SYNOPSIS- Satyan 4 - Moments of Adversity

Supriya continued, “…Maharaj, I could not bear to see my Lord suffer silently thus.  Seeing me so tense, he decided to leave me with my dharmashala members in Somnapur for a few days.  He felt that the change in atmosphere might bring some solace to my heart.  I did not have the heart to leave him alone, but he insisted and finally had his way.  In Somnapur, he tried to meet his guruji Amegha regarding this matter but the sage is now away attending a yagna.  He asked me not to discuss this matter with anyone and returned.  Once he left, I secretly came to meet you to seek your help.  I know that he would not appreciate this move of mine for he knows that you would be unduly worried learning about these events which he does not want.  However let me, O King, why should my Lord suffer for no mistake on his part?  Should his life become so miserable to survive in the midst of such threats only because he happens to be your friend?”  Overcome with sorrow, Supriya failed to realize how her last words had deeply pricked Vasudev’s tender heart.  The noble King closed his eyes tightly and hung his head down for a few moments.    The cheerful face of his friend which he had seen and rejoiced not so long ago flashed in his mind.  He could not bear to see that cheerfulness now being denuded by melancholy, fear and anxiety.  He looked up at Supriya who was waiting anxiously for his response.  She still failed to gauge the high emotions that were wreaking havoc in Vasudev’s heart.  With much difficulty, he spoke with her softly, “Please give me some time to think.  I will do something for my friend.” 

Supriya agreed and Vasudev called a guard who led her to the visitor’s chamber.

Vasudev was now all alone in his chamber.  He slowly walked to the inner room where he sat on the bed.  Why life was so harsh at times, he wondered.  Few moments of happiness got washed away so cruelly by the dark waves of sorrow.  Layers of tears formed at the bottom of his eyes which was only a fraction of the gamut of emotions that was building in his heart.  He looked up glumly and invoked Lord Krishna in his mind.  Thinking about him gave him some peace of mind.  He began to ponder about his next step.  He had no problems in meeting Sage Badrinath.  But then should he express regret?  This is where Vasudev had a difficulty.  He did not regret his decision to deny him permission for opening an ashram in his kingdom.  Thus, expressing compunction over this matter would be morally wrong.  Would it not be tantamount to a lie?  This thought put Vasudev in a quandary.  As he continued to think in this direction, it became clear to him that come what may he was not prepared to compromise with his principles.  There had to be a proper and virtuous way through which he had to pull his friend out of this situation.  For a long time, Vasudev thought over it and finally came to a conclusion.  He met Manorama and told her of Supriya’s visit.  He, then, revealed his plans to her, “I do not think that there is any need for me to bow down to Chakrabandhava’s demands.  If I show regret and ask the sage to open an ashram in my kingdom would it not send a wrong message that I am ready to make gender discrimination among my subjects?  Besides, it may also prove as a fillip for Chakrabandhava to further trouble my friend in the near future for meeting his selfish ends.  I have decided to meet the sage and at the given opportunity tell him the facts.  He may find it hard to believe but then better sense will prevail.  He will realize that I have no personal enmity with his brother that I would cook up a story to malign his image.  The sage will eventually meet his brother and speak with him.  From the way he is reacting it is evident that Chakrabandhava loves his brother immensely.  Thus, when the sage makes him see reason, I am sure that the Rajguru of Kantipura would understand and realize his folly.” 

“Maharaj, what if Sage Badrinath declines to even meet you?” 

“I can expect such kind of a behavior from King Chandravarkar but not from a reputed sage like Badrinathji.  I believe that being a sage he will enjoy a greater temperament and wisdom than ordinary men.  He will surely meet me and by God’s grace will even sympathize with my friend’s plight for which his brother is the cause.” 

Manorama agreed and posed a question which was lingering in her mind.  “Maharaj, is there any specific reason as to why the brothers reside in separate kingdoms?” 

“As far as my knowledge goes, years ago Chakrabandhava went to Kantipura to spread knowledge among the people.  At that time, there was a bitter border dispute between Kantipura and one of its neigbours.  He volunteered to resolve this problem by convincing King Chandravarkar to adopt a give and take policy.  Thus, both the kingdoms now share their borders which have eased tensions considerably among them.  So pleased was Chandravarkar with Chakrabandhava that he was offered the post of Rajguru which he accepted.  O Manorama, Chakrabandhava is a generous man who has sadly swayed into the wrong path.  Let me see if my meeting with his brother helps in bringing about a change in him.” 

Manorama wished him success and then Vasudev met Supriya. “Tell Shiva to inform Chakrabandhava that I have received his message and am on my way to meet his brother.  If he asks for more specifics, tell him that this is only what I have told you.  With this information I believe that he should stop troubling Shiva atleast till the time he learns about the outcome of my visit.  Once I meet Sage Badrinath let us hope that everything would be sorted out once and for all.” 

Supriya gained some peace of mind to hear this.  Having regained her composure partly she realized the harshness of her tone at her previous meeting with Vasudev.  She sought pardon but Vasudev instantly interrupted her, “No, O Sister!  I agree that I was disturbed at your words but then you did not say anything wrong.  No one must pay a negative price for being my friend!” 

He arranged for his trusted aide to leave Supriya in her dharmashala at Somnapur.  He called for an urgent meeting with his council of ministers where he handed over the reins of leadership to Abharan and then left to meet Sage Badrinath in his chariot.