𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀

CHAPTER 18

The entire Hastinapur was feasting at the victory of the princes, they all were hailing Yudhishthir for his leadership, Manvendra for his strategy and Arjun for his valour.

The streets had crowded to catch a glimpse of the princes when they had returned. And right now in the palace a grand celebration was being held to honour their victory.

But away from the lights of the celebration, Dhritrashtra and Shakuni were seated in the king's dark room, illuminated by few lamps.

A great ploy was being woven by the king of Gandhar, to delude the fickle mind of the old blind king.

"Shakuni, I would be lying if I say I don't wish Duryodhan to ascend the throne after me. But Yudhisthir and Manvendra are elder to him." Dhritrāshtra said.

"Yudhishthir is out of question, Maharaj. The throne shall go to Manvendra only." Shakuni said.

"What ?" The blind king frowned.

"Yes. His father is the Mahamantri of Hastinapur. Manvendra's cause can have more support to ascend the throne than Yudhishthir. Don't you think, even Vidur would want his son to become the king ?" Shakuni asked.

"Vidur is a true patriot, Shakuni. He wouldn't do something like that." Dhritrashtra shook his head.

"Maharaj, you are too kind. Vidur shall not let Duryodhan ascend the throne, and when the right time comes, he shall neither let Yudhishthir ascend it. The entire ministry shall stand in favour for the cause of Manvendra's accession." Shakuni said.

"That cannot happen. If the eldest Yudhishthir is there, why will Manvendra ascend the throne ? The ministry shall not accept this." Dhritrashtra said.

"Who better than you know the chameleon like nature of the ministry, Maharaj ? Even you were eldest, but Pandu was crowned the King." Shakuni said.

"That's because they deemed Pandu to be more competent." Dhritrashtra said.

"And Manvendra too is no less competent for the throne. Even though he is cursed, being the son of Vidur, his reputation among the people is a great one. People will not mind him becoming the king. Infact they will want him to become their king." Shakuni said.

Dhritrashtra fell silent and began pondering over the words of Shakuni, who smirked seeing the blind king, easily falling into his trap.

"Maharaj, Vidur loves his son dearly, for Manvendra he can turn the entire politics of Kuru-rashtra upside down. The Pandu-putras are simple-hearted, they can give up their rights. But your sons ? No. Your sons shall try to snatch their rights and if that happens Vidur can very well take their lives to ensure there is no one to challenge the throne." Shakuni said.

"No... No.... This can't be.... I cannot let this happen." Dhritrashtra said.

"Maharaj, you must make Vidur lose in his game only." Shakuni said.

"How ?" Dhritrashtra asked.

"Keep Manvendra away from Hastinapur." Shakuni said.

"How so ?" The blind king asked.

The king of Gandhar smirked, now all he has to do is pull one thread to make his plan succeed.

"We cannot deny that Manvendra has great valour. He made the princes win the battle against Panchal. That's no small thing. Don't you think his valour and strength will be wasted in the palace ?" Shakuni said.

"Say clearly." Dhritrashtra told.

"Maharaj, give him the duty of border security. In that way, a strong warrior shall be our guard but at the same time a worthy contender for the throne shall be away from the capital itself. The chances of Manvendra taking over the throne shall become negligible. And as per Yudhishthir, we'll see what we can do." Shakuni said.