Journey through the Grand Canyon (Drisana's Mahabharat #2)

Chapter 14

"Yeh kya ho raha hai yeaha? (What is happening here?)" A loud angry voice rang through the silence of the area stopping both Duryodhan and Bheem on their tracks.

All eyes turned to see Mahabali Balaram standing at the entrance. Krishna came from behind with his serene smile intact. Maharaj Subahu released a relieved breath seeing them and moved downstairs to welcome them.

"Parnipat." Bheem and Duryodhan both greeted Mahabali and Dwarkadeesh.

"What were you both going to do?" Balaram asked them slightly narrowing his eyes.

"Yes. What is happening? We heard Kashikumari Valandhara's swayambar was going on. But here you both look ready for war." Krishna asked smiling with humour.

"I'll explain." Maharaj Subahu said coming closer and greeted them. Then, described what happened.

"Duryodhan, mai samjh sakta hu ki tumhe bura laga hai. Kintu jo huya use swikar kar lo. Swayambara aapna bar cunne ke liye swatantra hai. Aur cahe swayambar ho yeah na ho, cahe koyi bhi jeete yeah hare, kisi bhi stree k eccha ke virudh jo karya kiya jai, woh adharm hai. Isiliye tumhara Bheem se dwand karna bhi adharm hoga.

(Duryodhan, I can understand you felt bad. But what happened accept that. Swayambara is free to choose her groom. And either swayambar happens or not, no matter who wins or loses, the acts done against a woman's will, is unrighteous. So, you fighting with Bheem will be unrighteous too.)"
Mahabali Balaram said sternly.

"Haa Yuvraj. Dau bilkul uchit keh rahe hai. Aur Maharaj Subahu, aapni putri ke liye pratiyogita dwara yoggya bar ka cunab karna acchi baat hai. Parantu usme aisa niyaam na rakkhi jay jise uski eccha aur akangsha o ki mrityu ho. Swayambar mein ek swayambara ko purnatah bar k cayan ki swatantra dena cahiye. Aur aap sabhi ko bhi uske nirnay ka samman karna cahiye. Yeahi Dharma hai.

(Yes Yuvraj. Dau is absolutely right. And Maharaj Subahu, it's a good thing to choose a capable groom for your daughter by competition. But there should be no such a rule that kills her wishes and hopes. A swayambara should have full freedom to choose her groom in a swayambar. And you all should respect her decision. That's righteousness only.)"
Krishna said addressing Maharaj Subahu and all the Kings present.

"Jyesth, please don't argue anymore and understand. Now Mahabali Balaram has also said so. Agree now." Suvharman requested quietly. Duryodhan nodded reluctantly gritting his jaw hard to control himself. Yes, he was backing now. He wasn't a fool to enrage Mahabali. He would leave quietly for the time being, but neither he would forget his insult nor Rajkumari Valandhara. If not today then some other time, she would have to pay for this.

After that all the Kings and Princes started to leave. Duryodhan didn't wait for a single moment longer. Suvharman bid farewell on his behalf to Maharaj and everyone. Then left after accepting the Modaki Gada.

"Thank you Bhrata Krishna." Drisana said smiling. "You reached at the right time."

"Kaise na aata? Satya aur Dharma ke liye jab jab tum mujhe smaran karogi, tab tab main aabasya aayunga behna. (How can I not come? Whenever you will call me for truth and righteousness, I will come for sure sister.)" Krishna said smiling back.

"Keshav?" Valandhara called him coming closer. "Dhannaybad. Yedhi aaj aap aur Mahabali sahi samay par na pohochte, toh yeaha toh sach mein yudh hi ho jata. Yoh bhi mere karan. (Thank you. If you and Dau hadn't reached on time, there must have happened bloodshed here. And that too because of me.)" Valandhara said gratefully to them and added the last line in sadness.

"Nehi Sakhi. Tum aapne aapko dosh maat do. Tumne toh kebal aapni maan ki suni hai. Isme tumhara koyi dosh nehi. Dosh toh uss samaj babastha ka hai joh stree o ko swatantra toh de deti hai, parantu niyaam aur mariyada o ke bedi o mein band kar.