SAMRADITYA SAGA Part 4 - DISORDER OF ENMITY

Preparations for the foreign trip

Both father and son sat together for their meal. This was their daily habit.
Today, after finishing the meal, Vaishraman said to Dhan, “Son, I have heard from Nandak that you want to go abroad for business.”
“Yes father! Nandak has said the truth,” Dhan answered politely.
“Son, the main motive to do business is to earn money only, right? We have so much wealth that our next seven generations can survive on it. And from today, you are the sole owner of that entire wealth and property. You can utilise the wealth the way you wish!”
“Father, I am aware of your generosity! Till today, you have never stopped me from spending money. But the wish to go abroad has arisen in my mind. And I won’t get peace till my wish is fulfilled.”
Sridevi’s eyes became moist. She did not want her sole, humble and virtuous son to be away from her. But even then, she wanted her son to go abroad! This would develop his courage, valour and intelligence. With varied experiences, he would become more mature. And maturity is extremely necessary in life!
Sridevi had seen all these qualities in Vaishraman! She admired Vaishraman’s courage. She was proud of Vaishraman’s intelligence and intense understanding. She wanted Dhan to inculcate all these qualities of his father even if he needed to go abroad for that! But even then, she was a mother. The thought of getting separated from her son made her upset.
Vaishraman said, “Son, you stay happy and joyous, that’s all we wish for. And you know that! We have such a bond with you that our happiness lies in your happiness and your sorrow makes us sad! So, if going abroad makes you happy, then we will happily let you go.” Vaishraman looked at Sridevi. Sridevi agreed to him and gave her consent.
Dhan hugged Vaishraman. Vaishraman caressed Dhan’s head.
Vaishraman asked, “Where have you decided to travel?”
“Father, I have thought of going to Tamralipti. But if you think that place is not appropriate, then guide me about some other place.”
“It’s a good decision to go towards Tamralipti, it’s approximately a two month journey from here. It cannot be said how long you will need to stay there for business! I will make preparations for your long stay. And if a few businessmen of the city accompany you, then you will feel good. It will be better if you go in a group. Going alone will neither define your grace nor mine.”
“Father, as you please! I liked your idea of going with a caravan.”
“Son, along with our personal welfare, we should also work for the welfare of others! Life becomes meaningful that way! Big and small businessmen will come along with you! Some will accompany you only to see foreign lands, some will come to serve you; you take good care of all of them.”
Vaishraman went to his room to rest. Dhan went to the office.   
***
The next morning an announcement was being made in Susharm :
‘Nagarshreshthi Vaishraman’s son, Dhan is going to head towards Tamralipti with a huge caravan. Whoever wishes to accompany him, can do so. The basic necessities during travel will be provided by Dhan.’
An environment of excitement sprung up in the city. Many traders wishing to go to Tamralipti, started with their preparations. 
Tamralipti was located on the sea shore. It was a very famous and huge city known for business. Lakhs of people had settled there. Thousands of wealthy people lived there. The glory of the city was also amazing. Many ships used to come and go on the shore of the sea. At that time, Tamralipti was at its peak of fame in India. Tamralipti means Khambat in today’s time.
Vaishraman started preparing for the journey. Five hundred bullock carts were loaded with goods for business. Five hundred animals were loaded with goods. Hundred armed soldiers accompanied them on horses. Food items and all kinds of necessities for the journey were prepared. Materials of tents were also decorated. Such preparations were made that a small settlement could be set up wherever they would halt.
Dhan’s trip had become the talk of the town! Even Dhanshri knew about it. She danced with joy. She could move ahead on the path of her misconduct without any sort of hindrance. Suddenly, one day Nandak came and shattered her dreams.
He said, “My dear, I also have to go with Dhan. He himself has asked me to accompany him and I have agreed!”
“But why did you agree? You could have refused! Even now, give an excuse and refuse to accompany him!”
“That’s not possible! I will have to go with him!”
“Don’t you think about me? Why don’t you think that ‘after Dhan’s departure, I will be able to enjoy with Dhanshri for a long time! I will give immense pleasure to Dhanshri.’ I am engrossed in your thoughts day and night, but you are not bothered about me at all!”
Dhanshri started sobbing.
“Don’t cry! Try to understand me! Think of my situation! Life is not about pleasures only. There are other aspects in life too. There are other duties. There are some obligations to repay. I was born in this mansion. Inspite of being the son of a servant, my master and mistress raised me like their own son. Dhan has treated me like his brother. Don’t I have any duty towards them? Shouldn’t I be fulfiling those responsibilities? You only tell me!”
“Alright, you keep fulfiling your duties and responsibilities. Don’t come to me from now!” Dhanshri said angrily.
“Hey? Why are you getting angry over such a small issue?”
“The truth is that you don’t like me. I have lost the company of my husband and my lover too is showing his true colours. Both my worlds have turned upside down. I am left all alone.” She again started crying again; the tears were artificial! It was just drama!”
“If I didn’t like you, then do you think I would have broken the trust of my friend and master?Alright, the situation hasn’t worsened that much now. You can live comfortably with  both, your husband and lover. You can enjoy yourself.” 
“How’s that possible?”
“You also accompany us in our journey!”
Dhanshri was lost in thought.
She wiped her tears, looked at Nandak and said, “But Dhan has not asked me to accompany him!”
“So what if he has not asked you? You go and tell him that you want to come along!”
“Nandak, wherever we go, he will also be there. We will neither be able to talk freely nor enjoy peacefully.”
“Don’t assume things about the future and get upset. Have faith in destiny!”
“Alright, I will also come. I will convince him somehow to let me accompany you all.”
***
Dhan allotted Nandak the job of making the appropriate preparations for the journey. Nandak got busy. Dhan would spend hours in the office with Vaishraman and other experienced merchants to take guidance regarding business affairs.
Most of the times, he would not meet Dhanshri.
Dhanshri looked for an opportunity. In the evening, after dinner, Dhan was strolling in the garden behind the mansion as usual. He would stroll for a while and then return to his room. Dhanshri followed Dhan to his room. Dhan saw her but didn’t acknowledge her. He closed his eyes and turned towards his side of the bed. Dhanshri went and sat down near the bed. She knew that Dhan would not initiate a conversation with her.
So, she herself broke the silence and said, “Swami!”
“Yes?”
“I have heard you are going abroad.”
“That’s true!” 
“How many days will it take for you to return?”
“Nothing is fixed. It can take a couple of years also.”
“Then I will also accompany you.”
“Why? What for?”
“I cannot live alone without you for such a long time!”
“You are not alone here! Mother and father are here. Look after them and enjoy yourself!
You won’t come with me! You have to stay here only. What is the purpose of coming with me? There is no point of being together even here. Then what is the need of coming abroad with me?”
Dhanshri started with her drama. She started crying and sobbing loudly.
She said, “Fine, if you want to leave me alone and go, I will give up my life crying for you.”
Sridevi heard Dhanshri crying. She immediately came to Dhan’s room. Seeing his mother, Dhan stood up and Dhanshri left the room. Sridevi stared at Dhanshri as she left the room. She took a deep breath. Then she looked at Dhan. Dhan sat at his mother’s feet.
“Son the day to bid you farewell has come close. You will leave for your journey. You are going abroad for the first time. Son, I want to give you some advice for this. I want to tell you some important things. Actually, I came here right now to talk about this only.”
“Tell me mother, every advice that you give me, I will keep it close to my heart like precious gems.”
“Son, you are going to earn wealth. The path of earning wealth is full of obstacles. But still, don’t get tired! Keep working hard. Second thing, don’t be negligent. Stay alert and cautious! Thirdly, forgiveness and modesty! Son, you already are virtuous. But these two qualities will be very helpful in your journey. And the last thing I want to say is that you must take Dhanshri along with you.”
“Mother, Dhanshri will stay here only and look after you.”
“Son, how should I explain to you? A young wife should stay with her husband, that is only good for her!”
“But I am not willing to take her with me.”
“Son, make up your mind!”
“Mother, this is a foreign trip. In such a journey, a woman becomes a bondage! Will I take care of her or look after the business?”
“You will have to take care of everything. Listen to me and take Dhanshri with you.”
“Alright mother, your wish is my command. I will take her with me.”
Dhanshri was standing behind the door outside the room and listening to the conversation between the mother and son. She went insane knowing that she had received the permission to go abroad. She went to her bedroom quietly.
‘Thank god mother herself gave the command. Otherwise, I would have gone crazy without Nandak! Or else, I would have to go to my father’s house. But destiny is with me. In this journey with the caravan, just being able to see Nandak’s face will also be a blessing. Nothing else besides this! But I’ll be content with being able to see him! Anyway, I neither have any physical desire nor emotional connection with Dhan. I don’t even feel like looking at him. But if I want Nandak’s company, then I will have to pretend to be loving towards Dhan. Otherwise, all this will go in vain.’
Dhanshri was lost in thought when Sridevi entered the room.
“Daughter, you too have to go abroad with Dhan. I have spoken to him. So, you also start with your preparations.”
“Mother, I strongly wished to accompany Dhan! I can’t live without him for long.” Tears started rolling from Dhanshri’s eyes.
“I understand that being away from one’s husband during youth is like walking barefoot on burning coal. So, even though Dhan was denying it, I have convinced him!”
“You have highly obliged me, mother.”
“Dhanshri, since you are going abroad with him, listen to my advice and follow it :
• Wake up before your husband in the morning.
• Feed your husband before you eat.
• It’s a foreign land, so there are bound to be difficulties. Don’t complain!
• Bear the hardships with a smile.
• While eating, do not say things which will upset Dhan.
• Learn to differentiate between friends and foes.
• Don’t glam up while going out of the house.
• Don’t look at strangers.
• Keep distance while dealing with servants.
• Give enough food to the servants.
• Treat the servants well.
• Take care of Dhan’s needs at every point of time. Be aware of his requirements.
• Make Dhan happy before he sleeps at night!
What more should I tell you? You are smart enough. You are going far away to an unknown place. God knows when we will meet again! Even then, I’m saying – don’t worry about earning a lot. Return home as soon as possible! Our life will be bland without both of you. Even when I imagine this, I shudder!
It is very difficult to bear the separation from loved ones! Moreover, Dhan is my life!”
Sridevi started crying. Meanwhile, Dhan entered the room.
“Mother, why are you crying? Will you keep weeping like this till I return?”
“Son, what should I do? This is how a mother’s heart is. And on top of that, we have got you after so many prayers and penance. What haven’t I done for you?
Son, before you depart, both of you go to the temple of Dhandev which is on the outskirts of the city and worship him. You are a blessing from that deity. When your father and I had lost all hopes of having a child, at that time, we had gone to this temple and worshipped him. It was then that you came in my womb. Son, keep this deity in your heart. In the foreign land, whenever you are in trouble, pray to him. We have given him the responsibility of your welfare.
“Sure mother! I will go and worship him!”
Dhan accepted his mother’s instructions.