Mythology Moral Stories - The Dreaded Conspiracy - 13

King Raghunathan did not appear to be impressed by the Queen’s mode of thinking. 

“O Padmavati, Biksham tells me that it was Vikrant who had raised an alarm after seeing that man!  Also, he took the initiative of running after the criminal in an attempt to nab him.”  he argued. 

“Maharaj, Vikrant may have seen the other ministers looking at the culprit suspiciously.  What if they catch him unawares?  Thus, Vikrant may have wanted to alert him and make him run away from there.   It could be that Vikrant believed that he could run after the criminal ahead of the others and make him commit suicide. 

Being a loyal aide of Vikrant, the man whom we wanted obeyed the wishes of his master!” 

As the King looked at her not knowing how to react, Padmavati continued, “O Maharaj, I do not have anything against Vikrant.  It is the circumstances, which have occurred that makes me suspicious about him.  Besides, do not forget that when we were away, he had full access to this chamber for two days! 

It could be that on the first day, he somehow managed to locate the secret passage.  On the second day, may be he brought his aide, showed him the passage and then made him stay inside which is why Vijaya was kidnapped from the other end of the passage.”  Padmavati noted. 

“My!  My!  You really think fast and too far, my dear Queen!  But then what about the motive? 

Why did he even think of kidnapping our son?  And how can anyone possibly learn about the secret passage just like that?  That appears impossible to me!” remarked the King.

“Maharaj, I cannot comment on that now.  But what I just said could be a possibility!”  Padmavati stood by her views. 

Later during the night, the others who had gone in search of the culprit returned and were informed that he had committed suicide before he could be caught. 

Kartik also returned with the news that in his efforts so far of searching all the gardens of the kingdom for that medicinal herb, he had been unsuccessful.  He felt that this herb might have been taken from one of the two jungles in the kingdom.  The King thanked him and Kartik took his leave promising to continue with his search the next day.

Later, Biksham came to meet the King and apprised him that the body of the criminal was kept in a large trunk which was partially filled with oil.  Raghunathan informed his minister about the Queen’s assumptions. 

“Hmmm! Maharaj, I need to think over this!   For now, I request both of you to eat something and then sleep.  Both of you really look very tired and badly need rest!  Let’s think about this afresh tomorrow!”  Biksham requested. 

The King agreed with him and after having dinner, they slept, with Vijaya, in the Queen’s chamber which was bereft of any secret passage!  Apparently, the King did not want to take any chances!

Before sleeping, Raghunathan had reminiscence about the event when he had employed Vikrant as a treasurer in the palace.  “Years ago, O Queen, one evening I was just roaming about in disguise to see as to how things were faring in the kingdom and to also learn the people’s opinion about me in their conversation. 

During my rounds, I came across a young lad who was teaching ganit (Maths) to a group of students.  Unseen by him, I heard him for a long time and was impressed by his deep knowledge in the subject.  I approached him and was pained to learn that he was an orphan.  He earned his livelihood by teaching Maths to children. 

Vikrant also told me that his father was an expert in Maths and learned this subject under him.  About his parents, he said that his father used to maintain accounts in a departmental store, while his mother was a housewife.  Looking at him, I felt that he is capable of doing much more than only teaching children in this remote village.  At that time, I badly needed someone who could assist me in keeping a record of the money, which flowed, in and out of the palace treasury. 

I employed him for this job and he turned out to be excellent, O Queen!  It is due to his sincerity and dedication in whatever he does that, today, he has become one of my most efficient ministers.  He has certainly come a long way, dear!  This is why I find it hard to believe that he could ever even think of conspiring against my son.  I am sure that all that has happened is the handiwork of an insider. 

However, if that insider turns out to be Vikrant, I will be surprised!”  Raghunathan concluded. 

The Queen understood the feelings of the King and touched his hand, “I pray that I am wrong, Maharaj!  Let’s hope that Vikrant is truly worthy of the trust and confidence you repose on him!” 

  “Yes, O Queen!  Frankly, after Vedant turned out to be a betrayer, I am shattered!  That’s why somewhere in the corner of my heart, I do fear if your thoughts regarding Vikrant could turn out to be true!”  the King sighed. 

 The couple kissed Vijaya who had already slept and then closed their eyes for the day.

On the morrow, as the King and the Queen were playing with Vijaya, Biksham entered the chamber.  Raghunathan asked the guards to be with their son and all the three sat for a discussion. 

Biksham admitted that he could not yet come to any conclusion regarding Vikrant’s involvement in this machination.  Just then, one of the guards, who was on vigil outside the chamber entered in and bowed before the King.  “Maharaj, someone by the name Sukhram, seeks an audience with you.” 

Assuming him to be one of his subjects, the King immediately asked the guard to escort him inside.  Soon, a man with a gaunt face entered in and greeted the three of them.  Reciprocating the greetings, Raghunthan asked him, “Yes, Sukhram!  Tell me as to what I can do for you!”  Suddenly, Sukhram fell at the feet of the King, “O Maharaj!  I have come here to confess my wrongdoing! 

I have committed a terrible sin which I want to tell you!”  The King looked at Biksham and the Queen questioningly and then helped Sukhram to get up.  He made him sit on a nearby seat and then spoke benignly, “Take it easy, Sukhram!  I did not understand what you are trying to say! What sin have you committed?”  

Sukhram began.

(To Continue)