CHATURBHUJ
- Divine Ring Lost

Thus, barring the King, nobody knew how the ring looked although there were different rumours about it’s form which was not the case earlier.  Some even believed that the ring was lost but still no enemy dared to attack Sukhdeva’s kingdom for this belief was not confirmed.  

 Chaturbhuj was of the opinion that the possession of this ring had brought about an element of arrogance and complacency in King Sukhdeva.  The King’s antecedents had extended a hand of friendship to all of their neighbours but now Sukhdeva hardly kept any contact with them.  Perhaps, he felt that he would not lose anything by not maintaining good relations with anyone for he had the ring with him to ensure his safety and happiness.  Chaturbhuj had reasoned out with him in this regard but the King had plainly ignored his valuable advice.  Sukhdeva was in good rapport with Narendra because the latter was in regular touch with him and had won over his heart by extolling him to the skies whenever they met.

 Chaturbhuj called his spies and instructed them to find out about the likes and dislikes of Narendra.  For Chaturbhuj, Narendra was an enemy and thus he wanted to learn everything about him.   Soon, his spies returned and informed him all that they had learnt to which the wise minister nodded his head in understanding.  After a few days, once again his spies apprised him of the evil intentions of the King’s “dear” friend Narendra.  After much thinking, Chaturbhuj met the King and after they were seated, he slowly began, “Maharaj, as long as you have the divine ring with you, there is no doubt that all of us are safe.  But, does this mean that we should not gear up for any crisis that may befall in future?” 

“What are you trying to say, Chaturbhuj?”  Sukhdeva asked corrugating his forehead.  “Maharaj, God forbid that if tomorrow you somehow lose the possession of the ring, what would happen?  Our enemies may take this opportunity and could even attack our kingdom.  Shouldn’t we prepare ourselves for that?  We do not have any friendship with our neigbours on whom we could rely on during our hour of crisis.  What I want to say is that let us not stay like this in isolation.  There is no harm if we have some warm relations with our neigbours.  It is only then that they would help us when we are in need for help.  Also, I find that we are least prepared for any enemy attack.  Our army is very relaxed and is not on guard.”  Chaturbhuj emphasised. 

“Oh dear!” Sukhdeva sighed in disgust.  “Chaturbhuj, you have told me about this even earlier.  Why is it that you are always so tensed and worried?  What makes you feel that someday I may lose this ring?  Look!  Our kingdom is blessed, thanks to my ancestor!  We have nothing to worry about!  I do not need anyone’s friendship!  I already have a good friend in Narendra which is sufficient for me.  As for as the army, that’s okay!  Why should they be alert when they know that no one is going to attack us?”  The King paused and continued, “…Take my advice, Chaturbhuj.  Why don’t you go out for a few days?  May be the work load here is having a toll on you mentally.  If you go for a pleasant trip, your mind would get some recreation and be refreshed!  Alright?” 

Although he did not show it on his face, Chaturbhuj was furious to hear these words of the King.   “I will think about it!”  he said and got up to take his leave. 

“Before you leave, remember the meeting I have called in today of our council of ministers.  Do be there!” the King reminded the minister.  Chaturbhuj consented and came back to his chambers shaking his head in dismay. 

After some time, Chaturbhuj went back to the King’s chamber where the scheduled meeting was to be held.  On reaching there, he found no one in the main hall.  Even the King did not seem to be around.  It, then, dawned on him that he had come over a

little before time like he always did.  In a short while, all the ministers arrived followed by the King himself.

Although Sukhdeva had become very proud, he still took great care of his subjects.  He had specifically called over this meeting to see if his ministers were executing the welfare schemes he had conceived for his people.  The meeting went on for some time and then ended on a happy note.  Sukhdeva was satisfied with the sincerity and efficiency displayed by his ministers in accomplishing the work he had given them. 

After attending the meeting, Chaturbhuj lay on bed for a few moments in his chambers.  He was lost in deep thought and was startled when a guard called out to him.  “I am sorry for disturbing you, sire!  But the King wants to see you urgently!”  Chaturbhuj immediately got up and went to meet the King.  He was perturbed to see Sukhdeva looking at him with grief-stricken eyes. 

“What’s the matter, Maharaj?”  he asked the King alarmed. 

“Oh!  Chaturbhuj!  That ring, the gift of the Lord, is gone!  I have lost it owing to my own foolishness!”  the King lamented. 

“What!  But, Maharaj!  You had kept the ring in a secret place of which only you were aware!  Then, how did you lose it?”  queried Chaturbhuj with deep concern in his face. 

“Yes!  I had kept it in a secret place!  Still I have lost it today!”  Sukhdeva paused and continued, “Come, Chaturbhuj!  I will show you where I had kept the ring all this while.” 

The King took the minister to the rear end of the chamber where there was a locker.  Beside it’s key hole there was a handle, which was facing the floor.  “If the handle is in this position, it indicates that the locker is locked.”  informed the King and moved this handle a little upward in the reverse way.  “I cannot move this handle up any further.”  So saying, he pulled the handle and the locker flung open.  “Now if I again move this handle to it’s original position and lock the locker with the key that I have in my hand, the handle would not budge till I unlock it with this key.  Thereafter to open it I will move this handle up and pull it.” he told Chaturbhuj who nodded his head in understanding.