SATYAN 5
-6. Family in Despair

Vasudev opened his eyes.  Like in all his other dreams involving Lord Krishna, he realized that this too was authentic.  That sick feeling which was his companion all these days had vanished!  He felt completely recuperated and refreshed!  He thanked the Lord for his recovery.  From the dimly lit mashaal which was affixed to the paneled wall by a metal cliff he could see the beautiful face of his Queen.  She was fast asleep beside him.  As he looked at her, he somehow got reminiscence of that conversation wherein she had told him that it was not in her nature to go against his wishes.  She had mentioned that she had even told King Bharadwaj about it.  It was at that instance that she had fumbled in her response that was very much unlike her.  Vasudev smiled as he recollected this event.  He, thereby, diverted his attention to find a way for convincing the family to agree to the path that he wanted to adopt.  After much deliberation, his course of action became clear to him.  He, thereby, lay on his snowy bed and slept peacefully.

 The next day everyone in the palace was pleasantly surprised to see Vasudev behave as if nothing had happened to him.    Although he still looked weak, there was a strange glow of refreshment in his face.  Vasudev told his family that he was absolutely fine, and he would tell them everything after breakfast.  Soon, all of them assembled in his chambers and then he filled them up with the dream that he saw the other night.  As they looked at him stunned, he paused for a few moments and then continued, “I want you to think about what I am now going to say with a pragmatic and impartial attitude.  I know that you love me deeply.  However, let not that love blind your reasoning. 

None of you can deny the fact that I have led a life of complete satisfaction.  I have the privilege of having such a loving wife, a caring son and a daughter-in-law who loves me like she would her father.  I have a great well-wisher in King Bharadwaj and enjoyed the best of friendship with Hari, Shiva and Sridhar.  Above all, I have had the darshan of the Lord and got an opportunity to serve my people.  What more can I ask for?  If, at this moment I die I do not expect you to morn beyond a certain point for I would be leaving this world after fulfilling all my obligations.  After all, not everyone is this fortunate!  In fact, you should be thankful to the Almighty for making me exit without much suffering and pain.  Instead of just lying down on bed uselessly, it is best if I utilize the opportunity of offering my life to a needy. 

I request you to keep aside your emotions for some time and think about this from my perspective.  This may help you to appreciate my stand.  It is quite possible that I may not succeed in finding such a person to whom I can offer this boon.  In my excitement it just skipped my mind to ask the Lord as to what would happen should such a scenario arise.  It could be that in such a secenario I may have to continue leading an indisposed life for which I have to be mentally prepared.  I have nothing more to say.  It is up to you to think over this and then apprise me of your decision.”

Silence prevailed in the chamber after the Mahatma spoke his mind.  The former King glanced at his son who was barely managing to fight back tears.  He made Rishabd sit by his side and rested the latter’s head on his arms.  “I know it is difficult, my child!  But you must do this for your father!”  He emphasized.  Unable to bear the mental agony any more, Rishabd excused himself and quickly moved away from the chamber.  Sumalatha, who had moist eyes, followed her husband to give him moral support. 

Vasudev now looked at his Queen who sat watching him grimly.  He sat beside her and lovingly stroked her head.  Just then, a guard came and informed them that King Bharadwaj had come over with his Queen Chitralekha and one of his council of ministers, Sanjaya.  Vasudev hurried to welcome them.    The old royal couple was aggrieved to see Vasudev’s frail body but was also equally surprised to see the energy and zest in him even in the midst of his illness. 

“How are you, Satyan?”  Bharadwaj asked concerned gently touching his shoulders.  The old King’s white attire precisely matched his greyed hairs and beard.

“I am fine, Maharaj!  It is such a pleasure to see you!”  So saying, he hugged his King and then escorted them inside. 

Although Manorama greeted them with a smile, it was not hard to see the sorrow brimming in her heart.  Her face clearly reflected her mental state of mind.  Chitralekha, who wore a light blue saree embellished in silver and crystal embroidery, hugged her and spoke with reliance, “Do not be upset, my dear!  Lord Krishna would never allow anything to happen to Vasudev!  You know this fact only too well!”

Manorama instantly turned her face away from the Queen and pursed her lips.  She could no longer sustain her emotions.  This saddened the hearts of everyone present there.  Chitralekha held her close to her heart and tried to console her.  Bharadwaj looked on helplessly.   Witnessing Manorama’s emotions, both he and the Queen got the feeling that Vasudev’s sickness was graver than what they had anticipated.  Bharadwaj exhorted Vasudev to rest who allayed his fears, “I am fine, O King!  Manorama is shedding tears because of some other reason.”  He told the old couple about his dream and the conversation he had with his family just a while ago.  It was only then that Bharadwaj and his Queen realized the reason for Manorama’s melancholy.  The very Lord whom they had relied upon to always protect their Vasudev was himself showing him the path to embrace death!  Both of them, including the minister Sanjaya were beset with grief.      

Bharadwaj expressed the desire to be alone for some time to which the others relented after some hesitation.  Vasudev accompanied the King to the resting chambers followed by Sanjaya.  On the way, they did not exchange a word!  While Vasudev was worried as to how his King would react should he attempt to communicate with him, Bharadwaj was worried that he may get emotional if he spoke with his once favourite minister.