SATYAN - 4
-1. A Principled Stand
A Clever Ruse

“On enquiry, these men told us that they got to know about this development from some strangers who were part of their group discussion that evening.  However, the strangers had moved away after some time.”  Vishal concluded.   

“Somnagar is in the jurisdiction of Abharan, right?”  Vasudev queried to which Vishal agreed.  Abharan was one among the three ministers to whom Vasudev had informed as to what had transpired in his meeting with Sage Badrinath.  “Is there any other happening worth mentioning?”  Vasudev asked.  The aides denied and then took their leave. 

Vasudev was lost in deep deliberation in his chambers.  Thereby, he visited Manorama and filled her in with this news.  Manorama was also perturbed to learn about it.  “Does this make Abharan guilty?” 

“I cannot say for sure, Manorama.  I think I made a mistake by disclosing to them the details of my meeting with Badrinathji.  But then such was the state of my mind at that time that I wanted to share those details with someone on whom I had reliance and learn what they felt about my action.”  Vasudev reasoned. 

“I can understand, Maharaj.  I feel that you should call a people’s durbar meeting as soon as possible to dispel these rumours.” 

“You are right, Manorama.  But before I do that, I have a plan to catch the culprit.  I will tell you about it after I have successfully executed it.” 

As Vasudev was taking his leave the Queen called out to him.  He turned and looked at her.  Manorama took a few steps closer to him and spoke softly, “Maharaj, I can understand how disturbed you would be at this news.  Still, from a positive angle it is good that this happened.  After all, you have got an opportunity to identify your adversary and stay alert from him.” 

Vasudev gently stroked her head, “You are right, my dear Queen!  Thanks for your support and words of comfort.”  He then took his leave with a grin that enlivened the hearth of Manorama.  She was also left wondering as to what was going on in her husband’s mind to nail the culprit!

Vasudev called the three ministers to his chambers.  He asked them to be honest and admit as to who among them was responsible for creating this mischief among his people.  Abharan pleaded for his innocence and the other two ministers, too, did not admit to any wrongdoing.   Vasudev excused himself and went out of his chambers.  Later he returned with a lanky man who held three small wooden boxes that were stacked one upon the other.  There were six silver coins that were placed on the top most box.  All these boxes were neatly arranged in a wooden seat that flanked the King and the ministers.  After the man had left, Vasudev put two coins each in these boxes through a small rectangular opening.  The boxes were even locked from beneath.  Looking at the bemused ministers, he addressed them, “These three boxes are meant for each of you.  Take them home carefully and keep them in a secure place.  Ensure that you do not shake the boxes or manipulate them in any way.  Come with them to meet me at this same time tomorrow.  The culprit could be exposed!”  The trio exchanged bewildered looks and obeyed the orders of their King.    

The next evening they returned with their boxes and kept it on the same wooden seat from where they had taken them the other day.  Vasudev had three sets of small gold-plaited keys with him.  He foremost opened the box of one of the ministers, Chitrangada.  A portion of the basement of the box fell open and it was found that two silver coins were stuck on top of it.  The reason being that the entire basement was layered with gum!  Vasudev thoroughly searched inside the box to see if anything else could be found.  He, then, opened the second box which belonged to Abharan.  The facts which had surfaced had pointed the needle of suspicion at him.  The contents found in his box were no different from that of Chitrangada’s box.  The ministers wondered as to what all this indicated!  Vasudev kept them guessing and finally opened the box of the last minister, Vinayath, who was much elder to all of them.  His box revealed not two but four coins!  Vasudev looked up at him whose face had already turned pale in panic.  Folding his hands he pleaded with the King, “Yes, Maharaj.  It was me who spread that rumour.  Please pardon me!” 

“I want to hear from you the reason, Vinayathji.”  Vasudev demanded somberly. 

“I had my grievances against you, Maharaj.”  Vinayath began.  “..Foremost, a year ago you introduced an age bar for people working under you so that others also get an opportunity to get in our shoes.  Although this restriction included even you, I did not appreciate your move for I am fast approaching that age!  Secondly, despite my seniority and sincerity you promoted Abharan above me which was something I could not bear.  I admit that you did make me understand the reason behind your decision.  While you felt that I did my work only as a duty, Abharan brought fresh and novel ideas in his efforts.  However, your reasoning failed to impress me.  I could not resist this thought from entering my mind that would you accord this same stringency when the time comes for you to choose your successor?  I was certain that even if your son proves inept in handling the kingdom affairs, your fatherly love would turn a blind eye to his limitations and you would still anoint him as the next ruler.  Then, why display this sternness towards others?  After all, it is not our mistake that we have no blood relations to you! 

When you told us about your meeting with Sage Badrinath an idea struck me.  I spread that rumour only to spoil your name.  Of course, you could dissipate the damage by clarifying facts before the people, still if this rumour somehow succeeded in maligning your unblemished image to even a small extent, it would have quenched my grudge against you.  I was jealous of Abharan for he now occupies the position that I thought was rightfully mine.  Therefore, through my men I spread this rumour in his territory so that the suspicion could fall on him.”