Shaivyaa : Sword Of Justice ✓

"Let My Prayers be Yours Strength"

"Salutations to Yuvaraj!" The messenger bowed to Yudhishthira, "Mahamantri has sent a message for you."

Yudhishthira nodded, his heart beating faster to start reading the scroll handed over to him.

"What has happened suddenly that uncle Vidura had to send this letter now?" Arjuna wondered aloud.

"Definitely something urgent!" Bhima's brow had curves, "What does it say, Jyeshtha?" He enquired, noticing a visible change in colour on the eldest brother's face.

Yudhishthira silently passed the letter to his brothers. "Read aloud, Bhrata." Nakula said as Bhima took the scroll.

Bhima nodded. The other three were all ears to hear Vidura's message.

The letter began thus:

Putra Yudhishthira,

Hope you are doing well in Dwaraka along with your mother and brothers. I really wanted you to spend some happy days there, far away from the intrigues of Kuru vansha's complex politics! But now it seems like God does not wish so!

Vatsa, just after you have left, all the allowances and services initiated by you have been stopped. Judgment on the social and economic issues have again started to be unfair. The poor ones are starving. But I still chose not to bother you right now, hoping that everything will be fine again after you return. But now I am bound to do so.

My son, you don't even have an idea about the level of conspiracy that is going on against you! You might have sensed a change in the Ministers and court nobles before leaving. But now it has increased severely. All of them have turned against you. So much that there is nothing that they cannot do now to harm you! And I fear that the harm can be even worse than just dethroning you from the position of Yuvaraj!

Don't get surprised, Vatsa! After all this is the only reward you can expect for caring for the poor more than those ministers' self-interest! These people, who are supposed to work for the welfare of commoners, actually do calculate their own personal profit in every step. You have stopped their source of extra income that used to come from depriving farmers from the price they deserve. You have stopped all centres that used to prepare and sell unhealthy food and medicines but used to bribe them. They hate you for all these! You are now the only barrier blocking their way of profit! And they would do anything to remove you!

I know, you probably cannot even think of such meanness. But the sad truth is, most of the loyalties can be brought by gold. Which is the reason for Duryodhana winning over everyone. He is misusing the wealth of Kuru treasury to bribe the riches to turn them against you. As an obvious consequence, excessive taxes have been exempted on the poor ones to compensate the loss.

Putra, do not think that only the subjects are suffering for this. Your reputation is also suffering. Some taxes have been initiated on your name too, even without your knowledge and consent. Duryodhana cannot tolerate people's heartfelt love for you. He will do everything to demean you in their eyes! That day is not far when subjects themselves will revolt against you! And then none of the Kuru raajsabha will take a stand in your defense.

Son, I write this to warn you. Keep your eyes and ears open! Do not let your enemies trap you! They can even try to harm you outside Hastinapura. So be careful. And if possible, try to return sooner. Your father's kingdom needs you urgently!

With blessings,
Your Kaka

"I won't spare this wretched Duryodhana!" Bhima gnashed his teeth. Arjuna and the twins felt their fists curled. Even Yudhishthira's serene face could not hide the signs of anger. But he knew that he could not let Bhima get agitated even more by expressing his own anger. If he could not control himself, his brothers would lose their control too. And failing to keep a check on anger would only worsen the situation instead of solving the problem.

Yudhishthira put an arm on Bhima's shoulder. "We have to return as soon as possible, brother! Any more delay can be a threat to the well-being of our subjects."

"You are right, Jyeshtha." Arjuna nodded, "It can even be a threat to your throne! Our elder uncle may take the advantage of your absence to coronate Duryodhana!"

"I am not worried for my throne, Arjuna!" Yudhishthira shook his head firmly, "I am ready to leave it if that benefits the commoners! It's only their condition that worries me the most! Their happiness is my responsibility, brothers! I cannot see them in sorrow whom I have vowed to protect!" A sigh escaped his heart.

Silence followed.

"We will have to leave today itself!" Yudhishthira continued, "it will take almost ten days to reach Hastinapura. We should not make more delay!"

"Just yesterday Bhrata Krishna's wedding has taken place, Jyeshtha!" Nakula could not resist a sigh, "how would He feel? How would Mama and all the elders feel?"

"I know, Nakula!" Yudhishthira nodded slowly, "but we have no other choice!" He glanced at all of them one by one, and added, "I know that knowing everything, Krishna too would ask us to leave soon. He and Rama never compromise with the welfare of people."

***

"Devi!" Govasana looked happy when he addressed his daughter, "get ready soon! We have to leave for Shivi!"

"Leave for Shivi?" Devika's eyebrows curved, "why so soon, Pita?"

"Suratha has sent a message. A good news is awaiting you there!" Govasana smiled wide. But Devika could not.

Uncle Suratha? Devika got alarmed. She could anticipate what that "good news" could be.

"Has uncle written anything more about it, Pita?" Devika was grave.

"No. He actually wants to surprise you." Govasana caressed Devika affectionately, "I have ordered the charioteers to prepare for the journey. We will set for Shivi today itself."

"Today only!" Devika felt a void in her heart. "Cannot uncle's surprise wait a bit, Pita? I want to spend some more time with Bhrata, Dau and the sisters I found here." She looked at her father with pleading eyes.

"Putri, I have already sent my reply to Suratha that we will return soon. Do you want me to be embarrassed in front of my younger brother for not keeping my promise?" Govasana tenderly said.

Devika's mouth dried. She saw no way of escape.

"I know you love to be in Dwaraka." Govasana continued, "But Vatse, Dwaraka is not going to disappear. You can come back here later also. But at this moment, I feel that you should return home to respect your uncle's wish."

"Your wish is order for me, Pita!" The obidiant daughter joined her hands, Hiding a sigh, she added, "I will do whatever you ask me to!"

The proud father's palm reached her head as blessing.

***

The time of departure had arrived.

Yudhishthira was surprised to see the king of Shivi was also departing with his daughter. She looked visibly disturbed, something that bothered the eldest Pandava. But he could ask nothing.

Devika joined her hands into a namaskara. Yudhishthira reciprocated the gesture, still wondering what worried her. The princess of Shivi too did not miss the curves of worry on his usually serene brow.

In that short while as the two pairs of eyes met, both realized that the other person was in some trouble. But the time seemed to short to enquire about the same.

"Come, Putri!" Govasana called. Devika's reluctant steps led her to the palanquin. Before entering into the curtains, she looked up again. He was still staring at her. But she could not anymore. As soon as their gaze was torn away, both the hearts silently promised to each other,

"I will pray for you until everything becomes fine!"