dev ji went to Vadaali and I decided to leave the situation.  If I would have arrested him then, you would have been Guru by now.  I didn’t tell Chandoo about your work.  I made it look like I was doing his work.  Once I kill the Guru, I will introduce you to Chandoo.  You will get to meet the Emperor and his Divaans.  You will become a big person.”  After this discussion, Prithi Chand went to his home.  They both went to sleep.

The next day, they both got up and got ready.  Prithi Chand came to meet Sulhi Khan in the morning.  Prithi Chand came and sat down in Sulhi Khan’s tent.  Prithi Chand liked to praise himself as a good person.  He said to Sulhi: “you are a good friend of mine.  It is by your favors I am sitting here.  You got me the Jageer of this village.  I am happy here with the money I receive.  I made a home and am making my buildings.  I have many brick kilns being made here.  By next year, there will be many buildings and homes here.  You did this for me.  Come, let’s go see the kilns.  My happiness is your happiness.  Many people have settled here and are now farming.  They pay taxes and I get the revenue.  I have made my temple as well.  More people will come.  Mount your horse and have a look around at the gardens and the village.  I will come with you tomorrow to see the gardens.  Today, come and see the homes and kilns.  It will give me great pleasure to show you the progress.”  Sulhi was happy to hear this.  He said: “yes.  This is a good idea.”  Sulhi said to his sons and officers: “get ready.  Let’s go.”  The people got ready with their clothes and weapons.  They all got on top of their horses and went with Prithi Chand. 

Sulhi Khan held Prithi Chand’s hand and rode around to see the village.  They slowly walked around and went into the village to see the houses.  They talked and observed the village.  When they came out of the village, they saw the kilns.  The bricks were stacked in big bundles, looking like mountains.  Sulhi Khan was impressed to see the progress.  He said to him: “this is amazing!  I hope Allah is gracious on you.  You are a great friend of mine.”  As the two came close to the kilns, Sulhi’s death came near.  Prithi Chand had the urge to urinate and so he slowed down to find some privacy.  Sulhi Khan rode on ahead and said to his people: “let’s go see the kilns.  Let’s climb on top of the kilns and have a look around.”  The egotistical fool got on top of the kiln.  He climbed very quickly and didn’t think of the fire burning.  He climbed up in one shot.  He lost his wisdom and didn’t climb carefully.  Guru Arjan Dev ji had cursed Sulhi that he won’t make it to Amritsar.  Those words were going to become reality now.  Sulhi saw white ashes on top.  Underneath, was a big fire burning.  He thought the ash would be cool.  Sulhi along with his brothers, sons and nephews, climbed up quickly.  Sulhi fell right throw the ash and fell into the fire.  He tried to jump up but he got caught in the fire.  When he jumped up once, his people tried to grab him but they were unsuccessful.  Sulhi screamed: “hai, hai!”  He had a very sharp weapon in his hand.  When he jumped, he accidentally cut his own throat.  His head fell off his body and fell into the fire.  He burned to death.  Nobody could save him.  His people yelled but there was nothing they could do.  The fire was too hot.  Nobody could take him out.  They all moved back as they were afraid of falling into the fire themselves.  They all started to cry and scream out loud.  They said: “our leader died!”  Prithi Chand came running back.  He climbed the kiln and saw Sulhi Khan being burned.  They poured water to extinguish the fire.  They recovered his burnt body but it was all burnt.  The fat on the body could be seen oozing out as a white substance.  Prithi Chand yelled out: “hai!  What has happened?”  Meharvaan started to cry along with Prithi Chand.  Their dreams were shattered.  The officers said: “our leader died a horrible death.  He will go to Hell (Muslims believe that if a person burns to death they will go to Hell).  It is our way to bury our dead.  Oh Khuddah!  What has happened?  His reputation is ruined.  He has burned to death.”  They put a shroud on top of the dead body of Sulhi Khan.  They put the body on top of a platform and took him to bury his body.  Sulhi Khan was buried in Kotha Graam.  The whole family and army were in mourning.  The sons, brothers and nephews all cried and mourned.  Prithi Chand cried as well.  His hopes and dreams were dead.  He thought to himself: “this stain is on my forehead now.”  Sulhi Khan’s son cried out loud: “my father was killed by Prithi Chand!  What kind of friendship was this?  I will show you my enmity now.  You tricked my father and had him killed on purpose.  What was they need to have my father climb the kiln?  I have figured out your scheme.  I will avenge my father’s death.”  Prithi Chand heard this and was scared.  He wanted to make the son of Sulhi Khan happy.  He folded his hands and said: “son, your father was beloved to you but I loved him more than my own life.  This was destined to happen.  Nobody could have stopped this.  Sometimes Amrit becomes poison.  Sometimes one raises a cow to drink milk but what happens is that the cow becomes like a lion and attacks you.  What can I tell you?  I can’t explain what I am feeling.  His death was coming.  I had to urinate and went to the back.  Your father climbed up himself.  I was going to rely on him to complete my task.  Why would I have killed him?”  He spoke to Khan’s son with humility in many ways.  The other family member’s and relatives were upset.  Prithi Chand paid them a lot of money to calm them down.  He gave them expensive clothes and strong horses.  Sulhi’s sons stayed a few days in Kotha Graam and left towards Delhi after.  They went to the Emperor, Jahangir, and said: “our father died in the brick kiln.  Nobody could change his destiny.” 

Prithi Chand was really upset.  It was Guru Arjan Dev ji’s words that killed Sulhi Khan.  How can a person who wishes to cause the Guru pain, be saved?  Nobody could save a person cursed by Parmeshwar Guru.  Guru Arjan Dev ji recited a Shabad:

Bilawal Mahalla 5..

Narayan kept Sulhi away.. Sulhi’s hand was not able to reach anywhere, he died an impure death..1..Rahao..

Khasam cut his head with a weapon.  He became ashes in a matter of an instance..

He had corrupted thoughts.  The corruption stayed in his heart.  The Parmeshwar that sent him to earth, sent him to Hell..1..

Sons, friends and money could not do anything.  Everything and everyone was left behind, including brothers and relatives..

Nanak says, I am a sacrifice unto the Prabhoo who completed the words of his servant..2..18..

(SGGS 825)

Sulhi thought about killing Guru Arjan Dev ji.  The fool couldn’t do anything.  He went to Hell.  The fool who gives pain to the Guru is always in a bad state.  Hindu or Turk, all suffer the same state.  Even if Inder becomes the enemy of the Guru, he too will lose his status and be in pain.  Guru ji is full of forgiveness but Karma becomes the killer.  Parmeshwar kills such a person.  Their faces are blacked in the other world.  They die a dog’s death.  Their good deeds are all burned by doing such bad things.  They take births and get stuck in the cycle of birth and death.  In this way Sulhi died and went to the “Kumbi Narak,” the pot-shaped Hell.

4-19 Chandoo Sends a Letter to Prithi Chand

In a matter of days, the news came to Guru ji that Sulhi had died.  The Sangat celebrated that the corrupt sinner had died.  Karah Prashaad was distributed.  The Sikhs sang the praises of Guru ji and read the Shabad written in regards to Sulhi.  The Sikhs faith in Guru Sahib had grown as they were confidant that the Guru could save them from anything.  Sulhi was a big sinner who Guru Sahib killed.  The Sangat said: “we have no reason to feel scared.  Guru Arjan Dev ji is great.  His words are like lions for enemies.  His words are like the “Brahmastar.”  It is unstoppable.  Nobody can be saved from it.” 

Since the day Sulhi Khan died, Prithi Chand was worried.  He was thinking of many things.  He made many schemes in his mind but no plan was good enough.  He swayed around in pain, day and night.  He thought to himself: “Sulhi was my mountain of support.  Destiny got the best of him.  The “Bajjar,” thunderbolt, of destiny destroyed this mountain.  Sulhi gathered for me a lot of praise.  He was the one that got me the Jageer of Kotha Graam.  He always wanted the best for me.  He completed a lot of tasks for me by which I was happy.  I was waiting for him to come and kill my brother.  I felt closer to the Emperor, knowing he was there.  Nobody could harm me while he was there.  My enemies are probably celebrating now.  There is happiness in my brother’s home.  Who will be afraid of me now?  My brother will tell everyone how powerful he is and he will make them worship him.  His son will become the Guru now.  They are going to celebrate as they wish now.  What will my son Meharvaan do now?  He will see his relatives and be upset.  I am faced with a great trouble.  Who will be my support?  Who will help me get the Guruship?  I don’t trust my life or my relatives.  Just as my friend died, I can die anytime.  My son will be alone.  Who will he rely on?  Nobody will worship him.  There is nothing else I can do.  Only Chandoo is left as Guru Arjan Dev ji’s enemy.  Who will introduce me to the Divaan?  Who will call me Guru and praise me?  I need someone who will give me the respect and introduce me to Chandoo and the Emperor.  I need to go to Delhi.  I will stay in Delhi and go to Chandoo.  I will tell him about my plans to get my younger brother killed.”  In this way, Prithi Chand made many plans.  He thought of Sulhi a lot and was upset.  He regretted taking him to the kiln.  He thought Sulhi was going to kill Guru Arjan Dev ji and he was going to be the Guru.  Guru ji’s words killed Sulhi Khan.  Prithi Chand didn’t like to eat or sleep. 

Chandoo was upset as well.  He would see his daughter sad and feel bad.  Nobody would accept her marriage proposal.  Somebody came to Chandoo and said: “Guru Arjan Dev ji had married his son somewhere else.  Many people came to the wedding.  A lot of money was spent.  People from far away lands came to the wedding.”  When Chandoo heard this, he felt like his chest was pierced with a spear.  Chandoo laid down and covered his face with a sheet.  He thought to himself: “my daughter is not married.  My reputation is stained in my clan.  Nobody is marrying my daughter.  This is a difficult time for me.  It is better to die rather than see my daughter upset.  It is a curse for me to stay alive.  A man is worthless if his daughter is not married.  Guru Arjan Dev ji is still in peace.  I couldn’t punish him.  I am the biggest Divaan.  Everyone listens to my commands.  Thousands come to see me.  The Guru doesn’t fear me.  I can’t punish or scare him.  He has an elder brother, Prithi Chand, who lives in Kotha Graam.  I wrote the deed to the village for him.  I will scare him.  I will write him a letter and tell him to scare his brother.  I will take his village away from him otherwise.  Where will he go then?  He will suffer along with his family.  His brother was fearless and he insulted me.  I sent Guru Arjan Dev ji the Sagan and it was returned.  I wrote to him but he still didn’t accept it.  I’ve been folding my hands up till now and told him to accept the proposal.  I would have helped him with any task he would have required.  Both the brothers will have to figure this out.  I haven’t done anything bad yet.”  He wrote all his thoughts in a letter and sent it to Prithi Chand.  Chandoo was burning in pain all the time.  He wrote all the poison in his mind in the letter.

A messenger brought Chandoo’s letter to Prithi Chand.  Prithi Chand was sitting in his home as the letter came.  Prithi Chand read the letter and had mixed feelings about it.  He was happy that his enemy’s enemy was upset with Guru Arjan Dev ji but he was afraid of getting caught into the path of Chandoo’s wrath.  The messenger said: “why are you sitting down in peace?  The Divaan is your brother’s enemy.  Do you know how upset the Divaan is with you?  Don’t you wish to live in peace?  The Divaan will do something.  You are in conflict with the person who can command the whole country.  You drink milk in peace and just sit there like nothing happened.  We won’t let you live in peace.  Consider yourself as having a snake in your lap.  You shouldn’t be sleeping in peace.  He hasn’t done anything yet.  We are still giving you a chance to become his relative.  The Emperor will arrest both of you two brothers otherwise.  Why are you so stubborn?  What aren’t you afraid of us?  What support do you have?”  Prithi Chand got scared when he heard this.  He thought to himself: “I hope I don’t get entangled in this.  I made the mistake of not meeting Chandoo before.  I should have told the Emperor of my enmity with my brother.  Anytime someone calls him my brother, I hate it.  I hope I don’t get punished.  My brother is Chandoo’s enemy.  This is good for me though.  I have to tell Chandoo this.  If I don’t tell him, it will be bad for me.”  Prithi Chand seated the messenger with respect.  He folded his hands and said to the messenger: “I want you to tell the Divaan that his enemy is my enemy.  He is my enemy first.  He kicked me out of Amritsar.  If you want to punish my brother, go ahead.  I will help you.  I want to kill my brother.  It will be good news for me if he dies.  Tell the Divaan what I have said to you.  I don’t meet my brother.  I will celebrate the day he dies.  I will have a Langar in my house.  I think of killing him everyday but I have been unsuccessful.  I am the eldest son of Guru Ramdas ji.  My brother, Guru Arjan Dev ji, is the youngest son of my father.  He cheated me out of everything.  He took the Guruship and all the assets from me.  People from far away lands come to give him money.  He is rich and egotistical.  He took everything away from me.  He kicked me out of my father’s city (which was false; Prithi Chand ran away out of shame, when he was caught trying to poison his nephew).  It was someone like you that introduced me to the Emperor.  I received the Jageer of this village, which was entitled to me by the Emperor.  I’m making ends meet in such poverty.  Consider me as one of your own.  I will be loyal to you.  Don’t see me as the Guru’s brother.  Don’t spoil it with me.  Arrest the Guru and kill him.  Keep me with you.”  Prithi Chand wrote this in a letter as well.  He gave the messenger food and money.  He said a lot of bad things against Guru Arjan Dev ji.

The messenger left the next day.  Prithi Chand had a new ray of hope in his mind.  When Sulhi died, he felt bad but Prithi Chand was thinking: “Chandoo will complete my task.”  Prithi Chand was happy again.  Chandoo was the Guru’s enemy.  The messenger reached Delhi the next day.  He gave the letter to Chandoo and told him what Prithi Chand said: “Prithi Chand wants to kill his brother.  He wanted Sulhi Khan to kill him but he died instead.  He now wants you to kill Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He told me this many times.  He wishes to meet you.  He is trying to meet you.  If you call him, he will come quickly.  He will tell you a lot of secrets of the Guru’s home.  If you call him, it will be easier to arrest Guru Arjan Dev ji.  You can threaten him to take your daughter’s hand for his son or he will have to die.  Do as you please now.  It’s time to fix the spoiled task.”  Chandoo was happy to heard this.  He said: “it will be easier to kill him if his brother is with me.  If there is a division in the home, then the task becomes simpler.  Tears come out because of pain in the heart.  Prithi Chand must me in pain.  If brothers become enemies, the house is in ruins.  I can tell the Emperor this.  I can tell him that the brother is not happy with him.  We should arrest the Guru and tell him what to do.”

4-20 Chandoo meets Prithi Chand

Chandoo wrote a letter to Prithi Chand and said: “if you are Guru Arjan Dev ji’s enemy, then come to me.  My doors are open.  We will make a plan together to arrest and kill the Guru.  If I help you, your task will be completed.  Your troubles will be gone.”  The letter was sent to Prithi Chand: “come to Delhi.”  A messenger was sent to Kotha Graam.  Prithi Chand was given the letter.  The messenger said to Prithi Chand: “Baba ji, I had given the Divaan your letter and I told him verbally what you asked me to say.  The Divaan was happy to read your letter and hear your message.  He wants you to meet him in Delhi.  Both of you have the same task.  We are friends now.  Come to Delhi today.  As soon as you come, your work will be done.  Don’t bother asking an astrologer on an auspicious time.  Come today and complete your wish to becoming the Guru.”  Prithi Chand got ready quickly and had his horse saddled.  He hugged and kissed his son Meharvaan.  He gave him hope and headed to Delhi: “this time I will get the Gurta Ghaddi.  The Divaan is Guru Arjan Dev ji’s enemy.”  He then said all this to his wife Karmo and headed to Delhi. 

Prithi Chand travelled on horse and rested the nights in motels.  He was eager to get to Delhi.  He kept on thinking on what he would say to everyone.  In a few days, Prithi Chand reached Delhi.  He got a room when he got there.  He sent a servant to Chandoo and told him to tell him that: “Guru Sahib is here (Prithi Chand referred to himself as Guru Sahib), I am here to see you.”  Chandoo was happy to hear that the brother of his enemy had arrived.  He sent his servant to get Prithi Chand.  The Servant said: “your work is as good as done.  Come meet the Divaan.”  Prithi Chand was happy to hear this.  He put on a long and expensive, silk chola.  He tied a Cheera Dastaar on his head and wore diamond and golden jewellery.  He was a handsome person as he was Guru Ramdas ji’s son.  His heart on the other hand, was not so handsome.  He gathered expensive gifts and Siropas.  Just as Guru ji would give Siropas, he was going to give Chandoo a Siropa.  The Pagri was really expensive that he took for Chandoo.  Both ends had golden thread work on it.  He took a long scarf for him known as a “do-patta.”  That was really expensive as well.  He took fruit and money.  He had his servants pick up all the stuff and headed towards Chandoo’s home.  The gifts and foods were covered with cloths.  Five people were with Prithi Chand as he went.  He sent a messenger to tell Chandoo he was coming.

Chandoo came out to receive him with his hands folded.  Both hugged each other as they met.  Chandoo had Prithi Chand sit on one seat.  They were both happy to see each other.  Prithi Chand started to speak and discussed the history of the Guru’s home: “I am the eldest son of the Guru but I got nothing.  My younger brother cheated me out of the Gurta Ghaddi by deceiving my father.  My maternal grandparents’ home is in Goindwal.  My brother turned my grandparents against me.  One of the Bhallas is Bhai Gurdas ji, who brought a lot of Sangat to my brother.  He used to bring Sikhs to my brother and make them give their money to him.  He made him famous in other lands and made him rich.  After being rich, my brother become egotistical.  He falsely accused me and had me kicked out of Amritsar.  He had me kicked out of my father’s city.  Sulhi Khan was my friend and died in a tragic accident.  He came to see me and died.  I am really upset at what happened.  I only have you for support now.  Grab my arm and keep my dignity intact.  We will have to arrest both father and son.  We need to kill them both.  His son needs to be punished for refusing your daughter’s hand.  I am the rightful heir to the Guruship.  Help me get the Gurta Ghaddi.”  Chandoo heard this and said: “don’t worry.  Don’t be stressed about this.  Your brother is my enemy.  He has called his death to him.  I will destroy his pride by locking him up in jail.  He will be in pain then.  I will punish him and have him agree to my daughter’s marriage with his son.  Only then will I call myself Chandoo.  I will torture him into accepting my wishes.  That is the day my chest will be cool again.  He ruined my reputation and had me insulted in my clan.  He refused my daughter’s marriage proposal.  This was painful for me.  He will be happy till I don’t go to Lahore.  I will tell the Emperor about the Guru and he will become his enemy.  When I go to Majha Desh, I will fix everything there.  Then I will go to Lahore and call the Guru to me.  I will arrest him there.  Once I get him into my home, I will punish him.  I will get him in my home and lock my door.  Just as a hunter captures his prey and locks it up, that is what I will do.  I will trap him like hunters trap birds.  After that, you will get the Gurta Ghaddi.  When I come to Lahore, there will be celebrations in your home and Guru Arjan Dev ji’s home will be in mourning.  Wait a few more months.  I will capture the Guru.  He will let go of his stubbornness and fall to my wishes.  I need to have my daughter married there.  I will make him do what I want to.  He will either need to accept the marriage proposal for his son or accept death.  This is what will happen.”  Prithi Chand was happy to hear all this.  His body couldn’t contain his happiness.  Prithi Chand praised Chandoo: “you are the master of the world.  You can forgive or punish anyone.  Everything is in your hands.”  Both of them pretended to be swans but they were in fact herons.  They made their schemes in this way.  Prithi Chand wanted to give Chandoo a Siropa.  The Siropa and do-patta was taken out.  Prithi Chand said: “take the Siropa from the house of Guru Nanak Dev ji and Guru Ramdas ji.  You will be blessed.”  Chandoo accepted the Siropa around his neck with great respect.  Chandoo brought money from his treasury and gave it to Prithi Chand.  He folded his hands and bowed to Prithi Chand.  Prithi Chand was sure he was going to be the Guru now.  He thought to himself: “Chandoo is greater that Sulhi Khan.  He is the Divaan of the Emperor.  I am his friend now.  I will be happy now.”  In this way, both sinners thought about doing bad things. 

Prithi Chand stayed in Delhi for some days and met Chandoo everyday.  Prithi Chand made more friends in high places.  After a few days he wished to go back to his home.  He came to meet Chandoo.  Both sat together and made plans to commit sins against Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Prithi Chand said to Chandoo: “please give me permission to go back home now.  I have been here for a while.  I will wait for you at home.  Don’t be too long.  I only have you now.  You are my only hope.  Only you can fix my problem.  What can I say to you again?  You know everything.  Convince the Emperor to come to Punjab and turn him against the Guru.  When you come to Lahore, I will come to you there.  I will do what you say.  Come to Lahore and we will figure it all out.  I will speak to the Emperor as well.  We will call the Guru to Lahore and take him to your home.  You can do what you want with him there.”  Chandoo responded: “don’t worry.  It’s only a matter of a few days.  I will be in Lahore soon.  It won’t be long.  We will fulfill our wishes.  We will fix everything.  We will kill Guru Arjan Dev ji and give you the Gurta Ghaddi.”  The sinners made their evil plans.

Prithi Chand set off from Delhi and travelled home to Kotha-Guru.  He reached his home and met his family.  He took Meharvaan in his lap and hugged him.  He was really happy as he sat down.  He was happy to meet Chandoo.  He told his wife, Karmo, everything: “I will be the Guru in a few days.  There will be happiness in our home.  Our friend, Sulhi died but Chandoo will do our work.”