SYNOPSIS- Satyan 4 - Vasudev Again In Dilemma

Vasudev was still in a dilemma.  He found himself in a similar situation like he was a few years ago regarding the Queen Maitreya imbroglio with Prince Vasu.  However, he had to think quickly and soon made up his mind.  Looking straight in the King’s eyes, he replied, “Yes!  What you heard is correct.  However, let me specify that all that is past, and the Prince has moved on from it.  He now evinces great interest in the kingdom’s affairs.  Had he still had the desire to renounce everything, he would not have fallen in love with your daughter.”

Somaiya smiled wryly at Vasudev.  “I had a brother whose character resembled the Prince.  After marriage he met a Sadhu which eventually changed the priorities of his life.  He renounced everything and began to lead the life of a hermit.  All of us tried to make him understand but it proved futile.  Till the time he breathed his last a few years ago owing to illness he never returned to his family.  After this experience in my life, how do I repose trust in the Prince?  Is there any assurance that he may not resort to his old ways after marrying my daughter?”

Vasudev was highly disturbed to hear this.  He tried to change his visitor’s mind.  “O King, you will agree that I know the Prince better than you.  He will never go against the wishes of his parents.  You consider me to be honest.  Thus, will I do anything to deliberately mislead you?  Believe me when I tell you that the Prince has begun life afresh.”

“O Vasudev, I require some time to think over this.  After Pallavi returns from her short vacation day after tomorrow, I will tell her the facts and learn her mind.”  Folding his hands, the King spoke with regret.  “I am sorry for putting you in this predicament.  Whatever I did was for the sake of my daughter.  After I arrive at a decision, I shall meet King Bharadwaj and convey it to him.”  He left for his kingdom soon thereafter.

Manorama was shocked to see Vasudev sitting in his chamber crestfallen.  “What happened?” she asked in alarm.  Vasudev filled her in with the details.  “O Manorama, this is the second time that I have found myself in such a tight spot with matters relating to Prince Vasu.  My King did not want to tell Somaiyaji about the Prince’s past and see my misfortune!  I have been compelled to confirm his past before the King!  If Somaiyaji rejects this proposal, wouldn’t I be responsible for it?  What would King Bharadwaj and the Queen think about me?”  Vasudev lamented.

Manorama came near him and touched his hand softly.  “Please do not blame yourself for this.  King Somaiya took undue advantage of your honest approach.  Under the circumstances what you did was right.  King Bharadwaj has always appreciated your honesty.  I am sure that he would do so even now.  King Somaiya has asked for some time to think over this matter.  Let us not lose hope and be positive.  Instead of getting upset I feel it would be best if you think about your future course of action.”

These thoughtful words helped Vasudev regain some of his composure.  “You are right, Manorama.  Tell me about my next step.”

“Maharaj, I feel that you should meet King Bharadwaj and inform him about this.  This could give him and his family valuable time to come out with a way to somehow change King Somaiya’s mind should he come there with a negative response.”

“Very well said!  I will go there tomorrow.”  Vasudev decided.

That night, sleep was eluding Vasudev.  He just could not bear any inimical happenings befalling anyone least of all in King Bharadwaj and his family.  Besides a fear troubled him of the Prince yet again losing interest in the kingdom affairs should this marriage not materialize owing to sorrow and frustration.  This thought made him more upset.  He suddenly remembered his Lord Krishna.  Closing his eyes, he sat in deep meditation for some time thinking about his Lord which gave him great relief and peace of mind.  There was now a strong belief that everything would indeed be fine although he did not know how.  He opened his eyes and looked at Manorama who was fast asleep beside him on the bed.  He had a reminiscence of her encouraging words that brought a smile on his face.  He thanked both his Lord and wife and then lay on the bed trying to sleep which gracefully obliged.

The next day Vasudev called a sabha of his ministers where he yet again handed over the kingdom affairs to Abharan.  He met his wife and urged her to take care of her health by taking proper medication during his absence.  “I promise, Maharaj.”  Manorama assured him.  “I want you to cheer up.  After all, with the Lord by your side, why should you worry about anything?”

Vasudev smiled and hugged her.  Thereby, biding her adieu he came out of the palace and greeted his charioteer, Varuna, who was waiting for him in the chariot.  Vasudev mounted the carriage which then raced off to Somnapur.  The entire journey was spent by him in mediation of his Lord that released his stress and anxiety to a great extent.

It was late in the evening when they reached their destination.  King Bharadwaj was delighted to see Vasudev and gave him a very warm welcome.  As they were moving along in the palace, they were joined by Queen Chitralekha and the Prince.  Despite her advancing age, the Queen still looked beautiful.  The Prince, who resembled his father, was very impressive in his charming personality.  Bharadwaj pointed out in a lighter tone, “Did you observe Vasu, Satya?  Isn’t there a sense of excitement and anticipation in his face?  He has been like this ever since he returned from Dwarpanagar.”

The Prince blushed as Vasudev looked at him. It was getting extremely difficult for Vasudev to disclose the purpose of his visit for he did not want to spoil the cheerful atmosphere of the family.  As he wavered to make his next move, Bharadwaj immediately noticed that something was amiss.  “Satya, what is the matter?  Ever since you have come, I have observed that you are not your usual self.”