The Forgotten Sister

Chapter 10

Shanta under Rishyashringa's instructions had immediately dismissed the soldiers assuring her father that it was not necessary. She herself stood about two furlong away from the forest with a couple of soldiers to prevent Rishi Vibhandaka from entering. People of Anga were instructed to go on with their  daily activities so that the sage would not feel suspicious. 

Just as the people saw the angry form of Vibhandaka enter the city, some of them rushed forward welcoming him, while others touched his feet. Slightly touched by the hospitality showered on him, he blessed them and enquired the whereabouts of his son. They shook their head. Vibhandaka was not satisfied. " I want to go inside and search for him. Some woman must have captured him with her charms. I won't let that  continue"

He was surprised when the people volunteered to search for his son. They were all prepared and instructed by Shanta before hand. As he approached nearer, he saw Shanta  walking down the street. She immediately turned towards him and touched his feet. 

" Dheergha Sumangali Bhava" he blessed her. Shanta smiled. The plan was working perfectly well. " You are not from Anga " he continued as she got up, noticing her height.

" No. I am the biological daughter of Emperror Dasharath and Queen Kaushalya" she replied her palms  joined in greeting.

"I have heard about it. So you are the scion of Ikshvaku?" he asked her trying to know what her feelings were about the adoption.

" I am Shanta,  the daughter of King Rompad and Queen Vershini but yes, I have the blood of Raghu.I am fortunate to have two fathers and four mothers who love me dearly in my life time" she replied.

" You are brave, little one " he said shrewdly . " You must have heard of my son, Rishyashringa?"

" Yes." she replied non chalantly.

" He is not to be found. I suspect that a woman has lured him here. You will not lie to me. Is he here?" he asked directly.

" What makes you think he is here?" she asked stalling. It had been almost twenty  hours  that the ritual had began. Rishyashringa was performing without any food or water. Another two hours to go. 

" I think he is here" the sage said stubbornly. " I will not hesitate to fight anyone to bring sense into my son and get  him back. You are avoiding my question, Princess Shanta"

" You may search the houses and the palace." she told him with a smile." I will personally assist you" The tense face of the sage relaxed. He nodded. Shanta knew by the time they reached half of the large city of Anga, the ritual would be completed. 

Rishi Vibhandaka left no house. Every one was so welcoming and helpful in the search that he started to believe that he was simply doubting the citizens of Anga. The people served him food further more stalling time.  By the time they reached the palace, Shanta saw Rishyashringa from the corner of her eyes entering the court. The ritual was finished.

She inhaled sharply and led Sage Vibhandka into the court room. Rishyashringa stood in the middle of the large court. Vibhandaka looked shocked and turned around to see Shanta but she was not there. " Father. I had to come here. Listen to me please." Rishyashringa pleaded.

" Did a woman get you here?" he roared. " Is your mind so gullible, Rishya?"

"Yes. It was a woman who made me come here. But I do not only desire her,father. I am chaste as I was. I love her." Rishyashringa continued.

" Who is this woman? And what do you mean you are in love? You just desire a female as every male does and how hard I tried to keep you from them and their vile charms. They will not marry a sage like us! They leave just as she (Urvashi) did." Vibhandaka growled.

" I know what I feel, father and it is not what you felt for Urvashi years ago. I really love someone. It is not lust." Rishyashringa  said firmly.

" WHO IS THAT WOMAN?" Vibhandaka looked livid.

Rishyashringa didnot answer. Vibhandaka said threateningly" You are making the same mistake I had. They fool you! And you get so easily fooled?"

" No. I am sure she is not like that. Not all women are like that." Rishyashringa said calmly.

" You are drowned in lust, you idiot!" Vibhandaka shouted at his son drawing his sword.

" You are wrong, father." Rishyashringa said in his even voice.

This angered Vibhandaka so much that he raised his sword to strike  down on his defenseless  son not realising that this blow would kill  anyone and if he striked the sword down, he would spend the  rest of his life repenting for the murder of his son with his own hands.....

* Thank you for reading :)