SATYAN2
-13. The Predicament

“….  It has derived it’s name from the sweet aroma emanating from it’s leaves.  These leaves are very effective for healing heart diseases.  However, through extensive research and study I have just discovered that they are equally effective even for curing stomach aliments.  However, there are some strictures to be followed for this medicine.  Foremost, one entire leaf has to be chewed in by the patient to have the desired effect.  Secondly, the leaf has to be imbibed as quickly as possible after being plucked from the plant.  The reason being that once the herb is pulled out of the plant, it loses it’s freshness very soon that would make it lose it’s medicinal value.  I recommend this herb for Vasudev.”  Pradayumna concluded. 

“This plant only grows in the Vanaali forest of our kingdom which is of a reasonable distance from here.   Therefore we will have to take Satyan to that forest for taking this herb.”  Prahasta reasoned. 

“We can take him there in a chariot.” The King opined. 

At this time, Vasudev raised his hand as if to say something.  As the others gathered near him, he spoke softly, “Udhyog also appears to be suffering from the same disease as mine.  He should also be taken to that forest.”  The others readily agreed to his noble request.  The King sent for a chariot to bring Udhyog to the palace and arranged another for Vasudev.  In a short while, Udhyog arrived with his parents in the chariot.  Pradayumna checked him and identified his illness to that of Vasudev.  The boy looked very weak and tired.  After the sage had finished his check-up, Udhyog dozed off owing to fatigue. 

Since everyone could not be accommodated in the chariot, the Queen decided to stay back.  She prayed to the Almighty to ensure the recovery of both Vasudev and Udhyog after taking the medicine.  With great difficulty, Vasudev was made to get up and reach the chariot that stood near the palace gates with support from the palace servants.  He was made to lie down in the chariot and rested his head on Hari’s lap.  As Udhyog was asleep, he could not see Vasudev whom he referred to as ‘uncle’. 

 The King – armed with bows and arrows- , the sage and the physician got inside and then both the chariots raced off to the Vanaali forest.  Throughout the journey, everyone spent their time in silent prayers.   Besides, thoughts like ‘Would the herb be found?’ and ‘Even if it is found, would it cure the two of them?” clouded their minds. Vasudev did not pray for his own welfare or benefit but only for Udhyog’s recovery. 

Soon the chariots reached their destination.  The King asked Hari to be with Vasudev and disappeared inside the jungle alongwith Pradayumna and Prahasta.  Even after a while when they did not return, Hari and the others grew restless.  Prahasta had told them that the Suganda plant grew just a few yards after the entry into the forest.  Thus, what was the reason for their delay, they wondered? 

Finally, the faces of Hari and the others glowed in anticipation as the three emerged from the thick green cover of the forest.  Manohar eagerly ran towards them and saw Pradayumna holding a small leaf in his hand whose scent was wafted to him and the others by the gentle breeze.  “You have got the herb!”  He exclaimed. 

“Yes, we have!”  Prahasta replied and then apprised him about the problem.  “After much search, we could just locate one Sugandha plant which had only this single leaf!  This is quite strange for this forest has always contained atleast three or four Suganda plants having leaves in abundance.  Anyway, that’s how things stand here today.  As per strictures the patient has to eat one full leaf of the plant to recover.   But here, there is only one leaf and two patients!  We asked the King as to what was to be done now.  He told us that a decision could be arrived at after the herb is brought here.” 

“I used my spiritual powers to see if this plant was anywhere around in this big forest.  However, I could not see any.”  Pradayumna intoned.

Hari and Manohar’s wife, Dhanavantari, shut their eyes tightly in disgust.  Although his heart longed to see his son recover by taking this medicine, Manohar displayed a remarkable sense of magnanimity when he said, “In that case, please give this medicine to Vasudev!  This world requires people like him to guide sinners like me to the proper path.” 

Dhanavantari appreciated what her husband had said and at that very moment forgave him for his infamous activities in her mind.    Vasudev called the garment shop owner to him, “O Manoharji, I appreciate the concern you have for me.  But then, it is your child who deserves to be cured more than me.  He is so young and yet to see this world around him for which he has taken birth.  As for me, I lived my life the day I had the darshan of my Lord in my dreams.  O revered ones, you told that this herb has to be taken in as soon as possible after being plucked from the plant.  Therefore, please give it to Udhyog.”  The greatness of Vasudev yet again shone in all it’s brilliance which tugged everyone’s heart-strings and blinded their eyes with tears.  Pradayumna looked at the King who silently nodded his head in agreement to Vasudev’s wish.  Bharadwaj knew that he could not make his adorable minister change his decision. 

Pradayumna came near Udhyog and asked his mother to wake him up.  Thereafter, the boy was made to chew the leaf which, though smelled sweetly, was very sour in taste.  Still Udhyog ate it without much fuss when his parents made him understand that it would ensure his recovery.  After taking the herb, the mother put him to sleep again.  “It will take some time for the herb to take effect.  If all goes well, by the time we reach the end of our journey, Udhyog should start showing signs of recovery.” Pradayumna expounded. 

The happiness of the parents on hearing these words of the sage was dimmed owing to the growing concern in their hearts about Vasudev’s recovery. 

(To Continue)