SATYAN
-10. Satyan Vasudev!

When King Bharadwaj returned after his trip, Vasudev apprised him about his visit to some remote areas of the kingdom. 

“This is deplorable!..” lamented the King, “…. It was only last year that Vinayak met me and asked for funds to repair the roads of the districts under his custody.  I could only help him with a modicum amount, as there was not much money left in the treasury box.  I asked him to collect the balance amount by way of tax from the people.” 

“Apparently the funds have not been channelised properly, Maharaj.  And this is not all!”  Thereafter, Vasudev filled in the King about how Vinayak had met him and tried to lure him in his stride.  Bharadwaj was infuriated to learn how corrupt a minister was Vinayak.  He immediately called for the minister and gave him an opportunity to speak the truth before making his next move.  When Vinayak refuted all that Vasudev had revealed to the King, Bharadwaj demanded an explanation for the remiss in his duty, which he had displayed towards the districts under his jurisdiction.  Vinayak faltered for a satisfactory answer and after much reluctance gave way to his culpability.  He and his associates had only invested a part of the funds they had at their disposal for the actual cause of repairing the inaccessible roads and filled in their own coffers with the remaining amount!  This had resulted in cheap quality work and the conditions of the road had now worsened after the monsoon.  He also blurted out the names of the others who were involved in this scandal and Bharadwaj subjected them to rigorous imprisonment besides imposing a hefty fine on them.

“It was my mistake!”  Bharadwaj said later, in disgust.  “I should have kept a check on the activities of my ministers.  With no one to question them for their actions, these ministers did as per their liking and deceived the people.” 

“It’s okay, Maharaj.  Atleast now we have been able to expose their true colours!  It’s better late than never!”  Vasudev pacified the King and continued, “At that very moment when Vinayak tried to bribe me I could have shown him the door, Maharaj.  But I did not make such a move for I was well aware that had I expressed my resentment at his offer, he and his men may have never left me alive to tell you the truth!  Thus, I kept them guessing about my next move which I used to my advantage!” 

Bharadwaj gave a pat on Vasudev’s back for his notable work.  “Well done, Vasudev!  I am proud of you!  You have set a perfect example for others to follow in your footsteps.  From today you shall also be known as ‘SATYAN’.  From your very name, people will get a glimpse of your virtuous character.” 

“Thank you, Maharaj.  I am honoured!” Vasudev said bowing low before the King.

King Bharadwaj himself took over the development of all those districts of his kingdom, which had suffered, adversely due to his misrule and the corrupt activities indulged by his ministers.  Vasudev and his trusted men ensured that all the welfare schemes implemented by the King duly benefited the people and put them on the path of prosperity.  They also recognised talent and enlightened the people the need for education.  Bharadwaj also formed Panchayats in these districts who could cater to the welfare and grievances of the people.  With the help of Vasudev and his aides, the King closely monitored it’s functioning to ensure it’s efficiency.  After a relatively long time, peace and happiness returned back in Somnapur.  People now began to hold their ruler in high esteem, which was pleasant news for the King.  He, especially, puffed up with pride when he heard the positive opinion of the people regarding him from Vasudev.  After all, Bharadwaj was well aware that whatever Vasudev spoke was nothing but plain truth.

One day when both the King and Vasudev were engrossed discussing the affairs of their kingdom, a messenger sought an audience with Bharadwaj.  His King, (who ruled a nearby kingdom) was going to conduct the ‘swayaamvar’ of his Princess in a fortnight for which Bharadwaj was cordially invited.  The King did not appear to be much excited at the invitation.  He made all arrangements for the messenger to rest awhile in the palace and was lost in deep thought. 

Vasudev grabbed the opportunity and queried, “Maharaj!  May I ask you something?  But you should not feel offended!” 

Bharadwaj smiled at Vasudev, “I won’t feel bad no matter whatever you ask, Satyan.  Please speak up your mind.” 

“I have heard that you are not getting married on purpose.  Why, my lord?  May I know the reason behind this?”  Vasudev asked with concern.

“Who told you about this, Vasudev?”  Bharadwaj wanted to know.

“When you employed me as a cook I had heard this from one of my colleagues.  Besides, when a person does not get married despite coming of age, rumours are bound to spread.  Anyway, all that is immaterial.  I want to know if there is any element of truth involved in whatever I have heard in this regard.” 

“Satyan” the King said softly, “My father and I have tried to keep this a closely-guarded secret.  Today I will tell you about an event when I was eighteen years old.” 

As Vasudev listened with rapt attention, Bharadwaj continued, “Despite the fact that I had attained manhood, I was still very mischievous and childish at that time.  Once my father conducted a yagna in the palace which was attended by several renowned sages.  One among them was Sage Pradayumna who had a very inelegant personality.  I constantly used to refer him as monkey in my mind!  Once he was engaged in some talks with my father in his chamber.  I was sitting beside them but did not pay heed to what they were discussing.  I was only observing the face of the sage and called him monkey in my mind!  After the sage had left the chamber, I could not desist my temptation of apprising my father about what I though of Pradayumna….”

(To Continue)