8 8."Promise of Friendship: Echoes of Divine Guidance"

"In life's ocean, the shallow seek revenge, the strong anchor in forgiveness, while the wise sail above, unaffected by the waves of conflict."

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Avalok's POV

"I am Ashwatthama," he said, and I asked him, "My friend, what an interesting name you have. But what is the meaning of your name?" Hearing my question, he replied shyly, "My name 'Ashwatthama' is derived from two words: 'Ashwa,' meaning horse, and 'thama,' meaning the one who is most powerful or untamed. So, Ashwatthama's name translates to 'the one who is as powerful as a horse' or 'the one who is like a horse.'"

'Most powerful, huh? But two minutes ago, those children were beating you. But Ashwatthama, huh? I guess I've found the person I am looking for. He also has a gem embedded in his forehead. If I remember correctly, he is the son of Dronacharya, the royal guru (teacher) to the Kauravas and Pandavas, and Kripi, the sister of Kripacharya. He is a formidable warrior, trained in warfare and martial arts by his father, Dronacharya.

He was skilled in various weapons, including the mace, sword, bow, and arrow. His prowess in battle was legendary, and he was considered one of the greatest warriors of his time. That's why I am looking for him. If I can make him my friend, he can become great support for me in the future. I know it's a selfish act, but I have to do it, not only for me but also for him,' I thought.

"But thank you for saving me, Avalok, from those boys. They always do this to me, but I can't do anything," he said, making a sad face. Seeing him like that, I said, "Sometimes life throws obstacles at us, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Just take it as a test that life is giving you to make you stronger. So, don't think too much. One day, they will understand what they are doing. If they don't understand, then make them understand. Be strong so no one can question you."

Hearing what I said, he became a little cheered up, and then I asked, "So you didn't know how milk tastes, huh?" Hearing my question, he answered, "My father is a poor Brahmin Sage, so we don't have that much money to buy milk. When I asked those children how milk tastes, they started to make fun of me, saying those things."

Hearing what he said, I asked him, "Why do you want to know how milk tastes, and why did you come here at this time of sunset? You are supposed to do puja at this time, as you are a Brahmin." After a little hesitation, he answered, "This morning, when I went out to play with my friends, they were talking about how delicious cow's milk is. But I've never tasted cow milk because we are poor, and we don't have a cow. When I went home, I asked my mother what milk is and if I can taste it. When I asked her, she went and came up with a glass and gave it to me. She said, 'Drink it.' My father was also there at that time, but he didn't say anything, so I drank it. It didn't taste good. After that, I went out again to play with my friends, and I told them that milk is not that good. Hearing what I said, they started to laugh at me and said I was lying, that I didn't drink milk and said that milk is good. Hearing this, I went home again and asked my mother if she really gave me milk. She didn't say anything, so I understood that she was telling a lie. So, I ran away from home."

Hearing what he said, I replied, "Ashwatthama, you know that your family is poor, so you can't drink milk. But you didn't understand how a loving mother could refuse such a simple request from her dear child. Your mother was helpless at that time, Ashwatthama. How could she refuse your little request? I think she mixed flour with water to create a white-colored liquid which she called milk and gave it to you. You have to understand she did that so you wouldn't feel sad or down."

Hearing what I said, he became even more sad. Suddenly an idea hit me, and I said, "Do you really want to drink milk?" "Yes," he answered. "But I can't give you milk for free. You have to work for me," I said. He asked, "Why can't you give me milk for free?" "Because people don't appreciate what they receive for free. But when they have to work for it, they understand the value of what they get. So, are you ready or not?" Hearing what I said, he replied, "Yes, I am ready. What do I have to do?" "Nothing much, my friend. Do you see that mango tree over there? You just have to collect eight mangoes for me, and then I'll give you milk, okay?" Hearing what I asked, he said, "Okay," and started to run in the direction of the mango tree. After some time, he came back carrying eight mangoes. Seeing this, I said, "Okay, you did a good job. Let's go and get you some milk." After saying that, I took him to where I was resting and gave him a bucket full of milk.

And said, "Ashwatthama, as a Brahmin, your father can only provide you with the things he acquires from alms. You can be an obedient son and be satisfied with what you have by following the teachings of Maa Santoshi (Goddess of Satisfaction). It is your father's dharma to not desire anything more than he is offered. Even though your desire is purely out of harmless curiosity, it can potentially influence him to do something he shouldn't."

"Also... This world is for everyone. The Kshatriyas, the Brahmins, the Vaishyas, and the Sutas—these varnas are only reflections of an individual's character. It doesn't matter which of them you want to be. The sacred Vedas never discriminated between us. If your family's financial condition isn't good, you can earn what you want. If you are capable, wise, and brave, nothing can stop you from achieving what you desire!"

"Why beg from others? Didn't Narayan say that no one gets anything for nothing? One has to do the work/karma equivalent to what he wants. He never forces others. We get what we work for. Dronacharya Ji is following his own dharma of being a Brahmin."

"And also, after going home, say sorry to your mother for what you did. Do you understand, my friend?"

Hearing what I asked, he answered, "Yes, Avalok, I understand. I'm definitely going to do hard work, and after going home, I will surely apologize to my mother. But Avalok, you are calling me 'my friend,' so are we friends now?" After hearing what he said, I replied, "Yes, Ashwatthama, we are friends, always and forever. In the near future, if you need any guidance, just remember your friend."

"Yes, from now on, Ashwatthama and Avalok are best friends. I will never betray you, my friend. I promise you that on the name of Mahadev."

After hearing what he said, I started to think, 'Ashwatthama is a young, naive, and curious child. However, he will never force his wishes on his parents. Being their child, he has felt the amount of love and care they have towards him. Despite their poor conditions, Acharya Drona and Devi Kripi have always sacrificed their own portions of food for him. Even though he only tastes food, they have never provided him with anything less. Sometimes, the couple slept with empty stomachs, yet they provided enough for him. And now, he promises me on the name of Shiva. I think he knows the weight of his promise, huh?' After that, we talked a little more, and then he left. At that time, an ashram student came and said, "Prince Avalok, the food is ready. King Bhismaka and Maharishi Bharadwaja are asking about you. Please come with me." "Okay," I replied. After saying that, I started to follow him, but seriously, I'm hungry after doing all of this, huh?

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At the same time, in another part of the ashram, a small hut stood. Outside, a beautiful woman sat with a motherly aura surrounding her, waiting for someone and lost in thought. Just then, someone approached her and asked, "Kripi, why are you waiting outside, and where is Ashwatthama?" It was none other than Dronacharya himself. Hearing Dronacharya's question, Devi Kripi replied warily, "Swami (husband), after the afternoon incident about the milk, you left. After some time, Ashwatthama returned and asked me if the milk I gave him was really milk or not. I couldn't answer his question, and upon seeing that, he ran away. It's been quite some time, but he hasn't returned. I am worried about him."

Hearing his wife's words, Dronacharya replied, "Don't take too much pressure on yourself, Kripi. He is just a kid. I'm sure he is playing nearby. And remember, Kripi, in this Aryavart, no one has the power to harm the son of Prabhu Parashurama's disciple, Dronacharya. If someone wants to harm my son, they have to fight me first."

"But, Swami," just as Devi Kripi was about to speak, they heard Ashwatthama's voice, "Mother, Father, I am home." Seeing him coming, Devi Kripi warily started to ask questions, "Where have you been, Ashwatthama? Did something happen to you? Please, tell me." Seeing this, Dronacharya said, "Calm down, Kripi, he is alright." After that, he looked at Ashwatthama and asked, "Ashwatthama, what is in your hand?" "This is milk, Father," Ashwatthama replied.

Hearing this, Dronacharya remembered the afternoon incident and quickly said, "Where did you get this, Ashwatthama? If you asked someone to give it to you, then we don't need it. Give it back to that person." Hearing this, Ashwatthama hurriedly said, "Father, I didn't ask anyone. I earned it by doing work for my friend." Dronacharya asked, "A friend of yours? Who is he, and what does he do?"

Ashwatthama replied, "His name is Avalok. I heard someone saying he is an important guest that Maharishi Bharadwaja received today. I met him, and he said if I am a Brahmin and my father can only provide me with what he acquired from alms, I should be satisfied with that. He also said this world is for everyone. If my family's financial condition isn't good, I can earn what I want. He said if you are capable, wise, and brave, nothing can stop you from achieving what you desire."

Hearing this, Dronacharya started to think, 'What great thoughts and wise words. If what Ashwatthama is saying is true, then this must be the divine child that Maharishi Bharadwaja was talking about. I should meet that child.' Just as he was thinking this, Ashwatthama said, "Mother, Father, I already drank my portion of milk. This remaining is for you, and Mother, sorry for what I did this afternoon; it was wrong."

Hearing this, tears welled up in Dronacharya and Devi Kripi's eyes. Devi Kripi emotionally said, "Yes, my dear child, thank you. Now, let's go inside; it's time for dinner." Hearing this, the family of three started to go inside, but Dronacharya was already thinking something, 'I think it's time to meet my old friend, Drupada.'

(A/N I am posting two chapters because I don't have work and college today and we also reach ten thousand views thank you)

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