ENIGMATIC QUEEN

Story telling (Part - I)

When the little princess mentioned Duryodhana as Suyodhana he was so happy. It's been years people called him by his birth name. 

" You are a shining star, I will call you Zahra", he said.

" Now explain the reason, kaka ( uncle ) Suyodhan", she said.

" Well.. I will tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a beautiful kingdom and it was ruled by the most powerful king Shantanu. While he was passing by river ganga , he noticed a beautiful women and asked her to marry him. But she agreed with the condition that he shall not question her action and if he does she said she would leave him. Years passed, she got pregnant seven times but after the baby was born it was not seen. But when the 8th child was born Shantanu followed her , he went to confront her when she was about to drown the baby and she explained the curse by Sage Vashihta and said she was taking the child with her and she will later handle the son to him.  With that she disappeared. 

Years passed  and finally the 8th son came back. His name was devavrata . He was a perfect heir to the throne. One day his father came back with a sad face after going for a hunt. When he spoke to his father he came to know that his father loves a fisherman daughter but couldn't get her hand. Thus to make his father happy he went to speak with the bride's father.

" My great elder. My name is Devavrata , son of King Shantanu . May I know the reason that you declined my fathers proposal."

" Young man, I want my daughter to live like queen. Her son should be heir to the throne. But you are already the heir. Then why should I marry my daughter to your father.", the fisher man replied.

" If that's your wish I shall disown my thrown , elder. "

" But if you have a son , then he would rule. What will happen to the linage ?", he asked.

Devavrata looked at him, then he went to the near river and took his knife. He cut his palm and let the blood dip into the water. He then said " Let my mata Ganga be my witness. I Ganga putra , Devavrata shall never marry nor take the throne of Hastinapur. And I will guard the throne till death . "  His voice echoed the whole world.  The fisherman and his daughter stood shocked. Shantanu came running . 

"What did you do my child ? Why ?", he asked.

" If that makes you happy,  I am pleased to do that father ", he replied.

Shantanu felt proud and gave a boon to him saying he will never die until he whishes to die. And he was named Bhishma due to the oath he took.  And this changed the destiny of many lives Zahra.", Duryodhana said. 

" The plot made by the fisherman was well planned. A cunning one", Abhinaya said.

" Indeed it is .", he replied.

" What happened next Suyodhana? "

" They both were married. Years passed. They gave birth to their son named  Vichitravirya . He was still a child when he was crowned as king and his father also passed away. Bhishma due to the words of Satyavati had to abduct princess Ambika and Ambalika to marry them to his half-brother, whereas princess Amba went for penance after a huge war with Bhishma. But King Vichitravirya died without kids. Satyavati in fear of her future generation called Ved Vyas to help the queens give birth. But the immature princess and a maid who was forced to take the queens place where blessed with three sons. Dhritarashtra , the blind prince. Pandu , the pale one. Vidura, the maid'  born yet an intelligent one with perfect features. ", Suyodhana said.

" Mata Satyavati is just like her father. Selfish, power greed. ", Abhinaya said.

" Yes, she was once. She said she did it to protect the kingdom", he said.

" What happened next Suyo? ", she asked eagerly.

" Aren't you a curious cat?", he said and ruffled her hair, later continued 

" Prince Dhritarashtra was born blind as his mother closed her eyes when mantra was given to her. But he made all his weakness as strength. With the sound of footstep he could guess the person. He knows all kinds of weaponries and is also a skilled ruler. Prince Pandu was born pale as his mother over her body during the mantra. He was much interested in archery and was a calm person. He was skilled not much as his elder but he was graceful. The last , the maid born , Prince Vidura. Mata Satyavati did not like the idea of giving the title of Prince to Vidura. She never accepted him to royal family as he was a maid's son. But he had the benefit of Bhishma who stood as a pillar beside him and  he was an intelligent person. His mother took the mantra as given. She sat like a frozen person without moving but just grasping.  Satyavati can't go against Bhishma and she accepted Vidura.", he said.

" Maid went in place of Ambalika as she was forced to go, but still he is son of Ved viyas . He has the right of royalty . If a fisherman daughter could become queen. Then why can't he?", Abhinaya questioned.

" They are kingdom politics Zahra, they take situation to their favor. ", he replied.