THE TWIN BROTHERS
-10. A Repentant Brother

Chandrakanth continued, “…I was going to take up this matter with you, brother.  I felt that this hour is the most appropriate time to talk with you in this regard for we could speak without any interference.  Just then you came here.”  He shrugged his shoulders and said wiping his tears, “I am unfortunate that despite always holding you in high reverence, I could never win upon your love and affection.” Suryakanth was filled with penitence over his wrongdoing.  Explaining his side of the story, he said, “Right from childhood I had this feeling in me that everyone loved you more than me.  Due to this, I always despised and envied you.  When parents decided to offer you Panchmahal, I felt that they, too, like others loved you more than me which is why they are snatching a territory, which rightfully belonged to me, and giving it to you.  This was something I could not tolerate.   I tried to change father’s mind but in vain. Although he maintained that he wanted both of us to be Kings of this kingdom only because we were twins, I was not convinced.  I returned to my chambers very upset after my conversation with father.  I felt that I would never be able to live happily and have peace of mind as long as you are alive.  In my jealousy that was brimming against you, I took the extreme decision of killing you.  When it was decided that you will go alone to Devnagiri, an idea struck me.  If you are killed in that route that is surrounded by jungle on both sides, it will appear as if some wild animal has made you it’s victim and no one will ever suspect me.  From father’s description, I formed an idea of that road in my mind.  Still, I wanted to see that lane personally.  When father asked me to go to a nearby kingdom for collecting some dues, I first went to this stretch of the road due to which I was delayed and returned only the next day.  I had a very good look at this road and was satisfied to see that it actually resembled with the picture I had in my mind.  I even climbed some trees to see if I can get a clear view of the road and felt happy when I found that I could!  Thereby, I construed a plan to kill you.  I employed Viraaj for this task not only because he was my most trusted aide and an excellent archer but also because he was an expert in knowing places.  You already know what I told him.  I wanted him to burn the slain bodies of you and the charioteer so that no one ever finds out what happened to both of you!  I asked him to leave the chariot for even if it returned back to our kingdom without both of you, it would not pose any threat to me.  I could have  killed you when you were going to Devnagiri but did not intend to do so.  You were eager to see that sports event and thus I wanted to fulfil your last wish!  When father told me about King Rajendra’s proposal and his wish to make you the ruler of his kingdom, suddenly I had a feeling in my heart, which hurt me.  I felt that here was father who was making so many attempts to secure his younger son’s future and here was I who had conspired to kill him.  This feeling made me feel sad and I got restless.  I began to feel that I should not have taken such a step so as to kill you.  Thus, when I saw you I was not only shocked but also had a feeling of happiness in my mind that things did not work out as planned.  O Chandra!  Today I have seen what a great soul you are!  You have so much respect for our parents and after all that I did to you, you thought of not degrading me in their eyes!  Today I remember those golden words spoken by our guru.  He had told me that just like we would have never known the brilliance of the sun if it always hid behind the clouds, so also people would not know the noble qualities we possess unless we display them.  You did that and therefore were always loved and respected by everyone.  On the contrary, I always showed my jealousy towards you and hated others who were close to you due to which I was sidelined.  If you were loved by others more than me, then the mistake entirely lies with me.   Please pardon me, O brother!”  Suryakanth concluded with moist eyes.  “I will pardon you, brother.  But you must promise me that you will never indulge in such evil activities and insult the teachings of our guru.”  said the noble Chandrakanth.

“I promise!” responded Suryakanth and clasped his brother’s hand.

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Sage Suryananda who was narrating this story concluded, “Soon the brothers married the daughters of King Rajendra and settled down in their respective kingdoms.  The guilt in the heart of Suryakanth for trying to kill his brother proved to be a nightmare as it troubled him throughout his life.  He had promised Chandrakanth that he will never tell about this incident to anyone and silently suffered for his wrongdoing in his heart.

So you saw the harmful effects of getting jealous of others, children?  Always think positive, be sincere and love others which is the hallmark of a pure and selfless soul.  Also, this story highlights that getting education under a reputed teacher would serve little purpose if the students are not inclined to learn and grasp what the guru preaches.  Another factor is that never turn down an offer for friendship.  After all, friendship is a wonderful medium through which we can spread the message of love and harmony.  Last but not the least, learn to pardon people who have realised their mistakes, even if they are your worst enemies.”

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