THE WORST ENEMY
-1. An Intemperate Prince

Sage Suryananda took his seat beneath a banyan tree and looked at his students who were eagerly awaiting his recital of a new story that evening.  All of his stories taught the children to follow good principles and be virtuous in life. Suryananda smiled at his students benignly and addressed everyone in a crisp voice, “Dear students, always keep your anger under control.  Remember, that anger is one of the most pernicious habit in mankind and can lead to disastrous consequences if no attempt is made to curb it.  This forms the base of my story, which I am going to narrate to you today.  Listen!”

Queen Surekha was sitting in her chambers waiting for her lord, King Sulochana.  Every evening, the King visited her in the evening after a tiring day’s work.  As she thoughtfully looked at the floor, she heard someone calling out to her.  “Surekha!” Her initial startled expression changed into a pleasant smile as she saw the King himself standing before her.  She welcomed him and after both of them were seated, Sulochana queried, “What were you thinking, my Queen?  You were lost in deep thought when I entered.”

“I was just thinking that by this time you should have been here, my lord.  I was wondering the cause for your delay.”  the Queen replied.

“You are right, Surekha.  Today I had a prolonged meeting with my ministers in the durbar which delayed me.  Actually, I would like to talk with you regarding the discussion I had with them.”  Sulochana said.

“Certainly, Maharaj!”

“There has been some unused land in the village of Udhyamnagar for quite some time now.  I had felt that this land would be occupied by people migrating to our kingdom either sooner or later which has not happened, Surekha.  The reason could be that this village is very far away from the heart of the kingdom.  Whatever be the reasons, I took up this matter with my ministers in the durbar today and asked them as to how we could effectively utilise this vacant land for the benefit of the people.  Mahirat – the royal couple’s son – who was seated beside me in the durbar opined that this land should be used to construct a grand temple of any deity which, he believed, would be very propitious for our kingdom.  All the others conceded to his plan except my most trusted minister, Viswajeet.  He said that people go to temples to have the darshan of the Lord and seek his blessings.  However, this purpose can even be achieved at homes by having his idol or in our minds by invoking him with utmost dedication.  Therefore, while temples can be made at homes or even in our hearts, the same cannot be said about education which can be effectively had only under the guidance of a learned guru.  Viswajeet was of the opinion that this vacant spot should be developed and handed over to renowned sages so that they can utilise it for educating those in need of it.  What do you feel about his suggestion, my Queen?”  the King asked.

“That is an excellent thought, Maharaj!”  felt Surekha.

. “I feel the same way, Surekha!  But the problem lies in the fact that if I take a decision favouring Viswajeet, our son may not like it.  Even in the past there have been instances where I have liked Viswajeet’s proposal more than that of Mahirat and sided with him.  You know how upset he was on all those occasions.”  said a worried King.

“I know, Maharaj.  How about dividing the land for two purposes?  Some portion of it can be used for making a temple and the other half can be handed over to sages for imparting education.”  the Queen conceived.  “This thought even passed my mind, Surekha!  But our son was talking about a very grand temple – perhaps even better than the magnificent temple of Mahavishnu in our neigbouring kingdom of Vaikunthnagar.  If the land is segregated for two purposes, we cannot do full justice to Mahirat’s vision of a majestic temple which he, will, again not like and react in his usual intemperate manner.”  the King reasoned.

“I understand, Maharaj.  But we have little choice but to talk to Mahirat and make him understand.”  felt the Queen.

“Yes, Surekha!  Since you too feel that Viswajeet’s plan is laudable, I know that I am not being biased towards him in this regard.  We’ll talk to Mahirat tomorrow and see how he reacts.”  decided Sulochana.

On the morrow, Prince Mahirat was called over to the King’s apartments where his mother was also present.  He was a handsome young man with a sturdy build-up, curly hairs, a comely face and a thin moustache that matched his elegant personality.  After all of them were seated, Mahirat prodded looking at the pensive faces of his parents, “What’s the matter?  Why have you called me here?”

King Sulochana glanced at the Queen and began, “It’s about yesterday’s discussion we had in the Durbar, son.  I have reached a decision about how to use the vacant land at Udhyamnagar.  But before I inform you about it I want you to listen patiently and not get infuriated.”

“What is your decision?”  Mahirat asked already looking irritated!

“I feel that Viswajeet’s opinion is better than yours.  I want to develop that land into a suitable place for reputed sages to provide education to the needy.”  the King revealed his plans.  “I knew it!”  Mahirat shouted in fury and got up from his seat.  “This has always been the case!  Why are you so prejudiced towards Viswajeet?  What is he to you?  Let me tell you something!  It is absolutely not that Viswajeet is unduly concerned about our kingdom or the subjects that he is giving such suggestions.  He actually derives pleasure from contradicting my views for he knows that you are always going to take his side.  He gets that feeling of victory when you reject my views and accept his!”

Queen Surekha spoke up for the first time, “Mahirat, why do you always jump to conclusions like this?  Give your father a chance to explain the reason behind his decision.”

“This is enough!  I do not want to hear anything.  You do whatever you want!  But one thing is certain that from today I will never attend the Durbar for it’s of no use!”  So saying, Mahirat stormed out of his father’s chamber leaving his parents in utter dismay.