SYNOPSIS- Satyan 4 - Bharadwaj Meets Abharan

Bharadwaj expressed his views to his wife, “I feel that Ajanma’s claims are not entirely unfounded, O Chitra!  Rishabd’s response does give an impression of his obsession for his father.  In fact, it is only an extreme love that can result in the kind of deep depression which Anjanma is referring to.   Let me specify that even I cannot bear if anything happens to my Vasudev.  However, even if I go into depression how many more years I have to live anyway?  The same cannot be said about the Prince who has his entire life before him.  Thus, he must learn to bear his sorrow and do his duty as a ruler.  If Sage Pradayumna authenticates Ajanma’s findings, then there is a possibility of Vasudev depriving his son of the throne.  If that happens, it may not make much of a difference to Rishabd.  More than power the Prince would be happy to be in the presence of his father.  Vasudev would undoubtedly be aggrieved at his own decision.  Still, he can take solace from the fact that he could hold on to his principles even in this matter.  However, from what source can Manorama derive solace from?  As a mother her most cherished dream of seeing her son as a King are bound to be completely shattered.  I am not sure if Vasudev would ever succeed in appeasing her aggrieved heart.”

The Queen did not respond and looked at him very thoughtfully. 

“What happened?  I am not able to comprehend this look of yours.” Bharadwaj said puzzled.

“Maharaj, you did not get upset at Vasudev when it was because of his principles that you were compelled to tell the truth about Queen Maitreya to our son.  Now you are getting worried when his principles threaten to come in the way of his family’s happiness and well-being.  No one is as dearer to you than Vasudev!  Isn’t it?”

Bharadwaj smiled at his Queen.  “You and Vasu have an irreplaceable space in my heart.  However, if not for Vasudev both of you would have never come into my life.  Thus, if I hold Vasudev in the greatest esteem and affection, isn’t that justified?”     

The Queen shook her head in understanding.  Bharadwaj touched her hand and continued, “O Chitra, I cannot bear to see any upheaval in my Vasudev’s life.  Do me a favor.  I want you to go and speak with Manorama.  Try to learn her mind.  Console her if she is indeed as disturbed as I feel she is.  I feel that she may find it appropriate to share her feelings with a person of her own sex.”

 Chitralekha promptly agreed and met Manorama.   After exchanging pleasantries, Chitralekha touched upon the reason for her visit.  “Manorama, what do you think of Ajanma’s prophecy?” 

Vasudev’s queen smiled meekly and replied, “His prediction does not bode well both for my husband and son.  Thus, it is best that I do not think about it or else it will rob me of my peace of mind.” 

“Still…” Chitralekha insisted, “…You must have formed some opinion of his prediction.  What will you do if Ajanma’s claim is vindicated and your son falters to give Vasudev the promise he seeks?  Would that not make Vasudev decide against making Rishabd the next ruler of this kingdom?”

The face of Manorama grew pale as she heard these words.  She shrugged her shoulders in dismay and feigned helplessness, “What can I do but accept reality?  However, I believe that my Lord will never do injustice to anyone, lest of all, his own son!”

Chitralekha could feel the pain and sorrow brewing in her heart.  “You are right, Manorama!” the elder queen agreed.  “Should such a scenario arise you will appreciate my saying that Vasudev would be himself dismayed at his own decision.  Therein lays his greatness.  He always puts the interests of others above his own personal ambitions and desires.” 

Chitralekha came near Manorama and touched her arms.  “This could be your hardest test, Manorama!  All this while, you appreciated your husband’s severe austerity to his principles and moral values.  Now when his very austere principles threaten to directly affect you, it is to be seen whether you would support him and take his decision in the right spirit.  I failed in this regard when my son deserted us.  You should not!”

Manorama looked at the Queen sedately and did not give any response. 

“Please do not feel that I am hell bent in destroying your peace of mind, dear!  I only want to mentally prepare you for such a possibility.” Smiling at Manorama fervidly she continued, “All said and done, you are only very aware that the Lord is always by Vasudev’s side.  Therefore, he will never let any injustice happen to his favorite devotee.  When things appear out of our grasp and control, it is best that we leave everything to him.”  So saying, she gently pressed Manorama’s arms and took her leave. 

The Queen met Bharadwaj and expressed her feelings to him, “Manorama is very distressed at heart!  She is trying hard to hide her sorrow, but I can feel it.  You were right about her, Maharaj!”

Bharadwaj was perturbed to hear this and spent a long time in deliberation. 

That afternoon as per a schedule Vasudev went to an interior village of the kingdom to witness the welfare of his subjects.  He was to return only late in the night. It was Rishabd and Abharan who were to manage everything in his absence.  In the evening, Bharadwaj sought a meeting with Abharan.  After they were seated, the old King had a good look at the young minister.  He was short, enjoyed a fair complexion and had deep-set eyes, small nose, thin lips and moustache. 

Bharadwaj began his conversation with the minister.  “Tell me, O Abharan!  Why did you reject Vasudev’s proposal to rule a part of this kingdom?”