An Oath That Changed History

The Reunion

"And," Shantanu was hesitating. Should he ask about his father or not? But finally he could not help, "And, your father?"
Devavrata's face became grave. In a firm voice he said, "I have never seen him. My mother is everything for me! So I love to present myself as her son only!"
Hearing this, Shantanu was lost into his thoughts. The boy's devotion for his mother pleased him. So, was he somehow abandoned by his father? Then his heart too must be aching for his unseen father, just like Shantanu's heart used to do for his unseen son!
Yes, his unseen son! Shantanu wanted to believe that his one son was still alive! The youngest one. At least Shantanu did not see her drowning the eighth baby into the river. She promised him to return that son. But sixteen years had been passed, Shantanu's eyes were getting old to see his son's path, but she had not fulfilled her promise yet! Would Shantanu be able to see his son's face before leaving this world? Wouldn't the Kuru kingdom get its heir?
A thoughtful Shantanu could not notice when Devavrata left the place. When he was back to his senses he did not see the young archer. His eyes were stuck again at the bow of his hand to remind him that he came here to search deers for hunting.  But before he could think of anything else...
"Maharaj!" a melodious female voice was heard at his back.
The voice was not unfamiliar to him. Shantanu turned around. "Priye!!!" he exclaimed.
She smiled her mesmerizing smile which stole the Kuru King's heart at his youth. "Yes Maharaj! And I have come here to fulfill my promise!" she moved her eyelids to another direction and tenderly called, "Devavrata! Come here, son!"
Shantanu even forgot to be surprised when that young archer came forward and touched his feet obeying his mother's indication.
"Maharaj, he is our eighth son," she said, "I have reared him with both father's guidance and mother's love. I have got him studied from the best teachers. Maharishi Vashishtha has taught him all the Vedas and Upanishadas. Sage Vrihaspati has taught him politics. Lord Parshuram has taught him Science of weapons. For you, Maharaj, I have made him well-versed in both Scriptures and weaponry! Hope you are satisfied now!"
"I thank you, Priye, for giving Hastinapur such an heir!" smiled the King, and lifted his son from his feet. His thirsty eyes were getting moist while staring at Devavrata's face. Shantanu embraced his son, and smelt the scent of his hair. "Be blessed, my child! Hastinapur will be blessed to get you as its crown prince!"
With a content heart Ganga was watching the reunion of father and son. A smile appeared at corner of her lips. As a mother, she was successful now. She knew that the eighth Vasu was supposed to spend the maximum lifetime as a mortal, and hence she had taken utmost care to make him as an ideal human being. His life was not going to offer him a bed of flowers, but Ganga wanted to make it sure that flowers would be showered by Heaven on her son,  even when he would be lying on a bed of thorns!
Slowly and silently, Ganga left the riverbank to take her river form again.
When Shantanu made Devavrata free from his embrace he found Ganga nowhere. The mysterious lady once again disappeared with her mystery, thought Shantanu with a sigh! 
But Devavrata knew where his mother had gone. He knelt down in front of the river, and offered his humble salutations.
"Bless me, Maa!" his heart whispered.