As they gathered the material, they quickly made a bunch of arrows using their sharp daggers to chisel top of sticks into sharp-pointed weapons. They made three strong bows as well.
“When are we going to attack, your Highness?”
“Right now. It's almost dark and these guards are drowsy and visibly tired. This is the opportune moment to strike.”
As the night moved towards midnight hour, a blanket of darkness engulfed the whole area. Some flickering earthen lamps lit the temple inside but outside only the moonlight spread over the area. Shatvari, Shatrughna, and Prahlaad were preparing for the ritual. Pallavi and Udayan were wide awake and silently praying for some miracle or divine assistance to save their lives.
Suddenly, a torrent of arrows from somewhere in the bushes flew and hit the guards. They were taken by surprise and the sturdy-pointed arrows pierced their bodies. Some ran to hide themselves to save their lives; some were too shocked to do anything and stood baffled.
Pallavi and Udayan's eyes lit up. The divine help they had been praying for had arrived.
Soon the shell-shocked guards were attacked by Neel, Dhananjay and Vaishali. They found an already dwindling unit running around to save their lives. They took them by surprise. Neel slashed a few throats in a matter of moments and pierced no less than two guards' chest with single jabs. Dhananjay was no less a swordsman. He was moving around like an expert warrior with a shining long sword in hand. It was an easy job for the two brave young men trained in warfare.
While Neel and Dhananjay destroyed the guards outside, Vaishali quickly sneaked in and cut the ropes of Udayan's and Pallavi's bondage. The Kapalika and Prahlaad saw Vaishali freeing Udayan. The Kapalika shouted aloud and Prahlaad rushed to attack Udayan. It so happened that Udayan picked a nearby sword to save the first blow by Prahlaad. In the meantime, the kapalika also joined in and Udayan found himself sword fighting with both the Kapalika and Prahlaad at the same time. It was evident that he was well trained and his agile body with sword fighting skills matched the two fighters. Out of nowhere somebody hit Udayan's left shoulder from behind. His sword fell away and he himself rolled down the ground moaning in acute pain. Sensing the opportunity, Prahlaad changed the grip of his sword to hold it like a dagger and ran towards Udayan to pierce his heart. As he back lifted his sword to jab it down on Udayan, someone sliced his sword from behind into Prahlaad's body. The Kapalika saw Shatrughna standing behind Prahlaad holding the sword with expressions of loathing and fury.
Shatrughna's attack on Prahlaad shocked everyone present there. Shatvari's face was flushed with surprise. The Kapalika's face was burning with anger. He shouted, “You fool!” and ran towards Shatrughna with his sword. Before he could hit Shatrughna, a sword pierced his body from behind. It was Shatvari. She murdered her guru to save her son. But she instantly realized what she had done. She knew there was no point regretting now.
Shatvari managed to shout out to Shatrughna, “Run now, run for life, why are you still standing here?”
Shatrughna dropped his sword and ran out of the temple, in the jungle. Shatvari ran after him. Soon they both disappeared in the dark dense forests.
Neel and Dhananjay killed most of the guards and the rest fled to save their life. As they both walked inside the temple, Neel's eyes found Pallavi. He kept looking at her while she could hardly look back and kept her head down with shame and embarrassment as if atoning for her arrogance at the festival.
She somehow managed to speak. “We thank you from the bottom of our heart for saving us. Still, don't think I have forgiven you for hurting my ego.”
“You think only the rich and the royal class has the privilege to have a self-esteem?” asked Neel.
Pallavi looked up amazed at what Neel had asked, “What do you mean?”
“Maybe my words can't make you understand. Let the time explain it.”
“So, you are Sripur's Nagarvadhu Vaishali?” asked Udayan smiling at Vaishali.
“You figured it out, right.”
“Yes, and the fact that you have sheltered the enemies of South Kosala to live in your house.”
“Yes, the same set of enemies saved your life today. If they were truly enemies, they would not have risked their life to save you and your sister. I am sure you can figure that out as well.”
“But they were spying in our state, isn't that true?”
“Where is it said that spying is done only for enmity?”
“I am still not sure they were doing it to make friends with us. If they did, they could have just come and met us right away.”
“You think you are friendly, and your state encourages friendliness?”
“Of course, there are political rivalry between states, but we do not believe in bloodbath for the sake of it.”
“Political rivalry for political reasons, is that why you capture weaker citizens from other states to enslave them? Is that why you play with their self-esteem and make harlots of their wives, sisters and daughters?”
“Slavery? Harlots? What are you talking about?”
“Don't be so naive, Prince. If you have no idea what I am talking about then you have been living in a delusion.”
“I know what you are talking about. Trust me, I discussed this with his Highness, and he had promised me to abolish all such practices.”
“Yes, he promised you and then went on to capture eight Mekal villages and enslaved thousands of people. Children were snatched from their mothers and made to work in farms; young girls were auctioned in open bazaars in front of their shackled fathers; young brides were spoiled even before their henna could dry. Your brothels are populated by the women captured from our villages. This Nagarvadhu you are talking to is one shining example of how such an atrocity forces a simple girl to become a crowd-pleasing harlot.”
Udayan looked at Vaishali with a palpitating heart. He never knew such a rage and fury was boiling within her. He said, “You don't know to what extent all this has shocked me. I will talk to my father about it for sure.”
“I hope so, Prince. Now please allow me to leave as I have to go with our king Neel, back to Mekal.”
“No, Vaishali, I cannot allow you to go like this.”
“Are you arresting me for treason?” Vaishali smiled.
“Can I do that to you? I want you to stay and help me achieve a lot of work for our society's upliftment. I need your help and direction.”
“So, you have it all planned up.” Vaishali looked at him while moving on.
“You spoiled the whole plan, you fool, you know that,” said Shatvari to Shatrughna.
“Did you want me to let an innocent person be killed for no reason?”
“Reason! Do you have any idea what his father has been doing to us? This Prince Udayan's sin is that he was born in that family of grave sinners.”
“But why punish a son for his father's sins and what about his sister?”
“Are you not suffering for the sins of your father?”
“That still doesn't make it proper to believe that every son or daughter must pay for the sins of their father. If this is carried on the world will never be rid of hatred and revenge.”
“But someone must be punished for the sins. Sins cannot go unpunished.”
“Even then I don't think sins will disappear if you go on punishing. The remedy for sins is not punishment but an atmosphere of reforms and rectifications. We need to create a positive environment. We must forgive and let the next generations have some time and space to move forward in the right direction. If you keep taking the path of revenge and every next generation would have to respond to it, what will be the future? I firmly believe that the civil society should be devoid of fear, rage, and hatred.”
“I see, my son that you have learnt the language of high ideals. Don't fall in this trap. It serves no one. All these ideals are created by the high-class people, who rule over us. They create these rules and change them as it befits them to exploit and enslave us to the condemned life of da
lits and Chandalas.”
“I am not talking about ideals and high values; I am talking about listening to your conscience. The fire of revenge burns down the conscience. People you supported to take revenge were going to also kill your own son. Didn't you see that? Why did you kill your guru to save the life of your son? If revenge was supreme for you, then why did you kill him to save your son and put all your plans in jeopardy? Because I am your son? Your mothering affection made you pick up the weapon to save your dear son. If you pick up weapons with the same feeling of love and compassion for the entire generation of your son, it will bring peace in the world. However, if you pick up weapons with a feeling of hatred and revenge, it will bring only destruction. I urge you to restrain all the emotions of revenge and hatred. Then I will be with you in any fight or mission you want me to execute.”
Shatrughna took a deep breath and started to walk away.
“Where are you going now?” asked Shatvari.
“Away from the air polluted by hatred and fury.”
Chapter 27
Vaishali returned to Sripur with Udayan. Now she was not a courtesan or merely a Nagarvadhu but also a social worker. She was not merely an object of men's lust anymore. She found herself helping men overcome their emotional conflict. While earlier she was only accessible to the rich and the powerful people of Sripur, now her doors were open for everyone.
Udayan got busy in reorganising the security and safety of Sripur. He also took upon himself the responsibility to awaken the youth of his state and enthuse them with vital energy and nationalistic ideals.
Neel and Dhananjay had returned to Mekal after assigning Vaishali the task to carry on the unfinished job.
King Rudrasen kept on pursuing his expansionist ambitions.
It was the first quarter of the night. Vaishali was sitting in her theatre alone lost in her own thoughts. She was wondering about the changes she could bring in her life and consequently the visibly positive change in the lives of the people coming to her. Apart from money, she was now amassing deep respect from the society. People no longer looked at her with only lusty passions.
While she was busy pondering over her streams of thoughts, a lad of about seventeen years stepped in.
“What is the matter Aniruddha? You are back again? I hope everything is fine at your home.” asked Vaishali.
“I don't feel like staying at home. My heart is restless whenever I go there,” said Aniruddha.
Aniruddha was of medium height and a delicate build. His attractive face had just started to show traces of facial hair. Curly dark hair dangled back on his shoulders. He wore golden sturdy earrings in his ears; pearl-studded golden garland around his neck; gemstone ring in each of his fingers. Overall his appearance indicated that he belonged to a wealthy family.
“It's nothing new for a boy of your age. You must be in love with someone,” said Vaishali.
Aniruddha stood silently for a moment and then said, “Can you get me a cup of wine?”
“You are already drunk.”
“Not much. Nothing from your hands.”
“What's so charismatic in my hands?”
“Something is special for sure that drives me here again and again. A cup of wine is useless until your hands touch it.” Aniruddha grabbed Vaishali's hand.
“Leave my hand Aniruddha.”
“Why, today I can't even hold your hand!”
“If you don't leave my hand, how can I go and get you a cup of wine?” She went towards the bar and filled a cup for him, “You have taken to wine too much lately. You should try to focus on something positive.”
“That's why I have come here.”
“So, there is nobody else left in the whole town to entertain you?”
“I swear, apart from you I never have even thought about going elsewhere. I don't know what pulls me here every day. My days go restless and nights sleepless without meeting you.” he held her hand again and started to stroke it gently.
“Do you know what you are saying?”
“Yes, I know. If this is love, then yes I am in love with you.”
“Don't be so naive. You know I am a Nagarvadhu and much older than you in age.”
“Love can't see all these things. It's driven only by heart.”
“You are simply not driven by heart. You love me because you are charmed by my body. I have sympathy for you. I don't want you to misunderstand this sympathy for love.”
“There are many harlots in the city to offer their body to me. I promise I never even thought about them. If you become mine Vaishali, I can lay down all my wealth on your feet.”
“That is not your wealth but is inherited from your father. Don't squander it because of your ignorance.”
Vaishali's talks fell on Aniruddha's deaf ears. He slumped down on the floor and wrapped his arms around Vaishali's legs and said, “I don't know anything. All I know is that I can't live without you.”
“Get up Aniruddha. One of the town's most respected merchants, Seth Ambarish's son shouldn't stoop so low. Don't tarnish his respect by bowing down to the feet of a courtesan. It doesn't suit you.”
“And does it suit you to break someone's heart like this,” Aniruddha's eyes were moist with tears.
“Wait...for a while, let me at least have some time to think over it.”
“Please do. You have all the time. I am waiting here.”
They both sat silently for a few moments.
Vaishali thought hard and then broke the silence and said, “What will your father think of our relationship?”
“He has no time to care about such things. He is so much engrossed in making money that he has forgotten all relations already.”
“Hmmm...still...he is a respected man and your father, nonetheless. Alright, let's go.”
“Where?”
“Here neither your father nor the king will let us live together. We will have to escape from here.”
“Yes, but where?”
“Trust me, can you? Just do as I say”.
They left with the first rays of the dawn. Vaishali packed her essentials in a leather bag. Some food for the journey and some weapons for self-defence just in case something happens. Everything was loaded on a horse cart. Aniruddha sat closely beside Vaishali on her left. He was feeling ecstatic in the company of Vaishali.
“What's the impatience for? Sit properly. You will get many opportunities to get closer.” said Vaishali giving a playful smile to Aniruddha. Vaishali let loose the reins and whipped the horses. The cart was on the way.
“It's a difficult terrain my dear boy. There are man-eaters in these forests. Are you afraid?” asked Vaishali.
“I'll happily die alongside you if needed.”
“What about when you are not with me?”
“I keep thinking about you.”
“What about the time you had not come to know me?”
“Used to wonder if I can meet somebody like you.”
“Who else is there in your family apart from your father?”
“Nobody.”
“Mother?
“Left us when I was a child.”
“To where?”
“God's abode.”
“Aah...how old were you then?”
“Four.”
“Really! only four. Any brothers or sisters?”
“None.”
Vaishali couldn't think of what else to talk about on the matter. She wondered how lonely he would have been all these years.
The morning turned to noon. The sky was covered with clouds. Sun was only a distant haze. A cool breeze through the forest trees caressed their faces. Vaishali stopped the cart by a freshwater lake. She said, “Let's stop here and take some rest. Horse must be hungry by now. We should also eat something.”
“Are you going to ask me to hunt an animal now?” asked Aniruddha.
“No, but are you scared?”
“Not scared, I just can't imagine killing an animal to eat.”
“
We have to kill to feed ourselves.”
“Yes, but I can't see the sufferings or pain of any animal.”
“So, you won't hunt even if you have nothing to eat?”
“I don't know. So far such a situation hasn't come.”
“Don't worry, even today you won't have to hunt. We have
enough food.”
“Do you hunt?”
“Yes, I am a Nishada woman. Hunting is our favourite past time.”
“That's how you hunted me down so easily.” an impish smile emerged on Aniruddha's blushing cheeks.
“Yes, but we don't believe in hunting tame animals.” Vaishali glanced at him with a similar playful smile. Aniruddha looked away blushing even more.
Vaishali let loose the horse. He went on to graze.
“Don't just stand there. Go and get the food and vegetables from the cart. We also need to collect dry twigs to light fire to roast them,” said Vaishali.
Aniruddha looked at the raw vegetables, green bananas, sweet potatoes and other root vegetables with a little aversion.
“It looks like you have never had roasted vegetables before. But you will have to eat them today, you are not going to get your home-cooked curries here.” said Vaishali.
Aniruddha collected some dry twigs and prepared a bonfire. Vaishali pulled out two special wood lie pieces from her bag. She rubbed them together to light the fire. Soon the pool of woods erupted in flames. She handed over a sweetcorn to Aniruddha and asked him to roast it slowly over the fire. She started to peel and roast other vegetables.
In the smell of freshly roasted vegetables over fire, crackling of sweet corn, warm and mushy sweet potatoes, and the warmth of fire amidst the cold breeze, Aniruddha felt a new wave of emotions enveloping him. He had never experienced this side of life in the lap of nature. He was simply used to getting cooked food by his servants. He never had even noticed what was being served.
Revenge of the Chandalas Page 18
