THE CURSE OF BRAHMA Page 19

  Devki smiled. ‘He wouldn’t. You know how loyal he is to my father. And since Father hasn’t told me or anyone else about it, he would have obviously asked Airawat to keep silent on this.’

  ‘Well, it would seem that your father is sharing this with Vasudev too,’ Mandki said in an even tone.

  Devki slapped her forehead, ‘Of course!’ she exclaimed. ‘No wonder Vasudev is taking so long. It must be something really serious then,’ she said with a worried expression on her face.

  ‘Don’t worry. At least Vasudev will tell you about it when he returns from the meeting,’ Mandki said trying to cheer up her friend.

  Devki snorted, ‘You don’t know Vasudev then. He would never allow his love for me come in the way of his duty. And if my father tells him it is confidential, Vasudev will die before divulging any secrets, even to me.’

  Mandki smiled wanly. She was already used to Airawat’s penchant for keeping state secrets and she understood Vasudev was no different. ‘I just hope everything is fine,’ she said.

  ‘It will be,’ Devki assured her. But while she sought to comfort Mandki, she knew deep down that something was happening; something that neither she nor anyone else may have control over. She prayed fervently that her premonitions were wrong. But even as she prayed, she felt the cold finger of fear run down her spine.

  ‘Wow, so Jarasandha too knows about the asuras entering our world,’ Vasudev exclaimed.

  ‘And his story seems to match the one they gave Ugrasena when they were captured by the Madhuvan border security,’ Narada said completing Vasudev’s thought.

  ‘I wonder how much Jarasandha really knows,’ Ugrasena said quietly. ‘Is it that he too has been fooled by the asuras or does he actually know more than whatever little he told Kansa and me?’

  Narada took charge of the discussion. ‘Let’s not bother ourselves yet about what Jarasandha knows. I will find that out through my sources. Right now, we need to focus more on how to tackle the issue I have told you and Vasudev about.’

  Vasudev sighed. He had come to Madhuvan to spend a couple of days in peace with Devki. It didn’t look like he would get any time with her now. What Narada had shared with Ugrasena last night, and with him now, required immediate attention.

  There was a knock on the door, and Airawat entered the room. Vasudev glanced at Ugrasena, who nodded, ‘I had sent for Airawat. I think you are going to need his help.’

  Vasudev smiled. It would be interesting to have Airawat by his side. He genuinely liked the quiet man. He knew there was a ton of substance behind the calm exterior.

  As Ugrasena motioned for Airawat to take a seat, Narada spoke. ‘Vasudev, why don’t you share with Airawat what I have told you and Ugrasena.’

  Vasudev hesitated. Protocol suggested that the king of Madhuvan should share the plan with Airawat, since he was a soldier of Madhuvan.

  Ugrasena realized Vasudev’s dilemma, and tried to make him comfortable, ‘Vasudev, you have to lead the action on this one. It’s best that you are the one to share the plan with Airawat.’

  Airawat maintained a poker face as he waited for Vasudev to tell him what was going on. He had known since last night that something was amiss. But he hadn’t wanted to question his king till he was told what to do. The soldier in him, however, was ready for anything that spelled trouble for his motherland.

  Vasudev started in a low voice that gained strength as he continued. He told Airawat about the asuras entering Mrityulok and how Ugrasena and Atharva had let the ones they had captured go free. Airawat raised his eyebrows only once at that, but almost immediately controlled his reaction at the mention of his king’s kindness towards the captured asuras.

  Vasudev paused for a moment. He had told Airawat everything. Except what Narada had shared with Ugrasena and him. He wanted to ask for Airawat’s thoughts on whatever he had been told till now before he went any further. ‘Any questions so far Airawat?’ he asked.

  Airawat shook his head. The warrior in him told him the main part of the story was yet to come.

  Vasudev persisted. ‘I am sure you must have some questions.’

  Airawat sighed. ‘Prince, it is a fact that I do not hold any love for the asuras. In the past, they have done enough harm to mortals. And most of their previous endeavours have been aimed at hurting the people of Mrityulok. However, in the last couple of centuries, there doesn’t seem to have been any incident where they have openly done anything to injure us.’

  Vasudev made an encouraging motion for Airawat to continue.

  Airawat looked towards Ugrasena, ‘Therefore, if the king let those asuras go, I don’t think he did anything wrong. They were clearly being persecuted by their own kind and had nowhere to go. By allowing innocent asuras to settle down in our land, the king has merely demonstrated that people of Mrityulok don’t turn their back on anyone who needs our help.’ He paused, ‘However, I am sure that there is something more than what you have already told me; something which may make me change whatever feelings I just shared with you.’

  Vasudev grinned despite the seriousness of the situation. He was sure now that Ugrasena had chosen the right man to work with him on this. Airawat was nobody’s fool; his mind was razor sharp and his ability to interpret a problem was uncanny.

  He addressed Airawat directly and this time his voice was firm and clear, ‘You are right. There is more than I have told you already, and it is going to make you change your feelings about the asuras.’ Airawat tensed involuntarily as Vasudev continued.

  ‘The asuras who were captured by the king lied to him. They were honest in that they were not the first asuras to enter Mrityulok illegally. But they lied when they said that only a few hundred of them have breached our borders over the last few years.’

  ‘How many have come in?’ Airawat couldn’t help asking.

  ‘They number in the thousands, and they have spread out all over the kingdoms of Mrityulok. They are everywhere, disguised as mortals, engaged in different kinds of work and trade,’ Vasudev answered in a soft voice.

  Airawat had a horrified expression on his face. ‘This is incredulous!’ he exclaimed. ‘What is their purpose?’ he managed to ask finally.

  ‘Maharishi Narada tells us that all the asuras who have entered Mrityulok so far are trained assassins. They have been under training in Pataal Lok for the past hundred years, or perhaps even more than that. It is quite possible that they have been entering through various border kingdoms into Mrityulok for the past several years, in small numbers. Their documents and ID papers are done to perfection and from what we know, the only time they were found out was when a Madhuvan border guard recognized their language and their documents were subjected to more than a routine check.’

  Airawat’s face was pale as he spoke. ‘Why would Pataal Lok send so many assassins into our land? This is bizarre.’

  ‘Think! Why does anyone send spies into a country Airawat?’ Vasudev asked in a quiet voice. ‘Because they want to keep a tab on that country’s activities,’ Airawat answered almost immediately. ‘Correct. But that can be done with a handful of spies. Why would someone send in thousands of spies, who also happen to be trained as assassins?’ prompted Vasudev.

  ‘By Vishnu!’ exclaimed Airawat as the full realization of the asuras’ plans dawned on him. ‘They want to create anarchy within all the kingdoms of Mrityulok.’ His voice faltered towards the end of the sentence.

  ‘Yes, and they are waiting for the right moment to do just that,’ Vasudev completed the thought that had begun to take shape in Airawat’s mind.

  Airawat struggled to control his panic as the thought seeped in completely. Gradually, years of training his mind succeeded in helping him think clearly. ‘The only purpose an enemy has to create anarchy within someone’s country is to keep them so busy handling their internal conflicts that they wouldn’t be ready to face an attack from outside. This would mean that Pataal Lok has plans to launch an attack on Mrityulok. The question is when…when would they d
o it?’

  ‘It could happen any time, Airawat,’ Narada finally spoke. ‘Even as we speak now.’ He looked at the grim faces of the people around him and sought to reassure them. ‘But I don’t think it will happen that soon. Before the attack starts, there has to be sufficient chaos in every kingdom. That stage hasn’t been reached yet.’

  Vasudev chipped in. ‘My feeling is that they will need more asuras in every kingdom before they can create that scale of mayhem in Mrityulok. This means we can expect a lot more cases of asuras trying to breach borders of various kingdoms to enter Mrityulok. Maharishi Narada has compiled a list of the main kingdoms that have borders with Pataal Lok. This includes kingdoms like Madhuvan, Magadha, Banpur, Yavanas, Hastinapur, Bateshwar and a few others. The maharishi is going to meet up with the kings of all these countries to caution them against the threat. Meanwhile, King Ugrasena is going to step up the security at the Madhuvan borders. If we can control the flow of asura assassins entering Mrityulok, we can indefinitely delay their plans and perhaps even destabilize their intentions completely.’

  ‘But…’ Airawat started to say something. He was interrupted by Vasudev who hadn’t finished yet.

  ‘While the maharishi will try destabilizing the asura plan by cautioning the border kingdoms, we need to take care of the other important issue,’ Vasudev paused to clarify his thoughts in his own mind, before continuing, ‘Since we can be certain that Pataal Lok will not attack us until there is significant anarchy on Mrityulok, our focus should be on controlling their efforts at creating that anarchy.’

  ‘How will we do that?’ Airawat questioned.

  Vasudev had anticipated this question. ‘Each of the kingdoms in Mrityulok will need to create a task force whose objective it will be to look out for signs of rebellion or lawlessness in their own country. The moment they observe any activities that could lead to uncontrollable mayhem, they will address it immediately. If we are able to get each country in Mrityulok to build such a task force, and if Maharishi Narada succeeds in getting the border kingdoms to control the entry of any more asuras, we will be in a much stronger position.’

  Airawat seemed lost in thought. He spoke at last. ‘It’s a good plan, prince. But whatever you have told me till now is all part of a defensive strategy. The maharishi will caution the border kingdoms, and that is a good way to prevent entry of new assassin teams from Pataal Lok. The task forces in all the kingdoms will keep track of any anarchist activities and that is also a good defensive strategy…but that is all it is…a defensive strategy.’

  Vasudev looked closely at Airawat. He wondered if Airawat would say what he hoped.

  Airawat took a deep breath. ‘I suggest we do all of that. But we need to take the battle to the asuras. We should be creating a covert operations team in every kingdom that will only have one task—to hunt down the assassin asuras hiding in their respective kingdoms. Let’s take the problem out by its roots!’ Airawat finished with a low growl.

  ‘Bravo!’ exclaimed Vasudev. ‘That’s exactly what we are going to do Airawat. But I wanted to hear this from you. I am certain you are the right man for this job. I am not sure if the other kingdoms will agree to do this right away, at least not until Maharishi Narada has discussed the whole problem with them. But Madhuvan and Bateshwar will definitely get cracking on this. And you are going to help me build the team for both our kingdoms.’

  Airawat seemed to hesitate. Ugrasena and Vasudev exchanged glances.

  ‘What is it, Airawat? Is there a problem?’ Ugrasena stared at him quizzically.

  Airawat still hesitated, and Vasudev spoke up, ‘Speak up man. If there is a problem, I need to know now. I need you with me totally—mind, body and soul. There can be no room for any doubt once we are started.’

  Airawat looked apologetically at Ugrasena. He seemed to ignore Vasudev and directed his words at his king. ‘My Lord! Prince Kansa…have you spoken to him about this? He should be here to lead the task force for Madhuvan.’ Airawat bowed his head, dismayed at having questioned his king’s command for the first time in his life.

  Vasudev looked like he wanted to say something but Ugrasena stopped him. This was something he had to do himself, or Airawat would not agree. ‘Airawat, Prince Kansa needs to be away for some time.’

  ‘He…uh, he has some things he needs to work out in his mind, and he has asked to be left alone till that happens. Much as I love my son, I respect his need to be away till he is comfortable coming back and taking his rightful position at Madhuvan as the Crown Prince. But this danger from the asura assassins that we have spoken about cannot wait till my son returns. Therefore, I have asked Vasudev, the prince of Bateshwar to lead the task force for both Bateshwar and Madhuvan until Kansa comes back. In the interim, I am sending a confidential message for Prince Kansa today itself, informing him about the danger and asking him if he would like to return to lead the Madhuvan task force. If he comes back now, you will work under his command at Madhuvan while Prince Vasudev will take care of the danger in his own country at Bateshwar. Do you understand?’

  Ugrasena’s last words carried the full command and authority of his position and were not lost on Airawat. He bowed to his king and nodded.

  ‘Good then, you will start working with Vasudev on building the task force for Madhuvan. If Kansa comes back, you will be under his command, or else you will report directly to Vasudev. Meanwhile, Vasudev will travel to Bateshwar immediately and share the plan with his father, King Surasena. Whether he stays there to lead the task force at Bateshwar or returns here to lead the Madhuvan task force too, will depend on Kansa’s decision to return. The maharishi will be leaving tomorrow to travel to all the border kingdoms.’

  Ugrasena stood up to indicate that the meeting was over, at least as far as Airawat was concerned. Airawat bowed low to his king, and nodded respectfully to Vasudev. He went over to Narada and touched his feet to seek the blessings of the venerable sage, before exiting the king’s chambers.

  Vasudev looked at Ugrasena, ‘I need to meet Devki before I leave. She won’t be pleased that I have to return to Bateshwar so soon, but I will explain it to her. If all goes well, Kansa should be here soon. Else, I will return after starting the task force in Bateshwar. In case I have to be here, Sini Yadav is more than capable to handle the team at Bateshwar.’

  Ugrasena nodded. ‘Let me know how things go, Vasudev. Tell Devki I am sorry for taking so much of the time that you meant to spend with her. But she will have you all to herself after the marriage in a few months, anyway.’

  Vasudev grinned at the king’s subtle joke, and seeking the blessings of both Narada and Ugrasena, he, too, left the chamber in search of Devki.

  Narada and Ugrasena were left alone. Narada held the old king by his shoulder. ‘I know you have Kansa’s interests in your heart Ugrasena. But put pressure on him to return. He shouldn’t feel left out that you have asked Vasudev to lead the Madhuvan task force too.’

  Ugrasena shook his head. ‘He won’t feel that way. He loves Vasudev as a brother. And Vasudev is going to lead the task force only if Kansa does not return. But I know he will return. I am going to request him as his father to come back to save his country from this danger. He won’t refuse me.’

  Maharishi Narada was quiet. His capabilities were not as advanced as that of a brahmarishi, but he was still able to pick up parts of what would happen in the future from the energy flowing through the universe. And whatever little he was able to read of the future, he knew one thing for certain—Kansa would not return to lead the task force.

  Signs of the Future

  he Dark Lord paced the room. Every pore of his being exuded a state of severe agitation. Bhargava sat quietly watching him, with a concerned look on his customarily placid face. It was unusual for his friend to show signs of being extremely disturbed. He knew that Amartya was consumed with pain and impotent rage, but he seldom allowed his feelings to be observed by anyone. Something big must have happened for him to be so visibly agitated
, mused Bhargava. He badly wanted to know what, but he knew better than to disturb his friend, when he was in one of these moods. He waited patiently.

  ‘They know. They know everything!’ Amartya shouted in frustrated rage.

  The explosion of anger was so sudden and uncharacteristic that Bhargava positively leaped out of his seat. ‘What’s wrong, Amartya?’ he asked in concern. ‘I have never seen you express your anger this way.’

  The Dark Lord clenched his teeth. ‘Don’t call me by that name. Amartya Kalyanesu is dead! I am just a shell of my past self.’

  Bhargava gave him a sad smile. ‘It’s not that easy to shake off our past, Amartya. And definitely not something that a man of your abilities should do.’ He gazed at the broken man standing in front of him. ‘You are still a brahmarishi, my friend. And nothing that happened to you or will ever happen to you can change that truth. But forget all that for now. What’s bothering you?’

  The Dark Lord met Bhargava’s gaze, who was compelled to look away. ‘They know what we are planning. Narada has told Ugrasena the truth behind the asura assassins entering Mrityulok. There is a leak in your camp, Bhargava.’

  ‘Impossible!’ Bhargava exclaimed in shock. ‘That cannot be. The only people who knew about the plan apart from you and me are all part of the asura council. The others who know the plan are the assassins who have been sent to Mrityulok. All of them are mercenaries and are aware that they stand to earn a great deal of wealth if they help the plan succeed. None of them could have betrayed us.’

  ‘It is obviously not impossible, Bhargava, since it has already come to pass. Someone has to have told Narada what we are planning.’

  Bhargava grew silent. He knew Amartya was right. Someone had told Narada about the plan. But the question was who? Who in Pataal Lok would have risked the wrath of the Dark Lord? And to what purpose? Then a thought struck him and his face shone with excitement.