CHAPTER 42: Dejected Father

Rishi Ananya blessed Aryaman and helped him to his feet. 

“Whenever sages offer all that they have achieved from God, they always prefer to withhold the identity of the beneficiary.  I, too, would like to respect this tradition. 

Thus, I am not disclosing the identity of the person who came here before you.  Still, I will tell you this much, so as not to mislead you, that the armor can withstand the onslaught of all but one astra which will meet its intended target. 

It is the weapon I have granted to the other person.”  Mrutyunjay nodded in understanding.  The sage, thereby, made him sit and was then lost in deep meditation. 

Soon, his body began to glow that culminated in a halo emerging from his chest. 

It spun and moved straight towards the asura Prince who was seated in a meditating posture with his eyes closed.  As the halo entered his body, Mrutyunjay’s body too glowed brilliantly. 

At this moment, he felt a divine flow of energy that rejuvenated his adrenaline.  Gradually, the glow began to fade away and everything turned normal. 

“Open your eyes!”  The Prince could hear the sage say.  “All these powers are now yours!”  Ananaya declared emphatically.   

The sage taught him the mantra to get the divine bow.  As Mrutyunjay chanted the mantra the majestic silver bow appeared in his hands.  He thought about the armor and it, too, made its appearance by covering his chest and hands.

Ananya untied a bundle and took a dark blue cloth in his hands.  “O Prince, during my reign we used to sport a cape under the belief that it enhanced our royal looks!   I have preserved one for posterity which you may use.”  Mrutyunjay accepted it gracefully. 

“Using your great illusionary powers, you can make this appear only when you want it!  Remember that these powers are so powerful that you can create any illusions and make people believe in them!”

The sage then continued, “If ever you decide to make earth your dwelling place, go to the kingdom of Pallava that is to the north.  It is ruled by King Ravichandran.  The purpose will dawn on you later!” 

Mrutyunjay touched the feet of the sage who blessed him.  Thereby, he took his leave and climbed down the hill where his associate was anxiously waiting for him.  The Prince did not disclose anything to him and just flew back to their place. 

Sage Prathameshwar was delighted when he learnt all that his pupil had gained from Ananya.  “You went there expecting nothing and in the process gained everything!” He exclaimed jubilantly.

 It was decided that King Rajaveera would be only told the fact that the boon was handed over to someone else.  When Rajaveera learnt about this, he was highly dejected but had no choice but to accept the reality. 

Soon, Mrutyunjay completed his education and it was now time to discard his ascetic robes as a student and enter the palace as a Prince.  He assured his guru that he would always adhere by the agreement they had reached upon twelve years ago. 

Prathameshwar was pleased and blessed him with success in his future.

The sage misinformed the King that the Prince was only an average student and nothing much be expected of him.  Rajaveera could barely stand the thought that his son may not be able to help him realize his dream of winning Devaloka! 

Filled with bitter disappointment and anger at this prospect, he started despising his son and often subjected him to hoarse treatment.   Mrutyunjay silently bore this for he respected his father.