Geetha Krishnan's Blog, page 28

What if…. Chapter Nine

Suyodhana sat in his tent, scowling. It was not typical of Krishna, thought he, to have given a cryptic message. Still the other man had done just that. But, he admitted grudgingly, if anyone could arm twist a god, that was Krishna.

His scowl deepened as he thought of Krishna’s message. What meeting? When had Krishna managed to meet Vasusena? And why had his friend not told him?

Suyodhana was alone in his tent. He had wanted to be alone. But he missed his friend. It was a dull throb in his head, a sharp ache in his heart, a lump in his throat, a tightness in his breathing. He hated the feeling. But even more did he hate his own helplessness to do anything.

A soldier came into the tent hesitantly. Suyodhana scowled at the man. He had expressed his wish to be alone. Were his wishes of so little moment?

The soldier gulped. “Your highness, the prince of Anga desires to meet you. He’s waiting outside.”

Suyodhana’s scowl disappeared. “Send him in!” He said, eager to meet the boy. Vrishasena might have something important to tell him. They had decided that Vrishasena was to go directly to Krishna with Padmavathy’s answer. Had he already done it?

One look at Vrishasena dispelled all his hopes. The boy looked pale and haggard, defeated. He looked like a man who has lost all hopes.

“What is it, son? What did Krishna say?”

“I didn’t go to him,” whispered Vrishasena through bloodless lips.

“Your mother did not know?”

“She knew,” he paused. “After… After a lot of persuasion, she told me….” He paused. “I couldn’t go to him with it…. Not without telling you first….”

“Sit down,” said Suyodhana, almost forcing the boy on to a chair. Vrishasena looked to be in shock. Suyodhana did not want to think of the reason right then. He poured the boy some wine, which Vrishasena drank almost mechanically.

Suyodhana sat down opposite to him.

“Whatever it was,” he said carefully, “was it urgent enough to postpone your visit to Krishna?”

Vasusena looked at him. “Perhaps, I just want to know if my father still has a place in your heart and by your side after what I am about to tell you.”

Suyodhana felt a sense of foreboding.

What if…. Chapter Eight

Vrishasena entered the tent warily. He did not trust any in this camp, in spite of the fact that King Suyodhana had reassured him. His father’s friend he trusted, but not his enemies.

Krishna smiled at him and bade him to sit, which he did. He had not heard much about Krishna from his father, so he had no mental image of the man. The man in front of him was tall, dark, extremely good-looking and looked every inch a warrior belying the cowherd epithet that was frequently applied to him. There was also a great deal of shrewdness in the gaze he directed at Vrishasena.

“Tell me what you wish of me,” his voice was deep.

Vrishasena took a moment before answering. “Can you do anything to bring my father back?”

Krishna appeared to be considering the question. “I can try to arm-twist the god who took him, but it won’t be without repercussions.”

“For whom?”

“For everyone. And above all, for Vasusena.”

“What kind of repercussions?”

“The kind I imagine your father would die to avoid,” Krishna’s tone was dry.

Vrishasena stared at him. “I don’t understand.”

“Are you in your father’s confidence?” asked Krishna.

“Yes.” Vrishasena was confused.

“Did he tell you about the meeting he had with me on the day I went to Hastinapura on a futile peace mission?”

“What meeting?”

Krishna sighed. “If you are in his confidence, you would not need to ask that question.”

“I just want my father back!”

“But are you prepared to pay the price? Is his friend prepared to pay the price necessary to bring him back?”

“What price? What are you talking about?” He was becoming angry now.

“Young people,” sighed Krishna. “You have no patience.”

“Says the greybeard,” muttered Vrishasena inaudibly.

“Impertinent too,” Krishna smiled.

Vrishasena blushed, but did not lower his eyes. “Will you help me get back my father?”

“I can try. But you have to do what I say first.”

“Tell me.”

“I want you to go to your mother and ask her if she knows about the meeting I had with your father on the day I was in Hastinapura.”

“And then?”

“That I cannot say without knowing your mother’s answer. If she says yes, make her tell you what it was he told her. Tell her that without you knowing the truth, there’s no way to bring him back. And when she has told you, come back to me if you still feel the same way.”

“And if she says no?”

“Then, things become slightly tougher.” Murmured Krishna. “But either way, you have to come back to me.”

Vrishasena looked at Krishna in confusion. Couldn’t the man give him a straight answer? What was the need for all this complications? But he nodded all the same since he needed the other man’s help.

He did not stop to wonder why he felt certain that the other man’s words could be trusted.

What if…. Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Vrishasena frowned slightly “Why does he want to meet me in private?”

Suyodhana looked worried. “I have no idea. I don’t like it.”

Vrishasena chuckled. “I am hardly such an important warrior. I don’t think we need suspect plans of any foul play. But I feel hopeful now.”

Suyodhana nodded. “I hope your hopes won’t be unfounded. But I have a feeling that Krishna will reveal only what he wants to.”

Vrishasena shrugged. “It’s our only hope to find my father.”

They were on their way to the Pandava camp. The chariot stopped next to the command tent. Yudhistira was standing in front of the tent. Yudhistira was nothing like Vrishasena had imagined. He was tall, lithe and athletic. His face had determination and purpose.

They got down. Bheema came to join his brother.

“Bheema shall take you to Krishna,” Yudhistira’s voice was mild as he addressed Vrishasena. “Suyodhana can wait here.”

Vrishasena nodded. “Thank you.”

Suyodhana put a hand on Vrishasena’s shoulder. “Just give a shout if you need me.”

Vrishasena felt gratitude well inside him. He could understand why his father chose to follow this man, in spite of everyone calling him unrighteous. He nodded and turned to follow Bheema.

Bheema was not unlike his imagination, Vrishasena thought. He was large, well muscled and his eyes were as hard as agates. He strode ahead, not looking to see if Vrishasena was able to catch up. His hostility was apparent.

Vrishasena sighed. He was feeling irritated with the big man. They were not at war. Couldn’t he at least be civil? He deliberately slowed his steps.

Bheema stopped and turned back.

“Hurry up!” Said he impatiently. “I don’t have all day!”

“Why? Am I keeping you from your next meal?”

Bheema glared at him and Vrishasena met his eyes defiantly.

“You’ve got spunk!” Muttered Bheema as he started to walk, this time slowly.

“And you have no manners!”

Bheema chuckled. “And a cub like you are going to teach me manners?”

“Somebody should,” replied Vrishasena drily.

They were walking shoulder to shoulder now. Vrishasena was glad that he was almost as tall as the big man.

“Are you an archer too?” Asked Bheema now, ignoring the last remark.

The question reminded Vrishasena of why he was there. He shook his head. “I prefer the sword,” he muttered. But his worry was evident now.

Bheema gave him a sidelong glance, but remained silent. Vrishasena was grateful for the silence as he sought to order his thoughts.

What if…. Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Yudhistira frowned at the message. He turned to Krishna. “The son of the King of Anga wishes to meet you.”

Krishna nodded. “I was expecting it.”

“When should I ask him to come?”

“This evening,” said Krishna. “And I would prefer if the meeting is to be private.”

Yudhistira opened his mouth as if to protest, then pursed his lips and nodded. “As you wish.”

Just then, the heralds announced Kunti. Yudhistira frowned again. He was not certain why his mother came to camp. But he went forward to touch her feet.

“Ayushman Bhavah,” her blessing was almost automatic.

Krishna too came forward to seek her blessings. She placed her hand on his head, but spoke no word. Yudhistira led her to a chair. He sent an attendant to get refreshments.

“What is the matter, mother?” he enquired anxiously. “Is everything all right? Why did you come all this way?”

“I heard the news,” she said, her voice faltering. “I came to know if it is true.”

The other four entered the tent just then, accompanied by attendants carrying water and fruits.

Kunti blessed each of her sons while the attendants set the fruits on a table and withdrew.

“What news, mother?” asked Yudhistira.

“That there’s not going to be a war. Servants are whispering that the King of Anga is dead and Suyodhana is withdrawing from battle.”

“Strange, how rumours spread,” murmured Krishna.

“Is it true?” Kunti asked again, her face reflecting anguish. She was nearly wringing her hands.

“Vasusena isn’t dead,” spoke Krishna. “But he’s as good as.”

She paled. “Meaning?”

“The sun god has taken him,” said Yudhistira. “Or so Krishna says.”

“The sun god?” Kunti was so pale, she looked bloodless. “Krishna?”

“He came to me,” said Krishna calmly. “He said he was taking him.” He paused. “He also said he should have done this a long time back!”

Kunti drew a deep breath. “And the war?”

“Suyodhana appears to be too distraught to think of it,” replied Yudhistira, his voice softening in spite of himself.

“I see,” Kunti’s voice shook slightly.

Yudhistira gazed at her in concern. “Mother, are you all right?”

She nodded. “I’m fine. It must be the heat of the day.”

“I shall arrange for a tent for you to take rest,” Yudhistira said. “First you have some water and fruit. In the meantime, I need to make arrangements for Krishna’s meeting with the Prince of Anga.”

“The Prince of Anga?” Queried Bheema. “Why is he coming here?”

“He wants to talk to Krishna regarding his father’s disappearance,” said Yudhistira.

“I don’t see why we have to entertain him!” Growled Nakula.

“He’s coming as my guest,” drawled Krishna. “I hope you will keep that in mind.”

Nakula and Bheema scowled, but were silent.

A New Beginning

Prologue

Sita squinted her eye. The glare from the river in the sun was difficult to bear. She wondered how it would feel. She had heard drowning was painful. But she deserved a painful death.

She drew a few deep breaths. She was shaking. She had no business to be shaking. She had to do this. Before she caused any more harm. Before she destroyed everything.

She hugged herself. She now knew why she was an orphan, why she’d never been able to make friends. She knew why she’d never had anyone.

You have me, whispered a voice close to her ear. She did not turn her head. She knew there was no one there. That voice that started whispering to her the day it had all started. The day her life changed irrevocably. A year ago.

What if…. Chapter Five

Chapter Five

The news spread fast. No one knew who had talked, but very soon it was all over that Vasusena had been taken by gods.

Suyodhana fumed, but there was little else he could do. He went to Vasusena’s sons and found them in the same state he was in. Angry, worried and above all, desperate to find him.

“Forgive me for asking this,” said Vrishasena. “But are you certain Krishna was telling the truth? How can you be certain he is to be trusted?”

He sounded apologetic. But Suyodhana could not fault his doubt. It was a doubt that would have occurred to anyone. And if not for the touch of compassion in Krishna’s eyes, and the ring of truth in his words, he might not have believed him either.

“I am certain,” said Suyodhana now. “He was telling the truth.”

Vrishasena frowned. “But did he tell you all he knew?”

Suyodhana shook his head. “I don’t think so. But I have no skills to persuade him further.”

“Would it be possible for me to meet him?” asked Vrishasena, hesitantly. “If he knows a way of bringing my father back, perhaps he will tell me.”

Suyodhana was about to refuse, but the look of hope on the boy’s face stayed his tongue. Why not? Thought he. Let the boy meet Krishna. If he tells him how Vasusena might come back, they would have achieved their objective. If not, they were no worse than before.

He nodded. “I will send word to the Pandava camp, requesting a meeting.”

Vrishasena nodded. He gave a half-hearted smile. Suyodhana’s heart wrenched to see him so worried. He placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll get him back,” said he.

Vrishasena gripped his hand. “I hope so,” said he, his brows furrowed with worry. Suyodhana sighed and pulled Vrishasena into a hug. Vasusena’s children were his responsibility now. He had to take care of them till his friend came back.

He was not ready to accept the possibility that Vasusena might not come back. He was prepared to do anything. If the possibility of war was what made the sun god take him, he would sue for peace. He would return the kingdom to his cousins. Nothing mattered as much as Vasusena. All his ambitions, all his wishes and desires, were as nothing without Vasusena. His life itself seemed meaningless without the other man.

What if…. Chapter Four

Chapter Four

Arjuna glanced sideways at his friend as they went back to their camp. That Krishna knew more than he told Suyodhana was evident to him. He wondered what it was about the King of Anga that made no less a deity than the sun god wish to save him. He was not a little gratified that the sun god had tacitly agreed that he was better than Vasusena.

Krishna gave him an amused glance as if reading his thought. Arjuna blushed, the rise of colour lending added charm to his dusky face. He smiled at his friend.

He had been stunned by Suyodhana’s words. He had, like many, thought that Suyodhana’s relation with Vasusena was one of mutual convenience. Vasusena was an effective weapon to face him. That Suyodhana actually cared for Vasusena had occurred to none of them.

Krishna had not seemed surprised, he thought. Which meant Krishna knew. After today, he should not be surprised that Krishna knew things that most of them had missed, but still he was amazed.

He thought bitterly that it was truly ironic that Suyodhana who was so lavish in his affection for a nobody, should hate them so intensely. Had it not been for his ire towards them, how happy they all might have been! How comfortable their lives might be!

He wondered if the war would actually happen now. Suyodhana looked to be in no fit state to prosecute it.

Arjuna could not decide if he wanted the war or not, in spite of all Krishna’s words to him earlier.

“Are you going to tell us anything more?” he asked once they were back in their camp. They were in the command tent, trying to formulate strategies. Not that there was anything to formulate since the war itself had become uncertain.

Krishna shook his head. “I’m bound by my word,” said he. “I revealed what I could. There’s nothing more I can say.”

“But you know why he was taken.” Persisted Arjuna.

“I already told you why he was taken.”

“But why him? Why is he so important to the sun god?” demanded Yudhistira. “The god has many devotees. What is special about this one? And why was my sire involved?”

“Your sire’s concurrence and help is required when it comes to saving a man who is marked for death,” responded Krishna. “Unless of course, you are the great destroyer himself. In which case, you need no one’s help.”

“But why did the god of death agree?” muttered Bheema.

“Because the sun god happened to be his father?” asked Nakula. “Just a guess.”

“Why are you all so interested in this suddenly?” asked Krishna. “Suyodhana, I can understand. But why should you be bothered? You should be thinking of how the situation can be turned to your advantage instead of bothering about the whys and wherefores!”

The mild rebuke had the desired effect and soon, they were deep in discussing strategies in case they needed to fight.

What if…. Chapter Three

Chapter Three

“Suyodhana,” said Bheeshma. “If you wish to continue this discussion, then I will have to ask the armies to leave the battlefield for today. We can all repair to camp and continue his discussion there. Provided, of course, that your cousins are agreeable.”

Grandfather sounded eager, thought Bheema. And he had no doubt what Yudhistira would say.

“As you wish, Grandsire,” Yudhistira replied.

Suyodhana looked – torn. But he too nodded. Bheema felt a flash of disappointment. His blood was boiling. But it was only a deferment. He could satisfy his bloodlust tomorrow.

Sahadeva took the orders to Dhrishtadyumna while they all repaired to Bheeshma’s tent, which was the nearest. Bheema could not see what the fuss was all about. What was about that guy that made two devas wish to save him? And anyway, now he was gone, and why was Suyodhana determined to waste all their time trying to get to the bottom of it?

Suyodhana burst into speech as soon as he entered the tent.

“What do you mean they told you? Who told you?”

Krishna sighed. “So impatient,”

Suyodhana glowered, but remained silent till everyone had entered the tent. Bheema felt amused at his cousin’s reaction.

When everyone had settled down, Krishna said calmly. “The sun god paid me a visit in the morning. He told me he had taken Vasusena to his world in order to save his life. He told me to inform you if the opportunity arose.”

“Why did he tell you? And what did he mean, save his life? There was no danger to his life!”

Bheema sighed. How much more obtuse Suyodhana could be!

Krishna shrugged. “Why don’t you ask him? I am only the messenger.”

“We have to get Vasusena back!”

“Good luck with that,” said Krishna as he rose. “If you’ll excuse us, I think we shall be going to our camp. Do send word if you don’t plan to start the war tomorrow!”

“But if you go, how will I find Vasusena?” Demanded Suyodhana.

Bheema snorted. Did his cousin think they cared about finding that upstart?

Krishna sighed. “Suyodhana,” said he. “Whatever you do, you are never going to find him. He’s gone for good. Face it. Accept it.”

“I can’t,” Suyodhana’s voice was anguished. “There has to be a way to bring him back!”

“I’m afraid there isn’t,” said Krishna. “But just out of curiosity, why are you so anxious to have him back? Apart from the obvious reason, of course.”

“And what is the obvious reason, according to you?” Grated out Suyodhana.

“The advantage he provides to your armies.” Replied Krishna. “The undoubted ability and prowess he has. Your belief that he can win this war for you.”

“That’s all you will see,” muttered Suyodhana. “But I will stop this war here and now and give back their Kingdom to my cousins if that would bring Vasusena back!”

Bheema was stunned at the pronouncement. He had known Suyodhana long enough to know that the other man was sincere. But he could see that he was not the only one who was stunned.

“How interesting,” drawled Krishna, as he led them out, leaving behind a fuming Suyodhana.

What if…. Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Yudhistira was stunned by Krishna’s announcement. Krishna had said he had nothing to do with it, but if Suyodhana interpreted his knowledge as complicity, things could turn ugly.

The way Suyodhana’s face paled on hearing Krishna’s words was a study. Yudhistira felt a pang of sympathy for his cousin which he suppressed. If he cared half as much for them, they would not be on this battlefield today.

“Against his will?” Suyodhana found his voice. It was low and strained now. “By whom? Is he in danger?”

Krishna’s eyes held a tinge of compassion, but more of hardness. Yudhistira felt misgivings stir within him as he saw that.

“He’s in no danger. He’s been taken by someone who desires to keep him alive. And he’s not here on earth right now. So I suggest you get back to the business at hand and forget your friend.”

“Not on earth?” Yudhistira blushed as all eyes turned to him. The question had burst from him almost involuntarily.

“Who took him?” Suyodhana’s question had been simultaneous.

Krishna sighed. “I can tell you who took him, but it’s not going to help you.”

“Tell me!” Suyodhana almost snapped.

Krishna raised his eyebrows. “Some manners there!”

Suyodhana swallowed. “I’m sorry,” his voice was milder, but still strained. “If you knew how it felt-”

Yudhistira felt his compassion coming to the fore. It was all he could do to prevent himself from laying a comforting hand on the other man’s shoulder.

The tinge of compassion in Krishna’s eyes deepened, though his voice and expression were both neutral.

“He’s been taken by his chosen deity, the Sun God. With a little help from others, of course.”

The gasp of surprise was collective.

“Others?” Grandsire Bheeshma’s voice held strain as well.

“The God of death,” murmured Krishna. “Without his concurrence, such a thing cannot happen.”

“Why?” Asked Arjuna, sounding confused. “Why would two devas go to all that trouble for him?”

“To keep him alive, presumably,” Krishna answered. “And to devas, it isn’t much of a trouble, as you put it.”

“Why would they want to keep him alive is what I meant,”

“I’m not privy to their reasons.” Said Krishna.

“Hazard a guess,” said Arjuna.

“It’s best I do not,” replied his friend.

“How do you know this?” Asked Suyodhana suddenly.

“Because they told me.” Was the surprising answer.

What if…. Chapter One

Chapter One

“What’s he doing?” Muttered Suyodhana as Yudhistira dismounted from his chariot and made his way to the enemy lines. He heard the sniggers from his own side and the snide remarks, but he did not believe Yudhistira was coming to surrender. The man looked too full of purpose, his stride too measured for a man looking to submit. And however grudgingly, Suyodhana had to admit that his cousin was no coward. People mistook his peaceable nature for cowardice, but that was one mistake Suyodhana had never made.

Yudhistira went to the elders to seek their blessings. Suyodhana turned his face away resolutely, ignoring the bile that rose to his throat. He had no doubt that all of them would bless Yudhistira with victory. And they were supposed to be on his side!

His eyes went to the camp where Vasusena was. He was the only one who wanted victory for him. And to his misfortune, he was out of this war. A frown appeared between his brows. Vasusena should have been standing there, outside the camp. Maybe it galled him too much to watch the battle when he was not part of it.

But Suyodhana still felt uneasy. He had not seen Vasusena since they parted from each other in the evening. He had not missed him in the preparations for battle, but Vasusena should have come to wish him luck.

Suyodhana gestured to one of the soldiers.

“Go and see where the King of Anga is!”

He watched the man go, a frown furrowing his brows.

The man was back in a few moments.

“The King of Anga is not in the camp. No one knows where he is!”

Suyodhana gritted his teeth. He jumped down from the chariot and walked to where uncle was, completely ignoring his cousins who were seeking the elders’ blessings now.

“Vasusena is missing!” He told Bheeshma without preamble.

Bheeshma raised his eyebrows. “Missing?”

“I haven’t seen him since last evening. He’s not in the camp and no one knows where he is!”

Suyodhana saw the slight smile that appeared on Krishna’s face.

“You!” He rounded on him. “You are behind this!”

“You are paranoid!” Exclaimed Arjuna. “Your friend goes missing and Krishna is responsible?”

“He probably ran away!” Chortled Nakula.

Suyodhana ignored his cousins. “I’m talking to you, Krishna!”

“I’m not behind it, as you imply. But I do know where he is. And I do know that he had been taken against his will.”

A stunned silence greeted the soft spoken words.