SAMRADITYA SAGA Part 2 - TANGLES OF HATRED

Parents' choice

It is natural for girls to get attracted towards boys and boys to get attracted towards girls, whether humans, heavenly gods or birds-animals.
When that attraction becomes intense, the person becomes restless. For the first time, Sinhakumar was attracted to Kusumavali. Emotional feelings were arising in his mind. Ever since he received Kusumavali’s message, she was all over his mind.
‘If marriage has to be done, it will be with Kusumavali only.' He had decided this in his mind.
But in those times, the final decision of marriage was taken by parents. Yes, children could talk and discuss about their choices with their mother.
A great turmoil was going on in Sinhakumar’s mind.
"How shall I talk to father? I do have faith in my parents that they will choose the girl as per my wish. Till date, they have never hurt me, they’ve fulfilled all my wishes. There’s just one question - How to make this matter reach his ears? It’s such a delicate issue. Neither did mother say anything about this nor did father ever mention about this till today. Perhaps, they might be thinking about it in my absence but I don’t know. I never even tried to find out because I had no interest.”
Strolling in the bedroom, the prince’s heart and mind started looking out for a solution. However, he couldn’t think of any. On the other hand, the meeting at the park was flashing through his mind. The entire incident began to emerge in the mirror of his eyes.
‘Kusumavali’s friend addressed me as bachelor Cupid. Weren’t her words referring to Kusumavali? Her gestures were very clear! And Kusumavali also sent her message here! She adores me, likes me with all her heart. She has gotten attached to me in her mind. Maybe she won’t be able to tolerate separation from me for long. Since she is a queen and this is the bad habit of prince and princesses that whatever they want, they must get it immediately. They cannot bear any delay in the fulfillment of their wishes! And majority of the kings and queens love their children to such an extent that they are ready to fulfill each of their wishes at any cost.
I am sure if I put this wish in front of my parents, they will instantly talk to King Laxmikant for Kusumavali’s marriage with me.’
Sinhakumar’s impatience was increasing tremendously. That day, he neither went out of his palace nor played any sport. His maid Vasanta was clever and cunning. She had gotten a hint. Since the time Kusumavali’s friend came to meet the prince, his mind had been occupied. She had great respect towards the prince. That evening, the prince did not have milk and even refused to eat. This made Vasanta's heart agitated.
Vasanta decided to go to the king and queen and talk about it. Appointing another maid in her place, she went straight to Queen Shrikanta. Queen Shrikanta had more affection towards Vasanta as compared to other maids.
As soon as she saw Vasanta, she asked her, "Oh Vasanta! Didn’t the prince have dinner today?”
"He said that he is not in the mood to eat."
"Is the prince alright? Good you came here, otherwise I was just going to go to his room. He hasn’t even met me after lunch today.”
"Even I haven’t met the prince today, queen!" said King Purushdutt while entering the queen’s room.
The queen stood up. Vasanta also went in one corner and stood silently.
The king sat on the throne. The queen sat beside him.
“The prince said that he is unwell so he hasn't eaten today."
"Queen, is his body unwell or mind? The prince is young now. As kids grow young, their mental health also gets disturbed. Hence, I think we should think something about the prince now.”
Vasanta politely left the room. But she stood near the door because she wanted to listen to their conversation.
"Think about what?"
"We should find an appropriate partner for the prince now, shouldn’t we?"
“Yes, you are correct."
"Do you have any royal princess in your mind?”
Queen Shrikanta started thinking. The princesses whom she knew started flashing in her mind. But none of them matched the prince.
She said, "Swami, I don’t have any idea."
“You don’t know any? I have one princess in mind.”
"Then you only say, your choice is my choice!"
“What is the point of our choice, Devi?”
“Then whose choice matters?”
“The prince himself!”
“Our son is wise and has full faith in us.”
“You are right. And to make that trust stronger, we will shall take his opinion too.”
"Okay we will take his opinion as well. But first tell me, who is that girl whom you have chosen?"
"Your brother’s daughter Kusumavali!"
"Oh yes! She slipped off my mind. What a great choice! Kumar and Kusumavali will look perfect together. King, your choice is genuinely amazing. Is she unmarried? She has beauty like that of angels!”
“There is no flaw in her. In all aspects, she is perfect to be our daughter-in-law.”
“Then what are we waiting for? ‘Shubhasya Sheeghram’ get them engaged quickly!”
"You forgot again? We need to know the prince’s choice also, isn’t it?”
"Let’s ask him?"
"That’s your responsibility. You call him and ask. He will feel shy and hesitate in front of me.”
“Alright, so I’ll ask him tomorrow in the morning during breakfast. I’ll let you know what is in his mind.”
"Okay, I have complete faith in our son that he will leave it on our choice. Still, by asking for his opinion, his love for us will increase. Trust will become stronger.
"But you will talk to my brother, won’t you?”
"No, I will call Laxmikant's minister, Subuddhi and talk to him. I don’t want to force Laxmikant due to shame!"
"If you feel appropriate, I’ll talk to him.”
"No, there shouldn’t be any hurdle in the relation of a brother and sister.”
“Nothing like that will happen. Our relation is very strong and sweet.”
"If he refuses, then it will hurt you. You will get angry with your brother and this disappointment will remain for life. So you don’t talk about this with your brother or sister-in-law. I’ll tackle this my way.”
"Yes, you are right. If he denies, then I will feel insulted and our relation might break!"
"So, it’s decided that you will talk to the prince tomorrow morning, okay?”
"Yes!"
King Purushdutt stood up and went towards his bedroom. Before that, Vasanta who was standing behind the door went outside the palace and ran towards Sinhakumar’s palace. Her heart was storming with happiness.
She went and knocked the door of the prince’s room thrice. It was rule in the palace that if there was something important, then the door shall be knocked three times.
Sinhakumar was not at all sleepy. He was awake. He stood up and opened the door. He saw Vasanta there.
Vasanta greeted the prince and said, "May I come in? I want to share a secret with you.” She was breathing heavily.
The prince’s mind flooded with thoughts.
"What's the matter, Vasanta? Did anyone harass you?” Vasanta nodded her head. She sat on the floor and the prince sat on his seat.
Vasanta said, "Prince, I’ve got great news for you. You will feel overwhelmed listening to it. All your worries will vanish and you will jump up with joy!”
"Oh! What is it? Why is such a long description being given? Will you talk clearly or just beat round the bush?"
“Prince, the king and queen were discussing about your marriage with Kusumavali.”
"When?” the prince’s excitement increased.
"Just now, I ran and came here right after their discussion got over.”
The prince remained silent and looked at Vasanta.
"Don’t you trust me?"
"Vasanta, I trust you. You always take care of my happiness and I know this very well."
"Tomorrow morning during breakfast, the queen will ask for your opinion. Don’t say no. Kusumavali is really virtuous! I will feel very happy if she becomes the queen of this palace and my mistress."
"So, just because you like Kusumavali, do I have to marry her?" The prince's joke made Vasanta laugh.
He said, "I will see to it in the morning, now it’s time to sleep."
She stood up, greeted the prince and said in a mischievious tone, “Prince, you won’t be able to sleep today!”
***
“Your Majesty, King Purushdutt told me that he wishes to get his son Sinhakumar married to Kusumavali.” Minister Subuddhi went and informed this to King Laxmikant.
"Minister, I need to first talk about this to Queen Muktavali.”
"Sure, discuss with her. But atleast tell me what is your personal opinion on this ?”
"Minister, you can very well understand my opinion. What can give me more happiness than marrying Kusumavali with Sinhakumar! The prince is virtuous in all aspects. He is charming, courageous and wise.”
"Your Majesty, believe your fortune to have awakened. King Purushdutt himself has asked for your daughter’s engagement with his son."
"Yes, you are correct. What is even more important is the fact that the king has obliged me alot. Actually, he shouldn’t ask but simply command me.”
"You talk to the queen, I will meet you in the evening."
The minister left.
King Laxmikant’s heart was filled with happiness. With a joyous heart and cheerful face, he went to Queen Muktavali's palace. Seeing the king come at an unusual time, she got surprised. She stood up and greeted the king. He took a seat. Meanwhile, Madanrekha gave him a glass of milk and stood in a corner. But she was listening to them.
After having milk, the king said, "Devi, I have come here to give you a good news. You will cheer up listening to it.”
"Tell me quickly, what's the news?"
"King Purushdutt has asked for Kusumavali to marry his son Sinhakumar."
"Sinhakumar and Kusumavali will make a good pair. I have seen Sinhakumar. I haven’t heard of or seen any other prince like him."
"So, should I say yes? Minister Subuddhi had come with this offer. The king whole-heartedly wishes Kusumavali to be his daughter-in-law.’
"I am very happy, you give your approval."
"Don’t you want to ask Kusumavali?”
"No, why ask her? She will do as per our wish only. If we ask, she’ll make excuses out of shyness.”
“Still, atleast talk to her.”
“Yes, I’ll do that. I have a thought in mind. If you feel appropriate, can we arrange their meeting in our garden? We will invite Prince Sinhakumar for lunch and then he can meet Kusumavali. If they agree for marriage, then no stress at all!”
“Good idea, Devi! I will talk to the minister about this.”
“It will be good if everything gets finalized tomorrow itself,” said the queen.
The king left. Madanrekha also left behind him and ran to Kusumavali’s palace with jet speed.
Insane with joy, Madanrekha went and hugged Kusumavali.
"Hey! What are you doing, Madan? I am not Anant that you are getting so crazy.”
"Keep quiet, Kusum. Anant will meet me when he has to. But your prince will meet you tomorrow itself, got it? Your father himself is sending an invitation to the prince! After meal, he will be introducing both of you to each other.
The king himself has matched you with the prince. So, now your path is all clear! My dear Kusum, I myself heard all of this and came here.”
"But from where did you hear all this?”
"I was there when the king came to the queen’s chamber. I went there on the pretext of giving a glass of milk to the king and then stood in a corner. The king and queen spoke quite openly. After the king left, I also left and came straight here to inform you!"
Tears of happiness welled up in Kusumavali’s eyes. She hugged Madanrekha.
"Really, Madanrekha! God has obliged me. Now my intense desire will get fulfilled, I will get the man of my dreams. What more would anyone want?”