"We fought 18 battles this year, emerged victorious in all plus we also subdued Bandits in Varanasahrya." Manvendra presented his proposal in front of the royal court.
The ministers visibly looked impressed, Vidur sat there proud, Bhishm and Kripacharya also looked quite satisfied. But Dhritrashtra on the other hand sat on the throne worriedly.
He had already been told by Bhishm, advised by Kripacharya and urged by some of the ministers to declare Manvendra as the crown-prince. Yet he was hesitant, for the sake of his own sons.
Dhritrashtra believed that already his rights to become the next king was snatched and given to Pandu. Now he thought the same thing was happening to his son Duryodhan.
"And that is my report for this year." Manvendra said bringing the blind king out of his thoughts.
"G-Great. Kuru-rashtra is blessed to have a warrior like you, that secures this kingdom." Dhritrashtra said, his lips slightly quivered.
Although he couldn't see, but he could feel the eyes of everyone on him, all were waiting for him to announce the cause of succession. Manvendra could observe how Dhritrashtra was wanting to say something but failing.
"Is there anything else, Maharaj ?" Manvendra asked.
"Huh ? No. The royal court is adjourned for today." Dhritrashtra said.
The ministers stood up and left, Manvendra and Vidur too walked out of the place, leaving Bhishm, Kripacharya and Dhritrashtra alone.
"Maharaj, what is stopping you from declaring Manvendra as the crown-prince ?" Kripacharya asked.
"How can such decisions be taken like so ?" Dhritrashtra gave an excuse.
"Like so ? What do you mean 'like so' Dhritrashtra ? Kulguru Kripacharya, I and even the ministers after a thorough discussion and debate have come to this conclusion that Manvendra should be declared as the crown-prince." Bhishm said, having none of it.
"Of course the ministers shall agree. They are under the influence of Vidur !" Dhritrashtra said.
"Vidur heads the ministry of Hastinapur ! He does not control them ! The ministers have a voice of their own, and they are dedicated to the well-being of this kingdom unlike you who are only dedicated to the well-being of your sons." Bhishm said.
Dhritrashtra fell silent as he wrestled with his conscience, between what he wants to do versus what needs to be done.
"Maharaj, the demise of Pandavas has already made the citizens insecure. Only Manvendra can assure them of their safe future now. The people trust him." Kripacharya said.
"I need some time to think." Dhritrashtra said.
"Time is what we don't have, Maharaj. The people are only getting worried, by each passing day." Kripacharya said.
"Try to understand my worries as well." The blind king pleaded.
"Two more days Dhritrashtra. Two more days. After that, you better make a decision." Bhishm told sternly.
----
Vidur and Manvendra walked side by side, they maintained a silence till all the ministers had left their company and till they reached their bhavan.
"Everyone wants for you to become the crown-prince." Vidur said.
"I know." Manvendra said.
"But you also know that," The eyes of Vidur gazed around to make sure they were alone, "Yudhishthir is still alive." He said in a whisper.
"Yes." Manvendra nodded.
"Yudhishthir is as dear to me as you are. He is the rightful king of Hastinapur. I will not let his rights get taken away. I have done everything in my power to keep the sons of my brother Pandu safe. But as the Mahamantri, it becomes my duty to ensure the safety of this kingdom as well. I am stuck here." Vidur said.
"Pitashree be assured, I will do what is right, both in the favour of Taat Yudhishthir and also in the favour of the kingdom." Manvendra said.
Vidur smiled as he kept his hand over the shoulder of his son, "I know, son." He said.
"Taat !" A familiar voice fell on their ears, they turned their heads to see Yuyutsu coming towards them.
"Pranaam Kakashree." He greeted Vidur.
"Kalyanamastu, Yuyutsu. What brings you here ?" Vidur asked.
"Kakashree, I heard that Duryodhan and his brothers are planning to kill Taat Manvendra." He informed.
"Let them try." Vidur said, shrugging his shoulders.
"And let them fail." Manvendra said.
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A/N
Pitamah Bhishm ke Bhishm shabd 🤣
Also.... Can we appreciate the bond of Vidur and Pandavas ? Like he was the only person who protected the Pandavas against the conspiracies of Kauravas.
It was as if Vidur had made an unsaid promise to Pandu, that he shall always protect his sons 😍✨
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𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀
Historical FictionFirst among 11 Rudras is Manyu, the war god, wielder of thunder and Slayer of foes. He is the one who brings wealth and health. Through him Vidur and his wife Sulabha beget a son, named Manvendra, who was fierce, queller of foes, follower of Dharma...
