19 19."The Weighing of Duties"
A more realistic approach to dealing with resentment or negative situations is to focus on personal growth and self-improvement rather than seeking revenge.
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As the afternoon sun ascended into the sky, Yuyutsu and I made our way back to the royal palace, feeling a slight pang of hunger nudging us towards the prospect of lunch. With the sun's warmth enveloping us, we decided that indulging in some fresh mangoes from the royal garden would be a delightful way to satisfy our appetites.
As we began to head in the direction of the garden, a melodic voice suddenly cut through the air, calling out to Yuyutsu, "Brother Yuyutsu." Intrigued, I turned towards the source of the voice and was met with the sight of a captivating girl, approximately my age, clutching a doll with an air of innocence. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and joy as they met mine, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still until Yuyutsu's voice broke the silence.
"Sushala, what brings you here?" he asked, his tone warm and welcoming. Sushala glanced at her brother with a radiant smile and replied, "Brother, I was on my way to the garden to play, but when I saw you heading in that direction, I couldn't resist the opportunity to ask if you'd join me." Yuyutsu nodded understandingly and assured her, "Of course, we're planning to enjoy some mangoes there."
Turning to me with a friendly demeanor, Yuyutsu inquired, "Would you mind if we spend some time playing with Sushala?" I returned his smile and nodded, expressing my agreement. Sushala's gaze shifted to me, and I couldn't help but notice the sparkle in her eyes as she looked at me with genuine interest.
Sushala's innocent curiosity bubbled forth as she posed the question to her brother, "Brother, who is he?" Yuyutsu's smile widened as he indulged her inquiry, gesturing towards me with a playful glint in his eye. "This is my friend Avalok," he began, teasingly adding, "or you can also call him Avalokiteshvara. He hails from the esteemed lineage of the Vidarbha kingdom as its prince."
As Yuyutsu's words washed over us, I couldn't help but offer a friendly smile in Sushala's direction. Her reaction was unexpected yet charming, her cheeks tinted with a delicate blush at the mention of my name. Inside, I couldn't help but wonder at her reaction. 'What's with the blushing? She's just a young girl,' I mused silently to myself, though her bashfulness only added to the intrigue of the moment.
Before long, Yuyutsu's voice interjected, pulling us back to reality. "Let's go," he urged, breaking the spell of our brief interaction. With that, we resumed our leisurely stroll towards the royal garden, the anticipation of enjoying ripe mangoes mingling with the lingering curiosity sparked by Sushala's captivating presence.
Throughout the journey, I couldn't shake the feeling of Sushala's gaze lingering on me, her innocent fascination leaving me both flattered and slightly bemused. It was an unexpected twist to an otherwise ordinary afternoon, leaving me pondering the mysteries hidden within the simple interactions of palace life.
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Inside the serene confines of the Mahadev temple, King Dhritarashtra stood in solemn reverence, pouring milk onto the sacred shivling as he chanted ancient mantras, seeking blessings from the divine. The flickering light of the temple's oil lamps danced across his face, casting a soft glow upon his serene expression.
In the midst of his devotions, the hushed footsteps of Bhishma and Vidur echoed through the temple, drawing Dhritarashtra's attention. Though sightless from birth, his keen senses alerted him to their presence, and he turned his head in their direction, acknowledging their arrival with a nod of his head.
Approaching the shivling with utmost reverence, Bhishma and Vidur folded their hands in prayer, uttering the sacred invocation, "Om namah shivay." Their voices resonated through the sanctum, infusing the air with a sense of divine reverence.
Hearing this Dhritarashtra stepped closer, his expression reflecting a blend of reverence and curiosity. "For Pandu's soul to find peace, I have arranged to venerate Lord Kaleshwar," he explained solemnly to his esteemed guests.
Bhishma nodded in approval, acknowledging the king's noble gesture. "That is indeed commendable, Dhritarashtra" he remarked. "I was just about to suggest the same."
Intrigued by their conversation, Dhritarashtra sought further clarification. "But why would the soul of a virtuous man like Pandu be restless, Taatshree?" he inquired
As Bhishma addressed Dhritarashtra's inquiry with solemnity, he began to expound upon the intricacies of religious tradition. "According to religious texts, until a son performs the final rites, the departed soul lingers in the netherworld. It is essential for the son to marry and experience fatherhood, as this aids in granting salvation to the departed soul," he explained, his voice carrying the weight of ancient wisdom.
Dhritarashtra absorbed Bhishma's words thoughtfully, his brow furrowing in contemplation. "So, the happiness of progeny holds such significance for a father, Taatshree?" he queried, seeking clarification on the profound implications of familial duty.
At this juncture, a moment of tension flickered between Bhishma and Vidur, their expressions momentarily clouded by the weight of their shared experiences and unspoken understanding. In a silent exchange of glances, they conveyed volumes of shared history and mutual respect.
Vidur, ever the voice of reason, interjected with a perspective grounded in the principles of governance and compassion. "Indeed, the happiness of one's subjects is akin to the well-being of a king's own children. A ruler's duty extends beyond familial obligations to encompass the welfare of all those entrusted to his care," he articulated, his tone measured and authoritative.
King Dhritarashtra's words carried a tinge of frustration as he addressed Vidur's response. "Vidur, don't cloak your words in diplomacy. Whenever I speak of my son, you twist religious teachings to suit your own agenda," he accused, his tone tinged with irritation.
Vidur's expression softened, a hint of sadness reflecting in his eyes as he attempted to clarify his intentions. "That's not true, big brother," he countered gently, seeking to dispel the misunderstanding.
Before Vidur could elaborate further, Dhritarashtra cut him off, his voice rising with emotion. "If that's not true, then why do you oppose my son Suyodhana's coronation every time I bring it up?" he demanded, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
The tension in the temple's sanctum thickened as the weight of Dhritarashtra's accusation hung in the air, casting a shadow over their conversation. Vidur's gaze remained steady, his demeanor composed as he prepared to address his brother's concerns with honesty and integrity.
"I am not against Suyodhana, but it's simply not yet time for his coronation," Vidur explained calmly, his voice resonating with wisdom. "As the Bhil women of the Malanchal mountain in the south use sandalwood as fuel, you must understand that rewarding someone prematurely may lead to them not valuing their responsibilities. This could make them neglectful in their duties."
Bhishma approached Dhritarashtra with a sense of serenity, his words carrying a weight of experience and insight. "Recently, news arrived that Mathura's King Kansa was slain by his own nephew," he began, his tone grave. "I trust you are aware of this, my son."
Dhritarashtra nodded solemnly, acknowledging the significance of the recent event.
Bhishma continued, his gaze unwavering. "If a king fails to earn the love and respect of his subjects, his reign is destined to be short-lived," he explained. "Do you wish for Suyodhana to be seen as an incompetent ruler?"
Dhritarashtra's brows furrowed in contemplation as he absorbed Bhishma's words, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Then you must put his abilities to the test, Taatshree," he asserted, seeking assurance that his son's potential would be properly evaluated.
Bhishma nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging the king's request. "Before that can happen, I must appoint a suitable teacher for the prince. It is imperative that all of them undergo rigorous training at the Gurukul to hone their abilities," he explained, his voice firm with resolve.
Understanding the importance of proper preparation, Dhritarashtra turned to Vidur with a decisive nod. "Vidur, arrange for their enrollment at the Gurukul without delay. However, once their training is complete, Suyodhana must be crowned king," he instructed, his tone firm and unwavering.
A sense of resignation washed over Bhishma as he sighed deeply, recognizing the weight of the decision ahead. "After they have completed their training, the most deserving prince will ascend the throne. That is my solemn promise," he affirmed, his gaze meeting Dhritarashtra's with unwavering determination.
Dhritarashtra's smile of gratitude conveyed his acceptance of Bhishma's commitment, yet there was a hint of apprehension in his eyes. Bhishma's final words served as a reminder of the delicate balance between familial loyalty and the responsibilities of kingship. "But you must judge them all impartially, as a king, not as a father," Bhishma cautioned, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom.
Dhritarashtra's departure left a palpable tension lingering in the air, prompting Vidur to approach Bhishma with a thoughtful expression etched upon his features. "It's fortunate that we've postponed the coronation," he remarked, his tone reflective. "Not long ago, Adhiratha came to me with news that Karna intends to seek tutelage from Prabhu Parashurama. What are your thoughts on this, Taatshree?"
Bhishma's gaze turned inward as he contemplated the implications of Karna's decision. "I can only hope that Prabhu Parashurama accepts him as a student," he replied, his voice tinged with a sense of uncertainty. "However, there are questions that weigh heavily on my mind, questions that I wish to pose to him."
Vidur's brow furrowed in concern as he sought clarification. "You mean Prince Avalok," he surmised, his tone tinged with understanding.
Bhishma let out a weary sigh, acknowledging the truth in Vidur's words. "Yes," he conceded, his expression betraying a mix of apprehension and resolve. The mention of Avalok's name served as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding his upbringing and lineage, prompting Bhishma to contemplate the role Avalok might play in the unfolding events.
As they exchanged these words in the tranquil confines of the temple, the weight of their shared responsibilities hung heavy upon them. The fate of Hastinapur and its future rulers rested in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming days would shape the course of history for generations to come.
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