PRATIKOP (Wrath)

Chapter 9

Rajkumar Kashyap and Rajkumari Viswa watched in awe as Maharishi Atharvan placed the last pot into its position. He had cut the mass of flesh into hundred pieces and placed each piece into a pot filled with clarified butter. The pots were then taken to a cave where there was no sunlight or flow of air. In the stifled atmosphere of the chamber, the pots were placed carefully. Rishivar told them the pots needed to be placed in such a space so it could work as an incubator and provide the atmosphere to develop into a fully grown human child. It was a good thing that they were staying at the ashram or else they would have no idea what to do.

"Now in the next nine months, these embryos will develop and grow into hundred human child. By the grace of Mahadev, you'll be able to hold your children after nine months." Maharishi Atharvan said as they came out of the cave.

Rajkumar Kashyap and Rajkumari Viswa both nodded their head gratefully and thanked him for his help. Maharishi Atharvan left the place, instructing one of his disciples to watch over the cave assuring Kashyap and Viswa that no harm would come near their children. As he left, Kashyap noticed an unnerved expression on Viswa's face.

"What are you thinking about now, Viswa?" He asked her.

"Arya, we will have hundred sons." Rajkumari Viswa said worriedly.

"Yes. Soon. We will have a hundred sons!" Rajkumar Kashyap replied with a broad smile.

"But Arya, we have only prepared for one. How will we manage a hundred?" Rajkumari Viswa asked.

Rajkumar Kashyap's smile deemed as he realized what his wife was talking about. It was no easy task to raise one, let alone a hundred! Moreover, they would need a house big enough to live in, clothes to wear, food to eat and most importantly the affection and care of their parents. How would they manage!

"Koyi baat nehi. Pachas ko tum sambhal lena, baki pachas ko main sambhal lunga.
(It's ok. You may handle the fifty of them, I will look after the rest fifty.)"
He said, smiling nervously.

"Satru paaksh ke saath yudh mein nehi jana hai, jo aap pachas pachas baatte phir rahe hai!
(We are not going for war that you're dividing them in fifty fifty for leadership.)"
Rajkumari Viswa replied with a mocking smile.

"Aab Maa ka ashirbad hain, toh yohi raah dikha dengi.
(This is the blessing of Maa. She'll show us some way too.)"
Rajkumar Kashyap said finally with a sigh.

As they neared their hut, they saw Senapati of Amvasthapuram, Rajkumar Jayaditya waiting for them. The news of Rajkumari Viswa's unusual birthing had reached the palace too. Jayaditya came to meet his brother thinking he must be feeling devastated. However, he had no idea that a hundred Princes were on their way.

"Prarnipat, Jyesth." Rajkumari Viswa greeted him with a smile which surprised him. He nodded at her in reply though and looked at Kashyap in question, to know if he was alright. Rajkumari Viswa excused herself and went inside the hut to give the brothers some privacy. As she left Rajkumar Kashyap told him all that had happened.

"Hundred sons!" Rajkumar Jayaditya repeated in shock after hearing everything.

"Yes." Rajkumar Kashyap confirmed with a short laugh. He himself wasn't sure if it was a laugh of joy or fear. Jayaditya stared at his brother for a while before nodding.

"And here, Rajmata Vilasvati is worried about the next generation of Vajravansh!" He shook his head in exasperation.

"Pitamahi? What has she done now?" Rajkumar Kashyap asked with a frown.

Rajmata Vilasvati had ruled this kingdom for twenty five years until Maharaj Vriddhakshatra was prepared to take the responsibilities. But power is addicting and after getting a taste, it's hard to let go. Same thing happened with Rajmata Vilasvati. She couldn't let go of the power and started overshadowing her son. Maharaj Vriddhakshatra though understood everything, being an obedient son was unable to oppose her. That reflected on her decision of announcing Jagadeesan the heir instead of Jayaditya too.