The Travel Across Yugas

Chapter - 7

"Can you talk about the educational system here?"

Dharmaraj's question catches everyone's attention and a doubt arises in Aranya's mind whether the Samrat's curiosity emerged due to his unknown elder brother's state . Sensing that they are broaching a sensitive topic, the couple try to break down their explanations to the simplest way possible. "The system here intends for every child to get a similar basic education before he/she decides on what path to take. Depending on the child's choices, their further qualifications and educational time period varies." answers Aranya. She looks expectantly at Yudhishtir waiting for him to take the bait and confirm her doubt.

Proving her suspicions right, Yudhishtir asks, "Every child? By similar do you mean every child irrespective of their gender gets the same education?" "Yes. The system does aim for every child to receive basic knowledge. We are still a long way from achieving this but we are progressing well." answers Aranya. Dharmaraj's eyebrows furrow as he ponders of this idea. Grasping the undertone of this conversation, Hridansh pitches in, "Samrat, forgive me for intruding but I think you should start slow when introducing this in your kingdom. People would be looking for reforms but a drastic change such as this will cause chaos. You know it much better than me. All the changes we have till now developed over years and in stages."

"You are right. I cannot directly introduce this. I am wondering if I should introduce this to the teachers first and then the citizens. What are your suggestions?" Yudhishtir directs the last question to his wife and brothers. While the three brothers and their queen agree, the youngest remains in his thoughts. "Sahadev?" Yudhishtir silently asks what caught his younger brother's attention. "Angaraj Karna has once talked about such reforms. If Anga still does not have a similar system, he must have faced a lot of resistance. So, introducing this to either, will not work. I think we should let this be on hold for now. Maybe we might run into some other idea that will ease the transition of our current system to this one." answers Sahadev. Yudhishtir nods his head in agreement.

The seriousness dissolves as multiple trivial conversations replace their previous ones. The eldest however fails to completely indulge in the present as his brain formulates many ideas and generates a list of their pros and cons in the background. Observing his brother's half smile, Nakul calls him in an attempt to loop him in the discussion. "Jyesth! Hridansh took us to a place called mall. I found something there which we can include in Indraprasth without anyone's resistance." Suspecting it to be something serious, Yudhishtir shakes out of his thoughts and places his undivided attention on Nakul. "There are rooms full of mirrors. When we try out new clothes, we don't have to struggle to see how it fits us. Can we please have them in Indraprasth?" continues Nakul.

Chuckling at his brother's childish attempt to cheer him up, Yudhishtir agrees to it. "What did you do Jyesth? If you get a similar room created in our palace, we will have to see Nakul's face all over the room. Little kids will be terrified Jyesth." exclaims Bheem. Nakul huffs in mock anger and counters, "Who said I will let you enter that room? Anyway, it is nice to see you finally acknowledging that you are a little kid." "Alright stop. We do not want our hosts reconsidering their decision of giving us shelter, do we? " says Arjun. "No! That's okay. This is amusing. Life with Hridansh was boring. This is nice for a change." jumps in Aranya with an amused smile playing on her face. A horrified look plasters itself on Hridansh as he turns to Aranya and exclaims, "What do you mean!! I'm the most interesting person ever!" and so.. the night continues with the group joking around and sharing their thoughts over their respective motherlands.

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Back in Hastinapur...

"WHAT?? What do you mean you don't know where they are? I have given you one task. Just one task!! AGH! I shouldn't have assigned you as my spy" roared Duryodhan panting with rage. "Calm down my child. There is no point in shouting at the man. We should consider various possibilities of how this is possible." Shakuni attempts to soothe his nephew. Dismissing the trembling spy, the king of Gandhar, Shakuni orders the helpers to leave them alone. Turning to Karna, the manipulative king signals him to mollify the raging prince.