Today the court of Hastinapur was tensed for the Kauravas, they were on the edge of their seats, especially Duryodhan, who could be seen occasionally glaring at Manvendra sitting on the opposite side.
Dhritrashtra himself was quite uneasy, sitting on the throne. Beside him Shakuni was standing, eyeing everyone in the court, from the elders to ministers to prominent citizens, trying to figure out their intentions from their faces.
But he was confused by seeing the faces of Vidur and Manvendra, which remained expressionless. Shakuni couldn't even tell whether they were happy or not, which made it harder to figure out their intentions.
'If his son is going to be the crown prince, why is Vidur not showing any joy ?' He wondered.
His thoughts were interrupted, when Dhritrashtra stood up to address everyone present in the court.
"I, Kuru-samrat, thank everyone who has come here for the matter of succession. We regret the loss of Yudhishthir, he was indeed the most truthful and best among those who know righteousness. But we cannot afford to mourn any longer. It is time to declare the crown-prince." He said.
Pausing for a moment, the blind king continued, "The ministers, Kulguru Kripacharya and Senapati Bhishm, all have come to this conclusion that Vidurputra Manvendra should be declared the crown-prince." Dhritrashtra said.
"Excellent ! Excellent !" The people present at the court cheered, they seemed fully in support for this cause.
But Duryodhan couldn't take it any longer.
"I object to this !" He said standing up and walking up to the centre of the court.
The court fell silent, looking at Duryodhan. The elders frowned, Shakuni slightly gestured his nephew to go back to his seat, for he was ruining his plan. But Duryodhan didn't listen this time.
"Forgive me for interrupting like so, but tell me one thing. How can one who is cursed with a dead heart, become the king ? A king needs to be compassionate, there isn't an ounce of compassion in him." Duryodhan said pointing at the son of Vidur.
"A curse endured because of whom ?" Manvendra asked standing up.
"Because of your own mistake. You are heartless. That makes you cruel. Such a person should not become the next king." Duryodhan said.
"And you're the most compassionate being aren't you ? Should I remind you of your cruelty !?" Manvendra asked walking towards him.
"Manvendra !" Vidur gestured him not to speak further in that matter, for there were citizens present here.
"Duryodhan, I know you're objecting because you want to be the king. But the thing is you are not worthy of the throne !" Manvendra said.
"THE THRONE IS MINE BY BLOOD !" Duryodhan exclaimed.
"Blood ?" Manvendra scoffed, "How can the crown be yours by the blood when it is I, who has bled for this throne for years. Every scar that I have is from protecting this kingdom. So don't talk about blood to me." He said.
Vidur and Bhishm noticed how each word of his was laced with anger, does that mean the curse is becoming impotent ? They hoped so.
"Marvelous. A marvelous game you and your father played to take my throne away from me. Happy you are now ? To become the crown prince !?" Duryodhan exclaimed.
"No. I do not want to be the crown-prince." Manvendra said and then turned to Dhritrashtra, "Maharaj, I trust your wisdom, but I would humbly like to reject the offer." He told with joined hands.
The people gasped, ministers got worried and so did Bhishm and Kripacharya who looked at each other, even Vidur was confused as to what his son was doing.
"Maharaj, you may make Duryodhan the crown prince, or anyone else you deem fit. I don't need a fancy position to serve my kingdom." Manvendra said.
The entire court burst into whispers, no one understood why did he deny, but Shakuni still remained serious. He didn't want to take any chances now.
"Maharaj," He leaned towards Dhritrashtra, "Give him the orders to go to Khandav-van." Shakuni said.
"But he is denying now. No need to send him anywhere." Dhritrashtra whispered.
"Don't take any chances now." Shakuni said.
Dhritrashtra nodded and then stood up once again, causing everyone to fall silent.
"It is quite commendable how dedicated and selfless you are, Rajkumar Manvendra. I had a special task in mind that I had planned to give you once you became the crown-prince. But Alas, I'd have to give it to someone else." Dhritrashtra said.
"Does position has to anything with serving the nation ?" Manvendra asked.
"Certainly not." The blind king said.
"Then you may give me the task that is in your mind." He said.
"Fine. I wish for you to clear our ancestral land of Khandavprasth from the grasp of Nagas and Rakshasas." Dhritrashtra said.
Was it a task or a punishment ? The court wondered. Even stepping into the Khandavprasth was like voluntarily entering Yamlok.
"Once the monsoon gets over, the Khandavprasth shall be cleared." Manvendra said.
"Don't delay anymore. I wish for it to get cleared as soon as possible." Dhritrashtra said.
Vidur knew where this was going and so did Manvendra, both understood that it was a trap.
"But the Ashwarohis need rest." Manvendra said.
"I know. They should rest. No need to disturb them. I suggest you should go alone. After all, you are the son of Manyu and the student of Dronacharya, do you even need an army ?" Dhritrashtra said with a fake smile.
Manvendra looked at his father, who just gave him a gesture to play along.
"Fine." Manvendra said.
------
After the court had been adjourned and all the people left, Vidur went straight to his son, to talk in private.
"Why did you deny the position of crown prince ? What is in your mind ?" He asked, the questions that had been plaguing him.
"For the sake of Pandavas." Manvendra said.
"But that means Duryodhan shall become the crown prince." Vidur said.
"If Duryodhan becomes the crown prince, the Pandavas will fight for their rights. But if I became the crown prince, Taat Yudhishthir would never take the position, out of his love for me, nor will any Pandavas protest. Even if I insist, they won't take their rights back. They shall forsake them and leave." Manvendra said.
"That's true indeed, the Pandavas just like their father are very selfless, indeed." Vidur acknowledged, "And as per tha Khandavprasth...." He said.
"What do you want me to do ?" Manvendra asked.
"You just have to come back alive." Vidur said.
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A/N
Manvendra Pandavas bond 🤌✨
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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...
