7-26 The Dariya Horses

Satguru ji heard about the horses and wanted to get them.  He thought to himself: “how can the horses be brought here?” He was ready to spend as much money as it would take.  He knew that it wouldn’t matter how much money would be spent.  The Badshah would never sell them as he has no shortage of anything.  The horses would have to be taken form him.  The Badshah keeps the horses under his surveillance.  Thousands of soldiers were with the Badshah.  To fight a battle, it would be hard to get the horses.  The horses were kept in a big fort in Lahore.  The walls of the fort were about 60 feet high and near the Ravi.

The warriors were sitting with Guru ji in the Divaan.  Guru ji said: “the horses are praise-worthy.  How can we get the horses?  All of you are wise.  Think of a plan.”  The Sikhs thought of different plans.  One Sikh said: “Maharaj, you are the wisest.  You are the treasure of knowledge.  It is a sin to say anything in front of you.  How can we advise you?  If you think about it, this task is difficult.  Only Bhai Bidhi Chand ji can do this task, no one else.  He can be successful with your support.  There is no other way.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji is good at planning and executing.  He is the smartest in the world.  He is clever.  The horses are smart.  Only Bhai Bidhi Chand ji can bring them here.  There is no other better support than you, Guru ji.  There is a connection between the three of you.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji can bring the horses by your support.  This will be an unprecedented task of slapping the tyrants.  This will go down in history.”  Guru ji looked towards Bhai Bidhi Chand ji and said: “I have heard the praises of the horses.  I want you to bring them so I can see them.  There is no other brave solider like you that can do this.  Only you can do this.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji folded his hands and made a request: “as you know, this task is very hard.  Only you can do this task.  It can’t happen without your blessing.  I am just a prop.  You are the one that will do this task.”  Guru ji was happy to hear this.  He said: “Bidhi Chand, there is no one else like you in this world.  Ram Chander ji had to send a warrior to Lanka, he looked at all the warriors.  He found Hanuman as the wisest and the strongest.  Hanuman went and completed the task.  He found Seeta Mata.  He went like a thief to Lanka and killed many warriors.  He burnt the Lanka and found Seeta Mata.  He jumped into the ocean after.  Hanuman is praised till today for doing such a difficult task.  This task of getting the horses is difficult.  If you are successful, your task will be sung about.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji heard his praise.  He folded his hands and said: “Sri Guru ji, if you bless me, forget about Shah Jahan’s horses, I can bring Sooriya’s horses.  I have heard that Varun Dev has beautiful horses.  With your powers, I can bring those horses as well.  With your help, there is no task that can’t be successful.”  Guru ji was happy to hear this.  He said: “you will be remembered like Hanuman.  You are the warrior of this time.  You have to do this task in Kaliyuga.  We have to steal from the thieves.  Go and bring the horses.  You will be praised in the world.  Your Katha will be written in Granths.  Many writers will write about you.  People will read and listen about your Katha.  The pure people will praise your task.  Only you can do this task.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji understood Guru ji’s wishes and got ready.  He thought to himself: “he wants me to be praised.  That’s why he is sending me.  He could have given anyone powers to do this.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji got ready.  The treasure of wisdom stood up and was ready to go.  He was a master planner.  He did an Ardaas by folding his hands and saying all of the names of the Gurus: “please be by my side during this task, oh ocean of compassion.  Assist me in any every way.”  He bowed his head to Satguru ji.  He touched Guru ji’s lotus feet by his forehead.  He kissed Guru ji’s feet.  He took permission from the Sangat and kept the form of the Guru in his heart.  He set forth from Roopa Village to Lahore.

Baba Bidhi Chand ji was travelling, happily.  He thought to himself: “Guru ji is great for giving me this task.  He gave me this task in the Divaan.  I will surely complete this task.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji reached Lahore in 3 days.  He did another Ardaas by the gates of Lahore.  He did an Ardaas to all of the Gurus and bowed his head.  He then entered the city of Lahore.  He started to plan his strategy: “how can I get to the horses?  The fort is big.  I won’t be able to break in by cutting out a passage.  The walls are thick.  I won’t be able to go in, as I’m an outsider to them.  There are guards at all of the doors.  If I become the servant of the head horse groom, that will work.  He won’t hire me without any references though.  Without getting a job as a stable boy, I won’t be able to get close to the horses.  I will have to get into the fort to fulfill my desire.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji came into Lahore.

There was a Tarkhan (carpenter) Sikh named Bhai Jeevan ji who lived in Lahore.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji went to his home and greeted him.  They both touched each others feet, which was the way Sikhs greeted each other.  They said: “Pairee Pauna ji.”  Bhai Jeevan ji recognized Bhai Bidhi Chand ji.  He was happy to have him come to his home.  He folded his hands and bowed to Bhai Bidhi Chand ji.  He said: “you have blessed this poor Sikh.  You have made my home pure.  You are a great Sikh of the Guru.”  Bhai Jeevan ji laid out a bed for Bhai Bidhi Chand ji and served him in many ways.  He washed his feet with warm water.  He had his wife make food.  The food was made and served to Bhai Bidhi Chand ji.  He massaged Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s legs and spoke about Guru ji.  Bhai Jeevan ji said: “please let me know what Seva I can do for you.  Are you here for Satguru ji’s task or for a personal matter?  I am fortunate that you have come to my home to stay.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji told him the details: “there is something for Satguru ji here.  I am telling you but don’t tell anyone else.  Only our 4 ears should hear this, not a fifth.  The Badshah has two horses: Gulbagh and Dilbagh.  Guru ji wishes to ride those horses.  How can I reach them?  Tell me a plan.  How can I get the horses out?  You live here.  You know the place and the people.  How can I get inside the fort of Lahore?  How many guards are on each door?  Which gate is the least guarded?  What is the Daroga’s name who is the head of the horse grooms?  How many soldiers are there?”  Bhai Jeevan ji was surprised to hear the task.  He said: “this task is too difficult.  The Shah lives in the Saman Burj, the biggest part of the Qila Lahore.  The strong steeds are kept close to the Saman Burj.  Hundreds of guards tend to the horses on continuous shifts.  The servants serve the horses in many ways.  There are 12 doors to the Qila.  The stable is near the Saman Burj.  Many soldiers are there who are armed and keep guard.  The name of the Daroga is Saundha Khan.   He commands many soldiers and grooms.  If a task cannot be completed, only you can do that task by Guru ji’s blessing.  The Qila is hard to be reached.  There is no access to it for the public.  Taking the horses out will be hard.  Guru ji can make the impossible, possible.  He can make the weak strong and the strong weak.  Nobody can go in and out.  If a thief comes, they will catch it.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji heard this and said: “I have faith in the Guru.  I have travelled many miles by Guru ji’s faith.  I will complete his task, by Guru ji’s blessing.  Taking the Shah’s horses is a small task for Guru ji.  I need a sickle to cut grass.  I need something to cut and tie the grass.  Do an Ardaas for this task to be successful.”  Bhai Jeevan ji said: “I will give you everything you need.  Take what you need.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji said: “I don’t need anything else.  I’ve asked for all that I need.”  They both slept the night.

Bhai Jeevan ji made a sickle for Bhai Bidhi Chand ji in the morning.  He made it with a strong metal and attached a wooden handle to it.  It was ready and placed in front of Bhai Bidhi Chand ji.  He was happy to see the sickle and said: “this is good!”  He said: “Satnam,” and picked up the sickle.  He took something to tie the grass with.  The wise Sikh went towards the field to get grass.  He bathed in the Ravi and recited Japji Sahib. 

Bhai Bidhi Chand ji found newly grown baby grass.  He was focused on the Guru and recited Gurbani.  He cut the grass.  He saw the horses as Guru ji’s and was doing Seva for them.  He took the best and greenest grass for the horses.  He collected a lot of grass.

7-27 Bhai Bidhi Chand ji in the form of a Ghaee (Grass cutter)

Bhai Bidhi Chand ji would recite Gurbani.  He would cut the baby grass that would grow over night.  He would look for the baby grass over a distance to gather it.  The grass was really green.  It was a delicacy for the horses.  He collected a lot of baby grass.  It would take a few hours to collect that much.  He slowly walked towards the city and went to the market.  He went to where Saundha Khan would go to buy new grass.  The grass that Baba Bidhi Chand ji had, was the best.  Whoever saw his grass, wanted to buy it from him.  The merchants wanted the grass and so did the customers who needed the grass.  They asked him how much money he would charge for it.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji said: “I want 1 Rajitpun for this.”  It was too expensive.  The customers would quietly walk away.  Baba ji stayed there, waiting for the Daroga.  He asked for 10 times the price one would normally ask for the grass.  He did that on purpose as he didn’t want to sell it to anyone else.  Saundha Khan came in the evening.  He was the one who took care of all the horses.  Many other men were with him.  He had his officers and servants with him.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji analysed that he must be the one he was looking for.  He asked the other person: “who is that person?  He looks like an officer.”  The person said: “he is the Daroga of the horses of the Emperor.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was happy to hear this.  He said: “Dhan Sri Guru Hargobind ji,” in his mind.  He knew the Guru was helping him.  He said: “you made me meet him on the first day.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji went near Saundha Khan who was there to buy the grass.  He noticed that the baby grass was the best, that Baba Bidhi Chand ji had.  They looked like green stones.  He loved the grass and wanted it.  He said to his servants: “I’ve never seen such good grass before.  Many servants have brought grass before but this is the best.  This is good for Dilbagh.  I will get this grass.”  Saundha Khan went to Baba ji and touched the grass.  He was happy and said: “oh Ghaee, tell me what is the price for this grass is?  You brought it from a good place.  I have never seen such good grass before.  This is good for the Badshah’s horses.  You seem to be a good person.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “you respect quality.  You are wise because you are with the Badshah.  I have a desire to feed the horses of the True King.  I wanted the True King’s horses to eat this grass.  I collected this with faith and effort.  I went far along the shores of the Ravi to get it.  I went early in the morning.  It is the baby grass that grew overnight.  I used my wisdom and strength to take out the dirt and weeds.  My wish is fulfilled that I met you.  This grass will reach where it needs to go.  The True King’s horses will eat this.  I will take what you wish to give me.  I don’t care about money.  I want to serve the True King.  I won’t refuse your offer.”  Saundha Khan was happy to hear this.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji had won him over.  Saundha Khan said: “pick up the grass and come into the fort.  Give it to the horses.”  Baba ji was dressed like a poor Ghaee.  He wore dirty clothes, as a worker would do.  He had pieces of grass in his beard and his clothes. 

Baba Bidhi Chand ji went with Saundha Khan and the other men, into the fort.  He was successful in getting inside the fort on the first day.  Nobody stopped him at the gate as they thought he was a Ghaee.  Where Gulbagh and Dilbagh were tied, Baba Bidhi Chand ji went there.  The horses were tied with silk ropes.  They were under the sight of the Badshah.  The body of the horses was shiny.  The feces and urine of the horses was cleaned up quickly by the grooms.  Their stables were clean.  Saundha Khan said to Baba Bidhi Chand ji: “give your grass to them.  Sift the grass and put it there.  Come back to me right after.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was happy to see the horses.  He put the grass in front of the horses.  He sifted the grass with grace.  He was inspired by Guru ji.  The horses ate the grass with great delight.  It was like they were really hungry.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji bowed to the feet of the horses.  He said to all out loud: “these are the horses of the Sacha Paatshaah.  I am fortunate that I got to see them.  I bow to their feet with my hands folded to the horses that will carry the True King.”  The Daroga gave Baba ji 1 Rajitpun.  He said: “you brought amazing grass.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji looked around and analysed the fort as he left the it.  He realised that it would be hard to leave the walls as they were 60 feet high.

Baba Bidhi Chand ji came to the market and had the Rajitpun broken to lower denominations.  He took the money and gave them to the poor as an Ardaas to Guru ji for giving him success.  In the evening he went to Bhai Jeevan ji’s house.  He ate and spent the night there.  Baba ji woke up at Amritvela and did Simran of the Satguru, Satnam.  He bathed and got ready before the sun came up.  He went outside the city before anyone could see him.  Nobody knew that he was at Bhai Jeevan ji’s home.  He went to get grass near the shores of the Ravi.  He cut baby grass that was green and soft.  He looked for it at different places.  He collected a lot of the baby grass and tied it up.  He put it on his head and came towards the fort.  He would tell everyone that it’s 1 Rajitpun, who would ask for it.  Nobody would buy it from him.  He went to where the gate of the fort was.  When it was evening around 5 pm, Saundha Khan came outside.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji stayed there till then.  He waited for his opportunity.  The Daroga saw the grass again.  He liked the grass and called him.  He noticed it was the same person.  He said: “you did a great job.  The horses ate all of your grass.  You brought good grass.  Come again today.”  They all went to the fort.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji did the same as the day before.  He bowed to the horses and said: “theses are the horses of the Sacha Paatshaah.  I love bowing to them.”  Baba ji patted the horses on the back this day.  The horses loved the love that Baba ji gave him.  They snorted in excitement.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “the horses are happy.”  The Daroga gave him 1 Rajitpun. 

Baba Bidhi Chand ji distributed the 1 Rajitpun to the poor.  He didn’t want to eat from the money of the Turks.  He thought: “if I eat the salt of the Turks, I will be indebted to them.  I am here to loot them.  I am here for Guru ji’s work.  I don’t want even a little sin.  Wise people never do what causes damage.  The Badshah is egotistical who has taken Guru ji’s horses.  I will take revenge for all that he has taken.  I will give these horses to Guru ji.  He is omnipotent and will be able to keep them.  If the army comes, we will fight them.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji thought about this.  He went to Bhai Jeevan ji’s home at night.  He ate and slept the night.

At Amritvela, he bathed and left.  He brought grass on the third day again.  He stood in front of the fort.  The Daroga took the grass again.  They all said: “this person brings the best grass.”  This continued for 7 days.  When Baba Bidhi Chand ji would go close to the horses, the horses would begin to jump in excitement seeing Baba ji.  Baba ji would pat them on the back and bow to their feet.  Saundha Khan was happy with Baba ji’s work.  He asked him: “what is your name?  If we hire you, would you stay here?”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji heard this and said: “my name is Kasera.  Since I came to your city, I have been cutting grass and selling it.  I like to serve the Sacha Paatshaah’s horses.  People stop me and want to buy my grass but I don’t want to sell it to them.  I tell them an expensive price so they don’t buy it.  I wish to give the grass to you as you understand quality.  If you wish to hire me to serve the horses, I would be very grateful to you.  If you hire me, watch how healthy the horses will become.  I am not greedy for money.  I don’t care what you pay me.  I wish to serve the horses of the Sacha Paatshaah.  I will serve them with love.  My wish will be fulfilled one day.  Service to the True king’s horses will be rewarded.”  The Daroga was happy to hear this.  He saw him eligible to be serving the horses.  The horses were happy to see Babaji.  He hired Babaji at 1 Rajitpun a day.  Saundha Khan said: “you are good to take care of the horses.  I hired you seeing that you are a good man.  Do the work and you will be paid.  Take good care of the horses.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “words are only to say, watch the Seva that I do.  The good people don’t need to be told.  People will remember my Seva.  The wise people do as they say.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji stayed near the horses and served them.  He brought baby grass for them everyday.  He cut grass outside of the horse.  He recited Gurbani and did the Seva of Guru ji’s horses.  He fed the horses and massaged them.  The horses got attached to Baba Bidhi Chand ji. 

7-28 Kasera is rewarded by Shah Jahan

After staying with the horses for a few days, Bhai Bidhi Chand ji said to Saundha Khan: “please tell the guards not to stop me when I come into the fort.  If you tell them to be calm, I can go in and out of the fort with ease.”  The Daroga told all of the guards: “this is our new employee.  He is one of us.  He is the groom for the Badshah’s special horses.  He is great at his work.  He serves them all day.  The horses are happy with him too.  If he comes early or late at night, don’t stop him.  Let him through without any checking.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was now worry-free to go in and out of the fort at any time.  It was like he was part of a household.  He would serve the horses.  He tied a loose Pugri with his hair sticking out.  He was dressed like a worker.  He was always with the horses.  He was able to serve them alone.  He would tell the others to not worry about the horses and that he could do all the work alone.  Everyone else was happy with that.  They all didn’t have to work as much.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji was serving Guru ji’s horses.  The other employees said: “this is a good worker.  We don’t have to work much.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji would stand all day long and massage the horses.  He would brush the horses and wiped their nostrils and ears.  He would pick their feet up and clean the area.  He would pat their forehead and necks.  He would massage the belly of the horses by bending down.  Their chests were wide.  Baba ji would massage them hard for hours.  He knew how to take care of them well from his experience with Guru ji’s army.  He would massage their hind legs and brush their tails.  He made sure the horses looked nice.  He was doing the work of 10 people by himself.  He took care of all the work, day and night.  Everyone was happy and praised him: “this is a good person that came to us.” 

Saundha Khan saw Baba ji work for 2 or 3 days and said: “give two reins to Kasera as well.  He gives them the masala to eat.  The horses love him.  He serves them day and night.”  He said to Bhai Bidhi Chand ji: “don’t go out to get the grass anymore.  Just take care of the horses.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji was happy and said: “listen Daroga ji, I understand that you respect me, but I wish to feed the horses of the True King.  I have no other task to do.  I only go out to serve the horses.  I do the Seva with faith.  One day my wish will be fulfilled.  I don’t care about anything else.  I sit down and walk around for their service.  I won’t leave the horses.  I only like doing their Seva.”  Saundha Khan and the other men heard this and saw his Seva.  They were very happy with him.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji would act very naïve in front of them.  The other employees began trusting him fully.  The fools did not know the truth as Baba Bidhi Chand ji spoke to them with respect.  He stole their hearts, without them giving them to him.  Everyone praised him a lot.  They said: “he is the best.  We will never let Kasera go.”  Slowly, Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s privileges increased.  He took care of everything regarding the horses’ care.

Bhai Bidhi Chand ji went to get grass after about 15 days.  He collected the grass and put a big rock in the bundle.  He hid it and brought it into the fort.  At around midnight, he threw the big rock over the fort wall and into the Ravi.  It splashed into the river and made a loud noise.  The guards all came into attention and got scared.  The sleeping ones woke up and came out.  There was a great commotion.  The guards lit the torches and looked over the walls to see what the noise was.  They knew something splashed.  They looked for a while and didn’t find anything.  The guards talked amongst themselves: “it looks like it’s nothing.  Maybe a crocodile or big fish caused a splash.”

Shah Jahan woke up with his queens as he heard the noise.  There was a commotion in the whole fort.  Nobody knew what the cause was.  Some said: “maybe a part of the fort fell into the river.  It’s an old fort, that’s what may have happened.”  For about an hour, this commotion went on.  It was a cause for concern as it may have been an attack.  Everyone then concluded that it was nothing and so they went back to sleep.  The guards kept guard.  They guarded the Badshah’s doors.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was making a plan.  He wanted to see what would happen if he would jump the wall at night.  He wanted to get them used to the noise as being nothing.  He thought to himself: “I can’t go through the gate.  When I jump the wall, the water will make a loud splash.  The guards will wake up.  I will have to cross the river and go to Guru ji.  There is no other way to do this.  I will have to make a fool-proof plan.  There are many soldiers.  If they see me go, they will chase me and shoot at me.  If I stay on the horse’s back, then I won’t let anyone come near me.  The walls aren’t a problem if I have Guru ji’s blessing.  There’s no two-headed person that can stop me.  Satguru ji will be with me.  I shouldn’t doubt anything.  I will leave in a few days.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji understood all the secrets and processes of the fort.  His tasks were all successful as he never lost his faith in Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He thought about his plan everyday.  He wanted to take the horses to Guru ji.

One day, Shah Jahan came to the stables.  Gulbagh and Dilbagh were radiant.  The Emperor saw the horses shining and happy.  He saw Kasera standing and serving the horses.  Shah Jahan said to Saundha Khan: “since when have you hired this person?”  Saundha Khan bowed and saluted the Emperor 7 times.  He said: “Sire, it has been a few days since he was hired.  He loves serving them.  There is no one better than him.  He speaks sweet.  His personality is great.  He only wishes to serve the horses.  He forgets to eat and sleep.  Since he has been here, the horses have gotten healthier.  He massages them well.  Look how radiant the horses are.  They shine because of him.  He says: “I want to serve the horses of the Sacha Paatshaah.”  He keeps bowing to the horses.  He is a little naïve.  The horses love him.  He is one of them.”  The Badshah looked at Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  He noticed that he was very wise.  He said: “Saundha Khan, he looks wise.  Keep him with respect.”  The Badshah was happy seeing the horses.  He rewarded Kasera with 1,000 Rajitpuns as a bonus.  He announced the reward and went back to his palace.  Kasera said to Saundha Khan: “I want you to keep the reward.  I will take it from you when I need it.  I have no other to give it to.  You can keep my pay as well.  I don’t need any money.  I live here and serve the horses.  You can take care of my money.  I will ask you for the money when I need it.  I have stayed with you.  I can’t thank you enough for letting me serve the True King’s horses.  I am thankful to you for giving me a job.  I am under your command with my mind, body and soul.  I don’t need the money.”  The Daroga was happy.  He thought to himself: “I thought he would be greedy.  He has no greed.”  Daroga sent the money to his own wife.  His trust in Baba Bidhi Chand ji doubled.  The other employees were very greedy but the Daroga saw no greed in Kasera.  He made the other employees follow Kasera.  The Daroga commanded everyone to listen to Kasera.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was able to command others at that point.  The other workers respected Kasera.  He became friends with everyone.  He spoke to the employees as he needed his work done. 

Baba Bidhi Chand ji would eat at Bhai Jeevan ji’s home.  He ate at his home because Bhai Jeevan ji worked for a living.  He would eat and come back to the fort to sleep.  He would give the horses hope.  At night, Baba Bidhi Chand ji would throw a big rock into the river to make the guards immuned to the noise.  He would clean the nostrils and other body parts of the horses.  He would be detailed with his work.  He didn’t sleep at night.  He recited Gurbani and served the horses.  He didn’t rest during the day either.  He thought to himself: “everything has been going well by Guru ji’s blessing.  I need to know where the saddles are.  I can’t ride the horses without a saddle.  I need to find out where they are.  Till I don’t get them, I won’t be able to jump the wall.”  He wondered how he could do that.  He made friendship with the guard who kept the saddles.  He spoke to him with respect.  He laughed and told him jokes.  He kept him happy.  He would speak naively and make him laugh along with the other employees.  The people would think that Kasera was an unwise, naïve Jatt.  He was liked by all.  Everyone liked his simplicity. 

7-29 Kasera finds more Secrets

One day, Bhai Bidhi Chand ji was sitting with his fellow workers and speaking liking a very naïve and clueless person.  He was trying to get more secrets.  He said: “the horses of the Sacha Paatshaah are strong and clever.  It seems the Badshah only has them for show.  He looks at them and gets happy but they stay here all the time.  He has never ridden them.  Does the Badshah ever saddle them up?”  One of the other employees said: “you are very naïve.  You think their saddles are cheap?  They are really expensive.  They are embedded with precious gems: diamonds, sapphires and pearls.  They are made of gold.  Pearls and diamonds were specially cut for them.  It took the craftsmen a few years to make them.  The lines of gems look like stars in the sky.  You have never seen such saddles in your dreams.  You haven’t even seen such horses in your life.  The saddles are 125,000 Rajitpuns each.  You don’t have the status to see it.  Nobody shows uncivilized people like you such things.  You can’t even go near the Badshah.  Only the Badshah can make such saddles.  Who else has that kind of money?”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji acted surprised and spoke gullably: “I am one of you now.  I serve the horses of the Sacha Paatshaah and stay with you, day and night.  If my wish is not completed of seeing the saddles, what’s the point of me doing the Seva of the horses?  I have seen saddles which are worth 5 or 7 Rajitpuns.  You are lying about a saddle being worth 125,000.  If it’s true, I want to see them with my own eyes.  For 5 Rajitpuns, you can get saddles and reins.  Why is it 125,000?  I am shocked to hear this.  I can’t believe it.  I wish to see such a saddle.  I ask you to show me.  I am your friend.”  One of the other workers said: “they are kept under lock and key.  They are put away from everything else.  The one who has the keys, he is sitting here.  Tell him to show you.”  The holder of the keys to the special room said: “I can’t show the saddles.  The Daroga has to give me permission.  I can’t open the door till Saundha Khan says so.  He has to be there when I open the door.”  The others said: “if Kasera asks Saundha Khan, he will listen to you.”  The “Kaleedhan,” the guard with the keys, said: “Kasera, ask the Daroga to see the saddle.  You will be able to see it them.  Get me the permission.  If I wasn’t so scared of the Khan, I would have shown you the saddles, right away.  If I get his permission, I will show the saddles to you.”  The people were talking amongst themselves.  They all decided to ask the Daroga.

Saundha Khan came to the people speaking.  He said to them all jokingly: “what are you all planning?”  The people laughed and said: “listen Khan ji, we are laughing at Kasera’s words.  He is so gullible.  He makes us laugh.  Sometimes he is really naïve.  He makes us laugh.  He just said something very funny.  We can’t stop laughing.  He is surprised to find out that the saddles of the horses are worth 125,000 Rajitpuns each.  He said a saddle should be about 20 Rajitpuns.  He is wondering why they are so expensive.”  Karesa was sitting by.  He said: “I am surprised to hear this.  I don’t believe it.  What’s on it?  I asked them to show me but they didn’t.  I said that it can’t be that expensive.  They said to ask you to let me see them.  They won’t show them to me otherwise.  I wish to see saddles worth 125,000 Rajitpuns.  I won’t believe it otherwise.  I won’t be able to sleep.”  Saundha Khan said: “when Eid comes, we will take out the saddles that day.  We will put them on the horses.  You can see them then.  You probably have never seen them.”  Kasera said: “what hope do we have with life.  Eid will be in six months.  I can’t wait that long.  Who knows if I will live till then.  A breath that leaves, who knows if it will come back.  These people have made me exited about the saddles.  I won’t rest till I see the saddles.  I am surprised at the 125,000 Rajitpun saddles.  Khan Sahib, I stay here and serve the horses.  Please let me see the saddles.  I want to see the expensive saddles.  The Kaleedhan will show me.  You just have to give the permission.”  Saundha Khan saw Kasera’s desire and said to the Kaleedhan with the keys: “take the saddles out and show them to Kasera.  Make him happy.  Show him the saddles and lock them up again.” 

The Kaleedhan got the permission.  He opened the special storage room with the key.  He went inside and opened up a chest.  The saddles were wrapped up in some cloths.  He brought them out and had Kasera open them up.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji opened the saddles up and saw the precious gems shining bright.  Everything was made of gold.  Diamonds and pearls were on them.  Kesara saw them and pretended to be surprised.  He said: “these are just white rocks.  I have seen corn seeds.  They look just like them.  I thought it would be something better.  I have cooked such seeds and ate them before.  These are called gems?  I have eaten such things before.  Where is the 125,000 Rajitpuns on it?  These rocks are on it.  They are just seeds.  The strands that hang, look like seeds hanging.”  Everyone laughed and said: “you are unwise.  These aren’t corn seeds.  They are worth thousands of Rajitpuns.  They are gems.  You call them rocks.  They are not rocks found on the road.  They are found in mines.  You wouldn’t know what they are.  You’ve never seen them before.  These are always with Emperors and kings.  Small kings don’t even have them.  These are the Badshah’s gems.”  Kasera touched the gems and said: “these are very hard.  I thought they would be soft.  They must scratch the Badshah when he sits on them.  What pleasure would they give the Badshah?”  Saundha Khan said: “they are precious.  They are for show.  It makes his radiance grow.  This is not to eat.  They are pearls and diamonds.  A person looks radiant and royal with them.  The world praises the Badshah when they see this.  You are naïve.  You have never seen such things.  The Shah has the most precious things.”  Kasera said: “if someone like me gets 1,000 Rajitpuns, I can eat food my whole life.  I can marry my son off in a grand wedding with that much money.  This saddle is a waste of money.  This is good for the Shah.  They’re for show.”  He wrapped the saddles up and gave it back.  The Kaleedhan had Bhai Bidhi Chand ji pick up the saddles to be brought into the storage room. 

Baba Bidhi Chand ji got up and took the saddles to the room where they were kept.  He put the saddles back into the chest.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji analysed the room and the number of locks.  He figured out everything and came back out.  He noticed which key locked which lock.

Saundha Khan left for his other tasks.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji found all the secrets.  He noticed where the keys were kept.  The night came.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji went to Bhai Jeevan ji’s home to eat.  He came back and slept in the fort.  In the morning he went to cut baby grass.  He gave the fresh cut grass to the horses to eat.  The horses enjoyed eating that grass.  The Daroga saw Kasera and said: “Kasera, you get the grass and do the massages.  Give the horses the seeds and the masala as well.  You should do all of their work from now on.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji agreed.  He gave the horses the seeds and the spices from that point onwards.  He fed the horses.  He did their Seva with love.  When the horses would see Bhai Bidhi Chand ji, they would jump in joy.  They loved being served by him.  They would pick up their forelegs when they would see Bhai Bidhi Chand ji.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji would touch their faces and pat them.  He would speak to them and massage their bodies.  He would brush their hair and massage them for hours. 

Everyday, Baba Bidhi Chand ji would bring a 10 – 15 kg rock with him.  When everyone would go to sleep, he would throw the rock into the river at midnight.  For about 3 or 4 days, everyone would wake up to see what the noise was.  They would see nothing and think it’s some fish or crocodile.  They stopped checking after about 15 or 20 days.  Baba ji made everyone think it was some creature in the water.  The guards ignored the noise after that time.  This was Baba ji’s strategy: so that when he jumps with the horse, the guards would ignore the splashes.  This was an unprecedented task that was to be done.  He was going to take the horses from the home of a powerful Emperor.  He kept everything under his focus.  He would analyse the place where he wanted to jump from, over and over again.  He needed to spin the horse around in order to get it ready to jump.  He thought about his strategy all day and all night. 

7-30 Invitation for the Companions

Bhai Bidhi Chand ji figured out the whole strategy of taking the horse out of the fort.  He was now only waiting for an opportunity.  He thought to himself: “these guards need to be all sleeping.  I don’t want them to see me saddle the horse.  If the guards are awake, they will wake everyone else.”  He started to put his plan into place and kept an eye out for his chance.  He wanted to shock everyone.  He thought of Satguru ji and did an Ardaas: “this is your work.  Please make it successful.  You will do the work.  Not me.”  The servants of the horses were all fond of pleasures and entertainment.  They would spend their money on alcohol and dancing girls.  They would visit prostitutes often.  They would gamble as well. 

The employees were all sitting with Bhai Bidhi Chand ji during their breaks.  They were all joking around and talking.  They said to Baba ji: “brother Kasera, you came here after all of us.  You get paid more than us.  You have a higher position than us.  The Shah gave you a bonus.  You haven’t given your brothers a party.  This is not good.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji heard this and became happy.  He got his chance.  He knew what to do now.  He said to his colleagues: “I am with my brothers.  Why wouldn’t I make you happy?  I’ll give you a party.  I am a naïve person.  I don’t know these things.  Thanks for telling me.  I will give you a party.  I was worried about how I should serve you.  I was born in the house of Hindus and you are all Muslims.  How can we have food together?  You should tell me what I should do.  I am not greedy for money.  I will spend it on you.  I will tell you what I think: we can do what is good for all.  I can get alcohol.  You can drink as much as you want to.  Drink and enjoy it.  Sit in one place and let me know when you want to drink.  I will give you all you want.  I will brink the alcohol.  I will bring the best.  You can arrange for the entertainment.  I can get you the snacks.  Drink and go to your homes.  I will guard the fort.  Serving you will be the best for me.  I want you to be happy.  You can drink and talk.  I will prepare the alcohol.  Khuddah has given you the chance to enjoy yourself.  Life cannot be trusted.  Let’s do it today.  Serving one’s brothers is the best thing in life.”  The other guards and workers were happy.  They said: “that’s great!”  They were happy that they were going to get drunk that night.  They said: “don’t worry about food.  We eat everyday.  We only get alcohol sometimes.  We have never been drunk together.  This will be fun.  We’ve never sat and talked before.  This will be the best party.  Nothing’s better than alcohol.  This is the best.  Everyone wants this too.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was happy to hear this.  He thought to himself: “today is the Ashtami of the Vaddi (dark phase) so it will be dark tonight.  The moon will come out at midnight.  I will take the horse then.  I will do my work before then.  When the moon comes out, I will need it to travel.  This is the best time.  I will give these guys a party tonight.  They will be regretting this in the morning.”  He thought about this and said: “don’t eat anything today.  Swear upon Khuddah, don’t eat today.  You should all come here tonight.  I will go now to get the alcohol from the Kalaals (the distillers).  I will get the best alcohol and give it to you.  You will all drink here tonight.  When you have had enough, then you can go home.  You can eat what you want after.  You can go home or to the brothels.  You can stay here as well.  Don’t worry about anything today.  Enjoy yourself today.  I will take care of your duties.” 

It was evening.  The sun came down and it became dark.  The employees all gathered at the stables.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji went to the Kalaals to get alcohol.  He first went to Bhai Jeevan ji Tarkhan’s home.  He took 20 Rajitpuns from him and asked him where the distillers were.  Bhai Jeevan ji told him where they were.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji went to the Kalaals and spoke to them: “I need the best alcohol from you.  Don’t worry about the money.  It should be strong.  A person should drink a little and get drunk quickly.”  The Kalaal said: “I will take 50% more for the best.  I’ve kept it for the rich people.  It is really strong.  A person will be drunk after drinking a little.  A person won’t recognize their own door.  How much more can I say?  A person will urinate and not be able to tell what they did.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji said: “you can take twice the price.  The alcohol should be 4 times strong.”  Baba ji gave the Kalaal 20 Rajitpuns.  The Kalaal filled the kegs and had his employees deliver them.  The workers picked up the kegs and went with Baba Bidhi Chand ji.

It was around 8 pm and it became dark.  The wise Baba Bidhi Chand ji was close to the fort with the Kalaals.  The foolish employees all got together.  They didn’t know what lay ahead for them.  They didn’t know how they were going to be played.  They waited and said: “when is he coming?”  They soon saw Baba Bidhi Chand ji and the distillers come.  They got happy.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji told them: “sit it lines my brothers.  I took long because I had to find the best alcohol.  I looked hard for it.  Drink it slowly.  Speak to each other as you drink.  Take 5 Rajitpuns from me and order some snacks for yourself.  I will fill the alcohol for you (he wanted to not mix it with water).  Have fun.  If we are separated, you will remember me.”  The snacks soon came.  Meat and other snacks were there.  Baba ji poured the alcohol with a little water for everyone.  He didn’t want everyone to fall asleep yet.  He wanted them to get drunk later.  The discussions began as they drank.  They were drunk and spoke in pride.  Their ego came out.  The alcohol was strong.  The people got drank quickly.  Some started to debate and some laughed.  The workers all got drunk.  At around 11:30 pm, Baba ji gave them all a really strong shot.  The guards all got drunk as well.  They said: “listen brother Kasera, we want to drink but we are on duty.  You will have to keep guard if we drink.  We won’t be able to get up.  If you are giving us a party, then you will have to do our work.”  Baba ji said: “don’t worry about anything.  I will stay awake all night long.  Nobody can come here because of the Badshah’s radiance.  Nobody can look towards his kingdom.”  The guards were convinced and began to drink.  The Kaleedhan was given a double shot.  He held the glass and laughed.  He said: “listen Kasera, I am drinking of because of your love.  I am already drunk but I will drink more because you gave me another glass.  Here, take the keys.  You will have to protect everything.  You will have to make sure everything is safe.  You shouldn’t drink though.  You will have to work for me.  Stay alert.  I don’t want to get fired.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “why are you worried?  I am here.  Drink and go to sleep.  Everyone is afraid of the Shah.  No person with two heads can come here.  A bird can’t come here.  How can a thief come?  They run away.  I won’t sleep all night.  You can go to sleep.”  Baba ji filled everyone’s glass and gave them more alcohol to drink.  The employees all finished the alcohol.  The seniors and juniors all drank.  They all got a lot.  Baba ji wanted to make sure everyone went to sleep.  The last glasses were strong.  Everyone lost their senses.  They fell while they were talking.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji would speak to everyone and make sure they lost their senses.  They couldn’t speak anymore.  Baba ji would shake the people.  Their Pugris fell off and their clothes got ripped.  If someone spoke a little bit, Baba ji would give them more alcohol.  No one was awake soon. 

Baba Bidhi Chand ji did Simran of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He did Ardaas of all the Gurus and bowed his head on the ground.  He knew his tasks were going to be successful.  He left everyone.  He got ready to take the horse.  He looked around to see if everyone was sleeping.  The guards were all asleep.