SATYAN 2
-4. Missing Participant

Most of the participants performed well which had the audience including the royal couple spell-bound.  Many were seen closing their eyes and shaking their heads in appreciation of the songs being sung.  The sweet mixture of the musical instruments coupled with the melodious voice of the contenders was a treat for any music lover.  The choice of singers made by Neelkant also came for much praise among the audience. Finally, there was a tie between Shiva and a girl called Mandhavi!  To get a result, Neelkant asked both of them to sing a same song without music.  In that round owing to the mounting tension and pressure, one of them slightly erred in taking a rather quick pause after singing a verse which may have skipped the attention of the audience but was immediately recognized by the alert, expert and experienced ears of Neelkant.  The winner was declared!  It was Shiva!  As Shiva gave a cry in jubilation, the entire hall erupted in a thunderous applause for him.  Vasudev and his friends ran towards Shiva and hugged him.  Vasudev was very pleased to see Shiva smiling at him.  Finally, it seemed that the rift in their friendship had been healed!  The King and the Queen came to compliment Shiva.  Chitralekha was feeling disappointed that Mandhavi – who was almost in tears – could not win but then she knew that the best had won.  She comforted the young girl and tried to keep her in good spirits.  Even the others joined the Queen in this attempt.  Soon, Neelkant formally declared Shiva as his successor as everyone roared in applause. From that day onwards, Shiva was allotted a small chamber in the palace to reside where he could enjoy all the royal comforts that the other dignitaries in the palace did.  This was only a temporary arrangement till the time Neelkant did not vacate his sprawling chambers. The next day, Vasudev met Shiva who apologized for his wrongful behaviour.  It was as if his victory had swept away the animosity that he had developed against his friend.  Vasudev embraced him and asked him to put all those dark moments into oblivion.  After congratulating Shiva yet again on his wondrous performance, he enquired about Mukund who could not make it to the final owing to ill-health. “He is suffering from severe cough, Vasudev.  To tell you everything, three days before the finals I had been to his house to return a manuscript that I had borrowed from him. It was then that I discovered his illness.   Our friend Sridhar, who is the physician he consults, examined him and said that the cough was owing to some infection and it would be some time before he recovers.  Mukund was very dejected to learn about this but was there any other alternative?  Even I was concerned and told Sridhar that he was a participant in the singing competition that was to be held three days hence.  Sridhar assured me that he would do his best to make him recover by that time but unfortunately, Vasudev, Mukund did not.  He is still under medication.”  Shiva concluded. “I know that Mukund consults Sridhar.  In these three weeks, I met our friends only once which was after the first round of the competition.  Of course, you were not present in that meeting, Shiva.  At that time, in our discussion about this contest, I had mentioned about Mukund being a very good singer.  Sridhar informed me that one of his patients has a similar name and is also a singer.  When I described Mukund’s looks, it was confirmed that this was indeed the person Sridhar was referring to as being his patient.  Shiva, where does Mukund live?  I want to meet him and enquire about his health.” After getting the required information, Vasudev asked his friend if he wanted to accompany him to meet Mukund.  Shiva asked him to move ahead as he first wanted to meet his guruji and then see Mukund. Vasudev met Bharadwaj and apprised him of his plans.  After getting the King’s approval,   he also visited Neelkant to compliment him for the excellent manner in which he conducted the competition.  “Thanks, Satyan.  But then I have only one grouse.  If only Mukund was there!  He would have proved a tough competitor for Shiva which would have even enhanced the quality and enchantment of the show.”   Neelkant sighed.  Vasudev nodded in acknowledgment. After his meeting with Neelkant, Vasudev went to meet Mukund with a few guards. Mukund was dazed to see him at the doorstep of his small house.  He immediately tried to touch his feet but Vasudev stopped him in his attempt and gave Mukund a warm hug. After they were seated, he asked Mukund, a young boy who looked elegant with curly hairs, serene eyes and cute, little lips, “How are you doing, Mukund?  To be frank, you look fine now!” “Oh yes!  The credit for this goes to Sridhar.  Today morning, he actually gave me the same medicine that he has been giving me ever since this illness.  Still, now I feel that I have almost recovered!  If only this had happened yesterday.  I could have participated in the final.  Anyway, I am very glad for Shiva!  He is such a good friend, sire!  He took great care of me all these days.”   Vasudev smiled as Mukund extolled his friends. Later, Vasudev prodded Mukund about the medicine which Sridhar was giving him.  It was a mixture of a common herb that was used to cure ailments like cough and cold. After speaking with Mukund for some time, he took his leave.  Thereby he came back to his chambers and then was lost in deep deliberation for quite some time.  

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