The Dreaded Conspiracy - 5

King Siddharth was surprised to see Raghunathan coming along with his family.  “Welcome, O Raghunathan!  Although I had invited you and your family for my son’s marriage, to be frank, I only expected you to come! 

But this is a pleasant surprise!  You have brought your wife and even this little prince along!  I feel honoured!” 

Both the friends hugged each other and then the royal guests were escorted inside.  As Vijaya was one among the very few children to attend the marriage, he, soon, became the darling of everyone.  And, of course!  The child enjoyed all the special attention he was getting!  The marriage was conducted on a very grand scale. 

Various delicious delicacies were made and served to the guests who relished the scrumptious meal.  The couple looked divine as if they were heavenly beings who had descended down to grace the earth.  Raghunathan and Padmavati offered their blessings to the couple and wished them a happy married life. 

Even the Queen’s parents had come for the marriage and they were ecstatic to learn that their daughter planned to visit their place after this occasion. 

King Raghunathan and his family stayed in the kingdom of Siddharth for a few days and then went to Padmavati’s place alongwith her parents.  They stayed there for over a week and had a good time.  Although there were no children of Vijaya’s age in the palace of Padmavati’s parents, the boy had no opportunity to complain! 

The Queen’s parents spent as much time as possible with him and also offered him lots of toys to play with. 

Finally, Raghunathan returned to his kingdom of Amrapalli with his family.  All of them were contended that their short vacation had turned out to be a success.  Even Vijaya appeared exulted and excited at the completion of this journey.

Biksham welcomed the King and Queen and took Vijaya in his arms.  He was pleased to learn that their trip had been satisfying.  Thereby, the King enquired with Biksham if there was any problem in the kingdom during his absence.  Biksham apprised him of the issues which he had encountered and the way in which he had successfully resolved them. 

“…Maharaj, as per your request, I had kept your chamber under lock and key.  I opened it only when it had to be cleaned daily.  I inspected the cleaning work and then locked it again.  However, on a couple of days I was so sick that I felt even weak to walk! 

On these two days, it was Vikrant (another of the King’s illustrious minister) who ensured your chamber remained clean in my absence.  Since he did not want to disturb me when I was asleep, he returned the keys of your chamber only in the afternoon when I had lunch.”  concluded Biksham.  The King did not have any objection to what Biksham did.

Thereby, Raghunathan enquired about Biksham’s health who said that he had now completely recuperated from his ailment.

That evening, Raghunathan sent Biksham and Vikrant, outside the kingdom for some administrative work.  They were to return the next evening.  In the night, before retiring to bed, Raghunathan had a small conversation with Padmavati.  “For the past few days I have been thinking about something very important, O Padmavati!” 

As the Queen looked at him questioningly, the King continued, “Don’t you feel that it is time we thought about our son’s education?” 

The Queen’s face lit up as she heard these words of the King.  “Maharaj, this thought did cross my mind as well but somehow I did not give much significance to it!  May be it could be that I thought him to be too young!  Now that you have taken up this matter, I will now consider it seriously. 

But tell me, do you have any guru in mind who could impart education to our son?” 

“I have tried to think about this, O Queen!” the King answered pensively, “…but I could not think of any one!  Therefore, I want you to think over this and help me out in getting a guru who would do full justice to his education.” 

The Queen agreed. 

Vijaya was lying on the bed already fast asleep.  The parents kissed his forehead and lay by his side. 

The next day, Raghunathan felt as if someone was waking him up from his sleep.  At first, he dismissed it as a dream but soon realised that it was his Queen who was calling out to him.  He woke up and was startled to see tears in the eyes of Padmavati. 

“What happened?  You are crying?”  the King asked her alarmed. 

“Maharaj!  Vijaya is nowhere to be found!  I have searched for him everywhere but I am unable to find him!  What is strange is that the guards who are on vigil outside did not see him go out of this chamber! 

This means that he has to be here but I could not find him!  I have looked for him in the palace but met with no success!” 

Raghunathan was perplexed to hear this.  He made the Queen sit beside him and tried to calm her down, “Relax, O Queen!  Sit here while I search for him!  I am sure Vijaya is upto some prank!”  The King called out to his son and searched for him in the entire chamber but to no avail!  He, then, spoke aloud, “Vijaya!  I know you are hiding somewhere around here just for fun! 

But this is causing worry and concern to your parents!  So, please come out!”  The King waited for a few moments to see if Vijaya came out from somewhere but that did not happen. 

Now the King’s heart too was filled with apprehension but he did not show it on his face.  He came back to the Queen and tried to put up a brave face. 

“Do not worry, dear!  I shall talk with the guards and will then search for him everywhere just like you did.  It could be that I may meet with success.”  Raghunathan came outside and asked the guards to think properly and tell him if they saw Vijaya coming out of the chamber.  They answered in the negative. 

Not uttering another word, Raghunathan began his search for Vijaya in the palace.  Did he meet with any success?

                     (To Continue)