Ashwatthama started heading back to where Om had entered the habitation. While Om and the ape man followed him, Ashwatthama spoke to Om. ‘Om, this is Vrishkapi. He is the last of his clan, called Kimpurusha or Kapi.’ ‘Kapi!’ repeated Om. As if on cue, the huge monkey man roared, ‘जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर। जय कपीस तिहुं लोक उजागर।।’ The ape man spoke in a voice heavier than a man’s bass. He continued, ‘I am the last of the Kapi species mentioned in the first lines of the Hanuman Chalisa and—’
