“You want to leave the battle zone? But you are our commander?” asked the soldier.
“You want me to leave my son here to die. Let's go quick.”
They picked up Shatrughna and left the battle zone. During their way back, Shatvari felt someone was following them but as she looked back, she could not see anyone.
Somewhere in the Northern jungles of Sripur, commander Indrajit was busy discussing next course of action with his soldiers and spies.
“Everything is going in our favour. As soon as the Chandalas will have captured Sripur we would attack South Kosala and recapture the capital from Chandalas. We now know where the chemical antidote has been hidden by them. We must acquire that as soon as possible.”
“Yes, Commander, but that place is guarded like a fort by the most alert Chandala soldiers. Not to forget the Kapalikas. We must wait for them to capture Sripur. Then they will be a bit relaxed and may be complacent with joy. That will be the best time to attack to acquire the antidote,” said one of the spies.
Just then a spy came running with news.
“What is the matter? You look like you have seen a ghost,” asked Indrajit.
“Commander, Shatvari's son Shatrughna has been accidentally attacked by the chemical and they are taking him back to their base to treat him with the antidote,” informed the spy.
“So, what is there to worry about?”
“The worry is that some South Kosala soldiers have also been spotted following Shatvari. If they manage to find out where the antidote is, they might get it before we do and that will sabotage our entire plan.”
“Hmmm... that is really a matter to worry. We cannot let anybody to get that antidote before we do. We will have to stop both Shatvari and those South Kosala soldiers at any cost. Delay will lead to death of Shatvari's son and that will devastate her making our goals easier to attain.”
“As you wish Commander. We will immediately get on their tails and attack at an opportune moment,” replied a soldier and moved out with his group.
The party that was following Shatvari comprised Neel, Dhananjay, Udayan and some chosen South Kosala soldiers. It was almost dawn. Slight orange hue appeared on the distant horizon. Neel instructed the unit, “We have to be very careful in this. This is our last hope. If we can get to the antidote, the tables will turn in our favour instantly.”
“You don't worry, we are very alert and realize the importance of this opportunity,” said Udayan.
Just then they heard loud shrieks ahead. As they looked ahead, they saw that a group of soldiers have jumped from the trees and attacked Shatvari's soldiers. They were taken by surprise and the chemical weapon sprayer dropped from their hands due to panic. Still they held onto their swords and daggers and took to fighting the attackers with full force.
“We will have to go help them. Let's attack,” ordered Neel.
“What are you saying? Why save the enemies? Let them die. The attackers are making our work easier,” said one of the soldiers.
“Don't be a fool! If they die here like this, it will lead to bigger chaos and anarchy. Besides, don't you want to know who these attackers are? We never knew there was a third party interested in all this. We need to find who these people are at any cost,” replied Neel.
“But if we went to help them, they will know we have been following them. We might miss our chance to get to the antidote,” said Udayan.
“That is a genuine concern, but if Shatvari and her soldiers get killed here we will never reach to the antidote anyway. Let's split in two units. You stay back with your soldiers. I and Dhananjay will go to their aide. In the worst-case scenario, you can still follow them to the antidote.”
Everyone agreed and the two Mekal warriors jumped ahead to rescue their enemies.
Neel and Dhananjay along with some soldiers pounced upon the attackers from North Kosala. Shatvari and her soldiers saw the help coming that enhanced their vigour. They started to fight with increased zest. Shatrughna was lying on the ground at one side. One of the North Kosala attackers realized an opportunity to attack him. As soon he jumped to stab Shatrughna, Shatvari took the blow on her sword and kicked the assailant with her right foot.
“How dare you touch my son!” She shouted in anger.
As soon as the fallen soldier got on his feet, Shatvari flew towards him like a hungry tigress and pierced her sword through his body. He stood there for a moment clutching the sword with his hand and then fell away on one side.
It was just a matter of time before Neel, Dhananjay, Shatvari and their soldiers killed all North Kosala attackers. Shatvari looked at Neel and tried to recognize him and said, “I am very grateful for your help. But who are you? I am sure I have seen you somewhere before.”
“Don't worry about all that, we must think about taking your son to safety right now. Let's take him for treatment as soon as possible,” said Neel.
“Yes, that's right. We don't have much time. He must be treated right away,” said Dhananjay.
Shatvari looked at Shatrughna and ordered her soldiers to carry him.
One of the Chandala soldiers waved at another and moved forward to speak to Shatvari. He said, “We cannot take these people with us. We do not know them. They could be enemy spies.”
“You have all the right to doubt but as you have just seen that we saved your life. You would have been dead on the ground if we weren't here. We can still be of help to you,” said Neel.
“Thus far our trust has been broken hundreds of times. But still I want to trust you people,” said Shatvari.
“This is foolishness. We cannot take them with us at any cost. Nobody can be allowed to know about the antidote as you know,” the Chandala youth continued.
“We do not have a choice. It's a matter of my son's life.”
“It's also a matter of our vow. It's a matter of our entire plan for victory. Until we have captured the throne of Sripur, we cannot compromise with our plan at any cost,” said the young man.
All the Chandala youth came forward and stood alongside that young man. They looked determined not to allow Shatvari take the outsiders with her.
Shatvari found herself in a great dilemma. On one side was her lifelong devotion to a cause. On the other lay her own son fighting for his life. Affection was battling with the vows of revenge. If Shatrughna would have stood by her side in this battle, she would have gladly sacrificed him. But Shatrughna stood there in her path and got injured by the weapon that she created to destroy her enemies. For now, all she wanted was to see her son alive. But was she willing to risk her entire existence and that of her community for the sake of her son's life? Would she trust unknown strangers over her own loyal accomplices to save Shatrughna?
Shatvari was lost in the thought for some moments before taking a deep breath. She had made up her mind. She walked towards Shatrughna and said, “I am going to take my son for treatment. Those who are with me can come along. Those who want to stop me show up now.”
Two Chandala soldiers came forward to block her path. Shatvari ran towards them like a roaring lioness, “Nobody can stop me from saving my son's life.”
The tussle between Shatvari and the Chandalas commenced and soon Neel's party also joined in to help Shatvari. It was a matter of time before all the Chandalas were killed.
“Don't waste any time now, let's take your son away from here,” said Neel while lifting Shatrughna from the ground onto his horse.
Everyone got on their horses and galloped on following Shatvari's lead.
Chapter 33
On reaching the Chandala slum, Shatvari arrived at a rundown cottage. She went in and took out a large earthen vessel with narrow neck. It had the antidote. She poured some in a small cup and brought the cup up to Shatrughna's unconscious lips. She took him in her lap and poured some of the antidote into his mouth drop by drop. He slowly took a few sips and started to come out from his slumber. In a few moments, he came around fully and looked at his mother. As soon as he opened his e
yes, Shatvari embraced him in her arms and kissed his forehead. A torrent of tears appeared from her eyes and soaked Shatrughna's face. He was a bit confused about the whole thing, he asked, “Where am I? What happened?”
“You were attacked at the battle zone. Your mother took you down here to treat you,” replied Neel.
Before anybody else could say anything Udayan and his unit of soldiers appeared on the scene. Shatvari stood up alarmed finding Udayan there.
“Prince Udayan here! Is it some cunning conspiracy to trick us?” asked Shatvari looking at Neel and Dhananjay.
Udayan descended from his horse and walked in. He said, “There is no conspiracy. I have come here to request you to call off this violent revolt and let us discuss your issues at peace.”
“Peace! Issues! Now when your army is down on the ground and you have no options left, you have come to my door talking about peace and solutions. Where was this talk of peace Yuvraj when your king was intoxicated with power and exploited us like beasts? Go away Udayan, your talks of a peaceful solution in the present context reek of fear and cowardice,” replied Shatvari.
“You think you are going to achieve a solution by doing this?” interrupted Neel, “The young men you took with you in this revolution refused to support you. The people you want to entrust with the future of this state cannot realize the pain of a mother's weeping heart. You expect those stone-hearted people to build a future for upcoming generations? You still have time Shatvari you can stop this mayhem; else all our coming generations will never forgive you.”
Neel's words had an impact upon Shatvari as she stopped in her march towards Udayan. It was true that her own people today wanted her to let her son die. How could she entrust the future of her people to such cold-blooded youth she had been associated with?
While she was engrossed in her thoughts Shatrughna rose and started to go and said, “There is no point wasting our time in these talks now. We need to stop the mayhem as soon as we can.”
“Stop Shatrughna!” roared Shatvari. Everybody turned around to look at her.
Shatrughna said, “You can't stop me now dear mother. I can't let this happen anymore.”
“I am not stopping you; I am asking you to wait for me to come with you.”
Everybody's faces lit up with newfound courage and hope.
Chandala army with the help of this weapon had almost crushed the South Kosala's force. They were inching towards the royal fort and everyone was delighted with the accomplishment. Inside the royal castle, urgent discussions were taking place about escaping from the secret passage.
“Jai Mahakaali! Jai Bhadrakaali! Let the sinners be crushed!” Chorus of Chandalas deafening roar stupefied one and all.
When it seemed that nothing could stop their decisive victory, suddenly there was silence and the Chandala wave stalled. It was Shatvari and Shatrughna standing right between them and the royal army.
“Devi, we are at the verge of a historic victory. We are going to fulfil our vow that we took alongside you,” said one of the young men.
“Which vow? What victory young man? Strolling over the blood soiled bodies of innocent men, what destination are you heading towards?” asked Shatrughna.
“We aim to bring about the social justice for the Dalits and all other downtrodden. We aim to demolish the insensitive supremacy of these upper castes,” replied the young man.
“Justice or mayhem? What alternative do you propose? Anarchists and disorderly rulers! The people that you have killed today, all their dependents are sitting praying for their lives in their homes. They are shell shocked and terrorized by your march to this revolution. What do you plan to tell them?” asked Shatrughna.
“The people of the state have also been part of this rotten system nourished by their upper caste rulers and landlords. They too are equally responsible for our plight and deserve to learn some lessons,” replied the young man.
“Punishment is given to those who do not accept, realize and atone for their mistakes. What about those who regret and are willing to observe penance for their follies? A position of strength should also teach how to forgive those who apologise. This is what Lord Rama's lifelong message is and we are the people of the same holy land,” said Shatrughna.
“What do you think, they have realized their mistakes? Do you think they are willing to apologize and set entire rotten system right?” asked the young man.
“Why not! This is a land of great sages. I am sure that love and kindness still flows through the veins of people. If we call upon our people with love and compassion, then all boundaries can be erased,” said Shatrughna.
“If you are so sure of this, why not call upon the people of Sripur and show if they even understand what love is. They only know inequity and discrimination,” said the young man.
Shatrughna moved forward and turned towards a section of Sripur's citizens and addressed the crowd.
“I am Shatrughna, an untouchable from the Chandala community. I call upon the conscience and kind heart of the people of Sripur. If any of you feel that I and the people of my community have been made to lead this animal-like existence which we never deserved, then please come forward and rid us of this custom of untouchability. Remove the entire barrier between you and us. Please come forward and embrace this Chandala in your arms to prove that your love and compassion towards us is genuine.”
For a moment, the whole crowd stood silent. People looked at each other. Some looked down not knowing what to do. Most of them were still in shock due to the events of the day. Suddenly, a young man arose from the crowd and walked forward towards Shatrughna and Shatvari. A wave of excitement went around the crowd and people's gay murmurs could be heard. All the eyeballs in the crowd followed each step of the young man. But what followed surprised not only the crowd but all the Chandala soldiers and even Shatrughna himself.
The young man came forward and instead of embracing Shatrughna, fell to his feet. Shatrughna held his shoulders and embraced him tightly.
“I don't even deserve to see eye-to-eye with you. I will however, feel it my privilege to touch your feet. You suffered the evil custom of untouchability all your life from our so-called upper caste people and still you come here and not only save our lives but give us a chance to amend our mistakes and absolve us of our sins. You have proved that you cannot be a mere human being, but a God incarnate. On behalf of all the people who exploited your community, I fold my hands together and bow to you to grant us pardon. I see my whole existence a mere trifle in front of your compassion, your gyaan, and your kind heart.”
“Don't say such words my friend. You have absolved us of our shackles. This immense favour you have bestowed upon me and my community will be remembered by generations to come. You have embraced a Chandala and welcomed him back into your society. Now we are one and the same. I urge all your people to come forward and rid us of our plight. Take us in your arms and free us,” Shatrughna hugged the young man and they both were in tears of joy.
Shatrughna hadn't even finished his plea, a herd of people flocked ahead and hugged Chandala soldiers. Shatvari stood there dumbfounded at the turn of the events. It was no less than a miracle. Her hatred and revenge melted away by the love and compassion of her son. She couldn't control her emotions and burst into tears and plunged ahead to tightly hug her son in her arms. She was extremely proud of her.
“I am proud to be your mother, my son. The life you led could have turned you into a monster that we all had become, but instead you have become a saint, a yogi and a Siddha. I have been practicing tantra to gain spiritual supernatural powers to fulfil a revenge, but you proved that all powers fall short and seem like tiny dwarfs in front of a heart filled with kindness and forgiveness. I am proud of being your mother.”
She turned around to address her people and said, “Our vow has been fulfilled today but not with blood and hatred but with love and forgiveness. These upper caste people are no longer our enemies. We are no longer outsiders and untouchab
les for them. Look how we stand hand in hand and arms in arms with each other. Let's forgive each other and get back to our homes. Let's all forget the bitter past.”
Whole arena erupted with joy and happiness. Gradually, all the Chandalas walked back to their homes with peace and joy in their hearts along with a sense of genuine victory.
Chapter 34
Shatvari's fingertips quivered when she plucked the strings of Veena. The touch of the strings after so many years brought forth many memories. Everything had changed. Her appearance, too. Instead of the cemetery ash and loincloth, she was now wrapped in plain cotton clothes. Her hairs were carefully tied together giving her a younger semblance of her previous Avadhoot self. An inner turmoil was tearing her apart and every stroke of Veena strings vibrated her emotions even more. The day's achievements stood face to face with years of disappointments. On one hand, she was proud of Shatrughna's open-mindedness, on the other she was annoyed with her own weaknesses.
"Where did she err? What and when did it all go wrong? While fighting the entire world, she had lost to herself. Lost her husband, became a reason of her parent's demise, Gunjan's death also happened because of her. Shatrughna faced an uncertain childhood. Killed her own Guru herself. Her father's words rang in her ears about how the world is an illusion- Maya, only Maya."
“We have a very bad news,” said a Chandala youth in a nervous tone. He was accompanied by four other Chandalas.
“What could be that bad?” asked Shatvari.
“North Kosala army is preparing to attack South Kosala any moment now. They have full knowledge of our attack and how that has left South Kosala in tatters. They want to utilise this opportunity. Attack can come in a matter of days.”
“This indeed is bad news. How can we counter an attack by such a strong army?”
Revenge of the Chandalas Page 22
