SATYAN3
-2. Meeting of Friends

After some time had elapsed, Vasudev went to meet the King in his chambers. There, he found both the Queen and King Dharmaraja seated with Bharadwaj. On seeing Vasudev, all of them stood up and looked at him in anticipation. Had Vasudev come to a decision? This question was lingering in their minds as Vasudev came and bowed before them with folded palms. He, thereby, declared that he was ready to own the responsibility that Dharmaraja wanted to bestow on him! Both the Kings hailed his decision and hugged him in jubilation! Queen Chitralekha complimented Vasudev and snuggled into her father’s arms who held her close to his heart and heaved a sigh of relief for these moments of anxiety had come to an end on a positive note.
Vasudev had no choice but to accept the King’s proposal for he had already given his word even before hearing the matter. This incident made him realize that he should not give any commitment till he was completely aware of the facts. The other factor which contributed to his assent was his resolve to always bow before the call of duty.
King Dharmaraja requested them to keep this under wraps till the time Vasudev actually assumed his kingdom’s leadership. He, however, allowed Vasudev to disclose this piece of information to his guru. Thereafter, he returned back to his kingdom and informed his Queen about all that happened in Somnapur who was very pleased to learn about the developments.
Sage Adirath complimented Vasudev on learning of his upcoming task and from that day onwards regularly gave him tips which would later help his disciple become a capable and respectable ruler.
A few months passed by and now it was time for Prince Vasu to celebrate his first birthday! Bharadwaj arranged for a feast in a big hall where his subjects were treated to a scrumptious meal! They were even presented with shawls and white robes while leaving the hall.
The little prince was dressed like Lord Krishna at the request of Vasudev. He looked adorable with a peacock feather bedecked on his head, wearing yellow robes and holding a gold plated flute in his tiny hands. Vasudev felt the divine presence of his Lord in Vasu and hugged the child in ecstasy. In fact Vasu’s attire not only mesmerized Vasudev but all those who saw him that day. Although Vasu could not understand as to why he was the center core of attention on that day, he enjoyed it nevertheless!
In the evening, Vasudev retired to his cottage, unfurled a mat on the floor and lay on it. He felt like resting awhile after a tiring day’s work wherein he had helped the King to oversee arrangements regarding the grand feast. The endearing little figure of the Prince dressed like his favourite God came to his mind that he not only cherished but which even helped in alleviating his fatigue!
A couple of years passed away. Vasudev stood near the prison cell of his friends Sridhar and Shiva who were undergoing imprisonment for their culpability. He stood looking at his friends from the grilled iron door of the cell. Unlike his earlier visits where Vasudev felt deep sorrow in his heart seeing his bosom friends behind bars, this time he was feeling happy and excited! After all, Shiva and Sridhar were completing their jail term on that day and were to be released! As soon as the guard opened the iron door the friends clinched each other’s arms with teary eyes. Vasudev led them to his cottage and gave them some sweets as a mark of celebration of this eventful day. He, thereby, asked them about their future plans.
While at prison, the renowned sage Amegha visited the jail inmates’ atleast twice a week and gave them discourses to lead a noble life. Vasudev’s friends were highly influenced by his preaching and wanted to become his disciples. The moment Vasudev heard this, he had a reminiscence of his last meeting with Lord Krishna in his dreams wherein the Lord had envisioned a similar future for his friends.
“….We have decided to henceforth lead the life of ascetics.  In this way, we may to some extent atone for the sins we have committed in the past.” Sridhar reasoned.
“Does this mean that you are not going to marry?”  Vasudev asked anxiously.
“Yes! We are absolutely disinterested in such kind of a commitment and if we still marry it would be an injustice to the girl.” Shiva emphasized.
Just then, they heard a voice, “May I join in?”        All of them looked at the entrance and were thrilled to see Hari!  They arose and gave him a warm welcome.     After all of them were seated, Hari apologized, “I am sorry for being late!          I just got tied up in some personal work which I would like to share with you all!  But before that please have these sweets.”   Hari opened a box that contained pedas and distributed it among his friends.
“What is the great news, Hari?”    Vasudev asked curiously.     His other two friends shook their heads as if they, too, were about to ask the same question and looked at Hari inquisitively. Hari took a while to respond as he enjoyed the moment of anticipation that he had created and then he suddenly disclosed his mind, “I am going to marry!”
Instantly his friends cheered him loudly.      After the euphoria had died down, Vasudev asked eagerly, “Who is the fortunate girl, Hari?”
“Her name is Vasanti. She and her father had come to me to make a life-size picture of hers. During the process of my work, I fell in love with her and by God’s grace she too possessed the same feelings towards me! Today morning, I had gone to her house to deliver her portrait. I took the opportunity and asked her parents if I could marry Vasanti. When they learnt that both of us were in love, they agreed to my proposal. The marriage will be performed by none other than her father who is a priest.” Hari concluded. Vasudev and his friends embraced Hari benignly and complimented him over this wonderful development.
How Vasudev wished Sridhar and Shiva to follow in the footsteps of Hari but then he was helpless against the will of faith!