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March 25 - March 27, 2020
‘I see with sympathy The swollen veins on his brow, showing How exhausting it is to be evil.’ Bertolt Brecht
‘They think my dice are infallible. Little do they know that I myself have been a die rolled to unleash this mayhem…’
There was a myth that Shakuni could impeccably identify a person just by seeing his shadow once!
You will have to pay for this. You are very proud of your ‘noble culture’, no? My foot! I shall destroy the entire clan you are so proud of and make you watch the ruin!
His relationship with his brother was never easy due to an issue that was too sensitive for both of them to overcome.
Gandhari smiled wryly. She knew her eyes were special. The eyes seemed to have mystical powers of their own. They could see many more things than they were supposed to. They had just discovered Shakuni’s histrionic attempts beneath his pretentious show of courage. They could clearly see thin lines of relief on Shakuni’s face when Gandhari herself offered to marry Dhritarashtra. Thanks to those eyes, Gandhari was a master of reading the minds of others. Nobody knew that—not even her prodigious brother.
But Gandhari could never understand one thing. Why did this preternatural vision always introduce her only to the dark secrets of reality? Why had these special eyes never presented any unexpected happiness to her ever? Even today, when her brother’s brave words should have made her happy and proud, her eyes incorrigibly found out the bitter truth that was better left unknown.
Shakuni knew very well that a king is not a free entity—a king is actually a captive inasmuch as his status does not allow him to do many things that a commoner can. Shakuni had understood that without any apparent official authority or responsibility, he could use his devious intellect more effectively.
Shakuni was a sadist. He was cruel and unforgiving. But this battle was taking its toll on him as well. He himself was getting increasingly tired from within. He had been fed up with his ruptured conjugal life and wanted to pack a decisive emotional blow to his wife. I must go to Hastinapur. That is final. This is the only way I can break free from this stifling marriage. I know this will break Arshi. Her tears will bring me a sense of victory. She will never be able to look at Arjak again. She will burn with a scorching feeling of guilt. How dare she even think of any other man! Wasn’t it
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Shakuni had expected this question. ‘No. A king remains shackled by his dharma. A king has to look after his kingdom killing his own emotions. Being a king, I cannot fulfil my father’s wish. But as a free man, I can go to any extent, do anything, stoop to any lows. I shall make inroads into the very family of the Kauravas and conspire from within. That is the only way to destroy the formidable Vrishnis—sorry, I mean the Kauravas.’
Who can ignore my contribution to the making of this Gandhara kingdom of today? I perfectly deserve the award of ‘Gandhara Ratna’. I have done nothing wrong with my sister. She is being married into a famous house; so what if her husband is blind? I have not deceived my father. The uncomplicated old man does not understand many things. And I am not cheating Arshi either. My marriage has been dysfunctional. It is better to leave her alone as she always had someone else in her mind.
Bahlik continued, ‘See, Hastinapur needs neither Shakuni’s service nor his intelligence. There is a surfeit of sharp minds in Hastinapur. You yourself are there. Vidur is an extremely bright boy. That minister Kanik is wily, too. Your step-brother Vyasa is also available for any counsel or suggestions. What extra can that Gandhara fox give you? He can have no extra utility. But, he can do serious harm if he wants. I think Shakuni wants to go to Hastinapur to create trouble. Maybe, that is how the Gandharas want to get even with us. Their quick acceptance of our proposal may not necessarily
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God knew that Arshi had always tried her best to stand true to her marital responsibilities but whenever Arshi tried to love Shakuni as desperately as she could, she would find Arjak’s face emerging from nowhere between them obstructing Shakuni’s, just as the moon screens the sun from the earth during a solar eclipse. Shakuni could have handled the situation with some kindness and compassion, but he did not. On the contrary, he would subtly remind Arshi of her infidelity every now and then, making their relationship perpetually gloomy.
She had done well to hide her tension and insecurity from a husband who had never been a friend to her.
‘You will stay here and raise Uluk. Isn’t that fine for you? You shouldn’t mind me staying away from you, I suppose? In my absence, you won’t have to pretend anything. You shall be able to breathe freely and be left completely undisturbed to think about only the man who lives in your heart. I think it’s the best deal for you and as a matter of fact, for me as well. After all, you are not going to lose or miss anything, are you?’
As a part of the Aryan marriage custom, the boy and the girl were to see each other’s face for the first time in an auspicious moment during the wedding ritual. The event was of no significance for Dhritarashtra, for he was blind. Yet, everybody was waiting with a pleasant curiosity for Gandhari to see her husband’s face for the first time.
One had to seriously trouble his neck to see the both sides of the building—even from a distance.
‘It’s endearing that you are so fond of your sister that you couldn’t part with her—even after her marriage! We always wanted a girl from such a close-knit family. But Putra Shakuni, what’d happen to your country in your absence?’ Satyavati gave a piece of her mind right at the first meeting itself, although her words sounded sweet. Shakuni bit his lip. He could not immediately reply. Devavrata, however, came to his rescue and chipped in, ‘Gandhara is in safe hands, Matashri. Don’t worry. And his presence will strengthen us in all respects, I am sure.’
Vyasa smirked and said cryptically, ‘From now onwards, you shall get many such superficial replies from your Uncle Devavrata, count on that!’
‘Go home, Putra. It’s getting late. Just remember one thing. A human can be noble, but he is still a human, never a god,’ Vyasa sat leaning against the wall, with eyes half-closed.
Vidur’s mother, albeit a Shudrani, had come to Vyasa’s life like an oasis in the midst of an arid desert. She was the only woman who had looked at an unsightly Vyasa with admiration in her eyes. Vidur was her gift to him. Vyasa shut the door softly and sat inside the hut reflecting on a very delicate chapter of his own life. If Shuka is my salvation, Vidur is my debt to this earth.
Devapi had told me the same thing that he had told Bahlik—Hastinapur is doomed. But he did not tell why. But, I know why Hastinapur is doomed. Too many sins have accumulated beneath the coveted throne of the kingdom, beyond anybody’s notice. Many secret sighs have overcast the fortune of the Kauravas. I can smell the imminent disaster that has been invited by the limitless ambition of my mother, Satyavati. Yes. Now have I realised that she is the real nemesis of Hastinapur.
Vyasa had a complicated relationship with his mother. He always detested Satyavati’s ambition. At the same time he loved her, too. Satyavati was his concern, because he knew his mother would not be happy in her life and would eventually cause her own undoing.
Vyasa could never admire this manipulative side of his mother. He had had in his mind a benevolent image of an ideal woman and shockingly found his own mother failing to match it. He had decided that he would never take anything from this woman though he would stand beside her in her crisis.
‘You have to father sons through the widows of my late Vichitraveerya! Take it easy, Putra Vyasa. They are still young, beautiful…’
Urmila made me realise why a man needs a woman and what a woman is capable of giving to a man. The moments I spent with her were unforgettable. That memory is like a secret treasure for me.
Dhritarashtra’s association with the Gandharas, Devavrata’s ambiguous attitude and Shakuni’s presence in Hastinapur seem to be going against Pandu’s interest. What Pandu needs now is a powerful clique around him. For this, he first needs to have a wife from a formidable family.
Shakuni knew a fast friendship with Dhritarashtra would definitely make his base stronger. He had noticed one trait of Dhritarashtra which he found quite easy to exploit. Dhritarashtra could not digest any opinion different from his. Shakuni understood it quickly and started filling Dhritarashtra’s ears with exactly what he wanted to hear. They thus became very close.
‘No Jijashri, not everyone. Someone is here who is ready to give his best to you, always—me!’ Shakuni announced his allegiance to the troubled prince little theatrically, knocking his chest with his thumb.
Dhritarashtra turned towards Shakuni. He wished he could see his face properly, for once. No one had sounded to Dhritarashtra as reliable before.
Shakuni remembered Devapi’s words. He wondered, I came here with the design of creating two inimical factions within the house to make the war happen. But there is already a readymade rift within the family. Now, this hairline crack has to be broadened into a gaping divide. The job seems simpler. I shall only have to fan Dhritarashtra’s anguish adequately. It will cause a serious enmity bringing the war upon Hastinapur....
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Shakuni put up a hopeless expression and said, ‘Well…he didn’t say much but gave out such an impression. And….’ ‘And?’ ‘…he believes you will come to meet him anytime now as you feel guilty for whatever you did behind his back,’ Shakuni said in a low voice. ‘That’s why, I ask you not to meet him now for it will prove him right.’
‘You know what, your brother is extremely jealous of you. He was quite obsessed with the throne of Hastinapur. That’s why he is so devastated and so spiteful against you now. Very sad! He should have realised that a visually impaired person can never head a state. My friendly suggestion to you is that you better keep some distance from him—at least for some time.’
Shakuni’s efforts to pollute Pandu’s mind against his brother had been successful already to a good extent. Dhritarashtra and Pandu both proved too credulous to see through Shakuni’s guiles and gave in easily.
A year went by. Shakuni had meanwhile adjusted himself quite well at Hastinapur. He presented himself as a reasonably likeable personality and had become acceptable to all. Of late, he was even taking part in discussions on state matters and politics without letting anybody feel that he was a stranger. Slowly, unobtrusively but surely, he was creating a space for himself among the Kauravas.
‘Have you forgotten the case of Nala—the Nishadha king? He was so many generations before us and still he was believed to be under the influence of the imminent Kali yuga! If Kali was “imminent” at that time, it must be just around the corner and breathing down our neck today! I don’t know whether you’d believe it or not, but long before my birth, the venerable Rishi Druhyu apparently forewarned my ancestors about me saying that I will incarnate the Dwapara yuga, bodying forth all its essential characteristics and the end of this yuga will roughly coincide with my lifetime.’ Shakuni rattled
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Devavrata stood up and started pacing. No one was aware how he himself bore a grudge against this damned Kuru family that had exploited him to the hilt. He had to hopelessly watch Satyavati’s descendants flourish on his sacrifice. Shakuni’s arrival now raked up a strange thought in his mind. Shakuni has rightly guessed that his presence can benefit me. Yes, I shall now hire his service to settle my own scores. Shakuni’s craving for war is likely to invite disaster for Hastinapur. A serious crisis is about to befall the Kauravas. Good! That greedy woman has taken away everything from me. Now
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The sister’s budding romance seemed to be convenient for the brother’s politics. Shalya was thinking that discounting the youth’s uninviting looks, Pandu was definitely a suitable match for Madri, given his illustrious descent. Although Madra was already an ally of Hastinapur with Vahik as the common friend, it was a golden opportunity to forge direct friendship with the formidable Kauravas. It would put Madra in good stead.
Kanik’s information had caused Devavrata a brainwave. A ‘brilliant’ idea crossed his mind. This is a great opportunity to turn Shakuni’s hatred against Hastinapur. Shakuni can’t tolerate the Vrishnis. He will be livid if a Vrishni woman enters our family. I shall somehow let him know that Pandu’s wife is actually a Vrishni, not a Bhoja. He will most certainly try to create troubles inside our house. Lady Satyavati, now watch out! Fun…it will be fun….
Pandu stood stunned. He could not believe what was happening to him. The last few days had been incredible. He thought, I am not actually that undesirable. Even the Bhojas want me! Pity I wasted so many days of my precious life wallowing in unnecessary self-pity! But Madri? How can I ever forget her? That’s impossible!
Although Kunti did not have anything against the alliance in particular, Kuntibhoja’s last three words—‘in this situation’—fell upon her like a whiplash.
Strangely enough, the wise Durbasa did not warn her against the perils of playing with that extremely sensitive knowledge. Rather, he allowed her!
Oh God, what have I done to face this? How come that man is here? Will he try to harm me? Will he spread bad words about me? Does he know of my secret? Will he leak it out to take revenge on me? What shall I do if my husband and in-laws get to know of my illicit son? Everybody will think I am a bad woman! Will they drive me away? But where shall I go from here? My adoptive father will not take me back. I shall never go to my Vrishni house again. Then? Why am I put to such difficult tests all my life? Shall I have to commit suicide and put an end to all this?
have got her now! That fool Pandu cannot protect her from me. It’s my turn now to pay her back. I have loved her too much to be able to forgive her! I shall have her husband and children destroyed right in front of her eyes. I shall set Dhritarashtra’s sons on them. I shall make this Kuru house free from all Vrishni strains. She will be living a desolate life laden with the memories of her husband and children. Won’t that be revenge enough? That’s the only way I can douse my fire and rest in peace. Beware, Pritha! Your moment of redemption is come! Well before the children of Dhritarashtra and
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Shakuni’s desperation was akin to that of a caged bird uselessly fluttering its wings for revenge. Kunti was the focal point of his rage for sure but he did not intend to kill her. He rather wanted to bleed her with unendurable wounds. And for that, he had to harm Pandu as that would hit Kunti the hardest. However, it was not easy as Pandu was the king now and access to him was difficult due to tight security and protocol. All Shakuni could do was to wait for his chance.
Days rolled into another year. One day, Shakuni had an informal discussion with Pandu’s personal doctor and ended up with a baffling piece of information. Pandu had been apparently under medication to improve his sexual potency. Shakuni’s doubts suddenly seemed to have found some base. Did Pandu try to hide his sexual incompetence by running away from public attention? Shakuni’s instincts told him that things were going to take an interesting turn soon.
Shakuni clearly foresaw a serious wrangle within the family, much to his liking. ‘Finally,’ Shakuni muttered to himself with an invisible laugh.
Vyasa, with a genuine fatherly affection, ruffled Vidur’s hairs and said with the conviction of a clairvoyant seer, ‘Don’t waste your time and energy on being too self-conscious, Putra. You have greater things to do. There will be a devastating civil war. Posterity will learn that the sons of Dhritarashtra and Pandu fought over the throne of Hastinapur. But they will never know the real truth. They will never know that it was actually a war between Shakuni and Vidur. Everything is pre-ordained; you can’t do anything about it.’
Shakuni was feeling quite upbeat. He had been waiting for this moment. In these hundred babies, he saw an army of his own. He must ensure that he wielded complete control over them.
Nevertheless, Duryodhana was a straightforward and simple boy. He had no malice against anybody. And that was a big problem for Shakuni. It was imperative for him to create an ambience of enmity within the family. Shakuni needed Dhritarashtra’s sons to destroy Pandu’s sons and in turn, Pandu, then Pritha. For that he needed to plant hatred in Duryodhana’s mind. But why should Duryodhana hate Pandu’s sons? As the eldest son of the reigning king, he got everything he wanted. He was always unquestioned, unchallenged and uncontradicted.
