Sinister Scheme

King Narendra ruled the kingdom of Deogiri.  Although he had his council of ministers to  assist him in the administrative affairs of his kingdom he reposed utmost faith in one of them, Bakul, who had a very sharp and witty intellect. 

Bakul’s growing popularity both among the masses and the King was a matter of great envy for all the other ministers in the royal court. They felt as if the King was baldly ignoring them and giving undue importance to Bakul.  They failed to recognize the fact that the King relied on him because of their incapability in providing the King with an appropriate solution when the situation demanded. 

Due to the envy they possessed against the wise minister, the others were always in the constant look-out for an opportunity to malign his reputation. 

One evening, all of the ministers had assembled in the durbar to discuss about the kingdom affairs with their King.  After a while, Narendra arrived and apologized for his late arrival. He was attending to some honourable guests who had come from the neighbouring kingdom. 

Narendra, thereby, began his discussion with the ministers that lasted for nearly an hour.  The King had introduced various welfare schemes for his people like building dharmshalas, canals for agricultural purposes, planting medical herbs and the likes.  He had therefore called this meeting specifically to find out the progress made in implementing them. 

After knowing the details, the King appeared satisfied and took his leave.

One of the senior ministers Chandragputa, thereby, held another meeting in his chamber where Bakul was kept out.  This meeting went on for some time and then all of them set out to meet the King.    

“Why have all of you come here together?”  the King asked surprised.

Chandragupta spoke up in a grim tone, “We want to tell you something but feel hesitant to do so!”

“Feel free to tell me the matter!”  the King assured him.

“It is regarding Bakul!”  said another minister.

As Narendra corrugated his eyebrows, Chandragupta spoke up, ”Maharaj, today before your arrival in the durbar, all of us were busy conversing about some general matters.  Finally, our topic of discussion rested on you. 

We began to praise you for your benevolent approach towards the subjects and your remarkable attitude of treating everyone as equals irrespective of cast, creed or religion.  While this was going on, we found Bakul to be very quiet and disinterested to be part of this discussion.”

Now another minister took charge, “We asked him the matter. To this he said that the King may be very impartial and balanced in his approach but has a very special place for Bakul in his heart!”

It was the turn of yet another minister to speak up, “Is this true, Maharaj?  Do you not treat all of us in par?” 

The King appeared disturbed. “Nobody is superior or inferior to me! If Bakul holds such an opinion, it is indeed unfortunate!”

“In that case, Maharaj, does this not show the vanity of Bakul?  Also, we have observed that these days he hardly communicates with us and looks upon us with derision in your absence.  Is this act justifiable by any standards?”  Chandragupta concluded.

Narendra was silent for a few moments. He then shook his head in disgust and assured the ministers that he would do justice to them.

Soon after all of them had left, the King called Bakul to his apartments.  The witty minister bowed before the King and said with reverence, “Pray tell me, O King, what task can I accomplish for you?” 

Narendra did not appear impressed by Bakul’s courtesy and yet again shook his head in discontent.   He, thereby, filled in the minister with all that happened. 

Bakul smiled wryly as the King waited in anticipation for his response.  “Maharaj, if I tell you that not one word about all that has been told to you about me is true, would that suffice?”

The King sedately shook his head in the negative.  “It is a collective allegation against you!  If I ignore it, then it would only add credence to what they have alleged that I am biased towards you! 

You must prove your innocence, Bakul!  I shall give you three days to do so!”

Bowing down before the King, Bakul took his leave.  He retired to his chambers and began to think about his next move.

News about the King’s decision reached the ears of the other ministers. Their joy knew no bounds and they eagerly awaited the day when King Narendra would punish Bakul for his arrogant remarks!

Three days passed by.  All of the ministers and many of the subjects had gathered inside the durbar to witness the proceedings!  Chandragupta and his coterie appeared quite excited as they were confident that finally they have managed to score a point over Bakul. 

Soon, the King arrived and the durbar stood up to greet him.  He reciprocated with a slight nod and quickly climbed the golden steps that led to a raised platform where his majestic throne rested.  After ascending the throne, he asked everyone to be seated.  He, thereby, rested his eyes on Bakul and addressed him in a crisp voice,

“Bakul, I had given you three days’ time to justify the allegations raised against you by Chandraguptaji and the other ministers.  Do you have any defence?”

Bakul stood up and moved towards the centre of the Durbar.  He bowed low before the King, “Maharaj, I understand that Chandraguptaji and the other revered ministers of our court have apprised you of me telling them that you have a special place for me in your heart!  I admit it to be the truth!”

Everyone was taken aback to hear these words of Bakul!  While the ministers were elated, Narendra was stunned!  Did that mean that Bakul was admitting to his arrogance, the King wondered?

After a few moments of silence, Bakul further added, “However, Maharaj, there is another truth that I would like to unveil before you today!” 

The jubilant expression of the ministers suddenly changed to a puzzled look.  What was he upto now, all of them wondered.  The King, on the other hand, appeared intrigued as to what his favourite minister was eventually getting into.

“I was only putting our revered council to a small test.  When I told them that the King has a special place for me in his heart, I expected each one of them to respond with their heads held high that they, too, enjoy a similar status for you are, after all, known for your even-handed approach.   But alas! 

That sadly did not happen.  They came to you asking whether there was any element of truth in what I had said!  Didn’t they, Maharaj?”

Narendra nodded in agreement. 

“Tell me, O Rajan, why would they come questioning you if they truly believed in your equitable style of functioning?  This shows that they have miserably failed in the test I put them to. 

It is they who are at fault for suspecting the motive of an able and just ruler like you and not me who only put them to a test for bringing out this negative aspect. 

Moreover, they have alleged that these days I hardly communicate with them.  Why should I communicate with those who look upon my King with suspicious eyes? 

Yes!  I look upon them with derision for I pity their poor sense of reasoning where they have failed to recognise a gem in the form of our King!  I have nothing more to add in my defence!”

All the ministers appeared flabbergasted.  They never expected Bakul to turn the tables on them in this manner.  They began to exchange pensive glances at each other. 

Narendra’s face lit up with admiration for his minister.  He knew that Bakul had once again put his sharp intellect in full display.  As the King looked at Chandragupta, he quickly got up and bowed before his ruler, “Maharaj, we never knew that Bakulji was putting us to a test. 

Also, when we met you it was never with any intention of suspecting your magnanimity.”

“But one of you did ask me if it was true that I held a special place in my heart for Bakul?  Why was that question raised if you believed in my impartial functioning?”

“I…I seek pardon for that, sire!” 

Chandragupta turned towards Bakul, “Please pardon us for not understanding your motive!  We are prepared to take back our allegations against you!  Seek your apologies!” 

The senior minister folded his palms before Bakul and the King. 

“You are ready to pardon them?”  The King asked the wise minister.

“I have no grudge against anyone, Maharaj!  Let bygones be bygones!”  So saying, Bakul raised his arms in embrace which Chandragupta gracefully accepted.