Chapter 16: chapter 16

Early morning Anantsen reaches the royal guest house, where Durjay was staying. Durjay was surprised to see the king himself at his place. He could not understand how to welcome the king.'Don't worry, I just came to talk to you and invite you to have breakfast with me.' Anantsen assured him.Anantsen could not understand where to start the conversation.`We would have loved it if you had joined the royal army. But it's your choice. But I must tell you that we are not expanding our military power for our personal interest. Yes, a war-like situation has indeed arisen as I have refused the marriage proposal from Matsyapura for Dharmasen. Sending a marriage proposal was not wrong. But forcing us to accept in the name of the treaty is wrong. A king does not need a wife only to run his family. He needs a wife to help him in all the royal affairs too. Like-minded couples have a happy life, and a happy king can make wise decisions for his country.' 'Maybe you are right. But a king has to make sacrifices. Royal people need to set an example for common people.''Accepting the wrong thing will also set an incorrect example for society. Marriage is the secondary thing. When there is a treaty between two countries, the powerful country always tries to subjugate the weaker country. These days Matsyapura is trying to interfere in our internal matters. They wanted to send their advisor to monitor our military forces, which I had refused. They also want us to do all development work in our country under their supervision. Getting angry at us for refusing the marriage proposal is just an excuse to subdue us. If marriage was so important, how could they forget that my wife is their king's sister? (Pause) I know being king is not easy. I want my Agyatpur to be self-dependent. For that, first of all, we have to increase agricultural production and expand our military strength. So that no one can overpower us. A king alone can do nothing. He always needs the support of his countrymen.'Durjoy did not know all this. He regretted misunderstanding Anantsen.'I am sorry. I didn't know this. I don't want to join the royal army, but I will be there whenever you need me.''It's not about me. You should be there whenever your country needs you.''To me, it's only you.' Durjay said in a very low voice, but Anantsen heard it.'Did you say something?''No, nothing.'Both kept silent for some time, then Durjay broke the silence.'Actually, I had hated you from childhood. At first, I believed the story told by my mother. But later, I came to know that my mother was thrown out of the village for being pregnant before marriage, but you were not there when she needed you the most. Though she never complained, I hated you because you were responsible for all our miseries. I was not even allowed to enter the village. I have heard that the villagers had sentenced Maa to death. Grandfather, aka Vasumitra, had he not been there, the villagers would have killed Maa for the crime of loving you.'Anantsen felt like crying, but he controlled his emotions. He repented for accepting Urvashi's decisions 25 years ago.`We stayed with Grandfather. Whatever I am today is because of him. But I cannot forget my childhood when no one in the village allowed their children to talk or play with me. I was not allowed in the local school. So, I had to go to the boarding school in the neighbouring village. I had heard that my father had come to Kumbharwada to learn pottery. Later he joined the classes of Grandfather and then joined the royal army. He was martyred in a while fighting with terrorists on the northern border. A few years ago, when all the village heads of the country came for a meeting at Udaipur to discuss the new law of marriage, where you were the prime proponent, our current village head recognised you. After returning to the village, he disclosed my father's identity and tried to provoke everyone that you are trying to enforce the new law to marry Maa. A few people supported him. But since the new generation had warmly welcomed the new law, it did not take the form of a movement. When the truth came out, I started hating you more. Since Maa didn't say anything, I couldn't ask her. I wanted to meet you and ask what was my fault that I suffered throughout my childhood?''As you said, power gives acceptance. When I was crown prince, Matsyapura controlled all the internal affairs. We were unable to dismiss Matsyapura's decision. I had promised your mother that whatever may be the situation, I would not meet Urvashi. So, I have no news about you. What happened to you, I feel sorry for that, but I cannot change the past. What can I do for you and your mother now?''In the last seven days, my perception of you has changed. Now I have no complaints. I just want to hug you for once before I leave.'Anantsen's long awaited desire gets fulfilled. He embraced his son. Tears rolled down from both their eyes, but these were the tears of joy.(End)