Geetha Krishnan's Blog, page 27

An Unexpected Twist…. Chapter One

The moonlight streamed down into the clearing. The flickering light of the fire fell on the brooding face of the man who sat by it.

He was not a young man but not old either. Dark complexioned and handsome, he was dressed simply and wore no ornaments. A knot of hair held a peacock feather which swayed in the breeze.

His name was Krishna and his name was equally reviled and revered among the people of Aryavarta.

A slight noise claimed his attention. He gazed lazily at the man who lay near him. This was a slightly older man, who had been trussed up in a way that made movement impossible. He was unconscious, though he was stirring.

He was a fair skinned man, dressed equally simply. He was well muscled and was strikingly handsome.

He moved his head from side to side and Krishna rose, stretched himself and walked to the other side of the fire.

The older man opened his eyes, though his glance was hazy and unfocussed. He shook his head as if to clear it. He frowned as he realized he was bound. He strained as if to break the ropes which bound him, but failed.

“They won’t break.” Said Krishna calmly.

The captive frowned and a look of fury was on his face as he looked at Krishna.

“What game are you playing?” He grated out. “Where am I? Why have you brought me here?”

“Game?” Krishna queried. “Game was what you played with your cousins, Suyodhana. Game was what you tried to play with me, you and your father. But I am ending all your games today. You refused to adhere to the terms of the game that you played. Well, I am changing the rules now.”

“Do you think that by capturing me you could force me to change my mind?” There was contempt in Suyodhana’s voice.

“Oh no,” replied Krishna. “I know you too well. But I also know your father, who incidentally is still the King. If he gets a whiff that you are my captive, he himself shall yield to your cousins what is rightfully theirs.”

The truth of it stuck Suyodhana forcibly. It was like a physical blow. He strove again to break the ropes which bound him, but to no avail. He glared at Krishna.

“Like a coward, you keep me bound! You don’t even dare face me in battle? My cousins are so cowardly that they have stooped to this trick to get their Kingdom back?”

Krishna threw back his head and laughed. The sound of that laughter raised goosebumps in Suyodhana.

“This from the man who tried to capture an unarmed messenger!” Krishna’s voice held mockery.

“Was your capture of me any less cowardly?” Fumed Suyodhana. “You did not even dare to-” he stopped abruptly as memory of how he was captured returned.

Krishna had got into his room and they had fought. They had fought with swords and then with maces and then with their bare arms. And Krishna had defeated him.

He frowned. It had felt to him as if every bone in his body was broken before he lost consciousness. But now there was no pain. He wondered how much time would have elapsed since he became a prisoner.

“Only a few hours,” Krishna spoke. “And I healed you before bound you.”

Suyodhana wondered for a fleeting moment whether the rumours about this man’s supernatural powers were true. Then he dismissed it. The man was a magician. It must have been due to some trick that he was defeated.

“What is this place?” He asked more to break the silence than anything else. “Where am I?”

“You are still within the borders of your own Kingdom, Prince. But please do not expect a rescue. No one shall find you. No one shall find this place.”

“You seem certain,” muttered Suyodhana.

“I am certain.” Replied Krishna.

“And do you think Yudhistira is going to accept the Kingdom once he finds out what has happened?” Jeered Suyodhana. “He shall tell you to return me to my father and all your efforts shall be in vain.”

“True. Which is why he is not going to know. All your cousins will learn is that my efforts at peace had been successful. And they are never going to learn otherwise.”

“Not unless you kill me!” Snapped Suyodhana.

“You were always one to cut off your nose to spite your face, so I am not surprised. However, I am not worried about what you shall say afterwards. Once Yudhistira is installed on the throne of Indraprastha, nothing you say is going to make him give it up again. I personally shall ensure that.”

“Vasusena shall find me.” It was more hope than belief.

“I certainly hope he does. In fact, I have a good mind to let him find you.” Krishna’s smile was a smirk now and Suyodhana felt a dread grip him. He prayed Vasusena would not walk into any traps.

“Don’t worry,” said Krishna softly. “I shall certainly not lure him into any traps. He shall brave anything to save you, so he shall be my messenger to your father.”

Suyodhana made no answer. He was exhausted. It occurred to him that his exhaustion was not natural. But he was unable to help himself as he fell into a deep swoon.

Krishna looked down at his unconscious captive.

“Sleep well, Suyodhana,” he murmured as he sat down again and returned to whatever he was contemplating.

What if….. Epilogue

Vasusena was feeling irritable and moody. He was not a prisoner, but he felt like one. Neither his father nor his brothers told him anything about the war or its progress.

“Want to play a game of dice?” Asked Dharma. “It might calm your nerves.”

“I thought playing dice was a sin,” he muttered as he reluctantly took his seat.

“Gambling is a sin,” remarked Dharma. “A friendly game of dice with your brother now, is an entirely different thing.”

“Yea, I saw how that turned out for your son, back on earth,”

“You are always sarcastic,” complained Dharma.

“Habit,” said Vasusena, smiling. “And I know you are acting.”

“Me?” Dharma sounded injured. “I am Dharma. And you are accusing me of play acting?”

“If the glove fits,” said Vasusena, laughing.

“At least you still know how to laugh,” Dharma smiled.

Vasusena stopped laughing, sobering as he was reminded of his situation. But before he could open his mouth, a familiar voice rang out. “For a deva, you are singularly tactless, Dharma.”

Vasusena did not know how Krishna reached there. But he knew that Krishna might help him get back. He jumped up, upsetting the dice board and scattering the pieces.

“Krishna!” Exclaimed he, “you have to help me get back!”

“That’s exactly why I am here,” said Krishna as he bent down to pick up the dice pieces.

“Leave that,” said Dharma, impatiently. “Has father agreed to let him go?”

“I would hardly be here otherwise,” Krishna’s voice was bland.

“What’s happening in the war?” Demanded Vasusena.

“Bloodthirsty, aren’t you?” Observed Dharma.

“And you call me sarcastic,” muttered Vasusena.

“Well, about the war,” said Krishna, “your friend has decided to make peace with your brothers. He felt he really could not try and put a period to the existence of his friend’s brothers.”

“He knows?” Vasusena went pale.

“He knows. And so does your family. Which includes your extended family.”

“And he decided to make peace?” Vasusena did not notice the reference to the family. That Suyodhana had decided for peace for his sake made him feel overwhelmed.

“You should have told him,” said Krishna softly. “You should have had more faith in him.”

“I had faith in him,” said Vasusena. “But I couldn’t ask it of him. You should know that.”

“I do.” Krishna’s voice was gentle.

“Wait a minute,” said Vasusena as he remembered Krishna’s earlier words. “You said my family too knows.”

“Yes,”

“Is there anyone who doesn’t know?”

“Except for the Kurus, which now includes you and yours, no one else knows. And Suyodhana and Vrishasena were both very insistent that no public announcement be made without your permission.”

“Thank God!”

“You are not going to give permission, are you?”

Vasusena shook his head.

“Well, I must give you fair warning before we return to earth, that I am very determined to see you as King of a united Kuru Kingdom. And I generally manage to get what I want,”

“There’s always an exception.” Said Vasusena. “However, let’s save the arguments for when we’re back on earth.”

Krishna nodded. “You are right.”

Vasusena turned to his brother, “Farewell,” said he.

Dharma inclined his head. “Until we meet again, brother. After all, you have to come to me some day.”

Vasusena smiled at that, but his heart was light.

“Bloodthirsty, aren’t you?” He grinned.

What if…. Chapter Sixteen

“You’re not being fair,” Krishna pointed out. Suryadeva scowled, but made no answer.

“You have to bring him back,” pressed Krishna again.

“I don’t trust this peace,” muttered the Deva.

Krishna sighed. “Had you taken him with you when his mother abandoned him, that would have been fair. But what you did was neither befitting a Deva nor a father.”

“I didn’t want to lose my son!”

“No father does. I understand that. But you can’t live his life for him. Nor can you shield him from every danger.”

“You sound as if I’ve been shielding him all his life,” Surya’s voice was dry.

“Maybe not directly. But you did give him a shield.”

“That is no longer in place, thanks to the King of Devas.”

“So you decided to take him to your world?”

“If I had not, he might have been dead by now!”

“He’s human, he’s mortal. He has to die someday!” Exclaimed Krishna.

“Someday, yes. But you and I both know what would have happened!” Surya’s voice held suppressed rage. “And if you expect that I was going to stand by and let that happen to him, you’ve another thought coming!”

“You didn’t stand by and watch. You took matters into your own hands!”

“I told you what I was going to do. You didn’t exactly object.”

“There was little else I could do, considering the alternative.”

“Don’t tell me you anticipated this end.”

“Oh but I did. Which is why I let you take him in the first place. I have more faith in your son’s friend than he himself does.” He paused. “But all this is beside the point. Vasusena has a life back on earth. You have to return him.”

Surya was silent for a long while. Then he bowed his head and nodded. “As you wish.”

Jaya! The Song of Victory…. Prologue

Prologue

“Why did you do it?” The sage’s voice held resignation rather than anger. He sounded tired. He was tired.

The man on the throne smiled. “He knew the truth. He had to be silenced. The others were…. collateral damage.”

The sage stared at the man, aghast. He should not have been surprised. He’d lived long enough and seen a lot of human nature to be surprised by anything. But this man was beyond his comprehension.

“Is that why you wanted to see me?” He asked quietly. “To kill me too? I too know the truth.”

“I did consider it. But no. I have a better idea.” The King paused. “I heard you’ve taken in four new disciples.”

There was a moment of silence. The sage felt a sliver of fear pierce his heart. He was not frightened for himself. But the four youngsters did not deserve to die for his mistakes.

“Someone told me their names,” the King intoned. “Paila, Vaisambayana, Jaimini and Sumantu. Do I have it right?”

“What do you want from me?”

The King smiled. “Finish the song you composed for my victory. And that song shall be all the history the future generations will know. None shall ever know the truth.”

“You want me to lie.”

“You have already lied, old man. That song is full of lies already. I just want you to finish what you started. But there is no compulsion. Paila accompanied you here, I believe.”

The sage stared at the King, petrified, as the the full import of what he’d done penetrated to his brain.

“All right,” the sage whispered. “But remember, Yudhistira. The truth shall come out some day. You say I lied? No, O King. I have embellished the truth, it’s true. But my song remains true in facts. But I shall lie since you give me no option. But posterity is not to be fooled easily. They shall read between the lines. And people will see you for what you really are!”

Yudhistira smiled. “I don’t think so. They might conjecture, but none shall ever know. You shall take care of that.”

The sage stared at the man a long time. Then he turned around and walked out. He was bent, tired. He was a broken man.

“What have we done?” He muttered to himself. “What have we done?”

But no answer came from anywhere. And Vyasa knew for certain that he would need to bury the truth. Not even his disciples could be told. For their own safety, they had to be told a lie.

Vyasa straightened as he passed the palace gates. He was not going to be defeated. Yudhistira might force him to write a false account, but he would sprinkle enough facts in it to throw doubts in a listener. And someday, people might notice them and start questioning the story. That was the only way. But he would need to be careful. Yudhistira was clever. He should not be made to suspect the truth.

He sat down in Padmasana. He had to calm himself. He had to concentrate. He had to remember one last time the true story of the Kurus. And then, he had to rewrite it.

What if…. Chapter Fifteen

Vrishasena was bemused as the young men introduced themselves. Or rather, Ghatotkacha the eldest performed introductions. The others were plainly nervous.

He led them to his tent and offered them refreshments which they accepted gratefully.

“How many of you are there?” He asked.

“Er.. Just us, and four more. They are not here.” It was Prativindhya who answered.

“I see.”

An uncomfortable silence fell.

Abhimanyu cleared his throat. “So, how many brothers do you have?”

“Three, not counting you lot,” he replied. “They are all back in Anga now.”

“Maybe someday, we can come to Anga and meet them?” Asked Niramitra.

“That’ll depend on my father, but I don’t think he’ll object,” Vrishasena replied.

“We,” Prativindhya paused as he fidgeted with the goblet in his hand. “We wondered if you would come to Indraprastha someday.”

“Is that an invitation?”

They all nodded together.

“If that invitation is endorsed by your fathers, then certainly, I shall come.”

“Good,” said Abhimanyu. “You shall be in time for my baby’s birth then!”

“Baby?”

Abhimanyu nodded. “Uttara is pregnant,” said he proudly.

“Didn’t waste much time, did you?” Vrishasena asked.

The rest burst into laughter even as colour flooded Abhimanyu’s cheeks. But the tension among them dissolved in the laughter.

“I have a son too,” said Ghatotkacha. “He’s still in the camp.”

“Why didn’t you bring him over then?”

“I will, next time,” Ghatotkacha beamed. “Do you have any children?”

“Two, a son and a daughter. They are twins,”

“How old are they?” Asked Sutasoma.

“A few months old,” he replied with a reminiscent smile.

“Then we have to come to Anga. We have to wrangle an invitation from our uncle somehow!”

Vrishasena smiled, but was silent. His father might not object to his nephews, but the history of enmity with his uncles was not going to be washed away in one day or many. It was going to take a long time.

What if…. Chapter Fourteen

Prativindhya was nervous as he followed his uncle Suyodhana. They had no difficulty recognizing Vrishasena from the two who were sparring. He was grateful that Vrishasena was busy. Now that they were here, he could not think of a single thing to say to the older man.

It had seemed like a good idea to come and meet their new found older brother. They had discussed among themselves and had decided to come and meet him. But it was not so easy.

“Nervous?” Murmured Sutasoma. He always knew whenever his brother was tensed. Prativindhya had a habit of chewing on his lower lip when he was nervous.

“A bit,” Prativindhya muttered.

“I am quaking,” said Sutasoma. “Why are we here, again?”

“We came to meet our new found brother,” muttered Abhimanyu, breathing heavily. “He looks like a normal human being, then why are we so nervous?”

Srutakirti chuckled. “He’s good with the sword too.”

“Do we have to do this?” Asked Suhotra plaintively.

“Why did we come here then?” Asked Satanika.

“Maybe we should run,” suggested Niramitra.

“From what?” Asked Srutakarma.

“You are worse than children,” muttered Ghatotkacha, as he moved forward.

“Wait a while,” said Suyodhana as he moved into the practice arena. The two young men stopped sparring. Suyodhana held out his hand to Vrishasena.

“You have some visitors,” he said. “Why don’t you go and meet them while I teach this cub of mine a few tricks?”

Lakshmana’s face lit up and Vrishasena put his sword in Suyodhana’s hand.

He moved out of the practice arena, picking up his uttariya from the fence and wiping his face with it.

What if…. Chapter Thirteen

Suyodhana frowned as he looked at the young men who stood in front of them. They looked uncomfortable and fidgeted a lot, but that did not stop his frown.

“What are you here for, again?” His voice was mild.

“We want to meet Vrishasena,” the voice was steady and the eyes met his without wavering. Suyodhana admired the courage.

“You are Prativindhya, aren’t you?”

The young man nodded. Suyodhana’s eyes moved over his companions. The sons of the Pandavas. Turning out in full force to meet Vrishasena. They probably considered him as the newest addition to their ranks, thought he.

He could recognize Sutasoma, son of Bheema. Ghatotkacha standing behind all, was just as easily recognizable. The two sons of Arjuna, Abhimanyu and Srutakirti were flanking Prativindhya and Sutasoma. Satanika and Niramitra, the two sons of Nakula stood just behind, with Srutakarma and Suhotra, the sons of Sahadeva behind them.

Suyodhana could have turned them away. Till Vasusena came back, he had the right. But he did not. His enmity was with their fathers, and that too he had willingly forsaken.

“Come,” said he. Not that he liked traipsing along with them, but he had not seen Vrishasena since he came back from Anga. The boy had arrived late in the evening and he had not wanted to disturb him. And this morning, there had been no time and as soon as he was free, this group of young men had come.

Suyodhana did not stop to think of why, in his mind, he thought of Vrishasena as a boy though he was older to all these youths except Ghatotkacha.

They reached Vrishasena’s tent. Vrishasena was not there, a guard told him. He was in the practice grounds.

Suyodhana was not surprised. The armies of Anga were the first to be demobilized and sent home. Vrishasena really had nothing to do in the camp these days.

Suyodhana smiled softly and with pride as he saw Vrishasena sparring with Lakshmana. The two boys were quite frequently in each other’s company owing to their fathers’ friendship. They had developed a camaraderie, though Suyodhana doubted if it would ever grow into the kind of relation he and Vasusena shared.

Vrishasena was more than a sparring partner, he was also correcting the younger man and shouting out instructions and encouragement. Suyodhana remembered he used to do the same to his own brothers.

Thank God we are all alive to see this day, thought he suddenly.

What if…. Chapter Twelve

Vrishasena was riding back to camp. He had taken his mother and the others back to Anga. His grandparents had to be told the truth of his father’s parentage too. They were not happy. His uncle too was not happy.

Vrishasena had assured them that the truth would not change anything. They might have an extended family now, but that was all. They were not easily comforted, but he told them Krishna had assured that without Vasusena’s consent, the truth would not be made public. They seemed relieved at that.

Vrishasena was happy to have gone home for a few days. The demobilization of troops was not yet complete. As such, he had time. He was glad to get the opportunity to spend time with his children. The twins were not old enough to know him, though they seemed to recognize his face and voice.

He sighed deeply. In spite of the way their lives had changed due to revealing of this hidden truth, he could only be thankful that the war had been averted. And they had King Suyodhana to thank for that. Had he remained obdurate, had his friendship not been stronger than his ambition, the war might have happened and his father might never have come back. As it was, they all had a chance for a fresh start now.

He grimaced as he thought of the Panadavas. He honestly hoped he and his brothers might not have to stay with them. Of course, there was not much danger of that since he could safely predict his father’s decision. It was not likely that his father would choose to be a part of the Pandava household even if he had no choice in being part of their family.

Lucky we could all choose our friends, though there’s no choice where family is concerned, thought he. His father’s new found family did not excite him or thrill him. They only made him feel apprehensive.

No matter what, thought he, they shall never belong to the Pandavas nor the Pandavas to them. They were worlds apart. They would be better off if they stayed away . Which might not be practically possible now, but at least, they could keep their interactions to a minimum.

It was with that resolve that he rode off back to camp. He hoped that demobilization would finish soon and they would be able to get his father back.

What if…. Chapter Eleven

Krishna placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“He is my brother,” said Arjuna. He felt numb. Suyodhana and Vrishasena had left for the Kauravas’ camp a few hours before. He had sat in his tent trying to make sense of all that happened. It seemed grossly unfair.

“Yes,” Krishna’s grip on his shoulder was tight.

“Were you ever planning to tell me?”

Krishna sat down opposite him. “He made me promise not to.”

Arjuna looked at Krishna. “I would have killed him.”

“And I would have made you do it.” Krishna’s voice was gentle but matter-of-fact and Arjuna was once again left with the feeling that he knew nothing about this man. He had barely scratched the surface of Krishna.

“Knowing he was my brother, you would have made me kill him?”

“Had the war took place and had he fought on Suyodhana’s side, there was no power on earth that could have saved him. Why do you think his father took him before the war started even though he was a non-combatant?”

Arjuna shook his head as if to clear it. “What now?”

“Now, we wait while the demobilizing of the two armies is complete and Yudhistira is installed as King in Indraprastha. Then, and only then, will I go to Suryadeva to ask him to let Vasusena return.”

“But he would be knowing.”

“Yes, but the change in situation by itself might not be enough to persuade him.”

“Vasusena should be King,” said Arjuna. He knew Yudhistira would never agree to be King.

Krishna shook his head. “That is for Vasusena to decide when he comes back. In the meantime, Yudhistira will have to accept his responsibility.”

“I still can’t believe you would have let me kill him!”

“Knowing the truth, he was willing to kill you,” said Krishna drily. “Don’t forget that his promise to your mother to spare her sons’ lives did not include yours!”

“That would not make my act all right,” he muttered.

Krishna sighed. “Why do you persist in thinking of what-ifs?”

Arjuna pulled a face. “Wish I knew,”

“So do I,” muttered Krishna in exasperation.

What if…. Chapter Ten

Krishna looked up as the two men entered unannounced. He was not surprised. He had, in fact, left very specific instructions that these two ought to be brought to him anytime they came. But his companions were not so happy to see them.

Yudhistira and Arjuna strove to maintain a neutral facade. Bheema, Nakula and Sahadeva were openly hostile. Krishna knew that all veneers were to crack today. Loyalties and friendships were not the only things that were going to be strained.

“I need to talk to you, Krishna!” Suyodhana grated out.

“Have a seat, both of you,” Krishna waved them to the chairs. “I really am not comfortable talking when I am sitting and the other person is standing.”

Suyodhana glowered but sat down. Vrishasena too sat down, but the boy looked pale and stressed. Suyodhana was under an equal amount of stress, Krishna knew, but he was old enough to keep it under control.

“Speak,” said Krishna. “What do you wish to say?”

Suyodhana gave a pointed glance at the Pandavas, but Krishna ignored the glance. There had been too much secrecy already. They had come too close to the brink of destruction because of secrets. He was determined to bring the truth out into the open.

Sahadeva saw the glance and interpreted it correctly. “What, do you want us to leave?”

“Yes!” Suyodhana ground out. “I wish to talk to this- cousin of yours in private!”

“I’ve no desire to have a private conversation.” Said Krishna calmly. “What you have to say can be said openly.”

“I too prefer that.” said Suyodhana. “But do you think their delicate ears will be able to bear it?”

Bheema smashed his fist into his own hand. “My ear is coarse enough for anything you might have to say!”

“Bheema!” Yudhistira’s voice was sharp. “These are our guests!”

“That does not give them right to insult us!” Snapped Nakula.

“Peace,” said Krishna. “Allow him to speak.”

A contemptuous sneer was on Suyodhana’s face as he looked at his cousins.

“I’ll say what I came to say. I want Vasusena back. I know of the conversation he had with you. It makes no difference to me!”

“None?” Queried Krishna. He had known it all along. Vasusena should have trusted his friend enough to share the truth with him.

“I wish he’d told me. I wish he had more faith in me. But I can understand why he chose to remain silent.” His gaze held loathing as it swept his cousins. “But it makes no difference to me. I want him back. Tell me what I have to do.”

“What are you prepared to do?” Asked Krishna.

“I’m prepared to give your cousins back their Kingdom!”

The silence that fell was stunned. Krishna cleared his throat. “They’re your cousins too.”

“A fact I’ve been trying rather unsuccessfully to forget for a long time now!”

“Be that as it may, giving the Kingdom back might not be enough.”

“Then?” It was Vrishasena who spoke, his face strained and still pale. Krishna’s eyes softened as they rested on the boy, but it was still hard and speculative as he turned it back to Suyodhana.

“Are you prepared to share your friend?”

“He’s not a piece of meat to be shared!”

Krishna chuckled. “You know what I mean.”

Suyodhana was silent for such a long time that Krishna wondered if his judgement had been wrong, after all. This was the true test. This would show if Suyodhana’s love for his friend was stronger than his hatred for the Pandavas.

“If,” Suyodhana’s voice was low and laboured. “If Vasusena wills it, then yes, I can accept that.”

“You are forgetting that his consent or King Suyodhana’s consent are not all that matters here!” Vrishasena’s voice was loud. “How certain are you that he will be wanted by-others?”

“There’s only one way to find out,” said Krishna.

His eyes met Suyodhana’s.

“Why me?” Suyodhana’s voice was harsh.

“Because I am still bound by my word to your friend.”

“Don’t think I don’t know you will break it if it suits you!” Suyodhana was smiling almost fiendishly. “But I am going to enjoy telling this!”

Yudhistira’s heart twisted in apprehension as he saw the gloating expression on Suyodhana’s face.