SATYAN 5
-15. Momentous Decision

Udhyog failed to respond and his silence was enough for Bharadwaj to surmise the answer!  “Do you know what you have done?”  He asked indignantly.

 “Please pardon me, Maharaj!  When I told him about the village, I neither knew about his boon nor was I aware that you had concealed this matter from him.”

“Rishabd had got some unconfirmed news about this incident from his spies.  When he enquired with me, I exhorted him to not discuss anything about it with his father for that may unduly disturb him.  After taking so much precaution, I now learn that Vasudev is now aware about everything!” 

Before Bharadwaj could say anything, Chitralekha intervened, “Please do not get wild at the boy, Maharaj!  It is evident that he is not at default.  You yourself knew that sooner or later Vasudev would find out about the village.” 

A few moments of an uneasy silence prevailed before Bharadwaj asked Udhyog, “How did he react?” 

“He was upset.  He did not mention his next move after learning this fact.”

Bharadwaj hung his head down in disgust.  After a few moments of silence, he asked Udhyog whether he was aware of the latest developments in that village.  When the King learnt that Chaitanya himself had fallen sick, he was disquieted.  Shaking his head in dejection, he walked out of the room with the Queen following him.

As they sat in their chamber pensively, Bharadwaj observed glumly, “Just like water somehow finds some other source to flow if its movement is blocked, so also truth sooner or later finds its own way of manifesting itself if you try to conceal it!” 

As Chitralekha nodded in agreement, a guard came with the information about two men wanting to see them.   They were the close aides of King Vasu who had come with the instructions of informing his parents about the current situation in Narayanpur.  Before the minister Sanjaya left, King Bharadwaj had met him in private and asked him to tell his son that he should be given regular updates of all the happenings in that village.  These aides had come over to fulfill the old monarch’s wish.

“How’s Chaitanya?”  The King asked eagerly.

“Sire, his condition is quite bad.  Sage Pradayumna is arriving to take stock of the situation.  Another factor worth mentioning is that those who are at an advanced stage of the illness are having bouts of fever at intermittent intervals despite the treatment.  What is heartening to note is that except for Chaitanya the disease has no new patients and so far, there has been no fatalities.” 

Immediately after parting with this news, the aides took their leave.

 Chitralekha asked her Lord to meet Vasudev and clarify everything with him to which he agreed.

Meanwhile, after much deliberation Vasudev discussed with his Queen about his future course of action.  “If by any chance Chaitanya does not recover, then I want him to get the benefit of my boon!”

Manorama gave him a terrified look for a moment.  The thought that ‘Has the moment arrived?’ filled her with consternation.  To her credit, she soon regained her composure as she recollected the efforts her husband had made to prepare her for such a contingency.  Reading her mind, Vasudev clasped her hands. 

“I can sustain myself, Maharaj!” Manorama said with a grin.  “But why have you chosen Chaitanya?”

“If I can save his life, he in turn can save many other lives, Manorama!  There cannot be a better choice than him!”  Vasudev reasoned.  “I need to go to Somnapur and find out if he is on the path to recovery.  I was anyway planning to go to my birthplace!” 

Just then King Bharadwaj entered in.  He apologized for yet again hiding facts from Vasudev. 

“Please do not embarrass me, Maharaj!  When I learnt everything from Udhyog I understood the reason behind your move.”  Vasudev acknowledged. 

Bharadwaj thanked him for his compassion and forbearing.  Vasudev, thereby, apprised him of his decision.  The old monarch in turn intimated him that Sage Pradayumna was on his way to treat his disciple.  Vasudev expressed his keenness to go to Somnapur and himself witness how Chaitanya responded to his guru’s treatment.  Bharadwaj was unwilling to let this happen in his mind but he had no choice but to agree!  Just then, Rishabd came along with Somalatha.  They were shocked to learn the developments.  As he stood lost trying to fight back his tears, Vasudev came near him and reminded, “The Lord has agreed to your wish, my child!  Remember?  Even if I offer my life to Chaitanya, I will still survive for a few more days which I promise to spend with you!”

Tears filled up the eyes of all those present in the chamber.  Rishabd hugged his father and acceded to his decision.  Vasudev decided to leave for Somnapur that night itself after dinner alongwith Bharadwaj, Chitralekha and Udhyog.  Prakash had to part ways after dining with his friend. 

As preparations were going on for his departure, there came the great Sage Pradayumna himself to meet the Mahatma! 

The sage was welcomed to Vasudev’s chamber where the family members had assembled.  After he was comfortably seated, he began, “I was going to Somnapur when I thought of meeting you, Vasudev.  I am extremely sorry to learn about your illness.  I knew it coming when I had peeped into your future after Sage Ajanma’s prediction about Rishabd.  Right from that time, I had something in mind which I wanted to share with you only if you did not realize it yourself.  Since you haven’t, it’s time I tell you about it.”