CHAPTER 27: Aryaman's Wish

“I promise you that from my side there will not be any bloodshed!  Don’t you trust me?”  He asked her fervently.

 “I do!”  The little girl asserted.

Aryaman gently stoked her cheeks and spent some time with her.  After she had regained some of her fervor, he bid her adieu and flew away. 

Later, he met King Ravichandran and spoke his mind, “Maharaj, just like your wish is going to be fulfilled, it is time that you fulfill mine!”

“Anything you ask for!  Name it!”  The King offered.

  “I have heard that your new mammoth gate is ready!” 

The King consented.

“I would like to see it!”

“Is that your wish?  I shall order the gate to be brought to the palace compound right away!”  The King declared.

“I just want to see the structure, Maharaj!  I shall ask my wish only thereafter!”  Aryaman clarified to which the King agreed.  Inside his heart, Ravichandran wondered as to what way the palace gate was involved in fulfilling Aryaman’s wish!

Soon, the huge unbarred 40-metre iron gate was brought and laid down in the palace compound by a huge array of people. 

By the time the King arrived there with Aryaman and even Rajaveera, whom he had called over, there was only the architect of the structure who was present in the compound while the others were asked to wait outside.  The King of Asuras was quite impressed at what he saw.  He raised his eyebrows in awe.

“Here it is!”  The King exclaimed looking at Aryaman.

Aryaman looked at the architect and asked him, “Sumanji, how strong is this gate?”

“Very strong, sire!  It can even withstand the weight of a fully grown elephant!”  He explained with pride.

“Alright!  Let us test it then!”  Instantly, he transformed himself into a huge elephant that confounded every one present there!  Even Rajaveera was taken aback by what he saw!  Aryaman then ran to and fro on the laid down gate and it indeed withstood his weight! 

Assuming his true form, he apologized to the others for taking them by surprise.  Both the rulers and Suman took some time to regain their composure after witnessing this incredible feat. 

“Would this gate be around hundred feet?”  He asked Suman.

One twenty feet, sire! “ Suman revealed.

Looking at Ravichandran, Aryaman intoned, “Here is my wish, Maharaj!  I want you to hand over the custody of this gate to me!” 

“W..What!” The King exclaimed, “What would you do with this gate?”

“I am going to fulfill your desire without asking you anything, Maharaj!  I expect the same from you!”  Aryaman stated.