SATYAN3
-10. The Hard Truth

As time passed by, Vasudev became quite popular not only among his subjects and also with rulers of other kingdoms. Barring two rulers, Vishwakarma and Chandravarkar, he maintained warm relations with all of them.
Vishwakarma wanted Vasudev’s help in attacking another kingdom for meeting his own selfish ends. Vasudev vehemently opposed this move which tainted their relations. Once when Vishwakarma’s kingdom was ravaged by floods, it was incidentally, Vasudev who offered the first hand of aid by sending food, clothes, medicines and even offered monetary assistance. This bridged the gap of resentment among them and they became close friends again.
Vasudev had strained his relations with Chandravarkar when the latter failed to repay a loan on time.
Eleven years passed by. One of the most notable events which occurred during this duration was the birth of a baby boy to Vasudev who was named Rishabd! When Bharadwaj – who looked elegant despite his partly grayed hairs and beard over the years-got this news, he went delirious with joy. He had not experienced so much jubilation even at the birth of his own son! There was more happy news in store for him when Vasudev told him that his son was not suffering from any illness like his mother.
Vasudev’s friend Hari was now a father of two children – a boy and a girl! Despite his family commitments and profession, Hari kept the promise he had given to Vasudev by being in constant touch with Shiva and Sridhar.
Upon Vasudev’s request, Sage Amegha made attempts to kindle in Shiva and Sridhar the desire to marry. He told them that they had atoned for their sins and now it was time to move forward in life. The sage then expressed his desire to see them happily married. After days of persuasion, the superior skill of the sage to win over people by his oration once again reigned supreme as Vasudev’s friends finally agreed to abide by their guruji’s wishes! It was a moment of great joy for both Vasudev and Hari as they heard this news and they thanked the sage heartily for his efforts. As Sridhar and Shiva desired to marry orphans, Sage Amegha made extensive search and enquiries through his men in dharmashalas and finally identified two girls, Anapurna and Supriya, with whom he himself finalized matters! In due course of time Anapurna married Sridhar and Supriya tied the nuptial nod with Shiva!
Vasudev was also invited to the marriage of Udhyog whose bride belonged to a well-to-do family and was the only child to her parents. He graced the occasion much to the happiness and delight of Udhyog and his family. They took pride in the fact that the ruler of a land had attended their marriage function!
In all these years Manorama did not face any major health problems owing to the grace of God and also due to the utmost care that Vasudev took of her. Her father had told him that she should avoid frequent journeys for that may cause her excess fatigue thereby affecting her health adversely. Vasudev kept her journeys to the bare minimum and on enquiry told her that since she used to get jaded after travelling, he was concerned about her health. This was a fact and Manorama had no reason to disbelieve him.
News reached Chandrapur that Prince Vasu was going to complete his education in a couple of weeks’ time. King Bharadwaj desired Vasudev to be with him when his son returned from the ashram. Acceding to the King’s wish Vasudev decided to leave for Somnapur when Manorama expressed her desire to accompany him. However, Vasudev was wary about her health and he tried to change her mind.
As it was a long time since she met her father, Manorama was much inclined to accompany her husband to Somnapur. Seeing her husband adamant, she turned her face away from him and murmured, “Alright! As you wish!” Sensing her feelings, he came close to her and thrust his hand on her shoulders. “You are upset at my decision, aren’t you? It is just that I am concerned about your health.”
Manorama looked at her husband and expressed her thoughts, “I have observed that whenever you go to Somnapur you are always hesitant to take me along! For that matter, even my father used to prevent me from undertaking journeys giving the same reason! Can this be a coincidence? He used to go on yearly visits to holy shrines but seldom took me along with him! Just because I get a little tired after travelling, does that mean that I should never venture outside? Or is there something more to this? Is something wrong with me? Tell me, my lord!”
Vasudev’s face fell pale as he heard these words of Manorama. He took a seat behind him and appeared very pensive. He had nothing but the truth to offer as an explanation to his wife’s query. His condition alarmed Manorama, “I am sorry, my lord! Please pardon me if I have upset you!”
Vasudev took a long time to respond and looked very uncomfortable. After he had regained some composure, he made his wife sit beside him and said, “O Manorama, I will reply to your questions honestly, but I want a promise from you in return.”
As Manorama tried to grasp what he was getting at, Vasudev continued, “You must take whatever I say in the right spirit and never make me feel that I erred by telling you the truth!”
Manorama promised even as a fear started lurking in her heart at the truth that Vasudev was about to tell her.
With much difficulty, Vasudev broke the truth of her ailment.