SATYAN 5
-3. An Indisposed Vasudev

Although Vasudev became very exhausted from his constant journeys, his enthusiasm at the upcoming event superseded his body’s fatigue and got him going.  His family was concerned about his health, but he allayed their fears by maintaining that he would be in good fettle by the grace of God.

On the anointed day, the marriage of Rishabd and Somalatha took place in Kantipura with great aplomb and gaiety.    The marriage hall was very spacious and looked splendid with marble floorings, two huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling above, had pillars of gold and had a wonderful motif in the wall which depicted Lord Rama garlanding his bride Sita, that was just near the sacred altar where the royal couple were conducting their marriage rituals in the presence of priests.  The couple looked divine in their youthful looks and rich attire that was embellished with resplendent jewellery which gleamed in the light of the chandeliers.  As they put the holy garland on each other’s neck at the culmination of the ceremony, everyone showered petals on them, and the sound of drums reached its zenith in the hall.  There were tears of joy in the parents’ eyes.  King Bharadwaj held his former minister close to his heart and yet again complimented him on the occasion.  Later, the guests were treated to a scrumptious meal and offered rich gifts at the time of departure.  Everyone was very satisfied with the proceedings and left the hall with fond memories.

A month passed by.  Somalatha not only proved to be an ideal wife but also an adorable daughter-in-law.  She looked upon her husband with great veneration and treated her in-laws like her parents.  She even managed to touch a chord with even those who performed domestic work in the palace.  In her eyes everyone was equal, and no work was menial.  Her thoughts were in resemblance with her new family members that only bonded them with more warmth and affection.

Just as days passed off happily and peacefully, Vasudev became unwell.  He suffered from enervation, intermittent fever and even lost his appetite.  After a thorough examination, the palace physician, Manavendra discovered a lump in his stomach which caused this sickness.  He attributed the reasons for this to Vasudev’s growing age and his body fatigue, which made it easy for harmful germs to attack his immune system.  He further stated that the former ruler would take atleast a month to recover provided he took proper medication and rest.  A worried Rishabd implored his father to follow the advice of the physician.  Manorama and Somalatha who were sitting by his bedside supported him. 

A palm of gloom set on the kingdom when people learnt about Vasudev’s illness.  They prayed to God for his speedy recovery.  Abharan came to see the former King.  He, too, asked the ailing erstwhile ruler to not think about anything else except making efforts to rehabilitate quickly.  “I will take care of everything.”  Abharan assured Vasudev to which the latter smiled and clasped his hands.

After discharging his duties, Rishabd spent the rest of his time with his father.  Somalatha, too, spent most part of her day with him.  This disturbed Vasudev for he wanted the newlywed couple to spend time with each other instead of being with him.  He felt that he had Manorama by his side to take care of him.  However, they did not agree with his views which made Vasudev turn to his wife for recourse.  Manorama supported them and asked her Lord to respect their feelings.    Vasudev decided to not take up this matter further but he still possessed this grudge in his heart. 

Somalatha took care of her father-in-law like a daughter.  She ensured that he took medicines on time and rested properly.  She knew that her husband would be much perturbed at the turn of events and thus also provided moral support to him.  She assured Rishabd that it was only a matter of time before his father recovered and urged him to have faith in the Almighty.  This provided some succor to the King’s grieving heart.  Thus, the daughter of Chandravarkar proved to be the vital support system for her family during this grave hour.

As for as Manorama was concerned, she would not have faced this situation with due endurance if it was not for her ailing husband.  Whenever he got the opportunity, Vasudev made attempts to make her mentally strong.  “Even if something happens to me, you should not grieve, O Manorama!  We must accept the fact that we are now aging and thus prepare ourselves to embrace death.  I want to face this situation as bravely as you did when you learnt about your illness.  Besides, at that time you were much younger than I am now!  None of us are, after all, immortal!  We all have to go someday and thus if I am going to die you must realize that this is just a natural process and duly accept it.”   These words of sapience had a positive bearing on Manorama which gave her the inner strength to be brave in these tense moments.    

Abharan visited the palace whenever he got the time from his busy schedule.  The noble ruler regretted the fact that he no longer resided near his King’s palace which would have made it possible for him to visit him daily.  Vasudev calmed him down and maintained that there was no need for him to make such frequent visits which may put a strain on his health. 

“I will strain my health only if I do not visit you, Maharaj!”  Abharan replied.

Vasudev could not find words to respond.  He clasped the hands of the young ruler in gratitude.

One day a messenger came from Somnapur with a message from King Bharadwaj. 

“Satya!  We are all very worried to learn about your illness.  I would have rushed to be by your side but have some work in the kingdom that must be completed.  Once that is over, I will come and see you.  Please take care of your health and recover fast! 

With love and concern,

Yours

Bharadwaj”

Vasudev smiled after this message was read out to him.  He asked the messenger to thank his beloved King for the concern.