SATYAN 5
-9. The Sane Thinking

“Rishabd, you must understand that this had to happen!  Ever since the Lord appeared before me in the form of Sage Ajanma I have been trying to prepare you for such an eventuality!   No one is immortal in this world.  If not through this boon, I will have to die someday!  You must accept this reality!  As I told you earlier, you must be thankful to Lord for allowing me to fulfill all my duties before making death approach me.”   

Everyone present there could only appreciate Vasudev’s holistic views in their mind.  As for as Rishabd was concerned he could not bear to see his father speak about his death.  He lowered his eyes and was trying to restraint his emotions.

An uneasy silence prevailed in the chamber.  Rishabd knew that his father was expecting to know his decision about the boon.  Finally he gave in!  “Alright!”  was all he could say and embraced his father. 

“Thank you, my child!”  Vasudev exclaimed. 

All those present there had a lump in their throat as they witnessed this scene.  Bharadwaj came forward and thrust his hand on Rishabd’s head.  “Do not worry, my child!  Remember what I had told you!  It is just a matter of time before everything becomes normal again.  Your father would live for many more years to come happily!”  The old King’s voice choked a little as he spoke those last words. 

Vasudev expressed the desire to meet his three bosom friends and tell them about this happening before he accepted the boon.  Bharadwaj suggested to calling all of them here.  He wanted Vasudev to spend as much time as possible with his family especially Rishabd.  Trusted aides of the King were called for and Vasudev instructed them to tell his friends that he desired to see them.  

The next day, Sanjaya decided to leave for Somnapur.  As it was Vasudev’s desire that this matter should not be publicized, the minister was asked to only tell Vasu – the son of Bharadwaj who was also named Vasudev- about this.    “Tell my son that he should not unduly worry after learning about all this.  All of us are facing this situation bravely and are confident that everything would eventually work in our favour.  Let him concentrate on the kingdom affairs!”  Bharadwaj instructed his minister.  Sanjaya agreed and took his leave. 

Later in the day King Chandravarkar came along with his Rajguru.  Both of them were much concerned about Vasudev’s health and had yet again come to enquire his well-being.  They were shocked when they heard about all that had occurred. 

While Chandravarkar could not speak anything overcome as he was with his emotions, Sage Chakrabandhava clasped Vasudev’s hands and said, “There would be no one like you ever again in this world, O Vasudev!  We are all fortunate to have been born when you have graced this earth!  I too can now die in peace for I have seen God!” 

Vasudev blushed at these words of extolment.  He always felt very uncomfortable and embarrassed whenever anyone unleashed so much praise on him.  Although the royal visitors had planned to stay there for a couple of days they left the same day as they did not want to adversely impact the mental stability of the family members owing to their up surging emotions.  At Vasudev’s behest, they decided to not disclose to anyone about his dream and the boon.

A couple of days thereafter, his three friends reached the palace.  Barring Hari who now sported a beard that had shades of both black and grey, the others did not have much of a noticeable change since Vasudev’s previous meeting with them.  All of them were alarmed to see Vasudev so thin and frail.  

 “I will tell you everything about my health later!  But first, give me a hug!”  Vasudev replied when he was asked the reason for his weak health.   The former King raised his arms and instantly the trio rushed to hug him tightly. 

After all of them were seated, Vasudev queried, “How did all of you come here together?  I was expecting Shiva to come first and then you two later.” 

“Sridhar and Hari paid me a surprise visit when your aide came with the news.  Thus, all of us came here together!”  Shiva replied.

“Oh!  Had I known this I would never have sent another of my aide to Somnapur!  Poor fellow!  He will return empty-handed!”  Vasudev said in a lighter vein which evoked laughter among his friends. 

Then, the Mahatma told them everything in detail which left them aghast.  “….Thus I called you here to seek your permission!”  Vasudev concluded.

“To die?”  Hari asked in a choked voice. 

Vasudev only gave a grin for a reply.  The friends had tears in their eyes.  They just could not communicate with him further in their sorrow.    Vasudev felt that his further presence would only make matters worse and decided to leave them alone to think over what he had told them.  He led them to the resting chamber and asked them to give a thought to this matter from his perspective just like he had urged his family.

Shiva and Hari wept bitterly.  Sridhar too had moist eyes but he managed to maintain his composure.  He made attempts to calm his weeping friends.  “Vasudev’s views are justified, dear friends!  There is indeed no point surviving in our ripe age by suffering.  There comes a stage when our own family members and well-wishers start praying for our death unable to bear our agony.    I have seen this happen with some of my old patients.  Being true to my profession I continue to treat them despite being well aware that it is only a matter of time before death approaches them.  On the other hand, fate plays its own part by delaying the inevitable.  It is in this period that the suffering of both the patient and his family becomes unbearable.   Our friend has been a true Hero all along in his life ever since his transformation.  Therefore, it is best that he dies a Hero’s death and not that of suffering and misery.  He is absolutely right when he says that he has fulfilled all his duties and it is best to die now if health is not by his side.  It is indeed a blessing, O friends, that we die before old age becomes a curse on us!”