CHAPTER 25: ARYAMAN AND RAJAVEERA

“I do not speak much about myself, Maharaj!  I would like to continue with that approach!”  Aryaman replied with a grin.

Rajaveera exchanged quick glances with Ravichandran.  He did not like the fact that Aryaman had declined to answer his question.  Still, he suppressed his displeasure for he had other important matters to discuss with Aryaman.

“Alright! You may keep your secrets to yourself!  I have heard much about your prowess.  I have plans to seek your support for defeating the devas and win over Devaloka.  The devas have always felt that they are the superiors and derided us all along.  Besides, I also suspect that they have kidnapped my son so that they can demoralize me mentally.  I want to seek vengeance.  If you help me win this battle, then I promise to make you the ruler of a part of Devaloka!  However, before we embark on this mission, I would like to test your powers.  King Ravichandran desires to take back a part of his territory….”  Rajaveera struggled to recollect the name. 

“Amalnagar!” Ravichandran reminded him softly.

“Ah yes!  Amlanagar!  I want you to assist him wage a war against Chandrashekar and fulfil his desire.  Let me see how easily you vanquish the King’s opponents.”

Aryaman looked at Ravichandran who instantly lowered his eyes.  The King knew that Aryaman would now be aware of his true intentions that he never desired to have any peaceful negotiations with Chandrashekar.  A feeling of guilt engulfed Ravichandran’s heart that he had deceived Aryaman.  This was the reason as to why the King robbed his eyes away from Aryaman.

“I am not expecting an immediate response from you!  We can meet here again tomorrow wherein you can give your reply.”  Rajaveera offered. 

Aryaman agreed and took his leave.

Later, Ravichandran conversed with Rajaveera, “I am sorry to learn about your son!”

Rajaveera merely looked at the King with a glum face.

Meanwhile, Aryaman reached the jungle and sat on the basement of the coconut tree.  He had already made his decision when he was alone after meeting Aditi.  Still, he borrowed the time that Rajaveera had offered him to not raise suspicions of how he had arrived at a decision and a subsequent plan – which he had in mind – so quickly.  He decided to spell out his mind on the anointed time tomorrow.

The next day, all of them yet again assembled in Ravichandran’s chambers.  As the eyes of both the royal men eagerly rested on Aryaman, he declared, “I agree to do your bidding, Maharaj!”  While Ravichandran could not believe his ears, Rajaveera nodded his head hard in appreciation.  Both of them were sure that it was the lure to rule a part of Devaloka, which had prompted Aryaman’s decision. 

“I have a condition though!”  Aryaman stated looking at the ruler of Pallava, “You can challenge King Chandrashekar to a war if he does not return Amlanagar.  However, on the day of battle I alone would face him and his entire army.  None of you would get involved in it.  I shall fight this battle alone in my own way! ”