SYNOPSIS- Satyan 4 - Dark Side Of A Mother

Abharan looked at unease and wavered for an answer.  Finally, he responded, “I was not comfortable with such an elevation, Maharaj.  I felt that I could best offer my services to the kingdom being a minister.”

“I appreciate your gesture.  This only shows that you have absolutely no greed for power.  No doubt, then that you are such a favourite of Vasudev.”  Taking a deep breath, the King continued, “I want an assurance from you that you will keep what I am about to tell you to yourself.”

Abharan promised.

The King informed him about Sage Ajanma’s prediction and then continued,”… If the prediction turns to be true, then there is a possibility of Vasudev not giving the throne to his son.  Should that happen Manorama would be completely shattered.  This has the potential to create an indelible rift in his personal life which none of us apparently want.  What I have in mind is that if Sage Pradayumna authenticates Ajanma’s foretelling then I will try to convince Vasudev to make his original plan of anointing both of you as joint rulers of this kingdom.  He can proclaim to his people that should his son go into a depression in the future then you can take additional responsibility of taking care of Rishabd’s part of the kingdom as well.  This could be some compromise formula which may appease Manorama to some extent.  However, for this to materialize you must foremost agree to accept this obligation.”

Abharan opined sedately, “Maharaj, I am sorry to learn about these developments.  However, I feel that even if the sage’s prediction is to become a reality, the entire kingdom could still be given to Prince Rishabd.  Tomorrow in case the Prince is faced by any difficulty I am there to take care of him and the people till the last breath of my life.  There is no need for me to become a ruler to do this!”

“You are not getting the point!”  Bharadwaj snapped in impatience.  “Vasudev will never agree to do this if Sage Ajanma’s saying is proved right and if his son fails to give him the promise he wants.   As I said earlier, this is the least compromise formula we can achieve in such a case.  I will try to convince him.  If you have any regard for your ruler, you must do this for him.”

Abharan folded his palms before the King.  “I am sorry, but I cannot accept your proposal.  I once again beg your pardon!” 

“Alight!” the King griped, “I should be sorry for disturbing you!  You are free to leave!” 

Abharan bowed before him and departed.

Bharadwaj closed his eyes and was yet again lost in deep thought.  Suddenly he opened his eyes wide.  Something had struck his mind!  He stormed out of the chamber to meet Manorama.   He smiled as the Queen welcomed him inside and then quickly came to the point of his visit.  “Abharan tells me that he was not comfortable accepting Vasudev’s proposal.  Is there any other reason behind this?  Are you aware about it?  You have to tell me the truth!” 

Manorama was baffled at this question.  Failing to elicit any response from her, Bharadwaj insisted with a raised voice, “Answer me, Manorama!  Are you aware or are you the real reason behind Abharan’s denial?” 

The Queen closed her eyes and then slowly shook her head on a positive note!  “Yes, Maharaj!” she finally admitted, “I am sorry for what I have done but then it is a fact!  On the one hand, I did not want to oppose the views of my Lord.  It is just not my character to go against him.  On the other hand, I had this ardent desire to see my son crowned as the solo King of Chandrapur.  Crushed between these two desires, this was the only way I found appropriate.  I met Abharan and instructed him to never accede to my Lord’s request!  I also got a promise from him that he would never mention anything about our meeting with anyone!”

“He still keeps that promise, Manorama!”  Bharadwaj maintained and informed the Queen about his meeting with the minister.  “…Somehow his reasoning behind rejecting Vasudev’s suggestion appeared unconvincing to me.  I was left wondering as to why he was so adamant in his decision.  After Chitralekha’s visit to you, I was convinced as to how eager you are to see Rishabd crowned as King.  Thus, this thought suddenly crossed my mind that you may have had a role to play in all this.  O Manorama!  Please never mention about this to my Satya!  I do not know how he would react to this! You may even fall from grace in his eyes!”

“I had anticipated my lord to be all the stricter with his principles when it came to our son owing to the suspicions raised by Queen Chitralekha and Vinayat.  However, I never expected such a scenario when my son faces the prospect of being denied the ownership of the kingdom owing to the ethical ideologies of my lord. I am sorry for what I did!”  Manorama regretted her actions with tears flowing from her eyes. 

“As a mother your feelings is justified.  Although you may feel sorry for what you have done, I still feel that the desire to see your son as King is still as strong as it was before in your heart.  Thus, I want you to meet Abharan without any delay.  Convince him to accept Vasudev’s original plan.  I will try to take care of the rest.  Please do my bidding!”  The King urged her.

“But, O King, what if Sage Pradayumna rejects Ajanma’s findings?”  Manorama asked.

“Please do as I say, Manorama!” he asserted and took his leave. 

The Queen called for Abharan who arrived shortly. 

Bharadwaj strongly felt that the prospect of Pradayumna discarding Ajanma’s claim looked bleak!  From Ajanma’s prediction, it was evident that the Prince had a very deep obsession for his father.  This was indeed a reality!   Thus, even his prophecy could turn out to be a stark truth, the King felt.

  Bharadwaj returned to his chambers and filled in his Queen with the events.  “I cannot believe that Manorama could do something like this!”  Chitralekha exclaimed.