Chapter 6: chapter 6

On enquiring about Vasumitra from Balabhadra, Chandravardhana learned that Vasumitra was Commander-in-Chief in the Royal Army during the reign of Anantsen's grandfather. Vasumitra is one of the greatest warriors of all time. Once in a battle, he was seriously injured. After recovering, he retired from the royal service and came to Kumbharwada and started teaching the art of warfare to the children.Chandravardhana is sure that Vasumitra has caught them lying, but why is he silent? This question was sufficient to give him sleepless nights.Ignoring Chandravardhana's repeated requests, Anantsen started going to Vasumitra's ashram every evening after his pottery classes. Although Chandravardhana was not happy with Anansen's decision, he accompanied his prince to the ashram for his safety. But despite many temptations from Vasumitra, Chandravardhana never took up arms in the ashram. He remained firm in his statement that he has learnt weapons because his father wanted him to do so, but he wants to pursue a career in pottery. It made Vasumitra a little confused. The muscular physique of both the young men shouted that they were warriors, and the shining face of Anantsen confirmed that he must be a prince. Then, Chandravardhana must be a bodyguard of the prince, if not a prince himself. But his strict refusal to use a weapon made Vasumitra confused because, for a soldier, his arms are his God, and they never say 'NO' to use any weapon.Although Vasumitra has retired from the royal army, once a soldier is always a soldier, he still works with equal gusto to defend his country and its native. He built his ashram to make good warriors. He is always aware of the things that happen in his surroundings, and if any suspicious incident occurs, he investigates himself until the doubts get cleared.Vasumitra was overjoyed when his men revealed to him the real identity of Anantsen and Chandravardhana. He was happy because now he could teach his crown prince all his knowledge of war skills. Anantsen was very good at sword fighting, and now Vasumitra started teaching him archery, spear fighting and stick fighting. Vasumitra believes that a warrior must be proficient in all weapons. According to him, during a crisis, soldiers may not have the opportunity to choose their weapons. He also teaches his students mallakhamb, wrestling and dhyana, irrespective of their gender. Anantsen is also happy to learn many new things from Vasumitra.Gradually, Anantsen and Urvashi started talking. When Anantsen gets a chance to practice with Urvashi, his happiness rises to cloud nine. But instead of focusing on the practice, Anantsen becomes cautious that Urvashi does not get hurt by his blows. Hence he makes lots of mistakes and eventually gets scolded by Vasumitra.Vasumitra understood the conflict between Anantsen's heart and mind. Though he knew the consequences, he could not restrain Anantsen as it is his personal affair. So, he tried to teach him to ignore all the distractions. The more Vasumitra wanted to take Anantsen away from Urvashi's attraction, the more he was attracted to Urvashi. Anantsen could not ignore Urvashi's attraction.One day while Anantsen and Urvashi were practising, Urvashi's loose waistband got untied, and Anantsen unknowingly stepped on it. Urvashi became unbalanced and was about to fall when Anantsen grabbed her by her waist and saved her from falling.After the waistband got untied, Urvashi's waist became uncovered. So, when Anantsen grabbed her by her waist, he felt her soft touch. An electrifying sensation passed through them. Both felt breathless and weak.But soon, they corrected themselves.Inadvertently a quick smile flashed on their face.(Continued ........................ )