Suta's Samragini

Chapter 22

MEANWHILE ON THE OTHER SIDE IN KURURASHTRA

JUST FEW DAYS AFTER THE BATTLE OF GANGES.

Gangaputra Bhishma sighed and announced to the courteers thst it is time to start the court as Maharaj is unwell and he won't be able to attend the court.

But Mahamahim we haven't seen Maharaj since a long time. I think its been a quite a while said one courtier. The sanctity of the royal assembly must be maintained Mahamahim remarked Gandharraj with a gleam exposing his front two teeth.

Mahamahim the rumour travels fast far and wide. Public is hearing and talking a lot of things. They say that a King who doubts on his own ability. They feel threatened.

There is no need to feel threatened. As long as Gangaputra is alive nothimg can harm Hastinapur. If anyone dare to be aggressor he shall have to face the shield of Bhishma. His voice subtle yet firm.

Just as the arguement was going on an announcement was heard. A royal messenger from kuntibhoja has arrived.

Soon the messenger was brought forward in the court.

He bowed respectfully to the esteemed dignitaries present in the court and told them there is going to be a Swayamvar organized for the Princess of Kuntibhoja Princess Kunti. It won't be any competition but a simple choice by the girl. Kuntibhoja will be extremely please and grateful if Hastinapur decides to grace with their presence.

Rajmata Satyavati was pleased to hear the invitation of Kuntibhoja. She immediately decided and responded of course it would be our homour to attend the swayamvar. Rest assured Hastinapur will  attend it.

Shakuni Dhritrashtra and others soon left the court after it was over. The only people left behind were Rajmata Satyavati; Mahamantri Vidur; Mahamahim Bhishma; one of the senanayak friend of King Pandu Dakshin.

But mata why did you accept the proposal at once. Don't you know the condition of Pandu. He will definitely not like it said Mahamahim.

I agree with Tatshree Rajmata supported Vidur. Bhratashree is vulnerable he needs emotional support and I don't think that we should pressurize him into a marriage.

I know the timing of my decision is not appropriate. But Pandu must understand that he is not just a simple man
He is a king of this great nation. One defeat can't tarnish its glory. Hastinapur will rise to its former status. But to achieve that we have to change the perception of our own public. We all know very well that who is responsible behind this unpopular and negativity about the Chaturtha rajan war. But it is our bad luck thst we don't have any single evidence against him

But he has been successful in swaying the minds of a large no of people. Now people have started believing that Padu who was born weak is  actually weak. Inspite of our best effort to counter the negative publicity.

But all this can change because our public needs a new tooic to discuss. They are discussing about the war because they don't have something else to discuss. So i am just trying to give them another topic.

Maharaj pandu' s participation in the Swayamvar will distract the mind of our people. I have heard that princess of Kuntibhoja is a very virtuous and dutiful daughter. She is extremely well versed with royal etiquettes and duties. She was also successful in obtaining a favor from Maharshi Durvasha if i am not wrong.

Yes Rajmata you are right supported Mahamantri. I think bharatashree should participate in the swayamvar.

Dakshin you should convince your mitra thst he has to participate in this swayamvar and win it. Only the victory in the swayamvar will help us regain our glory.