FIRM GOAL

“How do I stay without you, mother?”  So saying, Amritraj tightly hugged his mother who, in return, cuddled him in her arms and kissed his forehead.

“Listen to me, Amritraj!”  The Queen made him sit on her lap and began, “To gain something, you have to lose something!  You have to make sacrifices!  That is the premise of life.  Nobody can change that.  You must realize that life is not always so innocent, playful and surrounded by your dear ones. 

Life can be very harsh at times, my child!  Going to the ashram and getting education would not only make you aware of that but also prepare you for your future challenges.  Even your father had to go away from his family when he was your age and you, too, have to follow in his footsteps.  Don’t you want to give back your father his lost kingdom and make your mother proud?  Taking education under Sage Hrishikesh would help you achieve these objectives!”

Amritraj instantly got up and turned towards the sage.  He, then, prostrated before him and addressed him with folded palms, “O Sage!  I want to make my mother proud! 

Please take me along with you and educate me!”

All those present felt an overwhelming gush of emotions causing a lump in their throats as they witnessed the remarkable sense of understanding in the child!    Hrishikesh helped the boy to his feet and blessed him.  “I shall impart all that I have learnt to you, O Amritraj!  I hope that it helps you to become an able ruler and a conscientious person like your father!”

He, then, looked at the Queen and said, “Maharani, I shall be going out for a few days for attending a yagna.  Once I return, we can decide upon the day when his education can begin!”

Satyabhama agreed and the sage took his leave.

Till the time the Prince was with her, the Queen never lost an opportunity to instill in him the essence of getting an education.  She also prepared him for the impending separation that both of them would have to endure for the next twelve years.  Vaidehi, who was always by their side, supported the Queen and urged the Prince to face the upcoming situation with dauntless fortitude.  

Amritraj listened to them intently and agreed to their bidding.

Finally, the day arrived when the young Prince had to depart for the ashram.  He wore ascetic robes and matted his hair.  While the children wept seeing him depart, Amritraj did not shed a tear!  He had deeply grasped all that his mother and Vaidehi told him and decided to be focused on his goal which was quite exceptional considering his tender age.

Even his mother and Vaidehi restrained their emotions for his sake.  It was only after he disappeared from Satyabhama’s eyesight did her face reflected her melancholy.  The Queen was now away from her Lord and even her child!  Sensing her emotions, the maid tried to offer her moral encouragement.  Subu also helped Vaidehi in her efforts to alleviate the Queen’s sorrow.

The days to come witnessed Amritraj starting to get education under Sage Hrishikesh.  As per the Queen’s instructions, he was introduced as Vishwanath, a son of an army man.  At first, he was only focused on what he was being taught and did not mix with the other students.  Gradually, he began to mingle with them and even began to enjoy his stay in the ashram.  At one stage, he even became a hero when he saved the life of one of the pupils from a cobra! 

As they were walking along after playing in the jungle, suddenly one of the students found a cobra standing on his way with its’ hood raised!  He stood frozen in his ground.  The others ran away in panic and watched the proceedings from a distance.  However, Amritraj had no fear of the snake.  Being with his jungle friends, he had learnt how to handle such situations! 

He asked the student to not panic and gestured him to move backwards slowly which would allow the snake enough space to move away.  He, thereby, asked the child to stand still and try to relax.   In a short while, the cobra lowered its hood and slithered away. 

“Snakes usually do not attack until provoked.  Thus, do not panic and just give them the space to move away!  No harm would befall you!” he advised the boy who thanked him effusively. Amritraj responded with a smile. 

The other children came running and lifted the Prince up crying in jubilation!  Amritraj was surprised at this gesture but nevertheless enjoyed the moment!

When the sage learnt of the happenings, he praised Amritraj for his presence of mind and asked the children to not venture too deep inside the jungle for playing.  He asked them to play only in the ashram compound.