SATYAN - 4
-2. Prince Vasu's Marriage
The Royal Visitor

asudev stepped in the main hall of the visitor’s chamber and looked anxiously at his visitor whose back was turned at him.  Still Vasudev managed to recognize him immediately for he was so familiar!  Those partly greyed hairs, broad shoulders and the white attire!  How could he not recognize them?  “Maharaj!”  He exclaimed.

The visitor turned.  He was Vasudev’s beloved King, Bharadwaj!  Both rushed and hugged each other tightly.  Emotions choked Vasudev on seeing his King after such a long time.  The feeling was mutual for Bharadwaj.  He was now ageing and could not come to see his once favourite minister as often as he used to earlier.  On the other hand, Vasudev had avoided journeys as much as possible all this while owing to the sickness of his wife.  They knew this to be a priced moment and wanted to make the most of it.  They got seated and comfortably placed their hands on cushions that were kept at the rear end of the walls.

“How are you, Maharaj?”

“I am fine, Satya!  Manorama told me about the deplorable act of Chakrabandhava.  Tell me what happened in your meeting.”

Vasudev apprised the King with all the events.  Bharadwaj was very relieved to learn the developments.

“Satya, it is truly commendable that you managed to come to the rescue of your friend without compromising on your principles.”  Bharadwaj mused.

Vasudev smiled humbly.

“How is the education of your son Rishabd going on?”  Bharadwaj queried.

“Fine, Maharaj.  I get a fortnight update on him.  He appears to be a studious and devoted student.”

“Like father, like son!”  Bharadwaj remarked.

Vasudev smiled and asked, “How’s our Prince?”

“Fine!  In fact, I have come here with some news regarding him.  Please call Manorama here.  I want to tell this in the presence of both of you.”

Vasudev instantly called his wife and then Bharadwaj began, “While on an official visit to one of our neighbouring states, Dwarpanagar, my son happened to see the daughter of King Somaiya, Pallavi, and fell in love with her!  He told his mother about his feelings who in turn told me about it.  I met Somaiya and asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage to my son.  He had no objection but wanted to learn Pallavi’s mind who is now away in her grandfather’s – her mother’s father – place for a fortnight.”

Vasudev and his wife were pleased to learn about this development.  They only hoped that this relationship materialized.  Besides Somaiya was known to be a good ruler whose kingdom prospered under his able leadership.

Bharadwaj stayed with Vasudev only for a day.  He had to return to his family who were anxiously waiting for the outcome of his visit.  However even in this short visit both Bharadwaj and Vasudev had a good time together.  They were closeted in Vasudev’s chamber and spoke in length about all the various developments of their families and kingdom in each other’s absence.

Before Bharadwaj left, Vasudev had a question for him.  “Maharaj, did you happen to tell King Somaiya about our Prince’s past?”

“No, Satya.  Actually, I do not want to touch upon this topic with him.  After all, that past holds no relevance now.  Thus, why rake up the past and create some problem?”

Vasudev nodded in understanding.  They hugged each other warmly and then Bharadwaj took his leave.

A few days passed by.  One evening King Somaiya of Dwarpanagar came to see Vasudev.  Although he had aged, he still looked elegant in his fair complexion, great height and stout personality.  He also had a red tilak on his forehead and his glittering crown only added to his personable appearance.  After exchanging pleasantries, Somaiya informed Vasudev the reason for his sudden visit.

“O King, you may be aware that King Bharadwaj had come to see me with the marriage proposal of his son with my daughter.”

Vasudev agreed.

“As I did not know anything much about his son, I had sent my men to Somnapur to gather some information about him.  I must clarify that I had only my daughter’s interest in mind and not any other ulterior motive behind this action.”

Vasudev nodded in agreement.

“My men returned with some discerning news that not long ago the Prince did not possess any desire to ascend his father’s throne.  He had even left the kingdom forsaking everything.  Is this true?”  Somaiya asked very concerned.

This put Vasudev in a bind.  Bharadwaj had specifically told him that he did not want to touch up on this topic with Somaiya.  And now the King was asking him about this very incident!  Sensing his unease, Somaiya tried to mitigate circumstances.  “Look, O Vasudev, I know you to be a very honest person.  I know that despite your proximity to King Bharadwaj you will side by truth.  Therefore, please place before me the facts.”