CHAPTER 24 THE DISAPPOINTED KING

In a short while, she returned with her pot filled with water.  Aryaman patted her back in compliment and asked her to hurry back home for her parents would get anxious about her long absence.  He also thanked her for all that she had told him which had helped to calm down his troubled mind.  Aditi kept the pot down and hugged him, “I am happy that I could be of help.  This is the least I could do for all that you have done for us!” 

Aryaman landed a kiss on her forehead and then she bade him adieu.  He sat there for some more time thinking about his future course of action.  Once it became clear to him, he flew away from there and happened to pass by the river that the children used to cross to reach Vedanand’s ashram.  He landed near the shore and thought for a while.  Slowly lifting himself in the air, he took a step forward and now stood precisely a few notches above the river water!  Aryaman walked literally in mid-air above the water and counted the steps as he did so.  By the time he reached the other end of the river, the count of steps had gone up to eighty.  This made him presume that the river was at least eighty to ninety feet in length.   He kept this information in mind for some future purpose. 

Thereby, he flew to Ravichandran’s palace and landed near the massive palace gates.  He exchanged greetings with the guards who were well acquainted with him now.  One of them informed the King about his arrival.  Ravichandran came to receive Aryaman and escorted him inside.

After they had settled down in the King’s chamber, Ravichandran asked him about the outcome of his visit.  “It was satisfying, Maharaj.  There was some danger following a sudden change in the weather.  I am grateful to God for enabling me come to the aid of the people there.  Things have now returned to normalcy.  I met King Chandrashekar who has agreed to meet you and resolve the Amlanagar impasse peacefully.”

“Oh!”  Ravichandran exclaimed forcing upon a smile on his face.  Aryaman could make out that the King was hiding his true emotions from him.  After overhearing the conversation the King had with Rajaveera, it was evident that he did not desire to have peace talks with Chandraskehar whom he considered his adversary. 

“Did you find out about his boon?”  Ravichandran asked curiously.

“I tried but could not succeed.”  Aryaman replied tersely.

“I see!”  The King sighed and this time he did not hide his disappointment.

Thereafter, the King informed him about the advent of Rajaveera and that he was eagerly waiting to see him.  Aryaman expressed the desire to meet the King of asuras.  Ravichandran left him alone for a few moments and then returned with Rajaveera.  Aryaman instantly rose and folded his palms before him.  Rajaveera shook his head and raised his palm in acknowledgment.  After they were seated, the asura King asked Aryaman, “Can you tell us who you really are?”