CHAPTER 19 :THE PEACE VOLUNTEER

“I did!” The King revealed. “But then it was too late. The sage told me that he had already given the boon to someone.”

“How are you so sure that your men have brought you the correct information about this matter? You told me that this incident occurred two months before my advent in Pallava. If King Chandrashekar has indeed received such a boon, why did he not attack you during that period? His restrained approach thereafter may be attributed to my presence.” Aryaman mused.

“This thought crossed even my mind. However, I rely great trust in my source of information. Besides, my associates would not dare bring me any unconfirmed news about Chandrashekar whom I consider my arch enemy!”

Aryaman thought for a while and shrugged his shoulders. The King continued, “If you can take my side, I would like to defeat him in war and win Amlanagar! Thereafter, I can initiate measures to work for the people’s cause.” The King considered.

“I am never in favor of wars!” Aryaman stated, “I believe that you lose more than you win in a war! Can your victory over Amlanagar compensate for the loss of so many innocent lives in the event of a war? Besides, can your win ensure a logical conclusion to this dispute?”  

“How can even peace ensure that?” The King countered. “What if the amicable solution is not honored in the future?”

“It can be honored if both of you pluck out the feeling of hatred that you hold against each other and replace that with a heart-felt friendship! Once this happens, you would feel the necessity to look at this dispute from a new angle and adopt a give-and-take approach. Moreover, you would feel the need to ensure that this warm tie continues even among your future generation. Thus, you would nurture your successors from this perspective. In life, everything depends on your outlook, Maharaj. Besides, what have you gained by this enmity? Waging a war may sow the seeds of revenge, which may pave the way for yet another war in the future. Where does this end then? I would like to meet King Chandrashekar and persuade him to meet you.”

The King agreed with a request, “If you can use your powers and somehow find out what boon he has gained, I would be gratified. That would clear the air of speculation in me once and for all!”

“I will try but cannot guarantee success.” Aryaman, thereby, greeted the King and took his leave.

The sky was very dark and there was a wind blowing across as Aryaman took to the skies to reach Sumegha, the kingdom of King Chandrashekar.     This was very unusual during that part of the season. Aryaman was worried about the aftereffects of any untimely rains on fields and the health of people. However, despite all his powers he too was helpless against the vagaries of nature! He zipped past the sky and as he reached his destination, a moderate downpour with very gusty winds greeted him. He could see the streets strewn by fallen trees owing to the velocity of the winds. He found a man walking swiftly in the rain with a cloth draped over his head. Just then, a nearby tree, unable to bear the ferocity of the squally winds, came crashing  down on him! The person realized the danger and tried to move away quickly but it appeared too late an effort! Just then, Aryaman came to his rescue. He held the huge tree with his hands and asked the startled man to get aside. He, then gently put the tree down. The awe-struck person, who was on his way to a nearby shop for purchasing some eatables, thanked Aryaman. Just then, a message was relayed through a drummer from the palace that people should avoid travelling until the weather improves. Aryaman asked him to heed the message and bid him farewell.

 [RV1]