SATYAN3
-12. The Disturbed Prince

Vasu came near Vasudev who stood smiling at him adorably. The Prince took his blessings and spoke with reverence, “My guruji used to narrate instances from your life to teach us probity, sincerity and commitment in life.” “I am honoured!” Vasudev exclaimed. Vasu was escorted inside where he discarded his ascetic robes and put on the rich attire of a Prince. He looked very elegant and appeared to be a replica of his father during his younger days! Sage Amegha met the King and assured him that Vasu has realized his responsibility although he still possessed a special liking towards sages. “He has promised me that he shall never swerve from his duty.” Bharadwaj was relieved to hear this and so was Vasudev who was seated beside him. The sage, thereby, blessed his disciple and took his leave. Later the family was engaged in a long conversation. Vasu recollected some events that had occurred in his ashram which his parents and Vasudev cherished listening. From his talks, Vasudev could feel that the Prince was now looking forward towards his future where he would have to, someday, take over the leadership of his kingdom from his father. This feeling gave him relief and contentment. King Bharadwaj offered his son Vasu a short vacation before he began getting involved in the kingdom affairs. The next day while he had a meeting with his council of ministers, both Vasu and Vasudev took a stroll around the palace. Sauntering and chatting, they came to the exhibition hall where paintings of past rulers of the kingdom were put on display. At Vasu’s request they entered in. As soon as the visitors in the gallery saw the royal visitors they instantly greeted them who reciprocated in a similar fashion and began to look at the paintings. As they were moving along, they heard a person next to them conversing with his young daughter, “A few years ago there used to be a painting of some Queen right up there whose name I do not remember now. It was a beautiful painting! I do not know as to why it was removed. How I wish you could have seen it!” Vasu gave a questioning look at Vasudev who just smiled at him. He knew that the person was referring to none other than Maitreya’s painting. Vasudev tried to divert the attention of the Prince and pointed out to the next drawing in line. Although he succeeded in his intentions for the moment, no sooner had they come out of the hall, the Prince queried, “Uncle, do you know the painting of the Queen which the man was referring to? Why was it removed?” Vasudev’s heart pounded as he heard this question from the Prince. He dreaded to answer it and his unwillingness clearly reflected in his face. “What’s the matter, uncle? Have I asked something which I should not have?” The Prince asked perplexed. “I am aware about the facts, but I cannot tell you about it, O Prince!  I am helpless!  It would be best if you ask your father about that painting. He may be in a better position to answer it.” Vasudev replied with a stern face. The Prince agreed but now the anxiety in his heart was at its zenith to learn the reason behind the removal of the painting. Later, when Vasu got an opportunity to meet his father in the presence of Vasudev, he raised this topic with him. The King of Somnapur had never anticipated such a turn of events. Thinking for a few moments, the King excused himself and soon returned with a huge painting in his hand. “This is Queen Maitreya whose painting was removed from the hall!” He told his son and then disclosed everything about her. The Prince was much aggrieved to learn these facts. He excused himself and retired to his chamber. Vasudev sought an apology from the King who immediately dismissed it with the words, “I can well understand your position, Satya!” Later the King met his wife and informed her of the proceedings. The Queen was much disturbed at what had happened although she managed to suppress her feelings in her heart for the moment. That evening one of Vasu’s ashram mates, Bharat, came to see him. Bharat had already completed his education a couple of years ago. He had come to a neighboring kingdom for some administrative work and since Somapur fell on the way he thought of seeing his friend before going back to his kingdom. Although elder to Vasu, Bharat looked much younger his age with his face still having the innocence of a child. If only his heart reflected this same innocence! The one evil quality he suffered from was jealousy. He was the youngest of three brothers and thus knew that he had little chance to attain the throne. He silently envied Vasu’s position in this regard who was certain to become the ruler of Somnapur one day. Observing that Vasu appeared quite perturbed, he asked the reason for it. At first, the Prince declined to tell him anything but when Bharat persisted, he blurted out everything. In his anxiety to gauge his son’s reaction to the story of Maitreya, it had skipped the mind of Bharadwaj to tell him not to discuss this matter with any outsider.