Suta's Samragini

CHAPTER 39

IN HASTINAPUR......

IF desperation and disappointment has a face then some one can look towards the chamber of Prince Duryodhana. The room was in a complete mess. Everything was broken into pieces and destroyed. The eyes of the defeated warrior were swollen due to incessant weeping. He was crying in agony as his lifelong dream was shattered. He has not just lost kala pradarshan but his ambition. His dream, his lifelong goal everything was gone with his defeat. He was gulping madira continuously

Soon a figure was seen limping towards the chamber with a frown and worry etched on his crooked face. He was wary of his nephew's reaction. He himself has to handle him. He can't let him go down in despair
He has to stand up and fight for what his birth right is.

Soon he entered the room.

Duryodhana who was immersed in madira got annoyed at the sudden intrusion. He irritatingly shouted who allowed him inside. I had specifically asked not to be disturbed.

Shakuni who had stopped a few feet from duryodhana picked up the glass which was thrown at him just after duryodhana had finished his ranting.

He picked up a bottle of fresh wine and poured it in the glass and raised it to the mouth of the fallen prince.

Here ,have it mere bacche. This is what you are craving for so here you go. Please have it , your majesty.

Duryodhana's eyes were bloodshot now he waived away the glass using his hand motion.

As a result glass fell down and he caught hold of Shakuni' s neck and began choking him

He shouted you . Its all happening because of your stupid plan which had many loopholes yet you persuaded me in going ahead with the plan.

And now look at me. I have lost everything as he tightened his screws around his neck.

Shakuni felt life being sucked out of his body. He began gasping for air and with a great difficulty he managed to blurt it out that - mere bacche even though my plan has failed but still you need my brains to become the king. I can help you but you have to give me sometime. Killing me won't solve your problem. Please come back to your senses.

Duryodhana wailed louder in agony and at the last moment when Shakuni ' s lifeline was going to be over he left the strangle hold.

Shakuni immediately coughed and took in as much air as he could and sipped a glass of water too.

Duryodhana who has still not taken his eyes off him spoke tell me how can you mske it right because tomorrow that bastard is going to be crowned Yuvraj.

Shakuni smirked and turned his back at him and said - that's where you are wrong mere bacche. No prince can become Yuvraj without giving gurudakshina to his guru.

Duryodhana whose pateince was running thin now became very mad and shouted- so what ? Gurudakshina what about it. Obviously he will demand some land or cows or gold. What else foes these brahmins need? Only the materialistic things that's why they are after royalty so we can them a piece of our pie.

In normal cases you would have been right but my future king here yiu are wrong because he is going to demand revenge from his students as dakshina. You dear mitra Ashwathama has told me said Shakuni with his one eye closed.

What! Exclaimed Duryodhana.

Yes and then Shakuni explained everything

But what's in it for me. Those Pandavas can go and attack Panchal and complete Dakshina. Why would i risk my life for him when all he does is singing the praises of his favourite disciple Arjun. I am least interested.