SYNOPSIS- Satyan 4 - Father Son Meet

“My child, I feel very strange to ask you this but then I have no choice.  I know your deep affection for me.  However, is that affection an obsession?”  Vasudev asked with visible discomfort.

Rishabd, who was much disturbed to hear Ajanma’s prediction, took a while to answer.  “I cannot say that, father!  All I know is that you are as dear to me as air without which we cannot survive!”

Vasudev was deeply touched to hear this.  However, he also realized that this passion of his son could indeed be an obsession for him.   Looking at his son passionately, Vasudev began, “My child!  I feel honoured that you love me so much.  In fact, to love others is a virtue.  However, the moment this love assumes the form of an obsession it loses its virtue and becomes detrimental.  Just like anger it kills our sense of reasoning and makes us blind to reality.  Anything done in excess is undesirable. 

As a child you tried to convey a message through a drawing that where there is truth there is God.  Then, how is it that you are shying away to face the ultimate truth of life which is death?  No matter how noble you are, how healthy you are, it is ordained that death would embrace you some day.  I am no exception to this!  As King Bharadwaj says that death, although a poignant happening, is inevitable and so it is!”

Rishabd could not stop a tear from trickling down his eyes.  He could not bear his father speak about his death.  Vasudev wiped it off and made his son’s head rest on his arms.  This loving gesture made the young Prince lose further grip over his emotions and more tears swelled in his eyes. 

Vasudev continued, “My child, I intend to make you the ruler of this land.  I am sure you realize that this is an onerous task.  You will have to make sacrifices and ignore your sorrow for the happiness of the subjects who are your extended family.  Who will look after them if you turn your face away from them?   I am not saying that what Sage Ajanma says would turn out to be true.  I only want you to think over what I said and prevent his foretelling from becoming a reality.  Do you understand me, my child?”

Rishabd took a while to shake his head in the affirmative.  Vasudev was by his side till the time he regained some of his composure.    Thereby asking Rishabd to rest, the King took his leave.

All of them had a disturbed sleep that night owing to this new development.  Vasudev still managed to get some peace of mind thinking about his Lord and doing meditation for a long time.

Early morning, he set out to meet Sage Pradayumna.  He delegated the responsibility of the kingdom to both Abharan and his son.  Later during the day, Manorama visited the Prince and asked him if he had thought over what his father had told him the other night. 

“Whenever I am alone, I think about it.  I am trying to prepare my mind for the worst.  However, I have not yet succeeded in my attempts so far.  It is tough for me, O Mother, to imagine a life without my father.”  The Prince managed to express his feelings with much difficulty and unease.

“My child!” the Queen addressed her son.  “If you truly love your father you must learn to adapt his principles.  For him nothing comes first than duty.  Are you not aware about the great bond that King Bharadwaj and your father share among each other?  Still they parted ways because they respected the call of duty.  You, too, must learn to have such selfless dedication.” 

She paused and contended, “You must realize that your parents are getting old and thus fast approaching the twilight of their lives.” 

Rishabd gave a nod and asked for some time to think in this matter.  The Queen agreed and departed. 

Bharadwaj and Chitralekha wanted to speak with the Prince but decided against it.  After all they were aware that Rishabd was not as attached to them as Vasudev and therefore there was a possibility that he may not take their advice in the right spirit.  They only prayed to God that before they left for their kingdom, which were only a few days away, this impasse got resolved and Vasudev anointed his son as the King. 

Three days later Vasudev returned from his visit.  At that time the Prince was away from the palace to deal with matters related to administration.  Bharadwaj and the two Queens looked at him with anxiety.  “I met the sage and informed him about Ajanmaji’s prediction.  He was surprised to learn that apart from him there was someone else who could look into the future.  At first the sage rubbished Ajanmaji’s prophecy but on my insistence agreed to verify his claim.  He asked me to go back and has assured me that he would himself come here with his findings.”

Everyone was disappointed to learn that this moment of heightened tension and apprehension would   be prolonged till the time the sage arrived.  Later Manorama apprised Vasudev about her meeting with the Prince which the King appreciated.

Soon, Rishabd returned and met his father who made him sit by his side.  “You may take some time to prepare your mind for the inevitable, my son, but after that I want you to give me a promise!   Irrespective of any happening in your personal life, you will always do your duty as a ruler.  If you can promise me this, then no matter what anybody says about your future I can rest assured that my kingdom is in safe hands.  Knowing you all this while I can well conclude that my son will never give me a promise which he knows he cannot fulfill.   I firmly believe that our future lies in our hands.  If we have the determination and will-power, we can change it for the better. 

I met Sage Pradayumna because I wanted to clear Ajanmaji’s name.  I do feel that there is an element of authenticity in his claims and that he was sincere in his intentions.  Therefore, I do not want anyone to raise an accusing finger at him.”

His father’s move thoroughly impressed the Prince.  However, he did not express his appreciation.  The Prince did not want to give any indication that he was still glorifying his father.  “The moment I make up my mind, I will certainly give you the promise you desire!”  He assured. 

 Vasudev grinned and then left the chamber.  He then informed the others about this meeting with his son.

Later, Bharadwaj and Chitralekha sat in their chamber with glum faces.