DIFFERENT SURYAPUTRA

Chapter 33

The news of Duryodhana getting married reached Hastinapur faster than he could reach Hastinapur. It caused several tremors among the people present there. Some were happy like Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kauravas, Dushala as this news was like a cold breeze in hot summer and reduced the gloomy feeling of loss of Pandavas and Kunti. but others were feigning a happy expression. Elders were thinking about different matters completely. Of course through Vidhur they were aware that Pandavas were alive but decided to keep it to themselves as they were convinced that Kauravas were behind the accident that happened in Varnavat. Suyodhana agreeing on delaying the test was enough for them to reach this conclusion. Vidur despite knowing it wasn't true didn't disclose it instead mare them aware of the benefit Pandavas could gain from this. They readily agreed with him.

Hence they outstretched the brilliant plans of making Suyodhana yuvraj anyway they knew he had support of his brother but as per their plan, he could be interim yuvraj like his father who was interim king. If pandu was alive and decided to come back undoubtedly he would be king not Dhritarashtra similarly they plan to make Yudhishthir yuvraj once he and family of pandu returns. But now the situation could be different. Since Suyodhana got married his Abhishek could happen. A kingdom can have several Yuvraj but a king could be only one. They were very well aware of moh Dhritarashtra had towards his son. 

Duryodhana was already proving himself as a thorn for them to retain their power as with his thinking and stubborn personality he wasn't one they could manipulate. Despite being Yuvraj he has made several changes which have already upset a lot of the upper class and if that continued according to them Hastinapur would not sustain for long after making the Upper class angry. Their thought process broke when Dhritrashtra asked the spy/messenger about the swayamvar.

The spy then told the sabha about the entire process. Dhritarashtra was happy that not only his eldest was married but also gained several alliances. The might of Vasusen again surprised everyone. Dhritarashtra was too happy that such a warrior was a supporter of his son. Gandhari was happy, she thanked Mahadev several times to bring Vasusen in the lives of her children to guide and support. Kauravas and Dushala were elated and joyful,  they were happy for their Jyeshta and proud of the valor of their Bharata Vasusen. Others didn't think so,

Vidhur: This is adharam, a kind of abduction. What Suyodhana and that Sutputra have done? Are they hell bent on destroying the prestige of kuruvansh?

His harsh rebuke put a stop in celebration of Others. Susasan couldn't take it,

Susasan: Mahamantri, are you deaf? It seems age is showing effect on you, you mere Mahamantri is calling Yuvraj of Hastinapur by his name and calling derogatory terms for Magadh Naresh? Please remember who and what you are before calling names of others.

The words were like series of slaps landed on Vidhur who was angered too much,

Vidhur: Susasan.

Vikarna: Prince Susasan, Mahamantri. Didn't you hear what Bharata Susasan said? Remember your place in sabha.

Bhishma: Susasan, Vikarna is this way to talk to elders. 

Vikarn: Pitamah, respect is earned not given and I don't think Mahamantri  has anything worthy to earn our respect. I sometimes question whether he became Mahamantri because he was born from sage vyasa or just because you made him so being over confident in your teaching abilities. Because certainly a person who can't remember who and what he is, is not suitable for a post like Mahamantri.

Kauravas have long seen this Mahamantri as one behind everything that went wrong so they didn't have an ounce of respect for him. If such a person dares to disrespect their eldest brother, a person who was practically like a friend, father figure, guardian and idol, they definitely weren't going to keep quiet. Anyway without doing anything they couldn't get in the good books of elders so they don't need to continue the facade and lose their confidence further. Vidhur was feeling like someone was stomping on him. Dhritarashtra was quiet even Gandhari didn't say anything because Vidhur was again trying to snatch the happiness from her family before they could get it. She and her husband tried for the past one year but hearing their logic she decided not to intervene. Their silence was harsh and agreement about what Vikarna was saying.

Susasan: Pitamah, let's be very clear there are few in this world who we respect and biased individuals are not among them, especially not a superstitious and pretentious person like Mahamantri, so please don't expect any respect for him from us.

Mahamantri, let me retell the essence of what messenger has said, Bhabhishree has chosen Jyeshta herself and other kings dared to abduct. What Vasusen did on behalf of Jyeshta is what loved ones do for each other but I know this is too much for you to understand that a person is willing to support us not others. It was their Dharma to protect the daughter in law of Hastinapur. This is not a abduction in any case; abduction is what Pitamah did in Kashi. I hope you can understand the difference as you might know things differently. I think you should apologise for your words now in front of everyone.

Susasan words were clear enough for everyone to understand who he respects or not and certainly it wasn't only Vidhur he reprimanded but Bhishma too without truly speaking of his fault. The biases and habit of elders thinking everything Kauravas do is adharam is not new but they wouldn't take this talking anymore. One year of travel has taught them a lot, they learnt not only through sages but also gained life experience after truly leaving the shelter of Hastinapur. They are more mature, confident, self reliable and wouldn't let others dampen their self worth.

Vidhur couldn't believe he was being disrespected so much and Dhritarashtra was quiet, the elders too were quiet even Bhishma couldn't openly berate Kauravas since Dhritarashtra was king, he was not going to apologise but voice of Dhritarashtra resounded,

Dhritarashtra: Mahamantri have you not heard prince Susasan apologies for disrespecting Yuvraj of Hastinapur and Magadh Naresh.

Dhritarashtra was very angry remembering the words of Vidhur during the time of birth of Suyodhana. In this one year bonds between him and his children also became closer. His children not only started spending time with him but also spared and wrestled with him. He was enjoying what any father should though it's late but he was relishing these memories and wouldn't let his children feel alone as they felt in childhood due to his busy schedule. Others were surprised by anger of Dhritarashtra, he never spoke like this to Vidhur and even tried to cover for him but everyone understands it was not only for Vidhur but for others to warn them that any disrespect of Kauravas by anyone would not be tolerated. 

Vidhur had no choice to clench his fist being yelled at in front of entire sabha, he has to endure this because he was dasiputra that what's he thought instead it was he who first spoke out of line he vowed to get revenge from the family of Dhritarashtra. He had to patiently wait for Pandavas to return and after Yudhishthir was crowned as king he would return all the disrespect 10 times. 

Vidhur: I apologise for my words.

Each syllable was like someone jabbing arrows in him, he was feeling like he was stripped naked in sabha. For his superficial apology no one paid attention to it from the family of Dhritarashtra while he was an example for others present in sabha.

Dhritarashtra: Announce the news of Yuvraj getting married, decorate the entire Hastinapur like a new bride. Also announced when the new daughter in law of kuruvansh would arrive there would be donations and charity for everyone in the kingdom. Gandhari, prepare everything to welcome our first daughter in law. The sabha is adjourned now.

The sabha was adjourned, the Kauravas happily went outside to personally announce the auspicious news while the ladies busied themselves in preparation. They were very happy for the new addition to the family. But few people weren't thrilled and had to discuss what was talked about and happened in court.