SATYAN 2
-10. Vasudev's Wish

The meeting with the council of ministers did not result in any concrete decision.  While some supported Vasudev’s move to not apprehend Manohar till his son recovered, others vehemently opposed it.  Finally, using the special powers bestowed on him by the King to take independent decisions in the kingdom matters, Vasudev decided to do what he felt was right.

Soon, the others who had connived with Manohar in the temple fraud were caught and jailed.  The temple loot was also recovered.  

Vasudev visited Udhyog daily to keep a tab on his health.  He spent time with the little boy and tried to keep him in good spirits.  Soon, a good rapport developed between the two.  Dayavantari was highly impressed to see the loyal minister take so much care of her son.  Even Manohar was touched at this gesture of Vasudev.  However, as days went by, the health of Udhyog took a turn for the worse.  He could hardly take any food and later even vomited whatever little he had imbibed.  He also had bouts of fever especially in the evenings.  In consultation with the family physician, Vasudev referred the boy to the palace physician, Prahasta.  After examining the child, Prahasta – who was one of the best in his profession but was bogged down by self-conceit – agreed that it was some stomach infection and gave assurance of curing him through his medicines.  

It was at this time that King Bharadwaj and his Queen Chitralekha returned after their trip.  Vasudev greeted them and the King embraced him.  “It is so happy to see you, Satya!” he exclaimed with a loving smile. 

“The feeling is mutual, Maharaj! Welcome back!” Vasudev reciprocated his feelings and then enquired about the function. 

“Oh!  It was wonderful!   With you managing everything here, I had absolutely no worries and enjoyed every moment of it.  And Chitralekha’s parents!  Who would say that they were celebrating their 25^th wedding anniversary?  They looked so young and active as if they were celebrating their first year of marriage!” 

Both Chitralekha and Vasudev laughed at this comment of the King.  Then, the King made an observation, “Vasudev!  You look a bit tired and even worried.  Doesn’t he, Chitra?”   As the Queen agreed with her lord, the King prodded, “Is everything alright here?” 

“It is okay, Maharaj.  All my worries can wait.  For now, I request you to have lunch and then take some rest.  More than me, both of you are looking tired after the journey and deserve some rest.”

Later, Vasudev made the King familiar of all the events that had occurred in his absence.  Bharadwaj was shocked to learn about Manohar’s unseemly deeds.  He appreciated his minister’s decision to not jail the garment shop owner owing to his son’s ill-health. 

The King met Prahasta and discussed with him about the boy’s illness. 

“Maharaj, some very strong germs have entered his stomach and have resulted in this infection.  This has happened owing to weak resisting power.  Somehow, these germs are able to resist the effect of medicines and are continuing to ruin his health.  This could be owing to a drastic change in climate witnessed over the past few days.  I have given him medicines and he will recover, Maharaj!  There is no ailment for which I do not have the cure!”  The physician boosted.

Later, the King, Queen and Vasudev visited Udhyog.  The boy was thrilled to see the ruler of his land sitting by his bedside!  He got up from bed in excitement but Bharadwaj made him lie down and spoke soothing words with him.  The Queen also spoke with the boy and after he had dozed off, she communicated with his mother who was undergoing a torrid time.  On the one hand, she had to face the sorrow of her husband’s culpability and on the other hand had to bear the anguish of seeing her son lying ill in bed!  Bharadwaj went with Manohar to the other chamber followed by Vasudev.   

“Do you think your father would feel proud of you after this?  Do you feel that his soul would rest in peace if you bring disrepute to this temple that he built with so much love and devotion?  Shame on you!” the King brimmed with anger.  These words of the King stung Manohar and he started feeling miserable about what he had done. 

“I will take over both the land and the management of that temple.” The King declared before departing.

Back in the palace, the King met Vasudev and spoke with him, “O Satya!  Ever since that incident involving your friends occurred, I have seldom seen you smiling.  I am worried about your health.  Please come out of your sorrow and be cheerful.  What has happened has happened.  Neither you nor I can change it.”  The King observed with deep concern. 

“You are right, Maharaj…”  Vasudev acknowledged.   “…These recent developments have affected me mentally.  I never expected my friends to deviate from the pious path they had adopted.  I also never felt that Manohar would ask for my idol only to forward his own goals.  Ever since I have reformed, instances like these pain my heart.  I just can’t stand injustice any more.”  He, then, smiled at the King and said, “Please do not worry about me, Maharaj!  I will be fine.  With the passage of time, I may even get over all this.  But then there is something I would like to ask you, Maharaj.” 

“What is it?  I will be only too glad to oblige.”  The King replied fervently. 

“It was the Lord who reformed me.  I know that he is expecting me to now transform others who have swayed in the wrong path.  Maharaj, I have something to tell our people.  I want them to assemble in one place and listen to what I have to say.” 

“Why not, Satyan?  I will myself make arrangements for that.  But then, what is it that you want to tell them?”  The King asked keenly. 

“I will tell all that when I meet them, Maharaj!”  Vasudev maintained.

“Alright!”  The King smiled.  “You will soon meet our people where you can pour out your heart to them.” he promised.

(To Continue)