THE TWIN BROTHERS
-6. A Grand Event

“Chandrakanth could be right!”  King Salya pointed out.  “A couple of months ago, King Suketu was seriously ill so much so that no physician from his kingdom could even find out as to what he was suffering from.  On request, a physician was called for from another kingdom who not only diagnosed it but also cured it by his medicines.  An interesting aspect to note is the fact that Suketu did not have good relations with this neigbbouring kingdom from where the physician had come.  May be this incident changed his attitude and character.”  The King paused and said, “Allright, Chandra!  We will go and attend this sports event next week.”

Both Queen Janaki and Suryakanth agreed to what the King had decided.  However, the jealousy brewing in the heart of Suryakanth against his brother was mounting!

It was decided that they would start a day before the event and reach Devnagiri by evening on the same day.  “One thing you must always bear in mind is that you should never start in the afternoon or evening to reach that kingdom and also while you start from there.  The reason being that there is a very long stretch of a narrow road that is surrounded by jungles on both sides which you have to pass.  If you get stranded there in the evening, it could prove to be dangerous.  There is no other route to reach Devnagiri.”  The others nodded their head in understanding.

Unfortunately, the very next day, Janaki fell ill.  On examining her, the palace physician told that there was nothing serious and she should be fine in a week provided she took proper rest and had the medicines he gave her.  With the Queen indisposed, King Salya decided that he wouldn’t leave her and go to Devnagiri.  Suryakanth, too, followed suit and decided that he would stay back and look after mother.  Chandrakanth supported his brother’s decision, “While brother will look after mother, you can look after the kingdom affairs, father.  Please do not worry about my safety.  I will go to Devnagiri and return in three days.”  His parents consented. 

The day after this, at the behest of his father, Suryakanth went to a King of a nearby kingdom for collecting some dues which was outstanding for quite some time.  Salya wanted back the money he had lent to this King for he wanted to use it for some developmental purposes.  Suryakanth returned with the money only the next day.  “I was expecting you yesterday evening, Surya!” the King said.

“I am sorry, father.  That King delayed in making this payment!”  Suryakanth reasoned.

“I will never offer him any loans in the future!  When you take some money, you should also have the grace to return it on time!”  the king fumed.  “Anyway, well done, Surya!  I am happy that you have brought back this money!”

The Queen was feeling much better as the day on which Chandrakanth was to leave for Devnagiri dawned.  The physician wanted her to take rest for a few more days before she began with her normal activities.

Chandrakanth took the blessings of his family and wishing his mother a speedy recovery set out in his chariot to Devnagiri.  Chandrakanth looked magnificent in his glittering crown, youthful face that was an embodiment of amity and serenity. He also had a menacing bow in his hand.  As his chariot passed by, the people waved out to him and he responded in a similar way with an endearing smile.

It was by noon that Chandrakanth’s chariot reached that stretch of the narrow road, which was surrounded by jungles on both the sides.  There was not a soul around and an eerie silence that prevailed brought a sense of uneasiness to the heart of the Prince and his charioteer, Manu.  Chandrakanth was already cautioned by his father regarding this area and hence stayed on guard.  His charioteer also drove in great speed and they crossed this path without any danger!

King Suketu welcomed Chandrakanth with open arms and made all arrangements for his comfortable stay in the palace.  It was plain that not many had taken his offer for friendship seriously, as there were very few who had come to attend this occasion.  When Chandrakanth got a chance to meet the King in person, he learnt as to how he had changed himself so much.  Just like King Salya had pointed out, Suketu’s illness and his subsequent rehabilitation due to the medicines of a physician of another kingdom with whom he did not maintain good relations brought about a change in his character and attitude.  From that moment he had decided to lead a life of peace and maintain friendly relations with everyone.  After much thought, he had decided to hold this sports event to not only show everyone the immense talent of the many sportspersons in his kingdom but also extend his hand for friendship with all those rulers with whom he had stained relations in the past.  Chandrakanth was highly impressed to see his transformation.  King Suketu was concerned to learn that Queen Janaki was ill.  He prayed to the Lord for her speedy recovery.

The next day was the grand event where all the audiences were seated in a very huge sports arena and were witness to a grand spectacle.