CHAPTER 12 :ARYAMAN MEETS RAVICHANDRAN

“Sorry if I am late!” he apologized to Suraj.

“That is fine!” Vedanand spoke on behalf of the child. “He has just finished his studies.”

Aryaman took the child in his arms. “Ready to go?”

Suraj nodded excitedly.

“It may cause discomfort to you, O Vedanandji, to repeat the topics to the other children when they reach here.”

“No problem! I will manage. You may take him now!”

Aryaman placed the child on his shoulders and moved skywards. Suraj was now more comfortable than in the morning. He even spoke with Aryaman telling him all that he had learnt under his guru that day. The flying hero praised his efforts and asked him to continue showing such keen interest in studies.

Soon, they had reached the riverbank where Aryaman handed over the custody of Suraj to his waiting father, Gopal. Assuring them that he would be back the next day, he flew swiftly to the dispensary of Hansraj where he found Rajan going inside. He waited patiently outside spending his time looking at the huge garden beside the dispensary where there were variety of rare medicinal herbs. Soon, Rajan came out with some packets of beetel leaves.

“What did he say?” Aryaman asked with concern.

“There is nothing to worry. He said the fever would go away with proper rest and timely intake of medicines that he has given me.”

“Since you were feeling sick right from morning, you should have not ventured out.” Aryaman opined.

“My family entirely depends on what I earn during the day, sire. I am a very poor man.” Rajan reasoned.

Aryaman sympathized with his cause. He, then, decided to leave Rajan home. Yet again, he lifted the cart, with Rajan seated inside it, and flew to Ankileshwar.   In a very short span of time, he reached his destination and landed. Rajan expressed his gratitude with teary eyes. Aryaman patted his arms and wished him a speedy recovery. He, then, flew away to his next destination that was the abode of King Ravichandran.

He reached the huge gates of the palace. The guards smiled at him to which Aryaman reciprocated. They opened the gates and one of them accompanied Aryaman to the grand palace that had marble floorings, golden pillars, walls that had mosaic paintings of some of the past rulers of the kingdom and curtains, which contained very intricate arts of embroidery.

As soon as the King learnt of Aryaman’s arrival, he rose to welcome him. After they were comfortably seated in golden couches, the King asked his visitor if he would like to have anything to eat. Aryaman politely declined. Thereafter, the King addressed him, “I once again thank you for saving my life yesterday. Pray tell me what I can do for you.”

Aryaman smiled and replied, “Maharaj, I thank you for all the hospitality shown to me. I have come here to state some facts which you may not appreciate but is nevertheless the truth!”