SATYAN3
-11. The Royal Painting Removed

As tears welled in the eyes of Manorama, Vasudev softly made her head rest on his lap.
His tender heart ached to see the sorrow of his wife.
“Do I have any chances of survival?” Manorama asked in deep anguish.
“Please do not ask me that, dear!” Vasudev pleaded, “Let the physicians say whatever they want but I rely trust on my prayers to God to grant you a long life!”
Vasudev further told her that while other physicians had given up hope, Sage Praduyumna was trying hard to find a remedy for this ailment.
“O Lord, why did you marry me despite knowing all this?” Manorama asked in a broken voice.
Vasudev told her the reasons which he had given to Bharadwaj for marrying her. Touched by Vasudev’s greatness, Manorama fell at his feet who in turn instantly helped her to get up and wiped away her tears. “O Manorama, do not forget the promise that you have given me!” Vasudev reminded her.
Manorama somehow managed to suppress her emotions and spoke with gratitude, “My lord, the fulfillment of the promise I gave you is the least I can do for all that you have done for me! However, I beg of you to give me some time!”
Vasudev agreed and embraced her.
Later during the night before retiring to bed, Manorama spoke her mind with Vasudev, “Come to think of it I feel that I have absolutely no reason to grieve. After all, which living being in this world is immortal? Everyone must die someday! I have decided to make the most of the precious little time that is left in my life where my only aim would be to keep you happy. If I succeed in that, then I can die peacefully.”
Moved by her commitment towards him, Vasudev hugged her endearingly with moist eyes.
From that day onwards, Manorama displayed remarkable resilience and never allowed her grief over her life-threatening illness to get the better of her. She did not think about her ailment and diverted all her resources in keeping Vasudev happy.
Soon, Vasudev decided to leave for Somnapur. He asked his wife to rest while he was away and not straining her health in any way. He came near the palace gates where his chariot was waiting for him. He exchanged greetings with his charioteer Varuna, gently stroked the horses and mounted the chariot. He glanced at the palace window where Manorama stood watching him. He bid her adieu and the chariot raced past to Somnapur. It took more than a day for Vasudev to reach his destination. King Bharadwaj gave him a warm welcome and led him to his chambers where the Queen Chitralekha was present. She rose to welcome him. Vasudev folded his palms before her and then took his seat. He could clearly observe the eagerness in the faces of the royal couple in anticipation of the arrival of their son. He, too, shared their excitement and delight!
Later, King Bharadwaj asked Vasudev, “Satya, do you remember Queen Maitreya?” “Yes!” he replied promptly. He had reminiscence of seeing her portrait in the exhibition hall which was opened for the public at his insistence. “How can I forget her tragic life? Why do you ask, Maharaj?”
“I have removed her painting from the hall!” The King averred.
“Why?” Vasudev asked perplexed.
“There is some logic to this thought that had Gunaratna, the elder brother of my grandfather survived, it might have been his clan and not mine who may have ruled this kingdom. I do not want this thought to trouble my son. From the information which I am getting from the ashram he has still not lost his fondness towards sages. He looks upon his future duty as an administrator solely from the perspective of a sheer responsibility and not as per his will. Thus, if this thought finds its root in his mind, it may only help in making him more disinclined to accept the throne. I do not want him to ask me anything about that painting. Of course, if he still, by any chance, enquires about the Queen I will not reveal the truth which you and Chitralekha are aware. It is only that I want to avoid the uncomfortable situation of placing partial facts from him as far as possible!” Bharadwaj reasoned.
Vasudev left it to the King’s discretion to decide in this matter. Chitralekha who was silently listening to their conversation agreed with the King’s views.
In the evening, the King yet again met Vasudev and asked him, “Satya! I can make out that you do not endorse my move of removing Maitreya’s drawing from the exhibition hall. Am I right?”
“Maharaj! You are at complete liberty to take decisions which you feel is in the better interests of your family! My opinion does not matter here!” Vasudev maintained.
“No, Satya! Your opinion matters a lot to me! Tell me what’s in your mind!” Bharadwaj insisted.
“You are right, Maharaj!” Vasudev admitted, “The articulate orator that he is, I am sure that Sage Amegha would have succeeded in his mission. If what I say is indeed true and the Prince has firmly decided to follow in your footsteps and become a ruler, then learning Maitreya’s past should not affect his decision. After all, this is past and the fact remains that you are in no way involved in the injustice meted out to her. He will realize this!”
Bharadwaj thanked Vasudev for his positive outlook and took his leave.
That evening, Bharadwaj told Chitralekha about his conversation with Vasudev. When he found that the Queen still supported his move of keeping away Maitreya’s painting from their son, he decided to stick to his decision.
Soon, the moment of reckoning arrived when the Prince arrived in the palace. It was an emotional reunion for the family! The parents hugged their son – who was now a handsome young man with features resembling to that of his father – and looked at him for a long time.
Looking at Vasudev, the King asked the Prince, “Recognized him, son? He is your Vasudev uncle.”