Chapter Ten
The night was sultry. Not an occasional breeze stirred the curtains in the royal apartments, or caused the flames of the burning torches or the lamps to flicker. The King of Hastinapura stood on the balcony, and surveyed his Kingdom, a twisted smile on his lips.
Pandu was a tall man, and though he looked slender and unhealthily pale, his visage was handsome and his limbs well proportioned. His torso was muscled and scarred as befitting a Kshatriya warrior, and his arms and shoulders bore the scars from the bowstring. Some of the scars on his body were from his recent Dig Vijaya campaign from which he had returned successfully only a few days back.
The campaign had been gruelling, but it had helped him keep his mind off other things. And it had helped that he could vent his frustrations on the battlefield. The Sutas sang that he was so fierce on the battle that enemies surrendered at his very sight. While that was certainly an exaggeration, it was true that he was more aggressive, even savage on the battlefield.
The triumphant return of the King of Hastinapura to his capital bearing uncounted riches from the defeated nations were sung at every corner of Aryavarta. His generosity at laying that wealth at his elder brother’s feet, and the reciprocation by that brother by directing the King to distribute it amongst the people were being lauded by every man in Hastinapura. But standing here in the balcony of his palace, gazing at his Kingdom, Pandu felt his heart shrink in his breast as bitterness filled it. What use all his might, all his wealth, all his generosity, when he knew what he was! He was not a man, he was less than even a beast, and whatever he did, whatever he achieved, was not enough to make him a man.
He gripped the balustrade tight, as his eyes went to the distant mountains. He wanted an escape, an escape from the confines of the palace, an escape from the expectations of his uncle, of his ministers, of his people, and above all an escape from the knowing eyes of that bastard half-brother of his. He did not know what his uncle was thinking, making him the Pradhanamantrin! And now he behaved as though he owned the place, and looked at him as though he knew his secret. Vidura had always held him in some contempt, he knew, though it was not as obvious as his contempt for Dhritarashtra. But it galled Pandu. How dared this son of a maid presume to hold the Kuru Princes in contempt!
To get away from the palace would be a relief. He would go on a hunting trip. He had always loved hunting. Yes, that would give him the relaxation he craved after the wearying Dig Vijaya campaign.
Having decided, Pandu immediately sent for his uncle as well as for the Sthapathi.
Bheeshma was the first to arrive. He looked disgruntled. “What is it Pandu? What was so urgent that it could not wait till the morning?”
“I am going on a hunting trip,” replied Pandu. “I need to relax and enjoy the beauties of nature after the taxing campaign of conquest I just completed.”
Bheeshma nodded. “Hunting is a suitable pastime for Kshatriyas, but is this the right time?”
“Yes!” Snapped Pandu. “This is when I need the relaxation. What better time could there be?”
“You just got back. Your Kingdom needs you.”
“You didn’t think that when it was your will that I go on the Dig Vijaya,” said Pandu coldly. “I am the King, and this is my will. If the Kingdom didn’t fall apart when I went on Dig Vijaya, it won’t fall apart when I go on a hunting trip.”
Bheeshma compressed his lips and said. “As you wish, but there will be unnecessary talk if you leave your wives behind.”
“A forest is no place for women,” said Pandu dismissively.
“All the same, Kings used to be accompanied by their wives during hunting trips in the past. It is not an unusual thing.” Bheeshma hesitated and then said. “You have been apart from your wives for over a year. And now, if you again go away, leaving them behind, it could lead to people speculating about their character.”
Pandu glared at his uncle, but Bheeshma met his eyes calmly. Pandu turned around and walked to where a small round table stood holding a jug containing wine and a couple of goblets. He poured some wine into a goblet and drained it. Then he turned to Bheeshma, the goblet still clutched in his hand.
“Fine. I’ll take them.”
Bheeshma bowed. “I shall tell Vidura to make the arrangements.”
“No need,” said Pandu sharply. “I have sent for the Sthapathi. I shall direct him.”
“It is not meet that you do that,” protested Bheeshma.
“And I prefer that my bastard half-brother not be involved in my affairs unless it is absolutely necessary!”
Bheeshma winced, but bowed again. “When are you proposing to leave?”
“Tomorrow morning at sunrise.”
“Tomorrow?” Bheeshma was horrified. “Pandu! There just isn’t enough time to make all the arrangements! That is too soon!”
“Nonsense! There’s more than enough time. Besides, it is for Sravana to do, why are you bothered?”
Bheeshma looked as if he wanted to say something more, but he bit his lips, and spoke, “I shall take my leave of you then.”
Pandu nodded carelessly. He was tired of his uncle’s always trying to talk to him as if he were a child. Besides, what was the big deal in arranging for a hunting trip?
The Sthapathi came in as soon as Bheeshma left.
“I am taking my wives and going on a hunting trip.” Said Pandu. “Make all necessary arrangements for our departure at sunrise tomorrow. Also arrange to have a message sent to the Anthahpurah to inform the Ranis.”
“Sunrise tomorrow, Rajan?” Sravana quailed at Pandu’s glare.
“That’s what I said, is it not?”
“Of course, of course. It shall be done as you command.”
Sravana bowed himself out. Pandu turned to the attendants to indicate he was ready for bed. He had to get a good night’s sleep if he was to leave at sunrise.
