THE CURSE OF BRAHMA

by Jagmohan Bhanver

  You fool, you think you can kill me with your puny sword? the voice rasped. Kansa was familiar with the concept of ventriloquism. He knew there were people who could throw their voice in such a way that it appeared to come from one place, while the speaker would be at an entirely different place in the room. Somebody was using ventriloquism with him but to what purpose? Kansa decided he would find out. He walked stealthily towards the curtains on the other side of the room and with a swift jab he thrust his sword through the curtains. The sword passed through the cloth without meeting any resistance. He repeated this action with the curtains on all sides of the lavishly decorated room. He looked under the bed to see if the intruder was hiding there. Nothing! Kansa looked around the room bewildered.

  You look in the wrong places for the wrong person, Kalanemi! The voice was mocking. Kansa put his hands to his ears trying to shut the hoarse voice out of his mind. You can’t shut me out by shutting your ears, Kalanemi! The voice was gentler now; more appeasing. I’m not your enemy…I’m your friend. The only friend you have.

  ‘Show yourself, you coward!’ Kansa growled in anger. The voice in his head laughed mirthlessly. You are not prepared to see me yet, Kalanemi. One day you shall, and then I will show myself to you. Right now you need to prepare yourself against your true enemies, Kalanemi.

  Kansa stopped searching around the room. He understood now that there was no intruder in the room. The intruder was in his mind. Someone was using cosmic telepathy to communicate with him. But who? And how? Only the three supreme gods or a brahmarishi could communicate through cosmic telepathy, and this voice was not God’s. Who could possibly be doing this?

  ‘My true enemies… What do you mean?’ He growled.

  Your closest friend and your loving sister…Vasudev and Devki…they are your true enemies, Kalanemi.

  The voice in Kansa’s head was even gentler now, as if sympathizing with him.

  Kansa’s mouth tightened in anger at the slander of the two people closest to him. Then another thought struck Kansa with the force of lightning. He spoke aloud, ‘Why are you calling me Kalanemi?

  Because that is your true name…that is who you really are…inside that mortal body that you inhabit.

  The voice was softer now, gradually fading away.

  ‘What? You are mistaken!’ Kansa said in a mixture of confusion and anger. ‘I am Kansa, son of King Ugrasena of Madhuvan.’

  The voice in his head was almost inaudible now. You are not Kansa, you are Kalanemi…the greatest demon king the world has ever known. And Ugrasena is not your father…

  ‘You lie, you coward. Show yourself to me so I may cut off your blasphemous tongue!’ Kansa screamed with barely controlled fury. There was no answer in reply to Kansa’s outraged scream, and Kansa thought the voice in his head had left him.

  Then all of a sudden, it was back again, and with what seemed like a superhuman effort, it whispered, Go ask Ugrasena who your true father is… And with those words, the Dark Lord’s voice disappeared, accompanied by his sad and hoarse laughter, even as Kansa struggled to come to terms with the reality of what he had just heard.

  Ugrasena was sitting on a diwan with Kansa on his right. Vasudev and Surasena sat facing them. They were meeting in the room meant for the guests of the royal family. A feast had been organized in honour of Vasudev’s recent victory over Somdatta. Ugrasena planned to announce the news of Devki’s marriage to Vasudev to the people of Madhuvan on the day of the feast. Kings and royal families from different nations in Bharat and other lands of Mriytyulok had been invited for the great feast. The main palace housed some of the more important guests like Surasena while other royal families were housed in various regal guest houses, adjoining the main palace structure.

  ‘So Vasudev? How does it feel to be the man of the hour?’ Ugrasena smiled affectionately at his future son-in-law. Vasudev looked respectfully at the king of Madhuvan. He was very fond of him and loved the way the old stalwart managed his kingdom. Firm like a ruler, but gentle like a father. No wonder his people love him so much, Vasudev thought.

  ‘Where are you lost, young man?’ Ugrasena asked laughing.

  ‘I think he is missing Devki,’ quipped Kansa, with a grin. Everyone laughed.

  Vasudev glanced at Kansa. His friend appeared fine on the surface but there was something bothering him that Vasudev could not understand. He didn’t look his usual self. It almost seemed as if he was trying hard to look normal. I must talk to him later and find out what is bothering him, Vasudev decided.

  ‘When is the wedding date fixed, Ugrasena?’ Surasena asked. Surasena wanted to announce the ascension of Vasudev as the king of Bateshwar, on the day of his son’s wedding and was looking forward to the date with anticipation. He had decided he was too old to continue as the ruler and was keen to enter the Vanaprasthashram, a stage where he would give up material comforts and go live in the forest, in search of a higher calling. He had waited so far to make sure Vasudev was ready to take charge of the kingdom. Vasudev’s recent victory over Somdatta, and, more importantly, the manner in which he had conducted himself in victory, convinced Surasena that the prince was ready for his role as king of Bateshwar.

  Ugrasena consulted the calendar given to him earlier by the court pandit. ‘The most auspicious day for the marriage is three months from now, Surasena.’ He looked at Vasudev and smiled. ‘It will give us some time to prepare for the marriage, son.’

  Vasudev nodded. He had been waiting to get married to Devki as far back as he could remember. They had been children when he first saw her, during a visit to Ugrasena’s palace, years ago. He had known at first sight that Devki was the woman for him. Even though he had been living with Rohini for the past two years, Vasudev’s thoughts had not once strayed from Devki. As if echoing his thoughts, Ugrasena cleared his throat a little self-consciously. He had been meaning to ask Vasudev something but hadn’t got the opportunity so far. However, he had to know now, or it would be meaningless later. Still, he looked a little uncomfortable as he spoke to Vasudev ‘How is Rohini taking all this? She can’t be too happy with your impending wedding to Devki.’

  There was silence in the room, Kansa, too, waiting for Vasudev’s reply. Surasena would have liked to help his son but he knew this was something Vasudev had to handle on his own. Vasudev paused to decide how best to answer. Ugrasena had asked him a question that was of significant importance to him. His mind raced back to events in his recent past…

  Rohini Devi, fondly called Rohini by everyone, was the only child of Deodas. He was the chieftain of a minor province adjoining Bateshwar, and a close friend of Surasena. The two of them had planned Rohini’s marriage to Vasudev when both Vasudev and Rohini were barely three years old. A few years after this, Rohini’s father had been killed in a skirmish with an enemy. Rohini’s mother too succumbed to illness shortly thereafter. Thus Rohini was brought up by one of her maternal uncles, a brahmin, and she received all her education on philosophy from the learned man. As she turned seventeen, it was time for her to marry. Her uncle, the Brahmin Shonalik, was aware that she was betrothed in principle to Vasudev. He visited Bateshwar to discuss Rohini’s marriage with Surasena, who welcomed him, but shared with Shonalik that Vasudev was in love with Devki and intended to marry her. Shonalik was not angered as most people would have been. But he calmly told Surasena that no other man would come forward to marry Rohini, as it was common knowledge that she had been betrothed to Vasudev all these years. ‘I understand your situation Surasena; I will let Rohini know that Vasudev can no longer marry her. She will spend the rest of her life as a spinster, but I know she is strong enough to accept this with grace.’ Saying this, the brahmin blessed Surasena and departed for home to share the news with Rohini. Surasena was in dilemma, knowing he was breaking a promise made to his old friend, and also being unfair to Rohini who would be confined to a life of spinsterhood for no fault of her own. But how can I ask Vasudev to marry Rohini when he clearly loves Devki? he thought, and his per
plexity and depression increased with each day. He knew if he shared his thoughts with Vasudev, his son would have no choice but to marry Rohini to honour Surasena’s commitment to Rohini’s father. Surasena didn’t want Vasudev to be unhappy because of a commitment he had made when his son was too young to even know what had happened. Then a thought struck him and he decided to go and meet Rohini. On his arrival at Shonalik’s modest house, he was welcomed as an honoured guest by the learned man. Sensing that Surasena wanted to talk to Rohini, Shonalik left them alone. No one knew what was discussed that day between Rohini and Surasena, but when Surasena returned to Bateshwar, he summoned his son and told him that he would be marrying Rohini in a month’s time. While inwardly shattered at the thought of losing Devki, Vasudev quietly agreed to Surasena’s request. ‘Your wish will be carried out, Father,’ Vasudev said softly. ‘When may I go to Madhuvan to let Devki know that I won’t be able to marry her?’ he asked Surasena. Surasena looked with unabashed pride at his only son and hugged him. ‘Did you think, Vasudev, that I would be so cruel as to not know that you can no more exist without Devki as the Earth without the sun?’ Vasudev looked with surprise at his father, as Surasena continued speaking. ‘You shall marry Rohini because I made a commitment to her father. However, when the time is right, you shall also marry Devki, because she is the one you truly love!’ Vasudev found it difficult to hide his tears at his father’s love for him, but he shook his head. ‘I am afraid that won’t be possible, Father. I cannot do this injustice to Rohini. She will never accept another woman as my wife. And I cannot let Devki feel second to anyone else either.’ Surasena held Vasudev by his shoulder. ‘Rohini understands that you love Devki, Vasudev. She has told me she will be happy if you can find happiness with the woman you truly love.’ Vasudev looked unsure. ‘But, Father…’ he started to say. Surasena interrupted him with a slight wave of his hand. ‘Rohini is a very wise woman, my son. And she has a large heart too. She will never want you to be unhappy.’ Surasena paused for a moment before continuing. ‘Love Devki my child...but honour Rohini too, at all times. You will have two wives and they will both be your strength. Mark my words, for you shall remember this someday.’ Vasudev bowed to his father. ‘Now go. Devki needs to know you are marrying Rohini. If she is as great a woman as I think she is, she will understand why you have to do this.’ This was two years ago, and Vasudev had gone to Madhuvan and sought Devki’s permission to marry Rohini. Devki was fifteen at that time, but with wisdom beyond her age.

  She had quietly given her consent to Vasudev. ‘Rohini is fortunate that she marries you today, Vasudev. Honour her as your first wife. I will wait till you come and ask for my hand, someday soon.’ Vasudev left Madhuvan that day knowing in his mind that he was indeed one of the most fortunate men in Mrityulok, to have the love of a woman like Devki. Vasudev and Rohini were married in a quiet ceremony held at Bateshwar with only a few family members from Surasena’s side in attendance. Shonalik was present from Rohini’s side of the family, along with three brahmins, all of whom blessed the couple. In the past two years of marriage, Vasudev had given Rohini all the honours of being his first wife; but based on mutual understanding, neither of them had shared the conjugal bed. Rohini did this out of respect for Devki, and Vasudev was bound by his love for the only woman he had ever loved...Devki.

  Vasudev was brought back to the present by something Kansa had said. He looked blankly at his friend. Kansa realized Vasudev hadn’t heard him. ‘I know you love my sister more than anyone else, Vasudev. But I don’t want her feeling second to Rohini. It is therefore important that we know how Rohini feels about your marriage with Devki.’

  Though Kansa had reiterated the question, Vasudev looked at Ugrasena while answering. He knew the old king was anxious to know whether his niece, whom he loved like his own daughter, would find peace and love at Bateshwar. And though he loved Devki with all his heart and soul, at this moment he felt an unbridled sense of pride and respect for his first wife. ‘Rohini sends this for Devki, respected king.’

  Ugrasena extended his hand to take a carefully wrapped package from Vasudev. The parcel was covered in the most exquisite silk he had ever seen. But what lay cocooned inside the silk was even more exquisite. A necklace made of rubies and diamonds, each of them the size of a large grape gleamed with the brightness of the sun. Accompanying it were ten bracelets, made of the finest diamonds that competed to outshine the brilliance of the necklace itself. ‘What...what is this?’ he asked marvelling at the beauty of the jewellery.

  ‘These are my late mother’s jewels, handed down to her by her mother. They have been in our family for the past seven generations, and are given to the custodian of the royal family. Only the queen of Bateshwar may wear them, or in her absence, the bahu of the family,’ Vasudev paused as his voice cracked with emotion. ‘Rohini felt that only Devki could be the rightful custodian of these jewels, and she wanted Devki to know that she understands this and will always love her as her own sister.’

  Tears flowed down Ugrasena’s face and even the usually stoic Kansa was struck by emotion at the large-heartedness of Vasudev’s first wife. ‘Say no more my son!’ Ugrasena got up to hug Vasudev. ‘Rohini’s gesture has more than answered my question. Prepare for your marriage to Devki in three months’ time.’

  Kansa shook his future brother-in-law’s hands. ‘Welcome to the family, brother.’

  Exactly at that moment, the skies thundered. The rumbling was accompanied by what seemed like a hoarse and rasping scream from the depths of hell. But it was inaudible to everyone except Kansa. He heard it and shivered with fear for the first time in his life. The rasping scream was the same as the raucous voice he had heard in his head, a day ago.

  ‘In the name of Vishnu, how many times do I need to tell you, you are my son!’ Ugrasena shouted uncharacteristically at his beloved son. Kansa bowed his head, plagued by ambivalent feelings. His love and duty towards his father made him hesitant to probe further on this topic. Ugrasena had been devastated when Kansa had put forth the question, ‘Who is my real father?’ And for a fleeting moment, Kansa had thought of abandoning this quest that was hurting his father so much. However, he was driven by an inexplicably uncontrollable force, to persist in his quest for the answer. The Dark Lord’s words had been haunting him for the past few nights and try as he might, he couldn’t be his usual self.

  ‘Father, there is something that you haven’t told me. I have felt it all these years…in the whispers of Mother’s closest attendants…whispers that stop as soon as they see me.’ Ugrasena helplessly watched his son’s tortured expression, and tried to imagine what the young prince would be going through in his mind.

  ‘Mother never loved me the way she loved her other nine children. I learnt to live without her love because I knew you loved me more than any of my brothers and sisters. But sometimes I would catch her staring at me with such hate that the force of her loathing would make me want to die,’ Kansa paused, his voice too broken to continue. Ugrasena waited with bated breath, hoping Kansa would not ask him what he knew now was inevitable. But he knew that Kansa was on the brink of asking the very question that he had been dreading all these years.

  ‘And I always wondered what I had done to be the cause of such abhorrence from my own mother…’ Kansa paused in mid sentence, making a superhuman effort to rein in his emotions. After what seemed like an eternity, Kansa seemed to calm down. He looked at Ugrasena, ‘Why did Mother hate me, Father?’

  The pain and anger, lying buried in Kansa’s soul for the past twenty-nine years of his life seemed to have erupted all of a sudden and it did not brook any easy answers. Ugrasena looked at Kansa closely, and for the first time he felt a sense of fear as he stared into the eyes of his son. He had always thought Kansa had soft, melting eyes, much like his mother. Today, those very eyes looked hard as steel. In that moment, Ugrasena realized with a shock that Kansa could probably hate with the same intensity with which he was capable of loving.

  ‘It�
�s a long story,’ Ugrasena said softly, and motioned to Kansa to take a seat close to him. Then he held his son’s hands as he prepared to tell him a story he had thought was buried in his heart forever.

  ‘Your mother was born to King Satyaketu of Vidarbha. They called her Shooraseni and she was supposed to have been the most beautiful princess in all of Bharat. Her beauty was so alluring that kings of different nations in Bharat and other lands in Mrityulok all desired to marry her. Even though her family and ours wanted her to be married to me, we knew some of the other kings might oppose, much as Somdatta did in the case of your sister. But I had the support of Vasudev’s father, Surasena, and the other kings knew that if they had to battle the combined force of Madhuvan, Bateshwar and Vidarbha, they may not win. Finally, I married Shooraseni and brought her to Madhuvan. After marriage, I liked to call your mother Padmavati, the name given to her by my father.’

  Kansa listened to Ugrasena’s every word, hoping that somewhere in those words, he may get to know the reason why his mother hated him so much. Ugrasena sipped some water before continuing.

  ‘Padmavati and I were very happy together. She loved me more than I had thought was possible and I realized that her external beauty was nothing compared to her inner loveliness. She was flawless. And she was devoted to me as few queens could ever be to their husbands. One day, we received a message from Padmavati’s father. The king of Vidarbha was ill and wanted to see his daughter. I had to go out for a few days to quell some disturbance that was taking place in one of our outer provinces, and I suggested that Padmavati go and visit her father during that time. I told her I would join her there in a few weeks. Padmavati left for Vidarbha and I set out with a battalion towards the province where the unrest was happening.’