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ASURA
TALEOFTHEVANQUISHED
TheStoryofRavanaandHis
People

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ANANDNEELAKANTAN
ISBN9789381576052
Story:AnandNeelakantan,2012
Illustrations:LeadstartPublishing,2012
Illustrations
AmplecreationStudio
CoverDesignMishtaRoyLayouts
Layouts
AjayShah
Printing
ReproIndiaLtd
FirstpublishedinIndia2012by
PLATINUMPRESS
Animprintof
LEADSTARTPUBLISHINGPVTLTD
TradeCentre,Level1,BandraKurlaComplexBandra(E),Mumbai400051,INDIA
T+912240700804F+912240700800
Einfo@leadstartcorp.comWwww.leadstartcorp.comUSOffice
AxisCorp,7845EOakbrookCircle,Madison,WI53717,USA
Allrightsreservedworldwide
Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinorintroducedintoaretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyform,orbyanymeans(electronic,mechanical,photocopying,
recordingorotherwise),withoutthepriorpermissionofthePublisher.Anypersonwhocommitsanunauthorisedactinrelationtothispublicationcanbeliabletocriminal
prosecutionandcivilclaimsfordamages.
Disclaimer
Thisisaworkofpurefiction.Allthecharactersdepictedarefictitiousandanyresemblancetorealpersonslivingordead,ispurelycoincidental.Theauthorhasusediconic
names,dates,andeventstoaidstorytelling.Thereisnointentiontoimplyanythingelse.Thecontentofthisbookisthesoleexpressionandopinionofitsauthorandaworkofhis
imaginationanddoesnotclaimscripturalauthenticity.ThisworkdoesnotrepresenttheviewsofthePublisher,norendorsestheminanyway.ThePublishermakesno
representationsorwarrantiesastothecompletenessoraccuracyoftheinformationusedinthiswork.Readersarerequestedtobearinmindthatthisworkisfictionanddoesnot
purporttoanyreligiousorspiritualinstructionoradvocacy.

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TOMYPARENTS,
THELATESHRInt>ll.NEELAKANTANAND
CHELLAMMALNEELAKANTAN,
WHOOPENEDTHEMAGICALWORLD
OFINDIANMYTHOLOGYTOME.
AboutTheAuthor
IwasborninaquaintlittlevillagecalledThripoonithura,ontheoutskirtsofCochin,Kerala.
LocatedeastofmainlandErnakulam,acrossVembanadLake,thisvillagehadthedistinctionofbeingtheseatoftheCochinroyalfamily.However,itwasmorefamousforits
hundredoddtemplesthevariousclassicalartistsitproducedanditsmusicschool.IremembermanyeveningsspentlisteningtothefaintrhythmofChendasfromthetemples
andthenotesofthefluteescapingovertheruggedwallsoftheschoolofmusic.GulfmoneyandtherapidlyexpandingcityofCochinhave,however,wipedawayallremaining
vestigesofthatoldworldcharm.Thevillagehasevolvedintotheusual,unremarkable,suburbanhellhole,clonesofwhichdotIndia.
Growingupinavillagewithmoretemplesthanwasnecessary,itwasnowonderthattheRamayanafascinatedme.Ironically,IwasdrawntotheantiherooftheepicRavana,
andtohispeople,theAsuras.Iwonderedabouttheirmagicalworld.Butmyfascinationremaineddormantformanyyears,emergingonlybrieflytotauntandirritatemypious
auntsduringfamilygatherings.Lifewenton...IbecameanengineerjoinedtheIndianOillCorporationmovedtoBangaloremarriedAparnaandwelcomedmydaughter
Ananya,andmyson,Abhinav.
ButtheAsuraEmperorwouldnotleavemealone.
Forsixyearshehauntedmydreams,walkedwithme,andurgedmetowritehisversionofthestory.Hewasnottheonlyonewhowantedhisversionofthestorytobetold.One
byone,irrelevantandminorcharactersoftheRamayanakeptcomingupwiththeirownversions.
Bhadra,whowasoneofthemanycommonAsuraswhowereinspired,ledandbetrayedbyRavana,alsohadaremarkablestorytotell,differentfromthatofhisking.
AndboththeirstoriesaredifferentfromtheRamayanathathasbeentoldinathousanddifferentwaysacrossAsiaoverthelastthreemillennia.ThisisthenAsurayana,thestory
oftheAsuras,thestoryofthevanquished.
Anand
Neelakantan
can
be
reached
at:
mail@asura.co.in

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Dasamukha
WhyisRavanaportrayedastenfaced?
Whilethetenheaded,twentyarmedfigureofRavanaasthesupremeantihero,isfamiliartoeveryIndianandscholarsofIndianmythology,fewreallyknowwhyheisportrayed
inthismanner.TraditionalIndianwisdomplacesimportanceonthecontrolofonesemotionsandprojectstheintellectalone,asthebeingsupreme.ThegreatKingMahabali,
advisesRavanatoshuntheotherninebaseemotionsofanger
pride
olditalic0552">jealousyhappiness
sadness
fear
selfishnesspassion
andambition.
Intellectaloneistoberevered.IndianspiritualgurushavealwaysstressedtheneedtoovercometheSelfandhaveconsideredtheseemotionsdetrimentaltotheelevationof
thesoul.
But,inhisresponsetoMahabali,Ravanajustifiesandexultsinthepossessionofallthesetenfacets,astheymakehimacompleteman.
MythologythusportraysRavanaasDasamukha,orthetenfacedone,whilehistwentyhandsdenoteprowessandpower.Ravanaseeshimselfastheepitomeofacomplete
humanbeingwithoutanypretensetoholinessorrestrictedbysocialandreligiousnorms.Heisasgoodorasbadasanyhumanbeing,andasnatureintendedmantobe.
Societyisunabletocurbhisotherninefaces,asitdoesinthefigureofRama.SoRamamaybeseenasGod,butRavanaisthemorecompleteman.Ourepicshaveusedtheten
headsofRavanatosymbolizeamanwithoutcontroloverhispassions
eagertoembraceandtastelifeallofit.
AncientIndiaatthepeakof
RavanasAsuraEmpire

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Content
1Theend
2Theseed
3Captives
4Guru
5Dasamukha,thetenfaced
6Devil'sraid
7Loreofthelosers
8Maharaja
9Maricha,thebeloved
10Thepearlislandbeckons
11Traitor
12Thewait
13Lanka'swelcome
14Betrayed
15Poisonousbrews
16Thepirate'sseige
17Thesilvertongued
18Brother'sbrother
19Piratetroubles
20Weddingbells
21Happyfamily
22Revolutionaries
23Revolutioncomeshome
24Deathofarevolutionary
25Alittleworm
26Theuntouchableking
27Love,atlast!
28Anasuraprincess
29Letherlive
30Lankalost
31Denofdeath
32Patriot
33Sonofdarkness
34Riot
35Theduel
36Acountrythanksitshero
37Adaughter'smarriage
38Thetimehascome
39ReturnoftheAsuraPrincess
40Adieumaricha
41Thepolicestation
42Messengerofdeath
43Letmycityburn
44Messengerofpeace
45Loomingwar
46Formypeople
47Warwithoutethics
48Sonsaresons
49Deathvisitsagain
50Forwhosesake?
51Aheroreturns
52Aprimeminister'smission
53Violation
54Endofanidealist
55Kumbhakarna'sattack
56Whiletheypray
57Funeralofmartyrs
58Didifailasking?

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59Iwishyoudeath
60Endofadream
61Victorsandtheirways
62Lifesproutsagain
63Childishdreams
64Swordofdharma
65Thebeginning
Glossary
Acknowledgements

1Theend
Ravana
Tomorrowismyfuneral.IdonotknowiftheywillburymelikeamangydogorwhetherIwillgetafuneralfitforanEmperoranerstwhileEmperor.Butitdoesnotreallymatter.I
canhearthescuffingsoundsmadebythejackals.Theyarebusyeatingmyfriendsandfamily.Somethingscurriedovermyfeet.Whatwasthat?I
Iamnotafraidofdeath.Ihavebeenthinkingofitforsometimenow.Thousandshavebeenslainoverthelastfewdays.Somewhereinthedepthsofthesea,mybrotherKumbha
liesdead,halfeatenbysharks.IlitmysonMeghanadasfuneralpyreyesterday.Orwasitthedaybefore?Ivelostallsenseoftime.Ihavelostthesenseofmanythings.
Alonelystarissimmeringinthedepthsoftheuniverse.LiketheeyeofGod.VerymuchlikethethirdeyeofShiva,anallconsuming,alldestroyingthirdeye.
MybelovedLankaisbeingdestroyed.Icanstillseethedyingembersinwhatwasonceafinecity.Mycapital,Trikota,wasthegreatestcityintheworld.Thatwasbeforethe
monkeymancameandsetitonfire.Trikotaburnedfordays.Shops,homes,palaces,men,women,andbabies,everythingburned.Butwerestoredit.
AlmosteveryablemanjoinedinrebuildingTrikota.Thenthemonkeymencamewiththeirmastersanddestroyedeverything.Hanumandidthattous.Themonkeymanbrought
usdeath,destructionanddefeat.
Idontwanttodwellonthat.Ishouldhavekilledhimwhenmysoncapturedhim.Instead,Ilistenedtomyyoungerbrother,whoplottedagainstme.Buttreasonandbetrayalis
nothingnewtotheAsuras.Iwasnave.IfoolishlybelievedthatIwouldalwaysbelovedbymybrothersandmypeople.IneverimaginedthatIwouldbebetrayed.Ifeellike
laughing.Butitsnoteasytolaughwhenonesgutsliespreadaroundlikeawreath.
Soundsofjoyfloatdowntomefrommycity.Theenemyiscelebratinghisvictory.ThemonkeymenwillbebusyplunderingTrikota.Mytempleswillbelootedthegranaries
torchedandschoolsandhospitalsburnt.
Thatshowvictorypartiesare.WehavedonethatandworsetomanyDevavillages,whentheGoddessofvictorywasmyconsort.Someuglymonkeysmusthaveenteredmy
harem.Ihopemyqueenhasthesensetojumpfromacliffbeforeanythinghappens.Icantcontrolanythingnow.Icanfeelthehotbreathofdeathonmyface.Thejackalshave
come.Whichpartofmybodywilltheyeatfirst?Perhapsmyguts,astheyarestillbleeding.Whatifapartofmybreastplatechokesajackal?Ichuckleatthethought.Ajackalsinks
histeethintomycheekandripsoffachunkofflesh.Thatsit.Ivelostthisbettoo.Theyhavestartedfrommyface.Ratsarenibblingmytoes.
I,Ravana,havecomealongway.NowIdonothaveanythinglefttofightforexceptthisbattlewiththejackals.Tomorrow,therewillbeaprocessionthroughthestreets.Theyll
raisemyheadonapoleandparadeitthroughthesameroadsthatsawmeracingbyinmyroyalchariot.Mypeoplewillthrongtowatchthisspectaclewithhorrorandperverted
pleasure.Iknowmypeoplewell.Itwillbeabigshow.
OnethingIcannotunderstandiswhyRamacameandstoodovermeafterIhadfallen.Hestoodthereasifhewasbestowinghisblessingsonme.HesaidtohisbrotherthatI
wasthemostlearnedmanintheworldandagreatkingandonecouldlearntheartofgovernancefromme.Ialmostlaughedoutloud.Ihadgovernedsowellthattaowellmy
empirelayshatteredallaroundme.
Icouldsmelltheburningcorpsesofmysoldiers.IcouldfeelmyMeghanada&aposscoldandlifelessbodyinmyarmsevennow.TheacridairofasmoulderingTrikota
smotheredmysenses.Icouldnotsavemypeoplefromthesetwowarriorsandtheirmonkeymen.AndhewassayingIwasagreatruler?Icouldappreciatetheironyofit.I
wantedtolaughatmyenemylaughatthefoolishmenwhotrustedmeandwhowerenowlyingallaround,headless,limblessandlifeless.Iwantedtolaughattheutopian
dreamsofequalityforallmenonwhichIhadbuiltanempire.Itwaslaughableindeed.ButthatwasnowayforanEmperortodie.Ihaveworkedhardandfoughtwiththegods
andtheirchosenmen.Idoubtifheavenhasaplaceforpeoplewhodieoflaughter.

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Thenjustassuddenlyasithadstarted,theratsandjackalsscurriedaway.Ashadow,darkerthanthedarknight,felluponme.Adarkheadwithcurlyhairblockedthelonelystar
frommyview.IsitKala,theGodofdeath,whohascometotakemeaway?Istruggledtoopenmyeyeswider.Butdriedbloodheldmyeyelidstogether.IsitoneofRamaslowly
servantswhohascometoseveremyheadandtakeitbackasatrophy?Iwanttolookhimintheface.Iwanttolookintohiseyes,unwaveringandunflinchinginmylastmoments.
Somethingaboutthatheadandcurlyhairremindsmeofmypast.DoIknowhim?Heleansdownandlooksatmyface.Ah!ItisBhadra.Myfriend,perhapstheonlyfriendleft,but
IdonotknowifIcancallhimmyfriend.Hewasmyservant,afootsoldiertostartwith.Thenhegotlostsomewherealongtheway.
Hestrolledinandoutofmylife,wassometimesmissingforyearstogether.BhadrahadaccesstomyprivatecampwhenIwastheheadofatroopthatresembledawaysidegang
ofrobbersratherthanarevolutionaryarmy.Then,hehadhadaccesstomyprivatechamberswhenIwasthekingofasmallisland.Finally,hehadaccesstomybedroomwhenI
wasrulingIndia.Morethanthat,Bhadrahadaccesstothedarkcornersofmymind,apartthatIhidfrommybrothers,mywife,mylover,mypeople,andevenfrommyself.
WhatisBhadradoinghere?ButwhyamIsurprised?Thisisjusttheplaceforpeoplelikehimwhomovearoundintheshadow.Icanhearhimsobbing.
Bhadragettingemotional?Hewasneverangry,sadorhappy.Heactedasifhewasveryemotionalnow.ButIknewhehadnoemotions.AndBhadrawasawarethatIknew.
Bhadra,carrymeawayfromhere.TakemeawaytoMystrengthfailedme.Actually,Idontknowwhetherthewordsactuallyleftmeordiedasilentdeathsomewhereinmy
throat.Bhadrashookhishead.Iwascold,extremelycold.Mylifewasebbingoutofme.
ThenBhadrahuggedmyheadtohisbosom.Icouldsmellhissweat.Painshotthroughmefromeveryangleandspreaditspoisonoustentaclesintomyveins.Imoaned.Bhadra
laidmebackonthewetearth,wetfrommyblood,thebloodofmypeople,thebloodofmydreams,andthebloodofmylife.Itwasover.Asenseofsadnessandemptiness
descendedonme.
Iwillcompleteyourwork,yourHighness.Donotworry.Goinpeace.Iwilldoitforourrace.Mymethodsmaybedifferent,evenignoble,comparedtoyours.Itoo,wasoncea
warrior,butIhavegrownold.
Armsfrightenmenow.Imterrifiedofwar.Icantevenhurtachild.Nevertheless,mymethodsaredeadly.
Iwillgetrevengeforyou,meandourblightedrace.
Ramawonifed,amawontgofreeforwhathehasdonetous.Believemeandgoinpeace.
IdidnothearmostofthethingsBhadrasaid.
Strangely,however,IwassoothedandslippedawayfromthisfoulsmellingAsuraanddriftedbacktomychildhood.Athousandimagesrushedtome.Myearlystruggles,the
pangsofloveandabandonment,separation,battlesandwars,musicandart,theyflashedthroughmymindinnoparticularorder,makingnosense.Meaningless,likelifeitself.
IsensedBhadrabowingdowntotouchmyfeet,thenwalkingaway.Bhadra...Iwantedhimtocomebackandtakemetosomedoctorwhowouldputmyintestinesback,fitmy
danglinglefteyebackintoitssocketandsomehowblowlifeintomybody.IwantedtowithdrawtotheSahyasforestsinthemainlandandstartaguerillawar,asMahabalihad
doneyearsago.Iwantedtostartagain.Iwantedtomakethesamemistakes,lovethesamepeople,fightthesameenemies,befriendthesamefriends,marrythesamewivesand
sirethesamesons.Iwantedtolivethesamelifeagain.IdidntwanttheseatRamahasreservedformeinhisheaven.Ionlywantedmybeautifulearth.
Iknewsuchthingswerenotgoingtohappen.Iwassixty,notsixteen.IfIlived,Iwouldbeaoneeyed,dirty,oldbeggarinsomewaysidetemple,withstinking,tatteredclothes.A
longwayfromwhatIoncewas.Iwantedtodienow.Iwantedthistoend.Iwantedtogoaway.Lettheburningcitiestakecareofthemselves.LettheAsurasfighttheirownwars
andbedamnedalongwiththeDevas.Ionlywantedtoreturntomychildhoodandstartoveragain,everysingledamnthing,againandagain,andagain...

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2THESEED
Ravana
Themonsoonwindswirledaroundthesmallhuthangingprecariouslyonamountaincliff.Anotherpushbytheroaringwindandthehutwouldplungeintotheblacktorrents
waitinghungrilybelow.Thenwewouldbejustspecksofdeathwashedashore.Itwouldhavebeenbetterhaditendedlikethat.Butthiswasjustthebeginningoftheend.CouldI
beobliteratedfromtheleavesofhistoryjustlikethat?HadntIamissiontofail?Ididntknowitthen,butIhadbeenborntofulfilsomeoneelsesdestiny.Toallowsomeoneelse
tobecomeGod.
Huddledtogetherwiththreesiblingsandamorosemother,Ilookeddownatthebrightlylitpalaceofmyhalfbrother.Itwasquitenear,yetaworldapart.Ihadbeenthereonce,
hiddenbehindtheshawlofmypoor,blackmother,myyoungerbrotherstuggingatmyfingers.Mysisterwaslyinglimplikeadirtyoldrag,tiredandhungry,onmymothers
shoulder.Wewerepoor,dirtpoor.Theonlythingwehadinabundancewaspoverty.Andhunger.Alsoshame.
Asalastdesperateeffort,motherdraggedustobegbeforeherstepson,Kubera,thelordofallwealth,therichestmanonearth.Intheglitterofthepalaceandthesickening
fragranceofabundance,westoodtherewithabeggingbowl.Wegotouralms,afewpiecesofgoldandalsomanyderisiveglancesfrommystepbrotherswives.Ourneeds
werefewandhistimewastooprecioustowasteonus.Aflickofhishand,somesmallchange,andhethoughtnomoreofus.UntilthedayIremindedhimofourexistencequite
rudelyandloudly.
Butthathappenedmuchlater.Bythenwehadceasedbeingbeggars.
Igainedmybiggestassetfromthatarrogantlyopulentpalaceofavariceandgreedmyburningambition.Thefireofhungerwouldneverquenchtheflamesofambitionthe
palaceignitedinme.Iknewthenthattheworldtteheownedandmuchbeyond,wouldbemineandminealone.TodaymightverywellbethelastdayIwillbewithmymother.
Tomorrow,ifoursmallhutsurvivesthistorrentialrain,wewillstartourjourney.
Ibelievethereisaworldouttheretoconquer.Abetterworldawaitingus.
MybrothersandIneverhadaneducationtospeakof.NoBrahminwasreadytotakeusforfreeevenifweworkedforthem.Wewerewild,blackandnaughty.Wehadlearned
thatwewerehalfcastes.OurfatherwasafamousMaharishi,buthadlittleuseforus.Hewasimmersedinhisownworldoflearningtocareabouthisprogeny.HewasaBrahmin.
MymotherwasofanunknownAsuracaste.Hekepttherelationshipanopensecret.HeknewenoughoftheSanskritVedas,whichtheBrahminsclaimedcontainedallthe
learningoftheworld.
Fatherwasntabadman,really.Hewaslikeanyothermemberofhiscastegloriouslyselfcentered.Heconsideredthatweweresuitablyrewardedwithhismerepresenceinour
home.Andconvenientlyforgotthathumansneedfoodtolive,too.Ohsure,henamedusafterdemonsaswenevershowedanyinterestinhisteachings.Manyatime,wemocked
himandeversooften,IboldlyquestionedhisfaithwhenheandhisfriendschantedtheVedas.Inourmudveranda,Kumbakarna,SoorpanakhaandImimickedthem.Onlymy
youngestsibling,Vibhishana,watchedwithawe.HiseyesusedtobefixedontheBrahminsashelistenedtotheirjabberingwithraptattention.
Thiswasaftermyfathergaveawayallhismoneytomystepbrother,Kubera.Wewereleftwithnothing.
Growingupwasdifficult,acontinuousnumbingache,thekindwhichthrobsandslowlyspreadsitsblackfingersoveronessoul.Yet,weneverstrayedfromthepathof
righteousness.Oursenseofjusticedifferedfromwhatthelearnedandprivilegedconsideredright.Wedecidedourrighteousnessandwedefinedourrightsinourownway.We
learnedthatthetruthcouldbebenttosuitonesneeds.Ourdharmawasbasedonsimplethings:amanshouldbetruetohiswordheshouldspeakfromhisheartandshouldnt
doanythingheconsideredwrong.Oneshouldnotcheatevenifonewassuretofail.Oneshouldhonourwomenandnotinsultanyone.Iftherewasinjustice,wehadtofightitat
allcosts.WeneverknewanyofthegreatteachingsoftheancientAsuraorDevasaints.Wefollowednotradition.
Wewerealmostbastards.
Thenextday,wewouldbeleavingthisisland.Ihadheardthattherearegreatnationstothenorth.IwouldtravelacrossthelengthandbreadthofIndia.Iwantedtoclimbthe
snowcladmountainsoftheHimalayas,swimagainstthedangerouscurrentsoftheGangaraginginherfullmonsoonfury.Idreamedofpassingthroughthethickforestsofthe
VindhyaandSahyasandseeingthemonkeymenandthekingdomoftheYakshasandKinnaras.IdreamedofbeinginthemusicfilledworldoftheGandharvas.Oh,whata
worldtoconquer!Whatalifetoenjoy!OnedayRavanawouldruletheworld.
FromthemightyHimalayastoLanka,nay,fromLankatotheHimalayasIwouldruletheworldwithjustice,peaceandprosperityforall.
Loomingintheshadowsofmymyriaddreams,therelingeredasmalldoubt.Werethesewonderfuldreamsjusthungerinducedhallucinations?Imightdietoday,caressedbythe
blackwavesanddraggedbytheroaringcurrents.Mylifemightjustflickerforawhileandendindarksilence.ThenwhowouldevernowthepassionsandambitionsIheldclose
tomyheart?WhowouldknowwhatgloriesIhadplannedformypeople?
Mylifewouldbejustlikethefoamonthefrothingblackwatersdownbelow,soaring,everexpanding,therenowbutthengoneintotheunknown.
Mymotherstearsburnedaholeinmysoul.Shewantedustogooutandconquertheworld,yetshewantedusnearbyaswell.Perhaps,shesawthefireraginginmyeyesand
decidednottouldidednostopus.
WhenIlookedback,Isawmymother,ahunchedbackfigureintatteredclothes,huggingmyuglysister.Shewasthemostbeautifulbabyforus,butwhenIsawherwiththesense
offairnessmymotherhadinstilledinus,Ihadtoreluctantlyagreewithmyfathersbeliefthatmysisterwastheugliestcreaturehehadeverseen.Ihatedhimforthatstatement.I
hatedhimevenmoreforthefactthatitwastrue.
Thegatekeeperofmyhalfbrotherspalacewassittingonthebeachwithhisfriends.Theyroaredwithlaughteratthesightofusthreeteenagersstrugglingwiththecatamaran
andraisedatoasttoourdeath.Theyeveninsultedmymotherwithindecentsongs.Iwantedtowringtheirnecks!ButIhadpromisedmymotherthatIwouldnotuseviolenceuntil
Igotwisetothewaysoftheworldandthesensetousemypowerwithfairnessandjustice.Ifixedmytearyeyesonthedistantshoreline
therelaymyhopeofsuccessinthiscruelworld,myworldandmyguru.
MybrothersandItravelledthroughthethick,evergreenSahyaforest.Wesawgloriouspalacesandportsivoryandsandalwoodandpeacocksandmonkeys.Wesawshipswith
kaleidoscopiccolouredsailssailingtodistantlands,ladenwithgoldanddiamonds,pepperandspices.WesawtempleswheretheGodsresidedanddemandedaportionofthe
earningswhichmenstrivedhardtoearn.AndwealsosawtherepresentativesofthosegodswhoplunderedinGodsname.Thecitieswerebrightwithlightsasbrilliantasthe
sunandthewomen,beautifullikethoseinparadise.Isawwithmixedemotionsofpride,jealousyandanger,theshipsonwhichmyhalfbrothersflagsfluttered.
Whichevercitywewentto,Kuberasenterpriseshadanoffice.Heranatightlycontrolledbusinessempirefromhispalaceintheisland.Equestrianmessengerscarriedimportant
letterstohisbusinesspartnersandtradeguilds.Heownedmorethana130ships,whichsailedtoGreece,EgyptandChina.Iwassureanyjuniormanagerofhisnumerousunits
wouldhavewelcomedustotheirgoldbrocadedoffices,hadweidentifiedourselvesasKuberassiblings.ButthatwasthelastthingIwantedtodo.
Icouldhaveeasilyledacomfortablelifeasaclerkinanyoneofmyhalfbrothersoffices.Itwouldhaveensuredthatmyfamilygotatleastonemealaday.ButhowcouldIforget

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theboredlookinmystepbrotherseyeswhenhedismissedusfromhispalacewithafewgoldcoins?Iwouldratherdieofhungerthandemeanmyselfforalowlyjobinhis
businessempire.Itmighthavebeenfalsepride.Manyworldlywisepeoplehavesaidso,togetalongintheworldyouhadtobepracticalandsatisfiedwithwhatyourmeaslylife
offers.ButIwasadreamer.AndIdidnotwanttojustgetalonginthisworld.Iwantedtoownit.Whywereourpeoplesomeekandhumble?ThatwassomethingIalways
wonderedabout.Whywereonlyafewabletocontrolthepowerandwealthwhiletherestobligedthem,andevenlaiddowntheirlivestohelpthissmallselfishgangoppress
themandtheirchildren?Wasitfear?Idontknow.ButwhereverIlooked,Ionlysawoppression.
Money,caste,rituals,traditions,beliefsandsuperstitionsallconspiredtogethertocrushthehumblemajority.Whycouldnttherebeamorejustwayofliving?
ThemomentIstartedaskingwhy,Iwasbrandedahothead.TheBrahminfriendsofmyfatheroncetriedtobanishmefromthevillagesayingIwaspossessedbyevilspiritsand
thatIwasaRakshasa,ademon.PerhapsIwastooyoungandbrashandmyviewoftheworldwasyettogettemperedwithexperience.Exceptformyyoungestbrother
Vibhishana,whowasalwaysquiet,Icouldseethesamerestlessnessintherestofus.IbelievedVibhishanawasabitofanitwit.Butheidewit.
Buwasthedarlingofourvillagewhileweweregrowingup.Hefollowedwhateverwaslaiddowninthebooksandneveraskedanyquestions.ThereweremanytimeswhenIfelt
thatVibhishanawasmostsuitedforthissocietyandthathewasgoingtomakeitbiginlife.AndIlikedhim.HewassosmallandvulnerableandIalwaysfeltheneededtobe
protectedfromthiscruelworld.
Idesperatelyneededsomeconfidence.Iwasntintelligentintheconventionalsenseeither.IcouldnotrecitetheVedasbackwardsthewayVibhishanaenjoyeddoing.Inany
case,IthoughttheVedaswerealoadofhumbuganditdidntmatterwhichwayyourecitedthem.SomejoblessBrahminlikemyfather,createdthemthousandsofyearsago.
Insteadofmakingthemselvesuseful,theBrahminsprayedtotheGodstheythemselvesinventedfortherain,thesun,horses,cowsandmoneyandmanyotherthings.Itmust
havebeenverycold,fromwhichevercursedplacestheycame.
Otherwise,whywouldtheycroaklikefrogsandappealtotheGodsafterputtinghundredsofassortedtwigsintothefire?
PerhapsIwasprejudiced.Ishouldntthinkthattheworktheyweredoing,asYajnas,wasuseless.Infact,itservedasaperfecttooltomintmoneyandgainmaterialfavours.They
werenofoolstheseBrahmins.Theyknewhowtoprojecteventhemundanetasksofburningtwigsasearthshaking,scientificdiscoveriesandclaimedtotametheforcesthat
controlledtheworld.
Anditwasfunnythatthemajorityofpeoplelikethecarpenters,masonsandfarmerswhoweredoingsomethingmeaningful,hadbecomesupplicanttothesejokerscroaking
underthewarmsun,sweatpouringfromtheirfacesinfrontofaragingfireandchantingGodknowswhat.
TheyhadaYajnaoraPujaforeverythingunderthesun.Ifyouhadleprosyoracommoncold,therewasaGodtowhomyouhadtoofferaspecialpujatoappeasehim.You
wantedyourpesteringwifetoelopewithyourbothersomeneighbour,therewasapujaforthattoo.
Youwantedyourcowtohaveacalforyourwifetohaveson,theBrahminwouldhelpyou.HewouldjustconductaPujaandadivinecalforsonwouldbeborn.
YoucurriedfavourwiththeBrahminsandyoursonwouldbecomethebiggestpunditintheworldbytheageofsixteen.Ifnot,hewouldperhapsbecomerowdylikeme,whodid
notrespectBrahminsorrituals.HewouldbecomeaRakshasa.IthinktherearemanymoreRakshasasamongusnow.Perhaps,itwasbecausethe
why?virusspread.CouldnttheBrahminsconductapujasothatourheadswereclearedofsinfulthoughts?
ThisissomethingIhavetoponderoverwhenIhavetime.
WhereverItravelIfindimpostersclaimingtohavedirectaccesstogodandfleecingpeople.ItisstrangehowkingsofantiquitysuddenlybecameGods.Howtheymetamorphosed
intospecialtyGodsisevenmoreamusing.Iamnoatheist.IstronglybelieveinGodandamalwayswillingtoprayformymaterialandspiritualprogress.Butforme,Godisavery
personalthingandprayerneedstobespokensilentlyinmyheart.

3Captives
Ravana
TheAsuraswereacastelesssocietyandhadahighlydemocraticsetupwhereanelectedcouncil,insteadofaking,heldactualpower.Theywerealsoaroamingtribe,hunting
andraidingfortheirexistence,butsomewhere,perhaps2000yearsago,theysettleddownincitiesandtownsalongtheriverbwifanks.IthasbeensaidthattheAsurakingdoms
hadroadspavedingold.
Butwhatanempiretheybuilt!ItsprawledfromtheIndusinthewesttotheBrahmaputraintheeast,andfromtheHimalayasinthenorthtotheNarmadainthesouth.Itcould
easilyhavebeenthebiggestempireonearthatthattime.WhenthekingsofEgyptwerebusybuildinggreattombstoburythemselves,thedemocraticcounciloftheAsura
kingdomwasbusylayingroads,buildinghospitals,drainagesystemsandeverythingtheythoughtwasusefulforthepeople.
MymotherclaimedthatshebelongedtoaprominentAsuratribe,theHethis.Fewbelievedher.
However,itmademeproudtothinkthatIdidindeed,belongtoaneliteAsuratribe.ThoughAsuraswereneverovertlyreligious,wehadourowngods.Prominentamongthem
wasShivaorParameswara.WelearnedthatShivawasagreatAsurakingofantiquity,whentheAsuraswereawanderingtribe.IlovetothinkthatheisTheGod.Hewasmy
personalfavourite.
Itmighthavebeenabouta1000yearsago,whenthehorsemounted,savagetribesofcentralJambuDweepaplunderedtheAsuracitiesinthegreatplains.Acounciloften
kingsledthemightyAsura,andtheymetthehorseridingsavages.ThemightyAsuraarmymetthehorseridingsavagetribesneartheriverJhelum.Theleaderoftheplunderers
wasnamedIndra,whothroughhisatrocitieshadearnedthetitle,PurendaraorSlayerofCities.Thousandswereslainwomenirrespectiveofage,weregangraped,children
burntaliveandgranariesplundered.Magnificentcitiescrumbled.Acivilizationwasdestroyedandtheclockofprogresswassetbackbycenturies.TheAsuraslosteverythingand
theyfledtothesouth.TheNagaswithdrewtotheeasternhillsandtheKinnaraandYakshakingdomswerewipedout.TheGandharvasbecameawanderingtribeandsoongot
longlostinthebylanesofhistoryandmythology.
TheAsuracivilizationwasatitspeakduringtheinvasion,buttheyhadlosttheirfightingpower.Culture,music,art,architecturehadconspiredtobluntthefightingprowessofthe
asuraarmies,whichinfact,wasnothingbutacharade.Therewasnoefficientleadership,noprofessionalcommandandnostrategyorplanfornationaldefence.Itwasno
wonderthatthemightyAsuraarmywasroutedbyahandfulofaggressorsunderIndrasdynamicleadership.Ofcourse,thesupremacyoftheAsuraracecouldhavebeenhighly
exaggerated.Adefeatedraceoftenusesitsculturalsupremacytocovertheshameofdefeat.Thevictoriouspartywasalwaysportrayedasbarbarianswhodefeatedand
destroyedahighlyculturedandwelldevelopedcivilizationthroughdeceitandsorcery.
ButtheAsurasfoughtback.Theystagedabattlefromthesouthtoreclaimtheirlostland.TheywonoccasionalvictoriesandevenheldswayoverallofIndiaattimes.However,it
wastheintellectualwarthattheywerelosing.Tribeswhichcamefromthenorthwest,hadbegunlosingtheirmooringsandasynthesiswiththeAsurashadbegun.Theystolethe
greatAsuraGod,Shiva.Brahma,theteacher,alsobecametheirgod.
However,themostprominentGodwhosuddenlyappearedwasVishnu.TheBrahmins,whoweretheofficialpriestsoftheDevas,beganformulatingcomplicatedrituals.They

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foundthatthemainstrengthoftheAsuracitieswasitscosmopolitanculture.TheAsuraswereafreepeople.TheirfertileimaginationmadeShivaintoalovableGodwho
demandednothing,andnoritualwasrequiredtopraytohim.HewastheAsurasfriend,cousin,son,father,oranythingonecouldimagine.Inmanycities,Shivawasportrayed
asaphallus,tocelebratevirilityandfertility.
Oncethecitieswereconqueredandthetemplesdestroyed,theBrahminsdemandedtheconqueredpeopleworshipaforCwor
TheDevacapitalcityofAmaravathi,paledbeforePatalathetemporarycapitaloftheAsurasinexile.
Amaravathi,onceahugecityatthemouthoftheSaraswatiriver,wasnowamiserableoldshantytown.
ItwasbuiltbytheAsuraschoolofMayans,whoweregreatcitybuilders.Almostalltheavailablebooksonartandarchitecture,cityplanning,parksandamusementcentres,
templesandtheatres,hadbeenproducedbythem.OncetheDevassettledinthegreatnorthernplains,theystartedbuildingafewscatteredcitiesandfoundedtheirownschool
ofartandarchitecture.ButtheVishwakarmaschoolpaledincomparisontotheMayan,eventhoughideaswereliberallyliftedfromtheMayanbooks.Whattheyachieved,asfar
asIheard,wassomeshantytownsontheriverbanksofthenorth.MithilaandAyodhyacouldperhapshavebeentheirbesttowns.
GoingbytheaccountsoftravellingmendicantslikeNarada,whowasaninveterateliar,thesetownswereneatandnotovergrownliketheothersthataboundedonthenorthern
plains.
IhadneverventuredthisfarnorthbutwhereverItravelled,Isawunrest.TheDevaempirewasslowlycrumblingundertherelentlesspressureofguerillawarfare.Icouldfeelthe
distantrumblingsofamassiveuprising.ForyearsthedefeatedAsuratribeshadbeenfightingabitterwarbutwereonlypartiallysuccessfulinreclaimingtheasuraterritory.Fora
fewyears,somelifewasinjectedintothedeaddreamsoftheAsurasbymenlikeMahabalioftheKeralaputratribe,whoheldswayoverallofIndiaforabout18yearsorthe
supposedlyinvincibletwins,HiranyakasupuandHiranyaksha,insouthcentralIndia.Buttheyallcollapsedsoonenough.
Initially,theAsurashadsuperiorwarfarestrategies,betterengineerstocreatemachinesofwarandgreatgeneralsandkingstoleadthebattlewithvalour.Butthecunningofthe
DevasandthetreacheryoftheirownpeopleensuredthattheAsurassnatcheddefeatfromthejawsofvictory.ItwasobviousthattheAsuraslackedunity.Oneupmanship,false
pride,overconfidenceintheirpowersandofcourse,thebeliefthattheDevaswouldfightthewarfairlysomethingthattheDevasalwaysbelievedbutseldompractised,ensured
thattheAsuratribewouldwanderinthewildernessofIndiafora1000years.
Andthenbegananinterminglingofthetribes.NoonecanreallyclaimtohavepureDevaorAsurablood.
ThedeepblackAsurasmixedwiththepaleDevas,whointurnmixedwithvariousshadesofskincolourrangingfromtheyellowoftheGandharvas,tothepurewhiteofthe
Kinnaras,andthepitchblackoftheYakshas.ItwasnotunusualtofindapitchblackDevamaidenwithblueeyesoranAsuramanwithyellowskinandbrownhair.
Norwasitconsideredextraordinarytohaveacoalblackbrotherwithgreyeyesandstraighthair,CtraanAaveryfairsisterwithdarkeyesandwavyhairandanothersiblingwith
yellowskinandcurlyblackhairinthesamefamily.Imyselfamfaircomplexionedwiththickwavyhairanddeepblackeyes.Mysisterisasdarkasmidnightwithstraighthairand
browneyes.Kumbakarnaisstockywithblackskinandblackcurlyhairandblackeyes,whereasVibhishnaislightbrownwithlightblueeyesandbrownwavyhair.
Mixedraceswereheldincontemptearlier.TheDevasshunnedthemlikelepersandtheywerelaughedatbytheAsuras.Stungbysocialantipathyanddisdain,agroupofthis
mixedracewithdrewtotheforestsofcentralIndia.Theywereweakanduncultured,evenbyDevastandardsandchatteredincessantlywithoutdoinganyproductivework.They
ledacrudeandmiserableexistencecollectingberriesandhoneyfromtheforests,livingintreehousesandcavesandoccasionallyraidingnearbyvillagesinsearchofgoldand
women.TheycametobecalledthemonkeytribetheVanaras.Theyweremostlyignoredandoftenconsideredboors.IntheDevaorAsuralanguages,thewordVanarawasa
cursewordandtocallsomeoneaVanarawastheultimateinsultwhichresultedinduelsanddeath.
TheVanarasledamiserablelifeuntilBaliappeared.
Heburstuponthescenelikeaclapofthunderinsummer.Baliwasagreattacticianandasuperbmilitarygeneral.AftersuppressingtheoppositioninhisVanaratribe,he
becametheirsupremeleaderandabrutaldictator.AlongwithhisyoungerbrotherSugreeva,BaliraidedboththeAsuraandDevatribesseveraltimesfromhiscapital,
Kishkindha,onthebanksoftheriverTungabhadra.SoontheVanarasextendedtheirswayfromtheWesternMountainstotheEasternHillsandwerethreateningthebordersof
Lanka.Inthenorth,allthepettyDevakingdomsuptotheGangesRiverlivedunderconstantfear.ButBalimaintainedapeacefulrelationshipwithKarthiVeerarjuna,apowerful
tribalmonarchanddescendentofanaboriginetribe,whoweretheoriginalsettlersofIndia.Heruledthenarrowcoastalstriponthewestcoastbetweentheseaandsometable
landoneithersideoftheVindhyamountains,onthebanksofNarmada.
Thesituationwasdangerous.PowerbalancedprecariouslybetweenKarthiVeerarjunainthewest,BaliinCentralIndia,thedecimatedIndraempire(splitupasnumerouspetty
DevakingdomsbetweentheHimalayasandthemightyriversofthenorth),andthewarringAsuratribesoftheSouth.TheconditionoftheAsuraswasthemostmiserable.
Poverty,disease,famineandmiseryravagedtheoncefamedcities.ApartfromthearchitecturalsplendourandthrivingcommerceofafewporttownslikeMuzurisand
Kaveripattinam,themajorityofAsuraslivedinsqualor,withoutanyhopeorselfesteem.Moneywasconcentratedamongstafewlikemystepbrother,Kubera.Themilitary
leadershipwastedthemselvesfightingfoolishwarswiththeDevas,theaborigines,theVanaras,butmorefrequently,amongthemselves,withoutanyplanorstrategy.
WecrossedtheriverPoorna.Theforestlaytrappedandimmobile,tangledinahazeofcreepersandvines.Iwasratherapprehensive.Theseforestshadbecomehidingplaces
forguerillasbelongingtovariousAsuratribes.Wedecidedtocontinuebutweresuddenlysurroundedbyagroupofarmedmen.Iwasimpressedattheskillwithwhichthey
surroundedus.Twentytautbowswerereadytosing.IstoppedKumbhakaranawithaglance.Theoafwasstrugglingtogethisrustedswordoutofitstatteredsheath.Iwasnota
coward,butthethreeofuswerenomatchforthetwentyarcherssurroundingus.ThiswasntthetimetoplayheroandIdidntknowwhethertheywereKarthiveerarjunas
policemenorAsuraguerillafighters.TheyweretoodarktobeDevas.
AwellbuiltmanwithgreyinghairapproachedusandpointedhissCpoiters.Thwordatmyneck.
Another,muchyounger,startedsearchingus.IwaswonderingifIcouldkickthemaninthegroinandgetholdofhisthroat,whenanothermanpressedthetipofhisswordtothe
hollowofVibhishanasthroat.Mybraveyoungbrotherstartedwhimpering.Igotthemessageandkeptcalm.Thisisnotimeforheroics,Itoldmyself.Then,tiedandblindfolded,
wewerehalfled,halfdraggedthroughthebushesandheavyundergrowthofthejungle.

4Guru
Ravana
Westoodshiveringinsideacave,waitingforsomeonetoappear.Therewerenoisesemanatingfromitsdepths.Suddenlyallthenoisesceasedandafrighteninghush
descended.MyheartwasbeatingviolentlyandIwasembarrassedtofindVibhishanacrying.Myheartwentouttomyyoungerbrother.Hewassoinnocentaboutthewaysofthe
world.
Andthenadeep,resonatingvoiceorderedthatourblindfoldsberemoved.Astheywereliftedandoureyesadjustedtothedarknessinsidethecave,wesawaveryoldman
seatedonalargestonechair.Hestaredintentlyatus.Iheldmyheadhighandglaredbackathim.

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Slowly,imperceptiblyatfirst,butthenengulfinghiswholeface,asmilecrossedhisface.Asiftouchedbyamagicwand,thetoughandmeanlookingoldmanwastransformed
intoamanofvigourandvitality.Hisfaceemanatedaserenitybeyondwords.Hissmileconveyedthewisdomofages.Slowlyrecognitiondawnedonme,itwasMahabali!
HerewasthegreatestandmightiestofallAsurakings.Thewise,thestrong,thelearned,thekind,theperpetratorofsocialjustice,theiconofdharmapaeansrunoutwhenone
thinksofMahabali.Butwasahintofcontempthoveringatthebackofmymind?Mahabalihadconductedbrilliantmilitarycampaigns,vanquishedhisfoesandruledovera
continentjustly,buthelosthisempirebecausehedidnotwanttobackoutofapromisehehadgiventoapoorDevaBrahmin,VamanaVishnu,seekingalmsfromthemighty
Emperor.WhenMahabalisreignwasatitssummit,theEmperorconductedaRajasooya,toproclaimhissuzeraintyoverallofIndia.Kings,chieftains,rajasandmaharajas,
belongingtoallthetribesandkingdomsofIndiaassembledattheAsuracapitalofMuzuristopayhomagetothekingofkings,Mahabali.Asapartoftheritual,theEmperor
promisedaboontoanyonewhoaskedforit.ItwasatthattimethattheVamanaVishnu,disguisedasapoorBrahminboy,askedforthreefeetoflandtosetupaBrahminical
learningcentreintheAsuracapital.Notwantingtogobackonhispromise,MahabaligavepermissiontoDevaBrahminstopreachtheirreligionintheAsuracapital.Soon,this
smallcentregrewintoamassivemissionaryinstitution.Itbecamethehotbedofconspiracyandcourtintrigue.Finally,beforetheAsuraelitecouldworkoutwhathadhitthem,
DevaBrahminshadovercomethelastAsuraempire.
Mahabaliwasbanishedtotheunderworldandtheempirehehadbuiltforovertwodecades,soonexplodedintohundredsofwarringpettykingdoms.ButMahabalicontinuedto
liveoninlegend.Iwasamazedtoseemychildhoodherointheflesh.ButIwasdisappointedaswell.Mahabalididnotmatchthechiselledimageofmyherowhichahundred
childhoodfairytalesandlegendshadsculptedinmymind.
Wehavebeentrailingyouforthelastfewweeks.
Whatbringsyoutothesepartswherenoonedarestotread?Thesearedangeroustimesandthisisnoplaceforfoolslikeyoutoloiterabout.Thedeepvoiceboomedthrough
thecavesandsnappedmebackfrommyreminiscences.
Ibowedtothegreatsoulbeforemeand
said,GreatKing,weareseekersoffortune.
WearefromthePearlislandofLankainthesouthernseas.ItastedmudinmymouthwhenIsaidthis,butIcouldntescapefrommyroots.Evenouraddresswasborrowed.
WearethesonsofKaikesiandhalf
brothersofKubera.IamRavana,andtheseare
my
siblings,
Kumbakarna
and
Vibhishana.
Asmallfrownappearedonhisoldhaggardface.
Thereweredeepthoughtlinesonhisbroadforehead.
Andtherewasaclearchillinhisvoice.Yournotorietyprecedesyou,Ravana.Isuspectedasmuch.Myinformershavebroughtnewsaboutyourmisdeedsofthepastfewyears.
ItisindeedunfortunatethattheAsuratribeproducessuchuselesshotheadsasyou.Youcallyourselfawarrior?Butmyboysweretailingyouforthepasteightdays.Theycould
haveslityourthroatmanytimesoverinthelastweek.Andyoucallyourselfawarrior!Ithinkyourmixedbloodhasgottodowiththistotalincompetence.Stopplayingabuffoon
andbeworthyoftheambitionthatburnsinyourheart.Angerroseinme.Whatrightdidthisoldloserhavetotellmeoff?Yet,Iknewhewasright.Iwasangrybecauseitwastrue.
Iwasanindifferentstudent.Mymotherwantedmetobecomeaworldconqueringwarrior,butmynoncaringfatherwantedtofillmyheadwithBrahminlearning.Couldweafford
agoodteacher?Didwehavetheopportunitytolearntobegoodwarriors?Ihadmanyreasonsfornotsucceedinginlife.
Iclenchedmyfisttokeepmytemperfromexploding.IleftthatmundaneexistencebecauseIhadthefieryambitiontobecomesomething.IsawKumbhatryingtountiethechords.
Hiseyeshadbecomeredwithrage.
ThenIunderstood.TheEmperorwasmerelytestingmypatience.PerhapsthiswastheGuruIhadbeenlookingfor.Butangerstillsimmeredwithinme.Ididntwanttosubmitso
easily.Icouldnotbesoeasilytamed.Ilookedscornfullyatthismanandhisdelusionofgrandeur.Butmytongueappearedtohavediveddeepintomystomach.Icouldnotretort.
Mahabaliexudedrawpower.Iwassuddenlyafraid.Andthenitdawnedonmethiswasaturningpointinmylife.AnarrayofemotionsflashedthroughmymindandIstood
paralyzedbeforetheEmperor,exposedandnaked.Icouldfeelhisglancetauntingme,challengingme,soothingme,frighteningme.
Youmaybeofsomeusetothisworldafterall.
Initially,IthoughtofyouasoneofthedregswhopopulatetheforgottenandforsakenAsuraoutpostslikepestswhodreamofgloryanddonothingwhorevelinapast,realor
imaginedandwishforamiracletosavethemselvesandtheirrace.ButRavana,Icanseeaspark,asmalloneperhaps,butasparkindeed,whichwiththerightbreezecanbe
blownintoaragingfire.Idonotknow,whetheryouarethepromiseofourmiserablepeopleortheircurse.Youcouldbebothandmanythingsbeyond.
Somethingtellsthisoldmanthatyouhaveagrandambitionandyouwillnotstopanywhereuntilyouachieveyourdreams.Youdonotknowwhatpoweryouhavesuppressedin
yourrestlessandaimlessmind.Asmallspeckofhopeisrisinginme,thatyou,withpropertrainingandguidancecanbecomethesalvationofamillionpeoplethepeoplewho
havebeentrampledupon,whohavebeenbanishedtothenetherworldofnothingness.Thesamepeoplewhoarebeingcrushedunderthefootofanunscrupulousenemy.
Ravana,welcometothehumbleabodeofMahabali.Stayaslongasyouwant,butmoreimportantly,learn.Comewithanopenmindandrememberthatthisplacehasalotto
teachyou.
Theoldmanhadstyle.Thenwithawaveofhishandsandakindsmile,thecornersofhismouthtwitchingwithaslighthintofataunt,theEmperordismissedus.
IkeptthinkingaboutMahabaliaswefollowedaslightlybuiltmanwKyb1">ithaflowingwhitebeard,throughtheenormouscave.Mahabalisfallwasridiculous.Itdidnothave
thegloryandheroismassociatedwiththefalloftheothergreatAsuraempiresbeforehim.ThegreatAsuraempireofthefamoustwinbrothersHiranyaandHiranyaksha,had
almostachievedsupremacyoverallIndia,whenHiranyawasgoredtodeathbyawildboar.HiranyakshawasbetrayedbyhissonPrahalada,whohadconspiredwithIndra,the
kingoftheDevas.
Prahaladawasaweakkingandtheempiresoonwenttopieces.Heruinedthecountrywithheavytaxes.
Farmingandpasturingwereruined,tradeguildsmigratedandartdied.Meanwhile,anewmenacehadenteredthesceneamadBrahmincalledParasurama
Ramawithanaxetogrind,whoformedagroupofthugstostartaseriesofterrorraidsinthesouth.
Anarchyandarsonspreadandhisthugsweredreadedacrossthecountry.Theysneakedintopalaces,lootedthem,butcheredtheoccupantsandsetfiretothecity.
WheneverParasuramaconqueredaland,heensuredthattheBrahminsoccupiedthehighestposts.ErstwhilepriestsliketheMalayansorVannans,werebanishedfromthe
citiestothevillages.IneffectualKingPrahaladaobtainedpeacefromParsuramaatagreatandhumiliatingpriceandensuredtheascendancyoftheBrahminsintheAsurasocial
order.
AchangetookplacewhenMahabaliascendedthethroneafterPrahaladadied.IndracouldneverhaveanticipatedthatPrahaladawouldhavesuchagrandson.
Withinadecade,MahabalihadoverthrowntheyokeofIndrasempireandinafewyearshehadconqueredtheentiresubcontinent.ThiswasbeforeKarthiveerarjunahad
reestablishedtheaborigineorAdiDravidaempireonthewestcoast,andBali,themightyVanaraking,wasevenborn.Forthenext20years,Mahabaliruledwithflourishand
Asuraartandmusicreacheditspeak.Greatcitieswerebuiltandtradeexploded.Theworldcametohisdoorstep.OhthegloriesIhaveheardaboutthosetimes!Theoldmenof
ourvillagesneverstoppedtalkingaboutthosedaysdaysthatIbelievehavebeenglorifiedbeyondrecognition.
Vibhishanawastryingtomakeconversationwiththeoldman.Butheonlyrepliedingruntsandsnorts.
Whenwereachedacorner,theoldmanabruptlystoppedandturnedtous.Theseareyoursleepingquarters.Tomorrowwewillstartthelessons.Beforewecouldthankhim,he
hadleft.Welaytherethinkingofourfuture.Ikeptthinkingofmymotherandsister.Ihopedahurricanehadnotblownoursmallhutoverthecliff.Ithoughtofmymiserable
childhoodwheneventheoldandstalefoodourneighboursgaveustastedgoodinourhungrymouths.Ithoughtofthedaywhenallfourofusbecamesickwithstomachaches
afterweatelikepigsinmyhalfbrotherspalaceourpoorstomachsunaccustomedtogheeorfruitsrebelled,andweweremiserableforalmostaweek.
Ithoughtoftheopportunitieslostbyeachpoor,black,Asurachildthepoverty,thefilth,theflies,theshatteredchildhoods,andafamiliarnumbingpainstartedgnawingmysoul.
Myfathersleeringfacejeeredatme,screamingrepeatedlythatIwasablackandgoodfornothingevilspiritedloserwhowasaburdentotheworld.Ithinkofthenightswhenwe
spokeonlyaboutthevariousfoodsanddelicacieswhichwehadonlyheardaboutbutneverseen.
MymotherssobstouchedasoftspotsomewhereinsidemeandIweptforourmisery,thestrugglesthatlayinthefuture,ourshatteredhopesofthepast,ourpeopleandourtribe.
Iweptforourhelplessness,frustrationsandbrokenlives.Ievenweptfortheblacknessofourskin.Isobbedforourignoranceandthecherishednostalgiaabouttheimagined
gloryofourpeople.Tearscouldneitherwashthecoloursofourheroisminpovertynorthefoolhardyresolveofourpeopletodieforacause.Neithercoulditwashawaythecall
Kawalveofousnessofpeoplelikemyhalfbrother,whowasinsulatedfromthisworldofemptiness.ThenIweptformyself.Then,throughthedarknessthatcovereduslikea
blanket,twopairofhandsembracedmefromeithersidethetiredhandsofmybrothers,whoIvowedIwouldprotectwithmylife,whoIbelievedwoulddieforme.Wehugged
eachotherandwepttogetherforallthemiserieswehadfaced.
Slowlyitbegantosinkin.AsmallseedofhopesocasuallythrownbytheoldEmperorbegantosprout.IhuggedmybrothershardasIbegantothinkthatmytalkabout
conqueringtheworldwasnottheemptydaydreamsofadestitutechild.Maybethefuturehadpromise.Tomorrowwasanotherdayandanewbeginning.

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5Dasamukha,thetenfaced
Ravana
Theoldmanwiththeflowingbeardwokeusatdawnandmarchedustoanearbymountainstreamtodoourmorningchores.Hewasquiteloquaciousatthemomentasifhehad
suddenlydiscoveredthathehadastorytotellandfoundinusamostwillingaudience.
PeoplecallmeBrahma.Thatismyfamilysurname.
Teachingrunsinourblood,andwehavebeenGurussinceancienttimes.TherewerefourGurusintheCouncilofKnowledge,andeachyear,theydecidedthesyllabusfor
hundredsofschoolsspreadovervariouspartsoftheAsuraempire.WecreatedtheAsuraworldasweknowittoday.MyfamilycreatedthelawandwereworshippedasGods.
AlongwithShivasfamilywhorightfromthetimeofthegreatempireonthebanksoftheIndus,protectedfarms,propertyandanimals,andwerecalledthePasupathisowingto
theirfunctioninthesociety.Wedevelopedacivilization.
Herambledon,ThentheDevainvasionbegan.ThefirstactofIndrawastoburndownourcities,schools,templeseverythingthatencouragedprogress.Wehadatthattime,in
collaborationwiththearchitectandengineeringguildoftheMayans,achievedgreatprogressintechnology.Wehadevendevelopedaflyingmachine
thePushpaka.However,onlyaprototypehadbeenbuilt.Theinvasionchangedallthat.Theheadofthefamilyandthefourthmemberinchargeofscienceandtechnology,was
amongthefirstvictimsofthemaraudingbarbariansandAsurasciencediedwithhim.
TheheadoftheMayanschoolescapedinhisflyingmachineinthenickofthetimeandhissuccessorsarenowprotectedbyyourhalfbrother,whohasappropriatedthe
Pushpakaflyingmachineprototype.Idonotknowhowmanycenturieswillpassbeforemanmasterstheskyagain.
Myancestorsspecializedinarmsandmanufactureofmilitaryequipment.TheBrahmafamilywhospecializedinarts,craftsandmusicareundertheprotectionoftheGandharva
empire.Bali,thegreatVanaraking,protectedtheBrahmateachersofarchitectureandisbuildinggreatcitiesinmiddleIndia.
ThetribeofthefourthBrahma,whojoinedtheDevas,specializedinphilosophicaldiscourses.TheyarenowtheintellectualgurustotheDevas.So,eventhoughIwillbe
impartingknowledgeinallpossiblebranches,Ishallspecificallyconcentrateonarmsandmilitarystrategy.
Aswarriors,Ibelievethatisthemostcrucialknowledgeyoushouldpossess.
Hehadourattention.WehadavagueideaabouttheevolutionoftheBrahmaclanbutitwassurprisingthattheoldmanwhosatcrossleggedbeforeus,wasactuallythebearer
ofsuchancientwisdom.Hehardlylookedlikeagreatguru.Hewasratherplain,shortandbald,withapotbelly.Buttheflowingwhitebeardandthetwinkleinhiseyesbetrayed
thegeniushiddenbeneaththatoldandwornshell.
Fromthatday,asthesunroseovertheSahyasandthemajesticPoornariverthatwounditswaythroughthegreenmountainsturnedpurple,anewepochbeganinourlives.
Brahmawasourlonglostfather,themotherweleftbehind,ourGuru,ourGod,oursaviour.
Knowledgeinitspurestform,refinedbyscoresofgenerationsofknowledgeseekersoftheBrahmafamily,pouredfromtheoldman.Itengulfedandenthralledme.
Hetaughtuslonglostarts,longforgottentextsandmorethananythingelse,plantedinmyfertilebutrestlesssoul,thequestforknowledge.Itwashewhotaughtmetolistento
themusicofnature.Heshowedmehowtolistentothechirpingofbirds,hemademyminddancetothetuneoftheflowingwildbrooks,hemademyinnerselfsoarwiththeeagle
flyinghighinthesky.Ifeltcleansed.IfIoweanythingtoanyoneinmylife,itistomyGuru.Hegaveshapetomyambition,wingstomydreams,claritytomyvision,andpowerto
myarms.
Inmyirresponsibleteenage,IwoulddismisstheVedasandUpanishadsashumbug.ButMahabaliandBrahmaopenedtomethemagicalworldofthesacredtextsoftheancient
AsurasandDevas.Istoodastonishedatthegrandphilosophicalspeculationsthesebooksespoused.Theyweretheworksofsupremeintellectualsandmenofgenius.Itwasa
farcryfromthetriviathatpeoplelikemyfatherwerepropagatinginthenameofVedas.Therituals,theanimalsacrifices,thecurseofcastenoneofthesehadthesanctionofthe
Vedasnorweretheydivineproclamationsoredicts.BythetimeBrahmaandMahabalihadreachedthecommentaryontheAtharvaVeda,IwasconfidentthatIcouldchallenge
anypseudoscholarsontheVedas.Therealmeaningofthesacredtextsgavemegreaterdeterminationtoattackevilslikecaste,animalsacrificesandotherritualsbeing
propagatedbythepriestlyclass.Iwasdeterminedtocurbmeaninglessritualsandsacrificesandputanendtothecurseofcaste.
Wehadnearlyreachedtheendofoureducation.
ThelastfewclasseswerewiththegreatEmperorhimself.Hespokeinlengthaboutmindcontrolandmasteringthesenses.Thepathheproposedwasrigidandstraight.Itwas
tough,challengingandtotallyimpractical.
Angeristhelowestemotion.Itcloudstheintellectandcanmakeyoudofoolishthings.Youbecomeblindtoreasonandreactonlywithyourbody,withoutthinking.Thisleadsto
failureineverysphere.Uprootthisevilfromyoursystem.
ThenextbaseemotionisPride.Arrogancestemsfromprideandkillsclearthinkingandvision.Pridemakesyouunderestimateyourfoesandoverestimateyourself.Jealousyisa
vileemotion,andmasteringitisoneofthemostchallengingtasksahumanbeinghas.
Jealousymakesyoupineforothermanskingdom,wealth,wifeandfame.Thisemotionhasleadtomanywars,bloodshedandtearssincetimeimmemorial.
Happinessandsadnessarejusttwoeternaltruthslikedayandnight.Amanofsuperiorintellectisneveraffectedbytheseemotions.Theyarenotbaseemotionsatallbuta
reflectionofourthoughts,areactiontoourperspectiveonthingswesee,hearanddo.Equanimityisnotonlydesirableinawarrior,butamust.Withoutit,youareasgoodas
deadinthebattlefield.
Fearisnotanemotion,itisadisease.Itspreadsfromtheleadertohisfollowersandviceversa.Nothinghaskilledmoremeninwarthanfear.Whatshouldawarriorfear?
Death?Butdeathiswhateveryoneachievesultimately.Isitwoundsthatyoufear?Whatismoreimportant?Apintofyourbloodorthenectarofvictory?Think.Thinkingwillclear
suchdoubts.
Nothingismorecondemnablethanselfishness.Amanwhothinksofhimselfaloneisthemostunluckypersonofall.Whyisoneborn?IsittSborNotogetfedandgrowfat?Isto
procreateandmultiplylikepigs?Istodefilethisgoodearthwithbodilywastesandthendiewithoutcreatinganyripplesintheworld?Whatishislifeworthifitdoesnotlightat
leastasmalllightinthedarknessthatiscrushingourpeople.Ravana,abhorthisvileemotionofselfishness.
Loveisachainthattiesyoutothemillstoneofmakebelief.Awarriorshouldfocusonvictoryandvictoryalone.ThatshouldbeyouronlyDharma.Doyourdutytoyourpeople,
parents,wives,sisters,brothersandGods,butnevereverlovethem.Lovemakesyouweak.Lovehasunseenbondagesthattakeyouintotheabyssoffailureatthatcrucial
momentwhenvictoryandfailuregetbalanced.Bewareoflove.
Finally,controlyourambition.Ravana,Icanseethefieryambitionburninginyoureyes.Butdonotbereckless.Takeonlywhatlifeoffersyouasyourown.
Letyourlifefollowitsowntide.Aimforthingsandstrivetoachievethem,butalwayskeepyourfeetsolidlyontheground.Think,thinkandthink,beforeyouact.
Theonlythingworthpreservingisyourmind.YourmindabsorbstheknowledgeyougainfromyourGurus,yourbooksandyourlife,andrefinesittogreatwisdom.

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Itiswhatyouhavetodevelop.Everylivingminuteyouhavetostrivetofeedyourmindwithfreshandpositiveinputs.Thiswillgiveclaritytoyourvisionandimmensepowerto
youraction.Youwillmakefewermistakesandalsolearnfasterfromthem.
Ravana,youhaveagreatdestinybeforeyou.Ihaveneverseenanyonewhocanmendmybrokendreams.
NeverbeforehavethepoorAsurashadsomeonesosuitabletoleadthemtovictoryandeternalglory.
Ravana,leadthemwithwisdomandempathy.Youcangivethembacktheirlostempireandredeemtheirforgottencivilization,youcancolourtheiraspirationsandfiretheir
imagination.Icanvisualizeyouflyingatopafieryhorse,yourswordoutstretched,yourthickblackmaneflyinginthegustywind,leadingthebravestAsurawarriorstocharge
uponDevaforces.IcanseetheDevacitiescrumbling.Yes,Icanhearthedistanttremorsofacomingstorm.Theyarefaintnow,butthepowertheyaregoingtounleashonthis
holylandofIndiawillbetremendous.Theywilluprootthecurrentsystem,demolishamillionmythsandrewritehistory.Ravana,Ibelieve,theworldwillbeyours,unlessyou
forgetthetenlessonsIhavejustmentioned.IbelieveBrahmahasdoneenoughforyoutoshedtheninethinkingheadsfromyou.Onlythemostimportantone,themind,remains.
Theeducationyoureceivedistheultimatesacrifice,yourtapsya.Youarenowrefinedintelligenceinitspurestform.Andwithclearlogicandaction,youwillleadtheAsurasto
regaintheirpastglory.GoRavana,andowntheworld!
WasitthefoolishnessofyouthoraninnerurgetospeakmyheartwhichpromptedmetocontradictthegreatEmperor?Ihaveyettofigureitout.Butevennow,asIambeing
eatenalivebyratsandjackals,IbelievethethingsItoldhimthen.Icanstillseethelookofastonishment,thenanger,theninfiniteandindescribablesadness,whichplayedupon
theoldface.Ithurtsmetoeventhinkofit,butmyyouthgavemetheimpudencetopresson.
Yourhighness,thesearenoblethoughts,butwhatyouaredemandingisimpossible.Iamsorrytosaythis,butisthesheddingofthenineemotionsorninethinkingheadsasyou
callthem,whichIneedtoshedforthesakeofsuccess,practical?IamagoodstudentandIhavelearntmylessonswellbutIshallalwayshavemyownopinionaboutthings.Do
notthinkthatIamarrogant.Pleasehearmeout.
Youweretalkingaboutanger,yourHighness.Iagree,thatmisdirectedangercancauseharm.Butisitnotabasicemotionoflife?IfIdonotgetangryattheplightoftheAsura
tribe,thatoncemightyracewhichSyrutbuiltthegreatestcivilizationtheearthhasknowntillnow,howcanIclaimtobeoneofitsworthysons?
CantIbefuriouswhenthousandsliveininhumanconditionsundertheyokeofDevakingsandtheirvassalAsurafiends?IfIcannotfeelfrustrationabouttheforgottenAsuraarts,
demolishedAsurareligion,pulverizedAsuratemples,destroyedAsurakingdoms,andcoweringcowardswhodragthemselvesonallfoursinfrontofDevakingsandpettynobles
claimingtorepresentAsurainterests,tellmesir,whatemotionshouldIfeel?Isitnotangerthatwillelectrifymythoughtsandpushmeintopositiveaction?Iamsorrysir,butIwill
neverlosethisemotionalheadtheheadofanger.
Whyshouldprideandvanitybeheldincontempt?Ifeelproudaboutmypeople,ourrace,ourculture,languageartandmusic.Ifeelproudaboutmyselfforhavingimmense
energyandthewilltosucceed.Idonotbelievethatapersonshouldalwaysbemeek,begforfoodorliveineternalpovertyandallthestuffwhichBrahminspreachbutnota
singleoneeverpractises.
IfIstrugglehardinmylifetoachievesuccess,Ihaveeveryrighttobeproudofit,Ihaveeveryrighttobaskinvanityandluxury.Whydidthekingsofthepastbuildgreattemples
andcities?Whydidthenoblesdonatetowardscharityandreligion?Isitnottoexhibittheirvanityandpride?Mosthumblemenareeitherhypocritesorhavemuchtobehumble
about.Successbreedsprideandvanity.Andprideistheonlyrewardofsuccess.
Jealousyisthebiggestforcethatmotivateshumankind.Whydoempirescompetewitheachother?
Whydokingstrytooutsmarteachotherinwhattheydo,ifnotmotivatedbythejealousytheyfeel?Jealousyisthedrivingforceofprogress,envyisthemotivatingforceoflife.The
needforimportanceisthemostimportantofurgesafterthebasicphysicalurgesoffood,shelterandsex.Eventhesebasicurgeshavetheirrootinjealousy.Todenyjealousyisto
denythebasicinstinctsofman.Sorrysir,butwhatyouareaskingisimpractical.
Youtalkaboutequanimityinsadnessandhappiness.
Isthispossibleever?Whenmybelovedonesdepartfromthisworld,shouldIremaincalm?ShouldIdenymyselftheconsolationofcrying?IfIbecomeincapableoffeeling
happiness,whatshallbecomeofme?IfIdonotfindhappinessinthebeautyoftherisingsun,ifIcannotfeelecstasyinthesmileofalittlebaby,ifIcannotlosemyselfinthe
happinessofmusic,islifeworthliving?Fearisthegreatestinstinctofmanandbeast,andyouaskmetoignoreit.Sir,IamnotafraidtosaythatIamscared.Iamfrightenedof
manythings.Iamnocowardbutfearsleepssomewhereinmyheart.Iamafraidofdeathandthepeoplewhoclaimtheyarenotafraidofdeath.Theyareeitherfoolishandwill
dragothersdownwiththemalso,ortheyareevilmenwhohateeverybody.
Iamafraidoflosingmanythings,worthlessthoughtheymaybe,butIwouldhavegainedthemthroughmysweatandblood.Iamafraidthatmylovedonesmayfallpreyto
disease.Iamafraidthatsomebattlesmightclaimmyfaithfulbrothers.Strongraincanwashawaymysisterandmotherintothewaitingocean.IamawarewitheverybreathItake
thatItakestepstowardsmydeath.ButIdonotfearfearsomuchastodenyitsveryexistence.ItisthisfearthathelpsmeremainpreparedfordangersthatImustface.Itisfear
thatmakesmeunderstandthattherearethingsthatIcannotcontrolandhelpsmetounderstandGodandmyself.
Youcallselfishnessabaseemotion.Butitisthistraitwhichhasbuiltgreatcitiesaroundtheworldandtheveryfoundationofambition.Withoutahighlycenteredegoandthe
desiretoachievethetreasuresofthisworld,wouldonesucceedinlife?WhenIseealovelygirl,afascinatingplace,acharmingvillage,asparklingdiamond,aprosperousSa
fascinacountry,ambitionfluttersinmysoul.Iwantthecharmsofthisworldtobemineandminealone.Youmaytrytokillmybasethoughts,butmyKing,pardonmyimpudence
andtellmeinallhonesty,wasitnotfromthesameselfishnessthatyoubuiltanempire?Youdidnotbecomeamendicant,butstrivedtobecometheEmperorofthewholeworld.If
itwasnotforthisbaseinstinctofselfishness,whydidyouslaythousandsinwar?WhydidyouleadyourmightyarmiesagainsttheDevas?Youhadoneaimonly,youwanted
gloryforyourself,yourclan,yourtribewhicheverwayonelooksatit,thewordyouisprominent.Iwanttoachievewhateveryouachievedandmuchmore.Iamwillingtorisk
beingknownasthemostselfishmanintheworld,ratherthandyingunknownasaselflessnonentity.Theoldmansattherewithfireinhiseyes.Ifeltmyselfcowering.But,asI
hadstarted,Ididnotwanttoleavethingsunsaid.Icollectedmythoughtsandpressedon,ItspitythatyouandBrahmalookdownonloveasabaseemotion.Withoutlove,
withoutthekingofemotions,nothingexists.Theresnothingmorepurethantheloveofamotherforherbaby.Ifonehasnotfeltthepainfulneedtobewithoneslover,ifyoudo
notfeeltheloveforyourownbrothers,sisters,yourfatherwhomadeyou,yourmotherwhocarriedyouinherwombandraisedyouwithherbloodandmilk,forfriendsandthose
littlecherishedmomentsoftogetherness,yourwifeforsharingyourlifewithyouandforyourchildrenforcarryingyourlifeforward,thenisthislifeworthliving?Isitnotlovefor
yourcountry,tribe,language,religion,Gods,andsomanyotherthings,whichmayseemtrivialbutwhicharesopreciouslyheldinthebosomofmen,thathasledtosomuch
bloodshedandwar?Peoplehavediedforloveinthepastandwillcontinuetodosoaslongastheworldexists.IshallalwayslovethethingsIhavetoldyouabout.Butyes,I
shalllovemyselfabovethemall.
Withoutme,nothingwhichislovablehasanymeaningtome.IlovebecauseIexistandIexistbecauseIlove
Ilovemyself.
Ambitionisthekeytoprogress.Withoutambition,thekingsofEgyptwouldnotbesobusybuildingthosepyramidsrightnow.Withoutambition,menwouldhaveremained
hunters.Therewouldnothavebeenwheels,horsecartsorchariots,magnificentcities,templesandpalaces,normajesticsailingships.Withoutambition,wewouldnothavehad
aMahabaliorIndra.Ambitionisthehorsethatpullsourlivesforward.
Theamazingspeedofprogressmanhasachievedinthepastfewyearswouldhavenotbeenachievedwithoutthatsmallflameofambitioninthemindsofafewmen,whichwas
fannedtobecomeahugefirebytheotheremotionsyouhaveurgedmetoshun.Prideinonescapabilitygavementheconfidenceandambitiontogrowjealousythatsomeone
elsewouldachievemoreproddedhimtoworkhardandmoreefficientlythequestforhappinessresultedineverexpandingambitionthefearofsadnesskepthimawakeatnight
andpushedhimfurtherthefearoffailuremadehimmorecarefulandGodfearingselfishnessgluedhisfamily,city,clan,tribeandcountrytogetherandmadehimstriveeven
harder.Loveforlifeandthethingswhichmadelifeprecious,madehimprotecthisachievements.andIamsureanundyingambitionformorewillleadmankindtoprogress.
Progress,whichwecannotevenimagine,canneverunderstandinourshortlifetime.
MybelovedEmperor,pleasedonotfeelsorrowifIspeakmyheart.Youweretalkingaboutintelligencebeingtheonlyheadworthhaving.Iagreeitisimportant.
Buthistoryteachesusthatwithoutanyoftheotheremotions,itisjustanemptyskeleton.Thereisnolifeinit.Sir,itwasnotthemaharishisorsageswhobuiltcivilizationsbut
extraordinarymen,whonevercontrolledtheiremotions,bSreifeutletthemflowinthedirectionwhichnatureintended.Nomendicantlivinginaforesteverconceivedagreatcity,
nosagewasdeterminedtobuiltthegreattemples,noBrahmindesiredtobuiltgreatshipsforcommerceandtrade.Thesewerebuiltbymenwhohadprideintheirveins,angerin
theirminds,whocriedwhentheyfeltsadandlaughedwhentheywerehappy,whowerefrightenedwhenconfrontedbyforcesoreventsbiggerthanthemselves,butstrove
forwardwithdeterminationandaselfishloveforallthattheycherished.Theyconstantlykeptraisingtheirlevelsofambition.IntelligenceisjustatooltoserveouremotionsandI
wanttoliveasGodintendedmantolive.
MyaimisneitherbecomeGodnorachievemoksha.
AtbestIthink,thoseareoldwivestales.Idonotbelieveinaheavenwhereyouwillbegivenallthatyoupurposefullydeniedyourselfinthisworld.Idonotbelieveinrebirth,
whenIwillbebornasaBrahminifIdogooddeedsinthislifegoodinthewaytheBrahminsdescribe.IfbeingbornaBrahministheultimatereward,thenImayevenrefuseto
dieforfearofbeingreborn.
Iamsadtodisappointyou,butIshalllivelikeamananddieasone.IwillnevertrytobeaGod.Iwillliveexactlyasmyemotionstellmeto.Idonotwanttobeamodelmanfor
futuregenerationstofollow.Mylifebeginswithmeandendswithme.ButIwilllivemylifetoitsfullanddieasamanshould.Soborrowingfromyourwords,Ishallbeamanwith
tenfacesIamDasamukha.
Athicksilencefollowed.BrahmastoodstaringathisbaretoesandtheshrunkenEmperorsfieryeyesboredthroughme.Ifoundasuddenenergyflowinginmyveins.UntilI
deliveredmylongspeech,Iwasnotmyselfsureofmylifesphilosophy.UntilthenIhadwonderedifIwasbetrayingthetrustthegreatoldmanhadplaceduponme.Butsuddenly
IfoundIwaslookingathimwithanewpairofeyes.Hewasshrinkingfastinmyestimate.Hewasjustashrunken,beaten,halfdeadoldmanwhohadapretentiousairabouthim,
asifhewasstillrulingthecountry.Hewasjustamountainrat,hidingfromDevaforcesandfightinghisownpuppywarinhisbackyard.
ThevoiceIheardthenwasaweakmurmur.Hetriedtorisehimselfbutcrumbledbeforeme.Iwatchedinhorror.Thepalefigureslowlyrosetohisknees.Withglassyeyes,he
staredpastmeandthenquitemelodramaticallyraisedhisheadandstared.Ihadnotimeforanoldmansramblings.Iturnedmybackandwithadeliberatetossofmyhead,
walkedoutwithmybrothersfollowingme.Vibhishana,withfalteringsteps,turnedbackmanytimestowardstheoldmanwhohadnowraisedbothhishandstowardstheskyand
wasrambling.ButKumbakarnafollowedmewithstepsmoredeterminedthanmyownandasmileonhislips.AmotleycrowdofMahabaliswarriorsfollowedme,theirswords
andshieldsclatteringastheywalked.
Isteppedoutintotheblazingsunwithmybandoffollowers.Theearthwasfreshfromarecentshower,asiftheCreatorhadjustfinishedhisworkandgonetobathe.Iinhaledthe
smelloftheforestbloomsandwet,redearth.Thechirpingofbirdswasmusictomyears.
Theworldlaywithwideopenarms,invitingmetojoininthisexhilaratingjourneyoflife.AsItookmyfirststep,IheardasharppitchedwailfromthecaveIhadleftbehind.My
spinechilledbutIwalkedon,tryinghardtoclosemyearstotheoldmanssoulpiercingwailthatrosefromthedepthsofthatstinkingcave.WhathaveIunleashed?!thecrazy
oldmankeptwailing.Isoonshutoutthemiserablesoundsandtheworldtheoldmanrepresented,frommymind.Iforgotaboutitforalongtimeuntilitcamebacktohauntmein
mysleep.Butthatwaslater,muchlater.Iamnowrunningaheadofmyself.

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6Devilsraid
Bhadra
Ihadbeenfightingthisfoolswarforthelastfewyears.IfoughtunderMahabaliforsixyears,thentriedtoformmyowngroupandfailed.ThenIfoughtunderSumali.Iwasneither
agreatfighter,noragreatorganizer.Short,plump,withsofthands,Iamjustanordinaryman.Justlikeavegetablevendor,thebullockcartman,peddlerinthemarket,oreventhe
washerman.
Iamanobody.Idonothaveasteelyglareandarchingbrows.Mynoseisnothookedandmylipsdonotdrawadetermined,straightline.Idonothavehighcheekbonesora
cleftchin.Ihadanothernameearlierinmylife,butnowIamknownonlyasBhadra.
Ineverhadlargeambitions.IlookedaftermyfarmonthebanksoftheriverPoorna.Ithadsomepeppervines,afewcoconutpalmsandtwocows.Iwashappywithmywifeanda
livelythreeyearolddaughter.Myvillagewassmallbutithadeverythingthesacredgrove,asmallshrineforShiva,atoddyshopandasmallschool,wherebasiccraftslike
masonry,farming,mathematicsandothernecessarysubjectsweretaught.
Therewasalsoahouseofpleasure,aquackwhocalledhimselfadoctor,apriesttofleeceus,andapublicbathwherewebathedalongwithourbuffaloes.Ilivedlikemyfather,
whohadlivedlikehisfather.Mychildrenwouldalsolivelikeme,growingupinthesamestreet,bathinginthesamepond,fallinginlovewiththeduskybeautiesofthevillage,
marrying,procreatinganddyingquietly,mournedbyafewandnotintheleastmissedbytheworld.
Mylifewouldhavegoneonlikethat,withoutanypunctuations,toendsimplywithafullstop.ButthearrivaloftheDevaschangedeverything.Wedidnotknowwhothese
creatureswereuntiltheycameandknockedusdown.Irememberthosedayswithhorror.
Weheardtherumblingsofdistantwarthroughtheoccasionaltraderswhocametocollectpepperfromourfarms.TheyspokeabouthowtheDevaforcesweregroupingunder
Vishnu,thechiefDeva,andhowMahabaliwasbracingforwar.Weignoredtheserumours.Thesewereunimportantthingsandhappenedtosomeoneelseinfaroffplaces.Kings
foughtwarsandwonorlosttheirkingdomsandtheirlives.Wewerethelessermortalsandcarednothingaboutthedirtyworldofpolitics.IbelievedthatMahabaliwasinvincible.
Hewasthoughttobejustandtriedtorulewithhissubjectsinmind.Atleastthatiswhatthevillageelderstoldusandwehadnoreasontodisbelievethem.Wecontinuedtolive
thesamewaynomatterwhoruledinthedistantcapital.Solongastheydidnotbotherus,wewouldalwayssaytheyweregoodrulers.
Onadustyevening,whenwewerereturningfromworkonourfarms,amessengerappearedonhorseback.Hewasatallfellowwithsmallpoxmarkscoveringhisfaceanda
strangeexpressioninhiseyes.
HeaskedustodemolishourShivashrineandsurrendertoVishnu.Hewastreatedwellbythevillagers,butsentbackwithawarningthatheshouldnotinvitethewrathofShiva.
Infact,themessengerwentintotheShivashrineandofferedprayersbeforeleaving.Thewholeday,wespokeabouttheDevas.SomesaidtheEmperorhadalreadyfallenand
fledunderground,andthatVishnuhadbecomeournewEmperor.Theyclaimedthatthemessengerwasproofoftheirtheory.OtherssaidthatMahabalihadmovedovertothe
DevaclanandwasrapidlyconvertingalltheShivatemplestoVishnutemples.TherewasarowinthetoddyshopandmyfriendgotpunchedonhisnosebyanangryShiva
fanatic.Iwashappythattherewasfinallysomeactivityinmyquietvillage.Usuallynothingexcitingeverhappenedhereandonenewdaywasasdullasthenext.
Thatis,untilthenightIwaswokenbymywife.Iwasangry[.Ize="toberudelyshakenfrommysleepandwantedtothrashherforherimpudence.ThenIsawthattherewere
strangersinsideourbedroom.Myfirstthoughtwas,whichIvividlyrememberevennowOhgod!WhatwillIgivethesepeopletoeat?Theyhavecomeafterdinnertime.Then
angercame.Howdaretheybreakintomybedroom?Slowly,fearcreptonme.
Whowerethesepeople?Whyweretheyhere?Myneighbour,thatidiotwhospatredbeteljuiceintomycourtyardeverydayandenjoyedthefightsthatfollowed,wasbeingburnt
aliveandbrightlylightinguphisfrontyard.InthatghastlylightIalsosawanorgytakingplaceinmyneighboursyard.Thecuckoldwhosewifeflirtedwitheverymaleinthe
village,wasgettingitfrommorethansixpersonsatthesametime.Butshewasscreaming.TheDevawarriorshadtakenourvillage.Thewholevillagewasburning.Peoplewere
runningaboutlikescaredchickens.Isawpeoplebeinghacked.Houseswereablaze.Warriorsonhorsebackwiththeirfair,devilishfaces,werejeering,howlingandkilling
people.
ThestrangerswereleeringatmywifenowandIcouldfeelhertrembling.Iscrambledupandthrewmyarmsprotectivelyaroundmyfamily.Thedevilshowledwithlaughter.ThenI
heardthecracklingsoundoffireasitatethroughmyhayroof.Someonehitmewiththehiltofhissword.Thebridgeofmynosecrackedandsearingpainshotthroughmybody.A
boy,barelyfifteenperhaps,liftedmydaughterbyherlegs,swungherlikearagandsmashedherhardagainstamudwall.Iheardmybeloveddaughtersskullcrackopen.Her
bloodandbrainssplatteredacrossourfaces.Thedevilslaughedagain.Iwentnumbandcollapsedontothefloor.Mywifefainted.Idesperatelytriedtograbmywifeasthey
draggedherawayintothedarkness.Myfingernailsscratchedlinesofbloodonherarm,butsheslippedaway.Itriedtostandup.Therewasbloodeverywhere.
Islippedinthebloodandmyhandstouchedmydaughtersshatteredhead.Ishuddered.Ididnotwanttolook.Ihadtofindaweapon.AnythingthatIcouldusetosmashthe
skullsofthesebastards.Somehow,Ihadtosavemywife.
Mywifesshrillscreamsgotlostamongmanysimilarcriesrisingalloverthevillage.Iwalked,evenasmystrengthoozedoutofmeandtriedtograbapillaroftheverandah.Itwas
solidbamboobutwithdismayIfoundIcouldnotliftit,letaloneuseitasaclub.Ijumpedontheswinewhowererapingmywife.Barehanded,Ifoughttoothandnail,butIwasno
matchforthemightyDevawarriors.Iwasdowninasecondandtheystartedpunchingme.SolidwoodenshoeskickedmyfaceandIwasdraggedinthemud.Blowsrainedupon
me.Mercifully,onebastardplungedhissworddeepintomyabdomenandallIknewthenwasdarkness.
WhenIawoke,itwasstilldark.Therewereflameseverywherebuttheywereslowlydyingout.Icouldhearthedistanthowlsofjackals.Anotherdayhasdawned,Ithoughthazily,
andIhavetogoandmilkthecows.ButIjustlaythere.Theearthwassocozy,coolandcomforting.Thenslowly,veryslowly,realitycreptinandIsatupwithajerk.Needlesof
painpiercedpartsofmybodywhichIdidntknowexisted.Myeyeswereweldedtogether,cakedwithblood.Istruggledtoopenthem.ThenIsawsomeDevabastardssitting
underatree,gettingdrunk.
Allaround,myvillageandmyentirelife,layshattered.Itriedtostandandmighthavebrokenatwigintheeffort.Thenoisesoundedlikeaboltofthundertomyears.Theghostly
figureslookedback.Isatwithoutmoving.TheyknowIamaliveandtheyaregoingtokillme,Ithought.ForamomentIwasrelievedtheDevasdecidednottoinvestigate.ThenI
sawhim.Adark,tallfigurewaswalkingtowardsme,hissworddrawn.Ipanicked.Ashecamenear,Isawthatitwasthesameboywhohadsplatteredmygirlalloverthewall.He
wasdrunkandwobbledonunsurelegs.Iwaited,m[.IwallyhandssearchingforanythingIcoulduseasweapon.Theboystoodnearmyhead,swayingalittle.
Someonecalledouttohim.Hehesitated.Bythenmyhandshadfoundanoldknifeabandonedbysomebody,andinonefluidmovementIstruckitintotheboysgroin.Iwas
surprisedwhenhefellonthetopofmewithoutasound.Ipulledouttheknifeandstruckhimagaininthenapeofhisneck.
Hey!therewassurpriseandshockinthevoiceofthemanwhowasrunningtowardsourtangledforms.Isawothersfollowinghim.Istruggledtogetawayfromtheboybuthe
washeavy.IwasdrenchedinsweatandbloodbythetimeIwriggledoutfromunderhim.
InstinctivelyIranintotheforestborderingmyvillage.Iranwithwhateverstrengthwasleftinmybody,awayfromthesedemons,awayfrommypast,awayfromthelifeIhad

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known.Ikeptrunningforthesakeofmydear,useless,meaningless,hollow,shallowlife.Ipantedandpuffedmywaytowardssafety,slippingonthedecayingcarcassesofmy
brothersandfriends.Butitdidnotmatterthen.Theywerejustcarcasses,waitingforthevulturestofinishwhattheDevashadstarted.DeathwasfollowingmeandIwaschasing
mylifewhichwasrunningawayswiftly.
AsharppainpiercedmyshouldersandIsawfreshsproutsofblooddripping,markingmytrail.Thebastardswereshootingme.Arrowswhinedpastmyearsandlandedwith
sickeningthudsinthetreetrunksallaround.Oneofthemcouldsplitopenmythroatandthenthisnightmarewouldmercifullyend.Theneverythingfadedaway.Ihadaweightless
feeling,asifIwasfloating.Aseaofdarkgreenswallowedme.
Brancheshitmyface.Iwasfalling,fallingrapidlydownadarkabyss.Sothisiswhatdeathwaslike.Sosuddenandkind.Thecaressesonmyface,thesensationof
weightlessness,thepleasureoffloating,andwhack!.
ForamomentIwasdead.
WhenIcamebacktothelight,Iwaslyingonacruderopecotinsideastinkingcave.Thereweremoanscomingfromallaroundme.Itriedtositup,butwasforcedtosinkbackas
paingrabbedmeinitsclaws.Iturnedmyheadslowlyandsawthatthereweremanypeoplelyingaroundthecaveinvariousstagesofdecay.
Ishivered.WasIaprisonerofwarandatthemercyoftheDevas?ButwhenhadtheDevasevertakenprisoners?Moreover,Iwasacivilianandnotasoldier.
IlaytherewithuselessthoughtsbuzzinginmyheadwhichItriedtomakesenseof.Thesoundofpeopletalkingfloateddowntome,Halfofthemwilldefinitelynotmakeit.The
othersmighttakeatleastamonthtoevenstartwalking.ThetonguewasdefinitelyclassyTamil,thekindusedbyeducatedandpretentiouscityfolk.IrealizedIwasnotamong
foes.Butthevoicessoundedmatteroffactandtheirdarkprophecyfilledmewithindescribableterror.Slowly,likewaveslappingthebanksofthePoorna,bubblesofmemories
rosefrommydruggedmindandbrokeintomyconsciousness.IthurtsomuchthatIstartedwailing.Manycriesechoedthroughthecavefromthethroatsofmenwaitingfordeath.
Iheardthevoiceofadefeatedpeoplemoaningthelossofsimplicityandameaningintheirliveswhichtheyneverhad.Perhaps,itwasinoneofthosemoments,whenIlost
myselfamidstthecriesofmypeople,thatIvowedrevengeagainsttheDevas.

7Loreofthelosers
Ravana
Wehadbeenwalkinglikethisforfourmonthsandwerenowtiredandhungry.IsensedmostofthewarriorswereboredwhenIstartedmyusualmorningdiscourse,Todaywe
willlearnaboutthewarofthetenkings,thatledtotheAsuraempiresfinalcollapseandtheadventoftheDevas.Initially,theDevaswerejustanuisancetothemightyAsura
kings.Theywentonrampagesin^.Iwncetothethebordertownsonceinawhile.However,withtheadventofIndra,thingsstartedtochangerapidly.Indrahadnothingtolose.
Talesofhissavageryprecededhim.HehadransackedmanysmallkingdomsnorthwestoftheHimalayasandburnedbeautifulcities.Hebutcheredalllivingbeingsina
capturedcityandlithugefuneralpyres,aroundwhichtheDevasdancedandchanted.
WhenthetenkingsoftheAsuraCouncildecidedthatitwastimetoteachthesebarbariansalesson,Indrahadalreadyestablishedhimselfwithhissharpshootersinthebarren
andsnowyridgesoftheruggedmountainsofGandhara.ThemightyAsuraarmy,evenwithoutgreatmilitaryortacticalsuperiority,wouldhavesimplycrushedthesmall
contingentofDevamaraudersbyitssheernumbersandsuperiorarmpower.ButinthenarrowvalleysoftheGandhara,theelephantsofthetenkingswerequiteuseless.The
AsurakingswereusedtofightinginthewideopenspacesbetweentheGangesandtheIndus.Theelephantbattalion,theinfantrywithheavyclubsandswords,thechariots,
whichweremorelikegoodscarriersandcarriedreserveweaponsandmen,weremoresuitedtowideopenspaces.
ButIndrashowedhisbrilliancewhenhechosethenarrowGandharavalleystoencountertheAsurakings.
HewaitedintheheightsofthemountainsfortheAsurakingstocomeandfightthebattleonhisterms.TheAsuraswerequiteconfidentoftheoutcome.Theyhadfacedcountless
attacksfromothertribesfromthenorthandnorthwestbefore.Thiswasjustanotherofthosepicnics,whentheywouldcrushtheenemy,capturetheirleader,forgivehim
magnanimously,andofferthevanquishedpartyabanquetintheirpalaces.
Poordevils,theydidnotknowwhotheyweredealingwith.Thiswasadifferentkindofenemy
vicious,ruthlessandwithanindomitablewilltowin.IhaveneverbeentoGandhara,butwhatwelearnedfromBrahmagaveusaprettygoodideaofwhatitcouldhavebeenat
thetimeofthewarofthetenkings.IhaddrawnaroughmapofnorthwesternIndiaonthesandandwassurroundedbymybrothersandPrahastha,acapablemiddleaged
man,whowasthecaptainofoursoldiers.Theotherwarriorslistenedcarefully.Prahasthaclaimedhewasmymothersdistantrelativeandhencemymaternaluncle,thoughI
doubtedit.Ontheotherhand,mymotherhadmanyAsurarelatives,soitcouldhavebeentrue.IfhethoughtIwasgoingtobestowspecialfavoursonhimafterIbecameking,he
wasgoingtobedisappointed.ButPrahasthawasacapableandintelligentmanandIrespectedhim.
IpausedwhenIsawsomeofthesoldiersgettingedgy.Ifeltsorryforthem.Mostofthesoldierswereilliterateandpoor.Theywouldhavebeenfarmersorartisansortradersin
normaltimes,butdrivenfromtheirhomeland,theyhadfollowedtheironcegreatEmperor,whohadpromisedthemtheirold,secureworld.Theywerebetrayedandhadnowput
theirhopesonahomelessyoungdaredevillikeme,todeliverbacktothemtheirlonglostworld.PerhapsIwasbecomingamegalomaniac,butcertainlyIwouldtrytodeliver
themtheirdreams.
Indra,hadinitiallymadeatacticalblunder.HehadattackedthewalledcityofPragya,onthebanksoftheSarswathi,whichwasamajorportofKingPramyudha.
Hewasnotamanofhalfmeasures.Heunleashedhisentirearmy.500elephants,10,000infantrywithheavyswordsandclubs,and500archersinbullchariots,burstoutofthe
citywalls.Indrahadasmallarmyof600
mountedarchers.Heput200ofthemtoattackthecitysfrontgateandtriedtoenterthecityfromtherear.
Pramyudhaopenedallfourgatesandhismightyarmydivideditselfandconvergedatthefront.
Indrawasshockedbythisdaringmove.Likeacorneredrat,theDevaarmyfoughtbackviciously.ButtherewerefartoomanyAsuraforces.Moreover,ces.1">Ithewideopen
plainsgavetheAsuraarmyroomtomanoeuvre.TheDevas,ontheirhorses,wereeasytargets.Fromatopelephants,warriorsshoweredheavyjavelinsandspearsandthe
heavyarrowsmadetheDevaarmourslooklikeonionpeels.Indraorderedaretreat,butitwasimpossibletogetoutofthemesshehadledhisarmyinto.Morethan80percentof
hisarmywasbutchered.ButIndrafoughtvaliantlywithhisswordandevenmanagedtowoundPramyudha.
ItwasfoolishofPramyudhatogetdownfromhiselephantandchallengeIndra.AndwhilePramyudhafoughtIndra,theidioticAsurasoldiersstoodinacircleandclappedand
cheeredwitheachthrustandplungeofthecombatantsswords.ItwasasiftheAsurawarriorswerebeingentertained.TheyevencheeredIndraforhissuperiorswordplay!
Pramyudhaplayedbythebook.Hisfootworkwasperfect,sowerehisjabsandthrusts.ButIndrawasfightingforhislifeandhereferredtoaverydifferentbook.Quite
unexpectedly,hethrewsandintohisopponentseyeswithhisshield.Atthesametime,hedeftlycutwithhissword.Pramyudha,theaccomplishedswordsmanthathewas,
ducked,butwasabittoolate.
Hereceivedadeepwoundonhisshoulderandfaintedinthebattlefield.Intheconfusionthatfollowed,Indraforcedhiswayoutoftheshockedcrowd,thrustinghisswordinto

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threesoldierswhostoodinhisway.Hequicklymountedhishorseandvanishedinatrice,followedbyahandfulofsurvivors.
Tellmeanystoryaboutafallenking,andIwillshowyousomeonewhosefoolishnessisonlyexceededbyhisvanity,Prahasthaadded.
True,Icontinued,Hadthefallenkingletbygonesbebygonesandgonebacktorulinghiskingdom,Indrasattackwouldhavebeenbutasmallfootnoteinhistory.Instead,his
hugeegowashurt.
PramyudhadidnottakesolacefromthefactthathissubjectshadbeensparedthefateofcitizensofothercitieswhichhadfallentoIndra.Hewasnotsatisfiedthat,exceptforhis
personaldefeatatthehandsoftheenemyking,hisarmyhadsucceededincrushingtheDevaarmy.Hisimagehadtakenabeating.Asurakingsofyoredidnothavedivineright
tothekingdom.Akingwasanelectedleader,themostaccomplishedpersoninthecity,agreatwarrior.Andthatwasall.
Pramyudhalearntfromhiscourtspiesthathispopularityhadfallenamonghissubjectsandthathewouldnotgetreelected.Heneededtotakedrasticactiontorestorehis
prestige.Suchthoughtsaredevastatingforaking.Thereoughttobenopersonalfailuresorvictories.Ifyourarmyhaswon,itdoesnotmatterwhetheryouropponentisabetter
swordsmanthanyou.ButtheAsurasalwaysworetheiregosontheirbreastplates.Theirthinkingthusbecamecloudedandthechainofstrategicmistakesbegantounwind,
Prahasthaadded,whileIdrankwaterfromthepitcher.
Icouldseethattheaudiencewaslisteningwithraptattentionnow.Pleased,Icontinued,Thekingsentspiesinalldirections.HehadtosomehowtraceIndraandtakerevenge.
ParamyudhaalsocalledontheGeneralCounciloftheAsurakings.ThiswasabodyofequalsfromallpartsofIndia.Tenkingsmetonceayeartodecideaboutwatersharing,
fixingcustoms,excise,andtollrates,portlevies,andtoexchangemusiciansandartisans.Anemergencymeetingwasrarelycalled,unlesstherewasagravethreattothe
securityofanyofthekingdoms.Generally,thekingdomsmaintainedstandingarmies,butbecauseofrapidculturalgrowth,theirfightingprowesshadgreatlydeclined.
Therewassomethingmysteriousaboutthisland.
WhengreatconqueringarmiessucceededintheirmissionandsettleddownbetweenthegreatIndusGangesplain,theyseemedtolosetheirtoughedgeandgotroundedand
feminine.Thelandchangedthemfromgreatbarbarianstogentlecreaturesclegeswithatasteforthefinethingsoflife.Thishappenedtoallthegreatconqueringarmiesbefore
theAsuras,andyoucanseeitnowhappeningtothepresentDevakingdomsofthenorth.
AndithappenedtotheAsurapeopleaswell.But,thekingswantedtothinkofthemselvesasthedescendantsofgreatwarriorswhosweptthroughthecountry.Theywere
supremelyconfidentabouttheirmilitarymight.Thearmywasnothingmorethanabloatedorganizationwithmusicians,dancinggirls,magiciansandpettytricksters,acrobats,
cooks,flowervendors,tradersandpriests.Thenumbersweheardofinstorieswereuntrue.Inanarmyof10,000,onlyafewwereactualwarriors.Theothersaccompaniedthe
armytothebattlefieldsandmadeanuisanceofthemselves.
SixofthetenkingsdisagreedattheGeneralCouncilmeetingthatIndrasattackwasnotalarming.Theybelievedthatanyprosperouscitycouldbeattacked.ButPramyudha
carriedthedaywithhisconvincingarguments.HesaidthatthetribeswhichraidedthefrontiertownsoftheIndusplainsneverdaredtoattackthecapitalcityofaprominent
kingdom.Thisgroup,Pramyudhathought,didnotseemtobetheusualraiderswhoattackedthegranariesandcarriedawaywhatevertheycould.Infact,thesepeoplehad
shownunusualdaringandcunningandtheywereusingastrangeanimaltocarryouttheirraids.TheAsuraarmywassurprisedbythedeftnessoftheanimals,whichunlikebulls,
wereswiftandagile.Unlessthisenemywascrushed,Pramyudhaargued,ourpeoplewouldliveundertheconstantthreatofthesebarbarianhordes.However,thatnightthe
Counciladjournedwithoutadecision.
ThemorningsessionbrokewhenamessengerenteredthecampoftheAsurakingofthenorthwesternterritory,andannouncedthathorsebacktribesmenhadsetMultamukha
onfire.ThiswasamajorcityononeofthemostprominenttraderoutesthatstretchedfromthemouthoftheGangatoGandharaandbeyond.Theattacktippedthescales.Allten
kingsdecidedtojoinhandsandformahugearmyanddecimatenotonlythehorsemountedtribes,butalsoallthesmalltimepiratesandrobbergangswhoattackedthemajor
traderoutestothegreatcitiesofEgyptandMesopotamia.
TheCouncilmetforthethirddayandwarplansweredrawnup.Pramyudhawonthegeneralship,notbecauseofhisseniorityorprowess,butbecausehewastheonlyonewho
didnothaveanysecondthoughtsaboutfollowingtheenemyintounknownterritory.Mostofthekingdomswerecomfortableandnoonewantedawar.Tradewasboomingand
lifewasgenerallygood.
TheoldcrowdofdaringsoldierswhohadfollowedShivaontheirbulls,sleptondirt,andateonceaweek,hadvanished.Theseweremenwhohadtastedthesweetnessoflife
anddidnotwanttofightextendedwarswithtribesthathadnothingtolose.
PramyudhastartedfromthebankoftheIndus,withoveralakhofarchersandwarriorsarmedwithclubs,spearsandcurvedswords.About10,000elephantsand3,000bullock
chariotswereaccompaniedby10,000
drummers,flutists,dancinggirls,campbuilders,bardstorecordtheheroicsandrendersongsofAsurabravery,andtheotherdregsofsocietywhousuallyaccompaniedanAsura
army.Thismightycrowdthereisnomoresuitableword,crossedtheIndusandSarswathiriversandstartedhuntingdownsmalltimerobbersandmaraudingtribes.Thearmy
marchedonwithgreatsuccess.
Pramyudha
maintained
excellent
communicationlineswithrunnerscarryingmessagesbetweenthevillagesontheway.SpiesinformedtheAsurakingaboutenemyhideoutsandthearmydescendedwith
surprisingspeedandruthlessnessonthevillagessuspectedtoharbourenemyspies.
Pramyudhabecamedrunkwithsuccess.HisspiesinformedhimthatIndrawasfleeingwithasmallarmytowardsthenorthwesternmountainsofGandhara.
Pramyudhasbardssangpraisesabocgpnfouthimandthisruffledthefragileegosoftheotherninekings,whowerereluctantlyaccompanyingthearmy.Theyfoundthemselves
demotedtominorleadersinPramyudhasservice.Pramyudhahimselfwasbecominghaughtierbytheday.Initiallyheignoredtheadviceoftheotherkings.
Later,heopenlycriticizedthemandmadefunoftheirmilitarystrategies.
IpointedoutthecourseofPramyudhasarmy,marchinghappilytowardsdisasterabout1000yearsago.
ThesoldiersleanedovertogetabetterviewoftheroughmapIhaddrawnontheground.
Prahasthatookover,asIwasfeelingparchedandneededabreak.Hestartedinhisthroatyvoice,Thearmywasnolongeracompactfightingunitbythetimeitreachedthe
ruggedplainsatthebaseoftheHindukushmountains.Threekingshadrebelledandthreatenedtoleavewiththeirarmiesifthecampaignwasnotcalledoff.Bythistime,
PramyudhahadstartedtalkingaboutconqueringtheWest,includingEgypt,andproclaiminghimselftheEmperoroftheworld.Whenthethreekingsrebelled,hepromptly
arrestedthemfortreasonandafterabrieftrial,executedthemopenly.Thatsentashiverthroughthearmy.Theirmoralewasalreadyatitsnadir.
Thecampaignwasnotturningouttobethepicnictheyhadimagined.Thegreatmarchwastakingitstoll.
Soon,alargepartofthearmiesbelongingtotheexecutedkings,rebelled,andmanyothersdeserted.
Pramyudhahitbackwithbrutalforce.Thebardssangthatheslayed9,000ofhisownarmymen.Healsosentahugecontingenttochasedesertersandbringthembacktobe
executedafteramocktrial.Someofthewarriorsremainedneutralduringthistime.ItseemedthattheAsuraarmywouldinflictadefeatuponitselfthroughthisrabidinfighting.
Finally,Pramyudhawasabletopersuadesixkingstoremainwithhimandtherebellionwasputdownwithgreatdifficulty.Buthehadlostprecioustime.Itwasalreadywinterby
thetimehedecidedtopenetratedeepintothemountaincountryinsearchofIndraandhisarmy
Viboga,thekingofVaranasi,askedPramyudhatowaituntilsummer,butPramyudhadeclined.HewantedtocaptureIndraanddraghimbacktohiscapitalattheearliest.He,
whowouldbetheEmperoroftheworld,wouldnotbecowedbysteepmountainsandsnows.
Againstbettercounsel,Pramyudhaorderedhisarmytomovenorthwest.Thenarrowmountainroadswereslippery.Theelephantsslippedandfellintogorgesorontheroad,
blockingprogressforhours.Bullockdrawnchariotsandevenelephants,hadtobeabandonedonthenarrowroad.Theinfantrycolumnbrokeupandsoldierswalkedasthey
pleased.Theheavyaxes,clubsandbowsweredifficulttocarryandmostofthesoldiers,comingfromtheswelteringplains,werenotusedtothefreezingmountaincold.Toaddto
theirwoes,Pramyudhakeptallhissuppliesinthebullockcartsandthesehadtobecarrieduphillbythewarriors.Themotleycrowdofdancinggirls,bardsandmusicians
magiciansandpriestsbecameanuisanceandsloweddowntheprogressdrastically.
ItookoverthestoryfromPrahastha,ThemobwalkedformorethanamonthinsearchoftheelusiveIndraandhisfollowers.Manydesertedthearmyandothersdiedduetothe
elementsandexhaustion.Themenhadexhaustedmostofthesuppliesandexceptforanoccasionalmountainsgoatandsmallbirds,nothingelsewasedible.Morethanhalfthe
elephantsweredeadandbullockswerekilledtofeedthehungryandtiredarmy.
Thearmyhadlostmostofitsheavyweaponry.Thedregshadalreadyfallenbehindandthecolumnofsoldiersstretchedmorethansevenmiles.Thegroupofdirty,raggedmen,
withheavyunwieldyweapons,slowlyandpainfullydraggedthemselvesthroughthelabyrinthsofthetreacherousmountains.Inthepastyear,theyhadnotseenasingleDeva
soldier.TheonlytimetheAsurawarriorscsuroughhadtakentoarmswereagainstthemselvesandhighwayrobbers,onthisgreatmarch.
Bythistime,Pramyudhaalsohaddiscoveredhisfollyandwantedtoturnbacktowardsthecozycomfortofhisbeautifulcapitalcity.Butthearmywashopelesslylost.Manyofthe
mountainpasseswerenowcloseddueto
avalanches
and
landslides.
Pramyudha
sent
messengersuponmessengers,inallpossibledirections,askingforhelpandsuppliesfrompettyAsurachieftains.
Butnotasinglemessengerreturned.ItisbelievedthatthesemessageswereinterceptedbyIndrasarmy.Then,whentheAsuraarmysmoralewasatitslowestebb,onacold,
foggymorning,Indrashorsemountedarchersstartedrainingflamingarrowsonthem.Pramyudhasarmywasstuckinanarrow,mountaingorgeandstretchedovertenmilesin
singlefileformation.Imadeacirclearoundapointinthemaptoemphasismypoint.Indratrappedthemighty,numericallystronger,Asuraforcesinanarrowmountaingorge
withdeepcanyonsononesideandhighruggedrocksontheother.Perchedonagilehorses,theDevaarchersrainedlightweightarrowsonthehelplessAsuracrowd.Indrahad
hardly500warriorstotakeona50,000strongAsuraarmy.Butwhatfollowedwasplainslaughter.TheheavyarrowsoftheAsurascouldnotdefygravityandreachthemountain
topswheretheDevaarchershadstationedthemselves.Axes,clubsandspearswerequiteuseless.TherewasnothingtheAsuraarmycoulddotostopthehugestoneswhich
camerollingdown,crushingscoresofmenintheirway,buttowaitfortheirturntodie.Afterabriefattempttofight,themajorityofthearmyfellintoadisorderlyretreat.
Pramyudha,despiteallhisfaults,wasbrave,andheattemptedtoraisethemoraleofhisfleeingarmybytryingtoclimbtherockswherethebiggestgroupofDevaarcherswas
placed.Withadroitness,hestartedtoshootarrowswithsurprisingaccuracyandsucceededinhittingquiteafewDevaarchers.SeeingtheirKingsvalour,hundredsofAsura
archersstartedfollowinghim.
Butthemajorityofhisarmyfled,andexceptforthebravekingofVaranasi,whotriedtodissuadePramyudhafromthisdoomedcampaign,thefiveotherkingsoftheCouncilalso
fledwiththeirarmies.Inthestampedewhichensued,thousandsweretrampledtodeathandmanyfoundtheirgravesatthebottomoftheravines.
PramyudhaandVibogafoughttheirwayuphillwiththeirsmallcrewofafewthousand.EventhissmalldeterminedtroopoutnumberedtheDevaarmy.Indraunderstoodthe
dangerandquicklyledthefighthimself.
OncemorePramyudhaandIndrawerefacetofaceinthebattlefield.VibogawasfightinghiswayupandshoutedatPramyudhatoretreatandlethimlead.Butthiswasthe

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chanceforPramyudhatoavengehimselffortheshamefuldefeathehadsufferedinthelastcombatwithIndra.HecorneredIndra,whosoongottired,defendingthepowerful
jabs,cutsandthrustsofhisopponentssword.ButunliketheAsuras,theDevasdonotstandinacircleandapplaudgoodswordsmanshipwhentheirleaderslifeisinperil.A
cleverlyaimedarrowhitPramyudhasneckandemergedfromhisrighteye.TheshockparalyzedVibogaandinthosesplitseconds,sevenDevaswordshackedVibogato
pieces.
Pramyudhacontinuedfightingforafewmoreseconds,butIndra,withacleansweepofhissword,gracefullyseveredhisopponentshead.Hiscryoftriumphsentshockwaves
throughtheremainingAsurawarriors.IndraraisedtheseveredheadofPramyudhaonhisswordtipforallhisopponentstosee.TheAsuraarmywasinfullflight.Indraalloweda
fewthousandtoescapeandthenclosedintobutchertheunfortunatemultitudeleftbehind.Thousandswereslainonthatfatefulday.
ThedisorganizedAsuraarmywasforcedoutofmountainsbytheDevawarriors,whoknewtheterritorywell.Oncetheyreachecetuntainsdtheplains,theAsuraarmyinfull
flight,pursedbymountedsoldiers,numberedonlyabout200.Thefivekingswhohadtakenflight,couldhaveturnedbackandconductedanorganizedcounterattack.Thehorse
riderswereintheopenwheretheheavyequipmentoftheAsuraarmycouldhavewipedthemout.ThatwasthereasonwhyIndrahadtacticallykepthisarmyatasafedistance,
beyondtherangeoftheheavyAsuraarrows,butwithintherangeofhislighterarrows.Soon,theDevaranksswelledwithfortunehuntersanddesertersfromtheAsuraarmy,the
kindofpeoplewhoalwayswanttobeonthewinningside.ThenewsspreadthattheAsuraswereinfullflightafteraroutandtheDevaswerefollowingthem.Robbersandother
wildtribes,whohadgoneintohidingwhenthemightyarmywassweepingnorthwards,cameoutandjoinedtheDevaranks.
ThefirsttoknowthetasteoftheDevasmight,wasthemotleycrowdofdrummersanddancinggirlsandotheruselesscrewmemberswhowerereturninghome,unawareofthe
fateoftheirarmy.TheywerefirstovertakenbythefleeingAsuraarmyandthentheswellingDevahordesdescendeduponthemlikeaplague.Themobwasoutofcontroland
exceptfortheoriginalhundredwarriors,noonelistenedtoIndrascommand.Themajoritywereaboriginaltribesmenandplundererswhostoppedateachvillagetoloot.They
ransackedhouses,plunderedcitiesontheirway,hackedthousandsofordinaryfolktodeath,andgangrapedwomen.Soon,citizensofthebigcitiesbegantofleeevenbefore
thedefeatedAsuraarmyreachedthem.Itbecameahumanavalancheandriotsbrokeout.Utterchaosreignedwithanentirecountryfleeingfromahandfulofbarbarians.Then
theAsuraarmyalsostartedburningdowncitiesduringtheirflight,lesttheyfallintoDevahands.Thepublictooktoarmsandthestandingarmiesofsmalltownsjoinedthepublic
tostopthefleeingAsuraarmyfromlootingtheirowncities.Civilwarbrokeout.
RumoursspreadthatthefivekingshadjoinedtheranksoftheDevasandhadmurderedtheotherfive,includingthecharismaticPramyudha.SoontheAsurakingdomswere
fightingeachotherwhiletheDevasgrew
in
strength.
Indras
prestige
had
risen
tremendouslyaftertheAsurarout.Soon,otherwanderingDevahordesjoinedhim,whilethemightyAsuraempiredisintegratedbeforetheireyes.
Ittooksevenmonthsforthegreatempiretocrumble,anempirewhichhadtakenathousandyearstoreachmaturity.OnceIndrafeltconfidentthattheAsuraempirewasweak
enough,heblastedthroughthecocoonoftheAsurasprotectedexistence.Itisagreatlessonforallstudentsofwarfareandstatecraftonhowtotreataconqueredland.
Acivilizationdrawsitspridefromthecitiesithasbuilt,thebooksithasproduced,theartistsandartisansithasbred,thetemplesithasbuiltandsoon.Aconquerorsfirstdutyis
toaimthemightiestblowpossibleontheseedificesofcivilizedexistence.Indradiditbeautifully.Hedemolishedallthatwaspossible.Heburnedlibraries,butcheredpoetsand
architectsandpummelledthetemplesandhackedwomenandchildren.
Soon,everythingtheAsurasheldpreciouswasdestroyed.Andfromthere,theoriginalIndragotthenamePurendraorslayerofcities.Soon,theAsurashadtogounderground
andtherewasoccasionalresistance,butmostlyineffective.IndrabuiltanempirewiththeskeletonsoftheAsuracivilizationasitsfoundation.Fornearly300years,thecountry
wasunderthetotalcontroloftheIndradynasty.
Duringthisperiod,theplainssoothedtheDevatemperament.ArtandcultureonceagainregainedtheirswayandtheDevasbegantolosetheirfierceness.Theyalsobecame
creaturesofcomfort.Greatcities,thoughmuchinferiortothoseoftheAsuras,werebuilt.TheprocessofsynthesisstartcnthnferedattheendofthesecondIndrasreign.Shiva,
whowasthesupremeGodoftheAsuras,cametobeacceptedbytheDevasalso.
ThegreatteacheroftheAsuratribe,Brahma,wasalsoacceptedasGod.ThelaterIndrakingswereweakandsoonbecamemerepuppetsinthehandsofVishnu,whowasthe
commanderinchiefofIndraIIIsarmy.BytheendofIndraXIsreign,theVishnuclanwasvirtuallyrulingthecountryandtheIndrakingswerejusttokenmonarchs:liketheShiva
kingsoftheAsuratribe,whohadbecomejustasmallpowerintheupperHimalayas,nearKailash,longbeforetheruleofthetenkings.
TheVishnusruledfollinpreservingtheIndranameandtheDevacultureandwerehailedbyBrahminsaspreserversofasocialorder.Soon,acurioussetofthoughtsgotmixed
up.IdonotknowwhetheritwasBrahminslynessormerecoincidence,butBrahma,theoriginalpossessorofknowledge,washailedastheCreatorVishnuasthePreserverof
thesystemandironicallyShiva,whobuiltanempire,andnotIndra,whodestroyed,washailedastheDestroyer.TheywerethethreeGodsofIndiatheTrimurti.
ThefirstmembersofthesefamilieswerehailedasGodsandarestillreveredbytheDevas.WeacceptShivaasGodandalsothefirstBrahmaasGod.ButtheBrahmininsistence
thatVishnu,aDevacommanderinchiefandamereservantofaDevaking,beconsideredthesupremeGod,washardtoaccept.Thereweregreatrebellionsbythesubjugated
AsurasagainstVishnu.
SomegreatmenliketheHiranyatwinsandMahabali,succeededinestablishinganextensiveAsuraempirerivallingtheempiresofold,forashortperiodoftime.
Butinlateryears,justastheAsuraempirewasdividedintotenkingdoms,sowastheDevaempiresplitintomanypettyfiefdoms.
Whenanempirecrumblesandmanysmallstatesspringup,weknowthetimehascometobuildanewempire.WhenhalfcasteslikeBaliinCentralIndia,andaborigineslike
KarthiVeerarjunaintheSahyamountains,areabletocarvehugekingdomsoutoftheDevaempire,weknowthathistoryhascomefullcircle.Indrahadbutasmallarmytotake
onthemightybutdividedAsuraempire.Ihopeyouhavelearntthelessonsofthateventfulwarwhichresultedinthefallofourpeople.Thetimehascomeforustoreturnthe
favour.

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RememberthatthemightyVishnufamilyalsohasweakeneditselfthroughinfightingandonlyasmallgroup,rulingthetinyprincelystateofAyodhyaneartheRiverSarayu,is
worthmentioning.OurbelovedEmperorMahabalibelievedthatitsyoungprince,Dasaratha,arelativeofthepresentkingAnarnya,wastheonlyoneamongtheDevascapable
ofbuildinganempire.Soletuscontinueourstruggleuntilwegetourselveshorsesandarms.ThenwellshowtheDevasthattheyhaveforgottenthelessonsofhistory.The
lecturewasratherheavyforthecrowdassembledbeforeus.Itwasbettertogivethemshort,simpleorderswhichtheycouldfollow,insteadofindigestibledosesofhistory.Iwas
disappointedthatnoonehadcontradictedmeorraisedanyquestionsduringmylongaddress.Theyjustsattherestaringstupidly.IfIwastoquenchevenalittleofmyfiery
ambition,Iwouldhavetodevoteagreatdealoftimetodevelopingleaders.
Oneday,thepassivesubmissionofthisgroupcouldbeadvantageoustome.Whatmypredecessorshadtriedtodowastorunarepublic.Theywanteddemocracy,whereeach
man,likethisbunchofidiotsinfrontofme,decidedthefutureofthenation.
Whatsucharaceneededwasastrongdictator.
Mahabalitriedtobecomeoneandfailed.Hewastoosofttobeadictator.EarlierkingslikeHiranyaandhisbrother,werecruelandruthless,andweresoharshthattheylost
popularsupport.Whattheyneededwassomeonewhowasintelligent,ambitious,stroncitiecgandruthless,andofcourse,benevolentperhapssomeonelikeme.
Igavetheorderforthecongregationofwouldbewarriorstobreakforlunch.Isatwithmybrothersandcousinsunderabanyantree,nottoofarfromthemeadowwherethe
warriorsweremakingmerryandcrackingraunchyjokes.Westartedwiththeleftoverdebateofthepastfewdays.Whereshouldwestartourcampaign?Vibhishanawantedto
capturethesmallDevavillageneartheriverKaveri.Ithadasmallfort,granaries,atinyschool,butnothingelse.Thepeopleweredirtpoorandasmallbandofmalnourished
menguardedthedilapidatedfort.Itwouldbejustatokenvictory.Kumbakarnawasdeadagainstit,sayingthatitwouldbeawasteofeffortandalerttheotherDevakingsabout
ourarmy.Ithoughtitabitpreposteroustocallthismotleycrowdanarmy,butallowedKumbakarnatogetawaywithhisillusions.HewantedanalloutcampaignagainstKarthi
VeerarjunainthenorthernSahyas.Myuncles,MalyavanandSumali,wantednoneofthis.TheywishedtocontinuetheguerillawarfareagainsttheCentralIndianDeva
kingdomsandfinallytakeonAmaravathi.
Itwasalonganddrawnoutdreamwithoutanystrategyorplan.Iwaspartamused,halfirritated,withthiselaboratejokeofthepastfewdays.Iwastryinghardtomakethisa
democraticforum,wherewewouldtakeadecisionwithmutualconsentafterduediscussions.But,Iwasconvincedthatdemocracywouldnotdowiththesepeople.Ifthey,who
weremyclosekin,couldnotagreeuponthedirectionthecampaignshouldtake,withoutstoppingtothinkwhetherwehadthearms,meansandmentoconductthesame,how
couldIexpectthecommonAsurastothinkwithanyclarity?
Enough!Iwasgettingflusteredandwantedtoendthisfarce.IwanttoattackLankaandthatsettlesit.
Iwillnotallowanyfurtherdiscussions.
ButIstoppedVibhishanawithasteelyglareandsawwithdismaythathecoweredbeforeme.EitherIwasgettingbetteratintimidatingpeopleormyyoungerbrotherwasa
biggercowardthanIhadpreviouslyimagined.Beforemyunclescouldstartrollingouttheirgrandiose,
harebrained
schemes,
I
said
with
determination,Firstsomeonehastogetourmotherandsisterfromtheisland.Itmightgettoodangerousthere.
Thenwewillplanthecampaigntoattacktheisland.IwantthethronewherethatoafofahalfbrotherisrestinghisfatarseandIwantitfast.Icanstillseetheshocked
expressionsinmyuncleseyes.Theywereshockedbythelanguage,thetoneandmyexpression.Intheircode,leadershadtobepolite,usecivilizedlanguage,andhear
discussionsoutbeforehumblyrequestingeveryonescooperation.Ihave,atthemostconservativecount,violatedatleastfivecodesofAsurahonour.ButIdidnotcare.Nomore
flowerylanguageinchasteTamil,nomoreelaborateritualsforme.Iwouldsetmyowncodesandthosewhowantedtocouldcomewithme.

8Maharaja
Ravana
IhavenoticedthismansincethedayheaccompaniedSumali,though,therewasnothinginhimtobenoticed.Hewasoneofthoselowcadresoldierswhoaresoessentialin

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anyarmy,butwhoareusuallythanklesslyforgotten.Hewasalwaystryingtogetnearme.Hewantedtogetsomethingacrossbadly.Icalledhimandaskedwhathewanted.I
shouldhavedonesoweeksagobuthaddecidedtoimposedistancebetweentheofficersofthearmyandthelowerranks.Earlier,wethreebrotherswouldgetdrunktogether
withallourcomrades.ButIhadbeguntofeeluncomfortablewithsuchashowofcamaraderie.
ItallchangedwhenmyunclescamewiththfitieThedarkyoungmancameuptome,bowedreverently,andplacedtherefreshmentscloseby.Ididnotwanttolookathisface.I
wasafraidthatifIlookedhardenough,Iwouldseethecontemptandhatredthisclassofpeoplehidbehindtheirmeaninglessservilityandexcessivedeference.Hestoodclose
tomeforsometimeandwhenIdidnotacknowledgehispresence,heleftsilently.WhywasIsoconcernedaboutwhethertheyrespectedmeornot?Banishingthatfoullooking
manfrommymind,Itriedtoconcentrateontheorganizationalstructureforthearmy.
Wehadagreedonacounciloftenofficers,includingmyunclesPrahastha,Sumali,Maricha,Jambumali,theerstwhilegovernorofEastLankasPearlIslands,andusthree
brothers.TherewasalsoRudraka,anablecommandofromMahabaliseliteprotectionwingandtheonlyonetoescapealive,bymasqueradingasanalmsseeker,whenthe
armyofVamanaVishnuattackedtheEmperorDhumraksha,themanwhowasthesupplyanddistributionchiefofMahabalisarmyandVajradhamstra,thecommanderinchiefof
Mahabalisforces.Therewereotherminorofficerswhocommandedsmallerunits.MysilenceensuredthatIwaschosenascommanderinchief.ItwasonlywhenIfeltthe
exhilarationandreliefofbeingchosenascommander,thatIrealizedhowmuchIhadwantedthepost.IsensedsomerestlessnessinPrahasthaandVajradhamsra,buttheyand
theothers,knewtheywerenotuptothetask.Sixyearsofbattleswithnoresultdoesnotinspireconfidenceinthetroops.Sotheylostoutandaccepteditlikegentlemen.
TheunspokenagreementwasthateverydecisionwouldbebyvoteandIwouldonlybeatokenchief.WeAsuras,unliketheDevas,wereyettoevolveanadvancedlevelof
politicaladministration.ThiswasanareainwhichIwantedtoemulatetheDevas,whohadaclearadministrativesystemwherethekingorRajawasthesupremeruler.Heis
divinityinaction,thelivingGodonearth,andhedecideswhatisgoodforhissubjects.
Theadvantageisthatdecisionsarefastandimplementationsswift.Thedisadvantageisthatwithabadruler,baddecisionsarealsoimplementedquicklyandthecountrycould
suffer.WhileweAsuraswaitedforourcouncilstoreachadecisionevenduringwar,theDevastookourcountryfromus.
Anyhow,myassumeddivinity,whichIhadstartedbelievinginsinceIwaslyingtomyselfquiteoftenthesedays,stoodasabarrierbetweenmeandthedark,stockyyoungman.I
wasratherconfusedanddecidedtodiscussthematterwithSumali.Afterall,thedarkmancouldbeaspy.HewaswatchingthingswithhawkseyesandIhadseenhimfind
choreswhichensuredthathewasnearusduringourcouncilmeetings.
Iwassittingdeeplyimmersedinmythoughts,unabletoformulateanyconcreteplansforourforthcomingattackonLanka.Icouldfeelthestressandwantedtosmashsomething,
orshoutatsomeone,toclearmymind.IhadimpulsivelysaidthatweshouldtakeLankafrommystepbrother.NowIrealizedthatthemovedidnotmakemuchsense.
Kuberaspalacewasinsideawellguardedfort,atopTrikota,ahugerockymountain.Whateversparsevegetationexistedearlier,hadbeendestroyedbyKuberassecurityforces
sevenyearsago:whenVaruna,apiratewhoruledtheseasaroundthemainland,inadaringattackundercloudandforestcover,nearlykcovainlandcapturedLanka.Hetorched
thecityandtookhordesofgoldandimportedhorsessilksandwomenfromthepalace.Thefortwasmadeimpregnableafterthat,withallthevegetationcutfromthehilland
watchpostseveryhundredyards.Mountedguardspatrolledthestreetsandthebeach.Theywereruthlessandefficientandnumberedoverathousand.Theyhadsuccessfully
repelledVarunasattackthriceinthelastsevenyearsandevensucceededinsinkingthreeofhisships.ItwasrumouredthatVarunahadmovedtotheeasternseas.Kuberaeven
acquiredafleetandbuiltapowerfulnavy.Theseheavilyarmedshipspatrolledtheseasandpilotedthetradeshipsinandoutoftheislandsport.
ButmorethanthestrengthofKuberasarmy,itwasanotherfactorwhichsentshiversdownmyspine.
Mymotherandsisterwerestilllivinginthatdilapidatedshelterattheedgeofthecliff,overlookingthesea,assumingtheyhavenotdiedofstarvationorfromtheelements.If
KuberasensedthatIplannedsuchmischief,hewouldkillmykininasecondorworse,takethemhostage.Ididnothaveastandbyplanforthat.ButtheCouncilhaddecidedthat
Lankashouldbetakenatanycost.Thewealthoftheislandwasfabulousandwouldhelpusraiseahugearmyandnavytotakeonthemainland.Nootherconquestwouldhelp
usraiseenoughforcestotakeonthemightofIndia.
Sir,mayIspeak?Igazedatthestocky,youngmanandwasratherirritated.Itwasthesamemanwhohadbeenfollowingmewithhisgazeforthepastfewdays.
Whatdoyouwant?Dontyouhaveanythingbettertodo?Iwassurprisedatmyownharshness.
Hestoodthere,hiseyesevenwithmine.Iwasaheadtallerthanhimbuthelookedatmesquarely.Therewasnothreat,neitheranyfear.Iwaitedforhiseyestofall,forhimto
cowerandstareathisowntoes.Butthemanbeforemeshowednonervousness.TheclassicalsignofanAsurafacedwithauthoritywastofallonhiskneesandgrovel.Myrace,
initsmarchtowardsprogress,hadforgottenthatpeoplecanbeequalandtherewassomethingcalledthemiddlepath.Inthisman,Imetsomeonewhocouldhandleequality.I
wassurprisedandirritatedtofindthemanshowednofearofmyauthorityanddidnotacthumble.Itwasabsurdtheverynotionthathewasmyequalwasabsurd.Orwasit?I
hadbehavedjustlikehimafewmonthsago,beforeMahabalidiscoveredme.
ThenIunderstood.Isawthathewasamanwhohadlosteverythingandwaslivingonlyforapurpose.
Therewassomethinginsidehimwhichwastautandreadytoburst.Herewasamanwhocouldcontrolhisemotionsandmergewithhissurroundings.Hecouldliestilllikea
cobrainthegrassandstrikewithdeadlyvenom,attackwithpassion,soundlesslyandruthlessly.
Hiseyeswereglassyashestaredatme.SuddenlyIwasafraid.Myhandsclenchedthebuttofmysword,readytostrikeifthiscobramadeanymove.Withoutanywarning,he
shockedmebyfallingatmyfeet.
Iwasangryandrelieved.AngrythathehadshownthesameAsurabehaviourofsubmittingtoauthority.
RelievedbecauseIdidnotwanttofightsuchaprimitiveforce.Therewassomethingcrude,rawandfreshabouttheman.Hewastheoriginalforceofnature,theverysaltofthe
earth.Thefactthathewasanordinarymanmadehimextraordinary.
Trustme,yourHighness,myKingIshallserveyoubetterthananyoneeverborn.Ishalllaydownmylifeforyou.Makemeyourservant.Iknowyouareoursaviour.Youareour
Godsentking,whohascometorescuetheAsuratribefromtheclutchesoftheDevas.Hesuddenlybrokeintosobsandhiswholebodyshook.
Istoodthereembarrassedbythesuddendisplayofemotion.Heclutchedmylegs.Ididnotknowwhattosayorhowtoreact.ThiswasnotwhatIhadexpected.
ThenIsawPrahastharunningtowakrudmrdsuswithhissworddrawn.Istoppedhimwithaflickofmyfingers,amazedbyhoweventheproudPrahasthastoppedabruptly
becauseofmysmallgesture.
Howamazing!Ifmorepeoplefellatmyfeetlikethis,Imightnotonlystartenjoyingitbutevenstartdemandingit.Theinitialpityhadvanishedandwasreplacedbyalovemixed
withcontemptforthehaplesshumanbeinglyingatmyfeet.Icouldfeelthathewascompletelyundermypower.Icouldkickhim,draghim,andevenbeheadhim,andnoone
wouldraiseafinger.Iwasalsoterrified.Whatwouldhappentome?ThiskindofpowercamewiththeburdenofresponsibilityasKing,tohearthewoesofonessubjectsandfind
solutionstotheirproblems.Iwoulddothat.Iwouldbethekindestkingintheworld.
Iraisedhimupwithmyhandsandstaredintohisface.HiseyeswereredandIthoughthisemotionsweregenuine.ButIcouldnotfathomthedepthsofhiseyes.
Thesleepy,glassyeyeswerelikethoseofasnake.
SomethingsinisterwaslyingdormantthereandIwasafraidtotouchitlestthesnakewakeup.WhatisitthatIcandoforyou?Iassumedmykindestvoiceandwonderedifthe
pitchwasrathertooshrillforaking.
YourHighness,wehavebeendiscussingaboutyoubecomingtheKingoftheAsuras.Wewantyoutobecrownedassoonaspossible.Allthesoldiersinthecampbelievethat
youarethetruesuccessorofMahabaliandwewantyoutoleadus.Icomeasarepresentativeofthesoldierswhoarewillingtoliveanddieforyoursuccess.
YouareawarethatIamyourcommanderinchiefandyouliveanddieforourcause,justasIdo.Mytonewassevere,yetIcouldnthidemyexcitement.Therankandfileofthe
Asuraarmywantedmeastheirking.
TheCouncilcouldthinkIwastooyoungandbrashforsucharesponsibilitybutmysoldierswantedmeastheirleaderandthatwasmoreimportant.IwasuneasythatIhadthrust
myselfontheCouncilasitschief.NowthisbeautifulyoungmanwasaddressingmeaskingandnotplainSir,asthesoldiersaddresstheirsuperiorsintheAsuraarmy.Iwas
pleasedbutsawPrahasthawinceandmadeanoteofitinmymind.
YourHighness,wewantyoutobeourKing.WehavefoughtenoughfortheCouncil.WelosteverytimebecausesomeoneintheCouncilwasnotbeyondtreason.Wewanta
KinglikethatoftheDevas,akingfittoruleusandallofIndiafromLankatoGandhara.WewantanEmperortorivaltheruleofMahabali.Nothingshortofthisgreatdreamwill
inspireus,yourHighness.
WeshallbehappytodieforthesakeofthegreatAsuraempireyouaregoingtobuild.
WewillhavetodiscussthematterintheCouncil.
Whatisyourname?
Bhadra,yourHighness.BhadrafromavillageonthebanksofthePoorna.Weshallawaityourdecision,yourHighness.Pleaseforgivemyimpropriety,butwehadnoother
choice.Hewalkedbackwardswithallthedeferenceduetoaking,withoutturninghisbackonme.
Agreatcheereruptedfromhisfriendswaitingalittlewayaway.
Prahasthacameandputhishandsonmyshoulder.
LetscalltheCouncil.HisvoicewassteelytonedbutIcouldnothavecaredless.Myearswerereceptivetotheslogansrisingfromthesoldierscamps,LongliveMaharaja
Ravana!
TheCouncilisdismissed.IsmiledattheshockedfaceofPrahasthaandadded,YouaremyPrimeMinister.
Iwalkedaway,leavingPrahasthatoponder.
SomewhereinmymindIfeltIwasbeingmanipulated.IglancedovertothecampsandsawBhadrastandingalone,leavingthemerrimenttohiscomrades.Therewasasmall
traceoftriumphatthecornersofhismouth.
OurgazemetandthekemThersmilevanished.Hebowedlow.IwalkedpastthecampwithwhatIbelievedtobearoyalgait,amidstthecheeringofsoldiers,tomycamp.Ihad
togetmymotherandsisterbackbeforeIstartedthecampaign.ThatwasmylastthoughtbeforeIslippedintoadreamlesssleep.

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9Maricha,thebeloved
Ravana
IsawthemaccompanyingmyuncleMaricha.Mysisterhadgrownupnotexactlypretty,butonecouldnotmissthebubblingenergyinher.Iwasinameetingwithmycouncilof
ministers.ItwasnolongerademocraticforumbutImadesurethattheirvoicecounted.Itwasacharadeandeveryoneknewmywisheswouldbecarriedouttothelast.Butthe
Asuraneedforagooddebateandargument,wassatisfied.
Themeetingstoppedandeveryonestoodup.MyolduncleMarichawassmilingandwavinghishandsatus.Histwinsweretotteringbehind,followedbyhisstillprettywife.My
motherandsisterwerebehindthem,andtheywerewaitingforustostoptheallimportantmeetingtocomenear.Vibhishanarushedtothemlikealostpuppywhohasjustfound
itsmother,yelpingandshoutingwithjoy.Ialsowantedtorunandembracemymotherandsister,butwasnotsurethatkingsbehavedthatway.Kumbhawasrunningbehind
Vibhishanaandthetwinsrantowardshim,screamingandlaughingloudenoughtofrightenthebirdsperchedaboveusintheforestcanopy.Iwalked,inamannerIconsideredto
beamajesticgait,withthetallanddignifiedfigureofmyunclesPrahastha,andtheeverfrowningSumali,followingbehind.
Didyouhaveanyproblemsontheway?UnclePrahasthahadnotimeforsentimentalniceties.
OnlyVarunasdhows,butwemanagedwithasmallgift.
HegaveawaySulakshanaspearlnecklacetothepirates.SheworkedhardforsevenyearsinthatGuildtoearnit.Therewasaffectioninmymothersvoice.
Marichashruggedhisshouldersasiftosaythatgivingthepearlnecklacetopirateswasanactofnosignificance.Itouchedhisfeetandembracedhim.
SoyouhavebecometheKingeh?Myunclebackslappedmehard.Istoodtheregrinninglikeachildwhohasjustscoredwellinanoralexam.Nowwehavetofindyoua
kingdom.
ThesoldierslaughedandIfoughthardtokeepmysmileinmyface.Hishumourcouldbebiting,buthowIlovedtheoldrascal.Wevividlyrememberedwhenasteenagers,my
uncleandauntcomingtoourbatteredshackwithtwobabieswhowerenotmorethanafewweeksold.ItwasoneofthoseharshmonsoonsandweferventlyprayedtoShivathat
thehutwouldwithstandthestorm.Theylookedtiredandworn,myuncleinrags,withabandagedheadandhisarminasling,andmyauntsmilingdespitelookinglikesomeone
whowasabouttofalldownanddie.Theyclutchedthebabies,oneeach,andmymother,whohastheknackofunderstandingwithoutwords,stoodupandtookbothbabiesfrom
theirtiredarms.Wesharedoursparsekanjiwiththemandtheysleptthewholenightthrough.
Thebabiesweretooweaktocry,butIremembermymotherworryingabouttheirfeed.Myauntwaspasttheageofhavingbabiesandweweresurethechildrenhadbeen
adopted.Myuncleandaunthadalwaysbeenpoorafterhelosthiskingdom,yetthesekindactscamenaturallytothem.Wedidnotknowanyoneinthevillagewhowouldbekind
enoughtolendussomemilk.Ourneighboursweretoopoortoownacowandmilkwasaluxury.
AsusualitwasKumbhawhocameupwiththeidea.WedecidedtostealthemilkfromtheonlymanwhoownedanemTmeupwcow,rather,hundredsofcows.Itwasdifficultbut
possible.Thedangerelementaddedathrilltoouradventure.Vibhishanawasreluctant,butdidnotprotestforfearofbeingbrandedacoward,whichhedefinitelywas.Heagreed
tostandguardandwarnusaswejumpedthefenceandenteredKuberasstable.Itwaspitchdarkandwegropedaroundthestabletofindacowtomilk.Noneofushadany
experienceofmilkingcows.Thestablewasstinkingofcowdungandurineandthosebig,buzzingmosquitoesthatresembleminiatureflyingtigers,werehappytotastebloodin
theearlymorninghours.Itwasbeginningtolooklikeabadideaandwewantedtogetout.Someonecoughedoutsideandourheartsjumpedintoourmouths.
Weheardasoftwhistleandpanicked.ItwasVibhishanawarningusthatsomeonewascoming.Weran,butlostourbearings.Thecowswokeupandstartedbellowing.
Torcheswerelit.Theywereheadingstraighttowardsthestable.Somehowwegotout,onlytofindourselvestrappedbetweenthepalaceguards.Wefoughtandknockeddowna
coupleofthem,butweresoonoverpowered.Theytiedusupandthenthebeatingstarted.TheybeatuswithclubstheyshatteredKumbhastoothandburntuswithtorches.We
howledandcriedafterafewminutesofattemptingadignifiedsilenceonbeingtortured.Thebeatingcontinuedtilldaybreak.
WhenIwoke,bloodhadcakedonmyfaceandeveryporeofmyskinhurt.Kumbhahadwokenearlierandwasstaringatmethroughhisswollen,blackeyes.
Hisfacewasamess,withhisnoseandteethknockedoutandhislipscut.HewinkedatmeandsmiledandatthatmomentIlovedhimmorethananyoneintheworld.
IknewthatonedayeitherheorIwouldlaydownourlifefortheother.Ismiledback.Weweretiedtothestablepillarsandleftalone.ThenIwonderedwhathadhappenedto
Vibhishanaandinthatsilentcommunicationbetweenpeoplewhodeeplyloveeachother,IsawthesamequestiononKumbhasface.Wewereterrified!Welookedasfarasour
neckscouldstretchtoseeifVibhishanahadbeenbeatenandtiedtoapillarlikeus.
Buttherewasnotraceofhimandweweresuretheguardshadbeatenhimtodeathandburiedhimquietly.
Orhehadinformedmymotherorthevillageelderperhaps,tocomeandpleadwithKuberatoreleaseus.
WehadnotattainedmaturityofageandaccordingtotheAsuracodeoflaw,wecouldnotbejailednorcouldourarmsbechoppedoff.WewouldbeforcedtoworkinKuberasoill
millorfarm,asslavesforafewmonths.Kuberathemillionaire,foundthatthistypeofpunishmentmadeeconomicsenseandsavedhimafewcoppers.HewashalfGandharva,
halfBrahminandnotAsura,buthemadesurehefollowedallAsuralaws
noninterferenceinthenativesreligionandbeliefs,hecalledit.Itallowedhimtoconcentrateontradeandcommerce.IsawKumbhastaringvacantly,silentlyprayingfor
Vibhishanatobealive.TearswererollingdownhischeeksandhemadenoattempttoturnhisfacewhenhesawthatIhadnoticed.Myowneyeswerebrimmingwithtears.
AnoldguardcameanduntiedusandKumbhacollapsedontothefloor.Theguardliftedhimroughlyandcalledforhelp.Icouldbarelywalk.TwoguardscarriedKumbhaona
thickbamboopoll,likeawildbeastwhichhadbeenjusthunteddown.Itwasalmostnoonandtheairwashotandhumidatthepeakofthemonsoonseasonwhenthesunpeeps
outtobaketheredmuddyearthforafewhours.
Kubera,theMoneyGodandthegiverofjustice,wasseatedonhisthrone,busysigningpalmdocumentswithhisroyalstampandbarkinginstructionsaboutvariousvagariesof
commerce,shippingrates,pepperprices,goldequivalentforcardamomweight,etc,whichwouldbecarriedtotherespectiveofficersinthevariousportsoftheislandandthen
backtothemerchantkingbymessengersonswiftArabiasswandwnhorses.
TherewereothercriminalswaitingfortheGodofmoneytodispensewisdomandjusticebutinthisworldofhighprofiletradeandcommerce,everythingelsewasinsignificant.
IsawKumbhahadpassedoutandwasafraidIwouldfollowhim.IwantedtohearwhatourpunishmentswouldbefortrespassingontheMoneyGodsproperty.Itseemedlikean
endlesswaitandforthefirsttimeinmylife,Iponderedmymortality.Iwastooyoungtothinkaboutdeath,butwitheveryinchofmybodyhurting,thoughtsofdeathcameeasily.It
wasthenthatIsawmyuncleamongthecrowd,restlesslywaitingforjudgment.Wemadeeyecontactandhesmiledthatbeautiful,heartwarmingsmilethatmademeforgetthe
pain.AfewofhisfrontteethweremissingbutIcouldfeelthesincerityoftheman.Helookedconcernedandatthesametime,Ifeltthatwithhimaround,nothingbadcould
happentous.
Twocriminalswhohadstolenjewelsfromthetemplewerethefirsttogoontrialandbeforetheycouldpleadtheirinnocenceorthecitypolicecouldarrangeprooffor
examination,Kuberapronouncedthemguiltyandorderedtheirarmschoppedoff.Therewasaloudwailfromawoman,probablythewifeofoneofthemen.Themanwas

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probablyacraftsmanbeforepovertyhaddrivenhimtostealfromtheGods.NowtheStatewouldtakeawayhisarmsandtheGodswouldhavetheirjewelsback.Justicewas
exactandswiftandthecrimeratelow.
Kuberawasanefficientruler,especiallyforthetradingclass,whowereassuredofasafecity.Hispopularityamongthemiddleclasseswasalwaysgreat.
Therichdidnotcarewhoruled,aslongastheywereallowedtoberich.Thepoorcouldnotaffordtocareandnobodyaskedtheiropinioninanycase.Onlythemiddleclass
matteredandanyhalfwittedrulerknowshowtopamperthem.Oneofthemenofferedhimselfasslave.Heclaimedhewasanexpertweaverandsaidthathewouldweavefor
free.Kuberaimmediatelyreversedthesentenceandtheweaversnewpunishmentwastobeaslaveforthenexttenyearsandkeepweavingandmakingmoneyforthe
establishment.
Thenextmanwastooproudandofferednoapologyordeal.Hewastakenawayforhisarmstobechoppedoff.Inanyothercountryhewouldhavebegged,butasthiswasa
prosperouscountry,beggingwasnotallowed.Beggarswerebanishedtotheinteriorsormoreoftentakentotheseaanddrownedwithstonestiedtotheirnecks.
Next,asoldierstationednearthethronebarked.
Kuberawaslookingatsomebusinesspapersinthemeantime.Hewasanefficienttimemanager.Wewereshovedforwardbytheguards.Accusedoftrespassingintotheroyal
cowpensandattemptedtheftofcows,barkedthepolicecommissioner.
Notguilty,Iwantedtoroar,butonlyashrill,boyishsoundcameout.Asuddenhushfellincourt.
NobodyhaseverdaredtospeakincourtwhentheKingwaspresent.Kuberawasimmersedinhispalmleavesandittookhimafewsecondstoregisterthesilence.He
deliberatelyreadthroughtheentiredocumentandputitaside.Thenheraisedhishead.Asmilespreadacrosshisface.Hewasahandsomemanandthesmilemadehimmore
so.Buttherewassomethingcreepyandspiderlikeinhismovements.
My,my,whohavewehere?Mybelovedstepbrothers.Iamhonoured.Ifyouhadasked,Iwouldhavegiftedyouafewcows.Instead,youwantedtosteal.
Hownatural.Iseeyouhavetakenafteryourmother.
So,whatdoyouprefer,yourarmschoppedoffyournosescutofforaplainsimplebrandingonyourcheeksthatyouarethieves?Icannotbeblamedfornepotism.
Sir,Ihavearequest.Marichawalkedintothecentreofthecourtandahundredpairsofeyesboredintohim.IbelievehehadbrokensehquetheelaborateDevacourtdecorum.
TheseuncouthAsuras!Theybehavelikechildren.ItisperhapstheDevasburdentocivilizeus.Iwatchedwithhorroratwhatmyunclewasdoing.Iwantedtoscreamatthetopof
myvoiceandstophim,butIdidnotforfearofpunishment.Theoldfoolwasblunderingon,theoldlovablerascal.Ifeltsomesmallhopethatwemightbeletoffeasily.Sir,these
arechildrenandtheyscarcelyknowwhattheyweredoing.
Ifeltmycheeksgrowinghotasalleyesturnedtowardsmetoseethefoolishboy.Iwassixteenandstillbeingreferredtoasachild.EvenifIgotoutofthis,Iwouldbetauntedfor
therestofmylifebymyfriends.Ihadmissedafewsentences,immersedinmyteenagewrath,andittookawhilefortheenormityofwhatmyunclewassayingtosinkin.
Soyouofferyourselfinreturnforthefreedomoftheseuglybrats?Ihopeyouarenotinanextendedstateofinebriationfromlastnightsrevelryandthatyouaresayingitofyour
ownfreewill.Yousayyouareasoldier,butyouhaveafewmissingteethandanarminaslingtoprovethat.Thelaughterinthecourtechoedaroundusandmycheeksburned
whenIsawmyunclestandingtherewithhisrightarminasling,dignified,hiseyesstaringatadistantpointafewinchesabovethefoolwhowasplayingthebuffoonking.
Sixyearsintheoillmill.TheorderpassedlikealightningboltandIshivered.Kumbhashowedsignsofwakingup.IcouldseethatevenMarichawasshocked.
Thiswastooharshforasmalltrespass.Icouldseetearssproutingfromtheoldmanseyes.Icouldseethefaceofhiswifeandthetwins.Ihadbroughtthisupontheoldman.
Howoldwashe?Thirty,thirtyfiveperhaps?Atsixteen,everyoneovertwentylookedold.
Sixyearsmeantthathewouldbefourtyonebythetimehegotout.Thatis,ifhemadeitatall.Theoillmillwasthemostdreadedofallpunishments.Insteadofbulls,menwere
tiedtothemillandwalkedroundandround,grindingsesameseedsorcopraintooil.Itsappedthelifeoutofthem.Twentyhoursofbackbreakinglabour,365daysmultipliedby
six,fortheoldman.Justbecausehishotheadednephewscouldnothelpplayingheroesandtrespassedonthepremisesoftheirstepbrother,themerchantking.
Andaddoneyearmoresothatthisoldbastardlearnshowtoaddressaking.Sir,indeed!Next.Iheardthiswithhorror.Thiswasjustice.Fastandswift.Forcontemptofcourt,my
oldunclegotonemoreyearofslavelabour.Myunclestaredathistoes.
Theguardscameandhandcuffedhim.Hewasthenboundinchainsandshovedhardbytheguards.Peoplelaughed.Mypeople,theAsuras,laughedwhenoneoftheirkinwas
treatedlikeananimalfornofaultofhis.
Someonewhistled.Weweredraggedoutofcourtanddumpedoutside.TheStatehadnouseforusanymore.
Ourboneswerebrokenandourinternalorgansdamaged.Sowewerediscardedlikegnawedchickenbones.ChewedoutbytheState.Then,thefirststonehitme.Soonitturned
intoahail.Mypeoplewerestoningmeforsendingmyolduncletohardlabour.Theirimpotentwrathwasfallingontwoteenagers.Sothisistheend,Ithought.Dyingignoblyasa
thiefatthehandsofmypeople,aftersendingmylovable,olduncletoprison.Whatanendtoafoolwhodreamtofconqueringtheworldandfreeinghispeople.
Thepeltingofstonesstoppedassuddenlyasithadstarted.Withblooddrippingfrommyface,IsawmymotherweepinginconsolablyandhuggingtheinertformofKumbha.
Fortunately,ourcitizenshadyettoreachthoseheightsofcivilizationwhentheystonewomentodeath.Thankgodforthesmallmerciesheshowersonourlife.Slowlywewere
carriedintoourhut.Myauntlayunconsciousandthetwinswerewailing.Myneighbour,sMyhowafat,uglylady,whohadaheartofgold,butthetongueofaserpent,desperately
triedtostopthewailing.ItwasthenthatIsawVibhishanasittinginacornerandreadingabookinSanskritandnotevenlookingatus.Iboiledwithrage.Sotheguardshadnot
buriedhim.Thestudious,goodboyhadcomehomeandsleptwhileweweregettingthrashed.Then,whentheunclewhowaspasthisprimehasbeendraggedtotheoillmillto
workwiththebulls,thebastardwassittingandchantingsomeobscureDevatextlikeafrog.
Ifeltlikemurderinghimthereandthen.IwantedtoshovethatbookoftheRigVedadownhisthroat.Iwantedtodosomanythings,whenhecaughtmyeye.
Hecameandsatontheflooratmyfeet.Itriedtoraisemylegandkickhishatefulface.Instead,agroanescapedme.Kuberasguardsknewwheretokick.ThenVibhishana
brokedownlikeababy.HehuggedmyfeetandohGod,ithurtlikehell.Buthewouldnotletitgo.
Thebastardwantedforgiveness.Hesaidhewasafraidandittookhimthegreaterpartofthemorningtogetthecouragetotellmyuncle.Hewassorryforeverythingandwanted
hisbigbrothertoforgetandforgiveandhughim.Iwantedtogetupandtearhimintwo.Itriedtositup.Imadesomegurglingsoundwhichmighthavefrightenedmymother.She
leftKumbhaandcametome.
Thenshesoothedmyragingmindwithsongsofmylongpastchildhood.ShesangasifIwasababystillinthecradle,searchinghernipplesformilk.Shesangthoseoldsongsof
Asuravalourandthesadsongsoflonglostglory.Islept,withlovereplacingthehatredIhadfeltformyyoungerbrother.WhenIwoke,myragehadgone.
Iknewthatmyaunthadleftthevillagethenextdayandamessagecamewhichsaidthatthatshehadjoinedaweaversguild.Thepaywasnotgoodbuttheguildprovideda
roofandtwosquaremealsaday.NotthelifeforaformerqueenofasmallAsurastate,butcertainlybetterthanahutwiththenightviewofthestarsandmoonthroughtheroof.
Iwasseeingmyfamilyafteralongtime,thankstothisoldmanwithacheekysmile,whothoughtnothingofhandingoverapearlnecklaceforwhichhiswifehadsweatedfor
sevenyears,toarrangesafepassageforhissistersfamilyoraboutgrindingsesameinatyrantsprisonsothathisnephewscouldgofree.Theoldrascalhadlostafewmore
teeth,butlookedhealthierthanIhadlastseenhim,inchains.Itseemedthathewouldoutliveusall.Hewasfortytwonow,butremainedthesamekindandjovialfellow.Akingin
histime,hewillremainakindheartedunclealwaysreadytosacrificehislifetosavethosewhoheloved.Ishallalwaysrememberthat.

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10Thepearlislandbeckons
TheCouncilhadassembledundertheBanyantree.Ipresidedoverthemeeting,withPrahasthaasmoderator,andthedebateragedon.Noonewasmakinganysense.
EveryonewantedtosomehowtakeLanka,butnooneseemedtohaveaconcreteideahowtodoit.Kumbhawantedafrontalattackwherewewouldcrosstheseaduringlowtide
inbamboocanoesandchallengeKuberasarmyheadon.Iknewwewouldnotlastanhour.Wewerelessthan2000peopleandmorethanhalfwereinexperiencedwarriors.
Theyhadthepassiontofightbutknewnexttonothingaboutusingarms.Thebestseemedtohaveonlyshotwoodpigeonsintheforest.Afewothershadbeeninvarious
highwayraids.
TherewasnodoubtthattheonlyoneswithanyexperienceinrealcombatwerePrahastha,Sumali,andMaricha.Butthatwasyearsagoandmilitarytechnologyhadchanged.
Bhadrapassedinandoutofthemeetingplace,carryingrefreshments.IfeltuneasyinhispresenceashewasavMyhohutwithlwaysonthevergeofsayingsomething.Ididnt
wantaservanttointerruptthecouncilofministersandofferhisunsolicitedwarstrategy.IalsodidnotwantanyonetoknowIhadspokenwithhimonceinawhile,whennoone
wasaround.ManyofthethingshesaidmadesenseandsomeoftheideasIputforthasmyown,wereactuallyhis.Itwassurprisingthatnoone,includingmyself,hadthought
aboutthefactthatourarmywouldnotlastlongoncewemovedoutofthisforest,untilBhadradrewmyattentiontoit.Thisforestaboundedwithgame,wildberries,mangoesand
jackfruit,soweneverneededtoworryaboutfeedingthetroops.Oncewemovedout,weweresuretostarvetodeath.Afterthat,westartedcollectingjackfruitsanddryingthemin
thesun,makingmangopastes,cultivatingwildriceandbambooshoots,andstoringthesemeagrerations.
Wealsogotourarmamentsreadyandresortedtomakingwoodenspears,swordsandarrows,ascopperorironwashardtocomeby.Marichahadstartedabreweryfor
poisonouspotions,whichcouldbeeffectivelyusedinspearsandarrows.Butthiswasallinsignificant.ThefallofKuberahadtobethroughasudden,surpriseattack.Hehada
standingarmyof20,000men,4,000mountedarchers,2,000horsechariots,500elephants,andsuppliestolasttwoyears.
Hehadaneffectivenavywithmorethantwentyshipspatrollingtheshoresandtwohugesnakeboats,eachrowedbysixtymen.Sixtyarcherscouldbemountedontheseswift
andsleeksnakeboatsandtheyshotflamearrowswithdeadlyprecision.Histrainingschoolswerefamedfarandwideandtheswordsmanshipofhissoldierswasenviedby
otherkings.
Ofcourse,Kuberacouldaffordallthesethings.Hecouldhirethebesttalentfromacrosstheworld,whetherfromChinaorEgyptoreventhepalebarbariansfromcolderlands.He
couldusethelatesttechnologyforhisarmyandnavy.Itwasevenrumouredthathehaddevelopedaflyingmachineandwasgoingtomakefiftymore,sothathecouldemploy
themtodrophugeflamingballsorstonesonenemycamps.Itwasalsorumouredthatonlyoneprototypehadbeenmadeandthetechnicianwhodesignedithadbeenpoisoned.
Iforcedmymindbacktothedebate.
Weneedhorsesandhavetogetthemfromacrossthesea,sowealsoneedships,oratleastlargedhows.
Thequestionis,howmanycanweafford?askedPrahastha.Adebateensuedonthenumberofhorsesneeded,thenumberarcherstobedeployed,thenumberofships
required,thetimingoftheattack.MyminddriftedawayagainanditwasthenthatIcaughtBhadraseye.Hebeckoned.Iwasirritated.Perhapshethoughtthathehadsomething
bettertoofferthantheseveteransoldiers?Iwouldhavetoputhiminhisplace.
ButIthoughtitwasbettertohearhimoutfirstandwalkedawayasifenjoyingastroll,towardsthewaterfall.ThefallwashugehereandthePoornawasalmost500feetwide,
whereshefellamajestic200feettomeettheriverandthenflowedtothedistantsea.Onaclearday,onecouldspottheseaborderingthislandofcoconuts.Allaroundwasthick,
evergreentropicalforest,withhundredsofcolourfulbirdschirpingandflyingabout.Dragonfliesflutteredoverthewater.Atnight,wheneveryonewasasleepexceptthesentries,I
wouldlistentotheforest.Theoccasionalelephantherdrummagedthroughtheforestthedistantroarsofleopardsandtigersbearsdrinkingfromthestream.Itwasadifferent
worldoutthere.Thedramaofsurvivaltookplaceallaroundmycamp,withlifehuntingorbeinghuntedinturn.Violencewastheveryfoundationofnature.Everymoment
somethingbecamepreytosomethingelse.Thecircleofkillingwenton.Couldmanstopit?Warsareinevitable,soiscruelty.Mostanimalsaresuccessfulkillingmachines.The
humblelizardonthewallisnolessahunterthanatiger.
YourHighness,cantwegoinastraders?Bhadrasvoic{adrdoneshockedme.Ihadnotheardhimapproaching.Hewalkedsilentlyforashortandstoutman.
Andwhatwouldwetradein?Icouldnothelpasking.
WecouldarrangeforhorsesfromtheArabsinMuzuris.Wecouldgetpepperfromthehills,rubiesfromtheeastcoast,andgoldfromtheGreekcampinMuzuris.Wecouldget
someshipsonleasefromtherichtradersWecouldnavigatearoundthepeninsulaandenterLankafromtheSouthEasterntipofIndia,wheretheseaisnarrowest.Twoships
woulddo,carryingabout400people...
Andyou,fool,youplantoconquerLankawith400nitwits?Icouldbarelycontainmyanger.
Bhadrawaitedformytempertosubsideandthencontinued,Theshipscouldcarryivoryandpearlsbackandabouttwentymeneach.Theycouldcontinuetothemainlandand
tradeagain.Therestcouldvisitthekingandasktosetupaguildonthecoast,preferablyneartheEasterngateoftheTrikotafort,neartheweavers
street.
Iwaswarminguptohisidea.Insixtrips,wewouldhavesneakedallthemenontotheisland.Wecouldbuyarmsfromthelocalmarketandhoardthem.
Noneedforsixtrips,YourHighness,thatwouldtaketoomuchtime.Oncethefirstlothasbeenplaced,wecouldsendafewhundredinsmallcanoes,tenorfifteenineachbatch,
asfishermen.Thesecondtripofshipscouldunloadmoresoldiersandtheycouldformasecondguildnearthenortherngate.Ifwecarryonlikethat,wedbeabletoplacehalf
ourarmyinamonth.Inthethirdsailing,wecouldpurchasehorsesandarmsonlyandanchoroutsidetheportsinthedeepsea,atadistanceofanhour,ifthewindis
advantageous.Ilikedtheplan.Ineededjustenoughmoneytofillmytwoships.Icouldmanagethat.Butevenforthis,IwouldhavetoborrowheavilyfromMahabali.Ididnot
knowwhethertheoldmanwouldagree.Otherwise,Iwouldbeleftwithnochoiceotherthantoplunderoneortwoshipsinthehighseas.Itwasariskyventureandwecould
encounterVarunasships,whichranaprotectionracketintheseparts,orKuberasnavy.Idoubtedwhetherhalfthemeninmyarmycouldswim,letalonefightintheseas.Most
wereinlandersandwouldseetheseaforthefirsttimeintheirlives.IknewtheplanwouldbevetoedintheCouncilbyPrahastha,andIwouldhavetooverrulehim.Ididnotwant
anyunpleasantnessatthisearlystage.
Iwanttogo,YourHighness.Ithoughthewasaskingtogobacktotheservantquarters.Iflickedmyhandandbecameimmersedinmyownthoughts.
IwanttogotoLankafirst,YourHighness.Iwasjarredandturnedmyheadtostareathim.
Whatmadeyouthinkthat?
Iwillbeusefultoyouthere.
Hewasgoingtobeaspy.Hemadeafunnyfigureashestoodtherewithbowlegs,potbelly,curlyhair,darkasmidnightandwithouttheleastbitofrespectability.Hehada
naturalcamouflage,hewascommonamongcommonpeople.Hewouldblendinlikeachameleon.Washegoingtodesertthecamp?WasheKuberasspyandleadingusintoa
trap?Suddenly,Ifeltparanoid.Itoldhimhewasnotgoinganywhere.Iwantedtotalktohimatnightandhecouldleaveinthemorning.HewasratheruneasyandIcouldseethat

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hewasperturbed.Icannotleaveyousoeasily,friend.
Thereissomethingfishyaboutyou,Iwantedtotellhim.Instead,Ismiledathim.IwasshockedathoweasilyIcouldlie.
Bhadrawasconfused.Ithoughtsomethinginmydemeanourhadsetoffalarmbellsinhissubconscious.Ihadtowatchthisfe{watemeallowcarefully.Hecouldbedangerous,I
warnedmyself.Iwalkedbrisklyandhefollowedmewithslow,deliberatesteps.Icouldseehimponderinghisfutureaction.Ihadmyarmonmyswordhilt,readytodrawandcut
offhisheadinacleansweep.IwalkedintotheCouncilandpresentedmyidea,actuallyBhadrasplan,butbynowIhadstartedthinkingofitasmyown.Itcouldhavebeendueto
myinbornleadershipqualitiesthatthisstealingofasubordinatesideaandclaimingcreditforit,cameeasilytome.ThosewerestillearlystagesandIcouldrecollectwhose
ideastheywere.Later,muchlater,Ibecamearealleader,andthenIwassurethatallgoodideasemanatedfrommeandthebadandfoolishideashadsomeotherfather.The
Councillaunchedintofuriousdebate.Iraisedmyhandandittookafewminutesforthemtonoticeandthentheystopped.InthoseearlydaysIhadyettoacquirethequalityof
silencingpeoplewithaglanceorbyjustraisingmyeyebrows.
Prahasthaimmediatelyraisedanobjection.Thisistoodangerous.Whatifthereisaspyamongus?Whatiftheveryfirstbatchgetsarrestedandexecuted?
Moreover,itisaslymethod.ThatisnottheAsuramethodoffighting.Wefightasmen,prudencedictatesthatwewaituntilwegainenoughmeansandmentofight.Butwhenwe
do,wewillfightlikewarriors.Thisisastupidwayofdoingthings,Ravana.Iamsurprisedatyou.
Itwasirritatingwhenhetookthatpatronizingtone.
Also,hewasnotusingthehonorificandwascallingmebymynameinCouncil,forgettingthatIwasthekingandhe,amerePrimeMinister.Ofcourse,hewasmyuncleand
couldcallmeanythinginprivate.Inpublic,hehadtomaintaindecorum,orelsetheentiresystemIwastryingtobuildwouldcollapselikeapackofcards.
Marichastoodupandsaid,No,Prahastha,thereisnootherway.Theplantheboyhassharedwithusisexcellentandweshouldbackthat.WeAsurashavealwayslostbecause
weplayedbytherules,whennobodyelsebotheredaboutany.But,wehavetowatchoutforspies.Thatmeanswehavetocutallcommunicationwithstrangers.Still,Iknow
someonecouldleaveasmallpalmleafinatreeholeforacontacttocollectitlater.Butwehavetotakeourchances.Iwantedtomakesuremyunclesdidnotpatronizemeby
callingmeaboy.Itwasdemeaning.ButthesepeopleweresovaluabletomethatIcouldnotprotest.
EvenifIhadprotested,theywouldonlyhavebecomeconfused.
Arrestthisfellow.Iwantnoexecution,butonlyadetention.Donotlethimoutofthiscamp,Itoldthemandclappedmyhands.Twosoldierswithlongspearscamerunning.My
uncleslookedperplexedandsodidmybrothers.Thesoldiersbowedlowbeforeme.Oneofthemhadthelaceofhiskurtatiedwrong.OhGod,howamIgoingtotakethesefools
tofight,theseslouchybeggars?Hesawmyeyesdartingdownfromhisfaceandhecrouchedlowerasifpayingmemorerespect,butreallytoavoidmyeyesseeingthesloppy
wayhehaddressed.ArrestBhadra,butdonotharmhim.Givehimthemaximumsecurityandwatchhim.
TellhimtheKinghasorderedthisforhisprotection.
Nowgo.Ibarkedouttheordersandtheyrushedout.
IhadthevaguefeelingthatIhaddonesomethingwrongbutpusheditawayintoarecessofmymindandtriedtoconcentrateonthedebate.Sumaliagreedwiththeexpedition.I
noticedwithpleasurethatPrahasthawasfastgettingisolated.ThenIsawVibhishanastandup.Herarelyspoke,soanythinghesaidcarriedsomeweightintheCouncil.
However,Ihadfoundthatheusuallyspokeaboutunnecessaryanduncomfortablethingsandwasapainintheneck.Hegaveamoraltwisttothingsandmadeeveryoneuneasy.
Itwasasifyourgrandconsciousnesswashoveri{ssinngoveryouandshakingitsheadindismayatyourslightestpleasure.
Vibhishanawassomeonewhoconstantlyresearchedtherightwaytolive,somuchso,thathehadforgottenhowtolive.Hewasawalkingrulebook,withlotsofobscureand
utterlyuselessjargonandmumbojumbo.Idonotknowwhymyhairstoodupeverytimethispompousbrotherofminespoke.Itwasdutytoprotecthim.Ilovedhimbutsomehow,
hisactionswereirritating.Hemademeandtheothersfeelsmall,asifhewastheonlysonbornofvirtueandtherestofuswerebastardchildren.Perhapsthiswasanaffliction
thatcamefromreadingtoomanyofthosephilosophicalbooks.Ifyoureadthemalot,youstartedbelieving,notinyourselfbutinthelifelesswordsofcomplicatedargumentsthat
laybetweenthepages.But,Ialsohadasoftcornerformyyoungestbrother.Vibhishanahadyettogrowup.Hebelievedthatnoevilexistedintheworld.ThoughIgotriledevery
timehewentonandonaboutdharma,myaffectionformylittlebrotheralwaysstoppedmefrombeingtooharshtohim.
Vibhishanabegan,Idontthinkweshouldcheatanyone.WeshouldgoandaskKuberawhetherheiswillingtogiveusaportionofhiskingdomandsomemoneytostartour
campaignagainsttheDevas.Weshouldputthismoneytogooduseandthen,withourhalfbrothershelp,weshouldstartnegotiationswiththeDevakingdomsofNorthIndia
Kumbhaguffawedatthissuggestion.WecanalsoaskKuberaifhewillsharehiswiveswithus.Withthemwecanstartapleasurebusinesstogainmoremoney.
ThenwecannegotiatewiththeDevasandaskthemiftheycanputsomeinvestment,saytheirsistersormothers,inourAsurabrothelserviceguild,andthenwecansitand
calculateprofitpercentages.EventuallyalltheDevasandAsuraswillsharethesamepitandbecomebrothersandlivehappilyafter.Kumbhaclutchedhisbellyandrolled
aroundontheground.Icouldnotcontainmymerrimenteitherandlaughedoutloud.EvenPrahasthacouldnotholdbackasmileandthegraveSumalismouthtwitchedatthe
cornerswiththehintofasmile.Vibhishanastoodtherewithablankexpressioninhisface,asifhehadexpectedthesesillycommentsfromaboorlikeKumbakarna.
Please,please,canweatleaststicktousingcivillanguage?Prahasthawasagainthemoderatorandslowlythelaughterdiedoff.Vibhishanasatdowninhisseatandbecame
immersedinhisdeepthoughtsoratleasthegaveustheimpressionthathewasdeepinthought.Finally,afteralotofdeliberation,itwasdecidedthatwewouldsticktothe
originalplanofgettingtwoships.
Prahastha,
along
with
Dhumraksha
and
Vajradhamstra,weretogotoMahabaliandaskformoneytotaketwoshipsonleasefromthemerchantsintheportofMuzuris.Itwasalsodecidedthatthedestinationwouldbe
keptasecretfromanyoneoutsidetheCouncil,andthatbothshipstogetherwouldcarryabout1,000people.Marichasuggestedthattheshipsberedesignedtohavesecret
chambersandadeckwherethemenandarmscouldbeconcealed.MessengerswouldbesenttogetengineersfromtheMayansschoolontheeastcoastofIndia,toalterthe
ships.Marichawouldleadthatteam.
KumbhaandVibhishanaweretoaccompanyPrahasthasdelegationandoncethemoneywasarranged,theyweretobuythehorses.Marichawasalsotocollectrubiesand
diamondsfromtheeastcoast,notrealstonesbutfakegemsshapedbytheMayansafewgoldbricks,againfake,werealsotobeobtainedfromtheeastcoast.Marichawould
accompanyKumbhaandVibhishanatoMahabaliandtakehisshareofthemoneyforhispurchases.Rudraka,Jambumali,andI,wouldstaybackandtrainthetroops.Irespected
Jambumalialot.Thisman,whostartedasabillingclerkinaspicedepotandhadrisentothepostofGovernorofLankaunderMah{nkaetroopabali,deservedrespect.Ihadto
developasecondandthirdrungofleadersforeffectivecombat.Therewasalotofworktodo.Itwasabiggambleweweretaking,butwedidnothaveanychoice.

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11Traitor
Bhadra
Tearssproutedinmyeyes.IcriedlikeababybythetimeIreachedmycamp.Theydidnotbelieveme.
Worse,theycalledmeaspy.ThetwoguardswhowereoneithersideofmeuntilIreachedmycamp,provedit.
Iwassurprisedtofindmycampmateshadmovedout.
Iwasimprisoned.Theguardswerequitenicetome
tooniceforcomfort.Icriedforalongtime.Iweptformywifeanddaughter,formycountryandrace.Imoanedforthegroupofpeoplewhohadfollowedmymaster,trustinghim
withtheirlives.IcriedforthefactthatIwasnolongerhuman,butavampirethirstingforthebloodoftheDevas.Iwailedforthedarkdepthsmysoulhadfalleninto.
Ihadtogetoutofthisplace.MyKingneededmyservicebuthedidnotknowthat.Icouldnotbekeptchainedlikeanolddogwhilemycountrypreparedforwar.Ihadtoreach
Lanka.Ipeeredoutside.Itwasadarkandsilentnight.Somewhere,deepinsidetheforest,anowllhooted.Wasitadarkomen,aharbingerofthingstocome?Itchilledmyspine.
Thetwoguardswerechatting.Therewereguardsontheperipheryofthecampaswell.Theroarofthewaterfallwasloudbutitwasjustabackgroundsoundwhichwegotused
to.Ihadtotakeadvantageofit.IfIcouldreachthestream,Icouldfollowitdownbyclimbingtherocksonthesidesofthefall.ItwouldbeslipperyanddangerousbutIwassureI
coulddoit.IhadclimbedsuchrockswhenIwasyounger,togatherhoney.Ofcourse,Iwasfitterthen.
Butnow,myneedwasgreater.Soitbalancedout,atleastIhopedso.OnceIreachedtheriver,Icoulduseacanoeoratreetrunkandflowdownstream.Theswiftflowwouldtake
metothesea.BydaybreakIdhavetoleavetheriverandfollowitscourseupland.IcouldonceagaincatchupwiththeriverbyhitchhikingtoMuzurisandthentakingoneofthe
riceboatsgoingtotheport.
ButIhadtoactfast.
Imadeaholeinthetentwithasmallkitchenknife.
Iwantedtotakemyswordbutitwastooheavy.Bowsandarrowswereoutofthequestion.Iwasnotsureifsomecrocodileswouldtakeafancytomyplumpbody.
Buttherewerenocrocodilesfoundnearthefall.Theswiftcurrentandlackoffishkeptthemaway.Igotoutandlookedaround.Myheartmissedabeat.Therewasonlyone
guard.Wherewastheotherone?Thetall,lankyfellowwiththedirtykurta?Ididnotwanttofighthim.Itwouldwaketheothers.Besides,IwasnotsureifIcouldwinthefight.Then
Isawhimunderatree,whistlingwhilehepeed.Hisbackwastowardsmebuthewouldturnoncehehadfinishedhisbusiness.Iprayedthathehaddrunkalotofwaterortoddy.I
ran.
Therustlingofdryleaveswerelikethunderclapstomyears.OnceIreachedthewoods,Ilookedback.Theguardwasstandingerect,holdinghisspear,readytothrowit.Hehad
heardsomething.Theotherguardhadcomeandlitatorch.Icouldseebothguardsintheghostlytorchlight.Theseguardswerealert.OnewrongmoveandIwoulddanglelikea
boarontheirspear.
Then,IsawtheshorterguardgapingattheholeIhadmade.Run!Everynerveinmybodybecametaut.Ittookafewsecondsfortheguardtocomprehendwhathadhappened.
Thenhebegantoshout.Hisvoicewasagitatedandterrorgrippedme.Lotsoftorcheswerelit.
AsmalldrizzlehadstartedandIheardachangeinthesoundofthewater.Theflowhadincreased.Thewaterfallwasmorefuriousnowanditssounddrownedwhatthesoldiers
weresaying.ThenIsawthekingcomingoutof~nkaeincrhiscamp.Hehadhissworddrawn.ShouldIrushtohimandsaythatIwashisservantandfriend?Iwastemptedtodo
so.Thetensionwaskillingme.Isawhisfaceintheflickeringlightofthetorches.Iwasnotsosureanymore.Itwasacruelface,notatallkind,asIhadimagined.Helookedlikea
manpossessedbythedevil.Thewindhadgrownstrongernowandwashowlingthroughthetrees.Hisdarkcurlyhairflewlikethemaneofagallopinghorse.
Helookedlikeademonking.Iwasafraidofhim.Iwasalsoafraidofthesurgingwatersoftheriver.Ofthetwoevilforcesofnature,Ichosetheriver.
Iran,hopingthatthesoundofmyrunningfeetwouldnotbecarriedinthehowlingwind.Anarrowflewinchesabovemyhead.Iknewthattherewasnotimetoclamberdownthe
rocks.Mylifewasatstake.
Ononehanditwassuredeath.Mypeople,whoIwantedtoserve,wereshootingarrowsatme.Ontheotherhand,mybelovedriverPoorna,wasinvitingmewithmillionsof
surging,frothinghands.Iplungedintotheriverwithoutasecondthought.Thefreezingcoldwhenmybodyhitthewaterwasshocking.Icouldnotkeepmyheadup.Therainwas
fallinglikeironpins.Iwascarriedawaylikeadeadleafontheswiftcurrent,sinkinginthewater,comingup,onlytogodownagain.
Then,suddenly,beforeIknewit,Iwasfalling,descendingandplungingintodarkdepths.Therewasaroaring,movingpillarofwhitewaterallaroundwhichkeptmepressed
down,notlettinggoofme.ThePoornastruggledtoswallowme.
WhenIopenedmyeyesIwasfloatingonalog.
Theskyhadclearedandtheroarofthewaterfallwasdistant.IdidnotknowwhenandhowIhadgotholdofthelog.ItwasamiraclethatIhadescaped.Ihadamissiontofulfil
andthatwaswhythePoornachewedmebutdidntswallowmecompletely.Everysinglejointinmybodyhurt.Icheckedmyheadforanyinjuryandfoundthatitwasslimyand
warm.Therewasbloodflowing.Blood!Bloodwouldattractthecrocodiles.Iwasincrocodileterritory.Didtheyhuntatnight?Ididnotknowanddidnotwanttofindouteither.I
neededtogetoutofthewaterbutthecurrentwasswift.Iswamtowardstheshorewithoutlettinggoofthelog.Itwasexhausting.Suddenly,Isawsomethingmovinginthewater.
Hadthecrocodilescomefortheirdinner?Foralatenightsnackofapoor,darkAsura?Iwasnotsureiftheycouldrunandcatchtheirpreyonlandbutdefinitelylandwassafer.
Saferaslongastherewerenoleopards.
IwouldworryaboutleopardsandtigersandsnakesifIreachedland.
Thedarkmovingthingcamecloser.Ikickedhard.
Ihadbutafewfeettogowhensomethinghitmyleg.
Thiswasit.Thiswastheend.AfterescapingtheDevaarmies,theAsuraarrows,andamightywaterfall,Iwasgoingtoendupasalatenightsnackforsomeugly,longnosed
reptile.Iwaitedforthepowerfuljawstosnaponmylegbutnothinghappened.Iwastooterrifiedtolookback.Toofrightenedtoswimandreachtheshore.Ihungontomylogand
waited.Apalemoonmadeitsappearanceinthewetsky.Itcouldhavebeenanhourortwoormaybeevenafewseconds,Idonotknow.ButwhenIlookedback,ithadgone.
Withoutatrace.Iwantedtocrywithjoy.ThenIsawitagain.Itwascaughtinthesmalloverhangingbranchoftree.Itwasnocrocodilewhichhadwaitedundermyfeetbutasmall
canoe!SomeonemusthavefollowedmeandthePoornahadtakencareofhim.AllthistimeIwasworriedaboutcrocodiles,whenIhadmenchasingmeincanoes.Icouldhave
gotthecanoewhenitwasliterallyatmyfeet.
Iswamtowardsthecanoecarefully.Ididntwantripplestomoveit.Ihadalmostcaughtitbeforeastrongwindshookthebranchandsetthecanoefree.Iswamwithallmymight
tocatchitbeforeitcaughtthedrift.
Butitwastooswiftforme.Ithrashedabout,ignoringmypainandtherainwhichhadstartedpoundingmeagain.Fngreeinally,whenIhadalmostgivenup,thecanoegotcaught

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inawhirlpool.Afteralotoftwistsandturns,itmiraculouslyshottowardsme.ItalmostknockedmyheadoffbutIduckedunderwaterandgrabbedholdofitbeforethecanoecould
gopast.Iclamberedupandbalancedinit.ThenexhaustionovercamemeandIcollapsedonmyback.Asthecanoeswirledandbouncedonitswaytowardsthegreatsea,I
slept.

12Thewait
Ravana
Almosttwomonthshadpassedbutnoonehadreturnedexceptthesearchpartieswhoweresupposedtohavehunteddownthespy.Thatnightwehadlostthreemeninthe
swirlingwaters.Thechiefoftheguards,apale,burly,corpulentman,suggestedthattheriverhadswallowedBhadra.Thesearchpartyhadfoundthebodiesoftwoofthethree
guardsamiledownstream,halfeatenbyfishesandjackals.PerhapsthecrocodileshadeatenupBhadraandtheotherguard,whosenamenooneseemedtoknow.Ihopedthe
spywasdead,butitwassomehowdifficulttobelievethat.
Heseemedimmortal.Therewassomethinginhim,somerawpowerthatdefieddeath.Iwasafraidhehadbetrayedourplans.
Theendlesswaitwasfrustrating.Boredomhadsetinamongmysoldiers.Rudrakadrilledthesoldierswithadedicationborderingoncruelty.Bylateeveningtheyweretiredand
sleptlikestones.Itreducedtheliquorinducedfistfightsandslovenlylimericks.Iseparated300menwhoshowedpromiseandselectedthirtycaptains.Imadetheunitsassmall
aspossibleforswiftnessandflexibility.Eachteamhadtenmembers,includingthecaptain.Theyweretrainedtouseswordsandclubsscientifically,freearmscombat,close
combatwithknives,andclimbingwalls.Ialsodesigneduniformsforthem,withpitchblackturbansandblackdhotis.Theyweretotravellightwithasmallironclubandalight
weightsword,aropetiedaroundtheirwaistandadaggerhiddeninsidetherope.Themenwerephysicallyfitevenbeforetheselectionandaftertwomonthsrigoroustraining,
theirdarkbodiesgleamed.
Theyweregoodspecimenstowatch,theepitomeofAsuramanhood.
IhadwantedVajratostaybackbutPrahasthathoughtVajrahadabetterchanceofgettingMahabalitolendusthemoney.Jambumaliwasagoodadministratorbutinthekindof
operationwewereplanning,hiscontributionwouldbelimited.MenlikeJambuwouldbeassetswhenourkingdomhadstabilizedandthenmenlikeVajraorRudrakawould
becomedangerousliabilities.
IgaveJambuchargeoftheweaponkilns.Hehadtoarrangeenoughmetalandgetswordsmithsandironsmithstomakeswordsandarrows.Theactualproductionthough,was
overseenbyRudraka.WediscardedtheheavyironspearsnormallyusedbytheAsuras.Andtheheavy,woodenclubswereexchangedforlighteroneswithcopperthornsjutting
out.Asingleblowfromaheavierclubcouldsplintertheskullbutitwastooclumsyandneededmenofextraordinaryphysicalstrengthtouseiteffectivelyandswiftly.Asmalllight
weightclubwhichcouldbeliftedandswunglikeasword,wouldbemoresuitabletocarryanduseinclosecombat.
RudrakaandIhadsattogetherforhoursunderourBanyantree,discussingnewinnovationsinourarmaments.Iwantedtogetridofthesixfeetbowandheavyironarrows.They
weretoounwieldy.Rudraka,asmanwithvision,wasagainsttheidea.Heagreedthatwecouldreducetheheavyarchersastheforthcomingoperationwouldrequirestealthand
speedandnotrawpower.Buthedidnotwantthemcompletelydiscarded.
Heexplainedthat,inthenotsodistantfuture,whenwehadestablishedakingdomwithfortsforourprotection,archerswithheavybowscouldshardowerarrowsonattackers
andevenpiercetheheadofanelephant.Iagreedwithhimafterheexplainedthelogic.Butfortheforthcomingraid,theywouldremainontheship.
Rudrakawasamanofvision,andhislifewasnotjustdedicatedtowarfare.Hewasmarriedtoarmstechnologyandhadtravelledfarandwideandseenthehugecatapultson
wheelsusedbytheGreeks.Hisattemptstorecreatethesamedesignhadfailed.Butthegeniusofthemanlayinhisinnovations.Hiscatapultcouldnotcarryheavystonesfora
longdistance,sohedecidedtheycouldbeusedtohurloilfilledcoconutshells,looselyheldtogetherwithjackfruitpaste.Whentheshellshitanobject,theoillwouldspillout.
This,followedbyflametippedarrows,wouldensurethateverythingthatstoodinitspathwouldbeengulfedinflamesinamatterofseconds.HealsoredesignedtheNagaastra,
thepoisonarrowsusedbytheNagas,bydrillingatinyholeinthetip,whereasmallamountofpoisoncouldbestored,makingitallthemoredeadly.
ThenRudrakamadearrowslikethoseusedbyVaruna.
Theywerepolesactually,thrownbyamachinefromashipsdeck,whichcouldsinkanothershipwhenitwasstruck.Weweregettingextremelyconfidentaboutourengineering,
butoursupplywasrunningshort.Unlessourenvoysreturnedwithinaweek,wewouldbestuckwithafewthousandarrows,clubsandswordsforabouthalfmytroops.
Rudrakahadcollectedalltheold,rustedweaponsfromthesoldiersandmeltedthemtomakenewarms.
TherewasalotofwastageandthisannoyedJambumali.
TherewerefrequentwarsofwordsandIhadtointervene.ButItrustedRudrakaandheonceagaincameupwithapathbreakingideawhichwasbrilliantinitssimplicity.He
designedbambooarrowswithcoppertips.
Thebambooshaftwasfilledwithpoisonwhichwasthensealedwithapaste.Onimpact,thefilmbrokeandthepoisonpenetratedthevictimsbloodsystem,killinghiminstantly.
Theideawassosimplethatwewerewonderedwhywehadnotuseditearlier.Aboriginesusedbambooarrows,buttheAsurasandtheDevasregardedthemastoys.This
savedusalotofmetal.
Rudrakaalsousedstonesashardtipsforspearsandarrows,whichsavedevenmoremetal.Bythetimehehadfinished,wehadmorethanenoughweapons.
ThenRudrakadecidedtodesignarmourforthefewelephantswehadcapturedandtamed.Hesewedneedlesized,poisonfilledironspikesintotheclothingwhichcoveredthe
elephantsheadandsides.Theelephantsnowresembledhugeporcupines.Ourelephantswouldprovedeadlytoanyenemyelephantcomingnearthem.
Ourarmywasreasonablywelltrained.Theflabbymenwesawbeforehadalmostdisappeared.Thereweresurpriseattackdrillseverydayandanylapsewasdealtwithseverely.
Butwhatwasworrisome,wasthecavalry.Wedidnothaveasinglegoodhorse.
Evenifmydelegatesbroughtbackhorses,wedidnothaveenoughtimetotrainthem.Wehadtoattackimmediatelyafterthemonsoonandtheislandhadtobetakenbeforethe
commencementoftheretreatingmonsoonwhichwouldbreakovertheislandinlessthanamonth.Oncetheretreatingmonsoonsetin,theseawouldbecomeveryroughandI
wasnotsureiftheleasedtradeshipswouldbeabletowithstandthefuryofthewaves.AndonlyGodcouldsaveusifweranintoVarunaandhisfleetofshipsenroute.Hewould
gobbleusupinamatterofhours.Sowewaitedforourshipsandthehorses.Iworriedaboutmydelegation.Butmorethanthat,Iworriedaboutthetraitorwhohadescaped.
IfKuberahasbeenforewarned,wecouldlookforwardtospendingtherestofourlivesgrindingoillforhim.

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13Lankaswelcome
Bhadra
Iwokewiththesunburningmyeyes.MybodyachedandIfeltnauseous.Iraisedmyheadandsquintedattheslowlyflowingwater.Itwasslowlymeanderingaboutpalmfringed
lands.Therewasalotofactivityonbothsidesoftheriver.Icouldseemanybargesandriceboatsplyinginbothdirections.Therewerepaddyfieldswithfarmerstillingthesoil.A
magicalvillagetunefloatedthroughtheair.Inmypreviouslife,Iwouldhavestoppedandenjoyedthescenery.Iwouldhavejumpedintothewaterandswumacrosstheriver.The
toddyherewouldhavebeendelicious.Thegirlsmoreso.IcouldseeseagullsandBrahminykitessoaringinthedistantskiestowardsthewest.Iwasnearingthemouthofthe
river.AtanymomentIwouldseethelighthouseofMuzurisanancientlighttowerwhichhadweatheredthousandsofmonsoonsandledtravellersandshipsfromacrossthe
worldtoherwonderfulcity.
Therivertookaslowrightturnandthereitwas.
TheportcityofMuzuris,thetimelesscity,onceMahabaliscapital,thecentreofartandculture,themostcosmopolitancityintheworld.Greeks,Romans,Syrians,Sumerians,
Mesopotamians,Chinese,Arabs,Jews,Devas,variousAsuratribesandEgyptians,hadtheirownstreetsandplacesofworship.Thereweredifferenttradeguilds.Calico,
peacocks,monkeys,pepper,cardamom,cinnamon,cotton,rice,clothes,gold,horses,preciousstones,silkwereexportedfromhere.Theancientcitywasbuzzingwithactivity.
Ileftthecanoeandjumpedintothewaterwhichwasdelightfullywarm.Iclimbedashoreandwalkedtothenearestinn.Peoplewerestaringatme.Imusthavelookedasight.It
wasanoldshack,smallbutneat,withapalmthatchedroof.Therewereafewpeopleloiteringabout,mostlysailors.Ineededtotakeabathandhaveadoctorseetomywounds.
TheinnkeeperwaskindandIthinkhebelievedthestoryofmyriceboatsinkingintheheavyrain.Itlookedasifthisinnwasfrequentedbypeoplewhohadsurvivedthefuryof
nature.Hegavemeasetofnewclothesandgotadoctorsassistanttodressmywounds.Ipromisedtorepayhimbyworkingforhimforafewdays.
ItwashardworkandIhadtodrawwaterfromadeepwell,hewwoodforfuelandsweepthefloors.Iwasjusthappytobealive.IhadntforgottenwhyIhadleftthecampbutI
neededarest.IthoughtIdbuildcontactsandthenboardashipboundforLanka.AnditwasattheinnthatIfoundIhadatalent.QuitebyaccidentIdiscoveredthatIwasagood
cook.Itwasjustsomethingthathappenedonedaywhenthecookoftheinnvanishedwithoutaword.ThereweremanyguestsandIvolunteeredtocook.Innotime,Ibuilta
reputation.BhadrasFriedFishbecameamustforeveningrevelries.Theysaidmyspicyfishfrywentwellwithtoddy.SoonIstartedgettinginvitationsfromcaptainsofvarious
ships.ButIknewIhadtobepatient.
IwaiteduntilIgotasuitableofferfromoneofKuberasshipboundforLanka.Itwasaroyalpleasureship,ahuge,sturdyvesselthatwasconsideredsafeeveninturbulent
monsoonseas.Itcarriedofficersandtheirwivestothemajorportsoftheworldtoshop.IwasaninstanthitwiththemandbeforeIreachedLanka,Ihademploymentoffersfroma
dozenaristocraticfamilies.
ButIhadtochoosemyemployerwithcare.Iwantedtobeinsidethepalace.Iwas,afterall,aselfappointedspy.Iwantedtocollectasmuchdataandsenditbacktomyking.SoI
slylystruckupafriendshipwithoneofthecooksoftheroyalkitchen.Hewasalean,darkmanofindeterminateageandwantedahelpertocutvegetablesanddressmeatand
fish.Hewassurethathecouldpersuadethechiefcooktoemployme.IthoughtIwouldtakeachancewithhimasthiswouldgetmeintotheinnercirclesofthepalace.Wildplans
hadstartedracinginmymind.
Ilanded"1ouldinLankaaftersixdaysoftravel.
TheshiphadcircumventedthepeninsulaandthenortherntipofLanka,beforeanchoringatthemainport,nearthecapitalofTrikota.IcouldseeKuberasglitteringpalaceatop
theTrikotahills.Isawwatchpostswitharmedguards.Theroyalhighwaystretchedfromtheporttothemaingateontheeasternside,withbeautifulgardensandtreeslining
eitherside.Thewesternandsouthernsidesoftheforthadmanyshantytownswherethecityspoorlivedandworkedinthetradeguilds,thatstretchedmilestothenorth.Public
parksandlakesadornedthebeachinthenorth.Theeasternsidehadinnsforvisitingsailors.Therewerehousesofpleasurewhereprettygirlsofferedwine,toddyandtheir
bodies,tomenwillingtopay.TheroyalguardspatrolledthestreetsonfineArabianhorses.IhadneverseenacitylikeTrikota.Muzuriswasbiggerandbusier,butitlackedthe
charmofTrikota.Muzuriswasacityofintricate,narrowandwindingroads,bustlingwithcommerceandchokingit.Itwascrowdedandcongested,likeacollectionofhugevillage
markets.
Therewerenovisibleexhibitionsofwealthandofcourse,therewerentanyshantytownsontheoutskirtslikeinTrikota.Isensedthatthepoorweredumpedattheoutskirtsof
Trikotatopresentacleanandneatcityinthecommercialpartsoftown.Anyhow,theeffectwasnothingshortofspectacular.AnyvisitorwouldhavebeenimpressedbyTrikotaand
thepalaceatopthehill.
Iwasapprehensiveaboutmywelcomeatthefort.Iwalkedafewpacesbehindmyfriendfromtheship,whenIwasgrippedbysuddenfear.Apalaceguard,astrideatalll,dark
horse,wasstaringatme.Itwasasifhewastryingtorecollectsomething.Itriedhardtorememberhisface.Itwasvaguelyfamiliar,butIcouldnotplacehim.Ididnotwanttolock
eyeswithhim.
Therewassomethingsinisterabouthim.Myfriendwaschatteringincessantlyandoccasionallyturningbacktourgemetohurryasitwasnearingsunsetandthefortgatesclosed
then.
Wereachedthefortgatemannedbyfourarmedguards.Theylookedprofessional,withtautmusclesandlonglimbs.Iwastakenasideandsearchedforanyhiddenweapons.I
almostfaintedwhentheyfoundmykitchenknifeinthefoldsofmydhothiandmademestandaside.MyfriendexplainedthatIwasaprofessionalcookanditwasrequiredformy
profession,buttheyshovedhimoutalongwithhisotherfriends.Isatinonecorneroftheguardroomandwasleftaloneforalongtime.Igatheredthattheywerewaitingfortheir
superiorofficertocomeandthatImightbesubjectedtosomesortofinterrogation.Asthemomentspassed,myfearincreased.Whatwheretheygoingtodo?Iwantedittoget
overwith.ItwasalmostmidnightandIwasnearlydeadwithfear,whenatall,darkmanenteredtheroom.Threeguardsstoodbehindhimreverently.Hewasevidentlytheir
superior.Hewentdirectlytohistable,andputhissealinacoupleofpalmleaves,andthencalledforthemessengerboy.Oncethecourierwasdispatched,heturnedtowards
me.
ItwasthesamemanwhohadbeenstaringatmewhenIwaswalkingbehindmyfriendsfromtheship.
Therewasthetraceofasmileonhisface,whichmadehimlookhideous.Myheartwasinmymouth.Hewalkedtowardsmeandinoneswiftmoment,withoutanywarning,kicked
myface.Iwasthrownbackandlaycoiledthere,expectingmoreblowsandkicks.Iwantedtoscream.Hepickedmeupbymyshouldersandpeeredintomyeyes.Thestenchof
cheaptoddymixedwithhisbadbreathhitme.ItwasworsethanhiskickandIfeltlikevomitinginhisface.HegavemeabackhandedslapandItastedthewarmbloodinmy
mouth.Thenhethrewmedown.Ihaveseenyousomewhere,yousonofaswine.
Irecognizedhimthen.Hewaswiththegangthathadattackedmyvillage.Thiswalla
Ihaveseenyousomewhereelse.Atthatmomentthedooropenedwithablastandacorpulentmanenteredtheroom.Youaregettingoutofcontrol,youbastard.Justbecause
youareaninspectoroftheroyalguardsdoesnotmeanthatyoucanthrashmyservantsaround.Youregoingtopayapriceforit,themanscreamed.

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Ah,mypleasure.VikramaisgratefulthatYourHighness,theKingofthekitchen,hasplacedhisholyfeetinmylowlyoffice.ButwhyisntyourHighnesscopulatingwithahussy
underthekitchenstove?Whydoyouchoosetobehereatthishourisbeyondmycomprehension.
Vikrama,yousonofadrunkenmonkey,youwillpayforthis.Youleavemyservantalone.Else,tomorrowtheKingwillhearaboutitandyouwillbebreakfastforhispettigers.
Takeyourboyfriendandhaveanicetime.Justtakeiteasywhileyouareatit.Idonotwanthimtopunctureyourstinkingarseandwakeuphalfthecitywiththescreaming.The
inspectorpickedmeuplikearagandthrewmeatthefatman.Ifellathisfeetandtriedtogetup.Theinspectorandthefatguystaredateachother.
Finally,thefatmanturnedandIhurriedlyfollowedhim.Icouldfeeltheinspectorseyesboringholesintomyback.Hewillgetme,hellsurelygetmeoneday.
Ishudderedatthethoughtandwalkedfaster,tryingtocatchupwithmysavior,whowalkedsurprisinglyfastforamanofhissize.Hedidnotspeakasingleworduntilweentered
ahugecomplex.Thisisthecentralkitchen.Theentirearmyisfedfromhere.IamSuboga,thechiefcook.Ipersonallysupervisethefoodfortheroyalhousehold.Fortheothers,
thereareabouttwentysupervisorsand300cooksandhelpers.Thentherearethecleaningstaff,serversetc.IwaslookingforsomeonewhoknowsaboutfishandArasu
suggestedItakeyou.Whenhesaidthatyouhadbeendetainedbythatrascal,Icamerushingout.ButdonotthinkIamyourfriendlyuncleandwillbealwaystheretosavethe
blackskinofyourbackside.Icametogetyoubecausesixpeopleontheshipvouchedforyou.YoucanjoinArasusteam.Illtryyououtforafewweekstoseewhetheryouare
goodenoughformykitchen.Yoursleepingquartersareontheleft.
Ithankedhim,relievedtohaveescapedalivefromVikrama.Andthreecoppersaweekwillbeyourpay,heshouted,walkingtowardsthecorridorwhichledtohissleepingroom.
IwantedtogoandfindArasu,myfriendfromtheship,andthankhim.ButitwaslateandIthoughtIddoitinthemorning,soIenteredtheroom.
Thereweresomemattressesspreadonthefloor.Aboutadozenpeoplewereasleepinvariouspostures.Ifoundasmallgapandcrawledinbetween.TomorrowIwouldstart
work.ButnowIjustwantedtoliedownandsleepforahundredyears.

14Betrayed
Ravana
Onebyone,mydelegatesarrived.Themissiontogettheshipshadbeensuccessful.MarichawasalsosuccessfulingettingtheheadoftheschoolofMayans.
Hewassaidtopossessoneofthebestengineeringbrainsinthecountryandhadcomewithtwentyofhisbesttechnicians.Hewasawidowerandhadbroughthisdaughter
along.DidIwantthisunnecessarydistractioninmyalmostallmalecamp?ButIdidnotwantanyfrictionatthisstage.ShewassaidtobeabellaWehadfixedthefifteenthof
Chaitraasthedaytostarttheexpedition.Jambumaliarrangedtofillthelowerdeckwithprovisionstolastafewdays.Heledanumberofsortiestoadesertedbeachsouthof
Muzuris,wheretheshipswereanchoredafewmilesaway.Wecarriedsuppliesfromnearbyvillagesandeventhecitymarket,insmallquantities,inordertodispelanysuspicion
andstoredthesuppliesinatemporarycampinthewoodsnearthebeach.Fromthere,theyweretransportedtotheshipsbynight.Thealteredchamberswerefilledwithsacksof
pepperandinthem,weaponswereconcealed.
About300menwerehiddeninasecretdeckinbetween.
Wewerenowreadytogo.
Thereweremanyproblemsandinitiallyitwaschaotic.Butslowlythingsfellintoplace.Wedecidedtoleavebehindintheforest,afewhundredsoldiersincludingmymother,
aunt,sister,theengineersaswellastheMayanandhisdaughterandproceedtoLanka.
Jambumaliwasalsoleftbehindasitwastoodangerousforhimtogototheisland.Theremighthavebeenpeoplewhowouldhaverecognizedtheformergovernorofthe
province.Therewaseventhechancethatsomeonemightrecognizeanyofusthreebrothers.ButwewerenobodiesinLankaanddecidedtotakethechance.
Asthefifteenthapproached,thetensionandexcitementinthecampbecameunbearable.Allthatwasdiscussedwastheforthcomingbattle,warstrategy,thegloriesofLanka,the
beautifulgirls.nobodywantedtodiscussdefeatanddecimation.NoonewantedtothinkabouttheeventualityofbeingencounteredbyVarunas

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piratefleet.NoonedaredtomentionthepossibilityofBhadra,Kuberasspy,prewarningthemerchantkingandourbeingambushed.Wepushedsuchthoughtsintothedeepest
pitsofourminds.
Bhadra
AmonthhadpassedsinceIhadbecomeKuberasemployee.Therewasnotraceofourships.Themonsoonhadweakenedtwoweeksearlierandtheweatherbecamebalmier
bytheday,justasitshouldfortheonemonthbreakbeforethemonsoonretreated.
EveryTuesdayIdgotothemarkettobuymeatandvegetablesforthekitchen.Iwouldthensneaktothenearbyspicemarketwhichoverlookedtheport,tolookoutfortheships
ortospotafamiliarfaceinthecrowd.
IfeltuneasywheneverIwentonthesesorties.Itwasasifsomeonewasfollowingme.Itwasavaguefeelingbutitpersisted.Ilookedaround,tooksharp,unexpectedturnsinto
narrowmarketalleysandduckedintosmalleateriesandemergedthroughthebackdoorsofshops.ButIcouldnotfindanyone.Ifeltnaked.Iwasafraidofmyownshadow.Ifelt
morosemostofthedayandwantedtogiveupeverythingandgobacktosomeunnamedvillageinmynativeland.Iwouldwakescreaminginthenight.Ikeptseeingthe
splatteredbrainsofmydaughter,thespread,bleedinglegsofmywifeandheavingbarebuttocksofthosedevils.IknewIhadtostayandplotmyrevenge.Vikramasneeredatme
inmynightmares.Hesatcrossleggedandlickedhisfingers,asifatafeast.Hekeptofferingmesomedelicacywhichinvariablyturnedouttobemydaughterssplatteredbrain.At
thosemoments,Iforgotaboutgoingbackandthequietlife.AllIwantedwastoseethetheDevasruined.AllIwantedwasrevenge.
Finally,Isawthemoneday,leadingafewhorses,ladenwithgoods,throughthestreetsofthespicemarket.TheyhadspreadintomanysmallgroupbutIcouldeasilydistinguish
Ravana.Iwashorrified.Hedidnothavethepostureofamerchant.Herodelikeaking.
Alikspicndwhichkingwouldbefoundinamarketplace?Ravana,withhismannerisms,wouldgiveawaythewholeplan.ButIcouldhavebeenwrong.PerhapsRavana
appearedtobeaprosperousmerchanttootherswhowereunawareoftheinvasion.Thesoldiers,disguisedasservants,werealsoabiggiveaway.Theydidnotbehavelike
servantsatall.Theydidnotchatamongthemselves.Theydidnotlingerinfrontofsmallshopssellingseashellnecklacesandglassbanglesorhaggleoverprices.Instead,they
walkedsilently.Theircovercouldbeblownanytime.ThenInoticedthetwoshipsanchoredinthedistance.Theylookedsopunyandsmall.Ihadtogetnearmykingandwarn
him.Butwhatifhedidnottrustme?
So,thisiswhatyoucamefor,eh?IwasstartledtohearVikramasvoice.Hewasstandingbehindmeandchewingabladeofgrass,perfectlydisguisedasapettymerchantwho
mergedwiththesurroundings.Inonehandheheldasmallbrownbaglikethoseusedbypettymerchantsandtheotherwasbehindhisback.Iwassurehehadadaggerinthat
hand.Beforehecoulddoanything,Isteppedonhistoesandgavehimahardpush.Hestaggeredandfellflatonhisback.HewasquicktoscrambleupbutIhadtakenoffby
then.Icouldseethedaggerbladeglisteninginthesun.Thecrowdscreamed.IweavedinandoutofthecrowdasfastasIcouldmove,overturningcartsoffruits,steppingover
vermillionmounds,gettingscreamedat,abused,clawedandevenhit,bythehawkersandsalesboys.Ravanaturnedtowardsme.Confusioncloudedhisface.Then,ashe
recognizedme,Isawpurehatredcrosshishandsomeface.Isawmenmovingandcirclingusfromalldirections.Disguisedguardswereclosinginonus.
Vikramawasthoroughandhehaduslikealemoninhishand.Andhewassqueezingushard.
Getaway!Iscreamedatthetopofmyvoice.IsawtheglitterofaswordinRavanashand.AndthenIsawhundredsofswordsdrawnupinthecrowd.Dustswirledindifferent
cornersofthemarketasRavanasmenstruggledtoescape.IreachedtheKingshorseandcried,Takeme,myLord,takemewithyou.Vikramawasverynear.AtanymomentI
wouldbekilledortakenprisoner.
Ravanaroared,Youtraitor,sonofascoundrel!Gorotinhell!ThekickIreceivedonthebridgeofmynosedidnothurthalfasmuchasthosewords.InearlyfellonVikrama,but
hedodgedmeadroitlyandwentforRavana.Hegotholdofthehorsesreinandtriedtostabtheking.AnotherpowerfulkickfromRavanaleftVikramasprawledonthefloor.Isaw
withreliefthatRavanasmenhadsucceededinbreakingtheranksoftheguards.Thekingwashackingandthrustinghiswayoutofthecrowdandshoutingcommandsfora
retreat.
Soonherodeoutofthemarketatfullgallopwithhisfollowersbehind,someonhorsesandothersrunningtocatchup.Thissmallgroupleftthemarketwithafewguardshalf
heartedlyfollowingthem.Thebloodfrommybrokennosehadformedapool.Itriedtostandupbutgotasharpkickonmyface.Vikramawasredwithanger.Hekickedmehard,
againandagain.IwantedtogetupandfleebutVikramaskickslandedlikerain.Ihadalmostlostconsciousnesswhensomeonehalflifted,halfdraggedmetowardsthepalace.
IwasbleedingalloverbythetimeIreachedthesmallcellofVikramasoffice.Therehestartedhisactalloveragain.IwishedI

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haddiedbeforeIhadgottohisjail.
Ravana
Ruined.Ruined,becauseofabastard.Monthsofplanning,strugglingforarmsandsupplies,trainingandlivingunderthesunandrain.Everythingruinedbecauseourgoodfor
nothingguardscouldnotgettheirhandsonthatshort,stoutfarmer.Icouldgrindhimwithmybarehands.ButIknewthiskindofangerandfrustrationwourusourldonlymakeour
livesmoremiserable.
PrahasthawasasleepunderatreeandSumaliandRudrakawerediscussingsomethingafterdrawingmapsinthesand.KumbhaandVibhishanahadvanishedintothewoods.
Thewarwaslostevenbeforeasingleencounterwiththeenemy.IwantedtotakeLankaheadonandgodowninatrailofglory.IwantedtoleadmysoldierstoKuberaspalace
anddievaliantly.ButPrahasthathoughtitwassuicidal.Amoreefficientwaytodie,hethought,wouldbetojumpoffthecliffonwhichwewerenowperched.Thatwaywewould
notbringmiserytothecivilians.Sowewerestuckinthishellhole.WewereontopoftheSubelahills,overlookingtheseaononesideandKuberaspalaceontheother.Inthe
valleybetween,Kuberasarmywaitedforus.Wewerebesieged.Theycouldcomeupandfinishedusoffatanytime.Theywerecertainwewouldstarvetodeath.TheSubela
Hillswerebareandthewoodshadlittlegame.Itwouldnotsupport300peopleforlong.Wesawourship,modifiedbytheMayans,theshiptogloryandtherebirthoftheAsura
kingdom,sunklikealeafboatbyKuberasnavy.Allourspareweaponsfoundagoodstorageplaceatthebottomof200feetofwater.
OnlyMarichatookthingslightly.Theoldmanwasalwayscheerful.Hedevisedgamestoamusethesoldiersandtoldthemstoriesofoldentimes,whenthingswerenotmodern
andcomplicated,whenthoughtswerepureandmenhadthetimetoenjoylifeandtheworldwasabetterplacetolivein.Huddledaroundafire,weimaginedourselveslivingin
thoseunhurriedtimeswhenourforefatherslivedandbreathedfreshair.Healwaysendedhistaleslamentinghowthingsnowwerewhenyoungmennolongerrespectedelders,
peoplecheatedandliedallthetimeandhurriedthroughlife.Buthemaintainedthatthingswouldbebetterinthefuture.
Maricha,youresuchanoptimistichumanbeing,suchawonderfulman.Whatwouldwehavedonewithoutyou?
Theretreatingmonsoonstarted.Weweresoaked,sickandfrustratedtobealive.Halfthesoldiersweredownwithfeverandwewerestarving.Iwaitedunderthedarksky,with
monsooncloudsswirlingaboveme.
Clapsofthunderresounded.IhadfoughtwithPrahasthaagainandagainaboutstayinghereanddyinglikeflies.
Hewasadamantthatweremainwherewewere.WedwalkintoKuberastrapifwemoved.Icouldsenserevoltwithintheranksandseethattheirconfidenceinmehadebbed
considerably.Therewerenocriesof,
LonglivetheKing!wheneverImovedabout.Fewermenattendedthemorningparadeanddrill.IhadthenaggingdoubtthatPrahasthawascountingonarebellionintheranks
totakeoverasleader.IspokeaboutitwithKumbha.HethoughtitwasmyimaginationbutpromisedtokeepaneyeonPrahastha.Iwaitedfordeliveranceandhopedforalotto
happen.ThatVarunawouldattacktheislandandofferusarespectablepathforretreat.Ihopedtheseawouldswallowtheisland.IhopedKuberawouldbekilledinapalace
coupandthenI,hishalfbrother,wouldbeinvitedtoruletheisland.Iknewnoneofthesethingswouldeverhappen.Whatwassurewasthevulturescirclinghighinthesky,
waitingforustofallanddieonebyone.
Thenoneday,unexpectedly,mywishescametrue.

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15Poisonousbrews
Bhadra
IwassurprisedthatIwasstillalive.Theyhadpluckedthenailsfromallmyfingersandtoes.Theyscaldedme,pokedmewithspikedrods,sprinkledpepperpowderonmyflayed
skin,hungmeupsidedownandlashedme.Ilostcountofwhatwasdonetome.Mywoundsbecameinfectedandfliescircledtosettleonthem.Iretchedandcurledupnakedon
themudfloor.
Fleasandantscameoutofmotherearthtoeatmearusoudonetolive.Vikramacameonceinawhileandpokedmewithhisswordtip,sometimesthrustingitabittoodeep,all
thewhiletauntingme.Thenhelaughedhisdevilishlaugh.Ilaywithoutathought.Ibecamenumb.
Itmighthavebeentwoweeksortwoyears.IdidnotknowandIdidnotcare.Ijustwantedtodie.
Thenoneday,suddenly,Idecidedtolive.Vikramahadeithergrownboredwithmeorwastoobusy.Ididntseehimtoooften.Theguardsfeltsorryformeandbroughtadoctorto
mycell.Heinflictedevenmorepainwhileexaminingmywounds.Butafterawhilemywoundshealedandmybodygotstronger.AguardnamedSuka,becamerathercloseto
me.Duringhisworkshift,whichwasusuallymidnight,hetalkedabouthisvillageonthesoutherncoastoftheisland,hiswifeandsixyoungchildren,waitingforhimtocome
back,andthedebtshehadpay.IlistenedbecauseIwantedtoescape.IheardhimpatientlybecauseIwantedhimtotrustme.IfeignedattentionasIwassurethatIwould
murderhimoneday.Henursedme,soothedmybruisedsoul,andentertainedmewithhisstories.IwasafraidthatIwouldstartlovinghim,soonenight,whenhewastalkingto
me,Ifeignedweaknessandleanedonhim.Hecarriedmeandputmedownonthetornmattressthatwasmybed.Fromthecornerofmyeye,Isawtheprisondoorwasajar.This
wasthechanceIhadbeenwaitingfor.Istrangledhim.IstillrememberhisfacewhenheunderstoodthatIwaskillinghim.Hisface,withitstrustinhumanitydrainingawayasfast
ashislifeebbed,willremainetchedinmymind.
Iplacedhimonthemattressandsaidasilentprayerforhissoul.Foramoment,thethoughtofhisfacelessandtiredwifewithhersixchildren,waitinginafarawaysouthern
villageforthisman,flashedthroughmymind.ItlingeredforasecondortwobutthenIrememberedthattherewereotherguardsoutside.Itwasnotsafetolinger,Ihadtogetout.I
peeredout.Itwaspastmidnight,tojudgebytheabsenceofsoundsfromthestreetbeyond.Oneguarddozednearthedoor,twootherschattedbythewalllampwhichcasta
ghostlylightontheirfaces.Thelampflickeredinthebreezeandmadetheshadowsjumpinamacabredance.Ifrozenearthedoorandthankedmystarsthattheyhaddetained
meinthetemporaryprisonattachedtotheguardhouseandnotinthenotorioustownprisonwithitshighwallsandthemoatwithmarshcrocodiles.Itwouldhavebeenquitea
taskforVikramatowalkeverydaytothetownprisontotortureme.Hereinhisoffice,hecouldtorturemewheneverhewantedto.Thereweretwoothercells.Iprayedtheywould
beeitheremptyortheprisonersfastasleep.Thesleepingguardstirred,murmuredsomethingandwentbacktosleep.Icreptonallfourstowardshim.Iwantedhisswordwhich
hungbehindhisstonedesk.ThewalllampwentoutandIheardtheguardsnearthedoorswear.Thesleepingguardawokeandlookedforhissword.Iquicklygrabbeditfrom
thehingeandunsheathedit.Itriedtosqueezethroughthenarrowgapbetweenthetableandthewallbutcollidedwithaguard.
Takecare,youfool!hesaid.ThenIsawhimfreezeandheardthescrapeofhisswordbeingunsheathed.IwassurehewouldnotuseitbutIdidnotwait.Iplungedmysword
intowhatIthoughtwashisthroatandfeltwarmbloodsplashonmyface.Ipushedhisweakeningbodydownandrantowardsthegreyrectangleoflightfilteringinfromthestreet.
Icouldheartheguardsstumblingovereachother.Anymomenttheywouldringthehugebellandthecitywouldbecomeonehugebeasthuntingmedown.Mountedpatrolmen
wouldassembleattheguardhouseandVikramawouldarrive.Ilookedtoleftandright,decidingwhichwaytorun.ThesharppealingofthebellendedmyindecisionandIran
left,towardsthepalace.
Iranlikeamaddog.IttookmeafewminutestorealizethatIwasrunningthroughtheroyalhighway.
IyalghtcouldcomefacetofacewiththemountedguardsatanytimeandIcouldhearthesoundofhoofs.
AbruptlyIturnedrightandenteredanalley.Itwasdarkandthestreetlampshadgoneout.Arectangularwindowoflightmadepatternsonthefarthestcornerofthealley.AsI
walkedtowardsitIcouldhearconversation.Awomanwasarguingwithamanwhowasobviouslydrunk.Iwasnervousandneededaplacetohide.Thedoorsuddenlybanged
openandIquicklysteppedbackintothedarkshadows.Abulkymaninhisundergarmentswaspushedout.Hestumbledafewpaces,hitalamppostandfellfacedownintoa
gutter.Astreamofabusefollowedhim.Themandidnotstiratall.Thiswassurelynothishome.Nodecentladywouldswearlikethat.Itcouldhavebeenoneofthosedance
housesorahouseofpleasure.BeforeshecouldslamthedoorIsteppedoutofthedarknessandputmyfootinthedoor.
Shewasshockedforasecond.Inoticedthatshewasabouteighteenortwenty,withhazelbrowneyesandstraightjetblackhair.ShewasfairlikeaDevawomanoracross
breed.Shehadonasilkblousethatbarelycoveredherbreastsandasilkdhothituckedinchesbelowhernaval.Adiamondonathingoldchainlaywedgedinhercleavage.I
enteredthehousebeforeshecouldscreamandclosedthedoorfirmlywithmylefthandwhilepointingmyswordatherthroat.Iknewtherewouldbeguardsinthehouse.Such
placesneededthemandtheyweremorebrutalthanthepalaceguards.
Takemetoyourroom,Isaid,awarethatmymanhoodhadstartedrisingonseeinghersensualbody.
Asmileplayedonherlips.Shelookedatmyface.Ifeltinadequateandugly.Shesettledhereyesonmycrotch.
Restrainedandlongforgottenemotionstriedtobreakthroughtheshackles.SheburstoutlaughingandIfeltlikethrowingtheswordawayandcoveringmyshamewithboth
hands.
AloudknockonthedoorbrokethespellandIgrabbedtheknotofherdhothiandpulledhertowardsme.Iwhispereddeathintoherearsandsheunderstood.
Herbreastsbrushedagainstmybareskin.Shepushedmeawayfirmlyyetgentlyandsaidthatshewouldtakecareofthings.Freeingher,Imovedbehindthethickcurtainswhile
sheopenedthedoor.Therewereguardsoutside.Iheardthembutcouldnotmakeoutwhatwassaid.Iwassureshehadbetrayedmeandatanymomenttheguardswouldenter
anddragmebacktoprison.Iwaitedforthefirstguardtoenterandfeltthesharpedgeofmysword.Idecidednottogodownwithoutafight.
IwouldnotbegiftedbacktoVikrama.Butwithastonishmentandrelief,Iheardthestepsmovingaway.
Shecameinandclosedthedoor.
Comeout,youcowardshetauntedandthenburstoutlaughing.Ifeltlikegrabbingherandkissinghermouth.Ifeltlikeplungingmyswordbetweenherbreastsandpuncturing
herheart.IfeltsomanythingsasIstoodtherewithmyswordhanginglimplyinmyrighthand,mylefthandtwistingthedrapesofthecurtainsandmylegsshiveringandunsteady.
Followme,shesaidandwalkedconfidentlytowardsaflightofwoodenstairs.Ifollowedherlikeanobedientdog.
Iawokeinthemorningtoseehersittinginachairnearmybed.Itriedtoreachfortheswordbutitwasntinitsplace.Shesmiledandsaidthatshehaditinsafecustody.Shewas
wearingapaleblueblouseandawhitecottondhothi,whichmadeherlookevenmorebeautiful.Thediamondwasmissingshehadtakenbathandappliedasmallsandal
pastebinditoherforehead.Irememberedthatlastnightshehadledmetothisroomandclosedthedoorfromoutside.Ihadsleptwithfrustratedimagesstr>ofhavingsexwith
herandnotrisingtoherexpectations,ofVikramacuttingmyballsoffandofferingthemtothiswoman.IwasnotsurewhetherIwasaprisonerorarefugee.
So,letmehearyourstory.Herlovelymouthwasinvitingenoughformetonarratemylifestory.Itoldheraboutmychildhood,ofthegamesIplayed,aboutthefastcurrentsofthe

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Poorna,ofthehugerosewoodtreesIclimbedtogethoney.Itoldhermystoryoverbreakfast,overfruitsandnutswehadtogether,overlunch,whilewalkinginthesmallgardenin
herbackyard,beforewemadelove,whenwemadelove,andafterwemadelove.Itookmorethanaweektonarratemystory.
AsIspoke,mychildhoodbecamepictureperfect,myvillagebecameheaven,theDevaswhohadattackeditbecametheworstkindofdevils.Myadventuresbecamebolder,my
rolewithMahabalisarmyimportant,mypositionwithRavanahigh,myculinaryskillsperfect.
AndmytormentunderVikramaunbearable.IexaggeratedandsherealizedIwasexaggerating,addingfrillstothehumblelifeofacommonfarmer.Iknewsheunderstoodand
somehowitdidnotmatter.
Shewasadancegirl.Shedidnotknowhername.
PeoplecalledherMalaandshecalledherselfthesame.
Shesoldherbodyandearnedagoodliving.Butittookalongtimeandpracticeforhertoestablishherreputation.
Shehadnoremorseandsaidthisunabashedly,assomeonewhosayssheisagooddanceroradoctororanactor.Herclientswererichmerchantsandhighofficialsandshe
livedalonewithnoguardsoraprotectingmadam.ShetoldmethatVikramawasaregularandthathewaslousyinbed.Somehowthisgavemeaperversesatisfaction.Ifellin
lovewithher.SheservedherclientsandIwaitedinmyupperchamberforhertocometome.Iwasjealousattimes,butthankfulalsotogetherback.Slowly,Itoldheraboutmy
lifesmission.Shewasdisinterestedatfirst,butaftertwoweeksofmyconversation,shestartedtakingsomeinterest.ThenshecaughtmyenthusiasmandItaughtherhatred.She
gavemeloveandIgaveherhatredinstead.Iwantedhertobeonmyside.Iplottedwithher.Icorruptedherbygivinghermylovewhichwasnothingbutpurehatredtowards
anyonenotlikeme.
Oneevening,shecametomyroomandsaidthatVikramawasherclientforthenight.Iburntwithjealousybutitwastimeforustoputourplanintoaction.Ihidbehindthethick
curtainsandwaitedwithtrepidation.IsawVikramaentertheroom.Malastoodupandwalkedtowardshimandplantedakissonhislips.Iburnedhiddenbehindthecurtains.He
walkedtothetallbedandremovedhisgoldbrocadefootwearandtuckedhisfeetup.Malastoodafewfeetawayandremovedherblouse.ShefellonVikramaandwithher
breastsrubbinghisbarechest,tiedbothhishandstothebedpolewithashawl.Thensheremovedhisdressandherstoo.Shestoodtherenaked,elegantandbeautiful.
Vikramawaslyingprone,histoughmuscledpalebodytwistinginanticipation.Shetookoffherdhothiandtiedhislegstoo.
IwalkedoutslowlytoVikrama.Malawithdrewandpickedupherclothesandstartedputtingthemon.Thenshelefttheroominahurry.Whatthehell...Vikramasfaceflushed
withangerandthenitdawnedonhim.Iwasdeathcoming.Hefroze.Iputonmybestsmileandwalkeddeliberatelytowardshim,measuringeachstep.Hestruggledtogetupbut
Malahadtiedhimniceandtight.Ipulledouthisnailsonebyone.Withtheclinicalprecisionofagoodbutcher,Idepositedtheninaplateafteremptyingthemangoesit
contained,ontothefloor.Hescreamedandscreamed.Itoldhimhedidnthavetoworry,hewouldnotdieforanotherfourorfivehoursandIwouldcontinuetoworkonhimtill
then,orevenafterhedied.Ibrokehisbones,emasculatedhimandthenItookpepperpowderandspreaddereforanitoverhiswounds.Hescreamedandscreamedbuthedid
notdie.Finally,abouttwohoursbeforedaybreak,hedied.
Iwasnothappyorsatisfied,itwasnotenough,butIhadlearntthehardwaythatlifedoesnotsatisfyyoucompletely.SoIstoppedandpickedupVikrama.Idroppedallthepieces
intoasackandcalledoutforMala.Sheenteredtheroom,sawthemessandvomitedonthesack.Serveshimright,Ithought.Carrythevomitofawhoreonyourheadtoyour
grave,youdevil.Ittookhalfanhourtoconsoleher,butIthinkshewashappytoseemeglowwithhappiness.
Wecarriedthesacktothebackgardenandburntitwithsugar,whichwouldnotleaveanytraceofthebody.Wehopednoonewouldnoticetheacridsmelloffleshburning.Iwent
outandkilledtwostraydogsandputtheminalongwiththeburningcorpse.Thatwouldputoffanynosyneighbour.ThusendedVikrama,chiefofthepalaceguards.
IhadmanagedtotakethekeysfromhispocketandIwantedtogetintothefort.Ihadtodoitbeforethechiefwasmissed.AsIwalkedtowardsthefort.Icouldseethelitpalacein
thedistance.Iwasstillawantedmananditwasdangeroustomoveabout,butIdidnothaveachoice.TherewasaseparateentrancetothefortforsecurityofficersandIdecided
touseit.IwasdressedinVikramasclothes,whichwereabittoobigforme.ItriedtowalklikeamanusedtoauthoritybutwasnotsureifIcouldfooltheguards.Iwastootamefor
aguard.AsInearedthepalaceIsawtwoguardsstationednearthesecurityentrancebutIwalkedpastthemwithanairofauthorityandtheysnappedtoattention.Theywere
lookingatthedistanthorizon,wheretheskywasturningorange.Icouldhearmyheartpoundingandwasafraidtheguardswouldhearitandlookatmyface.Myhandstrembled
asIturnedthekey.Nothinghappened.
Beadsofsweatfellfrommybrows.Dawnwaspaintingtheeasternskiespale.
Letme,Sir.Thetalleroftheguardstookthekeysfrommyhands,puttherightoneinandturned.Withaclank,thedooropenedandIsteppedin,thankedtheguardandquickly
closedthedoorbehindme.IcheckedthesmallmudvesselIcarriedwithme.Ithadtakenmemorethantendaystopreparethething.Iremovedthechiefsuniform,madea
bundleandshoveditunderabush.Then,dressedinmyownclothes,Iwalkedintotheroyalkitchen,whereIhadworkedearlier.Abouttwentycookswerebusypreparingfoodfor
thearmy.Ihopedtheyhadnotheardaboutmyarrestanddetention.
PerhapsSubogamighthaveknown,asVikramawouldhavenotletgoanopportunitytogetevenwiththefatcook.Butthechefsegowouldhavepreventedhimfromtellinghis
subordinates.
HeyBhadra,wherewereyou?Subogasaidyouhadgonetoyournativevillageonthemainland.Youvejustreturned?Kriman,aloudmouthedfishcutter,shoutedfromthe
otherendofthekitchen.Allheadsturnedtowardsmeandmanysmiled.Icouldnotseemyfriendwhohadgotmethejobhere.
IfyouarelookingforArasu,hewassacked.Ithinksomecaptaincomplainedabouthiscookingandhewassentbacktothemainland.Thesebeggarsinthearmythinktheyare
Gods.Ifeltaknotinmystomach.
SoArasugotthebootforhelpingme.Thebastards!IcouldnotblameSuboga.Itwashisheadhehadtotakecareoffirst.YouhavetofirstgoandmeetSubogaorhewillget
angryoldMuprasaidIsthathisinstruction?IaskedknowingalltoowellthatSubogadidntthinkIdbebackatall.
No...
ThenIwilljoinyounowandseehimlater,afterwehaveservedbreakfast.
Ienter="size=edthevegetablechoppingsectionandstartedworking.AfterIhadmovedclosetothestovetopassonthechoppedvegetablesforthethirdtime,Itookoutthe
mudpotandemptiedthecontentsintotheboilingrice.Thesoldierspreferdifferentcurries,buteveryoneaterice.Iwascountingonthat.Iwaitedwithbatedbreath.Bullockcart
afterbullockcartsarrivedandcarriedbasketsfullofriceanddifferentcurriestothevarioussectionsofthearmy.Boatswouldcarrythemtotheshipsmooredatsea,iftheywere
stationednearthecapital.Anumberofthingscouldgowrong.Asmallbitcouldspillontotheground,acrowcouldeatitandfalldead,andmysecretwouldbeblown.Or,afew
soldierscoulddieorfallsickandthearmywouldstopeatingthefoodandstartanenquiry.Iwouldbecaught.Iprayedandfrettedatthesametime.
YetIsmiledasIcontinuedtoworkinsidethesteamingkitchen.

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Afteranhour,Iheardacommotionoutside.Theywerebringinginsoldiersuponsoldiers,menretching,andmeninthepangsofdeath,mentwitchinginagony.
Bullockcartsandhorsedrawncartswerebringingmenfromallcornersofthecityanddumpingtheminthepalacegroundsforthepalacedoctorstoexamine.Iranout.Nobody
noticed.Iwantedtoreachmymaster.IwantedmyKing,Ravana,tocomeandtakeoverthecity.Iranamidstfallingsoldiersvomiting,withtheirheadsburiedindrains,men
grabbingtheirstomach,twistingintheirdeathpangs.Igrabbedthereignsofahorsefromasoldierwhowasclingingwithonehandtothehorseandvomitingontheotherside.I
kickedhim,mountedthehorse,andgallopedtowardstheSubelahills.Ordinarycitizensstartedtoassembleonthestreets,peeringatthedyingsoldiers.Acountrywasbeing
releasedfromthetyrannyofamerchantking.
Igallopedthroughthepouringcrowds,runningtowatchtheirtormentorsdying.AsIclimbedtheSubelahills,Irememberedtotearoffaportionofmywhitemunduandtieittoa
staff.Ididnotwanttodieinfriendlyfire.AsInearedthecamp,Icouldseearchersformingacirclearoundtheirking.Theywerereadytoshootandaslightmovementofthekings
browwouldhaveensuredthatIendeduplookinglikeaporcupine.Isloweddownandwavedmywhiteflag.Tearswelledinmyeyes.Mywordsseemedstuckinmythroat,Your
Highness,thecityisyours.IhavefinishedKuberasarmy...
Arresthim.Hisvoiceshatteredmyheart.Imagesofmynailsbeingpulledout,filledmymind.MybodyachedinalltheplaceswhereVikramahadperformedhisart.Ifellonmy
kneesandhowledlikeawoundedwolf.
SoldiersfromthesideIhadalwaysbelievedtobemyown,surroundedme,readytokill.
Ravana,justhearhimout.Icouldseetheold,aristocraticfigureofPrahasthawalkingtowardsus.
Marichaalsocame,pushingthesoldiersback,andliftedmeup.Hehuggedmeandpattedmyback.IsobbedlikealittlebabyandIcouldfeelMarichastearswettingthebare
skinonmyback.

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16Thepiratesseige
Ravana
ItooksometimetorealizethatBhadrawasnotatraitorbutafriend.HewasthesaviourIhadbeenwaitingfor.Withrenewedvigour,weclambereddownthehillsandmarched
withasmuchdignityanarmyofstarvingtroopscouldmuster.AsweenteredtheRoyalStreet,wecouldseethousandsofpeoplestandingoneitherside,cheeringus.Iwas
elated.ThiswasthemomentoftriumphIhadanticipated.Unknownamountsofwealthawaitedme.Icouldbuildanarmywiththegreatresourcesthiskingdomposs="sn
amoessedandthentakeovertheentiresubcontinent.Moreover,Icouldthrowmyhalfbrotherontothestreets,whichhedeserved,andwithaflickmyhands,throwhimafew
goldcoins.Icouldlookatmyfathersfaceandjeer.Icoulddosomanythings.IwastheKingandtheEmperor.Ravana,theEmperorofLanka,soundedgood.
Ravana,theEmperorofIndia,soundedevenbetter.WasIgettingtooambitious?No,no,Iwasalwaysselfconfident.
CheerseruptedfromallsidesandIraisedmysword.Thecrowdwentmad.Therewerecriesofecstasy.Peopledancedontheroads.Drumsbeatwithfullvigourandpipesand
hornsblastedthesky.Iwasindreamland.Then,suddenly,Ifeltbitter.Thisvictorywasempty.Itwasgiftedtomeonaplatterbyanuglyfarmer,acoarse,uneducatedvillager,asly
serpent.Ilookedbackandsawhimcarryingsomethingheavyonhisshoulders.HewasbentoverandMarichawasliftingacorneroftheheavyloadandtalkingtohimasan
equal.
Itastedmudinmymouth.Howcouldhedemeanhimselfbyassociatingwithsuchalowlybeing?Marichahadbeenakingonceandhewasnowtheuncleofaking.True,
Bhadrahelpedustovictory.Butwasitdonetherightway?ItwasagainstalltheprinciplesIhadlearntasachild.Wouldanempirebuiltondeceitandslynesslast?WasIcreating
anempireoftruthanddharma?Doubtslingeredinmymind.IlookedatPrahastha.Helookedserious.Iwasnotsureifitwasbecausehethoughtlikemeorbecausehewanted
myseat.Kumbhawasdancingwithacrowdofdrunken,youngmen,tothetuneofdrumsandwasinfinitelyhappy.Vibhishanawasmorose,butthatwasnothingnew.Others
smiledandactedhappy.
AsIenteredthepalace,theimageofapoorwomanandherfourchildrenstandingbeforethemerchantkingwithabeggingbowl,floodedmymind.Thederisiveglanceandthe
flickofKuberashandsfiredtheflameswithinme.Butterfliesflutteredinmystomach.IsawthecowpenandglancedbackatMaricha.Heglancedatitandthensmiledatme.I
lovedhimjustforthatsmile.
Kumbhawasoblivious,inanadvancedstageofinebriation.IwantedtoseeKuberasfaceashecameouttosurrender.Iwaitedoutsidethepalace,waitingforitsgoldengatesto
openandtheKingtocomeoutandlayhiscrownatmyfeet.Thatwashowtheysurrendered,wasntit?
Wewaitedforalongtime,butnothinghappened.Iwantedtobargeinandtakethepalacebyforce.Atleastthatwouldquenchmyconscience.Then,suddenly,thegatesopened.
Anuneasyhushfelluponthecrowd.Anoldmancameoutandreadfromaparchment.Kubera,theKingandtheGodofriches,therichestKingoftheworld,merchantpar
excellence,wishestoconveyhisregardstohisdearestyoungerbrother,Ravanaandsays,
IwishtotellyouthatIwasalwayswillingtopassthekingdomtoyoumybrother,hadyoueveraskedforit.Iamsadthatyouhaveuseddeceitfulmethods,unworthyofa
noblemanandunworthyofabrother,tosecurethistinyisland.Ifeelgreatsadnessthat,insteadoffightingwithmyarmyasamanandsoldier,youchosetopoisonthem.Iam
ashamedofthefactthatyouuseddeceittogainyourbrothersriches,spurninghardworkandhonestmeans.Youhavefailedbothasasoldierandasabrother.Ileavethe
kingdomtoyou,butIhopetheGodswillforgivemeifIcurseyouthatyourrulealsowillendwithbetrayalandslynessbysomeonesmarterthanyou.
Adieu,mybrotherandrulewellandlongliIjumpedintotheroomandgrabbedtheparchmentfromtheoldmanshands.Whereishe?Ishoutedathim.Hestaredatmyeyes
forafullminuteandthenpointedhisfingertothedistant,bluesea.There,withKuberasgoldenflagathalfmast,Isawahugeshipleavingport.Victorydissolvedinmyisslmin
mind.IwantedtomurderBhadra.Thecrowdhadslowlystartedtodisappear.Ilookedatthatsailingshiptiredly.Ihadmissedthebastard!ThenextdayIwouldbecrownedthe
KingofLanka.Ideclaredapublicfestivaltolastsevendaystomarktheoccasionanddispatchedaboattobringmyfamilyandtheothers.Everyonewasrunningaroundtomake
itagrandoccasion.IsearchedforBhadrabuthewashiddensomewhereinthecrowdmillingaroundasiftheywerecontributingtothearrangements,butwereinfactonly
hinderingtheprogress.
Isatontheverandahonthefirstfloorandwatchedthesunset.Thewesternseawaspurpleandtheshipsinfullsailwerebeautiful.Thebreezewasrefreshing.
Thousandsofbirdsmademusicinthegardenbelow.
Butthereweretoomanyshipsinthesea.Somethingwastroublingme.Something
YourHighness,Varunasfleetisapproachingourshores.Iwasshockedoutofmylazythoughtsbyapantingmessenger,standingafewfeetfrommeandwheezinglikeamad
dog.Thewholepalacestoodstill.
Therewentmycoronation!Iorderedanendtoallcelebrations.OurCouncilmettodiscusstheemergency.
Wedidnothaveanyarmytospeakoff.Kuberahadtakenmostofthenavywithhim.Therestwerepoisoned,manydead,andmanymoreviolentlysick.Sowewereleftwithonly
300oddsoldierstofightthepirateking.Igainedakingdomwithoutanybloodshedandthisbotheredme.IwantedtofightwithVarunaIwantedawarwithsomeone.Ijustcould
notacceptthatIhadbecomeaKingwithoutanyheroics.Akingdomgainedthroughtheleakybowelsofacheatedarmy.
Disgusting!ThevictorywashollowandIwantedtolegitimizeit.CrushingVarunawouldincreasemyprestigeandsetmymindatpeace,oratleastthatwaswhatIhoped.Buta
fightwouldbedisastrous.Varunawouldswallowusandswarmtheislandlikeatidalwave.Itwouldbeliketryingtodamtheseawithourbarehands.
Prahastha,asusual,washisirritatingself.Hespokeallsortsofuncomfortabletruthsandmadeeveryoneuneasy.Ihadstartedtohatethisfellow.Hewasnopompousprudelike
myVibhishana,whosespurtsofmoralpreachingIhadlearnttoignore.Prahasthamadesense.Hislogicwasalwayscrystalclear.Buthebehavedasifhewereathinking
machine,likeMahabalihadwantedmetobe,awalkingbrainwiththenecessaryaccessoriesattachedtokeepitfunctioning.Prahasthaarguedprudence.Hepointedoutthat
therewasntareasonablearmytofightthepirate.IfVarunachosetoleavehisshipsandenterthecity,therewouldbelargescaleplunderandarson,massrapeandbutchery.So
theonlycourseofactionleftwastobuypeace.Surelypeacewouldbecostlybutthecostofwarwouldbemore.Ikeptmymouthshut.Iwantedtosaysomanythingsbutnothing
soundedright.Ididnotwanttogoandfallatthefeetofathirdratepirate.Finally,afteranuneasyconsent,PrahasthawasauthorizedtonegotiatewithVaruna.Iwantedtogowith
himbuthecurtlyrefused.IdidnotlikehisbrusquetoneandremindedhimthatIwastheking.
ItwasforthatveryreasonthatIdonotwantyoutocomewithme,hesaid.IfVarunatookyouhostage,Lankawouldfallintohishands.
IfVarunawantedtotakeLanka,hecouldhavedonesobynow,Icountered.ButVarunawasalongtermthinkerandasteadystreamofrichesyearafteryearasransomwas
moretohistastethanquickplunder.Byagreeingtopayhimransom,wewerefallingforhisgame.
So,whatisthealternative?askedPrahastha.
IdidnothaveananswersoIreluctantlylethimgo.
Hehadtheindulgentsmileofaparentwhohadgotridofastubbornchild.IwasleftfumingwhenthesmallboatcarryingPrahasthaandhistwoaidesleftforthefleetofships

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dottingthedistanthorizon.
Iwasedgyandirritablethroughouttheevening.
There
was
no
feeling
of
accomplishment,nohappinessatthethoughtthatIhadcomethisfarinlife.Iwantedtochangetheworld.Iwantedtomakeitabetterplacetolive.IwasafraidthatIhad
misplacedallthosegiltedgeddreamssomewherealongmyjourneyfromthathutontheedgeofacliff,tothepalaceofTrikota.Tomyhorror,Istartedbehavinglikeanass.I
shoutedatmyservants,threwhotwateronthefaceofapoorwomanservantwhothoughtmyparchedthroatneededitandfetcheditwithoutmyorders,andIslappeda
bodyguardwhowasnotstandinginhisassignedposture.Iwasbehavinglikepetulanttwoyearold.Noonedaredcomplain,noonedaredtocomenear.
Iknewthatmybehaviourwasodd.Ihadnorighttokickaroundpeoplewhohadbeenwillingtodieformeafewhoursbefore.Butstrangelyenough,IenjoyedtheroleIplayed.It
wasgoodtobeaking.Evenifitwasjusttokickpeoplesbutts.Theservantsmightevenexpecttogetthrashed.
ItwasnaturalandwhatKuberausedtodo.
Aservantcametomyroomandbowedbeforeme.
Isawthathiskneesweretremblingandfeltasuddenurgetoseehisheadrollingontheground.Ihadvisionsofseveringhisheadwithagracefulsweepofmyswordandthen
kickinghisheadwithmyleftfoot,beforeittouchedtheground.WithgreatdifficultyIrestrainedmyself.
YourHighness,Mayanseeksaudience.ThelastthingIwantedwasanaudiencewithsomeonewhomade
a
living
counting
numbers
and
taking
measurementswithastick.ButbeforeIcoulddismisstheservant,Mayanwalkedinwithasheepishgrin.Helookedlikeanowl,withasheepinsomeremoteancestralline,but
morelikeanowllthanasheep,Idecided.Theservantwithdrewdiscretely.Mayancameandsatinachairacrossfromme.Helookedaroundthehallwithapproval.Attimes,a
frowncreasedhisforeheadwhenhiseyesmetsomegarishlydesignedceilingcarvingsaddedbythatidiotKubera.Hemadeanoisewithhistongueandthenshookhishead
disapprovingly.Hestartedblabbering,ActuallyRavana,theyshouldnothaveusedlimeontheceiling.Itfadestoyellowwiththesaltyseabreeze.Iftheywereparticular,they
wouldhaveusedcoconutmilkandhoneywhilemixingtheplaster.Ideallytheslatefound...Iwatchedinastonishment,theold,baldmanwaschatteringlikeamonkeyabout
varioustechnicaldetailsofarchitectureandengineering.AndInoticedthathecalledmeRavana.ThelastthingIwantedwasanunsolicitedmastertogivemeacrashcoursein
engineering.Iwantedtogetup,holdhisheaddownbythescruffofhisneckandrubhisnoseontheground.
Instead,IaskedwithallthecivilityIcouldmuster,TowhatdoIowethepleasureofyourvisit?IhopedmytonedidnotbetraymyemotionsandthatIhadsaidtherightthingto
thevenerableoldprofessorandarchitect.
IjustwalkedbyandthoughtIdhaveawordwithyou.FiveminutespassedandIstoodtherewhiletheoldmanmutteredtohimself,jottingdowncertainthings,punctuatedby
exclamationsandcriesofanguishorjoy.
Iimaginedallsortsofthingshappeningtohim,likethehugepillarfallingonhishead,likeVishnuwithamaskofalionjumpingfromhishidingplaceinthepillarlikeMayan
fallingandbreakinghisremainingtwoteeth.
Thenitstruckme.Hewassupposedtobewithmymotherandsisterandthatrigiddaughterofhis,onthemainland.Howhadhereachedhere?Moreimportantly,whereweremy
motherandsister?HadtheyfallenpreytoVaruna?Ifanythinghadhappenedtomymother,IwouldflayVarunaalive,negotiationsandpeacetreatiesnotwithstanding,
irrespectiveofourrelativestrengthsandPrahasthasdiplomacyandhisintricatewebofpoliticking.
Shiva,Shiva,havva,iplomacyeyounottoldhimyet,Mayanbrother?TheknotsinmystomachuntangledasIheardmymothersvoice.Iwasrelievedtoseeherwalkinginwith
heraristocraticbearing.
Whenwasyourmotheranaristocrat,Ravana?Iaskedmyself.ThelasttimeIsawher,shewasapoorwomandressedinshabbyrags.Nowshewasdressedinapurewhite
cottondress.Mysisterbeamedbehindher.
Ialsonoticedtheverystiffladystandingbehindthem,hergazeunwavering,meetingmyeyesandnotflinching.
Ihadyettoattainthesteelyallfreezinggazeofaking.
Keeppracticing,Ravana,someoneinsidememocked.
Shelookedintomyeyesasifassessingme.Mandodari
theengineersdaughter!Stiffasarod,withstraightjacketedmoralsandthoughts,orthatwaswhatSoorpanakhatoldme,yetbeautifullikeastatue.
Whatagentleman,thatVaruna.Itwasanabsolutelydelightfulvoyage,Mothersaidindifferently.
Mayanturnedbackandsaid,Yes,yes,anabsolutelyfascinatingship.Theworkmanshipwassuperb.
Brother,thericketyboatuncleJambumaliarranged,nearlysankinthemiddleofthejourney.ItwasVarunasshipthatrescuedus.Oooooo...itwasafabulousship.shecooed.
SowhereisJambumali?andwhydidyoustartbeforeIcouldsendsomeonetofetchyou?
JambumaliisstillonVarunasship.VarunawasquitehappythatyouhavetakenoverLanka.Theysayheisapirate,butheisamanwithexquisitemannersandheaskedmeto
conveyhisregardstoyouforalongandillustriousreign.
Prahasthahasgonetotalktohim.
Iwillleavepoliticstoyoumen.Son,youareatamarriageableagenow.Somemightsayyouarethemosteligiblebacheloraround.Sohowaboutgettingmarried?
IdontthinkIamreadyforit,mother,Ihaveacountrytorule.Ihavejuststarted,Iprotested.
So...IaskedMayanifhewouldbehappytogivehisdaughter,Mandodari,inmarriagetoyou.Iwasflabbergasted.ThelastthingIwantedwastogetmarriedtoastiffrod.I
lookedatherandtherewasnocoysmile,noshyness.Shemetmygazewithanintensitythatshockedme.Hereyesweredark,sharp,withheavyeyelashes.Shewasbeautifulin
astiffsortofway.Therewasakindofhaughtinessinher.Itwasasifherfatherhadusedachiselandameasuringtapewhilemakingher.
Fortunatelyheagreed,soIhaveaskedtheastrologerstofixthetimefortheauspiciousoccasion.WhendidyousuccumbtothispurelyDevacustomofaskingastrologersfor
everything,mother?Ithinkweshouldgiveyousometimetogetacquaintedwitheachother,soshallweeldersmoveoutintothegarden?Sayingthis,shewentoutwithout
meetingmyeyes.
Mysisterlingeredwithaslysmileonherlips.Iwantedtorunout,jumpthroughthewindowandvanish.
Mandodari,nowwhatkindofanamewasthat?Mayan,youcouldhavedonebetterthanthat.Thereisnopointinmakingengineeringmarvelsifyoudonotknowhowtogivea
nicenametoyourdaughter.Shestoodtherewithoutmoving,hereyesboringintome.Ifeltnaked.Iwasuneasy.Hey,isntitthegirlwhoissupposedtobenervous?Getagrip,
Ravana,youareaKing,albeitthrougharevolutionofindigestion,Iremindedmyself.
Mayanbrother,Ihavesomethingimportanttotalktoyou,mymothercalledoutfromthegarden.AndyouSoorpanakha,goandunpackyourthings.Hurry.
Suizeesore,sure,thegardenlayoutismarvellous,butthewateringsystemsneedsomemodification...IwatchedinhorrorasMayanstumbledoutmumblingsomething.My
sistergavemeanotherofherknowingsmilesandvanishedinafluffofswirlingclothes.Dontgoaway.Stayhereoldman,Ilikeyou,Iloveyou.
WaitandweshalldiscusstheintricaciesofGandharvaarchitectureoraVanaratempledesign.
Stayandletustalk.Whatwasthatyouweresayingabouttheceilingpattern?Dontgoawaystayhereandtalk...
Thisroomhasaniceview.shesaid.Likefatherlikedaughter.
Yes.saidI.AfterthatsheremainedsilentandIsearchedmymindforsomethingtosay,asinglethingtosay.SothisishowyourfamilylifeisgoingtobeRavana?Shewillstare
atthewallandyouwillstareeverywhereelselikeadumbass.ShouldIaskheraboutthethingsshehasstudiedorshouldIaskhertosingasong?Doessheplayan
instrument?Whatifshedeclinestotalkordoesnotanswermyquestions?WhatifIbreakoneofthoseintricatesocialcustomsbyaskingthewrongquestion?Theroomwas
gettingincreasinglystuffyandhumid.ThiswasthewrongwaytogetmarriedIwasconvincedofthatbynow.
Well...er...IlearnedarcheryunderBrahmaandIlovemusic.Myhobbyistofindacureforchildrensailmentsand...Istammeredandstutteredandstopped.
Sheturned,crossedherarmsandlookedatmyeyessteadily.MyfathertoldmeyouaregoingtobemyhusbandandasIamanobedientdaughter,Iagreed.Iknowallthe
VedasoftheDevas,andIhavestudiedDevaandAsurahistory.Ihavealsostudiedengineeringandarchitectureundermyfather.IwritepoetryandIpaint.IlovehuntingandIam
asharpshooter.NooneaskedwhetherIwasreadytomarryawalkingencyclopaedia.ShestoppedandIwaitedtoseewhethertherewasanythingmore.Shemightknow
Chinese,mightevenknowhowtobuildshipsbutwasbeingmodestandnottellingmeeverything.Onthefirstnightshemightsay,Surprise!Iactuallyknowhowtorecitethe
ChandagyoUpanishadbackwards,butkeptitasecretwhenwemetinthatniceroomwithaview.
Butnowthatwearesointimate,Ifeelweshouldhavenosecrets.Asanobedientwife,IwillalsotellyouthatIfeeltheAtharvaVedahasmanytribalandAsuraelementsinit.
Ifeltsmall,uncultured,unaccomplished.IknewIwasagoodwarrior,butsowerethe300soldierstrainedunderRudraka.IwastrainedunderBrahmabutIhadrejectedmostof
thatformaleducation.Iwantedtheinterviewtoend.IwasworriedaboutthetreatyPrahasthawasgoingtosignwiththatpirateandhowweweregoingtocopeaftercoughingup
theprincelyransom.ThenIgotashock.Mandodaristartedsinging.
Itwasamelodioussong,glorifyingtheruleofMahabali,andshesungitverywell.Hervoicewasrichandherrhythmperfect,risingandebbingatthecorrectplaces.
Itwasflawlessbutlackedsoul.Itwastooperfecttohavesoul.Therewasnopassion.Mandodarididnotmeanwhatshewassinging,itwasjustanexercise,mechanical,
emotionless,passionless,butperfectlyrendered.Nomaestrocouldhavefaultedhersingingbutsomewhereitjarred.
Assuddenlyasshehadstarted,Mandodaristoppedsinging.Anuneasysilencecameupbetweenus.Ididnotknowwhattodo.ShouldIcomplimenther?Applaudhersinging?
Patherbackandfeelthesmoothtextureofherskin?Orjustsmile?MaybeIshouldsingasonginreturn?nghatIwasconfusedandstoodtheremiserably,waitingforsomeoneto
appearandrescueme.EarlierIhadbeenirritatedbyalltheidiotspassingbymyroomandcomingtotalktome.NowIdesperatelyprayedforsomeone,evenoldmanMayan,to
comeandgetmeoutofthis.
Soyouhavegotacquainted.NextSundayisyourmarriageandIhavesentmessengerstoinvitethoseofourrelativeswhocanbereached.Therestwewillinformlater.Mother
hadcomeintotheroomandtheengineerwasstandingatthedoorandtuttuttingattheornamentalpillarnearthewindow.Mysisterwasatthedoorway,beamingatherfuture
sisterinlaw.
ButmothIwascutshortbythesuddennoiseofshufflingfeetandtheroomwentquiet.PrahasthaenteredwithJambumaliandMarichawalkedbehind.Iwasannoyedatthe
suddenintrusionintowhatwasessentiallyaprivateaffairbutwasrelievedatthesametime.Seeingmymother,Prahasthabowedwithfoldedhandsandenquiredabouther

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health.Marichawentstraighttomymotherandwithatwinkleinhiseyessaid,Sosister,thematchmakingisover,eh?Andsee,howheisblushing.
Iwantedtostranglehim.PrahasthastaredstraightattheoceanandJambumalisuddenlyfounditconvenienttostartaconversionwithMayan.Mandodaristoodstaringatmewith
anintensitythatmademestutter.
KumbhaandVibhishnacamerunningintotheroomandKumbhahuggedme,histwodaystubblescratchingmyface.Hereekedoftoddy.
Hmm...ifyoudontmind,willyouladiespleaseleaveuspoormentotacklesomeimportantaffairsofstate?
Mysisterwentoutwithapout,andmymothercameandplantedakissonmyforeheadbeforeleavingtheroom.IturnedredasIsawasmiletwitchingatthecornersof
Mandodarismouth.Mayanlingeredasifhewantedtostayandadmirethearchitecture,butMarichatooktheprofessoroutoftheroomwithakindnesswhichonlyhecouldshow.
Wesatthere,thesilencebuilding,andfinallywhenIthoughtPrahasthamightgomadandstartsingingraunchysongs,Marichawalkedin,rollinghiseyesandshakinghishead.
Ifyouranticsareover,Maricha,letsstartdoingsomework,MarichasmiledatPrahasthasattempttogeteven.Itwasatoughbargain.Thepirateisatoughnegotiator.Iknow
youarenotgoingtolikeitbutweneedtimetobuildourstrength.Prahasthapaused.Igrewpale.Ididnotwanttohearwhatthetermswere.Iwasitchingforwar.Butreasontold
methatfoolhardyheroismwouldnottakemeanywhere.ManyAsurasperishedthatwayandnowcometolifeonlyincountryballads.
Andwhathaveyouconceded?Iasked.
Sparetheaccusatorytonesforlater.YouarespeakingtoaCouncilandIwasfullyauthorizedbyyoutonegotiateasIdeemedfit.
Youwindbag!HaveyouforgottenthereisnoCouncilnow?IamtheKingandyouaremyPrimeMinister.IfIaskyouquestions,youanswerthemwithoutshowingoffyour
superioreducation.Iwastremblingwithrageandhaddrawnmysword.Prahasthastoodtherecoolandunflustered,anarmrestingonthehiltofhissword.Itwaslikehewas
baitingme,daringmetomakeamove.
Pleaseletsbecivilwitheachother,Jambumalisaid.Marichawasstaringatme,anuglyscowlcrossinghisotherwise,smilingface.
WhydoIsaythingslikethattoamanoldenoughtobemyfather?Islowlyputtheswordbackandsatdownonmychair.Yourthrone,Ravana,yourthrone,Iremindedmyself.
PrahasthaalsosatdownandwhenhespokeInoticedthatInotypeitalihehadlostthattintofrighteousnesswhichalwaysirritatedme.Twolakhgoldcoins,20,000goldcoins
everythirdmonth,sevenofourbestships,onethirdofourtotalpepperproduce,onefifthofcardamomandcloves,andaquarterofourrevenuefromthecustomswecollectfrom
ourports.TherewastotalsilenceintheroomasPrahasthareadthesignedparchment.IheardMarichaswearunderhisbreathandKumbhashiftedhislegsuneasily.
Whatdowegetinreturnforthesesmallfavours?Ihopedmysarcasmwouldnotprovokeanotherreactionfromtheoldnut.Onlyyoureact,Ravana,onlyyouravelikealunatic.
Prahastha,hesanaristocrat.Iclenchedthearmrestsofmychairsohardthatitwouldhavehurtthem.
Weareinnoposition,YourHighness,todemandanything.Prahasthacontinuedinadry,flatvoice,Heofferedusprotectionfromallforces.Heofferedtopolicetheseasto
makeitsafefrompirates.AderisivelaughterfollowedthisremarkandevenPrahasthasmiledbeforecontinuing.Hewillwithdrawthesiegeassoonashereceivesthetwolakh
goldcoins.
Hehaspromisednottoattackthecity.Thecoinshavetobedeliveredtotheshipshechooses.Hisdelegateswillinspectourwarehousesandgranariestoassessthepresent
produceandassistouraccountantsincomputingtheshare.
Againanuneasysilencefollowed.Everyonecomputedthesettlementintheirminds.Noneofuswassurehowmuchwewouldhavetogive.Wehadnoideahowmuchthestate
treasuryheld,howmuchourwarehousesandgranarieshad,whatthetaxcollectionwas,thetollcollection,oranythingelse.Wewarriorsconsideredsuchthingsbeneathour
notice,bestlefttothoseinferiorcreaturescalledaccountants.Theroom,withtheexceptionofJambumali,didnotcontainanyexperiencedadministrators.Ididnotknowthat
rulingacountrywouldbetougherthancapturingit.IdidnotknowwhyPrahasthaagreedtoallthetermswithouthavinganyideaofwhatwepossessed.
YoumightwonderwhyInegotiatedallthiswithoutactuallyknowinghowmuchwehaveinthefirstplace.Itwastough.IassumedVarunahadspiesinthegovernment,who
wouldhavebeenregularlysupplyinginformationtohimaboutourcountryseconomy,evenduringKuberastime.SoIthoughtthatVarunawouldmakeusanofferwhichwould
bestiffbutmanageable.Inegotiatedfromthere.Prahasthalookedupashesaidthat.
Soyouassumedthepiratewouldbegenerousenoughtogiveusanaffordablesettlement.KumbhawasbaitingPrahastha.
Ithinkthatwasthebestanyonecouldhavedonegiventhecircumstances.Nowletsstartourworkofappeasingthepirate,Jambumaliintervened,beforePrahasthacouldreact,
andIgavehimagratefullookbeforeIstoodupandbroughtthemeetingtoaclose.
Prahasthawalkedtowardsmewithlong,easystrides.Ravana,shouldIarrangeforyourcoronation?
Wouldyouliketocombineitwithyourmarriage?heaskedmeinawhisper.
Andsavesomeexpensesintheprocess?Imanagedtonodmyheadinassent.
YourHighness,wewillsitandstudyourposition.hesaidloudlyandtheconversationstopped.Perhapsyouwouldliketoretireifyoufeeltired,YourHighness.
No,Iwilljoinyou.Gettheofficialswhoareinchargeofthetreasuries.IsaidandsawMarichasmiling.

17ThesilvertonguedI
notage
Bhadra
Iwassittingnearthekitchen,waitingforsomeonetocomeandtakemetomymaster.Thedaypassed,withpeoplemovinginclustersthroughthestreet,busilychatteringwith
eachother,discussingpoliticsandtheirfuture.Iwantedtogoandjointhecrowdandgaininformationaboutthegeneralmoodofthemanonthestreet.ButIwasafraidtomove
lestImissthemessengerwhowouldsurelycometotakemetomymaster.Mymasterwasgoingtocomehimselftomeetme.Hewouldholdmecloseandthankmeforallthat
hadbeendone.IwouldsaythatitwasallShivasdoing.
ThatIwasbutasmallpawninhisgame.Idreamtanddreamtbutnoonecame.Isatthere,sweatpouringdownmyfaceintwochannelsandsoakingmychest.
YetIdarednotmove.Mykinghadalreadyforgottenme.Icouldnotbelieveit.No,hewasbusy,hewaswaitingforhisfamilymemberstodisperseandthenhewouldcallme.But
byeveningIwasnotthatsure.Iwasafraidtogoandshowmyface.WhowasI?Alowlycreature,asmallworm.Ifeltlikespittingonmyself.
Therewasnopointinwaiting.Ifeltbetrayed.Ihadriskedmylife,hadbeentortured,andnowIlayhereforgotten,thrownoutlikeacurryleafafteruse.Itriedtopushthethought
frommymindandwalkedwithoutdirection.IheardthatVarunasfleethadsurroundedtheislandandtherewasgoingtobeawar.Sowhat?Itdidnotconcernme.Lettheprinces
andwarriorsbotheraboutit.WhatIwantedwasadrink.SuddenlyIrememberedMala.Itwaspossibleshewouldbesleepingwithsomeoneelsenow.Ifso,Iwasgoingtodrag
himout,kickingandscreaming,andthrowhimout.
IlostmywayinthelabyrinthofstreetsanditwasquitelatebythetimeIfoundherhouse.Iwasquitedrunkbythattime,havingstoppedatthreetoddyshopsenroute.Amangy
dogwassleepingonthedoormatandIkickeditwithalltheviciousnessandstrengthIcouldmuster.Itvanishedintothenight,howlingwithpainandcursingmeindoggie

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language.Ipoundedthedoorandpeppereditwithastreamofabuse.Bythetimesheopenedthedoor,Ihadalreadyreachedhergreat,grandparentshabitsindetail.Some
headshadpoppedoutfromtheneighbouringhousesandIshoweredthemwithsomechoicevocabulary.
Malaopenedthedoorandpouredapailofwaterovermyhead.Thecoolnessofthewaterstunnedmeandshedraggedmeinsidebymywaistcloth,drippingwet.Bythetimewe
reachedherbed,Iwascryinglikeababyandshewascooingmeaninglesswords.Isleptwithmyheadburiedinthecleavageofherheavingbosom,withherfingerstracing
pathsthroughmyhairandherheartbeatinrhythmwithmysnoring.Later,whenthepalacebellstolledtwiceintheearlymorning,Iwokeandreachedforher.Isleptagain,
fulfilled.Iwokemuchlaterwithahangover.Thestreetwasbusywithvendorsshouting,pushcartszigzaggedbetweenpedestriansandbullockcarts.Throughtheopenwindow,
thesmellofsweetsfromanearbyshoprushedinandIvomited.IwatchedthepuddleformingdesignsontheexpensivesilksheetsofMalasbed.Thenshecame,cursingme,
withapail,awoodenmugandacoirbrush.Amillionneedlesexplodedinmyhead.
Isleptthewholeday,exceptforafewminuteswhenIwasforcefedsomegruel.AboutmidnightIwoketofindMalalyingbesidemenude,sleepinglikeababy.Icaressedherand
slowlysucceededinarousingher.Then,withasuddenforcewhichmadehercryout,Ienteredher.Imagesfloodedmymind.ScenesoftorturebyVikramamixedwiththeroaring
soundofthewaterfallofthePoorna,thetasteofbloodinmymouth,theeyesofRavana,thatthanklessbastard,allmixedtoformacollagewhichwasfrighteningandfascinating
atthesametime.TomyshameIfoundthatmyorganhadshrunkandwaslyinglimplikeadecayingoldbanana.
Malasatup.Mavaandlookedatmewithopencontempt,pityandhorror.Itriedenteringheragain,butsheshovedmeawayandstoodup.Ifeltashamedofmynudity,my
impotence,andranoutoftheroomcoveringmygroin.
Somewhereontheoutskirtsofthecity,alonejackalhowledapainfulcryandIfeltlikejoininghim.
Youimpotent,goodfornothingbastard.Bhadra,youfool!Youwantedtodinewithkingsandchangehistoryyouwantedtogiveupyourlifeforyourraceforthelifeyou
irrevocablylostonthebanksofthePoorna.Thisiswhatisleftofyou,forgottenandcastaway.
Getinside.Hervoicewassoothingasherfingersranthroughmyhair.Istoodupslowly,unashamedofmynakedness,notcaringifanyoneelsesawmeandwalkedlikean
obedientpuppyintoherhome.
ThreedaysafterIenteredherlifeagainlikealostdogfound,shesuggestedwegotothelocalvegetablemarket.Wewalkedtowardsthesea,towardsthesmelloffish,rotting
vegetables,cowdung,sweetsandsnacksfryinginoil.Thesettingsuncolouredhersmoothcheeksabrightorangeandhereyeslaughedwhenshespoke.Asmalldropofsweat
swayedprecariouslyonthetipofhernose.Iwantedtolickitthenandthere.Myeyeswanderedandtouchedhereyes,brow,tresses,smallstraightnose,fullkissablelips,the
cleavagebetweenherroundbreastsandfurtherdown,herexposednavel.IlockedmyhandwithhersandlookedintohersmilingeyesandatthatmomentIknewthatIhad
falleninlove.
Istoodbehindher,holdingthebasketwhileshehaggledwiththehawkers.Lostinmydaydreams,Ididnotregistertheimplicationoftheargumentsandopinionsofthepeoplein
themarket.Aswewalkedback,thehappyandeasyromanticmoodvanishedasshegrumbledabouttheprices.Ifeltirritatedandsnappedathertokeepquiet.Shereactedwith
surprisingferocityandbegancursingmeandeverymanintheworld,Politics,politics,whycantyoumenstopruiningourliveswithpettypolitickingandfights?Itcoststwelve
sovereignsforadozenbananas.Hehasfleecedusbutsaysitllgoupagain.Thenewkinghasimposedfurthertaxesandadditionaltollsonthehighwaywhichaddstothecost.
Damnpoliticians,damntheking.
HushMala,youcannotspeakaboutthekinglikethat.Ifsomeonehears,wecouldgetreported.Afewheadsturnedandstaredatus.Iwasnotamusedandwasafraid.Ididnot
wanttobereportedfortreason.
Youkeepyourmouthshut.Idonotcareforanyking.Theyallarethesame.Whatissofancyaboutthenewone?Deva,Asura,Gandharva,halfcastes,theyareallthesame.
Theyonlyworryabouthowtogluetheirfatassestothethroneandscrewthepeople.Theytalkbig,liketheemancipationoftheAsuras,gettingevenwiththeDevas,preservation
ofculture,andallthathumbug.Butfinallyitboilsdowntothesamething.
Screwthepeople,enjoyaluxuriouslifeinthepalaceandclingtopower.
Whatdoyouunderstand,Mala?Dontyouknowthereisasiege?
Whatsiege?WhycantyourKingputVarunainhisplace?Heisacoward,yourRavana.HegothiskingdombecausesomeonepoisonedKuberassoldiers.

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Spinelesscowardsthatswhatyourpeopleare.HeisnotreadytowageawarwithabloodypirateandheclaimstobethesaviouroftheAsuras.ShivahelptheAsurasif
RavanaisanexampleofthekindofherotheAsuraracecanexpecttoproducetoday.Kingindeed!
Hesjustaspinelessrascal.
Theintensityofherfrustrationanddisillusionmentwasunsettling.Iwincedatherreferencetothepoisoning.IdidnotknowitwouldcreatesuchabigsluronRavanasvictory,but
IwassureIwouldhavedonethesamethingevenifIhadknown.WhatusewouldithavebeenifRavanahadbravelyfoughtbragsKuberaanddiedvaliantly?Betweenglorious
martyrdomanddeceitfulvictory,Iwouldalwayschoosethesecond.
ToomanyAsurashadbecomebravemartyrsandtheadditionordeletionofaBhadratotheirrankswouldnotmaketheslightestdifference.Ihadagrudgingadmirationforthe
Vishnuclan,thatdeviousclanwhichhadproducedmanygreatDevagenerals.Theyhadraiseddeceittotheheightsofthedivine.
Wewalkedhomeinanuneasysilence.IwassurprisedthatIhadthoughtofherhouseasourhome.
SometimeearlierIhadrealizedthatmyattractiontowardsherwasnotmerelyphysical.NorwasIsurehowshefelt.Perhaps,Iwasjustoneamongthescoresofloverswho
frequentedherhouse.Iwasjealous.Iwantedhercompletely.Shewasawhorebutthatdidnotbotherme.Iwasbeyondsuchmoralshackles.IwassureIwasbroadminded
enoughtoignoresuchsmalldetails.
Asweturnedthecorner,Isawanaffluentmancaressingthemanesofhishorseinthecourtyardofherhouse.Asweapproached,heturnedtowardsusandsmiled.IsawMalas
facelightupandinatriceshehandedmethebasketshewascarryingandranintothewaitingmansembracewithayelpofjoy.Istoodthereinthegrowingdarkness,too
stunnedtomove,asthecouplesmoochedwithoutanyshame.Iwasstillstandingtherewithmyhandsfullofvegetables,whentheywalkedintotheirnestandclosedthedoor.I
sawthehorsejeeringatme.IwasangryasIhadneverbeeninmylife.Iwantedtokickopenthedooranddragthemanoutofourhome,withhisheadbangingonthesteps.I
wantedtothrashMalablackandblueforbehavingsoshamelesslyinfrontofme.
Asemptinessfilledme,IthoughthowfoolishImustlook,standinginthemiddleofastreet,infrontofawhorehouse,withbothhandsfullofvegetables.Ifeltawaveofselfpity
washovermeandangerandfrustrationattheunfairnessoflife.Iimaginedthehorsewatchingmeagain,hisjawssystematicallychewingthegrasswithanexpressionofdisdain.
Iwalkedtowardshimandemptiedthevegetablesinfrontofhim.Iwatchedwithsatisfactionashestartedmunchingthemwithevidentpleasure.Ifeltsmallandmean,foolishand
ridiculousasIplayedoutmyfrustrationsasthespurnedlover.
Iwalkedtowardsthemarket.ThecurfewhadbeenliftedandtherewerenorestrictionslikethoseimposedduringKuberastime.Anyonecouldwalkfreely.AsInearedthemarket,
IsuddenlyfeltIneededadrink.Iwantedtogetdrunk,butnotbecauseIhadlostmylover.Shehadneverbeenaloverinthefirstplace,justawhore.Ipassedmanypeoplein
variousstagesofinebriation.ItwasfunnytothinkthateachdrunkardwhopassedmehadoncehadMala,thecelebratedwhoreofLanka,thegreatAsuraslutIspatonawall.I
imaginedwhatMalawouldbedoingnowwithherloverinbed,mybed.IbadlyneededadrinksoIenteredtheinnonthestreetcornerandwalkedrightintothemiddleofafight.
Atoughlookingmanwassittingatthecounter,chewingpanandwatchingthefunwithanimpassiveface.Hemighthavebeenusedtodrunkentiffs.Iapproachedhimshylyand
heraisedaneyebrowinresponse.Isearchedinmypurseanddiscoveredsomecoppercoins.Icouldnotrememberwherethecoinshadcomefrom,perhapstheyweremypay
fromKuberaskitchen.
Whataretheyfightingabout?Iaskedbutdidnotexpectananswer.
Politics.Theydonothaveanythingbettertodothanfightaboutit,lazyidiots.Whatwillyouhave,palmorwine?
EractuallywhatIwantisajob.Ihadnotintendedtoaskthatquestionandmythoughtsuntilthatmomentwereonlyongettingadrink.Beforehecouldreply,Ihastilyadded,I
amBhadra,andIusedtoworkinKuberaskitchens,theysayIamagoodcook.
Yourfanc">rdsypreparationswillbeuselesshere.
Ifyoucancookupsimpledisheslikefishcurriesorchickenfries,youcanexpectatemporaryposition.Bytheway,IamIlango,andmyfamilyhasbeenrunningthisinnsince
Mahabalistime,whenthisGodforsakenislandwasacolonyoftheEmperor.
SoIjoinedIlangosinnandsoonfounditwasahotbedforpoliticaldiscussionswhichusuallyendedinabloodyfight.Theproprietornevertookpartinanydiscussionsbutgave
tacitencouragementbynotbarringanyonefromtalkingpolitics.TheslyIlangohaddecidedthatthesediscussionswereactuallygoodforhisbusinessandhequietlyaddedthe
expenseofrepairingorreplacinganybrokenfurniture,tothebillofthecustomersresponsibleforthemess.Betweenservingandcooking,Ilistenedtovariouscustomers
debatingheatedlyabouttheaffairsofstate.ThiswasthevoiceofthecommonAsurapeople,whowereincapableofchangingthings,butwhowereforcedtobearwhatever
burdentherulingclassdumpedontheirbacks.ThecrowdvisitingIlangowereordinaryfolkwithsignificantlylittleeducationormoney.Isuspectedthattheuppermiddleclassof
merchantsorgovernmentofficers,consideredthepresentregimeboorish.ThepoorandlowermiddleclassseemedtohopethatRavanawouldbringaboutchangeforthebetter.
Manyidentifiedwiththepoorboywhohadrisenfrompoverty.TheyweresurehewouldnotjustconcentrateontradeandtradersasKuberahaddone,butdoleoutgoodiestothe
pooraswell.Manyoftheoldermenremainedskepticalastheyseenmanyregimesandpalacecoups.Theyclaimedthatthingswouldgetworse.Usually,therewereseveral
fightsbetweentheproRavanamenandtheproKuberagang.Buttherewaseageranticipationregardingthenewgovernmentspolicies.
Iwasfascinatedbythediscussionsandwishedthatanoptimisticviewwouldprevail,butknowingRavanabetterthanallthesepeople,thefuturedidntseemsobright.Thepangs
ofloveIstillhadforMalaandthefrustrationIfeltbecauseofherblatantbetrayal,addedtomyalreadymiserableviewoflife.Iwishedtoreturntomypastandliveasimplelifeon
thebanksoftheriverPoorna,tendingmycows,farmingmysmallpieceofland,lovingandfightingwithmysweetfatwife,playingwithmydaughterandwalkingwithmyfriendsto
thetoddyshopordancingatthetemplefestival.ImissedallthatIhadknown.ButImissedMalathemostandkeptaneyeonherhouse.Itenragedmethatthetall,handsome
manfrequenteditoften.OnceItriedtofollowhimbuthelostmesomehow.Iwanderedthroughthelabyrinthsofthebazaarandwaslategettingtowork.Igotamouthfulfrom
Ilangoandlosthalfadayspayintheprocess.Themanwasanenigma.Helookedconfidentandstronghehadthestrideofawarriorandeasilyappearedanddisappearedat
willbuttomyeyes,heappearedtobeconstantlyonguardasifhehadsomethingtohide.IhaddecidedhewasthevillainofmystoryandvowedIwouldfindhimanddothe
needful.
Slowlybutperceptibly,publicopinionchanged.Icouldfeelthetensioninthestreetsintheinnandinthewaypeoplewalked.Jambumali,thenewministeroffinanceandtrade,
hadimposedfreshtaxes.Hesentmessengerstoallthetradeguildsandshopsandevenaddressedajointmeetingoftheguildstoexplainthedirenecessityofincreasingtax
percentages.Everyonewasimploredtobearwiththegovernment.TheywereassuredthetaxeswouldbewithdrawnonceVarunawaspaidoff.Noonebelievedhim.
SoonJambumalibecamethemosthatedpersoninthewholeofLanka.Theroadtollwasincreasedthreefoldandfarmerswerebroughtintothetaxnet.Thesalariesofthe
armedforceswerecutbyhalfandmanygovernmentservantswereliterallythrownoutofoffice.
Pricessoaredskyhigh.Becauseofthetradeembargo,tradecametoastandstill.ItwasrumouredthatPraournnhasthahadsoldLankatothepirateVaruna.
Theregimebecamethemosthatedinthelonghistoryoftheisland.ButonlyafewhatedRavana.Hewastheinnocent,romantic,youngmanwhohadestablishedanAsura
kingdom,butwasinthegripofaviciouscoterie.
Threemonthspassedinastateoftension.Thereweresmallriotsinvariouspartofthecityandinoneinstance,amoblynchedataxcollectortodeath.TheGovernmentreacted
swiftlyandbrutally.Thearmy,underthepersonalleadershipofGeneralRudraka,swepttheresidentsoffastreet,mostofwhomwereinnocentbystanders,anddraggedtheminto
thetorturechambers.
Rudrakabecametheimageoffear.Herodehisblackhorse,surroundedbyheavilyarmedbodyguards,andimposedareignofterror.
ThebusinessattheinnalsofellandIhadalotoffreetime.OnceIvisitedMalabutfoundherhouselocked.Iwastoldshehadvanishedafewdaysago.Ifeltsadandrelievedat
thesametime.Andthereendedachapterinmylife,Ithoughtdespondently.Toaddtothewoes,theretreatingmonsoonfailed.Theharvestwaspoorandpeoplefromthe
neighbouringvillagesthrongedthetemplesofthecapital,wherefreefoodhadbeenprovidedsincetimeimmemorial.Buttherewerenolongeranypatronsandmanytemplesfell
intodisrepair.
ThekinghadannouncedthathismarriagewithchiefengineerMayansdaughter,hadtobepostponedtoavoidhardshiptothepeople.Exceptforafewderisivelaughs,itdidnot
drawanypositiveresponsefromthepopulace.Whatthekingdidwashisprivateaffair,aslongashedidnotspendanypublicmoney,orsoitwassaidintheAsurasunwritten
codeofgovernance.Likesomanycodesandlaws,thistoowasmeanttobeviolated.
Bytheendofthewinter,atrivialincidentsparkedlargescaleriotinginthecity.Noonewouldhavethoughtthat
Mayan,theunassumingbumbling
professor,nowchiefengineeroftheregime,wouldbethereasonforrioting.Buttheprofessortouchedarawnerveinthehighlystrung,tenseandstarvingpopulace,whenhe
chosetoshowhisengineeringskills.ItwasaclearwintermorningwhenIwassurprisedfrommysleepbyahullabaloointhestreet.Istruggledfrommycotwhentheuproar
becameunbearable.Therewasastrangewhiningnoiseoutside.Sleepyandirritated,mylongdrawnyawnwascutoffinthemiddlebythesightofMayaninsideavimana,a
flyingmachine.Hewasdoingsortiesintheskyandwasquietlyenjoyingit,quiteoblivioustotheragehewasgeneratingbelow.Thehugecrowdwasshoutingathiminaweand
horror.
ItwasPushpaka,thefamedflyingmachinemadebytheoldMayan,thepresentonesgrandfather.IhadonlyheardabouttheexistenceofaprototypedevelopedbyKubera,with
thehelpofsomeearlierMayan,buthisuntimelydeathinahorserace,ledthemillionairemerchantkingtoshelvetheproject.Kuberahadspentafortunetryingtodevelop

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somethinglikethisbuthecouldnevergetthethingtofly.AsIwatchedinastonishment,thePushpakamadeagracefulturnandvanishedtowardsthepalace.Thenthemurmurs
started.Peoplestartedsayingallsortsofthings.ItwasthenIsawhim
Malaslover.Hewasstandingontopofawall,shoutingsomething.IwantedtohearwhathewassayingsoIwovemywaythroughthecrowd.Thenoisesubsidedslowly,
exceptforoccasionalmurmursandwhispersandsomehissing.Therewasanairofexpectation.Thenmyrivalexplodedinfury.
Thisisabsolutenonsensemydearbrothers!
Dowedeservethis?Whilewestarve,yourKingrollsinluxuryThecrowdroaredinapproval.Ravanaisyournemesis,doweneedsucharuler?ontleNo!No!No!Ifound
myselfjoiningthechorus.
Whileyourchildrenstarve,thejokersinsidethepalacechoosetofly.Hestoppedandlookedaround,waitingforsilence.HedefiestheGods.NoteventheGodsflyandtheking
dolesoutmoneytomadscientiststomakeflyingmachines.Thecrowdbooed.Whenyourchildrendieofhunger,whenyourfieldsarelitteredwiththecorpsesofyourkin,when
yourcattledieofthirst,yourrulerwillflyabovethewasteyouhavebecomeandtakeanaerialview.Why?
Why?Why?athousandvoicesechoedhisquestion.
Becauseheisafraidofyou.Heisafraidtocomedownandmixwithyoucommonfolk.ShameonRavana!heroaredwithapowerfulpunchtohisownchest.
Shame!Shame!themobechoedanddidthesame.
HesaysitsbecauseofVarunathatyourlifeismiserable.WhoisthisVarunaandwhatrighthasheoverthepeopleofLanka?Heisapirate.Itisyourmisfortune,nay,your
weakness,thatyouhaveacowardlikeRavanaasyourKing.
TherewasmovementattherearofthemobandIjumpedupanddowntoseewhatwasgoingon.ItwasasmallscufflebutnothingofimportanceandIturnedbacktothe
speaker.DidweinviteRavanahere?Didweaskhimtocomeandruleus?
No!No!No!thecrowdroared.
Theoldkingwasaroguebuthewasabraverogue.
Hear!Hear!
Hekeptpiratesatbay.Herobbedyou,butherobbedwithaconscience.Hebentyoubutdidnotbreakyou.Afterallhisluxuries,heleftsomethingforyoutoeat.Thiscoward
Ravana,earnedakingdomthroughdeceit,thenheimposedhisdevilishruleuponyou.Hewillrobthemilkfromababysmouth.
Hewilldrinkyourblood.Hewillsellyourwivesifhethinksthatwillsubsidisehisluxuriouslifestyle.Heisweak,cruelandaboveall,acoward.
Iwasmesmerizedbyhisoratoryskills.Hewasperfect,hisvoicerisingandfallingwithperfecttiming,hisgesturespowerful,andIcouldsensethecrowdswayingwithemotion.
ArisemyfellowcountrymenofLanka.WeAsurasdonotwantcruelweaklingsasourrulers.Letusremovethisimposteranddumphiscoterieintothesea.Thenwewillfight
Varunaandteachhimhisplace.Letusmarchtothepalaceanddragthisdemonfromhisthrone.LetusmarTherewasasuddensilenceandIsawhimfallforwardslowly.His
chestbecamecrimsonanditwasthenIsawthebluntendofanarrowjuttingfromhisclutchafterhehadremoveditfromhischest.Asthecrowdwatchedinhorror,horsemen
enteredfromallsidesandstartedhackingthecrowd.Therewasawidespreadpandemonium.IsawRudrakaatfullgallop,hisblackhorsetramplingeveryoneinhiswaytowards
thefallenorator.Iwantedtorunfromdangerbutwasdrawntowardsthecentreofthedrama.Iwantedtoseetheendofmyrivalandran,ignoringthepainasmanyrunninginthe
oppositedirectioncollidedwithme.BythetimeInearedthewall,myfeethadbeenstampedonmanytimes.IsawRudrakawastremblingwithrageandfrustration.Therewasno
bleedingmanlyingprone.
Rudrakahitasoldierwiththehiltofthethhisswordinfrustration.Ignoringthebloodwhichsprayedfromthewoundedsoldier,Rudrakabarkedinstructionstohisothermento
findtherebel.Hecouldnothavegonefar.
Iwasdisappointed.Iferventlyprayedthatthearrowhaddoneitsjobandthemanwoulddieinafewhours.ButIknewIcouldnotcountonit.Iwasneverluckyinmylife.ThenI
sawflamesrisingindifferentpartsofthecity.Lankawasburning.Anditwouldnotbethefirsttimetheislandcitywouldburn.

18Brothersbrother
Ravana
Therearereportsofriotsintheeasternsideofthecityandsomerogueshaveburnedtheartisansvillageandhackedthechiefartisantodeath.Manyliveshavebeenlost.
Rudrakahasmanagedtocurbtheriotsinthenorthernandwesternsides,buttheriotshavespreadtooutlyingvillagesaswell.Templeshavebeentorched,granarieslooted,
womenraped.Thesituationisgriminthecentraldistrict.Thetribesofthesouthernforestshavejoinedthelootingandhavecommittedwidespreadarsoninthesouthernpartsof
thecity.
RebelsholdswayinthesouthandVidyutjihvahasproclaimedhimselfking.Hehasstartedcollectingamajorpartofthefarmtax.SumaliandMalyavanhaverushedtothesouth
tocurbtherebellionandifpossible,captureVidyutjihva.Wehavealsodispatchedsearchpartiestofindthewhereaboutsofthemissingprostitute,Mala.Weareawaiting
confirmationtoseeifthemanwhovisitedMala,wasthesamespyBhadra,whoescapedfromusearlier.RudrakaissurethathesightedBhadraduringthecommotion,buthe
vanished.ItappearsthatVidyutjihva,MalaandBhadraareconspiratorsinawellrehearsedschemetotopplethegovernment.PermissionissoughtfromtheKingtoimposestrict
andruthlessmeasurestocurbtherebellion.
Ordersmaybeissuedtothearmytoproceedtothesouthernforestsandtakebacktheterritorylosttotherebels.
Prahasthastoppedreadingandstaredatmeasifexpectingareadysolution.Helookedasifhewasalmosthappyattheturnoftheevents.
Maricha,JambumaliandIsatinsilence.Adecisionhadtobetaken.Ididnotwanttouseexcessiveforceincurbingtherebellion.Iwasntevensureifitwasasseriousas
Prahasthamadeitouttobe.Iwashurtthatmyownpeoplehadtakenuparmsagainstme.Whydidtheseidiotsnotunderstandthatgovernanceisnotsimple?Thatthe
governmentneededtaxestoruntheState.WasInotsupposedtobethesaviouroftheAsuras?Unlesstheyallowedmetodoso,howcouldIconsolidatethekingdomand
recoverthelostAsurapride?Mypeoplespentmoretimefightingeachotherthanthecommonenemy.Thesenitwitscouldhandlechange.Iwantedtorunamodelstateandbuild
akingdomwhereeveryonewasprosperous,astrongAsurastatewhichcouldtakeontheDevas.IwanttodrivetheDevasoutofIndia,anddomanygreatthingsformypeople.
Andthesethanklessrabblegoandrebel.
Thestupidityofthepeoplewasastounding.Didnttheyknowthatthepresentdifficultiestheywerefacingwasforabrighterfuture?WhydidtheynotcomprehendthatIhadtobuy
timetogarnerenoughstrengthtotakeonVaruna?Whydidtheynotremainpatientandgivemesometime?
Crushtherebellionwithforce.Notraitorshallbespared.IlookedawaytowardstheseaasIpronounceddamnationonmyownpeople.Forthegreatergood,ofmypeople,I
consoledmyself.Thenitstarted,thebloodyvoiceinsideme.Butthen,thatiswhateverytyrantinhistoryhastoldhimself.Ravana,Iknowyouareafool,butyoustillsthet.urprise
me.So,forgreatergood,youwilldosomelessergood,likechoppingoffafewheads,splittingsomefamilies,andendorsingwholesaleslaughter.Bravo!Youhavebecomeareal

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ruler.HowIwanttosqueezethebreathoutofthemockerwithinme.
Iwantfullauthorizationtocurbtherebellion,yourwrittenapprovalwiththeroyalsealontheorder.AndIdonotwanttoansweranysillyquestionsoftheCouncilduringthe
operation.IshallsubmitareportafterIhavefinishedthejob.Prahasthasdemeanourwasirritatingtosaytheleast.Iwasgettingtiredofthewholeexercise.Itwasasifthe
CouncildidnotbelieveIwouldsticktomydecision.Itwasfrustrating,moresobecauseIwasafraidtheywereright.
Youwillhavewhateveryouwant.Iprayedthismeetingwouldend.Prahasthamademeanelaboratebow.Therewasasmileplayingaboutthecornersofhismouth.Oneby
oneeveryonelefttheroom.Ifeltlonely,verylonely.Youwerebornlonely,Ravana,andyouwillliveanddieso.Icouldseesmokecurlingtowardsthedistant,bleak,greysky.
Therecouldbelivesburningthere.MysenseoffairnessandrighteousnessthatIbelievedIpossessed,weregoingupinsmokeallaroundmeandmypalace.Iknowitwastoo
earlyinmycareeraskingtofeelasenseofloss.Ihadalongwaytogo,manymorepeopletotorture,livestoruin,morejustificationtogivemyself,andmoreterriblethingstodo.
Itwastooearlytoplaythesufferingherointhegripofremorse.WasavacancyforshippingclerkinanyofVarunasshipsstillavailable?
Ravana,Iwanttotalktoyouaboutsomethingimportant.
Yesmother,whatisit?IwasirritatedanddidnotwanttobedisturbedbutatthesametimeIwasrelievedthatIhadsomeonetotalkto.
IwanttotalktoMayan.
Sotalk,whyyouareaskingmypermission?
Stopplayingthefool,youaretheKingofLankanow.
Thankyoumother,forremindingme,Ikeepforgetting.
YoudonotlikeMandodari?
Doesitreallymatter?
Perhapsnottoyou,butitmaymattertoher.
Thenaskher.
Imfixingthemarriagethisfortnight.Ifyouwantanyspecialfriends,youshouldinvitethem.
Dokingshavefriends?
YouarethefirstKingIknow,soIdontknowtheanswertothat.
Iglaredatherandthenstaredoutside.Icouldhearherwalkingoutswiftly.Ishouldhavebeenelatedoverthematchorperhapswaryaboutit.Buttherewasnoemotion.Mymind
wasblank.Darknesshadengulfedthecitywhichstaredatmewithahundredeyes.Slowly,asenseofinadequacysweptthroughme.Ihadnocontroloverthingshappening
aroundme.NotlongagoIhadthoughtofcontrollingmydestiny,evenholdingthedestinyofothersinmyhands.NowIhadbeenleftinthegripofathanklesskingdomwhich
wantedtocrushme.Acoldsaltybreezefromtheseablewpastandmadethesmalllampintheroomflickeranddieout.Icouldhearthewavesbreakingagainsttheshore.The
fogovertheseaslowlylifted.Thelightsinthedistancelookedasiftheyweredancing,Varunasshipsperhaps.Aplanformedinmyhead.Iwantedaction.Icouldnotsitandlet
othersplanmylife.Iturnedawayfromthewindowand...
Whoisthat?Idrewmysworddrawnfromitssheath.Asmallfigurestoodsilhouettedagainstthegreylightofthedoorframe.Itmovedintodarknesswitharapiditythatthrewme
offasmewhatyeyestruggledtoadjusttothelight.Ijumpedintothecorner,wavingmyswordaround.Withmybacktothewall,Ihadtoguardonlythefront.Ididnthavetoworry
aboutabackthrust.
YourHighness,itsme.
Whoareyou?
Silence.Ifitwasafoe,hewouldnothavespokenandgivenawayhisposition.Irelaxed,butonlyabit.Iwonthurtyou.Comeintothelight.ItoldhimasIheardtheshufflingof
feet.ThenasIwatchedthedoorframe,whereIexpectedhimtoappear,afirmhandgrippedmywristandwhisperedinmyear,Forgivemeyourhighness...Thevoice
continuedasheblockedmykickaimedathisgroin,Imnotyourenemybutyourservant,believeme.
Irelaxedabit.Icouldhaveshakenhimoffanddeliveredapunchtohisnosewhichwouldhavelefthimunconscious.Butsomethinginhisvoicemademetrusthim.Perhaps,if
Prahasthawashere,hewouldhavetoldmethatakingshouldnevertrustanyone,notevenhimself.Myswordflewfrommyhandandhitthewallwithaclankanddroppedtothe
floor.Iwassurprisedbythesuddenkickwhichhadknockedtheswordfrommyhand.BlastedPrahasthaIthinkhewasrightasusual.Butthehandwhichheldmywristhad
goneandIstoodwithmynervestaut.MybodyassumedacombatpostureandthelessonslearntinMahabalisforests,weresendingsignalsthroughmynerves.Iheardmy
swordmovingandaimedakickinthatdirection.Painwavesshotfrommytoesastheymadecontactwiththewalls.ButIwasbackincombatpositioninatrice,ignoringthepain.
ThenIsawhimintheflickeringlightofthecorridor.Thefacewasoddlyfamiliar,likethatofasnakeahoodedcobra,readytostrike.
Bhadra...
Atyourservice,YourHighness.
Howdareyou?!
ForgivemeyourHighnessbutpleasehearmeout.Istoodthere,contemplatingwhattodo.
IfIhadkilledhimthen,historywouldhavebeendifferent.Ahhistory...itwouldalwaysbedifferentfordifferentpeopleandtakeitsowncourse.Perhapsnothingmattersoneday.
OnthisbattlefieldwhereIliebleedingtodeath,IassumeIhavecreatedagreatchapterinhistorylivedaheroslifeanddiedavillainsdeathorviceversa.ButImighthave
beenonlyhavingillusionsofgrandeur.
Thiswarwithasmallprince,Rama,andhismonkeymen,whichdevastatedmylifeandlaidwastetoallthethingsIhadachieved,couldbetooinsignificantinthehistoryof
mankind.WhendidIstartbotheringabouthistory?Historystartswithmeandendswithme.
Perhapsthejackaleatingmylimbsmightbesurprisedtoknowthatheisswallowingapartofhistory.Howdoesitmatter?Howdoesanythingapoormanlikeme,whoplayed
Emperorandbuffoonintermittentlyandsometimestogether,didorhadforgottentodo,matterinthisindifferent,cruelworld,whichhasexistedbeforeandshallexistlongafterI
end,dissolvedintheearth.
But,IwastooyoungtoknowthenasIamtoooldtocarenow.SoIheardhimout.Iheardashetookmethroughthedarklanesofhispastandthetangledbylanesofhispresent.
Whenhewept,Ibecameindifferent.WhenheaccusedmeofdisowninghimafterIhadconqueredLanka,Iwasreallysurprised.Wasitnotmyownplanwhichhadsucceeded?
Whathadthismantodowithanyofit?ButIfeltsomesympathyforhim,likeIfeltforapuppywhichwasrunoverbymystepbrotherschariotandkepthowlingthroughthenight.I
couldkeepthismanasapuppydog,justtospitePrahastha.Thethoughtwaspleasurable.IsmiledandthatidiotBhadrathoughtIhadrelentedatlast.Hefellatmyfeetand
startedkissingthem.Iwasaghast.Whywouldst.hadamandemeanhimselfso?Itriedtopullmyfeetbackbutthenitwasstrangelypleasurable.Ifeltatwingeofhappiness
within.Butsuddenly,guiltwashedawaythattinybitofpleasureandIshookhim.Ifeltcontemptforhimandmyself.
Youaremypersonalservant.Notaroyalaideoranythingfancy,justaplain,personalservant.YouwilldowhatIbid.
Iwillserveyoulikeadog,YourHighness.Somethinginsidemesnapped.Didhereadmythoughts?Couldhehavefeltthecontemptbrimminginsideme?Mypuppy,my
plaything,Bhadra.Ifeltsmallinmyownestimation.No,Iwouldtreathimasafriend,asanequal,wellnotexactlyequal,butalmost.Aslavewithequalrightsashismaster?I
woulddielaughing.
ButRavana,lookathisface,lookatthosefrailarmsandpotbelly,isheyourequal?Bhadraisthescumoftheearth,thelowliestofthecreaturesyouaredestinedtorule.No,he
istherepresentationofmypoorAsurarace.Heismybridgetothecommonman.HewillbringmetheviewsofmypeopleandIwillrulewith,well,justiceandprosperityforall.
Youmaygonow.Heelaboratelybowedandslowlylefttheroom.
WhatIneededwasaction.IwentovertheplansIhadlefthalfway.Ichewedoverthedetailsandsomewhereinbetween,Ifellasleep.Iwoketoseedawnbreakingoverthehills.
ButIdidnotwanttogetupfrommybedtoanotherwearyday.Anotherdayinwhichaccountsofdeathandarsonwouldbepresentedbypompousclerks,anewdaywhereI
wouldseethepeopleIhadvowedtoprotect,killingeachotherandprayingformydeath.AnotherdayinwhichIwouldlearnsomemoreirritatingadministrativelessonsfromthe
likesofPrahastha.AdayinwhichIwouldbepesteredbymymothertomarrythat,whatwashernamethedaughterofthenuttyscientistMandodariorsomething.
Alonesoldierpacedatthepalacegates.HowIenviedhim.Hejusthadtowalktoandfrountilnoonandthengohome,eathislunch,sleeporpossiblymakelovetohiswifeor
mistress,getdrunkintheeveningandthengotosleeplikeahog.Lifewassimpleandsweet.Butperhapsitwasnotthatsimple.Hecouldhaveanunfaithfulwife,adrunkardfor
ason,evenanaggingmother,andasickfather,totakecareof.ButIlovedthesensationofbeingjealous,soIpreferredthefirstversionofhisstory.Iwantedtocallthewatchman
andgivehimanimpossibletask.Justtowreckhislife.Perhapsthepowerthatkingshipbrings,isjustthat,theabilitytowreckotherpeopleslives.Thatwasitsonlypleasure.
Yourmarriageisfixedfortomorrow.Iwasstartledfrommyjoyfulreverieaboutwreckingthewatchmanslife.Ittookafewsecondstorecognizemymother.
Whynottodaymother?
Youaredrippingsarcasm.Youhaveneverspokentomelikethat.Thiskingshiphasgonetoyourhead.ItwasI...
...whostruggledtoraiseus,whowenthungrytofeedus,whowentnanoasonshouldnotsaythat,but,hmm,willitbeokayifIsaydeprivedofgoodqualityclothing,toclothe
us...
Enough.Yourmajesty,youareforgettingapoormother...
...whocarriedmeninemonthsinthewombanddeliveredmethroughpain...Shestoodtheresobbing.IwasshockedthatIhadspokentoherlikethatinthefirstplace,without
anyprovocation.Itookherfaceinmyhandsandshelookedatme,challengingmewiththoseburningblackeyestodefyherlove.Pleasemakethearrangementsforthe
marriagemother.TheburdenofthekingdomisnowgettingtooheavyforyourpoorsontocarryandIwasnotmyselfwhenIspoketoyou.
Youhavejuststartedson,astathekinndIhopeyouwillnotbecomeworsethanthis.Tomorrowevening,asIsaid.Gooddayson.Shewalkedoutwithunfalteringstepsand
beforeremorseandshamecouldstrikemeinwaves,IcalledforMaricha.Hewastoooldtofightinthestreetandsohewastheonlyseniorofficeravailableinthepalace.
Besides,hewastheoneIlovedandrespected.Heneverthrusthisopinionsonone,unliketheknoweverythingPrahastha.
Youcalledme,YourHighness?AsIwavedhimtosit,hesatdowndirectlyinfrontofme.
Uncle,callmeRavana,atleastinprivate.
Okay.Kumbhahasreturned.
Letscallhim.
Beforethat,Iwanttosaysomethingimportant,Ravana.Yourbrotherisnotwhoyouthinkheis.
WhatiswrongwithKumbha?OrareyoutakingaboutVibhishana,thepiousone?Iasked,feelingaffectionateaboutmyyoungestbrother.
IwilltalkaboutVibhishanasomeotherday.Theoafisamatterofimmediateconcern.IlaughedathisreferenceaboutKumbakarna.Itsnolaughingmatter,Ravana.Hehas
pickedupbadhabits.Hehasaweaknessforgirls,weallknow.Aslongasheisdiscreet,itshouldnotworryus.Hevisitstavernsanddrinkscountryliquorlikeanelephantand
heneverbotherstopay.
Theboyisjusthavingsomefun.Sendsomeonetoclearthedebtsandchargeittomypersonalaccount.Imean,whateverisleftfromtheaccountwhichwecollectedbefore
launchingtheattackonLanka.IdonotwantmybrothersdrinkinghabitstobesubsidizedbytheState.
Itisnotonlythat,Ravana.Hehastakentodrugs.
Hehasagroupoffriendswhomakethingsoutofbhang.TheyalsoprocessjelliesfromtheSomaplant.IthinkKumbawasenticedbythem...Isenttwoofmybestofficerstotrack

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whatKumbhawasupto.TheyhaveconfirmedwhatIhadsuspectedforthepastfewdays.Ravana,mostofthetimetheidiotisknockedout.
Hemakesfriendsfast.Butthen,Kumbhahadalwaysbeenafriendlysoul,ratherlikeabigdogwaitingtobepetted.
Idontknowwhethertheycanbecalledfriends.
Theyareusingtheoaf.Andtheidiotdoesntknowit.
Sowhatdoyouwantmetodo,Uncle?
Givehimsomeofficialpost.Givehimsomethingtodo.
Idontwanttobeaccusedofnepotism.
Dontspeaknonsense,Ravana.Mostofthepeopleholdingofficialpostsareyourrelatives,likePrahasthaandme.
Thatisdifferent.Youhavelong,administrativeexperienceandhaveruledkingdomsonce.KumbhaandVibhiarejustchildren.
Andyouwantthemtoremainjustthat?Dontyouwantthemtogrowup?Ravana,areyousavingthepostsforyourchildren?Areyouafraidthatyourbrotherswillbeachallenge
toyourdynasty?
Nowyoudontspeaknonsense.YouknowImnotlikethat.Imnotinterestedinrulingforever.Ihaveidealsandprincipals...
Thethroneyouaresittingonhasawayoftwistingtheprincipalstosuittheoccupant,myson.
Whyiseveryoneaccusingmeofbecomingcorruptedbypower?WhatpowerdoIhave?JustbecauseIhaveacitytorule,andhalfofthemwantmedead,itdoesnotmeanI
havetoproveImnottheignobleAsuradespottheywantmetobe.ButwhyIshouldsharethepowerwithidiotseretlikemybrothers?
Ifyouaresureyouarenotandwillnotbecorruptedbypower...
StoptalkinglikePrahastha.IcalledyoutodiscussaplanIwantyouropiniononandIwantKumbhaalsotobewithme.Bhadra...ThespeedwithwhichBhadraappeared
surprisedme.Washelisteningoutside?
HowfarcouldItrusthim?Goandfetch...er..
.Prince...Kumbhakarna.
Whyareyoutakingsuchcreaturesintoyourpersonalstaff?
IlaughedatMarichasscornfultoneasBhadraranout.Akinghashisownreasons.
Yourpersonalspy,eh?
Whynot?Heisordinary,canmergeintoanycrowd.Andheisruthlesstothepointofsadisticcruelty.
Heseemstohavesufferedmuchandhasnothingtolose.
Marichasuddenlyasked,Hey,hewassupposedtobethetraitorwhohadstarteditall,isntit?ButbeforeIcouldanswer,Kumbhaentered.Hewaslookingdrunk.
Kumbha,youlookalittleforlorn.Whatswrongwithyou,son?
Whydoyouaskthat?Imnotthekinganddonthavetopleaseanyone.
Ifyouwanttosithereandplaytheneglected,poor,younger,brotheroftherich,cruelking,doitaslongasitpleasesyou.Uncle,letsgooutandhaveastrollinthegardenand
leavethismelodramaticidiot.
No,no,Ravana,Iwasjustjoking.Thisuncleofourswouldhavesungmanysongsaboutmydebaucheriestoyou.Justalittlefun,thatsall,mybrother.Whatsyourplan?
Itoldthemmyplan.Therewastotalsilence.
Buttomorrowisyourmarriage.Itwillberisky.IlookedatMarichasdeepeningfrownandforthefirsttimefeltapprehensiveaboutthesanityoftheplan.
Ijustloveit.Itsbrilliant.Kumbhaprancedaroundtheroom.
Howmanywouldyouneed?
Justthefourofus,Uncle,you,Kumbha,meandBhadra...andperhapsadozengoodswimmers.
Itsjusttoorisky.Marichasaidshakinghishead,
AndhowfarwecantrustBhadra.
Wehavetotakethechance.
Butwhydoyouwantto?Doyouwanttoprovesomethingtous?Weknowyouarebrave,butIwouldpreferalivingcowardthanabravedeadfoolastheAsuraking.
Hestryingtoprovethatheiseverybitawarrior.
Whenwewonthekingdom,Ineverthoughtlifewouldbesodull.Itooamlongingforaction.Letsnotwastetime.Tomorrowisagoodday.Kumbhawasitchingtoleave.
Areyouleaving?
Why,areyouafraidthatIllgoandgetdrunkandtelleveryoneaboutit?
Stopit,youtwo.Letussleepoverittoday.MarichaleftbeforeKumbhaandIfeltatingeofanxietymixedwithfrustration.Kumbhawasmydearestfriend,muchmorethana
brother.NoweverytimeIspoketohim,IhadtothinkifIwashurtinghisalreadyfragileego.Imsorry,brother...ButhehadleftbeforeIcouldtellhimanything.

19PIRATETROUBLES
Ravana
Laterthatafternoon,Rudrakacametoreporthehasarrestedover3,000rebelsandhadere>
Howmanywerekilled?Iwantedhimtosay,
Justafew.
About800ofoursoldiers.
Andyoucallthatalawandorderproblem?Itsabloodywaroutthere.WillremovingJambumalisolvetheissue?
Maybe,butImnopoliticiantocommentonit,YourHighness.Itwasamusingtoseehimstruggletosaythelastpart.Iwassureheconsideredhimselfbetterqualifiedtobeking
ofLanka.Andmaybehewasright.
Actually,itseemsyoudidnotunderstandmyquestionproperly.WhenIaskedhowmanywerekilled,Ididnotwantthecountofonlyoursoldiers.
Silence.
Ihearthatmorethan10,000havedied.
Maybe.

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Iexploded.Whatdoyoumean?YouresupposedtobethearmychiefandwhatIgetasareplyisapatheticmaybe.Whoorderedyoutomassacrewomenandchildren?And
oldmenandwomen?
Didthatscum,Bhadra,feedyoutheseopinions?
YourHighness.
Dontyoudaretalktomelikethat!Ichoosemycompany.WhatIwanttoknowiswhogaveyouorderstobutchercivilians?
Silence.
Answerme.
Hestoodthereandsaid,IbelieveitwasauthorizedbytheCouncil.
Council?WhatCouncil?ThisisnoAsurapanchayatandIamnopettysarpanch.ImtheKingandIgiveorders.Itakeresponsibilityforanyfiasco.
Nowyouhavegoneandwipedoutacoupleofdistrictswithyoursword,anditisIwhofeeltheangerofmysubjects.Nowanswerme,whoorderedthisgenocide?
Ifyouwantmetoresign,YourHighness,Ishall.Asmallsmiletwitchedatthecornersofhismouth.
Thatthrewmeoff.Ididntwanthimtoresign.Hewasdoingafinejob.Buthisruthlessnesswasworryingme.Ijustwantedhimtogoabiteasyandcurbtherebellioninacivilized
fashion.Icouldhaveorderedhisimmediatearrestandriskedarebellionamongthesoldiers.Iclosedmyeyesinanefforttocalmdown.
SeehereRudraka,ithurtsmetothinkImresponsibleforthemurderofinnocentpeople.ItsnotthatImafraidofbattle.Butthisisjustmonstrous.Doweneedtogoonlikethis?
Heworeanamusedlookonhisface.Iwaslosingthisbattletoo.Itriedtoputonabraveface,butIwassurehesawthroughit.
YourHighness,IwasmadetobelievethatyouhadgivenwrittenorderstoPrimeMinisterPrahastha,todoeverythingtocurbtherebellion.DoyouthinkIenjoykillingbabies?
IlookedoutthewindowandsawVarunasfleetblobbingupanddowninthesea.Thesailsweredrawnandtheseabreezeoccasionallycarriedoddnotesofmerrimenttothe
palace.Iclosedmyeyes.Iwastootiredtothinkaboutanything.IwasbeginningtothinkthisconfrontationwithRudrakawasquiteunnecessary.
HadIexposedmyself?Mydoubts,myindecisiveness,myweakness?WhatwasIafraidof?Thatmymenthoughtmeacowardwhostoleakingostiodomfrommyhalfbrother
andthenusedmysoldierstoperpetuatemassmurderonmysubjects?Perhapseverythingwouldchangetomorrow.IdismissedRudrakawithawaveofmyhand.Thesame
arrogantflickofthehandthatmybrotherKuberausedwhenhesatonthesamethrone.
Ravana,youareafastlearner.IknewIwasgettingarrogantbutitwasanenjoyablesensation.
Bhadraupdatedmeonthehappeningsinthecityeveryfourhours.ItookastrollinthepalacegardensandsawMandodariunderalargeBanyantree.Iwasratherembarrassed
andshestaredatmeforafewseconds.Istammeredandcoughedandcursedmyselffortakingthispath.IwasthankfulwhenshedidnotstartaconversationwithmeandI
quicklywalkedpast.Isawmysistersmilingatmebutignoredthejibeinthesmileandcontinuedwalking.
Iwasrelievedthatthesituationinthecityhadeasedsomewhatbytheeveningandsatdowntodinnerwithmymotherandsister.Bhadra,whohadbeentryingtomakehimself
indispensable,rantoandfromtheroyalkitchen,shoutingorders.
Mymotherspokefirst.Youmayleaveusalone.
Whatisthisevillookingfellowsname,Ravana?
Bhadra,waitoutside.Isaid,ignoringthesharpnessinmymothersvoice.BhadraleftreluctantlybutIwassurehewouldhavehiseartothekeyhole.
IhearyoublamedPrahasthaforalltheexcesses.Iwasrathershockedwhenshesaidthiswithoutliftingherheadfromherplate.
No,itsjust...
Ravana,youarestillyoung.Thesepeopleareexperiencedingoverning.
Youabidebytheiradvice.Letitnotgotoyourheadthatjustbecauseyouhavebecomekingofapunyisland,thatyouarethelonesaviouroftheAsuras.Youhavealottolearn
andbethankfulthatyouhaveableadvisorsaroundyou.
Mother,youaretreatingmelikeachild!Idontwantanyadvicefromidiotswhohavemanagedtolosetheirownkingdoms,honour,wealthandeverythingtheyinherited,tothe
Devas.WhateverexperiencetheyhadbyrulinghandkerchiefsizedkingdomsandlivinginperpetualfearofDevaraids,hasneitherservedtheAsurasnorthesebunchof
pompousknowitallbuffoons,well.Youknowthatbetterthanme.
Whyareyouspeakingtomelikethis?
Now,dontstartnarratingyourtaleofsuffering.Iknowitbyheart.Mother,Iloveyouandrespectyou,butitdoesnotmeanthatIwillalwaysremainyourtoddler.Leavetheruling
tome.
Mysisterwasshockedbythisoutburst.Shestoppedeatingandsatlookingatme,hereyesfilledwithtears.Mymotherstoodup.Enough!Thereisnopointintalking.Powerhas
gonetohishead.Angergotthebetterofme.Ipulledthetableclothoffthetableinonequickmovement.Vessels,platesandeverythingonthetabletumbledtothefloor.Servants
rushedinfromallsidestocleanupthefoodsplatteredaround.Motherstormedoutoftheroom,draggingmyreluctantsisterwithher.AndIwalkedlistlesslytomyroom,anger
slowlyoozingoutofme.Iwipedmyhandsonthesilkcurtains,ignoringthestainsIwasmakingandthenthrewoffmyfootwearandlaysprawledonthehugebed.Whatwrong
hadIdonetothesepeople?Ihadjustbeguntolivemydreamandithadalreadygonesour.Whydideveryonefindmeoverbearing,arrogantandtyrannical?Aservantcamewith
alampbutIwavedhimaway.Ifoundthedarknesscozyandcomfortable.
PerhapsPrahasthamighthavehadatheorytoexplainmynewfoundfondnessfordarknessperhapsthereflectionofadarksoul?
Ihadtoputanendtothisnonsensethishadatoday.Icannotlivelikethisforeverwithmyministerstalkingbehindmybackmysubjectscoweringinfearthenaggingofmy
motherandtheirritatingselfrighteousnessofPrahastha.WhatIneededwasaction.
RavanawasnocowardandIjumpedfrommybedandshoutedforBhadra.Heappearedsurprisinglyquickly.
Hadhebeenwaitingoutside?HemademeanelaboratebowandIfelthewasmockingme,butIchosetoignoreit.Maybehewasjustshowinghissycophancy.
WeAsurasalwaysreadytobowlow.Butthen,howIwouldhavefelthadhenotbowed?WouldInothavetakenitasamarkofdisrespect?
Bhadra...Howmanywarriorsyoucanarrange?Imean,withinthehour?
Youwantgoodswimmers,YourMajesty?
HowdoyouknowIwantswimmers?
Youwantsoldierswhoareexpertinmartialarts,whocanswiminaroughsea,andstormafleetofships.
IthinkIknowthepeopleandcanarrangeabouttwentyofthem,YourMajesty.
Iwassilentforamoment.Itwaseeriethewayhereadmymind.Whatsortofacreaturewashe?Awizard?EvenIwasnotsurethatwaswhatIwanted.
Theplanwassheermadness.Takingonafleetofshipswithahandfulofsoldierswastheheightoffoolishness.
AndIwasnosoldieroffortunenow.Akingcouldnotaffordtobesoreckless.IimaginedPrahasthasfacewhenhelearntthattheKinghaddepartedatdeadofthenightwitha
motleycrewofhalftrainedsoldiers,totakeonthemostfearsomepirateintheworld.Ialmostsmiledatthethought.JusttospitePrahastha,thesuicidalmissionwasworthit.
Bhadramadeanotherelaboratebowandlefttheroomsilently.Ilookedoutatthepiratefleet.Themerrimenthaddieddownandthelightsintheshipswereturnedoff.Ihopedthat
thepiratesweredrunkandfastasleep.IwasnotsurewhichshiphousedthepirateKing,Varuna.Thebiggestfactorwouldbesurprise.Mykingshipdependedonit.Iknewitwas
ahugeriskandifIwascapturedbythepirates,thedoorsofLankawouldbeleftwideopentotheirmaraudinghordes.Iwasalsoafraid.Itwasanumbing,paralyzingfear.The
storiesoftorturemetedoutbythepiratekingtohaplesssoulswhofellintohishands,werelegend.HiscoldheartednessraisedhimtotheleagueoftheDevaGods.Itriedto
rationalizethefearIfeltasconcernformycountrymenandrelatives.
Thenitcame,thatuglyinnervoice,Youcouldevenfoolyourself,Ravana.Sonoble,sobrave!ThegreatEmperorofatinyvillage,soconcernedaboutthefateofhissubjects.
Howmanykingsareasnobleheartedasyou?WhenwouldIeversilencethatvoice?IknowIammoreafraidaboutmyownsafety.
MyvividimaginationpaintedpicturesofthetortureImightendure.IamafraidofVaruna.WouldIbeabletowithstandthepain?Morethanthat,wouldIbeabletaketheshameof
beingdraggednakedthroughthemuddylanesofLanka?WhycouldntIbesatisfiedwithasimplepeasantslife?
Inthestealthofthenight,wewouldlaunchthecanoesandpaddleslowlytowardstheships.Thedeckswereatleasttwentyfeetoffthewater.Howwouldweclimbuptothem
withoutanysound?Whichshipshouldweattackfirst?ThekeywouldbetocaptureorkillVaruna.Thereweresixshipsatanchor.Thepiratekingsshipafloatingpalacewas
visiblefromadistance.ButVaruna,thesmalltimefisherman,didnotbecomeVaruna,thepirateking,bybeingpredictable.
Therewaseverypossibilitythathewouldbeinoneofthesmallerships,anticipatingsuchamovefromtheAsuraarmy.Withoutintelligenceabouttheenemyposition,itwasa
foolswarweweregoingtowage.
Prahasthawouldhaveaheartattackwhenheheardwehadgoneonsucharecklessmissionwithoutsufficienhouawoutinformationandmilitarybackup.
ShouldIabandonthemission?MylegstrembledandIwashorrifiedtoseemyhandsshaking.
IwasstartledtohearacoughbehindmeandturnedtoseetherepulsivefaceofBhadra.Thisguycouldassassinatemewithoutmybeingawareofit.Hadhegotthepawsofa
cat?
YourHighness,yourpeopleareatyourservice.Translation,twentypeople,includingthiscreature,werewillingtodieatmyorders.ButwhydidInotfeellikeIdidwhenIledan
armyintobattle?Myfirstwarwaselectrifying.IcouldcompareittowhatIfeltwhenItookmyfirstgirlintothebusheswhenIwasfourteen.
ButIcouldsensetheexcitementbuildinginthemen.Inthehot,humidair,thesmelloftheirsweatmingledwiththesmellofJasmineflowersfromthegarden.Themoonhad
hiddenbehindtheclouds.Icouldsmellbloodonmyhands,andfear.IprayedtosomeunknowngodinwhomIdidnotevenbelieve,thatthesemen,whoalsoappearedso
brave,shouldnotsmellmyfear.
SilentlyIwalkedoutoftheroomtryingtoholdmyheadhighandmyshouldersstraight.Itriedtowalkconfidentlyandappearlikethewarriorsofold.HadtheybeenasafraidasI?
Perhaps,ifIcameoutofthisalive,afterthousandsofyears,therewouldbestoriestoldaboutmetoo.Thevoiceinsidemestarteditstirade.Ah,Ravana,youarejustatinyspeck
intheuniverseanditdoesnotmatterabitifyoudieorwintoday.Yourdeathislessvaluablethanawormsdeath.Awormbecomesfoodforabirdormanureforthesoil.Ifyou
die,yourbodywillbeburned,addingonlyemptyfumestotheatmosphere.Asfarasnatureisconcerned,yourstrugglesandtrials,yourtriumphs,yourverybirthanddeath,are
allirrelevantincidents.Theyaresmallstonescrushedunderthewheelsoftime.Ifyoulive,youwilljustbeonedayclosertotheinevitableend.Ifyoudie,thentheuniversewill
stillremainthesame.Ravana,whatafoolareyou...
Thewavescrashingontotherockswokemeupfromthenumbinglullabyofthedepressinginnervoice.
Bhadraandanothermanofslightbuild,pushedthreecanoesintothesea.Onebyone,themenwadedthroughwaistdeepwaterandgotintothecanoes.Istoodtransfixed,
staringattheheavingoceanandthesuredeathwhichawaitedus.Varunasshipswereanchoredclosetotheshore,yetnowtheyseemedtotouchtheedgeofthehorizon.I
steppedintothewavesandwasimmediatelysubmerged.Thewavesrolledmebacktotheshore.Sputteringandswearing,Istoodupandwadedtowardsthecanoesagain.I
chosetoignorethegrinonmysoldiersblackfacesandjumpedintothefirstcanoe.Immediatelythecrewstartedrowingthecanoetowardstheships,withtheothertwocanoes
following.
Thundersoundedinthedistance.AswordoflightningsilhouettedthepirateKingsshipagainstthedarkhorizon.Theseabecamerough.Theothertwocanoesfellbehind,but
rowedfuriously.Slowly,fightingtherollingswells,wereachedwithinafewyardsoftheships.Anotherstreakoflightningilluminatedtheskyandtherollingwaters.
Removingallmyclothesexceptformyloincloth,andclutchingmyswordbetweenmyteeth,Ijumpedintothefreezingwaterandstartedpaddlingtowardstheships.Icouldhear

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thesoftpaddlingfromthesoldierswhofollowedme.TheshipsheavedintherollingwatersandIfounditquiteimpossibletostaynearthem.IswamtowardstheshipIthought
Varunawouldbein.
Asifoncue,twosoldiersclimbedtheshipsverticalsidetowardsthedeck.Itwasamazingtowatchthemastheyusedspecialclawstodigintothewoodenboardstogetagrip.
Theyclimbedupfast,almostlikelizards.Butitseemedaneternitybeforetworopescamesnakingdown.Ijumpedandgrabbedoneoftheropesandstartedclimbing.
st,ize="1">Bhadrafollowedontheotherrope.Quickly,theothersfollowed.IreachedthedeckfirstandthesightIsawchilledmyheart.Thetwobravemenwhohadclimbedup
first,laythereslaintheirbodiessprawledonthedeck.
Getout!Itsatrap!Ishouted.Thenitstartedraining,asuddenstormragedandtheshipswayedprecariously.Someofmysoldiersfellintothesea,butothersjoinedmeondeck.
Therewassilence,otherthanthedeafeningnoiseofthehowlingwind.Westoodtherewithourswordsdrawn.Itwasridiculous,standingtherealmostnakedandcompletely
drenched,waitingtobekilled.Therainwashedawaythepuddlesofblood.
AnditwashedawaythefalsecourageIhadbuiltup.
OhGod!WhathadIdone?
Thenthedarknessresonatedwithdevilishlaughter.
Inaflashoflightning,Isawweweresurroundedbyheavilyarmedpirates.Wewereseriouslyoutnumberedandtherewasnochanceofescape.Withamightyeffortofwillpower,
Ijumpedandthrustmyswordintothegutsofafearsomepirate.Thiselectrifiedmytroopsandabattleensuedontheswayingdecks.Iwasrecklessandastonishinglymyfear
desertedme.IfoughtfrommyheartandlostcountofhowmanyIbutchered.Thewoodendeckwasslipperywithbloodandthedanglingropesofthesailsaddedtothedanger.I
waswoundedthriceandbleedingprofusely,butthatwastheleastofmyworries.Islowlyrealizedthatwecouldtakeovertheship.Toourdismay,wefoundthattheotherships
hadclosedin.Pirateswerejumpingintotheragingseaandswimminglikemadmentowardsourship.Iftheyreachedus,totalannihilationwouldbeinevitable.
WherewasthatbastardVaruna?IfonlyIcouldlaymyhandsonhim!Thefirstpiratesfromtheothershipsstartedclimbingontoourdeck.Ikickedoneinthefaceandsawhimfall
intotheragingsea.PerhapsVarunawasinthelowerchamber.Ikickedopenthedoorleadingtothestairsandjumpeddowntothelowerchamber.Theornatedoorwereclosed
andafaintlightcamethroughthecracks.Ghastlyshadowsplayedonthecurvedwallsoftheship.Thesoundsofthebattleonthedecksreachedmefaintly.WasVarunainside?
Ikickedopenthedoorandswungmyswordinasweep.Theroomwasempty.Idrovemyswordintotheflyingsilkcurtains.Likeasnifferdog,Ifelltothefloortoseewhetherthe
cowardwashidingunderthebed.
Thenacold,steelbladetouchedthenapeofmyneck.
Well,theEmperoroftheAsurasispayingaroyalvisittothispoorfishermanschamber.Iamgrateful,YourMajesty.
Itriedlookinguptoseethefaceofthehatedpirateking,butwithhiswoodenshoes,hekickedmyface.
Bloodoozedfrommynoseandformedapoolonthefloor.Myfearreturned.Trapped!Thiswastheend.
Yousurpriseme,YourMajesty.Youvisityourguestschamberinyourloincloth?IsitanAsuracustomfromthemainlandorareyoumakinganewfashionstatementforyour
subjectstoemulate?WithanagilitywhichsurprisedVarunaandme,Ikickedathisanklesandinthatsecondofsurprise,Irolledontomyfeet.Iwasburningwithanger.IfonlyI
couldkillhimorbetteryet,capturehim,Iwouldnotonlyretainakingdombutalsomyshatteredpride.Itriedtohithimaheavyblowwithmysword,butheeasilyblockedit.
Fuelledbymyfrustrationandpentupanger,Istartedfighting.ButVaruna,whowasalmostfortyyearsold,parlayedmystrokesandthrustswithaneaseborderingonboredom.
HisswordsmanshipwasbeyondcompareandheresembledMahabaliathisbest.Mytwentysomethingyouthandenergywasnomatchfornoesthequietconfidenceandpoise
oftheveteran.
Ohgood,good...butyouneedmorepractice..
.no,notthatway,tryswingingfromthelefttherethere,thatwasbetterbutyouneedtoexertmorepower...Hismonotonewasirritatingandmademefeellikeachildbeing
trainedinthemartialarts.HehaddrawnbloodmanytimesandIhadnotbeenabletotouchhimevenonce.MywoundsstartedbleedingagainandIfeltdizzy.Allwaslost.Iwas
desperate.
Varuna,youpirate,holdonorloseyourblastedhead!
Iturnedandsawtomysurprise,twoarchersframedinthedoorway.IttookmeafewsecondstorecognizemyuncleMaricha,andmybrotherKumbakarna.Theypointedtheir
arrowsatVarunaandforthefirsttimeIsawhimlosehiscalm.BeforeIcouldreact,hetriedtojumpintotheseathroughtheopenwindow.Igrabbedhislegsandhefellwithhis
faceflatonthefloor.BeforeVarunacouldshakemeoff,KumbhawasonhimandtogetherwepinnedhimdownandtiedhishandsbehindhisbackwiththesilkcurtainsMaricha
hadtorndownandhandedtous.
Howthehelldidyoupeoplearriveinthenickoftime?Icouldnotstopwonderingatthisfairytalearrivaloftheredeemingheroes.
Marichawasoutofbreathbutthatdidnotstophistale.Whenyoudiscussedtheplanswithusthismorning,Ikeptthinkingaboutit.ThemoreIthought,themorerecklessand
foolishitappearedtome.Icametoyourchamberstowarnyounottoundertakethisidioticmission.Butyouweremissing.OnedidnotneedtobeageniuslikePrahasthato
guesswhereyouhadgone.Certainlynotforalatenightstroll.Iwokethisoaf,thenranlikeamaddogandblewthewarbugle.Icouldassembleonlyafewhundredsoldiers.Half
ofthemweredeaddrunk.TheseAsurasThenwepaddledlikecrazytowatchtheentertainingcircusyouhadsetuponthehighseas.
Didweloseanymen?
DoyouthinkwewerewarmlywelcomedwithbetelleavesandsweetsintoVarunasship?Welostafewdozensandhalfofthemdiednotbecauseofbattlewoundsbutdrowning
intheseturbulentwaters.Iheardyoualsolostsomemen.
ThecountwassixwhenIstartedmyinterestingchatwiththegreatpirateKing.
Imsorry,butIthinkyourpetBhadradrowned.
Vaystha,theheadsoldiersawhimfalloverandnoonehasseenhimsince.IntheseroughseasIthinkhewouldhavereachedChinabynow.
Brother,whatshallwedowiththispirate?
Throwhimwithhislegsandarmstied,intotheseaafittingendforthekingoftheseas.Marichasaidwithoutamomentshesitation.
Thatwouldservehimright.No,holdon.LetstakehimtoLanka.Letsdraghimthroughthestreetsinhisloincloth.Iwasgettingenthusiastic.Letthepeopleofmykingdomsee
themanwhowasresponsiblefortheirmiseries.
AndletthemalsoseeKingRavana,whofreedthemfromtheirmisery.Ravana,theslayerofthepiratesandtheKingofthesevenseas,Kumbhaaddedwithasmile.
Marichastaredatbothofus.Thenasanafterthoughtheadded.ItwouldbebetterifyougiftedtheKingofpiratestothemothersea.
Iignoredthispieceofadvice.But,ifIcouldrewritemylife,IwouldperhapsstartfromthatmomentandaskMarichaandKumbhatolendmeahelpinghandtoliftVarunaandfling
himoverboard.

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20Weddinoesp>
Ravana
IhadtoentermyroyalchamberbutIdidnotdareto.Shewouldbethere,waitingforme.Iwasmarriedtoday.Ofallthepeople,ImarriedthatfrostyMandodari.
IknewitwasinevitablebutIwantedtopostponeitaslongaspossible.ButwhentheroyalprocessionenteredthestreetsofTrikota,Iwasbeyondmyself.Victorycanmakeone
foolish.AndthisweekmanythingshappenedsoswiftlythatIwasbarelyabletothink.
ThewordhadgoneaheadofusthatthemightyKingofLankahadcaughtthepirateKingVaruna.Thepirateswerestrippedtotheirloincloths,smearedwithmudanddirt,spat
upon,brutallybeatenup,andthenmadetowalkinamacabreprocessionbehindtheirfallenKing.Thousandslinedthestreets,shoutingtriumphantly.
IwalkedinfrontoftheprocessionhopingIlookedsufficientlyheroic.OnceinawhileIraisedmyswordtothecheeringcrowdanditseemedtoelectrifythem.Iwastheirheroking
whohadsavedLankafromtheclutchesofthedreadedpirate.Myheartswelledwithpride.IhitVarunaacrosshisface,drawingbloodfromhisnose.Ah,thatfeltgood.Ihithim
againandraisedmysword.Thecrowdstartedshouting,LongliveRavana,longliveourKing.Somepoorsoulcameandfellatmyfeet.Oneofmysoldierskickedhimandthe
crowdlaughed.Someonenearmebooed.Istaredintothecrowdandtheentiresectioncowered.Icouldsmelltheirfear.Thesamepeoplewhowantedarevolutiontothrowme
outwerenowafraidofme.Successcanbesosweet.Peopleboweddowntome.
Ilookedbackandsuddenlymysoldierswhohadbeenshoutingandlaughing,stopped.Istaredatthemandtheytooloweredtheirheads.IlookedatKumbhaandhesmiledat
me.IdidnotreturnthesmilebutcaughtMarichaseye.Heshookhisheadsadly.Whydoesthisfellownotbowtome?Ibegantosimmer.
Varuna,withhisbloodstainedface,caughtmyeyeandgaveadevilishlaugh.Idreadedhislaugh,butmorethanthat,Idreadedmyself.WhatsortofademonwasIbecoming?
WhywasItreatingmypeoplelikethis?
WhywasIgettingangryevenatMaricha,whenhedidnotshowrespect?Suddenly,IwantedtorunandhughimandsayIwassorry.Butsomethingheldmeback.Iincreasedmy
paceandenteredthepalacegate.
Standingatthefarendofthelongcorridor,waitingforme,wasPrahastha.Therewasafrownonhisfaceandafaintairofdisapproval.IwantedtodanceroundPrahastha.The
idiothadkeptadvisingmetobecautious.
FatgoodcautionhaddonehimandhisbunchofAsurajokers.AsIreachedhim,Islowedandlookedintohiseyes.Hewasstaringatme.Astaringcontest.Whatdidhewant
now?Ifhestartedtolecturemeaboutstatesmanshipanddiplomacy,Iwouldcatchholdofhimbythescruffofhisneckandrubhisnoseonthefloor.
Thankfully,hekeptquiet.Perhapshepractisedwhathepreachedprudence.
Callthecourt,Iwouldliketospeaktoallmyministers.Iorderedhimashestoodtherewithhisfrowningstare.
Iwasbusyhuggingmysister,andKumbha,whenPrahasthaspokeagain.ShallIsendamessageforwithdrawalofthearmyfromthesouthernsectorofthecity?
Dowhatyouthinkisright.YouarethePrimeMinister.Idismissedhimwithawaveofthehandandhemadeaslightbowandleft.AsIwatchedhissteady,departingstrides,my
eyeslookedintothoseofthechainedpirateking.Asmileplayedabouthismouth.Hadthewilyfoxsensedthepoliticaltension?Itdidnotmatteraslongashewaschainedlikea
maddog.AsfarasIwasconcerned,hecouldkeephisamusedsmileuntilsomelowlysoldierfrommyarmysawitanddecideitasconcerdtowipeitoffhisfacewithagoodhard
knock.Icouldhearthefestivitiesoutsidethepalace.
JustanotherreasonfortheAsurastogetdrunk.Letthemcelebrate.Myheartwentouttothem.Finally,Ihadliveduptotheexpectationsofmypeople.Ididnotwanttoremind
myselfthatsharkswouldhavebeeneatingthelastofmehadMarichanotturnedupwhenhedid...Somuchformybrandofheroism.
Myhero,haveyoufinishedyourdaysquotaofheroism?MymotherwassmilingatmeandIwentandhuggedher.
Youfool!Whatifyouhadgotkilled?Icouldfeelhertearsdrippingontomybareshoulders.Ihuggedhertighter.Sheheldmeatarmslengthandpeeredintomyface.Youlook
likeyourfather,Ravana.Iwentstiff.HewasthelastpersonIwantedtolooklike.Iwouldhavepreferredtolooklikeacatrunoverbyachariot.Ithinkshesensedthattoo.There
wasathicksilence.Itookafewstepsforwardandstoppeddead.TherewasMandodari,leaningagainstapillarandlookingatmewiththatsametoneless,featureless,
emotionless,intenselook.Ididnotknowwhattosay.
Go,goandkissheronherlips.Thatiswhatheroesaresupposedtodoaftertheirboutsofheroism.Kisstheheroineandifahorseishandy,liftherupandrideintothesunset.
Instead,Ifumbled.
Whatisthis,aloversmeet?Silentcommunicationwiththeeyes?mysister,Soorpanakhasdevilishvoicebrokethespell.Iturnedandcaughtholdofherbytheearandshe
howled.
AnymorenonsensefromyouandIwillmarryyouofftothefirstAsuradrunkardIseetoday,Icriedoutinmockanger.Iwasrelievedtohaveescapedtheordealofstrikingupa
conversationwithMandodari.Isneakedaglancetoseeifshewasblushingorfeelingshy.
Nothingofthesort.Justthatstare.Thatpiercingstarewhichwentthroughmysoul.Couldshereadmydarksecrets?OhGod,ifImarriedthiscreature,shewouldstareandstare
andonedayIwouldgoupinsmoke.
SuddenlyIfeltmyprivacyviolated.IhadforgottenaboutthepirateKing.Hewasstandingtherewiththatarrogantsmileplayingonhislips,drinkinginthesceneunfoldingbefore
him.Chainedandalmostnaked,hedidnotseembotheredabouthisplight.Whyhadntaministerorofficiousbureaucrat,draggedthisprisonerawaytohisdarkcell?Allthe
uselessAsurafoolswereenjoyingtheirKingsvictoryandhadforgottenabouttheirkingandhiscaptive.Ishoutedatthetopofmyvoice.Itwasanotherfiveminutesbefore
someoneappearedandmadeanelaboratebow.IwantedtokickhisblackarsebutitwouldhavebeenunfairtopunishthisefficientAsuraforhispromptness.Iaskedhimtodrag
thepirateKingtooneofthedark,undergroundcellswhereKuberausedtokeephisdetractors.
ThedeferentialwayinwhichmyguardwastreatingthepirateKingalmostmademegag.Exceptforhischains,Varunalookedasifhewasonastatevisit.Mybiggestchallenge
wouldbetodisciplinetheseAsuraclowns.Theybehavedlikechildren.Imagesofthetwentyoddsoldierswhohadriskedtheirlivesafewhoursbefore,believinginmetotally,
flashedthroughmymind.Howmanyweredead?HowmanywidowshadIcreated?Howmanychildreninthosehutssprinkledbeyondthecitywallswouldfallasleepcryingfor
theirfathers,formanydaystocome?TomorrowIwouldvisitthehutsofmysoldierswhohadgonemissingorbeenkilled.Iwouldensuretheirchildrenwouldnotstarvenorthe
widowsdraggedintotheviciousnetofprostitution.Iowedthemthatmuchfortrustingmeandsacrificingtheirlives.WhatagreatmanIwas.Butwhataboutttwves.HowwouldI
everfeelhappyifthisjokerinsidemekeptthrowingsuchridiculousthoughtsintomymind?Ihadtherighttofeelnobleandgreat,atleastonceinawhile.
AndwherewasBhadra?Theguywasanenigma.
Couldhehavediedsoeasily?Ifeltresponsibleforthedeathofmybelovedservant.Thesunclimbedupandeverythinglookedfreshandwashedafterthepreviousdays
shower.Birdschirpedinthetreesanddragonfliesbuzzedaroundtheflowersintheovergrowngarden.Ilookedoutofthewindowandcouldseekiteshoveringovertheswaying
coconutpalms.Crowscawedandthedistantsoundsofwomenwashingclothes,keptrhythmwitheachother.Allwaswellwiththeworldanditwasoneofthosewonderful

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momentswhenallthoughtsceasedandapleasantemptinessfilledmymind.
Pray.Prayforyoursoulandthemenyouhavekilled.Andpeaceshallbeyours,myKing.
Shutyourmouth,you...donttellmewhattodo.
..IdidnotknowMandodariwasstandingnearby,watchingmewiththoseintenseeyes.Iwasstartledtohearhervoice.Ihadbeensoabsorbedwithnature.NowIwantedto
grabherthroatandsqueezethelifeoutofher.HadIaskedthisprudeforheradvice?Howdaresheentermyworldandtalkrubbish?Shehadgonepaleandasobquiveredin
herthroat.Iwasembarrassedatmyoutburstandfelttheangerdrainoutofme.Ihadneverbeeninsuchasituationanddidnotknowwhattodo.ShouldIapologize?Butshehad
deservedit.Ifeltmyangerreturn.
Imsorry...shesaid.
Alright,alright...IwantedtoaddthatshehadhaditcomingbutIprudentlykeptquiet.
YourHighness,thecourthasassembled,theguardshoutedatthetopofhisvoice.Iwasthankfulforthebreakandwalkedpast,mymindracingthroughtheprobablequestions
Prahasthaandotherswouldraiseandhowbesttodealwiththem.
ThecourtwasinfullassemblyandthedozingguardatthedoorsnappedtoattentionwhenIwentpasthim.ItbotheredmealittlethatIhadtocoughandlethimknowofmy
presencebeforeheshowedhisversionofrespect.Iwantedtokicktheguardanddrivesomedisciplineintohiswoodenhead.ButthenIwouldhaveendedupkickingmyentire
army.Besides,Ihadmoreimportantthingstoworryaboutthanbeingadrillsergeanttomysoldiers.NowtheprioritywastoemphasizemyauthorityandnotlettheCounciltake
over.IknewPrahasthawouldbeschemingbehindmeashewaslividatmyspectacularvictoryagainstthepirateKingVaruna.Hemighteventhrustforwardhisharebrained
opinionsabouthowtotreatthepirateandquotefromsomeobscurebooksontheAsuracodeofconduct.IdecidedthatifhequotedsomeancientAsurasage,andsaidthatIhad
toleaveVarunawithfullstatehonoursasavisitingKing,Iwouldensurethatthepiratekingswouldbedemeanedtothemaximumpossibleextent,draggedthroughthestreets
andfloggedinpublic,andfinallylefttoanagonizing,slowandpainfuldeathinpublic.IwasworriedandunsurehowtherestoftheCouncilwouldrespond.Ihadtogetridofthis
farceofaCouncil.WhydidIneedthemtogivemeadviceonhowIshouldconductmyself?
AsIenteredthedurbar,Ilookedaround.Theornatechairattheendoftheroomhadadecorativeumbrellaoverit.Pearlsanddiamondsofvariousshapeshungfromitsfrill.
Therewasahugediamondonthechairback.ItwastheroyalthroneofthekingofLanka.
Ifeltalittleperturbedthatithadnotcomenaturallytometothinkofitasmythrone.Yes,itwasthYesrback.
Iesamethronewhichhadsupportedmyhalfbrothersfatbottom.WherehispompousHighnesssatdispensinghisversionofjustice.Istoodtransfixed.Ihadcamealongway,a
verylongway,fromthedaywhenIhadaccompaniedmymotherandsiblingstobegbeforeKubera,whohadbeensittingonthissamethrone,andhehadthrownafewcoinsat
ourfeetanddismisseduslikebeggars,withawaveofhishand.
Iclimbedthestepstothethrone.
Stop!Theshoutechoedinsidethelargedurbarhall.Iturnedbackhastilyandmystepsfaltered.ThenIsawPrahasthastandingwithhisarmscrossedbehindhim.Bloodshot
intomyveins.InstinctivelyIdrewoutmysword.Theministerswhohadbeensitting,stoodupintheirseats.Whyweretheysittinginthefirstplace?Weretheynotsupposedto
standupwhenI,theKing,enteredtheroom?MylipstrembledandIwassuremyeyeshadturnedbloodred.Ihadneverfeltangrierinmylife.Prahastha,myprimeminister,had
stoppedmefromtouchingmyownthrone.HadIbeenblessedwithpropheticvision,Iwouldhavethankedhimandwalkedouttothefreedomwaitingoutsidethepalace.Ishould
havegonethen,leavingthegovernancetothosewhowerelearnedlikePrahastha,andpursuedmytrueinterestinmusic.Insteadofbringingdeathanddamnationuponmy
belovedpeople,IcouldhavepresentedtheworldwithhoursofpleasantmemorieswiththeragasIcouldhavecomposed.Butthemagneticpullofthatgoldenthroneisnot
matchedbyanythingelseintheworld.
IstoodrootedtothespotandthenslowlyraisedmyswordandpressedthesharptipagainstPrahasthaschest.Iraisedaneyebrowandglaredathim.Hestoodtherewithout
flinching.Icouldsensethetensionintheroom.Manyhandshadgonetodaggersandswords.
YourHighness,yourofficialcoronationceremonyisnotdone.Untilthenyoucannottouchthethrone.Youcannotsitonitwithoutyourroyalcrown.Ourcustomdictatesthat.
Prahasthaaddressedmeevenly.ThetensionintheroomeasedandIfeltlikeafool.Ifeltlikeslappingmyownhead.IlookedaroundandcaughttheeyesofMaricha.Hehadan
uncharacteristicfrownonhisface.RudrakahadasneerandJambumaliandMalyvanwerediscussingsomethingwithSumali.
DhumrakshaandVajradhamstrawerestandingneartheroundpillaronthefarthestrightcornerandlookingatmewithunconcealedhatred.IdidnotknowwhatIhaddoneto
earntheirhatred.Isearchedforasuitablechairtositonandtomychagrin,therewasonlyabatteredoldwoodenchairleft.Withsomereluctance,Ipressedmyselfontotheseat,
halfexpectingabugtobiteme.
Marichanoticedmypredicamentandtriedtolifthischairandbringittome.Iwavedhimawayandsatdowninthecreakingchair.
Immediately,Prahasthacalledoutinhistoughharshvoice,Councilmeetingcommences.
Waitaminute,hadInotdismissedthisstupidCouncil?Thenwhywasthisidiotactingasifweweregoingtosithereforthewholedayliketheoldendaysandtalkandtalkand
donothing?Council,myfoot!IfIdidnotactnow,IwouldbecometheSarpanchoftheAsuraraceandnotitsking.
HasitescapedyouthattheCouncilwasdismissedlongbeforeweeversetfootonthisisland?NexttimeIhearanyofyoutalkingabouttheCouncil,youcancatchthenextship
tothemainlandandjointheoldEmperorinhismadpursuits.Thatis,ifIminagoodmood.Godforbidifmymoodisbad.Thenyoucanexpecttoendupasacrocodilemealin
themoataroundheandjothepalace.DoImakemyselfsufficientlyclear?
But...PrahasthahadgoneallredandJambumaliwastryingtosaysomething.
AndIdonotcareifitviolatesadozenAsuracodesandcustoms.Imakemycustoms.IwillactaccordingtotherulesImake.Iamsickofthesethousandyearoldtraditions.Just
toprovemypoint,IamgoingtositonthethroneKuberahasleft.Idonotcareforanyceremonies.IowethekingdomnottoanyAsurasuperstitions.Thisisanewworld,amodern
world,andletthebeliefsandsuperstitionsoftheoldIndianottangleourmarchtowardsprogress.
BeforeIcouldlosesteam,Ideliberatelytooktheoldwoodenchairandthrewitatthenearestwall.ItbrokewithaloudsnapandIthoughtitwassymbolic.Iturnedswiftlyand
marchedtowardsthethrone.IcouldheartheshockedintakeofbreathfrommyCouncilandmyministers.Isatdownwithaflourish.Ifeltsometrepidation,andthenashiverand
thrillpassedthroughme.Islowlyleanedbackuntilmyheadtouchedtheheadrest.Myhandsplayedwiththecontoursofthehugediamondsonthearmrest.Acoldbreezeblewin
fromtheseaandstreetssoundscameinfromoutsidethepalace.
Allwaswellwiththeworld.AndtheworldwentonwhetherRavanasatonagaudychairwithsomeceremoniesorwithout.ThestrangesenseofelationIhadfeltamomentago,
drainedawaytobereplacedbyasenseofemptiness.Theimagesofmymendrowningandtheheartwrenchingscenesintheirhomes,disturbedmymind.Wasthistwofeet
thickcushionworthit?WhathadIbecome?Apacifist?Myambitionwastoconquertheworld.IwantedtobetheEmperorofIndia,thesaviouroftheAsurarace,thebenevolent
rulerwhowouldbringprosperityandhappinesstohissubjects.
Iwonderedwhymyministersstillstood.Ahthiswasgood.Theywerewaitingforpermissionfromme.Igesturedforeveryonetobeseated.Prahasthacontinuedtostand.He
struggledtosaysomething.Ideliberatelycrossedmylegsandstartedmassagingmyleftheel.Ibalancedmyleathershoeandswungitwithmytoe.IthoughtIshouldgeta
cobblertostitchafewpearlsonmyfootwear.Itwouldlookgood.Mygestureofsuperioritywasnotlostonanyofmyministers.Iwashappythattheywerelearningfastwhowas
theboss.ButIcouldnotmeetMarichaseyes.Itwouldhavebeenembarrassingforbothofus.
YourHighness,InoticedtherewasasmalllispinPrahasthasvoice,thefirstpointwewouldlike...thatis...youshouldtakeadecisiononisthefateofthepiratekingVaruna.
Ishouldhavepointedouttohimthataprimeministershouldnotusewordslikeyoushould.Ididnotwantanyonetospeaktomeinornatesentenceswithahundrednuances.I
hadmademypointandIdidnotwanttopressitanyfurther.Allsaidanddone,ifanyoftheseministersresigned,Iwouldhavebeenhardpressedtofindasuitablereplacement.
Whatisyouradvice,PrimeMinister?Iwassurehewouldsuggestthatthepirateshouldbetreatedwithfullhonoursandgivenaroyalreceptionbefittingavisitingroyaldignitary
orbesentfreewithlotsofgifts.
HewouldbackitupwithsomestoriesofsomeAsurakingwhomayormaynothavelivedafewthousandyearsago,andwhohadtreatedhiscaptiveswithgreatrespect.Iwould
havelikedtoknowwhathappenedtothatmagnanimouskingafewyearsafterhissplendiddisplayofchivalry.Mostprobablytheletoffcaptivehadcomebackwithmoremight,
conqueredthisking,andthenrenderedthemostinhumanepunishmentpossiblewithoutapassingthoughtaboutchivalry.Butnoonelearnsfromhistory.WhethertheDevasor
theAsuras,thereareas,g,enoughfoolstoaddnewchapterstothismutuallydestructivecompetitivechivalry,thoughImustadmittheAsurasdoitmoreoften,thankstothe
learnedmenlikePrahastha.Whenthatlearnedmanvoiceshiswoodenbrainedopinionaboutchivalry,Iwasgoingtoblasthim.
Meanwhile,VibhishanastoodupandgavealongspeechaboutAsurachivalryandthehumanetreatmentofprisonersofwar.Hemanagedtoboreandirritateallthosepresent.I
hadalreadydecidedwhatpunishmentshouldbemetedouttothedreadedpirate.Iwaited.Theascendingwavesofmurmursandtheheavycloudofanticipationhadcreateda
surrealquality.
Finally,afterwhatseemedlikeaneternity,Prahasthabegan,YourHighness,webelievethatthepirateKingshouldbeexecuted.Heistoodangeroustobeletoffandhemight
turnagainstuswhenweareweakest.PrudencedictatesthatheshouldbegiventheharshestpunishmentinordertosendalessontootherenemiesoftheStateandtheCouncil.
..thatis,weministerssuggestthatheshouldbesummarilyexecuted.
Iwasstunned.Thiswasquiteunexpected.IsawSumali,
Vajradhamstra
and
Malyavaan
furiously
discussingitamongstthemselves.KumbhaandVibhishanaweredebating,whileDhumrakshasatinacorner,moroseatbeingignored.IwassureIwasinafix.IfIletoffVaruna,
itwouldbelikesidingwithmybrotherVibhishana,andifIexecutedhim,itwouldseemIwasbeingcontrolledbyPrahastha.Ohboy,whatamess!
Prahasthassteelyglareboredintomeasifchallengingmetocontradicthim.ThepirateKingwasstandingthereunfazed.Notanemotioncrossedhisimpassiveface.Ialmost
admiredhimforhiscoolness.
Themanwasbrave,definitelymuchbraverthanme.Ihadendedupinadeepmess.ItwouldhavebeeneasiertoabidebytheCouncilswishesandexecuteVaruna.
Butthen,Ineededtoassertmysupremacyoverthem.
Atthesametime,IcouldnotletoffthepirateKingwithgreathonourandrespectIcouldnotlethimwalkfree.
Iamnotgoingtoexecutehim.Themurmuringstoppedsuddenly.Afterafewmomentsofstunnedsilence,myministersstooduponeaftertheother.IthinkIoweyouan
explanation.Itisnotmyintentiontoletthispirategofree.Iveorderedthathisentirefleetofshipsbeconfiscatedandaddedtotheroyalnavy.Thepiratesmustbegivenproper
militarytrainingandabsorbedintothenavy.AndasforthepirateKing...IwalkingtowardsVaruna.Hetoweredovermebyatleasthalfafoot.Istaredintohiseyesandthrough
myteethIsaid,Iamgoingtodraghimthroughthestreets,shavehisheadpartially,andthentakehimaroundthecityonthebackofanass.ThenIamgoingtoconductthe
marriageofthispiratekingwithapig.Thiswillbeattheexpenseoftheroyaltreasury,astatesponsoredwedding.Itwillbeconductedalongwithmymarriage.Asmallsmile
twitchedatthecornerofVarunasmouth.Hematchedmystareandsaid,Ahthedaywhenallpigswillgetmarried.
Ihithimacrosshisface,thelaughterofmyministersburningmyears.ThenIalsocaughtthehumourofVarunasreparteeandstartedlaughing.OnlyPrahastharemainedstill,
withoutthetraceofasmileonhisaristocraticface.

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YourHighness,ifyouwillnotexecutethisprisoner,mayIsuggestthathebeimprisonedforlifeinadarkcellar,andnofurtherinsultsbemetedouttohiminpublic?
IwilldoasIwish.Youhavegivenyouropinion.
Keepyourcounciltoyourself.IsnubbedPrahasthaandthematterendedthere.OrthatiswhatIthought.Iwalkedoutofthedurbarwithmyministersfollowingme,whileVaruna
wasdraggedoutsohisheadcouldbeshavedpartiallyandforial>withotherabusesandtortures.
MarichaandKumbhacaughtupwithmeonmyeitherside.Ithoughtyouweregoingtoexecutehim,Ravana.ThatwasbeforeIenteredthedurbar.Icouldseesurprisein
MarichaseyesbutIdidnotreply.
Ihaveasuggestion.Kumbhastruggledtocatchupwithme.WhynotmakeVarunaouradmiral?
AndwhatstheguaranteethatVarunawillnotattackourshipsonceheisoutofLankanterritorialwaters?Iaskedhim.
Atheart,Varunaismoreofabusinessmanthanapirate.Ifheisofferedfavourableterms,hewillsticktothem.Ofcourse,weshouldalwaysremainalertandnottrusthimtoo
much.
Andwhatdowegainbystrikingadealwithapirate?
Asecuretraderoute,portsfreefrompirateattack,revenuefromsecurityforforeigners,andplentyofgoodwillwiththeoutsideworld.
Theideadoesntexciteme.IwasbentoninsultingthepirateKing.Hisjeeringlaughduringhisduelwithmeinsidehiscabin,stillrankled.
IamwithPrahasthainthismatter,Marichaintervened.Itistoodangerous.Idontknowwhyyoutooksuchastupiddecision.Iremainedsilent.HowcouldIsaythatItoohad
wantedwhatPrahasthaadvised,buttookanidioticdecisionjusttoassertmyself?
Motherwasstandingattheendofthecorridor.ThefumblingprofessorMayan,wasalsothere,scribblingsomethingfuriouslyonapalmleaf.Maricha,pleaseleavethechildren
andcomewithme.Wehaveimportantthingstodiscuss.
Marichagavemeawinkanddisappearedwithmymotherandtheprofessor.Iknewwhattheyweregoingtodiscuss.Sothiswasit.Mybachelordayswereabouttoend.Itwas
almostnoon.Outsidethepalace,themarketwasslowlyemptyingasthecitypreparedforitsafternoonsiesta.Afewkitescircledhighinthesky,againandagainandagain.
Somewhereoutside,afishmongeryelledinalastditchattempttoselloffhisdaysbasketoffish.Theseashimmeredinthesunlightandreflectedtheafternoonsuninathousand
littlemirrors.Cloudswereformingonthedistant,westernhorizon.Thehumiditywasintolerableandtheairhunglikeathick,wetcarpetoverthecity.Standingatthebalconyof
mypalace,Ireflectedonmylife.
TheweddingwasfixedforFriday,fourdayshence.Ipersonallysupervisedallthearrangements,notforthemarriage,butforthemetingoutofthegreatestpossiblehumiliation
andtorturetothepirateKing.Icouldnothelpadmirethecourageofthemanhetookitallwithoutamurmur.Withbloodcakedlips,Varunasmiled,showingoffhisbrokenteeth,
whenhesawme.
Iraisedmyhandtohithim,lookedintohiseyes,andstopped.Iwasdisgusted.WhatsortofahoodlumwasI?
Themarriagepreparationswerelikeaconstanttoothache.HoardsofAsuraslandedfromthemainlandinboatsandmotleyships.Ihadneversuspectedthatwehadsomany
relatives.Wherewerethesemobswhenwewerestarving?ObeseunclesandauntssailedintomybedroomjusttoseehowourboyRavanahadgrownup.Oneevendaredto
jokethatthelasttimehehadseenme,Ihadlookedlikesomethingthecathadchewedout.
Ipromptlycalledmyguardsandthrewtheoldmanout.
Childrenranaroundbreakingcrystalvasesandsmearingthewallsofthepalace,babieshowledinthenight,fatblackAsurawomenlayonthefloors,sofas,bedsandsteps
anywheretheycouldfindaplace.TheywokemejusttotellmehowveryluckyIwastohaveachievedsomuchandwhatafineladyIwasmarrying.
Somecamewiththeirgoodfornothingsonsanddemandedemploymentforthemingovernmeemwverylnt.Foodwasfreeandwineflowedlikeariver.

21Happyfamily
Ravana
MysisterflutteredaroundshowingoffhernewlymadejewelleryandescortingallandsundrytoMandodarischambertoshowoffhernewsisterinlaw.
ForonceIpitiedtheprofessorsdaughter.IhadtokeepmytemperincheckandsmileateveryoneandactasifIwasthehappiestmanintheworld.Thestrainofkeepinga
smilingfacewhenIwasseethinginside,startedtellingonmynerves.ByFridaymorning,mysmilewasalmostagrimace.Ilookedinthemirrorandfeltsorryformyself.Whatkind
ofmarriagewasthis?Therewasnolove,noromanticcourtship,nowhispersunderthemoon,nostolenkissesinfactitwasclinical.Notevenmyfertileimaginationcouldconjure
uparomanticrelationshipwithMandodari.
IwaswokenupatsomegodforsakenhouronFridaymorningandalmostdraggedforaritualbathatthepalacelake,amidstpealsoflaughter.Gapingmenandwomenelders
commentinggirlsgigglingaroundcornersacacophonyofnoisesthearomaofflowers,sweets,friedmeat,fruitandrottinggarbageinthestreetsofLankamillingcrowds
outsidethefortjostlingandscreamingandgettingfriedinthehumidtropicalheatcowdungfresh,old,dried,burntincensespicesfishthesicklysmellofthecreek,anda
millionotherthings,assaultedmysenses.Iwasledtoaroomwhere,likeagirl,theyappliedmehendionmytoesandpalms.Oldwomensangsuggestivesongsoldwomen
whowereshrivelledlikesundriedbetelnuts,sangaboutthepleasuresinbed.Thesecamefromthedepthsofthehumansoulandglorifiedaneternaltruthprocreation,the
onlytoolforthesurvivalofhumanbeings.Ishouldhavetriednottolaughatthem.
Iwasescortedtothepalacehallwhereastagehadbeenerected.Itwasgaudyandyetbeautiful.Garlandsofmarigoldandjasminehungallover.AhugepaintingofShivaand
Parvatiformedthebackdrop.Andofallthings,threeBrahminpriestssatcroakinglikefrogsaroundafire.Whatwasthis?ThatwasaDevacustom,Asuramarriageswerealways
simpleaffairs.Ididnotknowwhoseideaitwas.ThenIsawmyfatherhadcomeandwassittinginahugechair.Mymothersatonthefloor,massaginghisfeet.Mybrother
Vibhishanawasalsoreverentlystandingby.Allmyministers,exceptPrahastha,werepresentandstandinginmarkedobsequiousness,asifpayingobeisancetoavisiting
Emperor.Soorpanakhawasdesperatelytryingtoimpressourfather,whowasbarelylistening.Theoldlecherseyeswererovingoverthebodyofthemaidwateringtheplantsin
thegarden.
Theproudfathermeetsthegreatachiever.Aha!
Whatamelodramaticscene.Kumbhawasgrinning.
Soyoudidnotjointhegrandreunion?Icouldbarelyconcealmyanger.
Ichosetogiveitamiss.IthinkIforgotthelinesofthefamilysong.Kumbhawaslaughingnow.Thesmellofcountryliquorhitmelikeablast.Ieyedhimwithcontempt.Fat,ugly,
withahugebeerbelly,helookedfortyandnottwenty.Iscreamed,athim,Howdareyoudrinklikethis?Igrabbedhishairandbangedhisheadonthewall.Yougoodfor
nothing.Youscoundrel...Ikeptbanginghisheadandheineffectuallytriedtoparrymyblows.
Hearingtheruckus,thefamilyreunionbrokeupandtheyallcamerunningintotheroom.Kumbhahadcollapsedonthefloorlikeaheapofmanure.Blooddrippedfromhisnose

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andhemoanedinpain.Marichaheldmeback.Soorpanakhascreamedatthesightoftheblood.Smack!Myearsburned,andIsawwithastonishmentthatmymotherhadcut
herhandonmyearstud.Shehadhitmeinfrontofmyministers,myservants,andnowthestorywouldspreadthroughthecountrylikewildfireakingwhowalkedinthe
shadowofhismotherspallu.Akingwhowastreatedlikeababybyhismother.
IpushedMarichaasideandsawhimfallbackwardsandhithisheadonthefloor,fromthecornerofmyeye.
Icouldnothavecaredless.Igrabbedmymotherbyherhairanddraggedheroutofthehall.ThesightofPrahasthastandingwithhishandsfoldedbehindhisback,staringatme,
stoppedmedead.Thegriponmymotherloosenedandshescrambledup.ThehorrorofthecrimeIhadcommittedhitmelikeathunderbolt.Iwasbothshockedandshattered,
butinsomecornerofmymind,satisfiedandhappy.
Theprisonerisreadyforthepunishment,yourHighness,Prahasthasaid,withaslightbow.ForamomentIwentblank.Prisoner,whichprisoner?ItseemedtheVarunaaffair
wouldfollowmetomydeathbed.
Firstyoufinishwithme.Imyourfirstprisoner!yelledmymotherbehindme.Shavemyheadandmakemerideroundthetownnakedonanass.Whydidyoustop?You
scoundrelson!
Ihungmyheadinshame.Mymothersscreaminghadtunedintohystericalsobs.Myhandstrembled.Icouldnotfaceanyone.Someoneputahandonmyshoulders.Kaikasi,
hehasnotchanged.ImashamedtosayIsiredthisdemon.IthoughtIwouldgracethisoccasionandbroughtmylearnedfriendstoperformthisdevilsmarriage.AndthisSatan
hitshismotherandalmostmurdershisbrotherinfrontofmyfriends!Ifelttheangerrisinginmyveins.Iheldontothebalustradeoftheverandahwithadeadlygrip.Wherewas
thisgoodfornothingBrahminwhenwewerehungry?Wherewashewhenmymotherbeggedforfoodandclothes?Wherewashewhenheldprecariouslytoliveinourtiny
cottage,swayinginthemonsoonsqualls?AndallthewhilethislecherousBrahminhadperhapsbeensowinghiswildoatsinthebrothelsofthemainland
Ishouldnotblamehimalone.Heis,afterall,anAsura.AmoreblightedraceIhaveyettosee.
Debauchery,sodomy,avarice,younameanyevilandthisdevilishracecaneasilyclaimmonopolyoverit.
Blackskinned,uglycreatures...
Ifwearesobad,thenwhydidyoumarrymysister?IturnedinsurpriseatthesoundofmyuncleMarichasvoice.HewascoolbutIcouldfeelhisanger.
Shutup,youstupidAsura,ImtalkingtomywifeandsonandIdonotanswertoanyonelikeyou.Adropofredbetelnutjuiceoozedfromthecornersofmyfathersmouth.
Marichalookedathimwithcontemptandthenturnedtome.Idrewtomyfullheightandsteppedmenacinglytowardsmyfather.Hebegantocower.Itoweredoverthepoorfellow
byalmosttwofeet.IwasangryenoughtokillhimwithablowbutIwasstillashamedatwhatIhaddonetomymother.Mymotherunderstoodthiswasthedecisivemomentand
steppedbetweenus.Sheputherhandsonmychestandshovedmeback.Ilookedatherfaceandagaintheshameofhittingherstruckme.
Mymotherspoke.Iamleaving.Yourfather,brothers,sisterandI,willneveragainstepintoyourhome.Wedonotwanttoseeyouagain.Andwhenwedie,donotcometosee
ourdeadbodies.Powerhasmadeyouintoademon.You...you...willneverfindpeace...
Istaggeredbackandgrabbedthepillarinthecorneroftheroomtostopmefromcollapsingtothefloor.IsawmymothergrabSoorpanakhashand.Shewassobbingasmy
mothertuggedather.Mysisterlo.Mthepillokedatmyfaceandsawthetearsflowingdownmyface.Slowly,deliberately,shefreedherselffrommymothersgrip.Icouldseethe
shockinmymothersface.MotherwalkedtoKumbha,whowassprawledonthefloor.Hehadpassedout.
Kumbakarna,Kumbha,wakeup!Wakeup!ButallmymothersscreamingcouldnotwakeKumbhafromhisdruginducedstupour.Ialmostsmiled.Youhavemurderedhim,
Ravana.Youhavekilledyourownbrother.
Thesituationnowborderedonthehilarious.Heisnotdead,mother.Yoursonisdeaddrunk.Youcouldaskyourfairandhandsomehusbandtocarryhimonhisshoulders.I
laughedoutloudasIimaginedthefatbuffooncarryinghisjumbosizedsononhisshoulders.
Vibhishana,doyouwanttogowiththisgreatDevagentleman,thislearnedBrahmin?Iaskedmyyoungerbrother,asIwalkedtowardshim
Nonobrother...Imean...Vibhishanastammered.IcamesoclosetohimthatIcouldsmellthesacredasheshehadsmearedonhisforehead.Hewassweating.
WhywillyounotaccompanyyourBrahminfather?Hecouldteachyouallsortsofmantrasandmakeyouintoahighclassrobber.Youcouldperformallyourusualmediations
andhaveVishnuorIndraorsomeDevaGodasyourpersonalprotector.Hecouldteachyouallthatandmore.Iwalkedtowardsmyfather,whowasnowashenwithfear.Isaw
theBrahminshadstoppedchantingmantrasandoneofthemwasactuallypackingwhateverhecouldlayhishandson.ThegreedofthatBrahminforothermenspossessions
wasgreaterthanhisfearofdeath.Ilaughedoutaloud.OneoftheBrahminsjumpedoutofthewindowwithtwoofmygoodbrasslampsheldtohischest.Theotheronehadafew
vesselswithhimandtriedtosneakout.Igrabbedhimbyhistopknot.Hefellatmyfeetandstartedmumblingsomething.Ithoughthewouldtakeouthisholywaterfromhisjug
anyinstantandcursemeandIdbehoppingaroundthegardenasatoad.
Ittooksometimeformetoregisterthatthathewaspraisingme.ByShiva!Ihadtopackthisjokeroffbeforehespewedamegapoeminmypraise,deliveredextempore,andthat
toofromtheextremelydifficultpositionofbeingsprawledflatonthefloor.Ikickedhimandhescrambledupandranfordearlife.Myfatherwantedtouttersomecurse,but
becauseofhisfear,hewasunabletoevenopenhismouth.Mymother,withwhateverdignityshecouldmuster,tookmyfathersshakinghandsinhersandinherbest
melodramaticstyle,proclaimed,IwillnotstepintothishellevenwhenIamdead.Iwillnotallowyouoranyofyoursiblingstoseemydeadbody.Andbecauseoftheinsultto
yourparents,youwillpay.Idonotknowinthisworldorthenext,butyouwillsurelypaydearlyforthis.Shewalkedoutofmypalacewithmyfathertrailingbehind.Theonlookers
andpalaceservants,thedregsofsocietywhohadassembledtopeekandsecretlyenjoythepalacedrama,movedoverasidetoallowthismotleyprocessiontopass.Thetwo
Brahminsandafewservantsjoinedthem.TherewasamuffledcryfromthecorneroftheroomandIsawmydearsister,sobbinguncontrollablywithherfaceinherhands.
Vibhishanastoodawkwardlybeforeher.Iwenttoherandputmyhandsonhershouldersandshefellontomychestandhuggedmetight.HadIfailedher?HadIwrongedher?
Somethingpulledatme.Mydear,dearsister,whathaveItakenawayfromyou?
There...there...Thewordssoundedmeaninglesseventome,butIkeptrepeating,There..
.there...Marichacameandtouchedmyshouldersgently.PrahasthastoPrbutIodlikeapillar,withhiseyesfixedonsomeunknownpointinthedistanthorizon.Iliftedmysister
schinandsaidwithalltheloveabrothercouldmuster,Soorpanakha,whateverhappens,whoeverwalksawayfromourlives,Iwillbethereforyou,asabrother,afriend,a
father,andmother.Dontyoutrustyourdearbrother?Withtearsglisteninginhereyes,shesmiledatmeandnodded.Ifeltafraid.WouldIbeabletokeepthispromise?Ididnot
wanttoshatterherinnocence,soIkeptrunningmyfingersthroughherhairandheldherforamomentlonger.Thenmypridecameback,myangerreturnedandIwasmyself
again.Slowlybutfirmly,Iwalkedoutoftheroom.Theguardsatthedoorbowed.Iknewtheyweresniggeringinside,butIignoredthemandwalkedpasttostrollinthegarden.An
epochinmylifewasover.Iwassadbeyondwords.
Theimageofmymotherandherstrugglestokeepusfedandclothed,ourstrugglestostayalive,theinspirationshehadbeentome,allthese,likeindigestedfood,cameupand
chokedme.
Butasmallbubbleofjoystartedgrowingbiggerandbiggerandthenitfilledmywholemind.Freeatlast!
Freefromtheprotectivewingsofmotherbird.Nowwhatwastheretostopme?Nomoralsofabygoneera,novoiceofastrictmother,noonewhoIreallyrespected,totieme
downwiththeropesoftradition.
Ravanawasnolongeraboy.Kingship,fromthenon,wouldnotbeaburdentocarry.Itcamenaturallytome.
IenjoyedbeingtheKing,theEmperor,theLordoftheworld.Thatmorning,onthedayofmymarriage,Ravanawasbornagain.
Likeallmydreams,thisonetoo,wasalsoshatteredbynoneotherthanPrahastha.Hesaidthebridewaswaitingtobemarriedandtheprisonertobepunished.
WearilyIstoodupandwenttofinishoffmychores.Inthedaystocome,Iwoulddreamanddreamagain.Ihadfoundtheelixirofyouth.Theelixirwasneverexhaustedaslongas
Ikeptdreamingonagrandscale.Andmydreamsbecamemystory.

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22Revolutionaries
Bhadra
Ifellintothemouthofdeath,intothehowlingocean.JustasIwasabouttogiveup,myheadbobbedabovetheheavingwaters.Isplutteredandcoughedasanotherhugewave
tookmeunder.Ithurtinahundreddifferentpartsofmybody.Itwouldhavebeensoeasytoletgoandsinkdeeperintothebosomofthesea.Buttheimagesofmywifeandmy
girlbutcheredbytheDevadevils,dancedbeforemyeyes.Itgavestrengthtomyarmsandpowertomylegs.Istartedkickingagain.
AsIcametothesurfaceagain,Icouldseetheheavingshipslikedotsonthedistanthorizon.Iwasbeinglashedbythetropicalhurricane.Sheetsofwaterfellonmyface.Itriedto
keepmyheadabovethewavesbutdidnotknowwheretoswimto.Ibobbedhelplessinthepitchdark,howling,heavingsea,withathreatening,greyskycoveringthisboiling
andbubblingpotofrage.
Somethingwasfloatingafewfeetaway.Iswamtowardsthatandwashorrifiedtoseeaslainsoldierdriftinglikealog.IswamawayasfastasIcouldandtriedstayingafloaton
myback.AfterawhileIsawanoldlogfloatingatadistanceofafewhundredfeet.Iwasafraidtoswimtowardsitlestitturnedouttobeanotherdeadsoldierorpirate.Finally,I
decidedtotakethechanceandswamtowardsit.ItwasanoldtreetrunkandIclimbedon.Iwasdeadtiredandclungonwithallmystrength.TwiceIwasknockedoverbyrogue
waves,buttheseawasevidentlycalming.Therainweakenedtoadrizzleandthestarscameoutintheinkysky.Itookoffmyturbanandtiedmyselftothelogandslept.WhenI
woke,Istaredataoncefamiliarface.
ItriedtorecollectthefacebutmyheadthrobbPrbuenIwed.
Willhelive?Iheardadeepvoiceasking.
Ihopeso,afemalevoiceanswered.ItcametomeinaflashMala!Mala,mymistress,myforgottensweetheart.Itriedtositupbutsheshovedmeback.Iwantedtoaskherwhy
sheleftmeforthattraitor.Iwantedtoscreamather,tearherhairandkickher.Iwantedtokissher,andfeelherroundedhips.But,theimpotentmanIwas,Ijustlaythere,atired
andbeatenAsura.
Ashadowmovedbehindher,towardstheloneburningoilllampandhalfthefacewaslitintheflickeringlight.IthankedShivafornotlettingmeopenmymouth.
ItwasnoneotherthanVidyutjihva.Hadherecognizedme,Iwouldhavebeenlongdead.AngerandjealousyhitmewithaforcegreaterthanthehurricaneIhadescaped.The
bitchwaslivingwithhim.Hewassleepingwithher.Thetall,fairAsurawiththeflowingmaneandaristocraticnose,thedeep,blackeyesandbroadshoulders,thebrilliantorator
andmasterstrategist,theheroofhundredsofpeople,andtherivalofmymaster,Ravana,stoodtherewithacontemptuoussmileplayingonhislips.Ipitiedmyself.Icouldnow
understandwhyMalachosehimoverme.Iwasanothing,ablackpotbelliedAsurawithcrooked,yellowteethandcurlyhair,shortandplump.CouldIexpectabeautylikeMala
tochoosemeoverthishero?ButIwillgetyouman.
Oneday,youwillfallatmyfeetandbeg.ThenIwillmakeyoupayforthatcontemptuoussmile.Withthedreamsofmygrandrevenge,Islowlyfadedbacktosleep.
WhenIwokeagain,itwasalmostafternoon.Therewassomecoldgruelonthecrude,unpolishedwoodentablenearthebed.Iremovedadeadhouseflyfloatingonthesurface
anddrankthegruelinquickgulps.
Everythingwasstilloutside.Iwassurprisedtofindthedoorwasunlocked.Istoodoutsidethethatchedhutandsquintedintheblazingwhitesun.
Wherewereyou?Ithoughtyouhadgonebacktothemainland.Malahadcomefrombehindthehouseandstoodwithapileofwashingoverherleftarm.
Waterdrippedfromtheclothesandformedcuriousdesignsonthesand.
Iworkedhereandtheredoingoddjobs,tryingtomakealiving.IdidnotwanthertoknowwhatIhadbeendoing.Ismiled.Andwhatwereyoudoing?Sleepingwiththat
bastard,Iwantedtoask,butlookedaway.Icouldimaginethemtogether.ShesensedwhatIwasfeelingandcamenearmeandsaidcoldly,Youleftmeandonlyhewasthere.
Itriedtothinkofadozenreparteesthatwouldstingherbutcouldnotcomeupwithone.Instead,Ismiledlikeafool.
Besides,youalwaystreatedmelikeawhore,justathingofpleasure,eventhoughItriedtoloveyou.Hetreatsmelikearealwoman.
Impoormanandnotahandsomeherowithambitionsofoverthrowingtheking.So...
Go
ahead,
Bhadra,
talk
about
all
your
shortcomings.Yougetsomeperversepleasureintalkingaboutyourselflikethat.Iveheardallthisahundredtimesbeforefromyou.
Iwantedtograbandhithertillshewasblackandblue.Shewalkedpastme,beadsofsweatgleamingonherback.Imovedtowardsherandputmyhandsaroundherwaist.The
clothesfellfromherhandsandshehuggedme.Foramomenttherewasananimalpassionbetweenus.Ipressedmyselfagainstherfirmbodyandourlipsmet.Witha
hurriednessthatcomesfromdeprival,Itriedtouchinghereverywhereatonce.
Twohandswerenotenough.Ialmostbitherlipsandshereturnedmykisswithequalpassion.Thenallofasudden,shepushedmeback.Itriedtograbheragain,butshe
pushedmebackagain.No...no...shesobbinghysterically.
Anger,jealousyandsadness,washed
overmeinwaves.Ifeltliketearingherapart.SuddenlyIwasseizedwithasenseofutterhelplessness.Ileftherthereandwalkedtowardsthecliffs.Ifeltlikejumpingoffand
finishingeverythingthereandthen.Ifeltsolonely,sounwanted.Isatonarock,afraidtojumpandafraidtogobacktolife.IcouldseethegoldenflagofmyKingflyingabovethe
castle,flappinginthewindagainstadark,blackstormcloud.Isatthereforhoursuntilthefirstdropofrainhitme.
ThenIwalkedbacktomylife.BythetimeIreachedmyhut,Iwaswetthroughbuttootiredtocare.Ilayonmybedandwatchedalizardwaitingtopounceonafly,whenIhearda
softraponthedoor.BeforeIcouldstand,Malaenteredtheroom.IwatchedherwithmountingirritationbutbeforeIcouldgiveventtoit,thetallfigureofVidyutjihvacamein.
Beseated,beseated,hetoldme.Malasaysyouarelookingforajob.Thisisafightingorganizationandnotatradeguild.Thereisnospecificjobdefinedforeach.Hebecame
animatedandwalkingtoandfro,hisarmsmovinginanexaggeratedfashion.Weareheretocreateanequalandjustworld.ThereisnoplacefortyrantslikeRavanainthe
worldwewanttocreate.
Everyonewillbeequal.Therewillnotbekingsorlandlords.Therewillnotbeanyexploitersofthepeoplelikepriests,magiciansortraders.Allpeoplewillbeequalinthenew
worldIcreate.HepausedforbreathandthesubtlechangefromwetoIdidnotescapemynotice.

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Theevilofthecastesystemwillbewipedoff.Iwillabolishtradeguilds.Acouncilofpeoplewilldeterminewhateachoneofusshouldhave.Iwillnotacceptanyformof
exploitation.BloodsuckingleecheslikeKubera,willbekilled.TheRavanasoftheworldwillbecrushed.TherewontbeanyGods.TheIndrasoftheworldwillbevanquished.
TherewillbenoGodmen,nothingcalledmoney.Peoplewillserveeachotherandbehappy.TheworldwillbelongtopeoplelikeBhadra,ordinary,commonfolk.Iwillcreatea
paradiseforpeoplelikeyou,Bhadra.Joinusinthisfinalfightforanidealworld.
IdonotsaythatIwasnotmoved.Theideaofowningtheworldwasappealing.Ididnotevenowntwopiecesofgoodclothes,letaloneabravenewworld.
Butthen,theidiotthatIam,Ineverbelievedhim.IactedasifIwasexcitedbyhisidea,butdeepdownIknewhewasjustanothertyrantinthemaking.Mylimitedintelligence
refusedtograspthegreatmansvision.Ifelthewasahypocritelikealltheothers,likeme,likeRavana,likeeveryhumanbeingIhadeverseen.
Minewasacynicalviewoftheworld,afarcryfromRavanasvisionofagrandrevivalofAsuracivilization,orVidyutjihvasdreamofanequitablesocialorder,wherehecould
playGod.Thephilosophyofthecommonman,inVidyuatjihvaswords,couldbesummarizedinsixwords,Whatisinitforme?Iwasallforanequitableworld.Orevenfora
grandAsuracivilization,ifIcouldbenefitfromit.Iwantedmyrevenge,twosquaremeals,sex,andifpossible,achancetoacquirewealthandpositionsothatIcouldcontinueto
treatothercommonmeninthesamewaytheyweretreatingmenowwithcontempt.
IsmiledatmyownphilosophyandVidyutjihvatookitasagreement.Heslappedmeonmyshouldersandhuggedme,carefultokeepourbodiesapart.Allmenmaybeequal,but
notthatequal.Comeovertoourtrainingclass.Mala,seethatheisfedandclothedproperly.Andaskhimtobathe.Vidyutjihvawentoutwithhissilkrobesflowingbehind.His
equal,Bhadra,stoodtherewithhismistress,Mala.Isminebiggerthanhisorisitequal?Ikeptwondering.
Youdonotbelievehim?Malaasked.
Doyou?MDhisalaletoutasighandwentout.Ifollowedher,curioustoknowthetrainingtherebelswereimparting.Iwashandedoversomebathingherbsandatowel,by
anotherequalofVidyutjihvas,apunyAsurawithsoresonhisbaretoes,whoworetornclothes.Iwalkedtowardsthesmallwelltobathe.IscrubbedtheplacesVidyutjihvahad
touched.Butthestenchofequalitystuck.Soon,Igotusedtothattoo.

23Revolutioncomeshome
Bhadra
IhadbecomeVidyutjihvasconfidanteinamatterofdays.Newskeptcominginfromthepalacefromtherebelleadersspies.IlearntVarunahadbeencaptured.
Afterpunishingthepirateking,RavanahadlethimtakechargeofprotectingtheLankancoastandanyterritoryRavanamightcaptureinthefuture.Idoubtedthewisdomof
makingthepirateKingtheadmiraloftheroyalnavy,butthelearnedonesknewbetter.IalsolearntthattheKingsmotherhaslefttheislandafteraspatwithherson.Prince
Kumbakarnawasnowatotaladdicttodrugs,bhang,alcohol,gambling,andwomen,notalwaysinthatorder.RavanahadextendedcontroloverallofLanka,exceptthesmall
northeasterntip,whichwaswildcountryandwheremynewmastersswaywasnotstrong.
Ihadyettodecidewhomymasterwouldbe,whetherIshouldhitchmyfortunetoRavanaorVidyutjihva.Fornow,thechancesfavouredRavana,andIshouldhavegoneback.
Butsomethingkepttellingmethatmyfuturewaslinkedtothecharismaticrebelleader.
Moreover,heseemedgullible,andexceptforhisgrandegoandfantastictheoriesaboutsocialequality,hewasthebetterpersontobearound.Eventhoughhisattemptsat
treatingusallashissocialequalswasjustplayacting,thecadreswentalongwithitasnoonehadevenpretendedtobelikethis.Onceinawhile,Iwouldsneakkisseswith
Mala,thoughIhadyettoshareherbed.Thisaddedtotheappealofstayingputwiththerebelleader.
Oneday,Vidyutjihvacalledmetothebeach.Itwaslateeveningandtherewasafullmoon.Theseaglistenedsilverandtherewasthefragranceofjasmineintheair.
Asongdriftedlazilyfromthecamps,asongoflovelostandfoundandtheecstasyofreunion,whichmenyearnforwhentheirstomachsarefullandtheirbodieshealthy.
Theleaderwasstandingonarockjuttingoverthesea.Iclimbedup.Iwasafraid.HadhefoundoutIhadkissedhismistress?
Areyoureadyforanightcruise?Icouldnotseehisface,soIcouldnotdecidewhetherhewasangry.
Yes.Imumbled.Hepushedmeasideandstarteddowntheroughcutstepstothebeach.Asmallcountryboatbobbedupanddowninthewater.HejumpedintoitandI
stumbledinbehind.Withbroadsweepsoftheoarhecutacrossthewaves.Afterafewminutes,hemotionedmetotakeover.Istartedpullingtheoarsandsteeredtheboatinthe
directionhepointed.Asweapproached,Icouldseethedarksilhouetteofthecastleonthecliff.MisthadcreptoverthehigherslopesofTrikotahill.Inthenight,thepalacelooked
eerie.Itwasasifitwashauntedbydemons.AlltheoldstoriesaboutevilspiritsandRakshasasbegantoplaytricksinmymind.Slowlytheboatreachedshore.
StayheretillIcome.Vidyutjihvamovedtowardsthereargateofthefort.Hewalkedwiththeconfidentgaitofamanwhohaddonethisahundredtimes.Iwasinmyoldmasters
palace,withtherebelleader.IfIgotcaught,deathwascertain.Instinctively,Imovedtowardstheshadowsoftherocks.ItwasgettingcoldandIrubbedmyhandDhipalas
together.Thewaterwascomparativelywarmer.Itwasalmostanhourbeforemymasterreturnedinanexpressiveandjoyousmood,hummingasong.Thetunehauntedmelong
afterwehadreachedourshoreandmymasterhadretiredtohiscottage.Itookthesongtomybedthatnight.
Iaccompaniedmymasteragainonhisnightlysojourns.Igrewmoreandmorecuriousaboutwhatwashappening.IwonderedhowheenteredRavanasfortundetectedand
camebackunharmed.Itwasobviousthataninsiderhelpedhim.Butitwasbigrisktotake.TheKingsentirearmywassearchingforhimdeadoralive,andherehewas,roaming
aroundtheKingsgroundswithimpunity.Theaudacityoftheactwasaweinspiring.
Iwascalledoncemoretobehisoarsman.Iwantedtoputanendtomyburningcuriosityanddecidedtofollowhim.Iwaitedforafewsecondsandthenstartedbehindhim.He
walkedfast,withoutlookingback,notevencaringtokeeptotheshadows.Ashereachedthefortgate,heturnedleft.Iwasperplexed.AsfarasIknew,therewasnogateor
entrancethere.AsIgotcloser,Isawtheansweraropedangleddownthesheerwall.Heclimbedupandvanishedoverthehighwallinatrice.Iwentcloseandexaminedthe
rope.ItswayedandItuggedittoseewhetheritwouldholdmyweight.ItwasafoolishthingtohavedonesinceIhadseenittaketheweightofagiantlikeVidyutjihva.
Iclimbedupwithgreatdifficulty.BythetimeIreachedthetop,Iwasdrenchedinsweatandpuffingandpanting.IcursedasIslowlydroppedintothefortcompound.Thesilence
wastotalandfrightening.
Somewhereanowllhooted.InstinctivelyIreachedformydaggerbutIhadforgottenit.Cursingmyselfagain,Itriedtogetmybearings.Oddraysoflightflickeredthroughbushes
inthegarden.Theskywasovercastandheavy.Therewasanoiseliketherustlingofclothesandamutedwhispersomewherenearby.Islowlymovedtowardsthesounds.Inthe
darkness,twoshadowswereembracingeachotherandkissingpassionately.IcouldseethetallfigureofVidyutjihva.Thewomanseemedfamiliar,butIcouldnotplaceher.I
watchedforafewminutesandthenthewomanmovedback.PrincessSoorpanakha!CozyinguptothearchenemyoftheState!Iwasshocked.
Aplanformedinmymind.Thiswasthechancetodoawaymyrival.ItwasatthatmomentthatIchosebetweenmytwomasters.BythetimeIreachednearthepalace,Iwas
bubblingwithjoyandenthusiasm.Iwouldkillmanybirdsatonce.IwouldeliminatemyrivalVidyutjihva,enterthegoodbooksofRavana,ownMala,andensurethattheAsura
clanwouldnotbedividedbetweentwocharismaticandpowerfulleaders.
VidyutjihvahadfoolishlyenteredRavanasfortalone,unprotected,unguardedmentallyandphysically.Thiswasmychancetostrike.IneededtoseetheKingprivatelyandpass

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onthenews.
Iwasnotsurewherehischamberwaslocated.
Surelyitwouldbeheavilyguarded?TheonlythingIcouldbesureofwasthebasiclethargyofmyrace.Itwaslateandtheguardswouldbeasleepordrunk.TheferociousAsura
ofdaytimebattlefieldswasadifferentcreaturefromthefunloving,womanchasing,brawlerofthenight.ThiscouldhavebeenoneoftheAsurasbestkeptsecrets.Todefeatthe
Asuras,attacklateatnight.ThiscouldbewhytheancientAsuracodeinsistedonDharmayudha,wherewarwasbasedonethicalprinciplesandthemostimportantthingwas
thatnobattleswerefoughtatnight.
Iwentaroundthepalaceonce,keepingtothecoverofthehedges,toseewhichwasthebestaccesspoint.Iscrambledupamangotreeandhopedthatthebalconywindows
wouldbeopen.Itwashotandhumid.
SomebodycoughedandIfroze.Icouldhearmyheartthumping.Istoodstillforafewminutesandthenmovedagain.Allthewinn.dowswdowsopeningontotheverandahswere
closed.Icursed.Timewasrunningshort.IfVidyutjihvareturnedtotheboatortheprincesssawmeonherwayback,Icouldstartmylastprayers.
Onewindowwasopen.Imovednearit.Someonewassleepingonthebedinsidetheroom.Iwasntsureifitwasthekingastherewasnobridebesidehim.Buthisprofile
resembledtheking.Ihesitated,butIknewtimewasrunningout.Asmalloilllampburnednearthebed.
Thefacelayinshadow.
Ienteredtheroomandwhispered,YourHighness.
..TherewasnoresponseandImovedclosertomakesureitwasRavana.Suddenly,likeapouncingtiger,themanjumpedonmeandseizedmebythethroat.Iwastoo
frightenedtospeak.Withhisotherhand,hebrightenedthelamp.Tomyhorror,IfoundIwasinthewrongroom.NottosaythatthetreatmentwouldhavebeendifferenthadIbeen
intherightroom.Butitwasterrifying.ThemanholdingmebymythroatwasVibhishana.Ofallthepeopleinthepalace,Ihadendedupintheroomofthispiousrascal.Iwas
moreafraidashewasunpredictable.Itrembledwithfear.HeslowlyloosenedhisgripandsetmedownandIcollapsedontothefloor.Hetoweredovermewithhissworddrawn.
Dontkillme,myLord,pleasedonotharmme.Icried.
Bhadra,youscoundrel,youweretryingtomurderme.Youareeitheraghostoryourefusetodie!Itappearedthathewasalsoconfused.Takingadvantageofhispredicament,I
continuedtoplead.Hestampedhisfootinanger.Istoppedwhimperingandcrawledbacktothewallandcurledintoaball.Iwasstillshaking.Hisangerwasunnerving.Ihad
alwayssuspectedthathewasadangerousmanandhischaracteristiccalmandpoisewasjustamask,butseeinghimwithhisswordpoisedtothrustintomeandthemadgleam
inhiseyes,Iwascertain.IwassurehewasthemostcunningandruthlessofallmenIhadeverseen.Hewouldgotoanyextenttoachievehisambition.Hewasunlikehis
brother,Ravana,who,thoughanegomaniac,wasanicepersonwithcompassioninhisheartandasenseofjusticeandrighteousness.Thismanwasthedevilincarnate.Hewas
passionlessandhispietyandhumilitywereallpretence.
Hewouldnothesitatetokill,maimorserveanyoneifitservedhispurpose.Hehidhisambitionswell,butintheflickeringlightoftheoilllampandtheghastlyshadowitproduced
ontheoppositewall,Icouldseethroughhissoul.PerhapsIsawtheevilshadowsofthefuturealso.
WhatthegreatlearnedministersorallpowerfulRavanadidnotevensuspect,Bhadra,thecountrybumpkin,knew.Oneday,ifanopportunitypresenteditself,thisbastardwould
sellhissoulforapieceoflandorsomegoldcoins.Ifellathisfeetagain.
Whatareyoudoinginmyroom?Hisvoicehadasinisteredge.
Sir,IwasafraidtotellHisHighness.Youknowhisanger.Butyoutakedecisionswithacalmmindanddoonlywhatisright...
Youidiot,howdareyouenterthepalaceatdeadofnight?Didnobodystopyou?Wherearethepalaceguards?Hisvoiceroseeachmoment.

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MyLord,mylord...please...Thisisamatterofutmostimportanceandsecrecy.Pleasedonotcalltheguards...
HekickedmeandIgroaned.
WhyshouldInotcalltheguards?Youshouldbehanged.
Thisinvolvesyoursister.Sheismeetingwithsomeone...pleasedonotkickme...
Hestoppedandraisedmefromthefloorbymythroatandwhisperedinamalicioushiss,Whathaveyougottodowithmysister,sonofaswine?Betweenthechokingand
coughing,Imanagedtosaywithsomesatisfaction,Vidyutjihva,therebelkingandtraitoryourpeoplehavebeenhuntinveottodgforthelastfewmonths,iswithyoursisternow,
inthegarden.Icompletedmywordswithasmirk.Takethat,youbluebloodedAsurabastard.
Hethrewmetothefloor,butIcouldfeelhisstrengthhadebbed.Hesatonthebedtired,notknowingwhattodo.MytimewasrunningoutandIhadtothinkfast.Shallwecall
LordMaricha,Sir?
Iwillgo.Aretheystillthere?Heslowlystoodupandputtheswordbackintoitssheathandbelteditroundhiswaist.
Icouldnotresistadding,Theycouldnthavefinishedbynow.HeglaredatmeandIexpectedanotherblow,buthesimplywalkedoutoftheroom.Ifollowedinhiswake.Maricha
sleptonthegroundfloor,withhisfamily.Wedescendedthewoodenstairs.HepausedforafewsecondsbeforeMarichasroom,andthenknockedsoftly.Therewasnoresponse
forsometimeandsoheknockedagain.Afterafewminutesofsilence,weheardtherustleofclothesandsomeonewalkingwithheavystepsonthewoodenfloor.Thedoor
creakedopen.Marichastoodwithsleepyeyesandwasvisiblyirritated.
Uncle,wehaveaproblemwithSoorpanakha.SuddenlyMarichawasalert.Heclosedthedoorbehindhimandcameout.Vibhishanaexplainedandwhenhementionedme,
Marichaseyesexpandedwithsurprise.
Heheardeverythingandwentbackintotheroom.Whenhecameout,hewasfullyarmed.Wemovedoutofthepalacepastthesnoringguards.Whenwereachedthegarden,I
pointedtotheplacewherehissisterwasandsloweddowntohangback.Thetwowarriorsapproachedfromeitherside.SuddenlytherewasapiercingscreamandIsawthe
princessrunintothepalace.Shewasalmostnude.ThentherewasthenoiseofascuffleandMaricha,seeingthattheprincesshadreachedthepalacesafely,shoutedforthe
guards.
VidyutjihvafoughtbravelyandwouldhavemurderedVibhishana,hadnotscoresofarmedguardsarrivedandcapturedhim.Theguardsweresleepy,drunkandslow,but
numbersdidmatter.
AtlastIwasfree!NowIcouldhaveMalaformyself.Ididnothavetoshareherwithwoolyeyedaristocratswithillusionsofgrandeur.Iwantedtohowlanddanceandsing.ButI
remainedhiddeninthebushes.
IntheeventofVidyutjihvadoingsomeheroicactandescapingorbecomingthetopdoginthescuffle,Ididnotwanttobecaughtonthewrongfoot.

24Deathofarevolutionary
Ravana
Ilayandtossedonmybed.Sleepeludedme.TodaytooIendedwithoutsexwithmywife.IhadalwaysthoughtIhadatremendoussexdrive.Butmymarriagehasbeena
disasterfromthefirst.Onthefirstnight,myfrigidwiferefusedtoevenundress.Shesubmittedtomyhalfheartedcaresseswithanimmobilitythatborderedondeath.Shetriedto
beamodelwifeasfarasotherthingswereconcerned.Shetookcareofmelikeasmallchild,whichirritatedmetothecore.Shewaskindtoallandsundry,andtriedtorunthe
palacelikeavillagehousewife.Butthreetimesinmyfourmonthsofmarriage,whenIattemptedtogetclose,shewaslikeawoodenblock.Ilostarousal,bothsexualandmental,
inafewseconds.Afterthat,Ididnotdareattemptanything.Nightafternight,Ispenthoursonmybedirritatedwithmyself,mywife,andthewholeworld,whilemywifeslept
soundlybesideme,fullycoveredlikeanoldwoman,withoutanyconcernthatherhusbandlaywideawake,hatinghereverymomentforherindifferentattitudetowardshim.
Therewerenoisessomewhereoutinthegarden.
WearilyIgotupfrommybedandwenttothewindow.
Itwasclosed.Eveninthehot,tropicalveot/fonights,mywifedidnotallowedmetoopenthewindows.Thatwasanotherthingthatirritatedme.Iprisedthewindowopenandthe
soundsbecameclearer.Somescufflewasgoingon.BlastedAsuras,somesoldiersmusthavebeenfightingafteragooddrinkingsession.Someoneknockedonthedoor.Before
Icouldreachthedoortoopenit,theknockingbecamelouder.Iopenedthedoor,glancingbackatthequeen.Shesleptlikeababy,unmindfulofallthecommotionaround.Uncle
Marichawasstandingoutside,fullyarmed,andbeforeIcouldaskanything,hegesturedformetoremainsilent,grabbedmylefthandanddraggedmeout.

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Wehaveaproblem.Marichawhisperedinmyear.IbracedmyselftohearthenewsofanimminentattackbysomeDevaarmyorVarunaturningagainstus.
Ineverimagineditwouldinvolvemysister.Andofalltherascalsandgoonsonearth,IdidnotimagineVidyutjihvawouldbethepersoninvolvedwithmysister.
Ingrowingsurprise,thenindismayandanger,Ilistenedtothelicentiousstoryofmysistersnocturnaladventures.Shehadshutherselfinherroomandrefusedtocomeout.The
onlygoodnewsIheardthatnightwasthatthebiggestrebelandmyrival,Vidyutjihva,hadbeencaptured.Andsurprise,surprise,ithadbeenmypiousbrother,Vibhishana,who
haddoneaworthwhileactforonceinhislife.
Ididnotevenbothertoputonmysandalsormyshawl.IaskedMarichatocallalltheministerstocourtandimmediatelycommenceatrial.IwalkedasfastasIcouldtowardsthe
durbar.Iwassuremywifewouldnotevenhaveheardthedoorbangingshut.Blessher.
Thedurbarwasdarkandtheguardsweresprawledonthefloor,fastasleep.Onewassnoring.Ikickedhimintheribsandhescrambledupwithacurse.
Then,seeingme,heblinkedlikeanowllforafewminutes.Recognitionfinallydawnedandhepromptlyfellatmyfeet.IdidnothavetimeforhisanticssoIkickedhimagain.He
ranoutandtheotherbuffoonsalsoawokeandran.Istoodinthedarktillmyministersarrived.Myservantshadnotlightedthelampsortorchesandwestoodinthecentreofthe
durbarhallastheidiotsranhitherthitherlikerats.Afteroverturningtwochairsandbreakingagoodvase,theroomwasfinallysetandtheassemblybeganinearnest.
Prahastha,withhischaracteristicemotionlessvoiceandprecisionofthought,managedtoirritateeveryone.
Headvocatedthebeheadingoftherebelthenextmorning,inthemainmarketplace,tosetanexampletoallthosewhonurturedintentionsofrisingagainsttheState.Foronce,I
foundmyselfinagreementwithPrahastha,butwasunwillingtoconcludetheproceedingsimmediatelyafterhisspeech.Noonestooduptocontradicthim.IsawMaricha
fidgetingandontheverge
of
saying
something.
Vibhishana
was
uncharacteristicallysilentandwewereallsparedtheheavydoseofmoralityandethicswhichheusuallyshovedonusateverypossibleopportunity.Hemusthavebeengloating
overthefactthathewasinstrumentalincapturingtherebelanddidnotwanttolosehisglory.
Assilenceruled,Istooduptosaythattheexecutionwouldtakeplacethenextevening.Prahasthahadsuggestedearlymorning,soIfeltgoodaboutcontradictinghim.Wearily,I
dismissedthemeetingandreturnedtomyroom.
Mywifewasstillsleepingandasilverbeamofmoonlightilluminatedherface.ShelookedsoangelicandinnocentthatIwasmovedbythesheerpoetryofherface.Ihada
suddenurgetokissher.Isatbesideher,grabbedherface,andkissedheronherlips.Shemumbledsomethingandturnedontheothersideandcontinuedtosleep.Denied
again,Iwantedtograbherbyherhairandbangherheadtopulp.heerllButthen,unknowntome,inthepastfourmonthsofmarriage,aseedoflovehadbeenplantedinsidemy
soul.Againstmywishesanddetermination,Ifoundmyselfmadlyinlovewithmywife.Ilaydown,carefulnottotouchher,andstartedthinkingaboutBhadra,howhehadcome
backintomylife,andthenmythoughtsdriftedtomysister.
Shewassomeonewhohadbeendeniedeverythinginlife.Asachild,shehadbeendeniedeverycomfort,loveandaffection.Itwasnowonderthatshefellintothetrapoflove.I
hadcorneredthelionsshareofmymotherslove.Then,whenwegrewup,Ihadbeensomuchinlovewithmyselfandmyambition,thatIhadforgottentoevenacknowledgemy
sistersexistence.
Shehadalwaysbeenalonelychild.Notbeautifultolookat,adarkandsomewhatplumpgirl,herexistencehadbeendrearyanddulluntilsuddenlyshebecametheprincessof
Lanka.Thenthereweremanysuitors.IhadbeensoimmersedingoverningthatIhadnotkeptaneyeonher.Ihadthefeelingthatshehadbecomemorebubblyandhappy,but
putitdowntohersuddenelevationinstatus.NowIunderstoodwhysheappearedsohappy.Shewasinlove,orshebelievedshewasinlove.Whetherthefeelingwas
reciprocatedbythatbastard,Ididnotknow.Howdaringofhim,tocourttheKingssisterwhentherewasapriceonhishead.Washeusingmysisterasabait?Iwouldensurehe
paidapriceforhisaudacity.Rudrakawillhaveagoodtimetomorrow.
Ikepttossingonmybedassleepeludedme.
Finally,givingupanyattempttosleep,Igotuptoperformmymorningchores.Mywifesleptwithoutaworryintheworld.Ienviedherforawhileandthenwithoutdisturbingher,I
wentoutofmychambers.
MyministerswerewaitingformewhenIreachedthedurbar.IwaslateandIhurriedtomythrone.Icouldfeelthetensionintheair.AndthenIsawher.Ididnotlikeit.Ididnotlike
itabit.Soorpanakhawasstandingthere,hairdishevelled,eyesredandsore,inanangrymood.ThelastthingIwantedwasemotionalblackmail.Ihateditwhenmygovernance
becamemixedwithpersonalaffairs.Iwasinanowinsituationhere.Iwassureshewasgoingtouseallhertrickstopersuademetoletherloveroffthehook.Iwasalreadyangry
bythetimethemurmuringsettleddowninthedurbar.IlookedaroundandcaughtMarichaseye.HewasshakinghisheadandIbracedfortheworst.Prahasthasatwithhis
handscrossedathischest,hisdeterminedchinup,andalookofsupremearroganceanddefianceinhisface.KumbhadrooledinhisseatandVibhishanawasbusygoing
throughsomepalmleaves.Allmyministerssatinvariousposturesofdefiance.
IwishtomarryVidyutjihva.TherewasperfectsilenceintheroomandSoorpanakhacameafewfeetforwardandlookedmestraightintheeyeandrepeated,
Iwillmarryhimandyoucanhavehimhangedafterthat.Andonceyoumurderhim,Iwillcommitsationhisfuneralpyre.
InadvertentlyIflinched.ThenotionofanAsurawomancommittingthecustomofDevawidows,wouldhavebeenshocking,evenifshewasnotmysister.Theentireclanwould
becomealaughingstock.Donttrytoblackmailme.Ishoutedatthetopofmyvoice.
Thenshestartedbehavinghysterically.Shebeganhittingherheadwithherhands,tearingherhairandscreamingatthetopofhervoice.Itwasquiteascene.Icouldseethe
servantsandguardstryinghardtostoplaughing.Ibecamepaleandwastotallycluelessashowtohandlethesituation.Itwasmostembarrassing.IlookedatMarichabuthewas
concentratinghardonasmallspotontheoppositewall,studyingitintently.
Soorpanakhacalledmenamesanddaredmetobedarostembarheadher.Theentirepalacewassilentexceptformysistersinsanehowls,screamsandcurses.Ifelthelpless,
angry,tiredandconfused.Butmorethanthat,Ifeltguiltyfornotbeingagoodbrother,fornotcaringenoughformyfamily,forseparatingmysiblingsfromourparents,andfor
beingsonakedlyambitious.IknewIwasweakeninginside.
IsawKumbharisefromhisseat.Brother,thisisafamilyissueandweshoulddealwiththisinprivate,hesaidponderously.Iwasgratefultohimandstoodtodenotethe
dismissalofthemeeting.Thenmyfavouritefriendstoodup.Prahastha,inhismostpompousandgratingvoice,said,YourHighness,thisisnolongerafamilyissue.This
concernstheentireAsurakingdom.
ThisisaboutanenemyoftheStateandhowfirmlywedealwithterrorismandtreason.Thisisaboutthefutureofanation.ThefactthattherebelisaloveroftheKingssister,
doesnotchangeanything.Rather...Icuthimshortwithagruntandthenexploded,
Stopyourlecture,Prahastha.Iknowwhatitisandhowimportantitistoourraceandcivilization.Buthavesomepatienceandpityonthepoorgirl...Myvoicetrailedoff.HadI
becomesoweakthatIhadtoaskforpityfrommyownminister?
Idonothaveanythingtosayinprivate.Iwanttobehangedbythisheartlessmonster.Soorpanakhastartedscreechingagain.
Prahasthastoodup,bowedandleft.Onebyone,allmyministersleft,exceptMaricha,VibhishanaandKumbha.Isatonmythronewithmyheadburiedinmyhands.Asplitting
achehadstartedthrobbingdeepinsidemyhead.Marichacamenearme,pattedmeonmyshouldersandaskedmetotakeadecisionaccordingtomyconscience.Fromthere
thingswentoutofmycontrol.VibhishanaandKumbakarnaarguedthatnothingwasmoreimportantthanoursistershappiness.Theyinsistedthatifwecouldnotmakeourown
sisterhappy,thekingdomwasnotworthit.IwantedtoprotestthatIcouldnotletamanaccusedoftreasongounpunished,justbecausemysisterwantedhim.I,asKing,could
notsetabadexample.IhadmanyargumentswhyVidyutjihvaneededtohangbutIamashamedtosay,Ikeptquiet.IallowedthemtoconvincemethatSoorpanakhaneededto
bemarriedofftoherlover.So,againstmybetterjudgment,againstmyministersadvice,againstwhatwasright,moral,ethical,andevenpracticalwisdom,Iallowedmysisterto
marrytheenemy.Iretiredtomychambers,abrokenman,leavingVibhishanatoconveythenewstomysister.

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25Alittleworm
Bhadra
IthadbeensixmonthssinceVidyutjihvahadbecomeRavanasbrotherinlaw.Mylife,asusual,continuedtobemiserable.Icouldnotshowmyfaceinthepalacesince
Vidyutjihvawouldhaveensuredmydeath.IwasalsonotsureaboutRavana.Nowthattheyhadbecomerelatives,Ididnotknowwhatmypositionwas.Ihidintheforestforafew
daysandwhenhungerchasedmeoutofhiding,Itentativelycameouttothestreets.ForafewweeksIlivedinmortalfearofgettingcaught.EverytimeIsawasoldierorheardthe
noiseofthepolicechariotsrumblingthroughthestreets,Ihid.
Thenslowlymyfearebbed.Iwastoosmallforkingsandtherelativesofkingstobebotheredaboutme.
Afterafewmoreweeksofloiteringaboutthestreets,ImovedinwithMala.Atfirstshewasglumanddidnotwanttohaveanythingtodowithme.Theentirerevolutionarycadre
hadbeendismantledwiththedisillusionedidealistsreturningtothevillagesonthemainlandandtheopportunists,whowerethemajority,joiningRavanasarmyandholding
positionsofpower.
Malawasasubjectofridiculeashedarosanytrheroloverhadleftherforthedarkanduglyprincess.Onthefirstdayshedidnotallowmeinsideherhouseandabusedme.I
grinnedasIknewIhadwon.Finally,atmidnight,IwasallowedinandIhadarealmealaftermonths.Thenwemadeloveandslept,butinthemorningshewassouragain.I
ignoredhermoodandkepthummingthatoldAsurafolksongwhichIknewirritatedher.Thesongwasaboutaplump,darkAsuragirlwhochasedeverymanintown.Itwasa
rowdysongandIpausedandrolledandcooedattheappropriateplacestomakesuresheunderstoodwhotheheroineofthesongwas.Shewentoutaftershoweringmewith
moreabuse,butnothingcoulddampenmymoodformanydaystocome.ThatwasuntilIfoundoutthatshewasmeetingheroldloveronthesly.
IwassomadwiththeslutthatIwantedtomurderherthenightIfoundoutabouthertrysts.Instead,Iendedupbetweenherlegspantingandpuffing.Iwasangrywithmyselffor
beingmanipulated,angrywithherfortreatingmelikethisandIplottedrevenge.Witheachthrust,Iimaginedmydaggerpiercingthatmansbowels.Shepushedmebackwith
contemptandwentoutsidethehuttowashherselfnearthewell.TheimageofherstandingstarknakedinthemoonlightmademefeelweakbutIturnedandclosedmyeyes.I
couldhearhercomingintotheroom,butIdidnotturn.Icouldfeelhernakedbodybesideme,buthercontempterectedawallthickerthanthatofanyfort.Iwantedtoturnand
grabher,butIcouldnot.Ilaytherewithmyheartbeatingfuriously,mythoughtsoferoticadventuresmixedwithphysicalviolence,angermixedwithlust,andahundredother
emotions,allcoiledtogetherlikecobras.
Idevelopedaheadacheandlaytherehelplessandnaked,withthegrowingrealizationthatIwasnothingbutanimpotentworminthegreaterorderofthingsinthisbig,bad
world.
WhenIwoke,Ifeltirritable.Istooduplazilywithatowelaroundmywaistandwalkedtowardsthewell.IcouldsmellthetoddyonmybodyandIwasdisgustedwitheverything.I
stoodforalongtimegazingatthereflectionofmyblackfaceintheglisteningwellwater.Iwantedtojumpinandenditall.Buttherewasonlytwofeetofwater.Slowly,aplan
formedinmymind.IhadtomeetRavanasomehow.
Icamebacktomyroomanddressedtogoout.MycrumpleddhothismeltbutIdidnothaveaspareone.Ilookedlikeabeggar.Icombedmyhairwithmyhandsandputasheson
myforehead.ThenIwalkedtowardsthepalace.BythetimeIreachedthemaingate,therewasahugecrowdoutside.Iwascuriousaboutthecommotion.Lotsofsweetvendors
andgroundnutsellersweremovingaboutamongthegeneralhustleandbustleandagangofteenagersweretryingtobreakintothecrowd.Iaskedonetall,black,bonyyoung
manwhatthematterwas.
Youdontknow?Hislargeeyesbulgedinsurprise.
Hell!HowshouldIknow?
Itsalright,youaretoooldandsoyouneednotbother.hesaid.
Iwasirritated.Iwasonlythirtyfive,butperhaps,toamanofnineteen,anyoneabovetwentywasanoldman.HidingmyirritationasbestIcould,Iaskedhim,
Whatarethosebuffoonsfightingabout?
Youoldrascal,weareallgoingtobecomesoldiersofourEmperor.
Emperor,whatEmperor?Istoppedinmidsentence.Perhapsthekinghadpromotedhimself.IwasalrightwithEmperororMaharajaorwhatever,aslongashedidnotbother
me.
TheEmperorneedsalargestandingarmy,whichiswhyheneedsidiotslikeyou.Icouldnotformylifeimaginewhatthislankychildwasgoingtodointhearmy.
ByShiva,youarereallyacountrybumpkicoueyou.n,uncle,hiscompanionssnickered.OurEmperorisplanningtoattacknorthIndia.WeAsurasaregoingtohaveour
revenge.WewillteachtheDevabastardsalessontheywillneverforget.
Almostatthesamemomentanelectrifyingthrillsweptthroughthecrowd.Andhugecryroseinwaves.
Icouldseeatall,glitteringfigureonthetopbalconyofthepalace.CriesofLongliveourEmperor!VictorytotheAsuras!DeathtoDevas!rangthroughthecrowd.
Bejewelledandbewitching,thetallfigureofRavana,withhissworddrawn,shoutedHarHarMahadev!HailShiva!Andthecrowdpickeditup.CriesofHarHarMahedevrang
throughthecrowd.ThecrowdswelledandIwasalmostinthemiddlenow.Soonanother,moreattractivefigure,joinedRavana.ThespectacularlydressedVidyutjihva,joinedhis
brotherinlawonthebalcony.HewasfollowedbytheportlyKumbakarna,andrelativelydiminutiveVibhishana.Thenonebyone,Ravanascommandersandministersjoined
theEmperoronthebalcony.Thecrowdwasinafrenzy.Drumswerebeaten.Thesoundsofchendaandtimilacreatedahugedinandtheatmospherewaselectric.Battlehorns
blaredandconcheswereblown.
Iwasthrilled.ThesecretwishIhadnurturedinmyheart,revengeontheDevaswhohadshatteredmylittledaughtersheadandrapedmywife,possessedme.Thiswasthe
momentIhadwaitedfor.Icriedatthetopofmyvoice,HarHarMahadev!DeathtotheDevas!
DeathtoIndra!VictorytoMaheswara!IwasjoinedbymanyandIsoonbecamethecallerforagroupofaboutfifty,whorepeatedwhateverIsaid,withmuchenergyand
enthusiasm.TheportlyAsuraclosesttome,triedtooutshoutmebutawelldirected,secret,kickonhisfoot,silencedhimforthedayandmyleadershipwasensured,atleastfor
themoment.Vidyutjihvatriedtosaysomethingbutnothingspokenfromthebalconyreachedthecrowd.
Manysmallcircleshadformedinthehugecrowdandeachgrouptriedtocreatethemaximumnoise.Afewfoughteachother,butthegeneralenthusiasmwasunbeatable.This
wentonformorethananhour.Thesunwasalmostoverheadandthousandsofblackbodiesglistened.Thesmellsassaultedmysensesasdidtheheatandhumidity.Asore
throatbotheredmebutIkeptupthecries,lestsomeoneelsetakeoverthemantle.Thensuddenly,ahushfelloverthecrowd.Thedignitarieshadleftthebalconyasthesunsrays
nowbeatdownmercilessly.Theyhadretiredtotheircoolchambersinside.Someoneintherearpickedupthecry,oncemorehailingShiva.Icouldseemenonhorseback
enteringthecrowd.Therewasabigstirnearthehorsesandfoodpacketswerethrown.Thousandsofblackhandswentuptocatchthem.Itoopushedforwardandfoughtmyway
throughtogetafoodpacket.Itturnedouttobestalemeat,somericeandaveryspicyfishcurry,wrappedindriedbananaleaves.Igobbleditup.

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Bylateafternoon,thecrowddispersed,leavingthepalacegroundslitteredwithbananaleaves,fishbonesandfoodcrumbs.
Iwalkedalongthemainstreetthinkingaboutawaytogetintothepalace.ThelankyAsuraandhisotherteenagefriendsweresittingonthestepsleadingtotheShivatempleand
oglingthegirlspassingby.Suchanuncomplicatedlife!ThelankyteenagerwavedtomeandasIhadnothingbettertodo,Imovedtowardshim.Hesweptthestepnearhimwith
hishand,sendingapuffofdustflying,andmotionedtometositdown.IwalkedtotheboiledpeanutsvendorundertheBanyantreeandusedmylastchangetobuyahandfulof
steamingpeanuts,wrappedartisticallyinplantcaltheBainleavesandthenwentandsatwiththeteenager,offeringmypeanutstothegang.Theypassedaroundthepacketand
bythetimeitreachedme,onlyafewnutswereleft.
Ithoughttheyweregoingtowartoday.Isaidnonchalantly,andtheteenagersburstoutlaughingasifIhadtoldthemagreatjoke.Igrinnedtentativelyandthelankyteenager
slappedmyback.Igrinnedwider.
Thishasbeengoingonforthepastfewweeks.
Evenweareimpatient.WejustwanttogooutandbeattheDevas.theboysaidcasually.
TheysaytheDevagirlsareverybeautiful.AnuglyAsuraboywithprotrudingteeth,addedwithsomehope.
Ohtheyhavefaircomplexionsandbreastslikemangoes,anotherAsuraboystateddreamily.
Buttheysmelllikerats.saidanotherintellectuallookingboy.
Ohyouhavesmeltthemthen?askedmylankyone,andeveryonelaughed.
Butwhydoyouwanttojointhearmy?DoyouhaveanypersonalgrudgesagainsttheDevas?ThequestionIaskedsoundedstupid,eventome.
TheyhavekilledlotsofAsuras,haventthey?
Theydestroyedourtemples.TheydonotrespectShiva,dothey?Theboyslookedratherconfused.
MymothersaystheDevashavehornsandalsotails.Theyhidethetailsintheirdhothifolds.
Oldwomenstales,theintellectualonehissed,
theyarejustuncivilizedbarbarians.
Isupposeyoupeoplejustwanttoroamtheworld.Isaid.
Ah,butwewilldieforourrace.Thelankyonestoodupwithhisfistclenchedandaddeddramatically,
Ourbodiesfortheearth,ourlivesfortheAsurarace.Theotherboyscheeredandcontinuedchattinganimatedly.
Ienviedtheiryouthandinnocence.Ifearedwhatwarwouldbringtothesepoorchildren.Whatdothesesimpletonsknowofwar?Ifeltveryoldnexttothem.IfeltIdidnotbelong.I
wastoogrownupformyowngood.Isatthereforalongtimeandwhenthesunslidbehindthetallcoconutpalmsandtheeveningseabreezecaressedmytiredbody,Iwearily
slippedoutofthechatteringgangandmademywayhome.
Waftsofeveningprayersandthejingleoftemplebellsmixedwiththejingleofbanglesofprettygirlsmovingupthetemplesteps.Therewasanairofgaietyandlifebrimming
overfromallsides.Yet,Ifeltacoldfearthatthisbeautifuleveningwouldfadeawaylikethemist.Iwasmortallyafraidofwhatthedarknesswouldholdwhenitemergedfromthe
foldsofthemist.Icoulddiscernthefaintsmellofbloodandsmellwaranddeath.
Butaboveall,Icouldsmellaterribletreacheryanddecay.Thedreamofourpoor,blastedrace,hadbeguntoturnsour.
IdraggedmyfeettothepalaceandrequestedanaudiencewiththeEmperorhimself.TheportlygatekeeperlookedasifIhadescapedfromamadhouseandpromptlyshoved
meout.Iwaitedoutsideinthegardensurroundingthepalace,underanAshokatree,hopingtheEmperorwouldseemefromhisbalconyorwindow,andgrantmeaudience.This
justprovedthatIhadyettolearnmylessons.Isleptunderthatthicktreethatnight,andintheearlymorning,whenitrained,Iwalkedbacktomyhut.Thenintheevening,Iwalked
backandwaitedundertheAshokatreeagain.

26Theuntouchableking
Ravana
tsize="1">Thedayfadedslowly.Itwassohotthattheislandwaslikeadampclothjustwashedinhotwater.Iwastenseandnervous.Thepreparationsforwarhadbeengoing
onforthepastfewweeks.Itwasasortofpilgrimageforme.IhadnevercrossedtheNarmada,exceptforabrieftriptotheHimalayasthroughtheforesttrailsandIwaseagerto
seethelegendrycitiesonthebanksoftheSaraswathiandIndus,whichtheAsuracivilizationhadbuiltatitspeak.Notthatmuchremainedstandingnow.Therisingtidesofthe
Indus,theslowdryingupofSaraswathi,siegesandraids,hadturnedthosecitiesintothebiggestgraveyardofourraceandcivilization.
Anentirecivilizationanditspeoplehadbeencrushedandtheirspiritannihilated.Agreatracehadbeentaughttothinkofthemselvesasinferiorcreatures,tohatethecolourof
theirskinandbelievethatfairnesswasequivalenttogreatness.Butnow,thetimeofreckoninghadcome.Fromaremoteislandonthesoutherntipofthisvastland,amanwithno
royalbloodorgreatancestry,ahalfbredAsura,wasgoingtoclaimthelostlandsofanoldcivilization.Ifeltthethrillinmyveins.Itwasanewdawn.Whenhistoryspokeof
Ravana,itwouldbewithaweandpride,aboutamanwho,againstalloddsofpovertyandopposition,ledaspirituallycrushedandvanquishedpeopletoglory.ByShiva,the
Asuraswouldrulethisvastcountryagain.
Thatisifeverythingworkedaccordingtoplan.
Ienteredmyprivatechamberandspreadouttheclothwiththehandpaintedmapofthesubcontinent.IfIhadtobeginanattack,Iwouldhavetofollowtheeasterncoastline,
smashingthesmallerAsurakingdomsandthenreachingAlakapuri.Mystepbrotherheldfortthereandhe,withhisgeniusforbusiness,hadrebuilthisbusinessempire.Nowhis
shipssailedeastinsteadofwestandhechosetoavoidtheislandsaltogether.Andhewasonceagainoneoftherichestmenintheworld.
Tofundmycampaigns,Iwouldhavetolootmybrotheronceagain.
But,morethanfundingorwarplans,whatworriedmewasthefateofmylittleone.Herbirthwasdifficultandwedidnotdarehopeshewouldsurvive.WhenIheldherlittle,tiny
bodyinmyhands,hardenedbyyearsofwarfare,Ifeltdeeplycontent.IfeltIownedthewholeworldandnothingelsematteredduringthehoursIspentwatchingmywifecooingto
thebaby,feedingandbathingher.Icouldhavegoneonwiththatlifeforever.Butthenoneday,everythingchanged.Anastrologer,whoclaimedtobemyfather'sfriend,cameto
thepalace,lookedatmydaughterandproclaimedinfrontofeveryone,thatshewouldbringdestructiontotheAsuras.Fromthatdayonwards,allmyfamilymembers,thepalace
servants,myministers,begantobehaveinastrangefashion.TheyshowedgreatreverenceandlovewhenmydaughterwasinmyarmsorwithMandodari.ButIcouldfeelthe
hatredandfeartheyfeltforher.TheAsuraswerealwayssosuperstitious.Iwasafraidtocommenceacampaignleavingmydaughterbehind.Shewashardlyafewweeksold
andtheAsuraswerecapableofanything.Ifearedforherlife.ItwouldbehardtoconvinceMandodaritoallowmetotakemydaughteralong.ButIwouldfindaway.Itwas
ridiculoustocarryaninfantintowarcamps,butitwasbetterthanhavingherpoisonedorstabbedwhileIwasbusybuildingmyempire.Icouldkeepawatchifshewaswithme.
PerhapsIcouldaskBhadratokeepaneyeonher.ButcouldItrusthim?

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Ideally,asmallarmyofdedicatedtroopswouldhavebeenabetterbetandmoreeffectiveifoursmallgroupcouldstrikerepeatedlylikelightninginthenightandvanish.Thatway,
wecouldbreakthepeaceandmoraleoftheenemy.OnlyKarthiveerarjuna,onthewestcoast,andBali,incentralIndia,wouldbedangerousforasmallarmy.Theirkingdoms
spreadawayfromtheseaandwewouldhavetoundertakepitchedbattlesinland.
TheswampsofthemsspreadheNarmadaweretooshallowforthebiggershipsoftheAsuranavyandreachingtheruggedmiddleIndiaonfoot,throughthickshrubforests,
wouldbetricky.ButsmashingthebarbarianDevatribesoftheGangeticplainsmightnotbesuchaproblem.
Iwasabouttoretirewhen,inthedyinglight,Isawalonelyfigurelimpingslowlyawayfromthepalace.
Therewasanoddfamiliaritytothesmall,darkfigure.A

suddenflashoflightninglituptheentireareaasifitwasdaylightandIclearlysawthefigureasitlookedupinfear.Bhadra!Thefellowneverseemedtodie.Ididnotknowwhat
feelingssurgedthroughme,wasitrelieforhatredorpity?Butthen,whydidIcallmypageandaskhimtobringthemanintomychamberatthatgodforsakenhour?
Bhadra
ThesiegeofAlakapuriwasthebloodiestbattleIhadeverfoughtin.BythetimewereachedKuberaskingdom,theAsurarankshadswollentoafewlakhsandtheravagingarmy
leftmanysmokingvillagesandfallencitiesinitstrail.Bythen,oversixtysmallandlargekingsandtribalchieftainshadacceptedRavanassuzeraintyandjoinedthevictorious
army.InmanycitiestheBrahminswerehunteddownandhanged.TheidolsofVishnuweresmashedandtrampleduponandtheShivalingam,installedintheirplace.Itwasa
restorationofAsurapride.ItelectrifiedthewholecountrywhichroseasoneagainsttheDevaoppressors.Ravanaledfromthefrontwithinspiringbraverywhichattimesbordered
ondaredevilryoroutrightfoolhardiness.ButnothinginspiredAsurasmorethanaleaderwhowascontemptuousofdeath.
Soonsuicidalsquadsstormedthesmallerfortsandcapturedthemoneaftertheother,sometimeswithboringeasebutatothertimes,afterbloody,pitchedbattles.Prahastha,
Rudraka,Vajradhamstra,Maricha,Vidyutjihva,Kumbakarna,DhumrakshawereallAsuraheroesmakinganameforthemselvesthroughtheirruthlessexecutionofRavanas
strategies.TheythoughtnothingofthelossofafewthousandDevasorAsuras.
Theysoughtgloryandachieveditthroughbloodandgore.AfewdeadAsuraboyswereincidentalandinconsequential.ThelankyAsuraladwhohadbeensoeagerto
participateinthewar,wasdeadwithinthefirsthouroftheattackonapettysouthIndiankingdomonthewestcoast.Ihadastrangedesiretotouchhisheadlesstorso,butbeforeI
couldmove,whateverremainedofhisbodywastrampledunderthemarchingelephants.
Finally,thearmyhaltedontheoutskirtsofKuberascapital,Alakapuri.Ourarmycampedinthefarmsoutsidethecityandwelootedthecountrysideforprovisionsandmeat,and
needlesstosay,wedidnotspareanywoman.Thecountrysidewasfertileandrich,themenstrong,andthewomenlovelyanddoeeyed.Soitgaveusgreatpleasuretoslaythe
menandtakethewomen.SometimesIfeltwewerenodifferentfromtherampagingDevaarmywhichhadtrampledmyvillage.
Butthen,peerpressureissomethingwhichevengreatmenfindhardtoresist.Itwaseasiertosuccumbtotemptationthanraiseoneselftothechivalrousactusuallyheardabout
onlyinlegendsandfairytales.Afterall,theywerejustDevasanddeservedtobehated,irrespectiveoftheirsocialstanding.LikeanyotherAsura,Itoowasquitesureofthat.
Weweregettingdesperate.IthadbeenmorethantwomonthsnowandtherewasnosignofKuberasurrendering.Themonsoonwasapproachingandwehadstrippedtheentire
countrysideofeverythingitcouldoffer.ItwasthenthatPrahasthasawstraydogsemergefromaholeintheground,afewhundredmetresintothejungle.Intrigued,hekepta
watchatthespotandwassurprisedtofindthatatdeadofnight,menwithsuppliesremovedsomesafeearthandenteredasecretchamber.
Prahasthareturnedtothecampwiththenewsandsoonhalfourarmywasbusydigging.Withinminuteswefoundahuge,circular,irondoor.Wepriseditopenandonebyone,
thousandsofsoldiersenteredthesecretcorridorwhichledtothefort.
Iwasamongthefirstbravefoolstoenter.WetookKuberasarmybysurprise.Theyfoughtwellbutourarmyhadswarmedthefortfromallsides.Weinchedforwarduntilfinally,
whenthefirstraysofsunstreakedacrosstheeasternsky,Kuberasarmywaseitherbutcheredorhadfled.WhenwereachedKuberaschamber,itwasonfire.Wecheered,
thinkingtheKingwasdead,butPrahastha,afterexaminingthescene,declaredthatitwasjustaruseandtheKinghadescaped.Thenwefoundanothersecretchamberleading
tothejungle,butweweretoolate.Kuberahadgotaway.
HoofprintspointedtowheretheKinghadmountedhishorseandgallopedaway.Oursentriessearchedthecountrysidebuttheywereinnomoodtocontinueastheircolleagues
werebusylootingthepalace.ThetreasuresweplunderedfromAlakapurihelpedswellRavanasranks.
AfterthefallofAlakapuri,thingswentbacktotheroutine.WesmashedandruinedDevakingdomsburntVishnutempleserectedShivatempleswhereverpossibleand
religiouslyfollowedalltheusualitinerariesofwarsuchasarsonandrape.WedraggedBrahminsoutandsentthemtoVaikunta,theDevaheavenandabodeofVishnu.Itwas
amusingtoseethemquiverinfearandcurseus.Whentheysawtheircursesonlydrewderisivelaughter,theyprayedtoVishnu,thentoShiva,andfinallyfellatourfeettobegfor
theirlives.
Needlesstosay,webutcheredthemandtooktheirwomen.
BythetimewereachedthepettykingdomofAyodhya,onthebanksoftheRiverSarayu,themonsoonended.Theriverswirledblackwithrage.Atadistance,wecouldseeafew
hutmentsandrundownbuildingswithatornflagflying.Ithadtheemblemoftherisingsun,butgoingbyitscondition,itwouldhavebeenmoreappropriatetocallitthecityofthe
settingsun.RavanasentamessengertoAnarnya,KingofAyodhya,askinghimtosurrender.Butsixdayspassedandtherewasstillnoreply.Impatient,Ravanaorderedusto
crosstheriverandattackthecity.Butwhatashockawaiteduswhenweenteredthecity.OfalltheplacesIhadseen,thiswassurelytheworst.Thestreetswerefilthyandurchins
ranaroundnaked.Fliesbuzzedovertherottingcarcassesofstreetdogs.Pigsfedonrefuse.Peoplelivedontheroad,pissedandrelievedtheirbowelswheretheylived.The
streetswerenarrowandwinding.Itwasadustbowl.Haditnotbeenonourway,itwouldnothavebeenworthenteringthishole.
Therewasnothingheretoplunder.Therewasnodefendingarmytogreetus.Instead,aswarmofbeggarswithoutstretchedarmsrushedtomeetus.Wewereconfusedanddug
throughourpocketsforsomechange.
Ourarmymarchedthroughthenarrowstreetswithurchinscheeringusandseminakedwomenstaring.
Whenwereachedthepalacegates,therewereonlytwooldguards.Thegatewasmadeofrottingwoodandtheguardcarefullypusheditopenandallowedtheinvadingarmyin.
VidyutjihvawasourCommanderandhehandedoverthepalmleafreiteratingRavanascommandtoKingAnarnyatosurrender.Thegeriatricwhoappearedtobetheheadof
Ayodhyasarmy,staredattheletterforalongtime.IcouldseeVidyutjihvagettingtense.ThenIrealizedthattheenemycaptainwasholdingtheletterupsidedown,staringatit
andthenatus,timeandagain.
Thefellowdoesnotknowhowtoread.thesoldiernearmesneeredderisively.
Whatisthis?theoldcaptainaskedVidyutjihvainafeeblevoice.
JustgotoyourkingandsaythattheAsuraarmyhascometohistown.cometotowely.
TheKingisathisprayers.Theoldcaptainblinkedafewtimes.
Askthebuffoontogethererightnow.Vidyutjihvasoundedalmostdesperate.
Yes,yes...sir,buttheKingispraying.TheoldcaptainlookedatVidyutjihvacondescendinglyandspelteachwordasiftalkingtoadimwittedchild,andaddedforgood
measure,Ifyouhaveanappeal,youshouldcometomorrow.TodayisTuesdayandtheKingispraying.
ThesituationhadbecomecomicalandwewerealllaughingwhenRavanaentered.HejumpedoffhishorseandaskedtheoldcaptainforhisKing.Theoldcaptainwashavinga
baddayforsure.HehadjusttriedtoconvinceadimwittedchapabouttheimpossibilityofseeinghisKingonaprayerday,whenyetanothercamealongaskingthesamething.
ButRavanawasnotamanforniceties.Hepushedasidethecaptainandwalkedintothefort,unsheathinghisswordatthesametime.Allofusfollowed.
AftertheluxuriouspalacesofLankaandAlakapuri,itwasashocktoseethisdilapidatedpalace.Floorscrumbedunderourshoes,pillarsweremotheaten,curtainsdusty,and
therewereholesintheroof.AnoldmansatcrossleggedbeforeanidolofVishnu,mumbling.Ravanawaitedforafewmomentsandthentappedtheoldmansshoulder.Fora

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fewseconds,nothinghappened.Thenslowly,theoldmanturnedandstoodupfalteringly.RavanaextendedasupportinghandtotheoldkingbutheshookoffRavanashand
andshoutedinavoicethatbeliedhisage,Donotpolluteme,youuntouchableShudra.
Wewereshocked.Amightyking,whonowhadsuzeraintyoveralmosthalftheknownworld,stoodfacingafrail,oldman,whoshamelesslycalledhimselfakingofadilapidated
town.Insteadofcoweringinfear,theoldmanhadcommandedtheothernottopollutehim.IstaredatmyKing.Hewastakenabackforamomentandmumbledsomethingwhich
soundedsuspiciouslylikemyfather,heisalsoaBrahmin.
Youuntouchable,ifyourmotheriscasteless,sotooareyou.Theoldmanwasalmostshouting.
AngerflaredinRavanaseyesandhegotholdoftheoldmanbyhisthroatandpressedthebladeofhisswordtothenapeofhisneck.Idontwanttokillanoldmanwhocannot
fight.SurrenderandIshallspareyourlife.
IwillnotsurrendertoaShudhra.
IamnotaShudhra,IamanAsura.Ravanaalmostpleaded.Theoldkinglaughedderisively.Thenfightus,youoldrascal,Ravanabellowed.
IwillnotdemeanmyselfbyfightingaShudhra.
ThendieatthehandsofaShudhra.Ravanaroared.
YouShudhra,IcurseyouinthenameofVishnu.
Mydescendantswilltakerevengeforpollutingme.Theywilldestroyyourcity,yourclan,thehonourofyourwives,yoursons,you...WithacleansweepRavanacutoffthehead
ofAnarnya,KingofAyodhya.HeheldtheseveredheadoftheoldkingabovetheidolofVishnu.Blooddrippedfromtheheadandflowedontotheheadoftheidol.
ScourgeVishnu,drinkthebloodofyourdevotee.Hekickedtheheadlikeaballanditlandedwithadullthudatthefootoftheidol.ThebloodsoakedlipsofVishnusmiled
mockinglyattheEmperor.Withamightyblowusingthehiltofhissword,RavanabrokeopentheheadofVishnu.
Asifoncue,thearmyfellonthesmalltempleofthedeadkinganddemolisheditmethodically.Wefoundrubieshiddeninsidetheidolandthegarlandsthatdecoratedtheidol,
weremadeofpuregold,studdedwithdiamonds.ThedeadKingsinsult,thatourmeretouchwouldpollutehisbody,keptusenragedenoughtoplunderthedepluecoratedad
Godsandtheirbuxomconsorts.But,insomecornerofmyheart,amonsterclungtenaciouslywithitspiercingtentacles.ItwastheEmperormumbling,almostapologetically,to
theDevaking,thathe,Ravana,themightyEmperorandsaviourofAsuras,alsohadaBrahminfather.

27Loveatlast
Ravana
Ileftthedilapidatedpalaceformyarmytoplunder.
Therewasntmuchtoplunderexcepttheoldtempleinthepalace.Whilehissubjectsdiedofhunger,theirkingwasdecoratinghisGodwithrubiesanddiamonds.Andtherascal
hadthenervetosaythatmytouchwouldpollutehim.Butthen,whydidItrytoseekhisapprovalbysayingthatmyfatherwasaBrahmin?Iwantedtokickmyselfforthat.Whatdid
thatmean?Wastherearacistdevillurkinginsideme?OrwasIuncomfortablewithmyAsuraidentity?Prahastha,inhisoneofthoseprofessorialmoods,mighthavesaiditwas
becauseIstillyearnedformyfatherslove.Ihatedmyfatherandallthatherepresented.IhatedtheBrahmins,theDevasandtheircultureorthelackofit.Ihopednoonehad
heard.
Iwastheirleader.Thesepoorpeoplehadlefttheirhomes,theirwives,childrenandoldparents,tofollowmeinmyquestforglory.AndwhatdidIgivetheminreturn?Ioughtto
havebeenashamed.Neveragain,neveragainwouldIconsidermyselfaBrahmin.Ihatedmyfairskin.Ihatedmyheight.IwasanAsura,theproudinheritorofMahabali,
Hiranya,Hiranyaksha,andscoresofmightyEmperorswhohadshapedIndiancivilization.
PeoplemovedawayfrommeasIpassedthroughthemarketplace.IthoughtatfirstthatitwasduetotherespectaccordedtoaconqueringEmperor,butthenIrealizeditwas
becauseIwasaShudhra.Iwaspollutingtheirgrandcity.Eventhesightofuswaspolluting.IsawBrahminsinfilthyclothes,thumpingtheirwalkingstickssharplyontheground
todriveawayanypollutingcastes.Peopleconductedtheirbusinessinthemarketplacewithelaborateritualssonoonewouldtouchorpolluteeachother.Buttheyalsospatred
panjuicealloverthestreetandwalkedoverit.Peopleopenlydefecatedbutwerestillscrupulousaboutnottouchingeachother.Haditnotbeensopatheticandironical,itwould
havebeencomical.Someculturethis!Ithoughtthattheburdenofcivilizingthesepeoplehadfallenonourshoulders.IfIdidnotstopthisnonsense,thisextremeformofcaste
practisewouldspreadthroughoutIndia.Andifitdid,wecouldsaygoodbyetoourfreedom.
AfewofmysoldierswerebusylootingtheshopsandIdidnothavethehearttostopthem.Afterall,theywereonlytakingwhatwasoriginallystolenfromourpeople.Theirony
wasthatthenativesweremoreafraidofbeingtouchedbytheAsurasthanofbeingkilled.Itwastrulyanareaofdarkness.AnotherstrangethingInoticedwasthattherewere
fewerwomenthanmenonthestreets.Andtheywereveiledanddidnotlookthemenintheeye.Theywalkedwiththeireyesfixedontheirdustyfeet.Ihadneverseensuch
submissivewomeninmylife.Thiswasadifferentculture,anexoticcivilizationwhichwascenturiesbehindanythingIhadseeninanykingdomsoftheAsura,Vanara,Yakshaor
Nagas.
IhadhadenoughofAyodhyaandrodebacktothepalace,whichlookedevenmoredesolateafterthelooting.Somemembersoftheroyalfamilyhadescapedtothe
neighbouringjunglesandVajradhamstraaskedfororderstofollowandkillthem.Iorderedthearmytoleavethisplaceandforgetaboutpettykingsandtheirpale,ghostlywives.
AccordingtoPrahastha,thatwasbadstrategy,toletthemembersofaconqueredpalaceescapewiththeirlifewithoutaproperesatheirptreatyortheiracceptingtobeour
subjects.IdidnothavethetimenortheinclinationtochecktheveracityofsuchquixotictheoriessoIoverruledhimandwecontinuedoureastwardmarch.
OurarmymarchedoutofAyodhyaandIpromptlyforgotthenamealongwiththeothernorthIndiandustbinsourarmyhadmarchedthrough.Later,muchlater,aprincefromthis
miserableplacewouldturnmyworldupsidedown.Perhaps,hadIfollowedPrahasthasadviceandhunteddowntheroyalfamilyandfinishedthemoff,thingswouldhavebeen
different.Maybe,ourracewouldhavebeensavedourcountryretrievedfromtheclutchesofareligionwhichdiscriminatedagainstitsownpeople.Iwasquitesurethisdarkness
fromthenorthwouldspreadovermybelovedcountry,splittingpeople,notbylanguageorraceoraffluence,butbythesubjectiveviewsofasetofBrahminswhodecidedwhat
waspureandimpure.Butwhocouldpredictsuchthingsthen?Ihadcrushedsomanykingdoms,somanyprinces,anyonefromthosehundredscouldhavebeenmyenemy.Or
perhaps,Iwasnotagoodking.Ineverwentbythebook.Peoplewhoplayedbytherulesdidnotcommitsuchsillymistakes,eveniftheydidnotcomeasfarasIhad.
Afteradaysjourney,wecametoasmallvillagemarketplaceborderingthejunglesbelongingtoatinyDevakingdomcalledMithila.Iwasboredwiththewholeexpedition.
UnlikewesternandsouthernIndia,thevillagesinthesepartsweredesperatelypoor.Therewerenobigcitiestoplunder.TherewerenomajesticShivatemples.Therewereonly
oldwrinkledBrahminswhoterrorisedthepeopleandfollowedarigidcastesystem.
Wewantedtogobacktothebalmyheatofthesouth.
Theoceanbeckonedus.ButIwantedtofindawaybackthroughtheeasternseashoretoMahabalipuramandthentoLanka.
Iwastakingawelldeservednapwhenascuffleoutsidemycampawokeme.Iwentoutandstoppeddeadinmytracks.TherewerefourorfiveAsurastryingtograbawoman.I

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wasfurious.Takingagirlwasacceptedwhenyouhadconqueredacityafterabloodywar,especiallyifshewasaDevagirl.Buttherewasaline.Whereweremybodyguards?
AndthenIsawthemamongtheAsurasfightingforthelady.
Leaveher!Ibellowed.ThreeoftheAsuras,includingonewallowinginthemud,scrambledupandranaway.Theothertwovanishedwhentheysawmeunsheathemysword.It
wasthenthatInoticedthequarryoverwhomtheyhadbeenfighting.Herveilhadfallenfromherface.Andwhatafaceitwas.Darkeyesburnedlikefire,deepcurvedlashesgave
heraninnocentlook.Herlipswerefullandredunderasmallstraightandsharpnose.Curly,darkhairfellontoherforehead.
Herskinwithoutblemishandapoutgaveheracoylook.
Istaredather.Myeyesbecametransfixedonasmallmoleontherightcleftofherdeepcleavage.Shehadfullbreastsandaflatstomach.Isawherblushassherecognizedthe
passioninmyrovingeyes.ShewasthefairestwomanIhadeverseen.Sheexudedfemininecharmandsoftness.Iwantedher.
SheadjustedherdressandIavertedmyeyes.EventhoughIhadneverstoppedanyonefromrapingortakinganywomenwhenourarmyconqueredacity,Imyselfhadnever
doneanythingofthesort.ItwasagainstmyupbringingandIensuredthatchildrenandoldpeopleweresparedfromabuse.ButIwantedher.ItwasnotliketheacquiredtasteI
haddevelopedformywife,Mandodari,whomIhadalmostforgottennow.
Wasitdesireatfirstsight?Thiswomangeneratedananimalpassioninme.Imovedtowardsherandgrabbedherwrists.ShepulledherarmbackandItriedtograbheragain.
Thensheslappedmehard.Rightacrossmyface.Mycheekstung.Iwasshocked.WhenIgrabbedheragain,shepromptlyslappedmeagain,thistimecausingmynosetobleed.
Shewasonespiritedlady.Iturnedasthoughgivingup,butthenquicklyspunroundandliftoundandedherofftheground.Ignoringherscratchesandscreams,Icarriedherinto
mytent.Iwasangry,butmorethanthat,Iwantedher.Ithrewherontothebedandwhenshetriedtogetaway,Islappedheracrossherface.Shespatatme.Igrabbedthesilk
sheetandtiedherhandsandlegsandbundledherontothebed,sufferingthreemorebitesandnumerousscratches.
Then,puffingandpanting,Ifellintothenearestchair.Shewaslyingwithherbacktomeherroundedhipagainstirredwavesofpassioninme.HerwaistwasbaredandIwanted
tokissthefolds.Herthighswereshapely.Ijustwantedtorunmyfingersoverhersoft,fairskin.Iimaginedhernakedinmyarmsandslappedthearmofthechairinangerand
frustration.Whywontshehaveme?IamtheEmperorofIndia.ThemightyAsuraking,Ravana.
Afterafewmomentssilence,Itriedtoturnhertowardsme.Whatisyourname?Iaskedherandimmediatelyfeltstupid.Sheslowlyturnedupherface,hercurly,blackhair
makingdesignsonherforehead.
HereyesboredthroughmeandIwasafraid.Ashiverwentdownmyspine.Thisisahistoricandfatefulmomentonwhichmyfateandthatofmyraceandmycountryhung.I
shookofftheidioticthoughtandrecalledmyanger.
Doyourequireagirlsbiography,beforeyourapeher?sheasked.
Ididntknowwhattosay.AcornerofmymindfoundsomethinghumorousinthestatementandIwantedtolaugh.Butthen,Ifoolishlystoodup,lostforwords,notknowingwhatto
say.Icoughed,stammered,andmovedawayfromher.
Onceyouhavefinishedwithme,pleaseleavemealiveforafewminutes.Iwanttoseeyourking,Ravana,thegreatAsura,withthesewordsshespatontheground.
But..IamRavana.myvoicetrailedoff.
Ananimalcryrosefromher.Iwasstartled.Howcouldsuchalovelycreaturemakesuchahideoussound?Shewasstrugglingtofreeherselfbutfinallygaveupanddissolved
intofitsofsobbing.Istoodwatchingfromadistance.Aftersometime,Imovednearher.IwantedtotouchherbutmyhandstrembledasIhesitatedandthenslowlyputanarmon
hershoulder.Shestirredandlookedatmewithhatred.Iwithdrewmyhand.
DoyouknowhowaDevawidowlives?sheaskedinawhimper.Iremainedsilent.DoyouknowthechoicesaDevawidowhasHowshouldyouknow?Youarethe
conqueror.Whyshouldafewlivesbotheryou...?
Iwasmovedbeyondmyself.ButIwasfromadifferentculture.IhadheardoftheplightofDevawomenbutitwassohorriblethatIhadthoughttheywerestoriesspunbytheAsura
orNagaspindoctorstodiscredittheDevas.
Yourpeoplekilledmyhusband.Hewasapoorman...aBrahminwhodidnooneanywrong...Whydidyourpeoplekillhim?
Iwasstung.WhatwasIdoingwithaBrahminwidow?WasitbecauseshewasaBrahminthatIwasattractedtoher?Didherfairskintriggerthelustinme?Ifeltdisgustedwith
myself.Butthen,IhadknownshewasahighbornBrahminwomanthemomentIsawher.WhydidIchoosetobeshockedwhenshespeltoutherlineage?
Wecanliveaslave&aposslifeinthehouseofourinlawswithourheadsshavenhandsandthroatsunadornedpurposefullymadeunattractivealivingcorpseno
bindisforusnobanglesnocolouredsarisonlycoarsewhitenolifeanunpaidservantalivingcorpse
Iwasmoved.IcouldnotimaginesuchalifeforanAsuraworanAsuman.Ifthehusbanddied,shewouldmournforadecentperiodandthenfindanotherlifepartnerandmove
onwithherlife.
YouareamightyKingha.YouknowIcouldjumpintomyhusbandsfuneralpyreandbecomeaGoddessthevirtuoussati.Thenthesamepeoplewhowouldhavetreated
menobetterthanananimalinlife
woulderecttemplesandworshipme.
Whatisyourname?Iaskedher.Imovedcloserandliftedherchin.Tearsswelledinthedarkeyesandmadethemglitter.Isawmyownreflection,sosmallthatIfeltmyown
insignificance.Shestaredforalongtimeatmyface.Finally,thehintofasmilelitupherface.Idissolved.
Vedavathi.shesaidsimplyandIpromptlyfellheadoverheelsinlovewiththisDevaBrahmingirl.

28Anasuraprincess
Bhadra
Whentheguardshookmefromsleep,Icursedhimandhisforefathers.HeproddedmewiththebluntendofhisspearandtoldmethatthePrimeMinisterwantedtoseeme,so
wouldIpleasepullupmydhothiandgetgoing?Ifeltheavyfromthepreviousnightsdrinkingbingeandwasnotinthemoodforbarrackhumour.Icursedhimagainandtiedmy
dhothitightlyandwashedmyfaceinthesluggishstreamnearby.IsmeltofcountryliquorsoIgargledoncemoreanddraggedmyselftotheprimeministerscamp.WhywasI
beingsummoned?Thelastfewmonthshadonlybroughtdisasteronourrace.Mostofthecampwasthoroughlydisillusionedwiththiscampaign.Wehadbeencampinginthe
forestacrosstheriverNarmada,eatingwildberriesandtheoccasionalmonkeysthatwerefoolishenoughtostraynearourcamp,drinkingbadlybrewedliquor,andwaiting
endlesslyforsomeaction.
Thewisemen,thegreatmen,theroyals,likePrahasthaandtheothers,werehuddledtogether,talkinginwhispers.ButourgreatKing,themightyRavana,haditcoming.Hewas
busywooinganadamantBrahmingirlwithoutathoughtforallthefoolswhohadstartedwithhimonthiscampaign.Herefusedtomeethisministers,stoppedhisinspectionsof
theranks,andevenhisinspirationalspeeches.Shewouldsitcrossleggedneartheriver,meditatingorsometimesvehementlycursingtheAsuraKingforwhathehaddoneto

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herpeople.TheKing,likealovestruckteenager,wouldcoononsensetoherandgrovelbeforeher,pleadingforherlove.Hehadevenforgottenthelittledaughterhewas
carryingalongandnoteventhehungrycriesofthelittleonearousedRavanafromhislovestupor.TheBrahminladywasimmunetoallhischarmsandthismadetheKing
desperate.Whyhedidnottakeherforcibly,wasbeyondmycomprehension.
Thecampaigndriftedonaimlessly,avoidingthebigger
kingdoms,
mostly
skirting
jungles
and
occasionallyraidingsomevillagebarns.Finally,aftermanymonthsofloitering,wereachedthebanksofthemightyNarmada,whenourKingdecidedtoimpressVedavathiwith
hisswimmingprowess.Hestrippedandenteredtheswiftlyflowingriver,andgotdrawnintothestrongcurrent.AtleastthatwaswhatthewomantoldtheCouncil.Ourmighty
Emperorhadsenthisbodyguardsaway,sonooneelsesawwhatexactlyhappened.
Afewdayslater,wereceivedamessengerfromKingKarthiveerarjuna,claimingthatheheldtheAsuraKingashisprisoner.Theentirearmywasheldtoransom.Forthreedays
thegreatAsuraCouncilwasshutupinsidethePrimeMinisterscamp,deliberating.
Inthemeanwhile,thecampsplitintotwo.VidyutjihvasfollowersspreadrumoursthatRavanawasalreadydead.
TheyarguedthatitwasbettertoreturntoLanka.
TheothergroupunderRudraka,proposedstormingKarthiveerarjunasstrongholdandteachingthehalfcastesalesson,evenatthecostofourKingslife.Hehadsupporterslike
SumaliandMalyavan,whoarguedthatAsurapridewasatstakeandanalloutwarwithadecisiveoutcomewasneeded.Ofcourse,thesewereonlyspeculationsstartedby
guardsstandingoutsidethecampwheretheCouncilmet.
AllthegreatmenwereseatedintheircushionedchairswhenIenteredthetent.Ibowedlowandkeptmyhandovermymouth,myeyesstaringatthefloor,myspinebent,
avoidinganyeyecontact.TheKingsthronestoodvacantbutPrahasthawasseatedjustnexttoit.
Therewasanuneasysilence.ThenPrahasthaspoke,
Bhadra,weareassigningyouaspecialtask.Wefeelonlyyoucandoit.
Myheartjumped.Atlast!HerewasthemomentIhadbeendreamingabout,achancetobecomeahero,anopportunitytobecomealegendandescapefromthemundane.It
wasnotthatIhadalwaysyearnedtodocourageousandbravedeeds,butIhadsometimeswishedthatfatewouldgivemethechanceofalifetimetosomehowsavemyKingand
becomehisfavouriteandtheherooftheentirerace.
Itmightbedisgustingbutyouhavetodoit.Marichawalkeduptomeandputacomfortinghandonmyshoulder.Myearsburned.Whatwerethesepeopletalkingabout?The
dreamsofmyheroismdisintegratedinamillionpieces.ItwasntgoingtobeaheroicrescueofourAsuraKing.Thatwouldbedonebythesenoblessurroundingme.
Thejobis...Marichawasfindingitdifficulttospellout.VidyutjihvamovedtowardsmemenacinglyandIcowered.Iwantedtostandupandstareathisface,butmybody
remainedbent.YouwilltakethatDevawomananddisposeofher.hesneered.Andalsothatillfatedlittleprincess.
IrecoiledfromtheshockofwhatIheard.IhadneverlikedthewomanbutourKinglovedher.ImightnotloveRavanabutIstuckwithhimbecauseIbelievedthatfinally,hewould
outrunallthesebuffoons.Andthatwouldservemypurpose.Andnow,whenhewasindanger,perhapsduetohisownfolly,hissupposedlygoodfriendswereplottingtofinishoff
hisloveandhislittlebabygirl.
Shouldwekillher?Andthelittleprincess...Marichamumbled.
Pshaw!Vidyutjihvaspatout.WehavehadenoughbadluckwiththeKingrunningaroundthiswomanshamelessly.Andhaveyouforgottenthepredictions?Thatlittlegirlof
RavanaisanillomentotheentireAsurarace.ShewillbringdeathanddestructionstousandourKingthinksallthesearestupidbeliefs.Idonotwanttotakeanychances.
Enough!Prahasthasvoicewascalmandclear,whichmadeitmorefrightening.Helookeduneasyandindecisive.IneednottellyouthisbutIbelievethatknowingthereason
forthisdecisionwillhelpyoudoyourdutytoourrace,withaclearconscience.Marichasvoicewasbarelyaudible,asifhehadswallowedsomethingandwastryingtotalkat
thesametime.Ourwarcampaignhasreachedacriticalpoint.
Weareonthevergeofatotalrout.OurKinghasbeentakenprisonerandwefearwewillenduppayingakingsransomtoKarthiveerarjuna.Moraleislowamongthetroopsand
theCouncilhas,inallitswisdom,takenadecision.WefeelthattheladywasamajordistractiontoourKing.IwontgototheextentofsayingsheisaspyplantedbytheDevas,
butIknowmanypeoplewhowouldvouchforsuchfantasrsuchftictheories.
Notwithstandingtheveracityofsuchconspiracytheories,thereisnodoubtthatshehasbecomeamillstonearoundtheneckoftheentireAsurarace.Marichapausedand
lookedintentlyatmyface.Iwassurehecouldsensemyintensehatredtowardsallthesegreatmen.Hesighedandputhishandonmyshoulderashetoweredoverme.Ifeltlike
apuppylookinguphismaster.
Prahasthamovedtowardsme,thenstoopedfromhisgreatheightandwhispereddarklyinmyear,Takeheranddisposeofher.
Vidyutjihvamovednearerandhissed,Anddonotforgetthelittleone.
Istoodstillforsometimeandthen,withtheutterhelplessnessofthelowerclassofAsuras,Ibowedfromthewaist.Yourwishesaremyorders,Guru.
IwasdismissedwithawaveofthehandbyPrahasthaandwentoutwithaheavyheart,Vidyutjihvasjeerburningdeepwithin.Iwenttomycampandfellontomyraggedbed.I
wastiredofbeingadogtothesepeople.Whogavetheserascalsthedivinerighttorideoverpoorpeoplelikeme?Ifeltangerandindignationrisinginme,butthen,atthe
precisemomentwhenitwasabouttobrimover,asoldierenteredandputaplatefullofdelicaciesonthefloorbesideme.Hebangeddownametalglassandpouredfinewine.I
satuponmybedandwatchedtheritualwithfaintinterest.
Yougrovelledbeforethemdidyou?Well,youarebeingfedwell,hesneeredandleft.
Allthatwehadgotforthelastfewdayshadbeenafewspoonsofriceandawaterygruel.Therewasneverenough.Butfortheimportantones,therewasalwaysenoughand
more.Whenyoudidwhattheywanted,theysometimesfedyouafewmorselsfromtheirtable.Istaredattheplateforalongtime.SuddenlyIfeltveryhungry.Iwipedmyhandson
mydhothiandeagerlyatemyspecialtreat.Forgoodmeasure,Ilickedtheplateaswell.Theninonesweep,Iswallowedthefinewineandthrewthemetaltumblerout.Itlanded
somewhereinthedarknessoutsideandregistereditsprotestwithaclang.
ItwasstilldarkwhenIwasshakenawakefrommydrunkenslumber.Ihadasearingheadacheandhangover.Icouldhearthenoiseoftheoxcartgettingready.Iwentoutand
washedmyfaceincoldwater,shivered,andthenstretched.IcouldseethetallfigureofMarichaapproachingme.Quickly,Iwentinandchangedintosomedecentclothing.Then,
fumblingwithmyclothes,Iwentouttomeethimmidway,bowed,andremainedbentatthewaist.Hewasinadark,pensivemood.Hesilentlycamenearme,stretchedoutahand
totouchme,butthendecidedagainstit.Afterafewmomentssilence,hesaid,Bhadra,Imsorryaboutthetaskwehaveentrustedtoyou.Butdoitanyway,forourrace,forour
King.
Iremainedsilent.Somewhereacockcrowedbeforeitstime.Ihopewhatwearedoingistherightthing...Ifeelsorryforthegirl...andofcourse,fortheBrahminlady.Godspeed
Bhadra...doyourdutyanddonottroubleyoursimplemindwithanything.Leavetheworryingtous.Andwithaswirl,heturnedonhisheelsandleft.
Istoodtherebentforafewmoremoments.
Simplemindindeed.Ifeltbloodonmyhands.WhenIstooderect,Iprayedforstrengthandinnerpeaceandwaitedfortheexhilarationtosweepme,knowingthatIwasdoing
myduty.Nothingcametomeexceptasenseofdread,selfpityanddisgust.InthatmoodIwalkedtothekitchen.Theclerkatthecountersmiledwhenhesawmeandhanded
overabundleoffood.Thebustlingactivustlingityinthekitchenatsuchanearlyhoursurprisedme.WhenIwalkedback,adrizzlehadstarted.
Itossedthebundleintothecartandclimbedontothedriversseatandwaited.
Theeasthadstreaksoflightwhentheybroughther.Shewasdruggedandbeingcarriedbytwomen.
Herdresshasbecomedishevelledandalargepartofherwhitebreastswereexposed.Themencarryingherwereoglingattheraretreatandsniggering.Theydumpedherin
theback,winkedatme,andleft.Aftersometime,Marichacame,carryingwithalittlebundledelicatelyinhishands.Hekissedtheforeheadofthebabygirlandslowlydeposited
hernearthewoman.Heturnedback,tryingtoavoidmyeyes.Isawateardroponthebabysthighs.Shestirredalittle,smiledangelicallyinhersleepandwasatpeacewith
herself.

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Iwhippedtheoxenandwithajerkthecartstarteditsswayingjourney.ThesunhadalreadyrisenandpaintedtheworldsaffronwhenIreachedtheswellingNarmada.Thedrizzle
hadturnedgoldeninthemorningsunlight.TherewasahugerainbowonthedistanthorizonandIturnedawayfromit.Thecartswayedandjerkeditswaythroughthenarrow
forestpathtowardsthekingdomoftheDevas.Myquarrywasasleepinherdruginducedworld.ThebeautyoftheforestcheeredmeandforsometimeIwasabletopushaside
mydarkthoughts.Ienjoyedthecolddrizzleonmyface,thefragrantwindcaressingmyskinandIforgotwhatIhadbeenentrustedtodo.Iwasasimplemindedperson,wasntI?
ItwasdarkandthesunsinkingbelowthedistanthillswhenIstoppedforarest.Shewasstillsleeping.Ifeltthestirringsofsexualpassionarisinginme.Herbreastswerestillhalf
exposed.Iwantedtoremoveherdresscompletelyandseewhatremainedhidden.AsIreachedatremblinghandtowardsher,thebabynearherstirred.ItjerkedmebackandI
feltashamed.Thentheangercameback.ShewasminetodowithasIpleased.
Ihadbeenentrustedwithherdisposal.IwassurprisedIhadbroughthersofar.Icouldhavegoneafewmilesawayandfinishedheroffandcomebackinafewhours.Thestory
tobespreadwasthatwehadbeentakingherandtheprincesstoavillagedoctorafewmilesfromcamp,astheyweresufferingfromforestfever,butbothhadsuccumbedtothe
illness.
BynowIwasmilesawayfromcamp.WhowouldknowifIhadher?PerhapstheCouncilwouldappreciatemyact.Imovedagainandhadmyhandsfirmlyonherclothes.Itriedto
unknotherbreastcloth.ButinmyexcitementIfounditdifficult.Ihadalmostgotthroughwhensheopenedhereyesandstaredatmelikeacow.Icowered,stoppedmyfumbling,
andstoodup.Tearsbrimmedinhereyesandasmalldropfellandwettheredsilkclothonthefloorofthecart.Ifeltashamedandturnedmyfaceaway.Thenshehowledan
animalcryofagony,pain,andabandonment.Itstartledthebirdsaround.ThelittleoilllampIhadcarriedhadtoppledoverandspreadoillstainsonthesilksheet.Itriedtoputit
uprightbutmyhandsweretremblinginfear.
YouuncouthAsura,shescreamedinahighpitchedvoice.Howdareyoutouchme?Thebabyhadwokenupandstartedwailing.
Yourmasternevereventriedtotouchmeandyouscoundrel.Howdareyou?
Ihadregainedmyanger.ShewasallaloneinaforestandIhadbeeninstructedtokillher.Imovedtowardsherasshetriedmovingaway.Sheattemptedtogetoutofthecartbut
theflickeringoilllampwhichhadspreadoillstainsoverherclothes,burstintolifeinthewindandherdresscaughtfire.Instinctively,Itriedtosmotherthefirebutsheslappedme
hardandrantowardstheriver,aballoffire,screaminginpainandanger.Shenevermanagedtoreachit.Iranbehindher,tbehindhryingtocatchher,ifpossiblesaveher.She
screamedandscreamed,butcontinuedburning.Shehadfallenafewfeetfromthebankandwasbeyondanyhelp.Igaveuptryingtosaveher.Afterall,myjobwastofinishher
off.Yet,sherefusedtodieforalongtime.
Lyingthereneartheriver,amassofhalfburntflesh,shelookedghastly.ShekeptcursingtheentireAsuraclan.ShescreamedthatRavanahadbroughthertothisandthatshe
wouldreturninthenextlifetohaunthim.Iwatchedherdiewithanindifferenceborderingonboredom.Beforeshedied,shehowledthatshewouldenterthebodyofthelittle
AsuraprincessasaspiritandensurethattheentireAsuraclanwasdestroyed,andthepredictionofthatastrologerwouldcometruethroughherwrath,throughherchastityand
suchnonsense.
Finallyshediedwhentheskywasturningfaintlyredintheeast.
Thebabyhadstoppedcrying.Irantowardsthecart.Shelookedatmeandtherewasaflickerofaninnocentsmile.Ididnotknowwhattodoandthoughtofsmashingherhead
onthenearestrock.ThenIsawtheimageofasmallgirlsskullsplatteredinmyownhousebytheDevas.DidIwanttodothesamethingtothisbaby?Iliftedherandhersmall
fiststightenedagainstmylittlefinger.Icouldnot.Icouldnotatall.Icollapsedwiththebabyinmylapandwept.
Isatthereforalongtimeanddriftedofftosleepwiththebabycryinginmylap,untilothersoundswokemewithajolt.AlargehuntingpartyappearedIsawhundredsofarmed
menonhorsesandonfoot.Theywereerectingacampinaclearingbytheriver.Thebabylaylimpandalmostblue,perhapsdead.Ihadtogetawayfromhere.Thehuntingparty
madeenoughnoisetowakeawholevillageandIwasafraidthebabywouldawakenandcry.ThepartylookedlikeDevas,thoughthereweremanyblackskinnedamongthem.
ThelastthingIwantedwasforthemtodiscoverthedeadBrahminwoman,andmewiththebabyIhadtogetaway.
ButwhenIturnedtogo,Itrippedandfellintheundergrowth.Thebabyslippedfrommyhandsandrolledafewfeetintoaslimecoveredditchandletoutahowl.Tomyhorror,one
ofsoldiersturnedinourdirectionandIsawhimalertingtheothersandpointinginourdirection.Theycametowardsustoinvestigate.IhadclamberedupabigBanyantree,
hopingtheyhadnotseenme.Iwasfortunatethattheguardsdidnotlookup.
Isawmoresoldierscomingandthenheardadistinctcryofalarm.TheyhadfoundthedeadBrahminwoman,lyingburntneartheriver.Isawoneofthemrunningtowardstheir
maincamp.TherewassomegeneralagitationandIcouldseethemtryingtogetthebabyoutoftheslime.Itwasnotadeepditchbutthebabywasslowlysinking.Thesoldiers
knewthatthemomenttheysteppedintoit,theywouldsinkintothequagmire.
Asquatmanwithanairofimportancecameandtheentirepartybowedtohimandstartedtalkinginexcitedvoices.Hepeeredintotheditchandorderedoneofhisminionsto
fetchaplough,whichhecarefullyusedtoliftthebabyoutoftheditch.Hefeltforthebabysheartbeatandonhisorders,hisservantsscatteredtofetchvariousthings.Afterafew
minutes,thebabybegantocryagainandeveryonecheered.Ialsofeltlikecheeringfromthecanopyofthetreebutheldbacktheimpulse.Hiddenamongthebranches,I
watchedthemcrematewhatwasleftofVedavathiandlearntfromtheirconversations,thatthescholarlylookingmanwasJanaka,theKingofMithila.
Thatafternoon,themenassembledabouttheirKing,andwithBrahminpriestschanting,theKingbenttowhisperthenamehehadgiventhebaby.Theentirecamperuptedinto
cheersandthenameofthebaby,Sitaortheonegotwithaplough,filledtheair.Iwashappyforthebaby.Insteadofbeingeatenbysomewildanimal,shewouldnowbea
princessinapalace.ThiswasaluckywasalbabyandIhopedshewouldcarrythatluckthroughherentirelife.Shewasmymastersdaughter,aprincessofLanka,anAsura
princess,butbornwithacurse,adeathwarrantforherblastedrace.
Later,aftertheirpartyingwasoverandmostofthemweredeaddrunkorasleep,Islippeddownfromtreeandenteredthecampquietly.Istolesomefoodfromthekitchenand
dranksomewinefromthehalfemptyjugsscatteredaround.ItwasthenthatIhadtheirresistibleurgetoseetheAsuraprincessagain.Ienteredthemostluxuriouslookingcamp

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andinthedimlightoftheflickeringoilllamp,Isawthelittlebundlesnuggledcoylyinawhitesilksheet,neartheloudlysnoringking.
Iwentclosetoherandpeeredintoherbeautifulface.Istoopedandgentlyplantedakissonhercheek.Perhapsthevilefumesirritatedher,becauseshepoutedandthensucked
herlipsafewtimes.Istoodforafewminutes,watchinghertinyhandsandlegs.Then,withgreatreluctance,Islippedawayfromthecamp,tearsstreamingdownmycheeksand
mylegsweakwithemotion.
AsIreachedtheclearing,Ilookedbackoncemore.
IfeltIwasleavingmyowndaughterthereandprayedtoShivatokeepherhappy.IprayedshewouldgrowintoalovelyprincessandmarrysomegoodDevaprincewhowould
keepherhappyforever.ThisKingseemedtobeagentlesortandlearnedandwise.AsIwalkedbackthroughthejungletotheAsuracamp,Iwantedtotakeherbackandadopt
herasmyown.IwantedtogiveherbacktomyKingandconfessthetruth.IwantedtodomanythingsbutIwasconfused.
WhenIwassufficientlyfarawaytothinkclearly,itstruckme.Ishouldhavekilledthebaby.Ishudderedatthethought,buthadthepremonitionthatshewouldcomebackoneday.
Shewouldreturntoherclanandbethecauseofthedestructionofeverythingherfatherhadfoughtfor.IdidnotknowhowIknew,butthesethoughtkeptcomingback.Iprayedto
Shivafordeliverance,butdeepdownIknewthatevenShivawashelpless.PerhapsthatwouldbeherrevengetherevengeofanAsuraprincessonaproudandheartlessrace
thatwantedherdeadevenbeforeshehadachancetoknowlife.Shewouldchangethehistoryofmankind.
ButIamrunningaheadofmyself.IdoubtwhetherIknewsomuchorwassoclairvoyantthen.Allthatwouldcomelaterandconsumeusall,condemningmycountrytodarkness
formanymillenniatocome.

29Letherlive
Ravana
Ididnotwanttofaceanyone.Likeabullinamarket,Iwasexchangedforgoods.Mypeopleboughtmebackbypayingwhateverwehadgainedfromourcampaign.The
humiliationwascomplete.Inonestroke,Karthiveerarjunaneutralizedmyarmy.WedidnothaveanythingtotakebacktoLanka.Wehadtosurrenderallourarms,exceptour
personalswords,thehorses,theelephantsandthegold.Andwhatwegotinreturnwasmyworthlesslife.Iwantedtodie,butthenagain,theentiresacrificewouldhavegoneto
waste.WhatwasevensadderwasthatIcouldnotputupafight.
VedavathichallengedmetocrosstheswiftlyflowingriverandthefoolthatIwas,IdivedintotheravagingNarmada.Ifeltlikeateenagertryingtoimpresshisgirlfriend.ButI
underestimatedtheswiftnessofthecurrent.AndbeforeIcouldrecoverfrommyilltimeddive,myheadhitanundergroundrock.Ialmostdrownedandthengotsweptawaybythe
current.WhenIopenedmyeyes,Iwasinadungeon,chainedtoanironbed,likeamadman.Initially,Iwasangryatmyself,at
Vedavathi,attheAsuras,andat
Karthiveerarjuna,whoIguessedwasmycaptor.Butsoonangerdiedinthedampdungeon.Whenthedooropenedforthestalefoodwhichwasthrownin,aglimmerofhope
gleamed.Afterafewdays,eventhatdied.Isoonlostcountofthedays,thetime,andforgotevenmyambition,dignityandpride.Iwasjustarat,scurryingaroundthedungeonto
survive
Theyhadunchainedmeafterafewdays.Myspiritwasbroken,butIkeptmyselfsanebycountingthefootstepsoftheguardsoutside.Itriedtoescapeandfailedmiserably.Iwas
beatenbythelowlyguards.IwouldnothavemindedsomuchhadKarthiveerarjunacometosupervisemytorture.Ihadpracticedthewordstoshockhimwith.Iwantedhimtosee
Icouldendureanythingandthatmyspiritcouldneverbeconquered.
ButhedidnotcomeandIthinkthathurtmemorethananythingelse.IweptlikeachildinthatdarkdungeonIcriedformylostglories,myfreedom,myambitions.
SometimesIthoughtofLankaandmyalmostforgottenwife,Mandodari.Iyearnedforthefragranceofripemangoes.Irelivedthetasteofyellowjackfruit,thesprayofwaterfrom
thegiganticfallsofthePoorna,nearMuzaris,thelappingofwavesonthewhitesands,theswayingofcoconutpalmsonamoonlitnight,thesmellofjasmine...
Thenoneday,whenallhopewasdead,buried,andturnedrottendeepwithinme,thedoortotheoutsideworldopened.Therewasajeeringcrowdofmotleysoldiersandthe
servantsofKarthiveerarjunalinedupoutsidethedungeontoseemeoff.ThebrightnessofthedayhurtmyeyesandIkeptmyeyesshut.LikeablindmanIstumbledoutto
freedom.Ishouldhavevowedrevengeatthatmoment,plannedandplotted,withmymindinafrenzy,togetevenwithmyenemy,butsadly,myonlythoughtwastogetholdofa
razor.MybeardhadgrownandIbadlyneededashave.EvennowIfeelashamedforhavinghadnootherthoughtatthatmoment.
TheyignoredmewhenIarrivedbackatcamp.IwasaKingnomore,atleastintheirminds.Isearchedeverywhereformyloverandbaby.Iwasafraidtoconfrontanyofmy
ministers.Theywerealltoobusysupervisingthepackingforthejourneybackhome
emptyhanded.Desperate,IfinallycorneredMaricha,firstdemandedandthenbegged,forinformationaboutVedavathi.
Braceyourself,son.HiswordsconfirmedwhatIhadfearedsincemyignoblereturnandIsanktotheground.
Howandwhen?Imanagedtoask.
Manypeoplefellsickintheseforestsandthereweresomanydeaths.Shefellavictimtothesicknessaroundandsodidthelittleprincess.Theyweretakentoacountrydoctor,
somedistanceawaybutbothsuccumbedtotheforestfever.Helookedaway.
Iwept.Ididnthavetopretendanymore.Ididnotwantakingdom,orglory,lettheAsuraracetakecareofitself.PrahasthaorVidyutjihvaorwhoeverwantedthekingship,could
takeit.Iblabberedonandon.IfeltMarichastearshottearsfallonmyshoulder.Thenagnawingsuspicionraiseditsuglyhead.No,itcannotbetrue.AtleastMarichawasmy
friendandhewouldnothaveletithappen.Ijerkedmyselffreeandconfrontedhim.Whotookhertothedoctor?Marichaseyeswerelistless.Hestaredataspotonthewalland
mumbled,Somesoldierortheother...Iwillenquireandletyouknowbutson,youhavetoputitbehindyou...
No!Ishouted.Tellmewhotookthemtothedoctor.IshookhimandIcouldsensethefearinhiseyes.Buthislipswerepressedtogetherandheavoidedmygaze.Wasit
Bhadra?Icriedoutaloud,dreadfillingmybowelsasIutteredthecursedname.
Silence...thenhestartedagain,Ravana,please..
.letitgo...
Ialmostknockedhimdownandranout.IhadmyswordunsheathedandshoutedforBhadra.Afewsoldierswewsoldihowereengagedinagameofchessunderatree,turned
theirheadstowardsme.Whentheysawtheswordinmyhand,theystoodupswiftly.Oneofthemranoutandreturnedinafewminutes,bowedandwhispered,YourHighness,
Bhadraisontheway.Hisuseofthehonorificsomehowsoothedmealittle.Ithadbeenalongtimesincesomeonehadaddressedmeasaking.Perhapsthenakedswordinmy
handhaddonethetrick.WhatamIthinking?AmIsoobsessedwithpowerthattheinstantalowlyservantshowsmerespect,Istooptoforgettingmyloverandmybabysdeath?
Bythetime,thatslyBhadracame,Iwasstrugglinghardtoregainmyanger.Ifeltuneasyashestaredatmewiththeeyesofaserpent.Iturnedandorderedhimtofollow.Icould
feelhisfearandwassecretlyhappytoknowthatpeoplestillfearedme.AssoonasIenteredmycamp,IcaughtBhadrabythethroatandpressedthebladeofmyswordhard
enoughtodrawadropofblood.Hewasafraidandstartedramblingincoherently.

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WhathaveyoudonetomyVedavathiandthelittleone?Ishouted.
Hebegantosobandbegmyforgiveness.HetoldmewhathadhappenedtoVedavathiandmybaby,asIstoodtherelikeapillar,shockedattheghastlinessofwhathad
transpired.Ihadfearedtheyweredead,butwhatIheardgrievedandshockedmedeeply.Iwantedtokickthefellowwallowingatmyfeet,butheheldmeinapythonlikegrip.
Despitetheconstantramblingsandincomprehensiblesoundshemade,someofitfilteredintomymindandItriedtomakesenseofit.Slowly,veryslowly,itdawnedonme.My
daughterwasnotdead.ShehadbeenadoptedbyakindKing,aDevaKing,butstillaKing,andwasnowgrowingupasaDevaprincess.
ForafleetingmomentIwashappy.Mydaughterwasalive.Butshewasnowaprincessoftheenemy.Anewenergyrushedthroughme.Iwouldassemblemyarmyandmarchto
thekingdomofJanaka.Iwouldsmashhisarmies,plunderhiskingdom,andreclaimmydaughter.ShewasanAsuraprincessandnoDevakingcouldtakeherawayfromme.
ShewastheprincessofLanka,shehadtogrowupasanAsuraprincess.ThenIgrewafraid.Ihadtoregainmystrength,togetherback.Wasmyarmystrongenough?DidI
haveanarmyinthefirstplace?EvenifIsucceeded,howcouldIbesureofhersafetywhenviperslikePrahasthaorVidyutjihva,roamedfreelyinmykingdom?Ifelthelplessand
frustrated.IkickedBhadrahard,drawingbloodfromhisnose.Despicablecreature.SometimesIfelttherewassomelogicinthecastesystemfollowedbytheDevas.Howcould
heandIbeequals?
Thoughtsofmylittledaughtercamerushingintomymind.DidshelooklikemeordidsheresembleMandodari?ThethoughtofMandodaribroughtbackmemoriesofthe
glowingeveningsspentonthebanksofthePoornaandKaveri,thefragranceofthefloweringtrees,Mandodari&apossfair,smoothskin,thesmellofjasmine,thefeelofthecool
breezeonournakedflesh,thebuzzofhundredsofbeesandthechatteringofsquirrels,aswelayineachothersarms,oursoftloveforeachother
IwrestledmyselffromthegripofthelowlyAsuraanddraggedmyfeettowardstheriver.Iwantedtobealonewithmymemories.Mywantsdissolvedinthesobsofmysoul.

30LANKALOST
Bhadra
WereturnedfromcentralIndiaemptyhanded.
EveryonewasfuriouswithourKing,thearmy,ourministers,andwitheachother.Itwasworseforme.
Vidyutjihva,alongwithsomeoftheministers,hadleftlongbeforetheKingwasreleasedfromcaptivity.IwassureVidyutjihvawouldhaverenewedhisaffairwithMalaandIwas
jealous.IwasstuckwithafoolishKingwhileMalawaswelcomingacadbackhome.ThoughtsofMalahadtroubledmethroughthecampaign,butitwaswhenVidyutjihvafinally
leftforLanka,thatIgrewevenmoreconcerned.Addedtothiswasthesenseoffailure,thetauntswaitingforusfromthefolkinLanka,forreturninginthisbeggarlyfashion.The
frustrationofbeingblamedsolelyforwhathadhappenedtoVedavathi,mademefeeldepressed.
WeaddedanotherhumiliationtoourrecordonthewaybacktoLanka.AtthesouthernfoothillsoftheVindhyas,themightyhalfbreed,Bali,ruled.Hewasdisparaginglycalledthe
monkeyKingandhissubjectsmonkeys.TheywereamixtureofboththeAsuraandDevaraces,butwereshunnedanddespisedbyboth.
Theyledalifeonthefringesofbothcivilizations.ThatwasuntilBalisquelchedtheirinterracialquibblesandunitedthemonkeyrace.WiththeircapitalinKishkindha,themonkey
raceorVanaras,becameathreattoboththeDevakingdomsofthenorthandtheAsurakingdomsofthesouth.AstheyrestrictedthemselvestotheforestsofcentralIndia,wehad
notcomeintocontactwiththeVanarasduringournorthwardcampaignfollowingthecoastalroute.
ThefactthatBalisyoungerbrother,Sugreeva,wasanenemyofthemonkeyKingandthatgreatandreputedwarriorslikeHanuman,haddesertedBalitojoinSugreevascamp,
mighthavespurredonourKing,desperatelylookingforsomesuccesstoredeemamodicumofrespectability.ItwasnotthatRavanahadbecomeabeggarbuthispositionwas
precarious.HelivedinperpetualfearthatPrahasthaorVidyutjihvawouldtakeover.ThefactthattheyhadleftforLankaaheadofhim,madehimsuspiciousandjumpyandsohe
decidedtoattackKishkindha,hopingtowinbackhislostprestige.
Thedispiritedgroupattackedonamoonlessnightandwaspromptlyrouted.Wesurrenderedeasily.Thenextmorning,whenthemonkeyKingcametoseehisprisoners,hewas
surprisedtolearnthatitwastheAsuraarmythathadattackedhim.Hiscommentthathehadthoughtustobecountrybumpkinsoutonanightraid,hurtusmorethananywound
fromournumerousbattles.Evenmoreinsultingwasthepatronizingwayinwhichhedealtwithus.Hetreatedallofuswithequalrespectandevenapologizedforthe
inconveniencecaused.Thenhefeduslikehonouredguests.Wegobbleddownenormousquantitiesoffoodandgotdeaddrunk.Wedancedtillmorningtothebeatofwild
monkeydrums.Bymorningwehadforgottenourshameandhadbecomebosompals.WesworeeternalfriendshipbetweentheVanarasandAsuras.Later,whenweleftthe
monkeykingdom,wewitnessedcuriousscenes.WesawRavanahuggingthemonkeyKing,whowasseengivingadvicetotheAsuraking.Wealllefttheplaceinhighspiritsand
IoverheardthataneternalfriendshiptreatyhasbeensignedwiththemonkeykingdomandthatBalihadbecomeourKingsfriend,philosopherandguide.Itwascurioustosay
theleast,butthensuchmatterswerebeyondasimplemindedpersonlikeme.Mymainconcernwasmynextmeal.
Ittookusalmostamonthtoreachthesouthernshoreofthemainland.Weallwantedtocrosstheseaandreachourbelovedislandquickly.ButVarunasships,whichhadferried
ustothemainland,werenottobeseen.Wewaitedforafortnight,growingmorerestlesswitheachpassingday,untilRavanadecidedtotakecharge.Heorderedustocutdown
trees,andwesoonhadafewboats.Itwasadaringplan,butMarichawasrestless.
Finally,hesuinally,ggestedthatonlyafewshouldventuretoLanka.HehadthegnawingsuspicionthatourkingwasnolongerthekingandthateitherVidyutjihvaorPrahastha
hadtakenoverLanka.Asthepreparationsweremade,wesawafleetofshipscomingtowardstheportatthemouthoftheriverKaveri,wherewewerecamped.
Ravanaorderedusbackintothejungleandwelayhidden,watchingtheshipsanchor.Theyweretheshipsofthepiratekingbuttheydidnotanchorintheusualwharfswhere
cargowasloadedtobetakentothelandsoftheyellowmenorwhitesavages.Thesewerebattleships.Wesawsmallboatsloweredwithmenandsoontheywerefuriously
rowingtowardsthebeachwherewewerecamped.Wewaitedforalmosthalfanhourforthementoarrive.ThenwesawPrahasthaandafewguards,wadingthroughthe
shallowwatertowardsus.RavanaandMarichasteppedoutoftheirhidingplaceswiththeirswordsunsheathedandwalkedtowardsPrahastha.
Prahastha,withhisheadheldhigh,lookedatRavanawithundisguisedcontemptandIsawRavanalookaway.MaricharecoveredquicklyandstoodbetweenPrahasthaand
Ravana.Tooursurprise,PrahasthasteppedasideandbowedlowtoRavana.Ahugecheerrosefromallofus.Marichawastakenabackandpleasantlysurprised.Hehugged
Prahastha.
Forgettingdiscipline,werushedforward.Prahasthawasuncomfortable,butMarichareassuredhimandthenaskedwhathadhappened.
Reluctantly,Prahasthasaid,IbelieveImadeamistakewhenIdecidedtogowithVidyutjihva,leavingbehindRav,Imean,HisHighness,andyourself.Ihadalwayssuspected
thatrascal,butthedepthstowhichhewouldsinkwerebeyondmyunderstanding.HewassweetanddiplomatictillwereachedLanka,butassoonaswearrived,hebeganto
pressforaregentKinguntilyoureturned.IinsistedthatinAsuratradition,eventheconceptofkingshipwasnew.HereheglancedatRavana,whoavertedhiseyes.Prahastha
continued,Butyouallknowheisasilvertonguedorator,andhebribed,threatenedandcajoledothermembersoftheCouncil.
OnlyJambumaliandIdissented.IresignedfromtheCouncilinprotestandwouldhaveretiredfrompoliticsaltogether,hadthenewKingVidyutjihva,notunleashedareignof
terror.MostofVidyutjihvasactionswerequiteunnecessary.Inthreemonths,hewreckedtheeconomy,increasingtaxesandlevieswheneverhewanted.HegavethepirateKing

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afreehandtoplunderanddividedtheloot.Butnowtheyhavefallenapart.
VarunaiswaitinginthatshipforRav,Imean...HisHighness,tocomeandtakechargeofhisnavy.Heisthirstingforrevenge.
RavanasteppedforwardandaskedPrahastha,Butwhathappenedtomybrothers,mywifeandmysister?Wecouldsensetensionandconcerninhisvoice.
YourHighness,yoursisterissafe,thoughunhappy.Shesstillmadlyinlovewithherhusband.Imovedyourwifetoahidingplaceinthehillsandlatersenthertoherfather.Our
greatestconcernisPrinceKumbakarna,whowastheonlymantoraisehisvoiceagainstthetyrannyofhisbrotherinlaw.Heiscourageous,myKing,butpardonmeforsaying
so,veryimpulsive.Andheisgullibletoafault.Hewaspromptlybetrayedbyhisfriends,captured,tortured,andsenttothekingdomofYama.Heisntdead.Hewassenttothe
dreadeddrugkingdomontheeasternslopesoftheSahyas,deepinsidetheforest,whereabrigandnamedYama,brewspoisonouspotions,drinks,andsmokeherbsanddrugs.
Vidyutjihva,wasadiscipleofthedruglordYama,andhehasrewardedhisguruwithanAsuraprinceforhisexperiments.
Ravanawas,bynow,tremblingwithfury.MarichaputasoothinghandontheKingsshoulder,butRavanabrusquelyshookitoff.Assembleforbattle.Wewilltakeonthis
imposter,heshouted.
Therewassuddencommotion.NowwehadaNowwehpurpose,itwasnotameaninglesswarforthegloryofasingleman.Itwastofreeourbrothersandsisters,ourwivesand
children,ourparents,fromthehandsofatyrant.IworriedaboutMala.
ButPrahastharaisedhishandandafterafewseconds,therewasperfectsilence.YourHighness,firstwehavetofreePrinceKumbakarna.Wedonotknowhisconditionafter
beingsubjectedtotheirexperiments.Ravanawaitedforafewsecondsbeforeanswering.
Thenwithaslightbowhesaid,Ivalueyourwisecounsel,myPrimeMinister,andIrespectyourwisdom.
Ishallbeguidedbyyou.TurningtoMaricha,whowasnowbeaming,hesaid,UncleMaricha,pleasesendamessengertoourfriendkingBali,forassistancetofinishoffthe
druglordYama.Weneedhishelp.Marichabowedandleft,summoningourmasterrunner.
Then,asanafterthought,RavanaaskedPrahastha,
Andwhataboutouryoungerbrother,Vibhishna?Prahastha,suppressingasmile,said,He,yourHighness,hasshuthimselfinsideasmalltempleheerectedwithhisown
hands.HepraystotheDevaGodVishnu,fordeliverancefromthisevil.Otherthanpraying,hedoesnothing.
Pshaw!Ravanaspatwithcontemptandmanyofussnickered.

31Denofdeath
Ravana
WehadstoppedforafewdaysatMadurai,theancienttempletownofthefishGoddess,Meenakshi,togetoursupplies,horsesandweapons.Varunasponsoredthecampaign
afterIhadagreedtoreturntheamountalongenormousinterest,onceIregainedthethroneofLanka.IdidntlikedependingonthepiratebutwhatchoicedidIhave?Moreover,it
gavemesomeconfidencethattheshrewdpirateKingthoughtIwouldregainmythrone.Hewasnotknowntogethisbetswrong.ButIwaswellawareofourshortcomings.We
movedfromthecityofthefisheyedgoddessandreachedthevalleyofdeath.
Yamasfortstoodatthetopofamountain,whichalmosttouchedtheskyandthreesidesdroppeddownintonearvertical,rockycliffs.ItresembledmyfortinTrikota,butwasmuch
morecompactandperchedhigher.Intheshrubsandsmalltreesthatsurroundedthisbarrenmountainontheeast,andthelushgreenforestsonthewesternside,Yamas
soldierslayhidden,intoxicatedondrugsandhellbentondefendingtheirterritory.Drunkonopiumlacedpotions,theyseemedoblivioustophysicalinjuriesandinsulatedfrom
fear.
Somewhereinsidethatdarkandforbiddingcitadel,inadarkdungeon,mybelovedoafofabrother,Kumbakarna,laydrugged,orperhapsdead.
Weplannedtoattackonamoonlessnight.Atdeadofnight,ourarmystormedthefort.Itwasthebitterestbattlewehadfoughtsofar.Yamassoldierswerenotjustfearless,they
werealmostinhuman.Ittookustilldawntoeffectabreach.Bythattime,hundredsfromoursidehadbeenslain.ThecampaigninnorthIndiahadbeenapicnicincomparison.
Yamassoldierspouredmoltenmetalontoourscamperingarmy,catapultedhugebouldersatus,andtheirarchersrainedarrowswithdeadlyaccuracy.Thesituationbecame
hopeless.ItwasthenthatIheardthevictorycryfromPrahasthasbattalion.Itcamefromthewestsideofthefortandsurprisedme.Wehadnotbotheredaboutthewestside.
Itwassurroundedbyimpenetrablerainforestsandwasdangerouslysteep.Moreover,itwouldhavehamperedourprogressanddeniedustheadvantageofanightattack.So
whenthevictorycrycamefromthewestgateofthefort,Iwassurprised.Afteralmostanhourspitchedbattle,theotherthreegateswereopenedandourarmyswarmedinto
Yamascitadelfromallsides.WeV
hackedourwaythrough.Ourhorsesstampedoverhundredsofmangledlimbsandseveredheads.Itwasgrotesqueandrevolting.Therewasthesmellofblood,fleshand
excrementofbothofmenandbeasts.Iwantedtogetoutofthisplace.
EvenasIkeptstabbingmywaythroughtheswarmsofYamakingaras,mymindwandered.Iwasdisgustedbythemeaninglessnessofallthis.Iwanttofreemybrotherandget
himback.ButdoIreally?
Strangely,Prahasthaswords,spokenmanyyearsago,cametomymindevenasmylifedependedonmyfightingskillagainstthescoresofYamassoldierswhowereattacking
meonallsides.Thewordswerecold,preciseandunpleasant.Toatwentyfouryearoldwhohadromanticnotionsabouthisdutytohisfamilyandfulfillinghisdestiny,andwho
wasgenerallymistyeyedaboutworld,thewordsweredevastating,Donotbelieveanyone,especiallyyoursiblings,whenaspiringforsuccess,fortheyareboundtobeyour
bitterestenemies.
Itwasasusual,unsolicitedadvice,andonemorereasontohatePrahastha.Andnow,strangelyenough,whenIwasstakingmylifetosavemybrother,thisadvicenaggedatme.
CouldItrustmybrother?
Then,withalarmingclarity,Iunderstood.ThisbattlewasnotaboutsavingKumbha,butsavingmyself,myshatteredpride,confidence,ambition,andmydestiny.
Pullingmyselfup,Iconcentratedondrivingmyswordthroughtheheartofaboybarelysixteenyearsold,thinkingabouthisfacelessmother,butwithnofeelingsforeitherhimor
her.
Finally,bylateafternoon,wehadtakenthecitadelandthesearchwasontofindmybrother,Kumbakarna.Ibledfromathousandcutsandsatdizzilyonmyhorse.
Theplacewaseerilysilentexceptforthegroansandgaspsofthedyingmenandbeasts.Wehadbecomeusedtothestenchofblood,soitdidnotbotherusanymore.Isaw
PrahasthaandMarichaandrodetowardsthem.Marichasmiled,butPrahasthamademeacurtbowandcontinuedwithhisworkoforderingthesearchparties.Suddenly,
Marichaturnedandsaid,ItwasPrahasthasideatotakethefortfromthewestside.
Hehadanallyinsidethefortwhoopenedthegateforus,andassoonasthebattlestarted,wemovedwest.Infact,Prahasthahadpositionedmanyonthewestsidebeforethe
battlehadevenstarted.
Iseethedwithanger.Ihadbeenmadetofightlikeacommonsoldierandmyministershadusedmeaspartoftheirdiversionarytactics.IwasangrythatIhadnotthoughtofthe

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planmyself.Insteadthethousandthingsthatcouldhavegonewrongoccupiedmymind.ItwasthenthatabigcheerarousefromthewesternendofthefortandIsawagroupof
soldiersdancingandcarryingahugemanontheirshoulders.Asthesunwassetting,Ihaddifficultyseeingwhotheycarried,thoughIguessed.
Astheydrewnear,IsawanalmostcomatoseKumbakarnabouncingontheblackshouldersofourmen.Itwascomical.IsmiledandturnedtoMaricha.Hebeamed.Prahastha
stoodbesidehimwithhishabitual,sternexpression.Iwantedtoaskhimwhyhehadkeptmeinthedarkandmyangercamerushingback.IwasabouttoaskwhenMaricha
caughtmyeyesandhurriedlywhisperedinmyear,Wesuspectedthereweremolesamongus.IwantedtoinformyoubutPrahasthainsistedyoushouldnotknow.Hereasoned
thatyouwouldnototherwisegiveyourbestwhileleadingthebattleandtheenemywouldhavesuspectedourruse.Soweleftyoutofightabravebattle,whilewesneakedin
fromtherear.
Ifeltcheated.Ifeltsmallandmanipulated.IwastheKingandthesegeriatricssegeriawereplayingtricksonme.IwantedtoyellattheoldmenandjustasIwasabouttospell
outwhatIthoughtofthem,Prahasthaturnedhisheadtowardsmeandsmiled.
Marichaalsosmiled.
Wewon,Ravana,wewon.Ifitwasntforagreatfight,wewouldneverhavedoneit.hesaidmoreloudlythannecessary.
Andourentirearmycheered.Wavebywave,oursoldiersraisedtheirweaponsandcried,HarHarMahadev.VictorytoShiva.VictorytoRavana,themightykingofAsuras.
VictorytoAsuras.Myheartleaptwithpride.Ididnotknowwhattodoandalsoraisedmysword.Myarmycriedoutwithanelectrifyingvoice.SuddenlyIremembered,Iowe
thesetwooldiessomethingbig.ButthenIfeltmyresentmentrisingagainandchangedmymindandasked,
Uncle,wheresthespyinYamascampwhohelpedus?Iignoredhiseyesthatwerewideninginsurprise.Ihadtakenoffmydiamondnecklaceandsaid,Iwishtorewardhim.
Ravana,areyoumad?
Myirritationrose.Eitheryoutellme,orIfindhimmyself.Idemanded.
Marichashookhisheadsadlyandsaid,Ravana,sometimesyousurpriseme.HewasthefirstpersonPrahasthathrusthisswordintoassoonaswestormedthefort.
Seeingtheshockonmyface,headded,Ravana,itisafundamentallessonofpolitics.Nevertrustatraitor,evenifhehasdonethedirtyworkforyou.Tomorrowhemayturn
againstyou.Afterapause,headded,
Anyway,dontworryaboutsuchthings.Wehavewonthewar,thoughYamahasfled,andyourbrotherissafe.
Inowfeltlikeanidiot,clutchingmydiamondnecklaceinmyhand.IwantedtodisposeofitbeforePrahasthaturnedhisheadandsawitinmyhand.Iwouldnotbeableto
withstandhiscondescendingsmile.
SoIlookedaroundandsawasoldiersittingwithhisbacksupportedbythefortwallandlegsspreadapart.
Hewaspantingandpuffingandlookedhideouswithaportionofhisnosecutoff.HebledfrommanywoundsandIfeltasurgeofpityforhim.Thisfellowhadsufferedformehe
hadalmostlaiddownhislife.
Ibeckoned.Forafewsecondsheblinkeduncomprehendingly.Then,alookofsheerterrorcrossedhisface.Hetriedtogetupbutcollapsed.Thenhecrawledtowardsme.Ifelt
disgusted.Hecrawledtomelikeawoundeddog.Ilookedatthediamondnecklace.Itwasfartoopreciousforadreglikethis.SoIfumbledwithmypearlnecklace,lookedatit
withsomeregret,butbeforeIcouldchangemymind,Ithrewitatthecrouchingfigure.Itfellafewfeetshort.Themanblinkedlikeanowl,unabletocomprehendwhathadfallenin
frontofhim.Thenhegrabbeditandsmeltitlikeamonkey.Themandoesnotappreciatemygift.
Howdarehe?Thenitenteredhisslowmindandhelookedatmewithshockandwithwhat,atfirst,Ifearedwascontempt.Butthen,withelaboratecourtesyandashowof
gratitude,hebowedtomeandkissedtheground.Isawhisbodyshiveringandwasafraidhewasgoingtodie.Iwatchedfascinated.Slowlyheraisedhisheadandwithtears
rollingdownhischeeks,hesmiledatme.Histwofrontteethweremissingandhelookedgrotesque.Ifeltrepulsed,butanaggingthoughttoldmethatIknewthisbeggar.I
wantedtotakeacloserlook.Iproddedmyhorsetomoveafewfeetclosertothepronefigure.Bhadra!Whydoesthisblastedmanintrudeintomylifealways?Iwantedtosnatch
backthenecklaceandgivetheuglyfaceakickandwhiphisblackhideisblack.ThenhisexpressionofgratitudewhenhereceivedthegiftcametomindandIcalmeddown.Itis
alright,Ipacifiedmyself.Hetoo,deserveslittleprizes.IfelthappyandcontentthatIhaddonesomethingright.
Later,whenthepartywasoverandwehadretiredtorest,whenIwasdriftinginandoutofsleep,itwasnotBhadrasgratefulfacethatIremembered.Irecalledinstead,thelookof
uttercontemptwhenhehadfirsttouchedmygift.Tossingrestlessly,Iforcedmymindawayfromdark,ugly,Asurafaces,towardsdreamsofglory,ambitionandthegoldpaved
pathsofmydestiny.

32Patriot
Bhadra
Wehadreturnedfromthemainland.RavanahadthreatenedtofinishoffVidyutjihvaandhiscohorts,whowerebusylootingthecountry.Alarmed,Vidyutjihvabrokeredapeace,
offeringallofIndia,whichRavanahimselfhadconquered,exceptthesouthernpartsofLanka,whichhewantedforhimself.Ravanawantedtotakebacktheentirekingdom,but
SoorpanakhaswishesstoppedourKinginhistracks.Whilebothsideswined,dinedandnegotiated,thepeopleonthestreetfoughtforfood,water,medicines,orsimplyturned
overanddied.
Soonthedreadedsummonscame.IsearchedforthepearlnecklaceinthesmallboxwhereIthoughtIhadputit.Wherewasit?IhadthrownitonthefloorassoonasIhad
draggedmyselftomybedatthecampthatday.Now,ifthekingsawmewithoutit,hecouldthinkIhadnotvaluedhisgift,whichtruthfullyIhadnot.Isearchedeverywhereand
thenwithsuddeninspiration,Isearchedmyroommatesbox.HewasafoulsmellingAsura,whopiouslybowedtoasmallShivalingamthriceadayandalwaysquotedfromlong
forgottenscripturesonmorality,truth,life,andotheruselessthemes.HehadgoneoutandIyankedouthisboxfromunderhisbedandpriseditopen.Ifoundthenecklace,tucked
awayandwrappedinsidehisclothes.Icursedandkickedtheboxtoonesidebeforetakingthenecklaceout.Iputitonandlookedinthehandmirror,whichwasoneofmy
preciouspossessions,toseehowpresentableIappeared.Withapartofmynosecutoff,adeepscarrunningovermyleftcheek,andoneandahalfears,Ilookedhideous.I
grinnedandthegapmadebytwomissingfrontteeth,gavemeafunnyyetmacabreappearance.
Withaneffort,IpulledmyselfupfromthebedwhereIwassitting,combedmyhairwithmyfingers,andwalkedtotheCouncilcamp.Ienteredandbowedaslowaspossiblea
fewinchesmoreandIwouldhavetouchedthefloor.Insideitwasdarkandodorous.TheusualthugsweretherePrahastha,withhisstern,impassivefaceMaricha,withhissly
smileRavana,lookingdisgustedtohavetodealwithscumlikemeJambumali,withhisfuzzy,clericallooksKumbakarna,with
goodnatured
curiosity
Rudraka
with

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contemptuousscornandVibhishna,thepiousrascal,busysavingtheworldwithhismumbojumbo,withhiseyesclosedincontemplation.
Bhadra,ItwasthekindvoiceofMaricha.Onceagain,theentireraceofAsurasisdependingonyou.
YourcountryandyourKingneed...Herambledon.Itwouldhavebeenbetterhadhejusttoldmewhatfilthyjobtheywantedmefor.Allthistalkofpatriotismandracegotonmy
nervesbutIdidnotdarevoicemycontempt.Likemostofmycountrymen,especiallytheblackskinned,lowliving,simpleminded,illiterate,andinnocentmillions,Itoohadlearnt
theartofappearingsubmissive,peaceful,andtheobedientservantoftherulers,whenactuallyamillionmutiniesseethedwithinme.
IttookmesometimetounderstandIhadbeendesignatedthetaskoffinishingoffVidyutjihva.Myheartleaptwithjoy.IhadperhapsjudgedtheCounciltooharshlyandquickly.
Thiswasagodgivenopportunity.Ibowedlowandwalkedoutwithoutturningtoshowmyback.
Ihadtowaittillitwasdark.Themissionwasexcitinganddangerous.TogetintothefortontheslyandassassinateVidyutjihva,wasnomeantask.Butmypersonalhatredforthe
manandmyambitiontodosomethingworthwhile,proddedmeon.AssoonasIreturnedfromtheCouncil,Itookmydaggerfromitssheathandexamineditssharpness.ThenI
searchedmysackfortheingredientstomakeapoisonouspotion.IarrangedthesevenherbsIneededinastraightline,thenmixedandgroundtheminvariousproportionsto
makeitdeadly.Carefully,Irubbedthepotionontotheblade.
Then,takingasmall,thincloth,Idippeditinthepoisonandwrappeditoverthedagger.TherestofthepotionIburiedinonecorner.Then,strippedtomyloincloth,Iputofftheoill
lampandpouredtheoillthatwasleftinthelampallovermybodyandleftforthefort.Strangelyenough,itwasnotthoughtsofdeathordangerthatengrossedme,butthatI
lookedhideous.
Ihadchosenthedarkesthourbeforedawnformymissionandleftthecampthreehoursbeforesunriseandwaitednearthereargate.Twoguardssleptinposition,butanother,
wholookedboyish,eagerlymarchedupanddownwithhisspear.Hemighthavebeenanewrecruit,fullofenthusiasmtopleasehisboss.Isneakedpasthimandtriedtosteal
thekeystotherearfortgate,whichwerehangingfromaringonthewaistclothofoneofthesleepingguards.AsIfumbledinthedarkness,myhandsslippedandthekeyringfell
withaclang.Ifroze.Thesleepingguardstirredbutdidnotwake.Iquicklymovedbackintothedeepshadowsthrownbythehugepillarsofthegate.Theboywasstandingafew
feetaway,lookingintentlyintothedarknesswhereIhadvanished.
Iheldmybreath.Tentativelyhemovedafewpacestowardsmeandthenstopped.Heseemedtobeinadilemma,whethertowakehissuperiorsortoinvestigatethenoise
himself.Afterwhatseemedlikehours,heslowlymovedtowardsme,tryingtoadjusthisvisiontothedarkness.Ihadonlyafractionofasecondtoact.Ipouncedonhimwithmy
daggerdrawnandbeforehecouldreact,Ihadplungedmydaggerdeepintothehollowofhisthroat.Hefellsilentlytotheground.
Iturnedbackfastandfacedtheothertwoguards,whowerenowawake,mydaggerdrippingblood.Oneoftheguardsblinkedatmelikeafish,ascreamcaughtinhisthroat.I
walkedtowardshimandquietlyslithisthroat.Thethirdone,whoseemedtobethemostexperienced,reachedforhissword.Ipouncedonhim,buthewasquick.Hekickedme
withaviciousforcethatsentmesprawlingontotheground.Thenheraisedtheswordoverhisheadtoplungeitdeepintomyheart.
Isawmyendnear,butIhadnothingtolose.Ithrewthedaggerathisfaceandhefrozeinagrotesqueposition.IwasterrifiedthatIhadmissedhim.Thenhisdisfiguredface,with
thedaggerstruckinhislefteye,shudderedandhisentirebodycollapsedontome.Hisswordplungedintothemud,afewfeetabovemyhead.Beingshorthaditsadvantages.I
wriggledoutfromunderthegiantandcarefullypulledoutthedaggerfromhiseye.
ItwasthenthatIheardfootsteps.Otherguardswherecomingtoinvestigate.Ifranticallysearchedforanescaperouteandfumbledwiththekeystoopenthegate.Thelockwould
notopen.Inasweat,myhandsshiveredwithexcitementandsheerterror.Whichwastherightkey?
ntsize=Heyyou!someoneshouted.Ifumbledagain.Anarrowpiercedthewoodengatetwoinchestotherightofmyneckwhileitsvibratingtailsanginmyear.Thenextone
camewhiningalongandstruckafewinchestotheleftofmyshoulder.Itsfeatherscaressedme.IcouldhearfootstepsrunningtowardsmebutthelockopenedatlastandI
sneakedintothefortasaswordbladehitthecopperedgeofthedoorwithamurderousclang.Ipushedshutthedoorandonceagainfumbledwiththekeys.Theywerepressing
thedooropenbutusingallmystrength,Ipushedbackandfinallymanagedtolockit.ThenIranformylife.
IcouldseetorchesbeinglitinvariouspartsofthefortasIrantowardsthepalaceandtheKingschamberonthefirstfloor.Iscrambledupwiththehelpofthevinethatclungtothe
wallsandlandedontheverandahlikeacat.Iwasquiteathleticinmyownway.Theguardsofthechamberpeeredoverthebalustradetoseewhatthecommotionwasabout.I
tippedthembothoverthebalustradewithatimelypushandthenkickedopenthedoorofthechamber.Iwaitedwithmydaggerinhandbutnothinghappened.Nothingmoved.
Adarkfiguresleptonthebedandsmalloilllampflickered.Iclosedthedoorsilentlyandlatchedit.Iwalkedstealthilytothelampandtuggedatthewickofthelamptobrightenthe
room.PrincessSoorpanakha!
Wherewasthebastard?Hasheescaped?Asenseofdisappointmentfilledme.EverysecondIstayedIgotclosertodeath.IwantedtoscreaminfrustrationwhenIhearda
smalllaughlikethetinkleofabell.ItwasfaintbutIwouldhaverecognizeditamileaway.Mala!
Whatwasshedoinghere?Ilistenedlikeawildcatontheprowl.ThelaughcamefromtheadjoiningchamberandsuddenlyitdawnedonmethatMalawaswithVidyutjihva.
FranticallyIsearchedforthedoortotheadjoiningchamber.Icouldheartheguardssearchingformeandknewmychancesofescapeweredwindlingbythesecond.Someone
knockedonthedoorandtheprincessstirred.Ipressedmyselfagainstthewall.Sheopenedhereyesandlookedtowardsthedoor.Shesearchedforherhusbandwithherhands
andnotfindinghim,frowned.TheknockinggotmoreurgentasIdesperatelyfeltforthelatchtotheadjoiningchamberwithmyfingers.
Whoisit?sheasked.
Someonehasenteredyourroom,yourHighness,avoicecriedout.Myheartpoundedinmychest.Ittooksometimeforhertoregisterwhathadbeensaid.Thensheslowlysat
upandafterafewsecondshesitation,walkedtowardsthedoor.Imfinished!Ithought.Thesoldiersrushedinandbrusquelypushedasidetheprincess.Myhandtoucheda
secretlatchandIyankeditopen.AdooropenedandIfellontomyback.
InstinctivelyIkickedthedoorclosed,scrambledup,andlockedthedoor.InaflashIturned.Vidyutjihvawastherewithmylover,lyingonhisbackwithsheridinghim.Theyfrozein
terror.Outside,guardspoundedthedoor.Anymomenttheywouldbreakin.
IsmackedMalaacrossherfacewiththebackofmylefthandsohardthatshehitthewallthreefeetaway.IjumpedontoVidyutjihvaandsatonhisbelly.Icouldnothelpsmirking.
WithaviciousnessthatIneverthoughtIpossessed,Islashedhimagainandagainacrosshishandsomefacewithmypoisoneddagger.HewaslongdeadwhenIdecidedtocut
offhispenis.IdidnotevenfeelMalatearingmybackwithhernailstryingtosaveherloverorthesoundoftheguardspullingopenthedoor.Onlythescreamoftheprincess
broughtmebacktomysenses.Theguardsweretooshockedbythegrislysighttoattackme.Iwasnotsurewhethertheprincessscreamedforhermurderedhusbandorhis
betrayalhisbet.Ipitiedher.BlooddrippedfrommybodyandIwasexhausted.IhadalmostgivenupwhenPrincessSoorpanakhascreamedatthetopofhervoice,
Bhadra,Bhadra...mybrothersentyoutokillmyhusband.Ravana...why,why?Sheslappedherheadwithbothherhands.
Iwasshockedbutwhenalltheguardsattentionturnedtothescreamingprincess,Iescaped.ThewindowwasopenandIjumpedoutinatrice.Thecaptainoftheguards
shoutedasIfell.MyfallwasarrestedbyasprawlingAshokatreeandIbouncedoffitsbranchesandrolledontotheground.Ididnotknowitthen,butIhadbrokenthreeribsand
myarminthefall.Butatthetimenothingmattered.Iranfordearlife,exhilaratedatthethoughtofhavingaccomplishedgreatthingsformymaster,myrace,mynation,andmyself.
Arrowsrainedfromallsidesbutmiraculously,Iwasneverhit.Iknewabreakinthewestwall,fromwhereIcouldjumpintothesea,providedIcouldreachit.Iranwithallthe
strengthlefttome.Afewmoresteps,afewmoresteps,thatwasallandthemotherseawouldtakemesafelyintoherbosom.AsIreachedthebreachinthewall,Ihadastrange
sensationnoonewaschasingme.
Wasitadream?Iwasafraidtostopandlook.
ThenIheardtheconchesblowing.Surprised,Istoppedandturnedback.Aprocessionenteredthroughthewideopenmaingateofthefort.Ravanasatatopanelephant,as
befittedanEmperor,withhishugearmyofelephants,cavalry,chariots,infantryandmusicians,allmarchinginwithgreatsplendour.Chendaswerebeatenwithgreatgusto,the
curvedhorntrumpetswereblownandcymbalsclanged.Onebyone,theloyalguardsofVidyutjihvalaiddowntheirarms.JaiShankar!HarharMahadev!HailRavana!Victory.
Victoryatlast!AndIwasinstrumental.Prideswelledmychestandignoringthepaininmybody,Irantowardstheprocession.
AsInearedit,Iwassuddenlyashamed.Iwasinmyloincloth.Iwasdarkanduglyandbleedingfromahundredplaces.ThesewereAsuranoblesmarchinginfullglory.AsI
stoodthere,rightinthepathoftheprocession,vacillating,twosoldiersrantowardsmeandforciblydraggedmeoffthepathofthevictorymarchanddumpedmeonthe
pavement.Ilaythereinshame,asenseofbetrayalpressinghardagainstmyheart.Icouldhearthetinkleofthebelloftheroyalelephantapproachingandliftedmyheadand
caughtRavanaseye.Wasitdisgust,hatredorgratitudeIsawthere?Imstillnotsure.InmycharitablemoodsIfeltitwasgratitude,butsometimesIthoughtitwashatred.
ItwaslikelythatRavanahadnotevenrecognizedme.
Theprocessionpassed.IraisedmyheadwhenashadowfellacrossmyfaceandsawMaricha.Therewaspityandevensomegratitudeinhiseyes.ForthefirsttimeIsensed
someonecaredformeandtearswelledinside.Itriedtoraisemyselfbutcollapsed.
Marichatriedtogetoffhishorse,thenhefroze.Ifollowedhisgaze.Prahastha,whowasahead,hadstoppedhishorseandwasstaringbackatthescene.
MarichagotafirmgripfirmonhisreinsandtrottedtowardsthePrimeMinisterwithoutlookingback.
Abitterlaughedescapedme.Icollapsedbackintotheditch,laughinghysterically.Asthesunroseandthedayprogressed,becomingincreasinglymorehotandhumid,Ifound
somestrengthtototterbacktomyhut.
Thesoundsofcelebrationcouldbeheardallaround.
SomepeoplehadthrownafewcoinsatmeasIlayintheditchandafterafewminutesfewminhesitation,Icollectedthem.IwasnotsureIcouldworkforthenextfewdaysasthe
painhadintensified.Everycoinwouldcount.Celebrationseruptedeverywhere.Emperor,princesandnobles,everyonewasinagaymood.Theyhadachievedvictory.ButIhad
ahuttogoto,aholetocrawlintoandlickmywounds,andanunfaithfulwomantodealwith,andalsoalivingtoearn.AsfarasIwasconcerned,thesethingsweremore
importantthanthecoronationofEmperors.SoIkeptwalking.

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33Sonofdarkness
Ravana
Shewashysterical.Soorpanakhaflewatmyfaceandtoremycheekwithherbarehands.Shetriedtobiteandmaimanyonewhodaredtoventurenearher.Withherhair
disheveled,herfaceblackwithagony,shekeptcursingmeandalltheministersofLanka,occasionallybeatingherbreastswithclenchedfists.Sheguardedthedeadbodyof
Vidyutjihvalikeahound.Shekeptthepriestatbayandanointedthedeadbodyherself.Shedresseditinnewclothes,allthewhilecursingus,meinparticular.Ididnotwantto
consoleher.True,Ihadwantedherhusbanddeadandwasresponsibleforthesame.Buthehadhaditcomingtohim.Hehadsignedhisdeathwarrantwhenheusurpedmy
throne.Hehadaskedfortrouble.
Bhadrahaddoneitforme.ThethingIhatedmostaboutthisnastybusinesswasthefactthatIowedthatstupidman.OrdidI?HewasamereslaveandhadtodowhatIbidhim.
Period.Ilookedatthecorpseofmybrotherinlaw.Theyhadcleanedit,butstillitlookedgrotesque.WhenIhadseenthecorpseforthefirsttime,Ihadalmostthrownup.One
hadtohaveareallypervertedmindtodosomethinglikethat.WhatsortofcreaturewasBhadra?Disgusting!Ahighpitchedwailshockedmefrommyreverie.Soorpanakhawas
bangingherheadonthefloor.Andbehindher,wailinginamuchshrillerpitch,wasmymother.Ihadnotexpectedhertocomesosoon.
Satisfied,youbloodsuckingRakshasa?Iwentpaleatthisunexpectedattack.Youvemadeyourownsisterawidow.Iamashamedthatyouwereevenborninmywomb.
Iclenchedmyfiststokeepmyselffromexploding.
Withhereveryremark,Soorpanakhaswailsreachednewheights.Youtyrant...youdog...Youvemademychildweeplikethisandyoullpayforityoullpayforitdearly.She
keptoninthisveinforthenexthalfhour,praisingthevariousaspectsofhersoninlaw.Itwouldhavebeencomicalhadshenotdraggedmeintothefarce.Youaredrunkwith
power,intoxicatedwithambition.Killme!Killmealso,andusemyoldbodyasasteppingstonetoyourpoliticalsuccess,mymothersaid,hittingherforeheadandbreasts.Then
shestartedpummellingmychest.
Myfatherhadcometooandwassittinginacorner,busilydiscussingsomethingwiththetwoBrahminswhoalwaysaccompaniedhim.Ifeltlikegrabbinghishairandbanginghis
headagainstthewall.HewasplanningaDevafuneralforhissoninlaw,withsomeobscureritesandgiftstotheBrahmins.Ijustwantedtogetitoverwith.
HoweverdifficultSoorpanakhaacted,itwasnothingcomparedtoKumbakarna.TheimprisonmentinYamasdungeonhadchangedhimfortheworseandhewasstonedmostof
thetime.Hesleptformostofthedayandcreatedaruckuswhenhewoke.Iwasworriedabouthim.Iwasworriedaboutmyself.WewereacloseknitfamilyandIenjoyedmy
siblingscompany.
Whathadchangedbetweenustodestroythebond?WhydidSoorpanakhagoandmaPrrymybitterestenemy?AndwhenIkilledhimforselfpreservation,whydidsheholdit
againstme?Evenasthethoughtswentthroughme,Ifeltforher,itwasafterallherhusbandwhowaslyingdead.Shehadtherighttofeelthewayshedidaboutme.Poorgirl.
PerhapsIshouldnothavebeensoharsh.Ishouldhave
imprisoned
her
husband.
I
could
have
compromised.
Vidyutjihvasfacehadbeengashedhaphazardly.IfeltasurgeofdeepandpurehatredtowardsBhadra.
Howcouldhedoathinglikethis?ThiswasanAsuranoblemanwhohasbeenbutcheredlikeawildanimalandthattoo,bythelowliestoflowvermins.
IfeltashamedthatIhadentrustedthetasktohim.Therewasnoheroisminthisvictory.Iwasscum,nobetterthanBhadra.WhydidIlistentoPrahastha.Selfrighteousoaf.Oh
Shiva,whathaveIdonetomysister?WhydidItakeawayeventhesmallhappinessshepossessed?Wastheempireworthit?WasLankaorevenIndia,enoughtoquenchmy
ambition?AndwhatwasitthatIwasbuildingonthecorpsesofmypeople?
HowmanydeathswouldIfeelresponsiblefor?Werewenotmuchhappierinthatprecariouslyhanginghutoverthecliff?Thebiggesttragedyoflifewasthatwegrowupand
achieveourboyhooddreams.
Ahardslaponmyfaceshookmefrommyimmaturephilosophicalruminations.TheentireroomswambeforemyeyesandIstaggeredandfell.Iwasblindedforsomemoments
andmyheadspun.Itriedgettingup,onlytobekickedhardinmygroin.Youbastard!IcouldhearKumbakarnasshoutsasthoughtheycamefromadeepwell.Myheadreeled
asItriedtostandup,butwaskickedbackagain.Myeyeswereswollenandmylipssplit.SomehowIstoodup,holdingontoapillarinthecentreoftheroomtopreventmefrom
falling.Slowly,thescenecleared.MarichaandthreesoldiersweretryingtoreigninKumbakarna.Hiseyeslookedmurderousandhewasstoned.Hetriedtofreehimselfand
lungetowardsmeandkickmeagainbutdidntreachme.
IturnedandsawmyfatherandthetwofatBrahminssmirkingandenjoyingtheshow.MymotherhitherheadwithherhandsmelodramaticallyandSoorpanakhastaredstraight
aheadwithastonyexpression.Afewguardswerealmostsmilingbuttryinghardtokeepstraightfaces.Thiskindoffamilydramawassoexcitingtothedregsofoursociety.By
evening,theentirecitywouldbeabuzzwithamuchexaggeratedversionofwhathadhappened.Morethanthepainofthisunexpectedattack,itwastheshamethatstungme
more.
Seeingthegrowingdarknessonmyface,Marichadraggedmybrotherfromtheroom.Iwouldhavekilledhimrighttherebutguiltweighedmedown.Istoodtherewithshameand
guiltburningthrougheverynerve,butdidnotmoveafinger.Kumbhashoutedaboutmyambitions,myexaggeratedsenseofselfimportance,myselfishness,mycontemptfor
people,myundeservingpride,andmyrealandimaginedvices.HecursedmeandwishedIwoulddie.
Icouldnotstanditanymoreandwantedtoretiretomyroomanddrinkmyselftounconsciousness.AsIturned,Ilookedoutatthegarden.There,mypiousbrother,Vibhishana,sat
crosslegged,hiseyesclosed,andasillysmileofcontentmentonhisface.Whatwastheretobesosmugandhappyaboutwhentheentirehouseholdwasintremendouspain?
Iwantedtowalktowardshimandwipethatwoodensmilefromhisfacebuthewasperhapsthemostharmlessfellowinourwholeclan.Theguywaswithoutambition,self
satisfiedwithhimself,andalwaysdetachedfromlifeanditstrials.AfterpassionateKumbha,Soorpanakha,motherandevenmyself,henmyselfwasawelcomechange.Ihadnot
beenblessedwithasimplemindandIenviedmyyoungerbrotherforhiscontentmentanduncomplicatedwayofliving.Perhaps,alifewithoutambitionwasalifeworthliving.I
couldneverhavebecomeVibhishana,evenifIhadwantedto,butIhadneverwantedtobeanyoneotherthanRavana.Isighedandleftmyphilosopherbrothertohisblissful
stupidityandwalkedtomychamber.Iwantedadrink.AsIentered,IsawMandodarisittingonthebed.Shewasdressedinglitteringsilkclothesandgoldanddiamond
ornaments,andresembledawalkingtreasury.Herfacelitupassoonasshesawme.

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Iwashitbyasuddensenseofguiltandshame.
VedavathisfairfacewasfreshinmymindandIcouldnothelpcomparinghertomywife.Mandodariwasbeautifulinasternsortofway,butshewasnotsexyatall.Shewas
almostasaintandIwasarathernervousandafraidofher.Itwaslikeshewasholdingamirrorformysoulanditshowedallmyhidden,uglyscarsandwarts.Ihidmy
nervousnessbehindaveneerofcontemptandirritation.Withsurprise,Irealizedshehadneverbeeninmymindduringmylongcampaign,notevenwhenIwasimprisonedin
Karthiveerarjunasdarkdungeonorfightinglifeordeathbattles.AllIyearnedforwasVedavathi.AndIachedtoseemyfirstborn.
AsIstoodtransfixedwithawkwardness,shestoodupwithasadsmile.HersmilelitupherfaceandIcouldnotfaceher.IlookedoutandmyirritationincreasedwhenIsawmy
brothercontinuinghismeditation.WhenIturned,shewassonearthatIcouldsmellher.Shesmeltoffreshjasmineandcamphor.Tearsbrimmedhereyesasshebattedher
eyelids.Shelookedalmostcoyandinnocent.Ifeltlikehuggingherandwipingthetearsfromthoselovelyeyesbutmylimbswouldnotmove.
Somethingwasholdingmeback.
Woman,wherehaveyoukeptthewine?Isoundedcoarseeventomyselfandlookedaway.Icouldfeelherhurtanddidnotwanttolookather.Iwalkedtowardsthechairand
sattherelookingattheceiling.
Howwasshefeeling?HowhadVidyutjihvatreatedher?Didshemissme?Hundredsofquestionsswirledwithinme,butIkeptquiet.Iwantedtoboastaboutmycampaigns,to
tellheraboutthesightsIhadseen,thestrangeandexoticlandsoftheDevas,talesofthevanquishedtribes,thepainofimprisonment,theroutatthehandsofthemonkeyKing
Bali,andevenmytempestuousloveaffairwithaDevaBrahmingirlbutIkeptstaringattheceiling.
Mandodaripouredthewineandretreatedtowardstheshadowofthebigbed.Withoutaword,Igulpeddownthewineandimpatientlytappedmyfingersonthestool.She
hurriedlycamebackandpouredmeanotherdrink.Ikeptdrinking.Aneeriesilenceengulfedthepalace.Occasionallyitwaspunctuatedbythedistantwailsofmymotherorsister.
WhenIheardthosepiteouscries,Ifeltguiltyandtriedtodrownmyfeelingsinmorewine.ThenthedroneofVedicmantrasrosefromthehallwherethecorpselay.Those
Brahminswerepreparingthesoulofmybrotherinlawtocrossvariouskindofriversmadeofbutter,honey,andtherest,onitswaytowardstheDevaheaven.Somelowlyguard
cametoannouncethattheyweretakingVidyutjihvasbodytothecremationgroundandwerewaitingformetocomeandpaymylastrespects.
Istoodupinangerandthewineglassestumbledfromthestool,spreadingstainsontheplushcarpet.Iyelledatthepoorguardandthrewaglassathimwithsuchforcethathad
ithithim,hewouldhavediedonthespot.Thewinesplatteredandtheguardranforhislife.Ishutthedoorafterhimwithabangandshutthewindowalso,thoughmybrotherhad
uncoiledhimselffromhisridiculous,yogicpostureandvanished,perhapstoassirhapstostthefatBrahmins.
ThenIturnedtowardsmywife.Shetrembledwithfear.IgrabbedherbyherwaistbutshepushedmeawaywithsurprisingforceanddrunkasIwas,Istaggeredandfell.Donot
touchme.shesaidinalowbutfirmvoice.Shealmosthissedlikeasnake.Likeafool,Isatthereonthefloorblinking,takenabackandconfusedbythestrengthexhibitedby
suchameekwoman.Donottrytotouchmeinthisdrunkenstate.Shestoodthere,herheadraisedhigh,defyingme,daringmetotouchher.
Istoodupingreatangerandtriedtograbheragain.
Shepickedupthefruitknifefromthebowlandpointeditatme.Ah,Ilikedit.Shehadspirit.Iwasenjoyingthis.Then,tomyutterdismay,shepointedtheknifetowardsherbelly
andsaid,Youmakeonemovetotouchme...ShebrokeintosobsthatshookherentirebodyandIfeltdisgustedwiththewholething.Icouldsoeasilyhaveoverpoweredher
butnolongerwantedto.
Instead,Ithrewatantrum,torethepillows,threwthesilksheetfromthebedandstampedonit.Afterawhile,Ifeltfoolishandlefttheroomcursingmywifeandbangingthedoor
shut.
Iwasinamurderousandhelplessrage.Itwasunfortunatethatafairandlovelymaidwassweepingthecorridoratthetime.Whenshesawmestormingoutoftheroyalchamber,
hermouthopenedinstupidaweandshedroppedherbroomandstartedtorun.Ihadnotevennoticedher,buthernervousnesscaughtmyeye.Ichasedafterherandalmost
divedtocatchherbythewaist.Imuffledherscreamswithmypalmsanddraggedhertoanearbyroom.ThenIrapedher.Tostartwith,shewasunwillingperhapsshehad
thoughtIwasgoingtomurderher.Butafterawhile,shebecamequiteobliging.Sowhilemysistercriedoverhermurderedhusbandmymothersatcursingmemybrotherslitmy
brotherinlawsfuneralpyreandmywifewassobbingherheartout,I,theKing,theEmperorofIndiawasbusywithalowcastemaid.Andfromthatsinandguilt,mydark,fatand
uglyson,Athikaya,wasborn.

34Riot
Bhadra
Ittookalmostayearformetorecover.MyhutwasguttedwhentheAsuraswerebusylootingandfightingeachother.Notonlymylocality,butmosthousesandshopswereburnt
downduringthoseturbulentdayswhenRavanaandVidyutjihvawereperformingtheirmacabredanceforpower.Iwasbitterforafewdays.Malahadreturnedtothesmallshack
IhadputupunderthehugeBanyantreeonthesideoftheroyalhighway.Beforethat,Ihadmademyownenquiresaboutherandfoundthatshewasaminormaidatthepalace.
TherewererumoursthatshewaspregnantbythekingandshehadbeenmadethesecondqueenbyRavana.Iwasjealousandhurt.Iwantedtomurderherbutshewasfartoo
highupinthepeckingordernow.
Then,oneday,shecame.Shedidnotlooklikeaqueenatall.Shelookedplainanddirtyandcarriedabundleofragsonhershoulders,thetracesofvanishingbeautymaking
herseemmoreugly.ForsomeonewhowastheKingsmistress,Malassituationwaspathetic.
TheangerIhadfeltatherbetrayalhadnumbedtoadullpain.Shemighthavebeensellingherselfforsomefoodandsmallpleasures,orthatwastheonlywayapoorbut
beautifulwomancouldsurviveamongkingslikeVidyutjihvaandRavana.Iburnedwithanger,selfpityandjealousy,forfewmonthsafterIreturnedfrommyheroics.But,bythe
timeshecame,Ihadcooledoff.Iwasrunningahightemperatureonthatparticulardaywhenshereturnedtomyhut,andwithoutsayingasingleword,shebegantonurseme.
Whethershehadbeggedorstolensomerice,BIdidnotknowbutshemadesomegruel.Shefedittomethatandinexplicably,Ibegantocry.Shedidnotsayanythingbutkept
feedingmethegruelwithaleafspoon.
Bythetime,Irecovered,itwastoolatetoask.IneededherandIbelievesheneededme,atleastuntilthenextgreatmanbeckonedhertosatisfyhim.SlowlyIfellintoaroutine.It
wasatimeofrelativecalmandpeaceandmostdaysweearnedenoughtoeatatleastonce.
Thebeggarsanddestitutes,themagiciansandsnakecharmers,theacrobatsandgypsies,whofrequentedthecitymarkets,thestreetsandnarrowwindinglanesofthecity,the
palace,thetemples,thecountryside,usuallycametorestundertheBanyantree.Itwasthetravellers
naturalrestingplace.Outofsheerboredom,Ibeganexperimentingwithvariousfoodsandshareditwiththewayfarers.Malahelpedmebuiltourfirstthatchedshopwherewe
soldsweetsandsnacks.Butoccasionally,shedidoddjobsinthepalaceandshealsotookherson,Athikaya,tothepalaceregularly.ThoughIhatedherforit,ithadbeenalong
timesinceIhadenjoyedthepeaceandpleasureofafullstomachandIdidnotwanttorocktheboat.
Malatookovertheresponsibilityofcookingandservingthesnacksandotherfood.IfoundIhadanothertalentforasmallsum,Iwouldwashthetravellers

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clothes.IknewwhichplantorseedcleanedtheclotheswellandIkeptexperimenting.Acoupleoftimesthough,theclotheslosttheircolour,butIsoonfoundtherightmixandmy
reputationasagoodwashermanspread.
ThekindofpatronsIhadalsochangedandrichmerchantsstartedtrustingmewiththeirexpensive,imported,silkclothesfromChina,ortherichcalicoormuslinfrommainland
India.
Thewaysideshopsoonbecameacentreofgossipandmerrymaking.EventhoughIhadfeltsadtobeexcludedfromthegreatpartiesatthepalace,Ichidedmyselfforreaching
beyondmyposition.Ihadhadenoughofmovingaroundwitheccentricandegoistickingsandnobles,whowerewillingtosacrificeapersonatthealtaroftheirburningambition.
Here,lifewassimpleandstraightforwardandIwasthemasterofthesmallthatchedhutwehadbuiltwithourownhands.
IheardthatPrincessSoorpanakhahadleftLankawithherfatherandmother,forthemainland.Shehadvowedthatshewouldneverlookatherelderbrother,Ravana,again.It
mighthavebeenanexaggerationbutitwassaidthatshecursedherbrotherandLankaandtheAsuras,withcolourfulvocabulary,untilsheboardedVarunasship.Theshiphad
manycolouredsailsandswiftlytookasmugBrahmin,anangrymother,andherwidoweddaughter,tothemainland.Ifthekingwasaffectedbyanyofthis,hedidnotshowit.She
hadcalledhimRakshasa,andcuriously,thenamestruck,thoughnoonedaredcallhimthattohisface.
ThenextgreateventwasthemarriagesofPrinceKumbakarnaandPrinceVibhishana.Itwasabigjamboreeandtheentirecityparticipated.Itoowantedtogo,butIwasbitter
thatnospecialinvitationhadbeensenttome.IwastooproudtogoasanordinaryAsurabeggar.Onthenightofthemarriage,thenoblesgotdrunkonwineimportedfromthe
coldlandsofthebarbarians,faracrosstheseas,whilewehumblefolkgotdrunkonpalmtoddy,whichwebrewed.Myneighbours,thesnakecharmersandthestreetmagicians
andacrobats,earnedafistfulofmoneyfortheirperformances,whichtheypromptlyhandedovertomeformyspeciallymadecountryliquour.
Thepalacegossipwasalwaysjuicyandweallrevelledinthescandalsinvolvingthehighandthemighty.Thejuiciestoneinvolvedasweeper.Shehadgivenbirthtoanuglyand
blackbabywhosefeaturesresembledKingRavana.Itwasrumouredthatinitiallythekinghadrapedher,butthenshehadbecomehismisecomehitress.Thesestoriesweretold
bytradersandvendorsandwheneverthistopiccameup,Imaintainedajudicioussilence.Therumourevenwenttotheextentthatwheneverthepiousandsaintlyqueenwas
dispossessedforsex,eitherphysicallyorspiritually,thekingcalledforthissweeper.SoonmanyknewitwasMalaandtheyflirtedwithherevenmore.
Itriedtophysicallystopherfromvisitingthepalacemanytimes,butshesomehowsneakedout.Whenshecameback,Imadeherlifehell,butshetookmythrashingandkicking
withremarkableforbearance.ShefinallyconfessedthatRavanahadindeedrapedherandthatAthikayawashischild.Butsheclaimedthatafterthatincident,theKinghadnever
botheredherandhadalwaystreatedherwithsupremecontempt.ItwasQueenMandodariwhosummonedhertothepalaceoften.ItwasonlythequeensloveforAthikayathat
tookMalatothepalace.Mythrashingherafterherroutinepalacevisitsbecameasortofritual.Andourmarriage,ifwecouldcallitthat,survived.
AlmostamonthafterthebirthofthisillicitchildofRavana,thequeengavebirthtoabeautifulboy.Astheboywasbornonadarkandthunderousmonsoonnight,hewasnamed
Meghanada,theonewithathunderousvoice.
Soon,PrinceKumbakarnafatheredabeautifulgirlbabyandVibhishanaalsobecamethefatherofahealthyandrobustgirlbaby.Alltheseeventswereimportantforus,not
becausewewereconcernedaboutroyalfecundity,butbecausetheyattractedpeoplefromthecountrysideofboththeislandandthemainland,andthatwasgoodforbusiness.
Slowlyandsteadily,theKingearnedthegoodwillofthepeople.Perhaps,hehadcurbedhisnaturalambitionorthebirthofasonhadquenchedhisthirstforwarandacquisition
ofnewterritory.
SlowlytheterritoriesofIndia,includingtheisland,startedtoregaintheprosperityithadonceenjoyed.
Tradebegantoflourishagain.ThesurprisingthingwasthatpeoplewhoIhadthoughtwereimpossiblycruel,provedtobeexcellentadministrators.Rudrakasmovetopost
policemenandmountedguardsonthehighwaysandatports,wasinitiallyresentedbythepeople,fortheythoughttheseguardswouldturnoppressorsandthieves.ButRudraka
instilledsuchfearintohissubordinates,andunderlinedthatfearbypubliclyexecutingcorruptguards,thatextortioncametovirtualstandstill,atleastinthevicinityofthecapital.
Prahastha,asaPrimeMinister,kepttheentirecrewofministersundertightcontrolandhispersonalintegritywasrespectedbythepeople,thoughasapersonhewasneverwell
liked.Jambumali,thebumblingclerk,maturedintoamatureministeroffinance.Thoughwedidnotunderstandathingabouthistaxationpolicies,therichmerchantswho
frequentedmylaundry,alwayssangpaeanstohim.HemusthavebeenreallygoodastheseChettiswereusuallyasstingywiththeirpraiseaswiththeirmoney.
Marichawastheministerinchargeofhospitals,educationalandcharitableinstitutions,andwaswelllikedbythepopulace.Thekindheartednessofthemanevenduring
turbulenttimeshadbeennotable,soinpeacefultimes,heexcelled.Hepersonallyvisitedorphanagesandhospitalsandwasfirmandkindatthesametime.Hestartedaschool
cumorphanageforthechildrenofsoldierswhohadlaiddowntheirlivesforRavanasgreaterglory.Thoughitwasasmallthing,theverythoughtthataministercaredforthepoor
anddowntroddenandthatthegovernmentwasgratefultothosewhohaddied,wasrefreshingandalmostmadetheStateseemhumane.
TheKingsfatherinlawwastheministerofcivilplanningandadministrationandthesubjectofmuchridicule.Hedrewplansofgrandcitiesandmajesticroadssuchasnoone
hadeverseenorthoughtcouldbebuilt.Noonetookhimseriously.Noonebelievedhimbuthewastolethewasrateddespite,orperhapsbecauseof,hisgoodnatured
blunderingandabsentmindedways.Hecouldbeseenwalkingthroughthehighwaysandstreets,mumblingtohimself,followedbytwoorthreereverentstudentsfromhis
instituteonthemainland,occasionallystoppingtodrawcomplicateddiagramsinthemud.
Often,streeturchinscollectedaroundthiscuriousgroup.Butthegoodnaturedprofessorwastooinvolvedinhisownworldofcomplicatedmathematicalcalculationstoeven
knowtheseurchinsexisted.
Sometimes,hewouldjustrufflethedirtyhairofsomefoulsmellingurchinandcontinuemumblingtohimselfanddrawingimaginarypicturesintheair,ignoringthehootsofthe
crowd.Hewastoleratedbythepeopleasawelcomeandcomicdiversion.ThatwasuntiltheKinggavehimthecommissiontobuildthemajestictempleatGokarna,atthe
northernmosttiponthewestcoastofhisempire.Anyonewhosawthetemple,ceasedforevertoridiculethebumblingprofessor.Itwasawonderfulpieceofart.Itstoodonthe
shorewheretheseabreathed,asifajewelhadfallenfromheaven,exquisiteandmajestic.Butthat,ofcoursewasmuchlater.

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Initially,Vibhishanawaswellliked.HisattemptstorevamptheforgottenstreetShivatemplesorthoseofotherlessergods,andhisstreamliningoftempleadministration,drew
manyadmirers.ButsoonhebegantocommissionsmallVishnutemplesandintroducestrangeDevacustoms.HeevenbroughtsomeBrahminsandslowly,thesepeoplebegan
tointroducethewretchedDevatraditionofthecastesystem.Ofcourse,therewereidiotswhoadmiredVibhishanaandthesepeoplequicklyadoptedBrahminicalcustoms.The
elitebegantoconvertindrovesandworethesacredthreadwhichaBrahminwassupposedtowearalways.Theybegantolookdownonanyonewhodidausefuljob.
Initiallyitwasfunny,asthesenewconvertstoBrahmanismwenttoridiculouslengthstoavoidbodilycontactwithallothers.Rowdyelementsamonguswouldrushandembrace,
oratleasttouch,thepureBrahminsreturningfromtheirpurifyingbaths.NosoonerdidoneofustouchoneofthesuperpureBrahmins,theentirebunchwouldcurseusand
amidstourlaughterandfun,wouldreturntotheGhattowashusofftheirbodies.Manyadaywehadlotsoffunmakingthembathemorethanadozentimes.
Butthen,thedimwittedidiotsthatwewere,itwasmuchtoolatewhenwefoundourselvesexcludedfromthemainstream.TherewasasecretcampaignledbyprinceVibhishna,
toreserveallimportantgovernmentjobsforBrahmins.Withinthreeyears,almostallimportanttradejobswereinthehandsofeithertheneoconvertsortheBrahminswhohad
migratedfromthenorth.Resentmentbuiltup.FatandfairDevaBrahminsstartedarrivinginhoardsfromnorthernIndiaandsoonBrahmincoloniessprangupinimportanttowns
andvillages.
MerchantswhodidnotaccepttheDevawayswereslowlyexcludedfromthepalace.Roadsandotherpubliccontractsfortemples,gotallottedonlytotheneoconverts.Thenthe
roadswereclosedtopeoplelikeus.
Myshopwitnessedangryandimpotentresentmentagainstthewaythingswerebeingdoneinourownland.
Thegrand,newtempleswhichhadbeenconstructed,werebarredtous.TheoldpriestswerethrownoutoftemplesandfilledhastilybyBrahmins.Peoplespokelonginglyofthe
ruleofMahabali,wheneveryonewastreatedasequal.Dustaccumulatedoverpastglory.
Thesuppressedresentmentfinallyexploded.Ithappenedwhenabutcherwasnegotiatingthepriceofanoldcowwithafarmerinthemarket.MahaShivaratriwastwodaysaway
andthemarketwascrowdedwithpeoplejostlingfortheirholidaypurchases.Peoplewerepurchasingcows,chickensandgoatstosacrificeandfeaificeanston.Therewerefat
Brahminmissionariesexhortingpeopletodesistfromeatingcows.Whenthebutcherpurchasedthecowfromthefarmer,agroupofBrahminpriestscameuptohimandexhorted
himtoleavethecowalone.OnesuggestedthatthebutcherwouldridhimselfofallhissinsbysimplygiftingthecowtoaBrahmin.Initially,thebutcherwasamusedandargued
withtheBrahminsabouttheirloveforalowly,stupidanimal.Thebutcher,alreadydrunk,huggedtheleaderoftheBrahmins.ThegroupofBrahminsfellonthebutcherandbegan
tokickandhithim.
Meanwhile,thebutcherhadtakenouthisknifeandstartedtoslashindiscriminately.SoonmanypeoplehadjoinedthefightandendedonlywhentheBrahminstookflight.Three
Brahminsandthefarmerlaydeadinthemiddleofthemarket.Thebutcher,inhisnewfoundheroism,wieldedhisknifelikeaswordandshouted,
DeathtoallBrahmins.Thecrowdroaredapproval.
Soon,peoplecameoutwithanythingtheycouldlaytheirhandsonswords,kitchenknives,tills,axe,piecesoffurniture,stonesandthegrouphadswelledtohundredsbythe
timetheyreachedmyshop.Ialsorushedtojoinin.Iwantedblood.IwantedtospitonthefatBrahminfaces.Thiswasmycountry,myrace,myKing,andhowdaretheycomeand
spoilourculture?
ThecrowdsnakedtowardsthestreetswheretheBrahminslivedintheirfinehouses.Somebodyfoundatorchandsoon,onebyone,thehouseswentupinflames.Womenand
childrenranout.Thecrowdbutcheredthechildrenandtookthewomen.ThefatBrahminsescaped,leavingthewomenandchildrentoourmercy.Andmercywasawordthe
Devaraidshadtaughtustodiscard.Whenwewerefinished,somebodyshoutedforPrinceVibhishanasblood.Themobturnedtowardsthepalace.ManyBrahminshadhidden
there.
Wewantedtopunishthemfortheirarrogance,pride,theinsultstheyheapedonus,fortreatingusasuntouchablesanddestroyingthelittledignitywepossessed.Themob
swelledtothousandsandwedestroyedindiscriminately,torchingsixVishnutemples,thepublicbathingGhat,shopsbelongingtobothAsurasandBrahmins,andkeptmarching
tothepalace.Agroupofmountedpolicetriedtostopus,butthemobdevouredtheminseconds.Aninspectorwashungfromthenearesttree.Threepoliceoutpostswere
torched.Wewereonahigh.Butsomethingtroubledme.WhywasRavanasarmysuccumbingsoeasily?Whywastherewasnoresistance?Weretheysocowardly?
Thenmyneighbourfell.Anarrowhadpiercedhisthroatandbloodspurtedontherowofpeoplebehindhim.SoonitstartedrainingarrowsandIwatchedinhorror.Thousandsof
mountedarchersgallopedtowardsus.Thepalacegatesopenedandthesoldiersswarmedonuslikebees.IcouldseeRudrakaleadingthecharge,hisswordswinginginall
directions,severingheads.Themobpanicked.Iwaspushedandshovedandnearlyfelldowntobetrampledbythousandsofhoovesandfeet.Itwasthehandoffatethat
protectedme.Ijumpedintoadrainonthesideoftheroadandcrawledunderastonebridge.Iremainedunderthestonebridgeformorethansevenhours.Whenitwasdark,I
crawledoutofmyhole.Thewholeplacewasamess.Wouldhavebeenheroesoftherevolutionlaysplatteredallaroundintheirownfilthofseveredlimbsandflesh.Thestench
wasunbearable.Therewasaneerieandoppressivesilence.
Thescuffingsoundsofratsnibblingthedeadmadeitmorefrightening.
Iwalkedtowardsmyhome.AllalongtheroadIcouldseehousestorched,bodieshangingfromtrees,andseveredlimbsandheadslyingaroundlikeripemangoesinthegroves
duringsummer.ManyoftheareaswherethepoorAsuraslived,hadalreadybeenflattenedbyelephants.Thatsomuchdestructionhadtakenplaceinsevenhceinseourswas
hardtobelieve.
Attheturntowardstheriver,Isawthedeadbutcherhangingfromalamppost.Hehadledusintothis.InimpotentrageIrushedtowardshislimpbody,myknifeinmyhand.I
clamberedupthetreebranchfromwherehewashungtoreachforhisface.IslashedacrosshisfaceagainandagaintillIlostsomeofmyboileduprage.
Ijumpeddown.Then,withahowl,Iwipedmyhandsonmydhothi,andthenintheearth,againandagain.
Wearily,Istoodupandwalkedtowardsmyhome.
WhenIreached,IsawMalaunderthetree.Shelaybatteredandbeaten,nakedandgangraped,breathingheavily.Wheremyhouseandshophadstood,therewasagaping
holeintheground.Thinspiralsofsmokelazilyrosetowardstheheavens.

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35TheDuel
Ravana
Sleepeludedme.Bhadrasdark,uglyfacetookongrotesqueshapesinmymind,sometimesleering,sometimespiteouslypleading.Ilaytwitchingonmysheet.TomorrowIwould
sendMarichatohim.Perhapsafewgoldcoinswouldassuagemyguilt.ButIwasalsoangryandembarrassedbytheman.Ithadallstartedinamomentofweakness.Howcould
Ihavestoopedsolow?Myconducthadbeeninexcusable.ButIcouldhaveforgottenaboutitandgotonwithmylife,butforthisgiftfromShiva.Itwasbeyondmehowasingleact
ofpassioncouldproduceachild,whilemyqueenandIstruggledfortwelveyearstogivemyson,Meghanada,asibling.AkshayaKumarawasbornaftermanyyears,but
MeghanadaalreadyhadahalfbrotherAthikaya.
Mandodariknewandhatedhimsomuch,thatsheshowedthemaidandhersonextremekindness.Afewminutesinthedarkness,angeratmywife,myrace,andmylifethatis
allthatithadtakentomakethiscreatureofdarknessAthikaya.
Icouldhavemadebothmotherandsonvanishatmyroyalcommand.Butsomethingheldmeback
perhapssomehumanityremainedwithinme.Ormaybeitwasthememoryofalonglostloveandasmallbabyfloatinginareedbasketoveraswiftlyflowingriverormaybeit
wasthememoryofalonglostloveandasmallbabygirlfishedoutofaditchbyaDevaKing.Afterall,Athikaya,blackandugly,withbuckteeth,wasalsomyson,andIhad
becomeolderandwiser,orwastoofoolish,tocommitsuchheinousacts.LikemydaughterinthenorthernDevalands,thesonofmysintoo,grewupquickly.
ItwastruethatIhadnotbeenpayingattentiontodaytodaygovernance.MyministerswereefficientandIwasimmersedinfamilylife.MycoffersoverflowedandIhadno
ambitionleftforanyconquests.Iwasinmyfiftiesandcontent.IknewIwasagoodKingandthatpeoplewouldtalkaboutmyregimelongafterIwasdead.Likemostrulersintheir
middleage,Iwasmoreinterestedinleavingbehindalegacy.Deathdidnotseemsodistantnow.Icouldfeelitsbreathonmyneck.Iwasnolongerinvincibleorimmortal.
Strangely,Ihadbeguntovaluelife.Irelishedeverymomentandthelittlethingslikethepealingofadistanttemplebelltheclangofswordsasmybelovedson,Meghanada,
practicedhisswordplaymywifecooingtomyyoungerson,AkshayaKumarathetinkleofbanglesasmyteenagedniece,Trijata,flutteredaroundthesweepingverandahsofthe
palace...thesmallpleasuresoflifegavemesomuchjoy.
InthecentreofcontroversywasAthikaya,mysonfromthemaidMala.IlovedMeghanadamorethananythingelseintheworld,evenmorethanmyself.
Whatever
Meghanada
was,Athikaya
was
not.
Meghanadawassohandsomethatithurtmyeyes.
Athikayawasahugehulkofblackflesh,souglythatpeoplegapedathimopenmouthed.WhereMeghanadawasasgracefulasapurebredhorse,Malassonwasclumsyand
bowlegged.Meghanadaexudedintelligenceandcharm,whileAthikayasurpassedhimselfdaybydaywithhisownstupidity.ItwasasifnaturehadblessedMeghanadawith
everythingandhadnothinglefttoofferAthikaya.Itpuzzledmethatthesamefathercouldsiresonswhoweresodifferent.
IhatedAthikayaasmuchasIlovedMeghanada.
Butthecursedsonfollowedmelikeapuppy.HoweverItriedtoavoidhim,hesomehowattachedhimselftome.
OftenIwascrueltohim,kickinghimorslappinghiminpublic,orshoutingathim,yethewouldgrinstupidly,showingoffhisuglyyellowbuckteeth.Meghanada,ifhewasaround,
wouldlaughaloud.Athikayaamusedhim.IthadnotoccurredtomewhenIwasyounger,butIhadcometorecognizethatIlovedthisstupidsonofmineinadifferentway.It
wasntliketheloveIhadforMeghanada,orMandodari,ormybrothers,ormyscoresofniecesandnephews.Itwasmorelikehowonelovedastreetdogyoufedonceinawhile
butwouldneverkeepasapetbecauseofitsuglinessandsmell.
HaditnotbeenforBhadra,Iwouldperhapshavegotridoftheboylongbefore.BhadracamebacktomewhenIhadgrowntooimportanttothinkofpeoplelikehim.Ithappened
afterthatpogrom,whenVibhishanacrushedtheAsurarebellionagainstthefatBrahmins.IwasnofanoftheBrahminsandwassecretlyhappyabouttheriot.WhenVibhishana
camebacktocourtwithscoresofbleedingandbatteredBrahmins,myfirstinstinctwastolaugh.Butasusual,itwasPrahasthawhoshowedmetheway.Hewasinhislatefifties
then.Buthecontinuedtoirritatemewithhisdiscourses.WehadourargumentsbutIhadbeguntodependonhim.Ilethimhandlethemundaneaffairsofdaytodaygovernance,
butonimportantoccasions,Iusedmyvetopower.Wewerenotexactlyfriends,butIrespectedtheoldman.Hewasoneofthefewmenwhowerenotafraidofmeandcertainly
nosycophant.Truetoform,insteadofarguingwithmeinfrontoftheotherministersonthedayoftherebellion,herequestedarecessandcametomequietlyandtoldmethat
thiswasthechancewehadbeenwaitingfor.WehadtocrushtherebellionwithfullforcesothatnoAsuragotanyideasabouttakingthelawintohisownhands.TheKing
Emperorwassupremeandonlyhiswritshouldrun,Prahasthaargued.
SinceIwastheKingEmperor,Ihadnoproblemsacceptingwhathesaid.ButIwasuneasyaboutsupportingtheBrahmins.ThenitstruckmethatIcouldkilltwobirdswithone
stone.SoweletthecityburnforafewhoursandallowedthehooliganstodotheirjobwiththeBrahminladies.Thenwestruckback.Mysoldiers,withperfectimpartiality,hacked
offtheheadsofBrahminsandAsurasalike.IletmysoldiersloottheVishnutemples.TheydidsowithgustoandconvertedthemintoShivatemples.TheBrahminsfledinhoards
towardsthemainlandandVarunaferriedthemacross,alwayschargingaheftyfee.Varunacouldmakeaprofitwhateverthecircumstances.Rudrakadidsuchathoroughjobthat
Ineverfacedanotherrebellion.ItwastruethatVibhishanasulkedforawhile,butthatmatteredlittletoanyone.However,IfeltsorryformybrotherandpacifiedhimsayingthatI
wouldnotharasstheBrahminswhohadmanagedtoremain.SlowlyhecamearoundandIthoughtIhadcontainedmylittlebrothersidiosyncrasies.OrthatwaswhatIthought
then.
WhenBhadracametome,Isensedhewasseething.Icouldalsosensehishelplessness.Suppressedfrustrationlaycoiledinsidehim.Butthen,Bhadrawasalwaysthatway.He
stoodandstaredatme.Iwasamused.HeappearedwhenIleastexpectedhim,whenIwaslookingatmygardenfromthebalcony,drinkinginthesmellofjasmine,listeningto
thecooingofthepigeons,unmindfulofthebloodbathtakingplaceoutsidemysecludedpalaceunconsciously,myhandswenttomysword.LikeasmallchildIhadnamedit
ChandraeditChhasaandwasextremelypossessiveaboutit.Itwasamasterpiececreatedbyafamedblacksmithandneverleftmyside.
Then,inexplicably,Bhadrabegantoweep.Hiscriescameinfitsatfirstandthenhiswholebodyshookwithhistorment.Hecollapsedontohiskneesandthenfelloutstretchedat
myfeet.Inearliertimes,inasimilarsituation,Iwouldhavekickedhisface.Icouldnotstandweaknessinanyone.ButIsawthatBhadradidnotweepfromweaknessbutforhis
survival.Ittookcouragetoloseyourprideandstillsurvive.Ittookwillpowertosuppressonesscreamingegoandgrovelbeforeanotherman.Ittookdeterminationtokeepones
headdownandacthumble,whenyouwereseethinginside.Ultimately,thevictoriesdonotmatter,norprideorglory,onlysurvivalmattersoneslifeandsuccessors,theclan,
raceandlanguage.Otherthingswereuseless.ButthenIwaswhatIwasandhewaswhathehadbecome.

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Neitherofuscoulddoanythingaboutit.SoIleaneddownandhelpedhimup.
Bhadra.Ilookedintohiscoalblackeyes.Aflickerofhatecamelikeaflashandwent,tobereplacedbyadeadexpression.Iignoredthehate.Iignoredthestench.Lifewastoo
shortforsuchthings.Ialmostfeltnoble.Haveyoueaten?Iasked,withwhatIimaginedwaskindness.Heshookhishead.Gotothekitchenandeat.Iwillsendinstructions.
Hestillstoodthere.Itwasanawkwardsituation.
HedidnotspeakandIhadrunoutofwords.Hisstenchwasoverpowering.ItriedtokeepthekindnessandpityIfeltforthecreatureintact,butfoundrevulsioncreepingin.I
foughtagainstit,keepingmyeyesawayfromhisblack,crackedskin,disheveledandmattedhair,thesoresonhislegs,theprotrudingbellyanduncleanteeth.Butthesmellkept
comingback.Iwantedtowashmyhands,itfeltsoimpure.Involuntarily,Iwipedmyhandsonasilkhandkerchiefandwasembarrassedwhenhiseyefollowedmymovements.
ItwasthenthatthreeyearoldMeghanadacamerunningintotheroomwithpealsoflaughter.Hestoppedabruptlyandhishuge,lovelyeyesregisteredsurpriseatthedirty,black
Asurastandingsoreverentlybeforehisfather,theking.Iwantedtoliftmyboyandmovedtowardshim,butthenIdidnotwanttotouchhimwiththedirtyhandsthattouched
Bhadra.OnceagainIwipedmyhandsandasniggeremanatedfromthedirtyfellow.
AngerroseinmelikeatidalwaveandIturnedbacktohimfuriously.Itwasthenthatmyillegitimateson,thedark,ugly,Athikaya,alsocamerunningintotheroom.
Exceptforaloincloth,heworenothing.Histhreeyearoldfingersweremessyfromahalfeaten,ripemango.
HiseyeslockedwithBhadras.IdonotknowwhatregisteredinthemindofthethreeyearoldbuthewalkedtowardsthehalfstarvedBhadraandofferedhimthemango.BeforeI
couldreact,Bhadratookitandsuckeditasthoughitwasthelastthinghewouldevereat.Thentomyhorror,MeghanadaextendedhislittlehandsandBhadrastoppedeating
anddroppedthehalfsucked,messymangointothem.Ikickedthehandshardandthemangoshotoutofthebalcony.IstruckBhadrawiththebackofmyhand.Allmyaltruism
vanished.Howdare,thislowlyonecomeintomypalaceandhavetheprinceeathisleftovers?Bhadrafelldownwithanexpressionofglumsatisfaction.Iwantedtowipeitoff
hisuglyfacewithaswipeofmysword.
Thetwoboyshowled.ItookAthikayabyhisshouldersandshookhimhard.Meghanadatriedtofreehishalfbrotherfrommygrip.Hepummelledmewithhislittlehandsandthen
MandodaricamerunninginandpulledAthikayafrommyhands.
Ravana,areyoumad?Areyoutryingtokillthischild?shescreamed.SheleftthehowlingAthikayaonthefloorandpulledMeghanadatoher.Mysonweptonhsonweptis
mothersbosom.Athikayasawthisandhowledallthemore.
WhydoyouallowMeghatoplaywiththisdirtyurchin?Mywordssoundedholloweventome.
Mywifeglowered.Itisyourdirtyurchin,Ravana,shesaidandpickedupherweepingsoninherarmsandstompedout.Iwasshocked.Howdareshespeaktomelikethat?
Sheusedtobeafraidtoevencomenearme.Butafterasonwasborn,sheactedasifsheownedme.Shewasnotafraidanymore.Shewasnotafraidtocallmebymynameor
screamatmeandthrowtantrumstogetherway.Ihadmellowed,exceptfortheoccasionalflareoftemper.SomecouldsayIwashenpecked.ThoughIhiditwithmyactsof
belligerenceandshouting,shegotherwaymostofthetime.Sheusedmyloveforherandmysonastoolstocontrolme,andquitetruthfully,Iwashappy.
Ittookafewsecondstoregisterthattherewasnonoise.Ilookedaround.AthikayaandBhadrahadvanished,leavingmealone.Iwenttothebalustradeandlookeddown.Icould
seealimping,dark,figureholdingthetinyhandofadirtyurchin,walkingtowardsthekitchenblock.Apleasantbreezecameinfromtheseaandcarriedwhiffsoftheir
conversation.Tangledintheirlaughter,awordshotoutlikeadartandstruckasoftspotinmyheart.Athikaya,thesonIhadneverwanted,inhisinnocentvoice,calledBhadrahis
father.IdidnotknowwhetherBhadrahadaskedthechildtocallhimsoorwhethertheboyfeltlikedoingso.Butithurtme.IrecoveredwhenIthoughtthattheuglyurchinwould
beoutofmyhairandawayfrommybelovedson,Meghanada.
ThougheveryoneknewAthikayawasmyson,ithelpedthatBhadrahadmarriedthemaidIhadrapedsolongago.SotherewassomesortoflegitimacytoAthikayaandBhadras
relationship.IthadembarrassedmetoknowIhadrapedmyservantswifeandgivenachildtothatfamily,butIgotusedtotheembarrassment.
Onecangetusedtoanything,evenembarrassment.Asaspecialconcession,IallowedtheroyalinstructorstoteachAthikayaalso,aftertheirlessonstothePrinces.
AndIwassurprisedtohearthathewasafastlearnerintheuseofarms.Hemusthaveinheriteditfromme.Ithoughthecouldbedevelopedasareasonablygoodcombat
companionformyson.
ItwaswithgreatpridethatIannouncedthegraduationofmyson,Meghanada.ItwasfixedforthefullmoondayofShravan.MyclosefriendBali,wasthestateguestforthe
function.Afterthefiascoofmyyouth,ourfriendshiphadgrownandIadmiredBaliandbelievedtherespectwasmutual.HiswifeTara,andmyqueen,weregoodfriends.BothBali
andIhaderrantbrothersandthatwasamuchdiscussedtopicbetweenus.Balikeptawatchfuleyeonmyamoralsister,whohadsettledontheoutskirtsofhiskingdom.He
wouldsaythatshewouldbringdisastertoeveryonebecauseshewassoselfcentered,butIignoredhim,thinkingSoorpanakhatooinsignificanttocreateanimpact.Sheneeded
menandshetookthemindiscriminately.Shewasablotonthefamily,butaslongassheandmymotherandmyslyfatherkeptawayfromLanka,Icarednothingaboutwhat
peoplesaid.
BaliwasattheheightofhisglorywhenhevisitedTrikotaformysonsgraduation.Hisownson,Angada,afewyearsolderthanMeghanada,accompaniedhim.
Theboywasabitofarebelteenagerbutwhichteenagerwithspiritdidnotrebel?Ifeltmyfriendwasabittooharshonhisson.Childrenneededspacetogrowanditwasdifficult
whentheirfatherwasahugeBanyantree.
Nothingcouldgrowbeneathit.Theboywassilentandbroodingandmanytimeswasopenlyhostiletohisstrictfather.ComparedtoAngada,mysonwasanangel.
Actually,mysonwasanangelcomparedtoanyone.IwasalwaysafraidofhisfriendshipwithAngada,butMeghanadastMeghanaoodupfortherightsoftheweak.Ithought
thiswasratherunsuitedtothemodernagewelivedin.Mysonhadtheoldfashionednotionsandmoralsofabygone,classicalage.Secretly,Iwasafraidforhisfuture.Buthe
alwaysarguedpassionatelythatpeoplewerebasicallygoodandnobleandthatallmen,irrespectiveofcaste,raceorreligion,wereequal.
Values,truth,moralsandrightconduct,wereeternalandnoprogressmadebymankindcouldchangethem.Iwasproudandworriedatthesametime.
Unfortunately,Iwasprovedright.Poorboy,whatdidheknowaboutblueskinnedimposterswhoplayedGodandjustifieddespicableactswithobscureSanskritblabberings?
Whatdidheknowofthetreacheryofbrothersandfriends,abouthypocrisy,theugly,dogeatdogworld?Ofcourse,Itoohadfantasticnotionsofchangingtheworldandcreating
agreatandprosperoussocietywhenIwashisage.ButthenIgrewupandoutofsuchdreams.MeghanadawasshoweredwithluxurywhereastheonlythingIhadatthatage
washunger.
ButIamdigressing.Thejackalshaveleftmealonefornow.Whydotheynoteatmyfeverishbrainandputanendtothis?TheressomuchIhavetoremember.OhShiva,please
callmetoyourabode.Thatis,ifyouactuallyexist.Iwillsoonknow.Buttheimageskeepcomingtome,somanyofthem.Prominentamongthemisthevenueofmysons
graduation.IcouldseetheglumsatisfactiononMandodarisface.Iknewitwasnotbecauseofherhandsomeson,hisgloriouslooksanddarkflyingmaneasherodepastour
seats,orthegracefulwayheheldhisbowandshotarrowsatbirdsandfishwhileswiftlyridingpastthemonhorseback.
Shewasproudhersonhadturnedoutbetterthanthatofherfriend,Tara.Hersonwasmuchbetterthanmyillegitimateson,Athikaya.IfeltproudtoobutMandodarilookedasif
shehadwontheraceofparenthood.Whendidparentsbecomesocompetitive?
Itwasthenthatoneofthemostembarrassingincidentsofmylifehappened.Mysonslippedfromhissaddleandthecrowdgasped.Angada,whowasseatedbetweenBaliand
Tara,howledwithlaughter.Mysonregainedhisbalanceandgracefullycontinuedhisride.IignoredthederisivelaughterthoughIwasseething.Butwhatensuedwasdisaster.It
almostdrovemycountrytowarandmykingdomtodestruction.Iheardthesoundofascuffle.Asuras!Alwaysdrinkingandfighting,Ithought.Iturnedtolookatcommotionand
gottheshockofmylife.Angadalayontheground.
Therewasanuneasysilence.Mysonhadhaltedhishorseafewfeetaway.Behindourbacks,thebulkyanddarkfigureofAthikayarose.Then,withslowdeliberation,he
scrambledaway.Whathadtheidiotdone?Thissonofalowlymaid?
Catchthatidiot!Iroared,andhundredsofguardsdrewtheirswordsandsurroundedbothAngadaandAthikaya.BalisfacehadgoneredandIfeltafraid.
Athikayastoodwithhisthick,blacklipsparted,strandsofhiscurlyhairpuffinginthewind,lookingpositivelybewildered.HelookedlikeastupidbullbutIcouldseehishands
weretense.RudrakawalkedtowardsAthikaya,hissworddrawn.
He...He...insultedmy...bro...Imean...PrinceMeghanada.Athikayastammered.Amurmurrippledthroughthecrowd.Meghanadasfaceshowedamusementandlove.
Throwhimintothedungeon.Weshalldecidehisfatetomorrow.Ishouted,stealingalookatthegrimfacedBali.
Illdealwithhim.ItwasAngadawhohadscrambledup.
Angada...Balisvoicewaschillingbuthissondefiedhisfathersanger.WhatIsawinhiseyeswasthesamehatredIhadformyfather.Isafather.nkbackinmyseat,knowing
thatmattersweregettingoutofcontrol.MyonlyprayerwasthatAngadawouldfinishthisidiotAthikayaquicklyandsavetheday.
Youfool...Balihissed,butAngadawasbesidehimself.HetheatricallywavedawayalltheguardsandRudrakalookedatmeforinstructions.Igaveacurtnodandheordered
hisguardsback.
HekickedmeandIwanttoreclaimmyhonour,Angadahissedathisfather.Then,atthetopofvoice,heannouncedtothegallery,CitizensofLanka,watchhowweVanaras
dealwithanasswhothinksheisalion!Athikayastoodtherestupidly,hiseyesblinkinglikeanowl.MeghanadadismountedandcametoAthikaya.
Hetookhishandsandwhisperedsomethinginhisearandthenledhimtothecentreofthevenue.Sonofasweeper,thecurseborntoerasemypride.Iwantedtokillhimwith
myownhands.AsthesonofmysinwalkedintothecentrewithmybelovedMeghanada,thecrowdroaredapproval.Withthatonegesturebytheprince,Athikayahadbecome
thegallerysdarling.
MeghanadadrewhisswordandthrewittoAthikayawhocaughtitwithsucheaseinmidairthatIwasstartled.Theboyhadflair.NowIwastorn.IwantedAthikayatobekilledso
thatIcouldsavemycountryandmyfriendshipwithBali.Butsomewherewithinme,myparentalpridethrobbed.IwantedAthikayatowin.Afterall,hewasmyblood.
Angadawalkedincircles.Icouldhearafewcatcallsandhoots.Thenthecrowdbegantochant,DeathtotheVanarashelltotheVanarashaihaiVanaras.Istoleaglanceat
Baliandsawhishandstightlygrippinghischair.Thenervesinhishugearmsweretautandthrobbing,buthisfaceremainedimpassive.ThecrowdbegantoabusetheVanaras,
callingthemhalfcastesandmonkeymen.SomeabusedtheVanaraKinghimself.IsearchedforRudraka.Buttomyamazement,Rudrakawasintentlywatchingthestartofthe
combatwithhisbackturnedtome.Thenoisewasdeafening.
Thefirstclashofswordsbrokethroughthenoise.
Thentheyfoughtthebellicosesonofmyfriendandthesonofasweeperwoman.Inthefirstfewminutes,Angadadrewbloodmanytimes.Hewaslitheandswift.
Athikayawasclumsyattimes,elegantatothers,buthecouldnotmanagetoevennipAngada.Ibegantorelax,butalsofeltsad.Thecrowdhadgonesilentandtense.Icouldfeel
thehostilityintheair.IcouldalsosenseBalirelaxingalittle.Then,withapowerfulkickinthegroin,AngadasendAthikayaflyingtothefloor.Athikayacrashedintotheground
withasickeningthud.Ahugegaspwentthroughthecrowd.Angadagavealoudlaughandroared.
Athikayalayinaheap,unconscious,orperhapsdead.Angadawavedhisswordatthecrowd.HecouldhavethrusthisswordintoAthikayaandfinishedhimoff.
Buthedidnothingofthesort.Thatwouldhavebeentootameforhim.HewasrelishingthemomentofvictoryofaVanaraprinceoveranAsuraandwantedtosavourevery
secondofit.IcouldseethetwitchofasmileonBalisfaceandalsoaflickerofpride.Iwassadbutrelieved.Acrisishadbeenaverted.ButthenIsawthetall,elegantfigureofmy
sonwalkingtowardshisfallenhalfbrother.Angadastoppedhisanticsandstaredwithopenhostilityatmyson.IprayedthathewouldnotchallengeMeghanadatoaduel.My
sonwouldhavetoacceptandtheresult,eitherway,wouldhavebeendisastrous.AsIwatched,Irealizedthatmyentirebodywastrembling.TheidioticsonofBali,Icould
murderhim.Whycouldnotpeoplebringuptheirchildrenproperly?
MeghanadatookAthikayasheadontohislapandthenwhisperedsomethsperedsinginhisear.Therewasanuneasycalm.Timestoodstill.Itwasahotandhumiddayand
eventhebreezefromtheseahadstopped.Somewhereinthedistanceagoatbleatedandwassoonansweredbyitslamb.Mybackwaswetwithperspiration.Amurmurrose

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fromthecrowdasAthikayastirred.Then,withanarmoverMeghanadasshoulders,heslowlytriedtostand.HefalteredtwiceandwasstronglyheldupbyMeghanada.Thenhe
pushedMeghanadaasideandtooktwofalteringstepstowardsAngada.Hesteadiedhimselfandgavearoar.Itwasnothuman,thatroar,itreverberatedthroughthegalleryand
lostitselfinthemomentarysilence.Thenthecrowdroaredbackwithitstenthousandthroats.Thesoundchilledme.

MeghanadatookaclubfromMarichaandwalkeddeliberatelytoAthikaya.WithoutlookingatMeghanada,hiseyesintentlyfocusedonhisrival,Athikayatooktheclubinhisleft
handandpassedittohisright.Therehestood,withhislegswideapart,bleedingfromahundredcuts,hishuge,lefthandfirmlyonhiships,andhisdark,uglyfacescowlingat
Angada.Angadahadnochoice.Hewasboundbyhonourtoputdownhisswordandfightwithhisclub.Ashetooktheclub,thecrowdwithonevoicechanted,Deathtothe
Vanara.Deathtothemonkeyman.Hai,haiVanara.
Thegamechangedaltogether.Athikayawasclumsywithhissword.HisbulkybodycouldnotmoveasnimblyorasfastasthesuppleAngada.Buthishugeweightwasan
advantageinswingingtheheavyclub.
AngadawasstillswiftandgracefulandmanagedtohitAthikayamoreoftenthantheotherwayround.ButAthikayahadsuchpowerandaccuracytohishitsthatthefewhe
connected,injuredhisopponent.Angadasstylewastothrustanddanceaway,farfromthereachofhisheavyrival.Thatwaswellinswordplay.Butwithaclub,unlesstheblow
washeavyandwellaimed,itdidnotcreatemuchimpact,especiallyonaheavilymuscledadversarylikeAthikayawhowentfromstrengthtostrengthasthecrowdroaredforhim.
Ifeltproudofmysons.Didahalfbredmonkeymanthinkhecouldcomewithhisbruteofasonandthrashourwarriors?ThenIcaughtmyself.Iwasafraidwhatwouldhappenif
Athikayawon.IwantedtoremainBalisfriend.Hewasagoodfriend,butgoodfriendsweredispensable.Baliwasastrategically,whokeptthebarbarianDevahordesofthe
upperGangeticplainatbay.Suchallieswerenotdispensable.Illegitimatesonswereeasilydispensedwith.Buthehadmyblood,thishuge,stupidsonofamaid,andthewayhe
wasgoing,hecouldmakeBalimybiggestenemy.
Angadafell,sprawledontheground.Bothhisarmswerebrokenandtwistedimpossibly.Athikayawasbleedingandapoolofbloodformedunderhisleftfoot.
HekepthisrightfootpressedfirmlyonthechestofthegaspingAngada.Balistoodupfromhisseat,hisfistclenchedhardandfacetautandtense.Hisqueensfacehadfrozen
withhorror.Thecrowdshoutedinafrenzy,
Killhim!Killhim!Killthesonofthemonkey!Theroarcouldbeheardeverywhere.
Athikayaraisedhisclubhighabovehisheadinanarc,theclubalmosttouchinghisback.HewouldhaveswungitwithmightyforceandsmasheditdownonAngadashead.And
Balissonwouldhavehadbeencrushedinasecond.
Rudraka!Ishoutedatthetopofmyvoice.Iwasnotsurewhetherheheardornot.Itseemedlikeaneternity,butthenAthikayaturnedhisfacetowardsme.
WhatwasitIsawinthoseeyeshatred,astonishment,pityorpurerawcontempt?Hestoodforafractionofsecondlookingatme.Thecrotme.
Thwdwentsilent.Theimageremainsfrozeninmymind.ThenRudrakacaughtmyeyeandunderstood.Hejustflickedhishandandmorethantwentyguardsrushedtowardsthe
centre.Athikayastoodthere,peeringintomysoul,thesonIneverwanted,astwentymenhithimfromallsideswithclubsandsticks.ButhestoodtherelikeahugeBanyantree,
unmindfuloftheragingmonsoonofbeatingsperformingadeathdance.Angadalaystillpinnedunderhishugefoot.Adarkfiguredartedfromthecrowdandalmostreached
Athikayabeforetheguards.ButRudrakahitapowerfulblowwiththehiltofhisswordandthefigurefell.LaterIheardithadbeenthefoolBhadra.Hewasstampeduponbythe
runningguards,wriggledforafewmoments,andthenwasstill.
IcouldseeMeghanadaandMarichatryingtostopRudraka.Thecrowdwastooshockedtoreact.ThiswasgrosslyunfairandIwasafraidhowthecrowdwouldreactonceitwoke
fromitsstupor.IcouldhearPrahastha
shouting
instructions
to
the
guards,
positioningthemforaquickevacuation.Andtomyhorror,Isawmyownuncleandmybelovedson,fightingwithmyfaithfulcommanderandhistroops,tosavemyillegitimate
son.Thiswasanightmare.Thecrowdfoughtwiththeguardsandafewfiresbegantocrackle.Therewasastampede.
ThenIsawBalirunningtowardsthecentre.
MarichawasfightingapitchedbattlewithRudrakaandMeghanadahadalmostgotthroughtheguardswhenBalihackedhiswaythroughthechaos.Meghanadaturnedagainst
Baliandmyhandswentinvoluntarilytomysword.ButbeforeIcoulddoanything,Bali,withonedeftmovementofhishand,caughtholdofMeghanadaswristandpriedawayhis
sword.Then,withapowerfulkick,hesentRudrakasprawling.HepushedawayMeghanadaandmysonstaggeredforafewstepsandfellontohisback.Nextwastheturnofmy
braveuncle.
BaliliftedMarichaandthrewhimagoodtenfeetaway.
Theotherguardsweretooafraidtomoveandgaveway.
AthikayahadcollapsedoverAngada,wheezinghard.BaliliftedthehugehulkofAthikayaeasilyinhishands.Hesgoingtoslamhimhardontheground.Howdarehecome
andkillmyson?Ithought.
ThecrowdbayedforVanarabloodandmanybrokethroughthesecurityringandrantothecenter.IexpectedBalitothrowAthikayadownandfinishhimoffbeforeattendingto
hisson.But,surprisingeveryone,Baliwalkedbackwithmysoninhisarmsmybleeding,thrashed,hacked,ugly,blackson.Andthecrowdfellsilent.Themenwhohadrunto
themiddletofight,stoppedintheirtracksandwatched.Tarasobbedandmywifejoinedher.Butthen,tearshadwelledinmyeyestoo.IwantedtohidethemsoIturnedbackand

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shoutedinstructionstomysoldiers.Butnobodylistenedtome.Andmyfriend,thatnoblewarrior,thefairestmanIwouldeverseeinmylife,Bali,theonlyonewhocouldbetruly
calledgreat,cametomewithmyfallensoninhisarms.Hissonlaytheredeadoralive,wedidnotknow.Butthemanhadthegreatnessofhearttobefair.
WhatIhaddonehadbeenignobleandIwasashamed.I,themightykingoftheAsuras,criedthatday,infrontofthousandsofmysubjects.Ihidmyfacefromtheworldandcried.I
criedformysonAthikaya,whohadalmostdiedformyfriend,hisfairnessandsupremesacrificeformyson,Meghanadaandmyuncle,whowerebraveenoughtostandagainst
meandBaliforwhatwasright.
AndIcriedforbeingsuchascum.
TheytookAthikayaawaytothecourtphysician,andthatidiotBhadratoo.Theycarriedawaythesonofmyfriendwhowashalfdeadmorefromshameandfrightthanfrom
Athikayasblows.Theirwoundswouldheal,butwhataboutthewoundstoourhearts?Wouldtheyeverheal?Couldfriendshipsurvivesuchamagnanimousactfromonefriend
toanother?Friendshipcouldsurvivebetrayal,butcoulditsurvivesuchanextraordinaryactofkindnessanfkindnedgreatheartedness?
Thecrowddispersedbutoverthedinofvoices,Iheardsomethingthatwasaharbingerofthingstocome.
ThatbruteAngadahissedashepassedhisfather,
Weakling!Illgetbackatyouandsoon,whileBalistoodstaringintothedistanceasifhehadnotheardanything.IsawQueenTaralookatherhusbandwithunadulterated
hateandIwasafraidformydearfriend.
Atthatmoment,IwasafraidthattheworldasIknewit,hadchanged.Ourgenerationanditsvalueswasgivingwaytoanew,unscrupulous,arrogant,youngworldofAngadas.I
wasafraidthatpeoplelikeuswouldbewipedoffinthecomingdays.Ourvalueswerebeinglostandlifewasbecomingtoofastandunscrupulousforoldermenlikeme.Iwas
growingoldmuchtoofast.SlowlyItookmywifeshandandwalkedtowardsourchariot.
ThatdaymywifeleftmealoneinmyownworldandIcurledinsidemydarknesslikeaworm.Earlynextdaymorning,BaliandTaraleftwiththeirwoundedson.AndIneversaw
myfriendagain.

36Acountrythanksitshero
Bhadra
Itwasalmostdawnwhentheybroughthimhome,bandagedandbruised.Hemoanedsoftlyastheycame.
Withoutaword,theygentlylaidAthikayadown,andtheyleftwithoutaword.
Athikayagrewupinmyarms.Fromthetimehewasthree,hecalledmefather.InitiallyIhadbeenhorrified.Hewasaprince,thoughanillegitimateone,andIwaswhatIwas.I
hadshoutedathim,pleadedwithhimandevencried,tostophimfromcallingmeso,buthehadpersisted.Andinmyheart,Iwantedhimtocallmehisfather.Hewasnowmy
son.Nokingcouldlayclaimtohim.Heanchoredmetotheearth.TogetherweexploredthecityofTrikotaandthejungles,backwatersandhillswhichsurroundedit.Itaughthim
tousearms.Hewasaprinceinmyhumblehut.Andhewasmypride,myfuture.
Itpainedmewhenhewasmockedwhenhewasdraggedaroundlikeapuppywiththelegitimateprince,thathaughty,knowall,Meghanada.Buttheboycarriedadeepaffection
towardshishalfbrother.Iwasjealousofitandoftheloveheshowedmywife,Mala,hismother.Itriedtodissuadehimfromgoingtothepalacebutthesummonscameoften,
eitherfromtheKingorhisson.Theyneededsomeonetorunaround,todooddjobs.HehadadoglikedevotionfortheKingandthePrince.Hewassuchasimpleton,so
innocent.Hewasstronginbodybutweakinhismind.Hewentoutofthewaytohelppeople.Butlikeothergoodnaturedpeoplefromthelowerrungsofsociety,hisgoodness
wasmistakenfornaivety.
Everyoneconsideredhimafool.ButIwassurethatbehindthatsoftandkindface,atremendousstrengthofcharacterlayhidden.Attimes,Isawglimpsesofthathiddensteel,but
mostlyAthikayawasjustayoung,gullible,innocentboy,whowastakenadvantageofbythecunningpeopleoftheworld.Kindness,courage,morals,principles,sympathy,these
weredangerousvaluestohaveforsomeonewhobelongedtooursocialposition.Itwasunsafetohaveagoldenheartunderadarkskin.Thoseweretheluxuriesoftherich,the
noble,thehighcaste,thefairskinned,whichtheyusedwhenitbenefittedthem.Mylargeboned,blackanduglyson,coulddowithoutthem.Butabitofsycophancy,adashof
cruelty,awillingnesstoserveanymastertosurvive,andtheabilitytohideseethingangerandcowerbeforethosewhowerestronger,weresurvivaltoolsinourworld.ButIcould
neverconvincefoolishAthikayaaboutanyofit.
Theboyhadaprivilegedlifetillnow.Didthepresentgenerationunderstandthehardshipswehadundergone?EvenPrinceMeghanadahashadaprivilegedlifewhilehisfather
builtShiskingdomontheflesh,sweatandbloodofpeoplelikemeandstruggledtobecomewhathewasnow.Perhaps,whenwestarted,allofushadthesamechance.
Anybodycouldhavebecomewhathewasnow.Hewasnothingmorethanus.WhatdidRavanahavethatIdidnotpossess?Wasitthequietconfidencethathewasborntorule?
Wasitplainluck,orbecausehewassoruthlessandclever?Ifruthlessnesswasthekey,thenRudrakapossesseditmorethananyoneelse.Ifstrategicandlongtermthinking
wastheanswer,noonecouldmatchPrahastha.
Ifitwasbravery,thentherewerescoresofbraveAsurasaroundwhocouldhavemadeitbig.Ifcharismawasthemostimportantfactor,thenwhydidntVidyutjihvasucceed?If
clevernesswasimportant,thenwhyhadMayanotmadeit?
Ithinkitwasthesizeofthedreamandthewillingnesstoactonit.Ravanadreamtbigandstroveruthlesslytoachieveit.Andhegotallsortsofpeopleworkingforhimtoachieve
hisambition.Hecrushedmanyunderfoot.Heusedfoolslikemeasfirewoodforhisburningambition.AndsohenowlivedinthepalaceandIinahut.IhatedRavanaforit.
Ravanacouldbeatmysontoapulptreatmelikeacurrefrainfromtouchingouruglyblack,soiled,sweaty,stinkingskin,andatthesametimetalkloudlyabouttheequalityof
menandposeasthesaviouroftheAsurasfromDevatorments,butmarkmywords,wethemeekwouldsurvivewhenthekingsofallcolours,hadgone.DespiteRavanas
arrogance,patronizingattitudeandriches,wewouldoutlivehim.Wemaylickhisbootscrawlontheearthinfrontofhimandpayobeisancewheneverhisshadowfallsonthe
earth,butonedayhistribewouldvanish,fightinghisuselessbattlesforvainglory.Butwewouldsurviveandwinthefinalwarofsurvival.
Mysonstirredandletoutamoan.Iwasshakenfrommyfantasticandheroicmentalflight.Coldrealitycreptuponme.WhatwasI?Asmalltimenobodytryingtomakealiving,
betrayedbyhiswife,saddledwithherillegitimateson,ruledbyaselfishking.Apoor,hungry,unhealthy,andbeatenup,black,untouchablerascal.Thatsummedmeup.AndI
daredtodreamofchallengingkings?Ilaughedatmyself.
ItwasveryhotandIwasgettingpickledinmyownperspiration.MybodyhurtasIslowlysatup.
Hungergnawedatmybelly.Itriedtostandbutmyheadswam.Icaughtatthewallandstoodtherepantingforafewminutes.ThenIcollapsedandlaystill.Awaveofselfpity
rushedovermeasIgulpeddownmytearsandanger.Iturnedandcrawledtowardsthekitchen.Icouldseeholesontheroughfloor.Therewasdusteverywhere,whichIhad
nevernoticedbefore.IwassoclosetothefloorthatIcouldsmellit.Whycouldntthatdamnwomankeepthehouseclean?Iwasangrywithmywife.LethercomebackandI
wouldteachherproperhousekeeping.
Alarge,blackspiderscurriedawayhastilyasIenteredthekitchen.Istaredatitforafewsecondsbutrealizedthatlookscannotkillspiders.Icrawledtothehearthandmanaged

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tositonthefloorwithmylegsspreadasIopenedthelidsofthepotsandvesselsonebyone.Empty.Nothing.Mystomachrumbledwithhunger.Apothungfromaropeinone
corner.Perhapsithadcurd.Malawouldhavekeptithightokeepitsafefromtherats.Orperhapsjaggeryorsomeothernicesavouries.HowcouldIreachit?Icouldnotstandup.
ThenIlaughed.Savourieshere?Inanuntouchableshouse?SomeofRavanasvanityhadrubbedoffonmetoo.Iwasdreamingtoobig.
WherehadMalagone?Iheardthenoiseofacartdrawingnearandstoppinginfrontofthehouse.WastheKingsendingherhomeinachariotnow?Icrawledtowarcrawledds
thefrontdoor.Therewerehushedwhispersandthenasoftknockonthehalfcloseddoor.
Iwaitedsilently.Abejewelledhandpushedthecreakydooropen,throwingatrapeziumofsunlightonthewallsandfloor.Mysonmoanedagain.Adustybreezewaftedin,ruffled
theoldclothesinthecorner,andwentoutthroughthewindowopposite.Isquintedintothebrightsunlight,andsawthetallfigureofPrinceMeghanadaenter.Itwasfollowedby
Marichastall,jauntyfigure.
Twoprincesinanuntouchableshumblehut!Icouldnotbelieveit.Involuntarily,Itriedtogetup,butcollapsedagain.
Smiling,Marichacameforwardandliftedmeupgentlyandplacedmeonthelone,brokenchair.Iprotestedandtriedtostand,buthegentlyandfirmlypushedmebackintothe
chair.DearGod,howcanIbehospitabletothesepeople?Aprinceinmyhut.Iwasangrythattheysawmypoverty,mybrokenchair,myrags,mytornbedsheets,mycracked
wallsandfloors,andmyweakbody.ThiswasmyhouseandIneededsomeprivacytohidemyfailurefromtheeyesofacruelworldlordedoverbyrichprinceslikethesetwo.
ThenIgrewafraid.Hadtheycometotakeawaymyson?HadthekingdecidedatlastthathehadabravesoninAthikaya?Hadmywifefinallydesertedme?Wasshelivingwith
thekingashisqueenandtakingawayhersonfromme?Orhadthesepeoplecometogloatoverourmisery?Isattherewithahundredquestionsscrappinglikewildcatsinmy
mind.Isatblinkinglikeanowl,speechless.
HowareyouBhadra?Marichasvoicehadlostnoneofitskindness.Thankyousir,forthethrashingIreceivedfromyoursoldiers,Iwantedtoscream.ButIsattherewithouta
word.Meghanadasatonthebed,closetoAthikaya,andexaminedhiswounds.HespokesoftlyandAthikayarespondedlikealostpuppywhichhadfinallymanagedtofindits
master.Withdisgust,Ithought,IfAthikayahadatail,itwouldhavebeenwagging.
Iknow,Bhadra,wehavewrongedyou.MarichahadhishandsonmyshouldernowandwassoclosethatIcouldsmellhisrichperfume.Iavertedmyeyes
Icouldnotstandsomuchkindness.Iwas,afterall,anuntouchable,scumoftheearth.Ipeeredtoseewhether,likeRavana,Marichatoohadwipedhishandsaftertouchingmy
blackskin.No,hehadnot.Iwasdisappointed.Perhaps,hewouldbatheoncehereachedhispalace.
YoushouldnotthinkunkindlyofourKing,Bhadra.Ilookedbackathim.WhowasItothinkanythingandhowdiditmatter?HeisthesameRavana.
Hiswhiskershaveturnedgrey,butBhadra,heisthesameimpulsiveboywithaudaciousdreamsandawilltoachieve.Iknow,badthingshavehappenedtopeoplelikeyou.
ThoughtheBrahminshavebeenbanished,thebaneofBrahmanismisslowlycreepingintooursociety.Itissoeasytobelievethatoneissuperiortoallothers.Iknowthereare
peoplewhoconsiderthepoor,black,originalAsuras,impure,andevenrefusetotouchyoupeople.Theythinkthatpoorsettlementslikethiswilldefileourbeautifulcities.Iknow,
therearepeoplewhowouldliketobanishthepoorlikeyououtofthecapital,orifpossible,outofthecountry.Butbelieveme,Bhadra,itisRavanascompassionthathas
preventedthatfromhappening.Hefeelsforthepoor.True,wearefarfromtheidealsofMahabali,inachievingsocialequality.Thatisstilladream.Butwearestrivingtowardsit.
Andhehassentuswithamessagethathewillbanishallcasteorvarnafromhisthoughts.TheStatewillnolongerdiscriminateamongitsownsubjects.
Thisisoursolemnpromise,andasaminister,ImakeitonbehalfofHisMajesty.HisMaj
Whataspeech!ButIwasnotimpressed.TheoldmanhuggedmeandIcouldseetearsinhiseyes.
Perhapshefeltnoblehuggingme,touchingme,andtalkingaboutelevatedideastome.Lethimenjoyhismomentofgreatness.Perhapstheyearshadhardenedme.Icould
hearAthikayasobbingloudly.Thepoorboyhadbeenmoved.Hewasluckyhestillbelievedsuchtalltalk.Hehadyettobecomeinfectedwiththemalaisethatpeopleofmy
generationsufferedfromincurablecynicism.Butthepeoplestandinginsidemystinkingholeofahutwerepowerfulandimportant.SoIkeptupthepretence.Iacteddeeply
gratefulandthankful.Fromtheexpressiononhisface,Icouldseetheoldfoolhadbeentakenin.Poorfool,onecouldeasilydeceivehim.Thenmyheartwentouttotheoldman.
Ifanyonewasreallysincereamongstallthethugswhowereourministers,itwasthishard,brown,nut,Maricha.Hebelievedwhathesaidandmighthaveevenstrivento
implementitinallearnestness.HisKingmightdoitforglory.ButwhethertheconservativeoldguardslikePrahastha,Jambumali,andtherest,wouldallowsuchchanges,was
stilltobeseen.Andevenifallofthemagreed,Vibhishana,thedisguisedBrahminamongtheAsuras,wouldseetoitthatsuchgesturesweredefeated.Vibhishanawasan
intolerantfanatic.Eventhen,IwassurethatonedayhewouldselltheentireAsuracivilizationtotheBrahminsandDevas.
Asatokenofgoodwill,HisMajestyhasaskedustopresentthissmallgifttoyou.Itwillnotrecompenseyouforalltheservicesyouhaveperformedortheprivationyouhave
undergoneforthegloryofourraceandcountry,butpleaseacceptthistokenfromagratefulKing.Sayingthis,Marichaputareasonablylargeclothbundlethatjingledwithcoins,
intomylap.Therewassatisfactiononhisface.Hewaitedformyprofusegratitude,butIsaidnothing.Ijustkeptstaringdownatthebundle.
MeghanadatookleaveofAthikayaandIheardmysonsayingtothePrince,Whenyouaskedmetodoitforyou,Iforgoteverythingelse.Iwouldhappilydieforyou,Your
Highness,Iwoulddieforyou.AndhekissedMeghanadashands.Somethinginsidemesnapped.Theidiotwoulddiefortheprince?Thiswasourfatetotoil,tolive,tostrive,
andtodie,forthehighandmighty.
IoncediditforthefatherofthissamePrince,andmaybewouldbeforcedtodoitagain.OhShiva!Wastherenoescape?Andnowmysonsaysheforgothisparentsandhimself
andwouldhavediedforhismaster.
Didthesemenboastthattheycouldcommandwormslikeustodie?Didtheythinktheycouldpursuetheirdestinybycrushingafewblack,irrelevant,cursed,punypeoplelike
ourselves,undertheirfeetwhilemarchingtoglory,richesanddestiny?
Istoodup.Myheadswam,buttheangerthatlaycoiledinsidegavenewstrengthtomyweakandbatteredbody.Getout!Getoutyoubastards!Iscreamed.Ithrewthebundleof
coinsanditflewoutoftheopendoorlikeamissile.Theclothtoreopenandspiltitscontentsalloverthefilthyroadandgutter.Isawtheyweresilvercoins.Icouldntevenboast
thatIhadthrowawaygoldcoinsforthehonouranddignityofmypeople.Hadtheybeencoppercoins,itwouldhavejustifiedmybeliefthatprincesandnoblemenweremiserly
andmeanandIcarednothingfortheirpresents.
Buttheywereplainsilvercoins.Theywouldnotmakemerichnorweretheysmallenoughtofeedmydeeplyheldprejudices.Urchinsandbeggarshadgathered,butdidnotdare
totouchtheglintingcoins.
ThepresenceofthePrinceandaminister,andbawdy,oldBhadrashoutingandcreatingascene,wastoofascinatingtobedistractedevenbysilvercoins.
Ihadgonetoofar,soIdecidedtospeakmymind.
Youthinkyouaredoingmeaedoinggreatfavourbyvisitingmyhut?Younearlykilledmeandmyson.Whowantsyourcoins?Keepthemforyourselves.TheKingis
compassionate,yousay,Ispatforeffect.Doesheknowwhatitisliketobetreatedasthoughonehadacontagiousdisease?Doesheknowthepainofhunger?
Thestingoffailure?Thethrobbingacheofhopelessness?Theagonyofbeinghomeless?Hedoesnotwantpoor,blackAsurastobetreatedasuntouchables,hewantsustolive
inthecities.Iknowthereasonforthattoo.Younoble,rich,pseudoBrahminsraveagainstusbeingunclean,ourblackskin,oursmell...butyouneedusmorethanweneedyou.
Whowouldcarryyourrubbishifwewerebanished?
Whowouldsweepyourstreets,drawyourcarts,anddieforyouinyourpettywars?
Ifeltcoldsteelatmythroat.IstaredatPrinceMeghanadasgleamingeyesandwasafraid.ItrembledasmyfuryfledandIcametoearthwithathud.ThehorrorofwhatIhadsaid
hitmewithbrutalforce.Mylipstrembledandtearsoffearandhelplessnesstracedtheirwayovermyburningcheeks.Itwasover.ThebladewaspressedharderandIfeltthe
warmthofbloodtricklingout.SurelyIwoulddieformyimpudence.
Lethimbe,Meghanada.Ithinkheisdrunk,IheardMarichasay.SlowlythepressureeasedfromtheswordandMeghanadatookitawayandwipedmybloodfromitsbladewith
hisfingersandputtheswordbackintoitssheathwithouttakinghiseyesoffmyface.Ishiveredandcollapsedonthechair.
Bhadra,wellleavenow.Takecareofyourhealthanddonotdrinksomuch.Youmightloseyourhead,literally.Marichasaidwithasmile,butIsawthathiseyesdidnotsmile.I
couldseecontemptinthoseeyes.
MeghanadawentandhuggedthesobbingAthikaya.
ThenthePrinceandtheMinisterwalkedoutintothesunshine.Iheardthehorsesbeingwhippedandthechariotdroveawaythroughthenarrow,unevenstreet.Ilaythere,my
mindblank.
ThenIheardthenoiseoffightingmen.Itdidnotregisteratfirst.ThenIrealizedtheywerefightingoverthesilvercoinsIhadthrownoutside.Mycoins.Itriedtostandup,lostmy
balanceandfellonmyface.ThenIcrawledoutsideandjumpedintothefraytogetholdofmycoins.Mostofthemhadvanished.Iclawedandfoughtmywaythrough.Istamped
twourchinsandkickedanoldbeggarandreceivedmuchthesameback,butIwaspastpain.Itwasmymoney,myhardearnedmoney.Finally,Imanagedtograbafistfulof
soiledcoinsfromthegutter.Thoughmanytriedtograbthem,Iheldontightlytomypossessionsthroughthekicksandblows.Finally,thebeggarsandmyneighboursgaveup
andwentaway,cursingmeandeachother.Islowlygotupfromthegutterandcountedthecoins.Thereweretwentyone.Maybeahundredthofwhathadoriginallybeenthere.I
staredatthecoinsforalongtime.Ihadthrownawaythechancesthatlifehadhandedmemanyatimebeforetoo.PerhapsIdeservedthis.Anyhow,thetavernaroundthecorner
wouldbeopennow.Therewouldbewhoreswithbreastsasbigaspumpkinsandplentyofcountryliquor.Ah,justwhatIneeded.Istumbledtowardsitasthesunset,withthe
coinsIhadfoughtfor.Agooddrinkandsomewhoring
afterall,thatwaswhatlifewasabout.

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37Adaughtersmarriage
Ravana
Ihadbeenreceivingdisturbingnews.IwishedtoconcentrateonthemuralIwaspaintingbutsomehow,Icouldnotfocus.ThecoloursandtonesdidnotcomethroughasI
wanted.ThenewswasdisturbingandIwonderedwhoIcouldshareitwith?Butitwasacloselyguardedsecret.Maricha?No,notevenhim.Hewasnotatallsympatheticabout
thatparticularrelationshipandmaynothaveabeenwillingtolistentomyramblingsandselfpity.
Ifeltold,bothinspiritandbody.Ihadseenheronce,manyyearsago.Shewouldhavebeensixteenorseventeenthen.OnlyMarichaknew.Ithadbeenadangerousmissionand
tookplaceimmediatelyaftermysonsgraduation.ThewayIhadtreatedAthikayatoreatmyheartandIwallowedinremorse,whenMarichacameandjerkedmeoutofit.Hewas
cruelandcandidandsaidIhadnobusinesstofeelsad.Afterall,Iwastheonewhohadcruellycastawaymyfirstborn.
IwentmadandremindedhimthatithadbeenhiswiseCouncilofMinisterswhohaddonethat.HeretortedthatIhadntdoneanythingafterthat.Thatstoppedmedeadinmy
tracks.Idismissedhimhaughtilyandwentbackintomyshell.IshoutedatmywifeandeventhrewMeghanadaoutoftheroom.Inthemiddleofthenight,Iwokeupinacold
sweat.Ihadseenaghost.
IwouldhavelaughedifanyonehadsaidthattherewasaghostinsidethepalaceoftheEmperoroftheAsuras.
Untilthen,ghostsweresomethingthatlurkedwithasillyleerinchildhoodstories.ButthatnightIsawoneclearly.
Itwasawomanwithaveiloverherface.Shelookedfamiliarasshestoodatthewindowpeeringatmeintently.Icouldntmovealimb.Icouldsmellmyownfear.Theface
graduallybecameclearandIwantedtotouchMandodariandwakeher.Butmyhandswouldnotmove.ThefacebecameclearerbyminuteandIwaitedwithhorrorand
anticipationforthefinalrevelation.Anowllhootedinthegarden,piercingthethicksilence.Andinawispofbreeze,theveilfell.ItwasVedavathi!
Mythroatwentdry.AlltheemotionsIhadburiedinmysoulcamerushingbackandlodgedinmythroat.
Vedavathibrokeintohystericallaughter.Thenslowly,shedissolvedintothemist.Ilayimmersedinmyfear.
Imagesofmyunreciprocatedloveandthetragedythathadfollowed,chokedme.Slowly,painfully,Imovedmylimbsandgotoffthebedandsearchedformysandalsinthedark.I
stoodforawhilewithoutanythoughtoremotion,watchingthestillleavesofthecoconutpalmsawashinthesilverymoonlight.ThenIknewwhatIhadtodo.Itstartedasasmall
thought,butsoonpossessedme.Ihurriedout,leavingthedooropen.IignoredthesnoringguardsandranthroughthecorridorstoMarichaschamber.Ibangedonhisdoor,
shockingtheguardwhohadbeendozingwithhisheadrestingonthedoor.Ignoringthescoundrelwhomumbledsomething,Ikeptbangingonthedoortilltheoldmanopenedit.
Acursediedonhislipsashesawmyface.
Wehavetogonow...Ihavetoseehernow.Itoldhim.
Who?
Dressandcomequickly.Iwanttoseehernowandyouarecomingwithme.
Who?
Ipulledhimoutoftheroom.Theguardbowedwithalacrity.IpushedMarichaintothegardenandsaid,
Isawher...Vedavathi...Icontinued,ignoringtheconfusionandshockinMarichasface,Iwishtoseemydaughternow.
Areyoudrunk?Marichastruggledoutofmygrip.
Istampedmyfootimpatientlyandasked,Whokeepsthekeytothelargeshed?
Ravana,cometoyoursenses.YouwanttogoMithilanow?ToMithila,deepinsideDevacountry,andyouwantmetoflywithyouinyourmadfatherinlawscontraption?When
wasthelasttimeyouflewthatthing?
GetmethekeyandwakeMayanup!Iwasalmosthysterical.
Hearingthecommotion,theguardcamerunningandIshoutedathimtofetchthekeyoftheshedwheretheflyingmachine,PushpakaVimana,asmybumblingprofessorofa
fatherinlawcalledit,waskept.Herantept.HeodomybiddingwhileMarichastaredatme.
Wearegoingnow.Isaidwithfinality.Marichashookhisheadandwalkedaway.Whereareyougoing?Igotangrierbytheminute.Howdaredhewalkawaywithoutan
answer?
Tochange,heshoutedbackandbangedhischamberdoorshut.Ismiledattheoldman.Istoodtherethinkingaboutwhatlayahead.AsMarichasaid,itwasamissionfraught
withgreatdanger.Forone,IhadnotflownthePushpakainalongtime.Ididnotlikeflying.Manwasnotsupposedtofly,otherwiseShivawouldhavegivenhimwings.Soaflying
machinewasachallengetoGod.Ialsoquestionedtheemotionwhichmademewanttoseemydaughter.Ihadkeptatabonherasshegrewupbutaftermysonshadbeen
born,Irarelyevenreadthereportssenttomebymyspies.
Mithilawastoofarawayandtoosmalltobeofanyconsequencetomymightyandevergrowingempire.
Sinceshewassofaraway,Irarelythoughtofher.Soonshewasasgoodasdeadtome.Orworse,asifshehadneverbeenborn.Soadangerousintrusionintoenemyterritory
withoutmyarmy,wasfoolhardiness.
Ravana,son,Iamsohappy...sohappy...Myfatherinlawstoodpantingbeforemelikeahappychild.
Theoldmanhadcomerunningwiththekeysjinglingathiswaist.Ihadbeguntolikethisabsentmindedprofessor.Beforehehadundertakentheconstructionofthemighty
templeatGokarna,Ihadnevertakenhimseriously.Sincethenhehadbuiltscoresofsimilarstructuresonthebanksofoursacredrivers.Hewasamastercraftsmanand
engineer.
SprightlyoldMayanranlikeateenagertotheshedwherethePushpakawaskept.Hefumbledwiththekeysandthenopenedthedoorwide.Ihadalwaysadmiredthesmooth
contoursofthisstrangemachine.Ithadhugewingsthatdidnotflapbutwhirledrounddazzlinglyfast.Itlookedlikeabird,yetitalsoresembledafish.Ithadsomelevers,theuse
ofwhichIhadmasteredovertheyears.Iwasnotagoodflier,butnevertheless,Icouldhandlethemachinereasonablywell.Mayanrambledonabouttheuseofthevarious
leversandthesailoncethemachinereachedacertainheight,soitwouldfloatintheair.ButIwasbarelylistening.ShouldItellMandodari?Itwasajourneyofover2000miles
andcouldtakethreedays.
Eventually,IleftheranotetosayIwouldreturninaweek.ThenIhesitatedforamomentandguiltmademeaddthatIlovedher.
BythistimeMarichahadarrivedandpackedmyclothes,somefoodandwine,aswellasmyweapons,alongwithhisthings.Hethrewtheentirelotintothebackoftheflyingship
andaskedhopefully,Ravana,doyoureallywanttogo?
Ijumpedinasheshookhisheadandfollowedsuit.
Iwasapprehensiveatfirst,butthen,withasilentprayertoShiva,Ipushedtheleverandthemachinerolledoutslowly.Ipushedanotherleverandthefanswhirledfasterand

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fastertill,withajerk,thePushpakaliftedintotheair.IcouldseeMarcihaclutchingthemetalrailsinfrontofhisseat.Iwasafraidaswellbutpushedthethoughtsofthething
stallinginmidair,outofmymind.
Itwasfrighteningtothinkofusfallinglikebirddroppings,tobesplatteredonthefaceoftherocksbelow
Lankafadedawaybelowus,agreenteardropislandinanoceanthatwassilveryblackinthemoonlight.
Therewerethousandsofstarssplatteredoveraninkyblacksky,asiftheGodswerepeeringthroughtheholesoftheirblankets.Wispycloudsswirledbesideus.Mymaneflewin
thehowlingwind.IimaginedhowimpressiveIdlooktoanonlooktolookerandsmiledtomyself.Marichahadalsorelaxedalittle.Ihowledwithpleasureasweflewoverthe
mainlandandMarichajoinedme.Itriedtoremembertheraunchysongsofmyteenagedays.AndweflewtothebarbarianlandsofthenorthwithnaughtyAsurasongsonourlips
anoldmanofnearlysixtyandamiddleagedmanofforty,liketwoteenagerswithnoworriesintheworld,ontheirfirstpicnicwithoutelders.
Ihadunfurledthesailsandwecruisedatasteadyspeed.Thefanswouldonlybeneededtoland.Below,Indialaysprawledwithherrichesandsorrows.Thereweretowering
mistfilled,steamyjungles,almosttouchingtheseatothewest,andwideopenplains,brokenbysmallhillsandhillocks,totheeast.Therewereestuariesandbackwaterswith
coconutpalmsstandingtalllikesentinels,brokenonlybythetemplesthatstoodeventaller.Silveryriverssnakedthroughthelandandamillionmoonsreflectedfromtheblades
ofswayingpaddyleaves.Itwasimmenselybeautiful.MyheartfilledwithpridewhenIsawtheprosperityIhadbroughttotheonceparchedcountryside.ItwasmyIndia,my
empire,theancientlandoftheAsuras.
IknewthatbytomorrownightIwouldbeflyingoverunclaimedterritory,anomanslandofshrubsandjunglesandmazysanddunesofcentralIndia,thatseparatedmykingdom
fromthebarbarianDevaprincipalitiesonthebanksofthesacredGanga,YamunaandSaraswathiRiversbeyond.IfeltsadthatIhadnotextendedmykingdomtotheabodeof
LordShiva.TheHimalayastoobelongedtotheAsuras,asdidtheGanga,thatflowedfromthemanesofanAsuraGodShiva,thesupremeGodofgods,Parameswara.Whydid
Istopthecampaign?IshouldhaveextendedmykingdomtothewholeofourancientlandandthrowntheDevasintothewildernessbeyondtheSaraswathiandtheSindhu.Ihad
startedwithsuchanambition,butsomehow,overtheyears,Ihadlostmyambitionandmydreamshadshrunk.IwastoohappymakinghalfofIndiaprosperousandwealthy.
Perhapsitwasawisedecision.
Marichahadgrownsilentandwasdozing.Ilookeddownagainandwonderedatthesheersizeofmotherearth.Ifelthumbled.Allthedreamsofglory,allthewarsIhadfought,
allthekingdomsIhadgaineditallseemedsosmallincomparison.Theearthwaseternal,everythingelseperished.Howmanymenhaddreamtambitiousdreamslikeme,and
achievedthem?Howmanyhadbuilttheirfortunes?Howmanykingshadthisearthseenandhowmanymorewereyettocome?
Ultimately,didtheirtoilmattertomotherearth?Sheremainedalooffromthepettytravailsofman.
Mencheat,betray,love,strive,struggle,fail,fall,getup,andrepeattheprocesstodieandvanishforeverorbereborn.Buttheearthremainsaloof,distantandunchangeable.I
wasjustaspeckfloatinginthemightyuniverse.Tomorrow,orperhapsthenextminute,Iwouldbegone.Woulditmattertoanyone?Afewperhapswouldbesadandothers
happyforit,butitwouldonlyberelevantforawhile.Overtime,myachievements,mybirthanddeath,wouldbeirrelevant.
Sothesizeofmyempirewasirrelevantandtherewasnoneedforanymorebloodshed.Lifewastooshortforfightingwarsandtoosweettothrowawayonsillythingslike
ambition.IwantedtobelievethatIwasnotafraidtodie.Onedayeveryonedied.Thatwasthewayofnature.Youhadtogivewaytothenextsetoflivingthings.Mentally,Ihad
neverbeenafraidtodie.Butthen,howcouldIeverleavethisbeautifullife?WindwhistledpastmyearsandItookadeepbreathofthecoolmorningair.Ibreathedlife.
Theeastturnedredasthecloudsfloatedbylikereddyedcotton,ontheeasternhorizon.Thewestwasstilldark,withapale,white,settingmoon.Marichastirredinhissleep.I
lookedatthemanwhohadbeenmoreloyaltomethananyoneelse.Ilookedathisgreyinghairandbaldingheadbaldind,hisstillstrongarms,andfeltsad.Lifewasrushing
pastallofus.OnedayhewouldbegoneandIwouldbealone.
Whatwouldshebedoingnow?Whodidshelooklike?Perhapslikehermother?SomethingsnappedinmewhenIthoughtofmylonglostlove.Wastheempireworthlosing
her?Perhapsitwas.Mandodariwasanidealpartner.Vedavathihadbeentoospiritedtobeawifeoraqueen.Ilongedtoseethefaceofmydaughtermorethananythingelse.I
hadnotreadthereportsfromthefieldforsometimebutIvaguelyrememberedreadingaboutthemarriagearrangementsbeingmadeforher.Thesenorthernpeoplehada
strangecustom.Thefatheroftheprospectivebridewouldannounceacontestamongeligiblesuitors.Ifounditboorish.Wasabrideaprizetobewoninacontest?Ihadeven
heardofDevamensellingtheirwivesasslaves,mortgagingthem,orusingthemaswagers.Itwasterriblebutwhatcouldoneexpectfromasemicivilized,nomadictribe?
WomenweretreatedbytheDevamenasnothingmorethancommodities.PerhapsIwasprejudicedasIbelongedtoanentirelydifferentculture.ButIhadalwaysbelieveda
societycouldbecalledcivilizedonlywhenittreateditswomananddowntroddenpeople,well.Castewasrigid.Theconditionofpeoplebelongingtothelowerrungswasbeyond
imagination.Bysuchstandards,thepeopleofthedusty,northernplains,werealmostsubhuman.Ofcourse,theAsurashadproblemsoftheirown.TheAsuramenlovedmaterial
things.Asurawomanwereaggressiveandalmostamoral,butthen,ourgirlswerebroughtupalmostexactlylikeourboys.Thereweresocialdifferenceslikethecastesystem
amongtheAsurastoo,butitwasnotbasedonbirthorskincolour.
Anyonecouldreachapositionofpowerthroughhardworkandluck.Iwasthebestexampleofthat.
IhopedtoreachMithilabythetimethecontestformydaughterbegan.Ifeltrestless.WhichboorishDevawasgoingtomarryher?Howdifferentwouldherlifebe?Ihada
premonitionthatherlifewouldnotbeeasy.Icouldntexplainitbutthefeelingkeptnaggingatme.IvividlyrememberedVedavathi&aposshystericallaughter.Hercursehaunted
me.WhatiftheastrologicalpredictionthatmydaughterwouldbringdeathanddestructiontotheAsuraswastrue?WhatifVedavathi&aposscurseasshewentupinflames,
foundlife?Thiswasutternonsense.Iwashallucinating.
PerhapstheguiltIfeltinabandoningmydaughterandnotdoinganythingtogetherback,alongwithlastnightsdrinking,musthavebroughtiton.WhatwouldhappenifIclaimed
mydaughter?WhatrightdidIhavetobringherbacktoanalienculture?WouldJanakaoblige?OrshouldIhaveattackedMithilaandbroughtherback?Itwouldhavebeenhalfa
daysjob.MithilawasasmallkingdombutIdidnotwantanybloodshed.Ihadhadenoughofwars.IwasalsoafraidofhowMandodariwouldreact.Shedidnotknowofmy
yearningforVedavathi,andIdidnotwanttobringitup.
MystrayingdayswereoverandIhadfoundpeaceandhappinessinmarriage.Athikayawasanembarrassment.
Ididnotwanttoaddanother.
IwasgettingclosetotheNarmadaandthoughtwearilyofanotherdaysjourneystillbeforeus.Theexcitementoftheflighthadwornoffandtheplainsbelowweredryand
uninspiring.Idozedoffmanytimes.
IhadwantedtotakeadetourtoKishkindhatorenewmyfriendshipwithBali,butwithmyegohangingroundmynecklikeamillstone,ItookaroutethatavoidedBaliskingdom.
WehaltedforafewhoursonthebanksoftheTungabhadratorelaxandeat,butIhurriedtobeintimeformydaughtersswayamvara.

38Thetimehascome
Ravana

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WelandednearMithilaearlyinthemorning.Ihadselectedasecludedanduninhabitedplaceafewmilesawayfromthecity.WehidthePushpakawithplantsandshrubs,
changedintoDevacostumes,andwalkedtowardsthepalace.Manypeopleweregoinginthesamedirection.Hundredsofvendors,sellingallsortsofthings,jostledwiththe
pedestriansandcowsthatroamedaboutfreely.Iobservedthatthestreetswerenarrowandwindingandthattherewasnodrainagesystemtospeakof.Thehouseslookedrustic
andthepalacelookedlikethelargehouseofamiddleclassfarmerinLanka.IwasnotimpressedbutIhadnotexpectedmuch.Thesewerebackwaters,culturallyand
economically,andyetthiswassupposedtobeoneofthebettercitiesinthenorth.Mostofthepeoplehadbrownhairandasicklyfaircomplexion,butmanyweredarkskinned
too.Ifoundmanydarkskinnedmenandwomanatthepalace.Theyhadperhapsusedsomeotherroad.These,Iguessed,weretheuntouchables.Thebetterdressed,fairones,
avoidedthesepatheticfiguresandthesemihumanuntouchablespatientlywaitedforthegreatmenandwomentopass.Whatsortofculturewasthis?Wouldsuchathingever
happeninmyrule?
Janakawasoneofthefewenlightenedkingsandyet,evenhewasnotfreefromthismalice.Iwasafarbetterking.OnlyRavanahadensuredaprosperousandjustsociety.
ItwaswithamixtureofprideandcontemptthatIenteredtheassemblywhereacuriousshapedbowlayatthecentre.Itstooheavytobeofanyuse.Ithought.
Manydignitarieswereseatedandonaraisedpedestal,inwhatappearedtobeawoodenthrone,amanofmyagesatwithimmensedignity.Onabalconyabovehim,Icouldsee
veiledfigures.Myheartleapt.Oneofthemcouldbemydaughter.Ifranticallytriedtocatchaglimpse.Whatwouldshelooklike?IcursedtheblastedDevacustomofkeeping
womanunderaveil.
Peopleconversedwitheachother.Iwasamazed.HowcouldtheytalkwhiletheirKingwaspresent?
KingJanakastoodupandeveryonewaitedforhispronouncement.Hisvoiceboomedacrossthelargehall.
Mightykingsandprinces,todayisanauspiciousday.
Todayistheswayamvaraofmybeloveddaughter,Sita.
Onlythemightiest,thebravest,andthemostskilledamongyou,willwinthehandofmybeautifuldaughtertoday.Hepaused.Ilookedaround.Manypotbelliedorscrawnymen
werealsosittingaroundinanxiousanticipation.Therulesofthecontestaresimple.Theheavybowherehastobeliftedandstrung.Gentlemen,itisnotaneasyjob.Thebowis
calledTriambakaandwasonceusedbyLordShivahimself.Theonewhoisabletoliftandstringit,willwinthehandofmydaughter.
Inearlychokedwithlaughter.HowdidthesepeoplegetholdofShivasbow?Shivasbow,myfoot!Perhapsitgavethemathrilltoimaginethatsomeonewouldbeabletolift
thebowofShiva,theprimevalAsuraKingandGod.
KingsandPrinces,beholdmydaughter.Janakasvoicestoppedmeshortinmymusings.Iwaitedintremblinganticipation.Ahushfellonthecrowd.Thenadoorwithlotsof
bellsonitjingledopenandatall,bejewelledfigurewalkedoutwithatrailofmaidsinherwake.IgrippedMarichashandstightly.Icouldfeelthemusclesofmyfacebofmy
fecometautwhilemyheartpoundedwildly.Shestoodthereinthemiddleofhundredsofmen,trembling,whilemanylustyeyesgreedilyassessedhertheprizeofastupid
contest.Oneofthemaidscameforwardandslowlyliftedherveilandthecrowdgasped.ShestoodtheresoradiantandlovelythatIalmostwept.Sita.Sheresembledhermother,
butherskinwasdark,thecolourofhoney.Shehadlong,blacktresses.Shewasmydaughter,anAsuraprincess.
Inoticedthattheprincesandkingsassessedherliketheyhadcometoacattlemarketandhavefoundtheirprizecow.Iburnedwithanger.Whatsortofcustomwasthis?An
innocentyounggirlinherprimeexposedtothelustfuleyesofoldmenwhocouldwinherinacontest?Whataboutherfeelings,herloves,herdreamsandwishes?Anyruffian
whohasenoughstrengthtoliftthatstupidbowcouldmarryher.Shewouldknownoneofthejoyofcourtingherhusband,therewouldbenowhisperedwordsoflove,nopangsof
separationandthesweetwaittoseeherloveronamoonlitnight.Marichaheldmefirm.InitiallyIhadresentedmyarrangedmarriagetoMandodariandcursedmyinterfering
mothermanytimes.Butwehadknowneachotherandspokenmanytimes.Thiswasuncivilized.
Icouldnottakemyeyesoffmydaughter,Sita.Shedemurelyliftedherheadandscannedthelustycrowdthathadassembled.Shedidnotpauseformorethanafewsecondson
anyoneface.Whenshestaredatme,myheartskippedabeat.ShestaredatmeintentlyandIwasafraid.Somethingtuggedinsideme.Wasitguiltorfear?Idontknowand
quicklylookedaway.WhenIlookedupagain,Isawherpeeringintentlyatayoungmanofabouteighteen.Hewasnoprince.Heworequiteordinaryclothing,buthadabow
thrownoverhisshoulderandhadhishairtiedinaknot.Hewastallandwelltonedandtherewassomethingarrestingabouthisappearance.Helookedcomposedandatpeace
withhimself.Forayoungboyofhisage,hiscomposurewasremarkable.
Isawmydaughterseyeslockwiththeboys.Sheblushedandherdarkfacelitwithadimple.Shelookeddownquickly,turned,andwalkedaway.Iwatchedthedarkskinnedboy
intently.Ifeltastrangejealousyandhatredrushthroughmyveins.Hemighthavesensedmyfeelingsforheturnedtolookatmeandsmiled.Irecoiled.Idonotknowwhyorhow,
butIknewthismanwasdangerous.Iwassurehewasgoingtowinmydaughter.Iwasafraidformydaughterandformyself.Iwantedtorushandprotectherfromharm.Iwanted
towhiskherawayandtakehertoLanka,awayfromthesebarbariansandtheirboorishcustoms.ButIstoodrooted,aloneinmyfearsandapprehensions,andprayedfora
miracletosavemydaughter.
AnoldBrahminwithaflowingwhitebeardstoodneartheboy.Anotheryoungman,withaperpetualscowlonhisface,lookedatme.Whenmyeyesmethis,hegavemesucha
lookofpurehatredthatIwinced.
Howdidtheyoungmustersomuchconfidenceandarrogancesoearly?Itoo,hadbeenyoungoncebutIhadneverhadthiskindofconfidenceorarrogance.Ihadalwaysbeen
humbleanddeferentialtowardsmyelders.
Thecontestbegan.Onebyone,thecontenderscameforward,triedtolifttheheavybow,andfailed.
Afterwatchingafewofthem,Irealizedthatthebowhaddifferentweightsoneitherend.Thecorrectwaytoholdithadtobethoughtaboutfirstandthenattempted.
Soon,alltheinviteeshadtriedandfailed.Therewasadisturbingsilenceintheroom.ButIwasrelieved.Nobrutecouldmarrymydaughternow.Itwastimetorevealmyidentity
toJanakaandclaimmydaughter.IwouldtakehertoLankaandgiveheralifebefittinganAsuraprincess.ShewouldmarrywhoshelovedorIwouldfindagoodmatchforher.I
wouldconfesstoMandodariandaskforherforgiveness.OnlyIcouldanlyIcotoneforallthefolliesofmyyouth.Isteppedforward.
IfeltthecrowdstaringatmeasIwalkedtowardstheking.ButthenIrealizedmymistake.EveryonethoughtItoowasacontenderandJanakalookedatmehopefullyandthen
frowned.HemusthavethoughtIwastoooldforhisdaughter.Iwasonlyfortysix,butinasocietywheregirlsweremarriedatsix,Iwasancient.
IstoppedwhenIwasnearthebow.Iwascurious.Itouchedit,runningmyfingersoveritscurves.Igrippedit.IthadpoorworkmanshipandIwassurethisbowcouldneverbe
strung.Itwouldbreakifanyonewasabletoliftit.Shivadefinitelycouldnothaveusedthisinferiorproduct.Janakamusthavepickeditupfromsomeschoolofarmamentswere
traineespractisedmakingbows.Thiswasanimperfectsampleandthesepeoplewereconductingacontesttoselloffmydaughterwiththis?
Sir,ifyouwanttotry,youshouldhurry,aministercalledout.Istaredathimevenly.WhatwouldIdoifIliftedit?Marrymyowndaughter?Thenthedarkandhandsomeyoung
mancameforwardandbowedtotheking.Ilookedup.Sitahadremovedherveilandsatwaitinginanxiousanticipation.Apartofmyheartwantedthisyoungmantowin.My
daughterwouldgetahusbandsheliked,ifnotloved.AnotherdarkcornerofmymindkepttellingmethatSitawouldneverbehappywiththisman.Iwascertainthatevenifthe
youngmansucceededinliftingthebow,itwouldbreakifhetiredtostringit.Ifthathappened,Sitawouldbespared,atleasttemporarily.Iwaitedforhim.
YourHighness!IamRama,PrinceofAyodhya,firstbornsonofKingDasratha.TheyoungmanbowedtoKingJanaka.Ayodhya?hmm...wherehadIheardthatnamebefore..
.possiblyoneofthosesmallandirrelevantpastoralprincipalitiesthatdottedthedustynorthernplain.Thenitstruckme.
KingAnarnya...andmycampaign.OhGod!Thatdreadfullittleonehorsetown,notevenhalfthesizeofMithila.Irememberedhowprimitivetheplacewas.Ihadfinishedoffthe
lastkinglongago,hadntI?Theseplainssproutedkingslikemushrooms!
Imovedback.Ramawalkedaroundthebowtwoorthreetimes,observingitkeenly.Iwasimpressed.
Thischapwasintelligentandresourceful.Hehadnotrushedintoshowoffhisstrength.Hemeasuredthebowfromoneendtotheotherwiththetipofhismiddlefingerand
thumb.Thenhefoundaspotthreefingersabovethemiddleandwithonesmoothmotion,liftedthebow.Healmoststaggeredwiththeweightbutgotbackhisbalancequickly.I
begantoperspire.Wouldhedoit?Thebowshouldbreak,ifmyknowledgeofarmswastobetrusted.Itcouldnotbestrung.IlookedatSita.Shewastense,withherpalms
togetherinasilentprayer.
Ramatookthestringfromthebottomandtriedtotieittothetop.Hismusclesweretautandhisfaceshowedthestressoftheeffort.Iwatchedfascinated.
Thisboywasagoodwarrior.MaybealmostasgoodasMeghanada.ThebowbentandRamawoundthefirstroundofstring.Icouldfeelthetensionintheair.
Everyonewatchedtheyoungmanperformtheimpossible.Miraculously,thebowheld.Icouldnotfathomhow.Ismyknowledgesorusty?Ilookedawayfromthetautfigureof
thePrinceofAyodhyatomydaughter,andinthatinstantIheardasmallcreak.Iturnedbackquickly.Myhearckly.Mytraced.Iknewthatsound.Thenextinstantthebowbroke
intotwowithawhiplikecrack.Ramalookedconfoundedforaminute.Everyonewastoostunnedtospeak.Iwasecstatic.Noonecouldstringthebow.IcouldnowtakeSitaaway
toLanka.IlookedatMaricha,buthesadlyshookhishead.Iwasconfusedandraisedaneyebrowinquestion.
Thenadeafeningcheerroseallaroundme.IwatchedindismayandshockasmydaughterapproachedthePrinceofAyodhyaandgarlandedhim.
Fromthatmoment,SitaandRamawerehusbandandwife.Tearswelledupinmyeyes.IlookedattheyoungcoupleandcouldseethehappinessandprideinRamaseyesat
theunexpectedvictory,andtheprize.Itupsetme.Youdonotdeserveher,youngman,Iwantedtoshout.ThenIsawpureandinnocentloveinSitaseyesandfelthelpless.What
rightdidIhavetodestroythehappinessshefelt?Daughter,Ihavefailedyou.Ihopedshewouldbehappywiththemanshelovesomuch.Ihopedhewouldtreatherwithlove
andrespectandreciprocateherlove.Ihopedhewouldbeworthyofher.Ihadnorightsovermydaughter,butIprayedforherhappiness.Somethingtoldmethatthemanshe
hadchosen,ormorecorrectlythemanwhohadwonherasaprize,wouldonlymakehersad.IhopedIwaswrong.
ButIwouldkeepaprotectivewatchoverherfromnowon.ShewasthedaughterofthemostpowerfulEmperoronearth.IfIeverfoundthatthemanwasnotworthyofher,Iwould
whiskherawaytomypalace,mybosom,andprotectherfromallharm.Iturnedandpushedmywayoutthroughthethrongingcrowds.Iemergedsweatingandtired,unableto
controlmytears.ItriedtopushSitafrommymindandcursedmyselfforhavingcomeonthistrip.
IretracedmystepstowherewehadhiddenthePushpaka.IwastiredofthisDevakingdomandtheirstrangepractices.IwantedtogetbacktoLanka,tomywife,mysons,andmy
people.IreachedthehidingplaceandonlythenrealizedthatMarichawasnotwithme.Marichacamealittlelater.Iwasstillworriedaboutmydaughter.Atleastherhusband
seemedtobeacapablewarrior.Letsseehowthingsturnedout.IcouldnotshakeoffthedarkpremonitionsIfeltasIclimbedintothePushpakaandmotionedMarichatofollow.
Tellourentirenetworktokeepawatchonthem,Maricha.Keepaneyeontheboy.Watchhimclosely,ItoldMarichaandhenoddedgravely.
Weshouldnthavewaitedthislongtotakeherhome,Marichasaid.Ifeltthesame.Buttherewasnousethinkingaboutthatnow.
WereachedLankaintwodays.IconfessedtoMandodarimyaffairwiththeDevaBrahminwoman.ItwasdifficultbutItoldhereverything.Itoldheraboutourdaughterandthe
fearIfeltforher.Sheweptatmybetrayal,butforgaveme.IhadafeelingMandodarihadknownaboutitallalongbuthadnotbroughtupthesubject.Myconfessionwasgoodfor
bothofus.Ihadthefeelingthatfromthatdayon,sherespectedmemore.Mandodaritoldmesheyearnedtohaveourdaughterback,butsinceshewasalreadymarried,itwould
bebettertoleaveherwithherhusband.Ifinallysleptpeacefully.
Aspromised,IwatchedSitaclosely.IlearnedwithdismaythatRamahadthrownawayhisinheritancebecausehisstepmotherwantedherownsontobeking.
ShehadextractedapromisefromDasarathathathewouldsendawayhiseldestsontothewildernessforfourteenyearsandmakeherson,Bharata,king.Mysoninlaw,thefool
thathewas,volunteeredtoabdicatehisclaimandvanishedindvanishtothewilderness.
ThoughthepeopleofAyodhyawantedRamatobetheirking,heignoredthewishesofthemassestosatisfyhishenpeckedfather.IhatedRamaforhisfalseegoandeagerness
toprovehisselfrighteousnesstotheworld.Iwouldneverunderstandhislogic.Andhowcouldhisfatherhavemadesuchanunfairpromise?Akingcouldnotactlikethat.Itwas
againstRajaDharma.Astheheir,itwasRamasdutytoriseagainstthekingwhohadactedunjustly.Heshouldhaveoverthrownhisfatherandassumedthekingship.Instead,
heabdicatedinfavourofhisstepbrother.Andhisotherbrother,Lakshmana,followedhimintothewild.Andnowmybeautifuldaughterhadbeendraggedalongwiththem.

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Iinstructedmysoldierstoprotectthetriofromenemiesandkeepmeinformed.IlearntthatRamaroamedalloverIndiaandmanytimesmyspiessawSitacryingsilently,all
alone.IsuspectedthatLakshmanawasanunculturedbruteandwasalwaysafraidhewouldharmmydaughter.Butmyfearsweremisplaced.
Lakshmanaappearedtobedevotedtohisbrotherandsisterinlaw.Meanwhile,LankaprosperedandIintroducedmanyreforms.ButSitacontinuedtooccupymythoughts.Iwas
worried.Thenoneday,Soorpanakhacamerunningtomycourt.Thetimehadcome.

39ReturnoftheAsura
Princess
Bhadra
IamalmostfiftynowandIhadgrownbaldandlostthestrengthofmylimbsandmymindaswell.Eachdaywaslikeanyotherday.Itdawned,Iwokeanddidmychores,ate,
imaginedthebeautifulgirlsIhadseenatsomepointinmylife,broodedoverthewaythingsweregoing,drank,complainedabouttheaffairsoftheworld,boredlistenerswiththe
realandimaginedfeatsofmyyouth,andcollapsedontomybedattheendoftheday,towakeagainthenextday.Andthecyclecontinued.
Ravanasrevolutionhadgivenusnothing.Wewereperhapsslightlybetteroff.Maybeevenmorecivilized.
Butwehadbeenputinourplaceandquicklylearnthowtobehave.Therewerethenobles,andthentherewerealltheothers.Thereweretheprivilegedones,andthenus.As
longaswekepttoourplace,wecouldlive.Butmanyamongus,throughenterprise,luck,andagreatdealofsycophancy,hadmanagedtorise.Mostofmyearliercompanionsin
thearmycontinuedtobedirtpoorlikeme.Butafewhadbecomereallyimportant.
ThemostirritatingthingwashowtheBrahminshadgrowninrecentyears.Afterthefailedcoupandthebutcherincident,therewasatemporaryhalttoBrahminscomingsouth.
Andtherewerefewerfollowersfortheirreligion.Butnotlongafterwards,theybeganseepingbackin.Ravanahadbythistimedevelopedhisownideasabouthowagreatking
shouldbehave.AgroupofBrahmins,ledbytheirholymanAgastya,requestedasylumintheAsurakingdom.Prahasthaopposedgivingthemrefugeandtherewasmuch
resentmentamongthepublicaswell.ButRavana,inhiskinglywisdom,decidedtograntthemasylum.
Forafewyears,AgastyaandhisherdofBrahminsstayedoutofthecitiesandledaquietexistence.Theykepttothemselvesandgaveusnotrouble.Agastyawouldgoandplead
withRavanatoallowthemtosetupvillagesinsideourkingdom,almosteveryday.
Vibhishanaalsothrewhisweightbehindtheirrequest.
Eventually,theybuiltvillagesonthewestandeastcoastsofsouthIndia,includingontheislandofLanka.Itstartedasatrickle.Thefairskinned,plump,Brahminsslowlyformed
theirownlittleislandsinallthemajortownsandcitiesoftheempire.Andbeforeweknewwhathadhappened,theyhadoccupiedalltheimportantpositionsinthecivilservices,
takenoverthetemples,andeffectivelypush^edoutallothersfromlucrativeandimportantpositions.
Ravanabelievedthattoberespectedintheworld,hehadtobeasecularkingandtreateveryreligionwithrespectandtolerance.TheidealsforwhichmanyAsuraslikemehad
fought,wereforgotten.Hewenttotheextentofsayingthattheminoritieshadequalrightsoverthecountrysresources,andasKing,hewasdutyboundtoprotectthem.
Thepeoplefumed.AfterfightingforAsuragloryandsacrificingeverythinginquestoftheidealAsuraempire,wasthiswhatwedeserved?Itseemedthatonlytherightsofthe
minoritiesandtheirreligiousfeelingsmatteredandoursdidnot.ThankstotheBrahmins,beef,astaplefoodoftheAsuras,wasbanned.Brahminscouldenterourtemplesand
abuseoursimpleGods,orworsecouldtakeoverthetemple,ifthemoneycollectionhappenedtobegood.Eventuallytheywouldntevenallowustoenterourowntemples.We
were,afterall,impure.Therightsoftheminoritybecameanobsessionwiththerulingclass.ThereweremanyconversionsfromAsuratotheDevareligion,evenwhenobstinate
pigslikemerefusedtobeconverted.
AfterthatincidentwhenAthikayaandIwerealmostbeatentodeathattheduel,Inolongerwantedtogotothepalace.Iwastiredofbeingadoormat.Iwantedtostartmyown
businessagainbuttheplacenolongerexisted.TheyhadwidenedtheroadandgardenshadcomeupwheremyoldBanyantreehadstood.Trikotaexpandedonallsidesand
weweredrivenfurtherandfurtheraway.MenwhotravelledsaidthatthecitywasmorebeautifulthanthemainportcityofMuzaris.Butforpeoplelikeme,thingshadnotchanged.
Wewerestilleyesoresandhadtobehiddenfrompeoplewhomattered.Buttheyneededustoo.Afterall,whoelsewouldhavetendedtheirgardensbecometheirmaidsand
nanniesdrawnwaterandhewnwoodforthemswepttheirstreetsandcarriedawaytheirnightsoil?So,whiletheydidnotlikeus,theytoleratedus.Welearnthowtobecome
invisible.Mostofuswouldperformourchoresandvanishbeforethecitywoke.Andlifewenton.Ithadbeenalmostfourteenyearssincetheyhadbeatenmysonandme.
WhenTrikotaexpandedandgrew,Imovedwithmywifetoasmallhutmanymilessouthofthecity,andtriedmyhandatfarming.Iclearedsomejungleanddecidedtocultivate
pepperandcardamom.Ididnothaveseeds,soItooksomeonloanfromthelocalmoneylender.Andthenwebeganweavingourdreamsofbecomingrich.Aftersometime,
thosedreamsweredilutedtodreamsoflivingcomfortably.Later,weonlydreamedofmakingendsmeet,thenofeatingatleastonemealaday.Wedreamedofsomehowgetting
freefromthetangleofdebt.Finally,wegaveupdreamingaltogether.
Butthenoblescontinuedtoprosper.Theydazzledtheworldwiththeirwealthwhichtheyshowedoffwithpompandpride.AnditwassaidthatunderRavanasreign,theAsura
kingdomprosperedatagreatrate.Itwastrue.Theeliteprospered,sothecountryprospered.
Diditreallymatterifthemajoritystruggledorfarmerscommittedsuicidetoescapetheusurers?Weweretheinvisiblepeopleanddidnotcount.Itooksolaceinthefactthatmy
countrywasoneofthefastestgrowingcountriesintheworld.Notthatitfilledmystomach,butithelpedmetobragandittickledmyego.Ihadmanyfriendslikemyself.Wegot
drunkeverydayinthelocal,shabbyhauntsandraisedtoaststotheprosperityofourKingandtheAsuraempire.
Thatdaywasjustlikeanyotherday.Hot,humid,dullandboring.ItwasabreezelesseveningandIhadalmostpassedoutfromdrinkingcountlesspitchersofpalmtoddyinthe
localtoddyshack.Ididnotwanttogohome.
Itwascomfortablehere.Forgetthemoneylenderandforgetthecrops.AlsotheKingandthenoblesandalltheBrahmins.IfIcouldmanagecouldmtosithereawhile,somefool
woulddropinandbuymeadrink.SoIsatthere,listeningtospicytalesabouttheprincessSoorpanakhaandhersexualadventuresandtheinsultshehadsufferedfromsome
renegadeforestdwellers,whowererumouredtobeNagasorVanarasorDevas,whohadcutoffherbreastsandnoseafterrapingher.
PeoplealsosaidRavanawasgoingtowageahugewartoavengetheinsultmetedouttohissister.Itwasthenthatweheardthedeafeningsoundoftheflyingmachine.
Weallranout.Therewasahugecrowdlookingskywards.Ijostledforavantagepointaspeoplepushedandshovedallaround.Thetrafficonthestreetshadcometoastandstill.
WasthemadprofessorMayaathisaerialacrobaticsagain?
Thenahugegaspwentthroughthecrowd.IcouldseetheprofileofagrimfacedRavana,concentratinghardtocontrolthecomplicatedmachinery,asthehugeironbirdswept
overus.Butwhatmademyhangovervanish,wasthesightofthehuddledfigureofawoman,withherheadbend,andevidentlycrying,astheironbirdsweptoverthehowling
crowd.Intheredglowofthesettingsun,thelovelyfaceoftheladywasclear.Ashudderpassedthroughme.Itwasafacefrommylongforgottenpast.WasitMandodari?She
lookedexactlylikethequeenhadwhenshewasyoung,butpossessedamuchdarkerskintone.Shelookedexactlythesamealltheseyearslater.WhatwastheKinguptothis
time?Ididnotknow.Ionlyknewthefearthatcreptovermefrommytoes.InstinctivelyIknewtherewasgoingtobetroublebigtrouble.

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40AdieuMaricha!
Ravana
Marichawasdead.Actually,hehadbeenbrutallymurderedandIwasresponsibleforit.Ihadfailedhim.
Ithadbeenafoolishschemefraughtwithdanger.Likeanadventurousteenager,Ihadrecklesslyjumpedinandlosthiminthebargain.Hehadadvisedmeagainstit.Itookaway
mydaughterfromRama,butsacrificedmybeloveduncle.Thinkingback,theentiremissionwasfoolish.Ihadinstantlyreactedtothesightofabreastless,noselessand
screamingSoorpanakha,atmydurbar,thepreviousevening.
Theentireassemblyhadbeenstunned.Forsomeminuteswedidnotcomprehendwhatshewasblabberingabout.Shehadbeenhystericalandinastateofshock,andtook
almosthalfanhourtomakesomesense.WhenIunderstoodwhatshesaid,Iburnedwithrage.Howdarethatinsignificantmanlayhandsonmysister?Andshelookedso
pathetic.Shehadneverbeenabeauty,eveninheryouth,butnow,inherlatethirties,withhernosecutoff,shelookedhideous.Sherambledabouthowshehadfoundalovely
womanroamingthejunglewithtwomenandhadmerelyaskedwhethertheladywouldbewillingtobethewifeofherbrother,theAsuraEmperor.Atthat,theyoungermanhad
pouncedonheranddonewhatwasvisibletoeveryonenow.ShehowleduntilIlostmytemperandhitheracrossherface.Thenshestoppeddead.Itriedmakingamendsby
puttingmyhandsonhershoulders,butshestormedout,cursingmeandlamentingthatshehadsuchaspinelessbrother.
Ismartedfromtheinsulttomysister.ButmoreshamefulwasthefactthatIhadasisterlikeher.Ihadkeptawatchonherwhenshehadmovedinwithourdistantcousins,Khara
andDushana,whoweretwoofmyvassalkingswhosepettykingdomsborderedthenorthernDevalands.InitiallyIhadbeenamusedatthenumberofmenshebeddedbutwas
laterdisgusted.ItwasnotacrimeaccordingtoAsurasociallaw,butthetimeshadchanged.SomeDevaliketenetsofmoralityhadbrushedontomeaswell.Ithadprobably
beenwhilechasingaman,thatshehadcomeacrossthetwomenandthewoman,whoIwasquitesure,weremydaughter,soninlawandhisbrother.Soorpanakhawas,of
course,unawareoftherelationship,elseshewouldhavetoldmeadifferentlie.
Anotherthoughtworriedme.Howsafewasmydaughterwiththesedangerousmen?IwasinnomoodtocontinuethedurbarsoIdismissedtheassemblyandretiredtomy
privatechambers.IcalledforMandodariandtoldhermydecision.Itwasnoteasy.
ShewasnothappywhensheheardwhatIplannedtodo.ButItoldherthatIcouldnotleaveourdaughterwithmenwhocutoffawomansearsandnose.Iwasconcernedabout
hersafety.ThenMandodariadvisedtodeclarewarandcaptureSita.Ilaughedattheideaofwagingawaragainsttwoinsignificantmen.Itwastoomuchtroubleandtoo
expensive.IknewwhatIwasgoingtodoandtherewasnoturningback.
ItoldMarichatheplan.HedidntthinkwellofitandtoldmethatIwasbeingemotionalandchildish.Iwaslivid.Icouldseethehurtandpainintheoldmanseyes,buthe
continuedtoarguewithme.IwassofuriousthatIdecidedtocarryoutthemissionalone.
Finally,heagreedtogoalongwithmyplanandwetooktotheskiesinsearchofmydaughter.
Whilewewereflyingnorth,Marichatriedtodissuademeagain.Iignoredhim.YoucouldkillRamaandhisbrotherandbringSitabackaftertellingherthetruthaboutherbirth.
hesaid.ButIdidnotwanttokillRama.MydaughterwasdevotedtohimandIdidnotwanttocauseheranysorrow.IonlyplannedtokeepSitainLankatillRamasvoluntary
exilewasover.ShecouldthenjoinhimwhenheassumedtheKingshipofhispettykingdom.Secretly,IhopedthatonceIhadbroughthertoLankaandshehadseenherfathers
dazzlinghome,shewouldpersuadeherhusbandtostaywithus.
ItwasntthatIhadsuddenlydevelopedalikingfortheman,butIwaswillingtoaccepthim.IwasevenreadytogiveRamaaportionofmynorthernempireButthingsstarted
goingawryrightfromthestart.
WhenwereachedtheplacewhereRamahadcampedwithhisbrotherandSita,itwasearlyinthemorning.
Theforestlookedidyllic.Haditbeenanyotheroccasion,Iwouldhaveforgottenallmyworries,satdownwithmybrushandpalmleafandcopiedthelovelysecretsthejungle
heldsoclose.Asoftcurtainofmisthungoverthetreesandeverybladeofgrassglistenedinthesoft,radiantsunlight.Asmall,thatchedhutsatperchedonagentleinclinewhich
ledtoagurglingstream.Thousandsofbutterfliesofallhuesflutteredabout.Goldensunlightdrizzledthroughthelittleholesthatappearedanddisappearedasthetreecanopies
gentlyswayedinthecoolbreeze.Birdsandcrickets,buzzinghoneybeesanddragonflies,alladdedtothepleasantcacophonyofthejungle.Antelopesgrazedlazily,whilehares
sniffedsuspiciouslyattheglisteningedgesofgrassanddartedhereandthereaimlessly.Andonarock,likeaGoddessoftheforest,Sita,mydaughter,satlostinsomedream,
herhandscrossedlazilyathernavel,thesmoothdarkskinofherlegsglisteningwiththedropletsofwaterthatthestreamhadplayfullythrownup.
AtaponmyshoulderbyMarichabroketheenchantment.ThenIsawthesceneforwhatitreallywas.Thiswasenemyterritory.Theenemywouldbenear.IfIencounteredRama,I
wouldhavetokillhim.
Contrarytowhatmyspiesreported,Sitaseemedhappyenough.Thosecowards!TheytoldmewhatIwantedtohear.TheymusthaveguessedthatIwasinterestedinthegirl.I
couldhearsnatchesofconversationnonversatiwandlookedinthedirectionMarichawasgazingin.Twomenappearedfromthewoods.Theylookedlikehuntersandwithastart
IrealizedtheywereRamaandhisbrother,Lakshmana.
ThebrothershadgrowndarkerandoldersinceIhadlastseenthemalmostfourteenyearsago.Tomyeyestheylookeddarkandugly,thoughRamasfacestillhadsomeinner
radiance.HowcouldDevaprincesbesodarkskinned?EvenIwasfairer.
IwilldistractRama,awayfromtheprincess.Ithinkyoucanhandletheyoungerone,Marichawhisperedinmyearandvanishedintothewoodsinaflash.Iwantedtotellhim
thatIcouldhandlethemboth,buthehadgone.ThatwasthelasttimeIsawhim.AsIsaid,itwasafoolishandhastyplan,quiteuncharacteristicofathoroughmanlikeMaricha.
AnditwasntasifIlackedexperienceeither.Butthatday,callitdestiny,callitfate,butmistakeskeptpilingup.Ihadbeenwaitingforalmosttwohoursandwasgettingimpatient.
ShouldIrushinandknockthemdownandtakemydaughteraway?IhadalmostdecidedtodothiswhenIsawasuddenflashofbrillianceontheotherbankofthestream.I
watchedfascinated.Itwasagoldendeer.Onlyitsfrontandcurvedhornswerevisible,butitlookedlikeacreaturefromparadise.Itgaveasoft,melodiousbarkandvanishedinto
thebush.
ThetwomenandSitaquicklyturnedandlookedatthesourceofthenoise.Therewasperfectsilenceinthejungleapartfromtherustleoftheleavesinthebreezeandthe
chirpingofbirds.Thenthegoldendeersprungupagainandvanishedintothebushes.Sitaletoutacryofjoy.IsawthatLakshmanahaddrawnhisbow,thearrowpointing
towardsthebush.ForafewmomentsRamaandSitawatchedfascinated.Afterwhatseemedtobeaverylongtime,thedeerpeepedoutagain.Anarrowsprangfrom
Lakshmanasbowandpiercedthetreeunderwhichthedeerhadbeenafewsecondsago.
Theembeddedarrowvibrated.Ilookedathimwithnewrespect.Hemaybeuncultured,butheisagoodarcherandhasbeenwelltrained,Ithought.Ialmostlaughedaloud.I
knewitwasMarichawhowasthedeerandthathewastoogoodtobeshot.Marichamusthavekilledadeerandskinneditandwashidingbehindit.Itwasabrilliantandsimple
camouflage.IcouldseeSitachidingLakshmanaandthenbeseechingRamatocatchthedeerforher.Isawhimhesitateforsometimeandthenstarttowardsthedeershiding
place.Ashewasabouttoreachtheoppositebank,thedeerdartedawayatgreatspeedandRamascrambledtotheothershore.

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HeshoutedtoLakshmanatotakecareofSitawhilehewentinpursuitofthedeer.
IthoughtoftakingLakshmanawithawellaimedarrow.Iwassorelytempted,butthatwasnothowrealmenfought.Hidingbehindatreeandshootinganunsuspectingenemy,
wasaeunuchswayoffighting.IwasanAsuraandanEmperor.Suchactswerenotpartofmycharacterandwentagainstmysenseoffairplayandjustice.ButhadIknownthen
whatlevelsRamaandhisbrotherwerecapableofstoopingto,Iwouldhavesurelyfinishedthemoffthereandthen.Iwasafoolandshouldhavetakentheopportunitywhileit
presenteditself.SoIlieherenow,betrayedandcheated,bleedingandbeingeatenbyrodents,slainbylessermenwhouseddubiousmeanstokillandwin.PerhapsIdeserved
thisfate,forfatehadhandedmethechancetofinishoffthesetwomenandIhadfrittereditawaytofeedmyegowithtalkoffairplayandjustice.Ihadthewrongmentorsinmylife
andthatwasmyfailing.IhadmenlikeBali,theepitomeofjusticeandintegrity,andMahabali,whothrewawayanempireforthesakeoftruth,asmygurus.SoItoometthesame
fateasthem.
HadIfinishedofIfinishfthosetwothen,IcouldhavesavedthetearsofmanymenandwomenwhohadputtheirtrustinmeandbelievedthatIwouldprotectthemfromevil.
Whenmyhandstrembledthatday,IknewIhadfailedinlife.Butlyinghere,bathedinmybloodandthatofmykinsmenhavinglitthefuneralpyreofmybelovedchildrenandlost
whateverIhadstrivenforoveralifetimeIknewthatifthesamesituationweretoarise,withRamaandLakshmanaaseasytargetsandIstoodhiddenbehindatreewith
poisonedarrowdrawntaut,Istillwouldnotshootthem,oranyoneelse.Thatwasthecowardsway.PerhapsthatwaswhyIwasfatedtodienow,butIwouldsowithmyhead
heldhigh.Ifeltnothingbutsorrowforthemanwhohadstoopedsolowtoattaingodhood.Rama,wasitworthit?Thebloodyouhaveshedwillhauntyouandthiscountryfor
years,longafterafterallofushavegone.YoukeepthegodhoodyougainedthroughunfairmeansandIllkeepmymanhoodanddieawarriorsdeath.
AsIsattheredebatingwithmyselfwhethertofinishoffLakshmanaornot,Iheardabloodchillingcry.
LakshmanaandSitaheardittooandwewereallshocked.Irecognizedthatvoice.ButIdidnotknowthenthatitwasthedeathcryofmybeloveduncle.Ifroze,notknowingwhat
todo.Itriedtoreasonthatitmusthavebeenpartoftheplan.IheardSitacryoutandthenLakshmanasraisedvoice.Isawhimsetoffinthedirectionhisbrotherhadtaken.StillI
hesitated.ShouldIfollowhimandrescueMarichaifheisinrealdanger?ButMarichawasaveteran.Hecouldtakecareofhimself.Imovedfastthen.IhidmyweaponsasIdid
notwanttofrightenher.Iremovedmyjewelsandbundledtheminaknotatmywaist.Withtheparallelashmarksalreadyonmyforehead,likeanydevoteeofShiva,butwithout
myroyalornaments,IknewIlookedlikeahermitseekingalms.
Iwasclosetoherwhensheturnedandlookedatme.Withthoselovely,darkeyesfocusedonme,alumpformedinmythroat.Iwantedtotouchherandtakeherinmyarms.
&aposSita,mydaughter!Sita,mylittledaughter.&aposIturnedawayandstoodwithmyeyesclosed.Iwantedtokillmyself.WhyhadIforsakenher?WhyhadIforgottenher?I
hadlostherentirechildhood.WhyhadInotattackedMithilaandtakenherback?PerhapsifIhadtoldJanakathetruth,thebloodshedcouldhavebeenavoided.Janakawas
oneofthenoblestoftheDevakings,learnedandwise,hemayhavereturnedmydaughtertome.ButIdidnottrustherhusband.Icouldnotforgivewhatthetwobrothershad
donetomysister.SitawasnotsafewiththemandanAsuraprincessandthedaughterofRavana,couldnotwasteherliferoamingaboutintheforests,livingthelifeofabeggar.
AllIhadachievedandearned,thegoldenLanka,theentireAsuraempire,washers.Butwhatifshespurnedmyriches,mykingdom,mylove?Iwasafraidofthedeepdevotion
andloveshecherishedforherhusband.IwasafraidIwouldunleashthesupernaturalpowersofthatastrologicalpredictionoflongago.Iwasafraidofthedyingwordsof
Vedavathi.
Then,assuddenlyastheyhadcome,theunnaturalfeelingsvanished.Withaprayerinmymind,Iturnedback,onlytofindthatshehadvanished.Shehadgoneintothehutto
bringmealms.Shecametowardsmeandlookedformybowl.ButIpulledhertowardsme,circledhernarrowwaistwithmyhands,liftedherovermyshoulder,andrantowhereI
hadhiddenPushpaka.
Sitawastooshockedtoreactintheinitialmoments,butafterafewsecondsshestartedtocryoutandfightme.
Shescratchedmyfaceandbackwithhernails.Icouldfeelbloodtricelbloodklingdown.IfeltastrangeelationinthinkingthatIdeserveditallforhavingabandonedher,for
believinginsomeunscientificpredictionandbeingafraidofmyowndaughter,andforthethingsIhadnotgivenherasafather.
FinallyIdumpedherintotheflyingmachineandboltedthedoor.ThenIwaitedforMaricha.Iwaitedtillthesunhadalmosttravelledthreefourthofthedistanceintheskytowards
thewest.Exceptforthesobsescapingmydaughterandthewildcriesofbirdsandanimalsinthedistance,theforestgaveoutnoothersound.Ididnotwanttoleavehertogoin
searchofMaricha.Finally,withaheavyheart,anddreadingfacingmyaunt,IgotbackintoPushpakaandbeganthejourneybacktoLanka
Thejourneybackwashell.Abigbird,ahugevulture,becameentangledinthehugefansthatpropelledPushpaka.Itwasaterrifyingmoment.Themachinestartedlosingaltitude
rapidlyasthefanstalledandwehurtleddownwardslikeastone.Theearthrusheduptoholdusinherdeathlyembrace.Thebirdstruggledforitslifeandgotevenmore
entangled.Instupefiedfascination,Iwatcheddeathrushupatus.SitasscreamwokemefrommystuporandIdrewmyswordandtriedtohackoffthebird.ThePushpaka
wobbled.Thensuddenly,themachinetippedandsomersaultedandbegantofall,upsidedown.Sitasliddownandalmostdroppedtoherdeath,butIgrabbedherwaistwithone
hand.Myswordhadfallenfree.Anotherturnanditwouldhavecuteitherofusonitswaydown.SitahungoutofthePushpakaasthewindscreamedpast.Ipulledherinwithone
mightytugandthemachinewobbledsomemore.Allthishappenedwithinseconds.ThenIfastenedmyhandsaroundthemydaughtersnarrowwaistandpulledupmy
Chandrahasawithoneleg.Withtheswordinonehand,Ihackedthebirdwithdesperateabandonandsawpiecesofitfallingdown.TheearthapproachedfastandIcouldclearly
seetheleavesofthetrees.Ihackedatthebirdwithallmystrength,whilethemachineswungwildly.Ifthesailscamelose,wewouldhavetoleavethislife.
Finally,thebird,orwhatwasleftofit,felloff.Weweresprayedwithitsblood.Istretchedanddesperatelypulledtheleverstolevelthemachine.Thefanswerenotrotating.I
pushedandpulled,butithadstalled.ThetalltreesweresocloseIcouldseethebirdsflutteringawayinfrightoftheapproachinggiant,ironbird.Thiswasit,Ithought,an
ignobledeathinthemiddleofnowhere,thattoo,whenIhavegotmydaughterback!mylifeflashedbeforemyeyes.Iwatchedhelplessly.AsuddensobfromSitastartledme.
No,Icannotletherdie.Sheisyoung,attheprimeofherlife.DidIrescueherfromherhusbandonlytogetherkilled?Withallmymight,Ijerkedtheleverupanddownandfinally
thefansputtered.Ipulledandpushedoncemore,andwithashudder,thefanstartedrotating.
Iclosedmyeyesinreliefonlytoopenthemagaininsuddenterror.No,itwastoolate!Thebladeswerechoppingthetreetops.Wouldwemakeit?OhShiva!Slowly,soslowly,
themachinegainedaltitude.
Wewereafewfeetabovethetallesttree.Ikeptpushingitup.Tenfeet...twenty...andjustwhenIthoughtwehadmadeit,Isawahugerockloomingahead.Wewereheading
straightintoit.Wouldweclearit?Isweatedprofuselyandmyfingersached.Theboulderwasonlytwentyfeetawaynow,butIstillhadtogainthirtyfeettoclearthetop.Thefan
almosttouchedtherock.AndjustasIthoughtwewouldcrashintoit,Pushpakaclearedtherockwithinchestospare.
IkeptgainingaltitudeandwhenIfinallyreachedcruisingheight,Ifoldedupthefanandsetupthesails.Ifellbackexhaustedandrelieved.MydaughtersatlikeastoneandIfelt
sorryforher.ThenIrememberedMaricha.Ihadlosthim.Ithitmelikeabolt.Inourownsilentworldsofgriefandloss,fatheranddaughter,sonearandyetsofar,flewtoLanka.
IcouldseethewideeyedsurpriseinSitasfacewhenthefirstsightofLankacaughtherattention.Foramomentsheforgothergrief.Myheartswelledwithpride.Iwantedtoshow
herwhatgloriesIhadinstoreforher.Sita,mydaughter,beholdyourLanka!
Therewasthegoldenpalacewhereshewoulddwell.Iwantedhertolookatthegardensandsmellthefreshseatheglitteringmarketsandgreenpaddyfieldstheswaying
coconutpalmsandspicegardensmywideroyalboulevardsandtoweringcastlesandpalaces.Letherseeitallandcompareitwiththemeaslyhomeherhusbandcalleda
palace.ButIwassilent.Ijustwatchedhereyesfilledwithwonder,asthesettingsunreflectedoffthegoldendomeofmypalaceandIdirectedtheironbirdintoanuneventful
landing.Beforethefancouldcompletelystop,Ijumpedout,forgettingallaboutSita.
Mandodarihadcomerunning,followedbyTrijataandMeghanada.Theywerecurioustoseeourguest.
MyauntsearchedforherhusbandbutIavertedmyeyes.ThedreadedmomenthadcomeandIdidnotknowwhattosay.Ifeltnumb.Marichawasdead.Thatwasthenakedtruth
aboutmyillfatedadventure.
Somewheredeepinsidetheforest,theoldmanlaydead.
Ihadlefthimtothemercyofthosetwobarbarians.Atthetime,Ihadnotthoughtofhim,ortheselflessloveandthesacrificeshehadmadetomakemeintowhatIhadbecome.I
hadheardhiscryandyetIdidnotmove.
IheardRamasarrowpiercethetiredoldskinandknewthateveninthefinalmomentsofhislife,hehadbeenthinkingofme.YetIdidnotmove.HiscryforLakshmanahadbeen
solikethevoiceofRama,thatSitahadforcedhimtogoinsearchofhisbrother.AndIhadgrabbedherandhurriedback,withoutathoughtforMaricha.Theeventfuljourneyback
andmyhappinessinbringinghomemydaughtertoLanka,hadkeptthedarkthoughtsofMarichasdeathatbay.ButasIwatchedmyauntsface,theemotionsoffailure,guiltand
myownworthlessness,overcameme.Ihuggedherandpressedmylipshardtogethertocontrolmytears.Shelookedintomyeyes,readwhatwasplaintosee,andcollapsedin
myarms.
Sitarefusedtoentermypalace.ShemadeherhomeinashadynookundertheAshokatreewhereMeghanadausedtoplayasachild.ThatwasafterIhadfailedinmy
persuasiveattemptstogethertomoveintomypalaceandhadwearilyaskedTrijatatokeepawatchonher.ThatwasafterIhadshutmyselfinmyroomandcriedforthelossof
mydearestfriendandcounsel,MarichaafterIhadexplainedtohisbereavedwidowandmyscepticalwife,whyIhadleftMarichatothemercyofbarbariansandafterIleftthem,
unabletosuppresstheguiltImyselffeltforfailingmyuncle.
ThenightworeonandItossedonmybed.ItwasamoonlessandsultrynightandIcouldsensethatMandodariwasnotasleepeither.Imovedcloserandtouchedherbutshedid
notmove.Iwaitedforherresponse.IwantedhertohugmeandsaywhatIhaddonewastherightthingtodo.Butshedidnotmove.
Slowly,Iwithdrewmyhandandturnedawayfromherawayfro.
Iwokewithastart.IthoughtIhadheardthesoundofsobbing.ItwasnotcomingfromMandodari.HadIimagineit?Imovedtothewindowandpeeredout.Itwaspitchdark
outside.Afewdyingtorchesinthegardenaccentuatedthedarknessofthenight.Then,withoutanywarning,itstartedtorain.Thetorchesdiedwithprotestinghissesand
somewhere,awindowswungbackandforth,creatingdullandrhythmicthudswhichechoedthroughtheemptycorridors.
Adeepfeargrewwithinme.Iimaginedmydaughter,allalone,drenchedandmiserable,outthereinthatdarkness.ButIdidnotmove.Iwasafraid.Iwasafraidofmyself.Asthe
skyscreamedandpouredandtheearthshiveredinthedrenchingtearsofheaven,Isatonmybed,alone,terrifiedoftheprophecyandthecurseofVedavathi.

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41Thepolicestation
Bhadra
TodayIsawastrangesightandwonderedwhetherIshouldreportittosomebigwiginthegovernment.Itwasgettinglate.IhadloiteredaroundthewholedayandthefewcoinsI
hadearnedcleaningthefatmerchantschariot,Ihadspentontoddy.Iwashungrybutknewtherewasnothingtoeatathome.Infact,ithadbeenalmostsixmonthssinceIhad
eatengoodfood.
IrememberedMarichasgrandfuneral.Initially,noneofusknewhowPrinceMarichahaddied.Hehadbeenold,butwasnotailing,andthelasttimeIhadseenhimridinghis
blackhorse,heseemedsprightly.Hisdeathwasashocktous.TheofficialcommunicationsaidthatMarichahaddiedofoldage,andthathisdemisehadtakenplacenearthe
northernbordersoftheAsurakingdom,onthemainland.ItwassaidthatMarichahadbeencrematedthere.Whyandhowhehadreachedsofarbeforehisdeath,wasanother
mystery.
Peoplehadseenhimjustthepreviousdayanditwasimpossibleforanymantotravelsuchavastdistancesoquickly.TongueswaggedabouttheflightofMayansmagicalbird.
SomepeopleclaimedtheyhadseentheEmperorflynorthwithMarichainthisironbird.Butitreallydidnotmatter.TherehadbeennotimetostandandgossipasmywifeandI
hurriedtowardsthepalacewherewehadheardthatthepoorwouldbefedwellthatdayandnewclotheswouldbesuppliedaswell.
Allthestreetsleadingtothepalacewerepackedwithpeople.AsInearedthepalace,Isawtherewasalreadyahugecrowd.Peoplejostledforspacetherewasadeafeningdin
andthechoicestabuseswereflyingaboutfastandfurious.Thecrowdshoved,pushedandstamped.Withbodiesslipperywithsweat,feetcakedinmud,lungschokedwithdust,
thecrowdinchedforward,onlytobepushedfrombehindbymorepeoplearriving.Thesunshowednomercyandthestenchofsweat,urineandbodyodourofthousandsof
hungrypeople,wasoverwhelming.Ihadgrippedmywifesleftwrist,butIcouldfeelhandsgropingher.Shewriggledandtwisted,butlikeanyotherwomaninthatcrowd,shedid
nothaveanychoicebuttobearit.Therewerefreebiestobehad,sothepushingandshoving,breastgrabbingandasspinching,didntmattertoomuch.Wepushedahead.
Aswegotcloser,thepushingandshovinggotevenmoreintense.Itookickedandpunchedmywaythroughandgrabbedapacket,handedovertheheadsofotherfightingmen
andwoman.Ipassedittomywifeandthenpushedbackagaintogetmyshare.AsoldiershovedmeandIlostmybalanceandgottrampledbythecrowd.Cursing,Imanagedto
wriggleout.Iwasdisappointedthatwehadgotonlyonepacketbetweenus.WemovedagainstthetideofpoormenandwomanshovingtogetholdoftheKingsbounty,givenin
memoryofhisdeaduncle.AndIwishedthenthattheKingwouldloseanuncleeveryday.
Thentherewaslunch.Holesweredugoneithersideoftheroyalhighwayandplantainleaveswereplacedinsidetheseholes.Gruelwasthenpouredintothesetemporary
containersandthousandsofpeoplelikemeatethistreatwithrelish.Asweate,chariotscarryingthenoblesofLanka,andafewfromthemainland,rushedpastustothepalace,
throwingmudanddustintoourbowls.Fliesbuzzedaroundandsomestraydogsdaredtosnatchdelicaciesfromtherows.Intheevening,woodenbarrelscontainingfreshpalm
toddywererolleddownbythepalaceservants.Andanothermadrushbegan.Bymidnight,allofus,irrespectiveofsex,weredrunk.Fourpeoplewerekilledinbrawlsthaterupted
atvariousplaces,butwedidnotknowaboutittillthenextday.NotthatIcared.Mysituationgotworsebytheday.ThemoneyIearnedwasgoneinaweek.Mostofitwenttothe
tavern,butMalasavedsomewithoutmyknowledge.WhenIfoundout,shehadhelltopay.IgrabbeditfromakickingandscreamingMalaandrushedbacktothetoddyshop.
ThatwasthelastdayIcelebrated.
Fromthenextmorning,hungerfolloweduslikeadeterminedshadow.Occasionally,Idgetafewoddjobsandwewouldeat.But,therecurringthemewashunger.Wewere
destitute.Thetruthslowlysankin.
PerhapstherewassometruthalsoinwhattheBrahminssaidaboutonespreviouslifeandkarma.Wemusthavebeenpayingforthebaddeedsofourpreviouslives.
Mostpeoplewerepoor,sotheremusthavebeenmanysinnersinpreviouslives.Butnoteveryone.Themerchantclass,thebureaucratsandgovernmentservants,theactorsand
musicians,wereallgettingfatterbytheday.Wesawmansionsspringupandshopssellingglitteringclothingandfashionablefootwearwerefrequentedbybeautifulpeoplein
glisteningchariotstheirhouseshadrealroofsandfurnituretositoncarpetsfromthedistantlandstothewest,thecostofonecouldhavefedanentirevillageforyearssmart
childrengoingtoguruswhotaughtonlytheprogenyoftherichandsoon.Thereweretheatrestoobutwewerechasedawaybythepoliceifwedaredtogonearthem.
Ionceknewhowtoreadandwrite.Iwasevenatrainedwarrior.Orwerethesethedelusionsofanoldmanvainlyimaginingpastgloriesandbravedeeds?Iwasnotsure.The
wayIlookednow,withmyemaciatedbodyandcrackedskin,baldinghairandsunkencheeks,nobodywouldhavebelievedIhadoncebeenawarrior.Icouldbarelyreadnow.
Notthatitmatteredanymore.Iwasoverfiftyyearsoldandtherewasnothingmuchlefttodo.OnedayItoowouldbecarriedawaybyfourpeopleandburnt.NotthatIawaited
suchajourney,thoughIexpressedthewishoften.IwantedmywifetocomfortmebysayingthatIwastooyoungtodie.Recentlythough,Ifoundthatanycommentsaboutmy
mortalitydidnotgetaresponsefromher.Perhapsshewantedmetodie.Itwasnotabadidea.ButIwasafraid.Ididnotwanttodie.Iwantedtoliveforever.
AsIwalkedbackhome,Igapedattheglitteringlightsthatcastamyriadcolouredshadowsandreflectionsonthestreets.Ismelttheperfumewhenabeautifulwomanpassedby.
Musicsoftlyfloatedaround.
Afewfamiliesweremakingtheirbedsonthepavement.
Poorchaps!PerhapstheywerefromthecountrysideormainlandIndia.Theywouldbechasedawaysoonenough.Thepavementsweretoolovelyforsuchdirtyfoolstosleepon.
Iwalkedpastthemarketstowardsmyhomebytheriver.Acridandpungentsmellsofathousandspicesassaultedmynostrils.Shopkeeperswereclosingup.Somefatonessat
countingtheirmoney.Thethugswhowerestationedoutsidesuchshops,gloweredatmeasIwalkedhurriedlypastwithoutmakingeyecontact.Iturnedleftattheendofthe
markets.Rottenvegetablesandfetablesishgavethecorneritscharacteristicsmell.Afewdogswerescavenginginthegarbage.Onebarkedhesitantlyatme.
Istoopedtopickupastoneandthedogshotpastmewithitstailbetweenitslegs.Itwastheonlycreatureafraidofmethesedays.
Inthedistance,Ravanasfortlookedimposingandimpregnable.MysonAthikayamighthavebeenwithhismaster,princeMeghanada.Idiot!Ithadbeenalmostsixmonthssince
Ihadlastseenhim.ItwaspainfultorememberthatheactuallybelongedtothepalaceandIwasjusthiskeeper.WhatifIhadremainedinmyvillageonthePoornariverandmy
family,mywifeanddaughterhadlivedwhatifthoseblastedDevashadnotattackedourpoorvillage?Surelymylifewouldhavebeenbetteranddifferent.Instead,Ihadfought
foraKingsdream,andgiventhebetterpartofmylifesothatthugslikeRavanacouldwallowinriches,gloryandpower.Alas,Ihadmanyregretsinmylifeandmylifeseemedto
haveamindofitsown.Atleastmysonatewell.Helivedlikeaprince.Butthatthoughtwasnoconsolation.Whyonlyhim?Whynotme?Ifeltbitterandonceagainlookedatthe
glowingpalace.ItwasthenIsawthestrangesight.Istoppedandwatched.InitiallyIcouldnottellwhatitwas.Somethingwasclimbingupthecitadel.Athief?Whichfoolishthief
woulddarebreakintothepalaceofthemightyAsuraEmperor?Hewouldbeskinnedaliveifcaught.Iwaitedforfewminutestoseeiftherewereanyfurthermovementsbutall
wassilent.PerhapsthetoddyhadbeenstrongerthanIhadthought.Iwasabouttoturnmyeyesawayandreturntomyuselesslife,whenIsawhim.
HewasjustasilhouetteagainstthebackdropoftheglowingpalaceandIcouldntseehisface.Buthewasawellbuiltmanandstoodatopthefortandsurveyedthepalace,with
ahugeclubonhisshoulder.Whowashe?Withastart,IrememberedthegreatVanaraking,Bali.Thismanresembledhim.ButwhyshouldtheVanarakingentertheAsura
Emperorspalaceinstealth?

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IrememberedtherumoursthatthegreatVanarakingwasdead,killedbysomeDevahunterwhohadhiddenbehindatreeandshothimonthesly.Whenthismanturnedhis
head,lightreflectedfromtheexpensiveearstudhewore.No,thatisnotBali!Then,withanagilitywhichonlytheVanarascouldaspireto,themanjumpeddownandIsawthe
canopyofthetreesshakewiththeimpact.EmptinessstaredbackatmeasIstoodfrozen.SomeonehadjustenteredRavanaspalace.Istoodthereconfused.ShouldIinform
someone?OrshouldIjustgohomeandsleep?IfsomeoneenteredtheKingspalace,itwastheKingsproblem.Whyshoulditbotherme?Thentheimagesofjustsuchanentry
intomyhomebytheDevaslongago,flashedintomymindandIranbackthewayIhadcome.Ihadtofindsomeonewhocoulddosomethingaboutit.Dangerlurkedaroundthe
corner.
BythetimeIreachedthepoliceoutpostontheroyalavenue,Iwaspantinglikeadog.ButIhesitatedasIapproachedthestationhouse.Therewasatorchburningbrightlyinside
andfourguardssathuddledtogether,engrossedinagameofdice.Afatpolicesergeantsleptwithbothhisfeetperchedonthetable.Fliesbuzzedaroundthetorchthatburnt
brightlyinonecorner.
Sir,Icalledout.Therewasnoresponse.Sir,Icalledagain.Oneoftheguardsraisedhisheadandhiseyesgrewbiginsurprise.Icoweredasmylegstrembled.Imnota
criminal.ButIwaspoorandthatwasabiggercrime.
Whatdoyouwant?theguardbarkedatrdbarkeme.Hewasclearlyirritatedatmyintrusion.
Sir,Isawaman...
SohaveI,andhelaughedathisownpatheticsenseofhumourastheothersjoinedin.Thesergeantopenedhiseyes,blinkedafewtimes,andthenslippedbackintoslumber.I
wantedtogoback.LettheKingsavehimself.SoIbegantowalkout.Youthere!Howdareyoucomeherewithastupidstoryandthenwalkaway,theguardscreamedatme.
Ididnotabuseyou,sir.Itriedtogathersomedignity.
Areyoutalkingbacktome?Andwhatcamenextwasquiteunexpected.
Inaflash,hewasuponmeandhadplantedakickbetweenmylegs.Icollapsed,tearsofanger,shameandpainblindingme.
Theotherguardshadlefttheirgame.Theyhadfoundbetterentertainmentme.Youbeggar,youscoundrel,whatareyoudoingatthistimeontheroyalavenue?
ItriedtoparrythenextblowbutIwastooweak.
Sir,Sir,pleaselistentome.Someonehasbrokenintothepalace.Ahitacrossmyfacesentmesprawledontotheground.ThepolicemenkickedandpunchedasIclawedatthe
ground.Thensuddenlyitstopped.WhenIraisedmyhead,thesergeantstoodtoweringoverme.HepulledmeupbymysparsehairandIblanched.Thenhepushedmetowards
histableandIcollapsedonthefloor.Ilookedupandsawhisheavybodyperchedonthetable.ItcreakedunderhisampleweightbutIfoundthenoisesoothing.Perhapsthe
tablewouldbreak.
Tellme.Heordered.Iremainedsilentsohekickedme.ThenIsang.ItoldhimwhatIhadseen.Afrownappearedonhisface.Hechewedsomethingandkeptthinking.Thenhe
toldtheguard.Yougoandtellthechiefofpalaceguards.Then,asanafterthought,headded,Lockupthisman.Hespigdrunk.Theothertwoguardsdraggedmetowardsthe
dingycellinthecornerandthrewmeintoacorner.
Theydidnotbothertolockthecellandreturnedtotheirgame.Theotherguardwhohadbeenforcedtogoonthiserrand,cursedmeandwalkedoutinsearchofthepalace
guards.Icursedmyselfforhavingbeentooconscientious.WhattheKingdoeswithhispalaceisnoneofmybusiness.Iwassuchafool.Somelowlycrookwaslyingintheother
cornerofthecell.Thefatsergeanthadsettledbackinhischairandwassnoringagain.IhurtinplacesIdidnotknowexisted.MorefoolI!Isattherecursingmyfateandmy
foolish,impulsivewaysandslowlydriftedofftosleep.
WhenIawoke,Lankawasburning.

42Messengerofdeath
Ravana
Iwaswokenbythescreamsandcommotioninmygarden.Peoplewererunningaboutaimlessly.Guardswereshoutingandcursingeachother.Thepalacewaslitwithhundreds
offlamingtorches.Mandodariwasawake,lookingpuzzled.Iopenedthedoorandfoundtheguardsoutsideleaningovertheverandahandshoutingsomething.AsIwalked
nearertothem,theysprangtoattention.
Whatsallthisnoise?
Gingerlyaseniorguardsteppedforwardwithadeepbow.YourHighness,amonkeymanhassneakedintotheroyalgardensandwastalkingtothatDevalady.
Whensomeoftheguardstriedtocapturehim,hefoughtthemandevenkilledorseriouslyinjuredtwoorthree.
Nowhehasvanishedamongthetrees.
Iwasshocked.Monkeymensneakingintomypalacegardenswasbeyondmyimagination.Iworriedaboutmydaughter,Sita.ShewasvulnerableYundertheAshokatree,
thoughmyguardskeptawatch.
Nevertheless,Ifeltuneasy.IthadbeenbarelyfourmonthssinceIhadheardaboutBalisassassination.TheKingofthemonkeymenhadbeenkilledslylybythatDevaprince,
Rama.TheVanaraswerenowruledbyBaliscorruptanddebauchedbrother,Sugreeva.ItwasdisgustingthewaymysoninlawhadusurpedBalispower.Thatcowardhad
hiddenbehindatreeandshotBalithroughtheheart.ThefactthatRamahaddonethiswhileSugreevahadbeenengagedinahopelessandlosingduelwithhisbrother,
enragedmefurther.Whatsortofmoralityandethicsdidmysoninlawfollow?
IhadbeentemptedtooverthrowtheVanaraKingandavengemyfriendsdeath.IhadevenorderedmyarmyandnavytoattacktheVanaras.Butaftermysonsvictoryoverthe
entireIndiansubcontinent,fromtheseastothemightyHimalayas,myappetiteforwardwindled.Besides,SugreevahadagreedtopaytributetoMeghanada,andthemonsoon
hadsetin.Wepostponedtheplan.
Butasthemonsoonstarted,Sugreeva,therascalthathewas,revertedtohislifeofdebauchery.Iwassurethatwithanarmyofindisciplinedmonkeymen,Ramawouldnotstart
anyfoolishadventure.ObviouslyIhadbeentoocomplacent.ThemonkeymaninsidemypalacegardenwasproofenoughandIcursedmyownlackofforesight.
Thiswasanemergency.TheCouncilwasrequiredtomeet.Itoldmywifetoshutthedoorsandwindows.
Sheseemedworriedbymyunusualcaution,butIignoredherandwentout,slammingthedoorshutwithabang.IwalkedtowardsMeghanadaschamber,butfounditopen.The
durbarwaswelllitandtheguardswereintheirplaces,standingtoattention.Myministersstoodchattingexcitedlytoeachother.
WheresPrinceMeghanada?Iasked,searchingformysonshandsomeface.
YourHighness,heisleadingthesearchpartyatthewesternend,Prahasthareplied.
Howonearthdidsuchasecuritybreachhappen?AsIspoke,myangerresurfaced.TherewascompletesilenceasIbangedafistintomypalm.Iwantananswernow!I
screamed.Ifeltbetterasangerrapidlyreplacedworry.

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Hesneakedinthroughthewestsidewallwhilethesentriesslept.HemurderedthemandthenreachedtheAshokavana.Thebodiesofthesentrieswerefoundinthedrain,their
throatsslit,Prahasthasaidslowly.
Excellent!Thatisgood!NotasingleAsurasawthismanenteringRavanasfort?Mysentriesweremurderedintheirsleep.Ihavemorethan50,000soldiersandasingle
monkeymannotonlyescapeddetectionbutstilleludescapture.Somuchforyourvigilanceandintelligencenetwork.IsawPrahasthaandJambumalieyeeachotheraftermy
tirade.
YourHighness,actually,aderelictdrunkardhadreportedtothepoliceoutpostattheroyalavenuethathesawamansneakingintothefort.But...
But,theofficerinchargedidnotwanttomovefromhisseat.Noactionwastakenandthematterwasignored.Isntthatwhatyouwanttotellme?WherewasMeghanada?Iwas
gettingworried.Themonkeymancouldbehidinganywhere.Aslyarrowshotfromthetopofatreeinthedarkcouldpiercemysonsthroat.Thiswasadangerousgame.This
wasnotwar.
Norulesappliedandworstofall,myenemiesweredevoidofscruples.
Anuneasysilenceruledthedurbar.Wecouldhearthenoisesoutside,menrunningandshoutingateachoingatether,theclangingofswords.SuddenlyIheardahugecheer.
Everyonelookedup.ThevoiceswerecallingVictorytoRavana...VictorytoIndrajith.Istoodupinmyexcitementandtheentiredurbarrosewithme.Iwantedtorunoutandsee
theprizemysonwasbringingmebutIstoodthere,tryinghardtoconcealmyexcitementandwringingmyhandsinpleasureandanticipation.Attheheadoftheprocession,my
tall,proudson,withhisbowfirmlyheldinhishand,enteredmydurbar.Theentireassemblyroseandcheered.
Asura
guards
danced
around.Chenda
drumbeatsreachedthehighestcrescendo.Iwentdownandembracedmyson.
ThenIsawthetall,muscular,darkVanarastandingbehindhim.Hishandsandlegsweretiedwithropes.
Musclesrippledacrosshisbody.Iusedtohaveabodylikethatinmyyouth,likeachiselledstatue.Ituckedinmybelly.HestoodalmostastallasMeghanada.Hehadcurly,
blackhairalloverhisbodyandwavy,blackhairflowedoneithersideofhisface.
Helookedaformidablewarrior.WithastartIrealizedthatheresembledBali,myfriend,whohadbeenmurderedslylybyRama.
Iwalkedbacktomythronewithdeliberatesteps.
Theministersreturnedtotheirseats.MeghanadastoodneartheVanara,hissworddrawn.WithawaveofmyhandIdismissedtheChendadrummersandotherunimportant
personsfrommydurbar.Then,afterafewminutessilence,Ibegantheinterrogation.TheVanaradidnotanswerthefirstfewquestions.Hestoodtherestaringatmedefiantly.His
poseandselfconfidencewereunsettling.Hewasinthedurbarofthemightiestkingoftheworld,caughtasaspy,andfacedwithnothinglessthanadeathsentence.Stillhe
stoodthereascasuallyasifhewaswatchingchildrenplayinggames.
IlookedatPrahasthaforananswer.Hestoodup,butbeforehecouldspeak,theVanaraspokeinadeepvoice.IamHanuman,sonofMaruti,andIhavecomeasanenvoyfrom
myKingandprotector,SriRamachandraPrabhu.IdemandtherespectduetoanenvoyofoneKingtoanother.IamsuretheEmperorofAsuras,thelearnedandscholarly
warriorKingRavanaPrabhu,wouldnothesitatetoextendthecourtesyduetoanenvoyasperRajaDharma.Heendedthespeechwithasmilethatlituphisface.
Envoysdonotsneakinatmidnight,SriHanuman.
WehavestrongreasonstobelievethatyouareaspyandaspertheethicalcodesofthesameRajaDharmayouevoke,thepunishmentforaspyisdeath.Andasfarasweknow,
yourmasterisnotveryscrupulousaboutRajaDharma.Asfarasmylimitedknowledgeisconcerned,murderingunsuspectingwarriorswhoareengagedinaduelwithsomeone
else,byhidingbehindatreeandslylyshootingthemdown,isnotapartofRajaDharma.Prahasthaspokewithdeliberatefirmness.
Themonkeymanlookeduneasy.HisattemptatestablishingapsychologicalsuperioritywaseffectivelythwartedbymyPrimeMinister.Hetriedanothertactic.
Irefusetotalktoyou,RavanaMaharaja,whenIamboundbyropes.GivemeaseatanduntiemybondsandIshallanswerallyourquestions.
Throwhimintothedungeons.LetusseewhettusseeherhetalksornotonceRudrakastartshisartonthismonkeysblackbody,Isaid,lookingstraightintoHanumanseyes,
searchingfortracesoffear.Icouldnotfindany.Themanremainedcomposedandcalm.
Myguardsapproachedhimandgrabbedhimbyhiselbows.
ThenmybrotherVibhishanarosetospeak.Ilookedathim,tryingtohidemyrisingirritation.YourHighness!Onceamanhasdeclaredheisanenvoyandnotaspy,andno
deliberatecrimehasbeencommitted,ourethicalcodesaysthathehastobetreatedasanenvoy.
Uncle!Meghanadacriedout,forgettingforamomentthathewasinthedurbar,hemurderedtwoofourguardsandvandalizedourgarden.Heisaspyandacriminal.Hehas
tobetreatedaccordingly.
IsthereanywitnessthatHanumankilledthoseguards?Aslongashisguiltisnotproven,heisinnocent.
Iamnotaskingthathebesetfree.MyintentionistoensurethatnooneaccusestheAsuraEmperorofnotfollowingproprietyandRajaDharmawhiledealingwithanuncultured
Vanara.Vibhishanalookedatmeashecompletedthelastsentence.
IsuggestthespybedealtwithinthewaytheEmperorfindssuitable.Prahastharoseupfromhisseat.
Asuras.TheresnotasinglethingintheworldthattwoAsuraswilleveragreeon.Alwaysarguingandsostubbornabouthavingthingsdonetheirway.Idecidedlikeawisefool
tosatisfythemboth.
Untiehim.Leaveonlyhishandsandfeetbound.Ifhewantstosayanything,lethimstandandsayit.ThenIshalldecidewhatistobedonewithhim.
Butfather...IsilencedMeghanadawithaglareandaguardslowlyuntiedHanumansbonds.
Assoonastheropeswereundone,Hanumanspoke.I,Hanuman,sonofMaruti,ofKishkindha,ministeroftheVanaraKingSugreeva,andservantofthePrinceofAyodhya,Sri
Ramachandra,wishtogiveHisMostExaltedHighness,themightyKingLankeswara,somefriendlyadvicefrommymaster.Youhavewrongfullyabductedhisweddedwifeand
QueenofAyodhya,andhavekeptherinyourcustody.Mymasterrequestsyoutoreturnhisqueentohimwithallduerespectandtobeghisforgiveness.Ifthisadviceisignored,I
amauthorizedtodeclarewaronLankaandtheAsuras,onbehalfofmymaster.Wepromisethat,insuchanevent,wewillcrushyouAsuras,grindyoursinfulcitiesintothedust,
andreclaimourQueen.Therewasanuproar.Ahundredswordsweredrawnfromtheirsheathsinamightyhiss.Meghanadapressedhisswordtothethroatoftheimpudent
monkeyman.Theseweremultipleinsults.Howdaredthismonkeycomeandchallengeme,theAsuraEmperor?
Howdaredhedosointhenameofadrunkardkingofsemicivilizedmonkeymen?Howdaredhechallengethemightiestkingtheworldhaseverseen,onbehalfofawandering
hunterwhomistreatedhiswife?Andhowdaredhechallengemeopenlyinfrontofeveryoneinmydurbar?
Deathbystoning!Iroared,andtheentiredurbarroaredwithme.Hestoodthereunfazed,asIpronouncedhissentence.
Vibhishanastoodupslowlyandthepandemoniumdieddown.Then,inaverysoftvoice,hesaid,YourHighness,thispersonhasearnedhisdeathandyouinyourwisdomhave
givenafairjudgment.Heforfeitedhisrighttolivewhenheceasedbeingamereenvoy.Hislanguagewasmoresuitedtothebattlefieldthanthecodthanturtofthemostexalted
AsuraEmperor,whorulesallofIndiaandLanka.But...hepaused.
Cometothepoint,Vibhishana.Iwasgettingimpatient.
But,brother,woulditnotbeprudenttosendhimbackwithourownmessage?LethismasteralsoknowthatLankawouldgiveabefittingreplyifheattemptedanymisguided
adventure.Ifwejustkillhim,welosethechancetogivethemasuitablereply.Wemayperhapsavoidanunnecessarywaraswell.Wecansaythatwewillkeephiswifehostage
untilhesurrendershisbruteofabrother,Lakshmana,tous,sothatwecantryhimandpunishhimfortheatrocitieshehascommittedagainstoursister.
Hehasapoint.Ithought,lookingatVibhishana.
ButIwasstillseethingfromtheinsultthemonkeyhadthrownatme.
Prahasthastoodupandturnedtowardsmeandsaid,YourHighness,beforewehastilykillhimorsendhimback,letusgetsomeinformationfromthisgentleman.Irequestyouto
givemethehonourofpersonallyinterrogatingouresteemedenvoyfromSriRamachandra.
Iwaveredinmydecision.WhatIwantedmostatthatmomentwastogetbackatHanuman.Hecouldnotcometomydurbar,insultme,andgetawaywithit.ItwasVibhishana
againwhofoundawayout.
Letusbrandhim.Vibhishanasaidsimply.
Brandingwitharedhotironorfire,wasanageoldAsurapractice.Itwasanagonizingandhumiliatingpunishment.Themarksleftwerepermanentandthevictimwouldcarrythe
humiliatingsymbolandpaintohisgrave.Thesymbolwouldproclaimtotheworldthathewasguiltyofagreatcrime,andthatthemarkofhisfailureandguilthasbeenforcefully
etchedonhisbodyforthewholeworldtoseeandsnickerat.ThemoreIthoughtaboutit,themoreIlikedit.ThismonkeywouldreturntohismasterwithRavanasbrand...where
shouldIbrandhim...inhisbroadchest...inhistautabdomen...oronhisbroadback?
Striphimandbrandhistail.
YourHighness,Isuggestthatwedesistfromsuchadastardlyandbarbaricact.Weshouldtreathimasaspyanddealwithhimaccordingly.Letusnotstooptosuchdepths.It
wasthatirritatingPrahasthaagain.
Burnhistail.Lethimknowpainwhenhesits,stands,liesdownorwalks.LethimknowthepainofinsultinganAsuraEmperor.Ibaskedinthecheerthatarousefrommydurbar
andignoredPrahastha,whoshookhisheadindespair.
MyguardsrantofetchRudraka.Thechiefofpolicecamewithhisassistantsandboweddeeplytothecourt.Hanumanremainedunfazed.ThiswasatoughVanara.Iwasgetting
morefuriousbytheminute.
Rudrakasmenpreparedthemoltenleadforbrandingandthefireroared.Itwasthenthattheunthinkablehappened.Withaneasethatbeliedtheropesstrength,themonkey
manrippedtheropesthatboundhislegsandkickedtheswordoutofMeghanadashands.Foramomenteveryonewasstunned.ThatwasenoughfortheVanarawarrior.He
thrusthishandsintothenakedflamesandburnedthroughtheropes.Then,withhishandsfree,heliftedthehugecontainerthathadmoltenleadinitandthrewitatme.Iducked,
butthepothitthesilkcurtainsbehindmythronewithfullforceandtheyweresetablaze.Ijumpedfrommypedestalinthenickoftimeastheentireparasolabovemythrone
caughtfireandfell.Thenmydurbarbegantoburn.
Therewasutterconfusion.HanumanpushedRudrakaintothefire.Theburlypolicechiefstruggledffstruggorhislifeandbythetimehismenpulledhimoutandsmotheredthe
firethatthreatenedtoengulfhim,Hanumanhadpulledoutsomeburninglogsandsetfiretomypalace.Guardsranlikepanickyhares.Somepouredwateronwhatwasleftofmy
throne.Intheconfusion,Hanumanescapedtothecity,withburninglogsheldinbothhands.OnlyPrahasthahadthepresenceofmindtothrowhisdaggerattheescaping
arsonist,butitnarrowlymissedHanumansearandhitthedurbardoorwithatwang.Meghanadaranafterhiminhotpursuitbutfallingpiecesoftheburningbeamssloweddown
hischaseconsiderably.AndI,beingthecoward,ranformylife.IcalledMeghanadabackfromhischase.
WecouldcatchtheVanaraanytime,butfornow,thepalacewasburning.
Itwasanightmare.Totalconfusionandpanicruled.Iranintothewomensquarterswithmybrotherandtheotherswhowerefollowing.Rudrakashouted,tryingtobringsome
semblanceoforderamonghismen,buttheguardsfledfortheirlives,ignoringhisorders.Ahugeburningbeamnarrowlymissedusandfellafewfeetaway,splutteringand
hissingtheirlikealivingthing.

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Theheatwasbeyondimagination.Athickpallofsmokehungeverywhere.Ikickedopenawindowandjumpedoutandlandedonthehardgroundtwelvefeetbelow.
PainshotupfrommyanklesbutIcontinuedrunning.Icouldhearscreamsfrommyharem.Thefirehadalmostburntdownmydurbarandwasswiftlymovingtowardsthe
surroundingbuildings.Andthereinfrontofme,mycityburned.Orangeflameslickedthatchedroofsclean.
Athousandscreamsofpanicanddeathechoedthroughtheskies.Peopleranfromtheirhomes.Afewbraveonesfoughtthefirebutwerefastlosingthebattle.Theacridsmellof
burningflesh,wood,andclothes,filledtheair.Horsesboltedfromtheirstablesandranmadlythroughthestreets,kickingandtramplingpeopleintheirway.Irantowardsmy
harem.Mywifewasthere,mysonswerethere.Ihadtosavethem.Buttheflamesbeatmeintherace.Theentireroofofthepalacecaughtfire.
Mythroatwashoarsefromshoutinginstructionsandorders.Buttherewasnoonetolisten.Whereweremyguards?Wherewasmymightyarmy?Whereweremyministers?I
stoodandwatchedhelplesslyasmypalaceburneddown.
ItwasthenthatIsawthehugeblackfigurerunningrecklesslytowardstheburningharem.Icalledoutforthemadmantostopbuthedivedintotheragingfireanddisappeared.I
stooddazzledbythisdisplayofcourage
Perhapshewasravingmad.Bythistime,afewofmyministers,includingPrahastha,hadjoinedme,butIdarednottosayawordtothem.Rudrakahadbroughtsomesortof
orderandhismentrieddesperatelytodousethefire.Partofthepalacehadbeenburntcompletely,anditlookedlikethefirewasbeingbroughtundercontroloneastsideat
least.ButthefirehadravagedtheharemandItriednottothinkabouttheplightofmyfamily.
Aboutsixtyelephantswerebroughtintofightthefire.Thenthehugeblackfigurewhichhaddisappearedinsidetheburningharem,jumpedoutofafirstfloorbalcony,clearedthe
fireandrolledontothelawn.ItwasthenthatIsawhewascarryingmyqueen,Mandodari,onhisback.Werushedtowardstheman.Asweapproached,Irecognizedhimwitha
start.Itwasnoneotherthanmyillegitimateson,Athikaya.HewasfussingovertheQueen,tryingtoreviveher.Isawthathishandshadbeenbadlyburnt.ButbeforeIcouldsay
anything,Athikayaranbackintotheburningpalace.Thistime,anentiregroupofguardsfollowedhim.Theintensityofthefirehadcomedownbutitwasstilldangerous.
Thefirewa">Thefisslowlycontrolledinsidethepalace,butoutside,itcontinuedtorage.Somewhereinmymind,IregisteredthatMeghanadaandJambumalihadrushedoutof
thepalacetowardsthecitytodirectthefirefightingactivitiesthere.Rudrakahadrenewedhissearchforthemonkeymanwhohadwreckedsuchruin.ButIwasbeyondany
thoughtofrevengeorpunishment.Iwastoodazedandoverwhelmedbythesuddenandhorrificturnofevents.IwasworriedsickaboutmyQueen.Guardsbroughtoutbodies
fromtheharem.Somewerealivebutgravelyburnt,orunconscious,
others
charred
to
death
beyond
recognition.
Slowly,myQueenopenedhereyes.Ihuggedher.Icouldnotcontrolmytears.Butshepushedmeawayandstruggledtostand,notbotheringtocoverherbosom,
Akshaya,whereismyAkshaya?shemuttered.Ilookedaround.Wherewasmylittleboy,myeightyearoldAkshayaKumara?Istoodupbutfearedtheworst.Ididnothavethe
couragetofacemywife.Prahasthabowedandcalledtheguardsandwhisperedsomething.
Theyrantowardsthepalace.ButInoticedeveryoneavoidedmyeyes.Itoldmyselfnottolosecourage.

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Shivawouldprotectmyboy.Ihopedagainsthope.Ibarkedoutorders,searchhere,lookthere...alotofnonsense.Iknewitwasfutile.ButIwantedtodosomething.
AwailcamefrombehindmebutIwasafraidtoturn.Someoneputacomfortinghandonmyshoulder,butitfailedtocomfortme.Iwasangry.Iknewthemeaningofthewailand
themanwhohadcausedit.ButthenmyangerpassedandIcollapsedlikeanoldrag.
Thewarmashstrewngroundhitmeintheface.Ilaythere,myfacebleeding,mytearsminglingwithmyblood.Icouldhearfootstepsandwhispers.Mymenwereafraidtocome
nearme.Maybetheyrespectedmygrief.Orwasitjustvoyeurism?Whoknewandwhocared?Ravanassorrowwashisown.WhyshouldIsharemygriefwiththisindifferentand
cruelworld?Myboy,mylittleprince,hadbeenburntalivelikeachicken.
No,Ididnotwanttoseehimnow.Letmylastmemoryofhimbethatbeautifulsmilingface.Theinnocence,thecuriosityabouttheworld,thecharm,thelittleonewoveinthis
seriousandcruelworld,andmadeitbearableforanarrogantbrutelikeme,hadbeentakenaway.Istaggeredup.Throughthehazylight,Isawmywifecruellybeatingsomeone.
SomepeopletriedtotearherfromthehugeblackcrouchingfigureofAthikaya.Whydidyousavemealone...howcouldyouleavemylittleboywhowassleepingwithhishands
overme...youbrute...
Shepummelledthehugemanwithallherstrength.
Hejuststoodthere,hisheadbentinshameandguilt.Orwasitangeratthiscruelandundeservingtreatmentfromsomeonewhoselifehehadsavedattheriskofhisown?I
didntknownordidIcare.Athikayaandtheirangerorguiltwasnotimportanttome.Ihavejustlostmylittleone.Iwalkedtowardstherowofbodiesneatlylaidoutonmyonce
greenlawn.Grotesqueshapesawaitedme.IkeptwalkingandthenIfoundthelittlebundle.Guardsbowedrespectfully,butIwouldnothavecarediftheyhadspatonmyface.I
tookthecharredlittlebodyinmyarms.Thelittlefaceleeredatmefromitsburnedblackness.Myboymockedeverythingaboutmemyvanity,mylife,myachievements,myego.
IknewitandwasangryatfateandattheGodswhohaddonethistome.Myservantscamerunningtotakeovermyburden,butIrefused.
ThiswasmyburdenandIwouldcarryitalone.Wasanythingworththis?Wasmykingdomworthit?Tosaveonechild,Ihadsacrificedanother.Ihadbroughtdisasteronthe
peopleIwassupposedtoprotect.
Then,shatteringthedeadlysilenceofthenight,Iheardthecruellaughterofmydaughter,Sita.Ravana,youwickedAsura!Youdeserveyourfate.Youandallyourkinwilldie
suchhorribledeathsatthehandsofmyhusband,RamaofAyodhya.
Ideserveditmydaughter?Ideservedit?Ijustsacrificedyourlittlebrotherforyou.ImayloseeverythingbutstillIwillstandupforyou.OnceIforsookyou,butneveragain.You
willunderstandwhatsortofahusbandyouhave,onlywhentheprotectionofyouroldfatherends.Then,alas,mydeardaughter,itwillbetoolate.Iwantedtoyellallthesethings
atSitabutIhadnostrengthleft.Iwalkedawayalone,carryingthedeadweightofmylittleprince,intothedarkdepthsofthenight.Perhaps,thereIwouldfindsomesolace,
someonetodrymytears,andwhereIcouldlaymyselfinthelapofdarkness.Ikeptwalking,mydeadlittleonesleepingpeacefullyinmyarms.

43Letmycityburn
Bhadra
Thecitywasburning.Thepolicemenhadvanishedandthefrontsectionofthepolicestationwasonfire.
Myescaperoutehadbeenblockedandatanymomentthefirewouldreachmycell.ThickcurlsofsmokebillowedinasIsputteredandchoked.Iwastrapped.Itriedtorun
throughtheragingfirebutlostmynervewhenfacedwiththeintenseheatradiatingfromtheinferno.Ithadbecomedifficulttobreath.IdidnotknowwhattodobutIamasurvivor.
ButthistimeIwasntsosure.Theorangetonguesofflamehungrilydevouredeverythingintheirpath.Apartoftheroofcollapsedandthedarkskyburstintotheroom.Thesmoke
escapedandtheairclearedabit.
Itriedscramblingupthewallbutcouldnotfindanythingtoholdontoandfellbackagain.Isearchedforsomethingtostandon.Theinspectorstablewasburningasahugebeam
fromtheroofhadfallenacrossit.Itriedpullingitoutandfinally,aftermanyanxiousandtensemoments,ityielded.Ipushedithardtowardsthewall.MyhandsburnedbutIwas
barelyawareofthepain.Thatwouldcomelater.IsteppedontothetableandthenjumpedoverthewallandIranformylife.
Itwasutterchaosoutside.Houses,shopsandeverythingonthestreets,wereburning.Icouldseethepalaceburninginthedistance.Irantowardsmyhouse.
Thefirehadkilledpeopleindiscriminately.Brahmins,untouchables,slaves,barbers,merchants,drunkards,piousmen,guards,gamblers,prostitutes,oldladies,babies,saints,
rowdieswerealldead.Theacridsmellofburningfleshfilledthesky.Manyweretrampledupon.Afewwerebarelyalive.Somewerefightingthefire.Otherswailedthelossof
lovedonesandpossessions.Iranthroughthestreetswheredeathhaddoneitsfierydance.IwasafraidandhungrybutIkeptrunning.IdonotknowhoworwhybutasIleftthe
mainstreetsandturnedtowardsthehumblerdwellings,Isawthefirehadnotdonemuchdamagethere.Peoplehadcomeoutandweregawkingattheraginginfernolickingour

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cityclean.Manytriedtostopmeandenquirewhatwasgoingon.Icontinuedrunning.AllIwantedwastoreachhomeandgetawayfromkings,palaces,spies,andtheirdeadly
games.Letthecityburnandmenandwomandie,Iwantedtobesafeinmyhouse.BythetimeIreachedmystreet,itallseemedlikeabaddream.
Thesilencewasonlybrokenbyafewstraydogschasingthehugeratsthatinfestedourgutters.
AsIreachedhome,Iwasstartledtoseethedoorslightlyajar.Islowlyentered,ignoringthecreakingnoiseoftheoldwoodendoorasIopenedit.InthefaintlightIsawthe
silhouetteofmysnoringwife,blissfullyunawareoftheravingfireravishinghercity.Icursedherandmovedtomybed.ItwasthenthatIsawsomeonelyingonmybed.Iwas
startled.Theflickeringlightemanatingfromtheburningcitydidnotilluminatethefigure.Isearchedformydagger,butcouldnotfinditatmywaist.Iwastooafraidtomolve.
Father...thevoicetrembled.
Who...?Ishivered.
ItisAthikaya...
Why...youfool...you...you...Imovedtowardsthefigurenowsittinguponthebed,withhisheadburiedinhishands.
IkilledthePrince...Ikilledhim...
What...?!Whathadthisfooldone?HadhekilledPrinceMeghanada?Whatwasgoingtohappennow?Ibegantopanic.Wouldtheentirearmyhuntusdown?Mywifewoke
andblabberedincoherently.Iscreamedatherandshecoweddown.IshookAthikayaandslappedhimhardacrosshisface.Idiot!youwakeupandstoptalkingnonsense..
stupidfool.Then,bitbybit,Iextractedwhathadhappened.Iwasrelievedtofindthatthisstupidsonofmyminehadplayednopartinthedeathofthelittleprince.Rather,hewas
theherowhohadrescuedtheQueen.ThenIfeltbitter.Noone,neithertheKingnorallthosefairskinnedoneswhohungaroundhim,willeveracknowledgetheheroicsdeeds
ofpeoplelikeus.Nobardswilleversingpaeanstotheselflessactsdonebycommonpeoplelikeus.Forgetthebards.Whoneededthem?
Ileftmywifetofussovermyincoherentson.
Outside,theskywastingedredintheeastbytherisingsunandbytheburningcityinthewest.WearilyIstretchedmylimbsandwalkedtowardstheriverwonderingwhatthe
monkeymanhadgainedbykillinginnocentbabies,menandwomen,andsettingfiretoabeautifulpalace.Theprocessionofthedeadhadstartedtowardsthefuneralgroundon
theothersideoftheriver.
Icouldnotseethefacesofthemenandwomenwhoaccompaniedthebier,butIcouldimaginetheirtearyeyedfaces.Iwatchedindifferentlyasthefirstpyrewaslit,andthick
smokecurledintothesky.Iwenthomeandsatonmymudverandahtowatchthesmokeovermyburningcity.

44Messengerofpeace
Ravana
ItwasPrahasthawhoinsistedthatIcomeoutandtakealookatthecity.Iwasangrywithhimatthetime,butheinsisted.HetoldmeitwasthedutyoftheKingtoseehowhis
subjectssufferedandtotakeactiontomitigatethatsuffering.Ishoutedathimandeventhreatenedtodismisshim,tobeheadhim.Buthestoodhisgroundwithoutsaying
anythinginreturnotherthantocalmlyinsistthatIdomyduty.Finallyheworemedownandcursing,Iagreed.
Isawthehorriblesufferingsthathadbeeninflicteduponmycitizens.IwalkedwithPrahastha,dressedinsimpleclothesandceasedtobeaking.Iwasafellowsufferer.Houses
weregutted,streetswerestrewnwithoddragsandcharredfurniture.Heapsoftrashlaysmoulderinginvariouscorners,lookingsuspiciouslylikeflesh.Manybuildingshad
collapsedandbrokenwalls,blackwithsoot,stoodhaphazardly.Somehadonlywindowsordoorframeswithnoroofabove.Somebuildingshadonlyafewpillarsstandinginthe
moundsofsmolderingash.Theylookedlikerelativesstrickenbygrief,standingaroundthefuneralpyreofalovedone.
Menandwomenstoodincorners,devastatedbytheirlossandstunnedbythesuddennessofitall.Iheardthestiflingsobsandoccasionalwailsthatbrokethroughthethickwalls
ofthehousesthatstoodprecariouslyonthevergeofcollapse.Halfburnt,animalcarcasseslaystrewnaround.Itwassickening.Iwantedtogobacktothepalaceandgetaway
fromthissceneofabjecthumanmisery.Thelossofmyyoungsonseemedsmallincomparison.p><p><fontsize="1">Butthesuddenthoughtofmydeadsonopenedtheflood
gatesofsorrow.IlookedpleadinglyatPrahasthabutheonlylookedgrim.Unabletocontrolmytears,Iwasalsoangryatthemonkeyman,atPrahastha,attheworldatlarge,for
bringingmetothissituation.ButIwastoostunnedtomove.Theroadwassoggywithsootandwaterandmudclungtomyclothesandsandals.Asickeningbreezewafted
throughtheselanesofdeath.Iwasovercomeandretched,clutchingmy
stomachasIemptiedmyselfontheroad.Itwasthenthatanoldwomanrecognizedme.
Shecamerunningfromherhouse,lettingoutahighpitchedshriek.Iwastakenabackandstoppedretching.<font>
Youscoundrel!Seewhatyourlusthasbroughtusto!shescreamed.Prahasthatriedtostopherbutshepushedhimawaywithgreatforce.Thenshebeatherbreastsand
wailed,Ibroughtuptwofinesonswithsomanysacrifices.Theirwives,mygrandchildren,allgone.Allgoneintheflamesofyourlust...youhaveawifelikeanangelandyoustill
havetolustoverDevawomen?AndseewhatshehasbroughttousAsuras.Acrowdgatheredaroundher.Therewereangrymurmursandsomeclenchedfists.Istoodpinned
totheground.Iwasafraidtheywouldlynchmetodeath.
WhatkindofarulerwasI?Ifeltdisgusted.Lankaburntonallsides.WhateverIhadbuilt,whatevermypeoplehadbuiltwiththeirdreams,ambition,passionandhardwork,lay
crumbledinruinsaroundme.Ihadfailedasaking.Icouldnotprotectmycitizensfromalowlymonkey.Iwasafailureasafather.Icouldnotprotectmysmallsonfrombeing
roastedalive.Iwasaloser.ItneededPrahasthatomakemecomeouttoseeandempathizewithmyfellowsufferers.MykneesgaveawayandIcollapsedontheground.With
tremblinghands,Itriedtotouchthefeetoftheangryoldwoman.
Mother...forgiveme...I...I...Agaspwentthroughthecrowd.
Prahasthaliftedmeupbuttheoldwomanfellatmyfeet.ForgivemeyourHighness...youareourEmperor...youshouldnotfallatmyfeet.Shedissolvedintosobs.Thecrowd
whichhadbeenangryenoughtolynchmetodeathsuddenlybecameindifferentandmovedawayasIstaggeredtowardsmycharredpalace,leaningontheoldbutstrongarmof
myPrimeMinister.

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JaitoRavana.Someonecriedoutandthentheentirecrowdrespondedinunison,HarHarMahadev!
Wewillfollowyouuntodeathsir!someoneyelled.
DeathtotheDevas...anothervoicejoinedin.
LeadtheAsurastovictory...weshallavengethebrutalattacksir.Weshallbuildthecitybackwithourhandsbrickbybrick.
HarHarMahadev!shoutedahundredvoices.
DeathtoRamaanddeathtothemonkeymen.IcouldfeeltheenergyfloodintomyveinsasIclimbeduptomycitadel.IwasnolongerafraidofPrahastha.Icouldseethestreets
fullofmypeople.Thecrowdwaselectric.Thousandsofswordsglistenedinthesun.Iwavedmyhandsandahugeuproarwentthroughthecrowd.
LetusrebuildLanka!IcriedandwasgreetedbyanotheruproarofHarHarMahadeva!ByShiva,weshallavengethisbrutalattackofthemonkeymenandtheDevas.
Yesweshall!answeredthecrowd.
Prahasthastoodsmilingbesideme.Iwhisperedtohim,Letusstartrebuildingthecity.Hebowedandleftmysidetomakearrangementsinhisusualefficientmanner.The
bumblingbutbrilliantProfessorMayan,theministerofcityadministrationandengineering,wassummonedandhecamerunninglikeahappychildbeingofferedatreat.Asthe
citieshadgrownanddeveloped,hehadbeenleftwiththemonotonousjobofadministratingthemefficiently.Nowhewasbeingagaingivenanotherchancetorebuildtheburnt
cityandreturnittoitspastglory.Ileftmytwoministersbusyinconsultation.
ThepalacewasindarknessandIreturnedtotherealityofmydeadsonandmypersonalloss.TheenergyIhadbuiltfromthecriesofthousandsofmycitizensandtheirnever
saydiespirit,leftmeatthedoorwaytomypalace.Noisesofacitywalkingfromthedeadfilteredthroughthedarkandgloomycurtainsofmypalace,butsittingalone,buriedinmy
personaltragedy,Ibecamejustagrievingfatherwhohadlosthislittleone.
Eventheloveofmysubjects,lookedfrivoloustome.
Everythingseemedapretence,evenmygriefbeforethewomaninthestreet.HadIreallyfeltempathytowardsthatgrievingwoman?Orwasitaninstinctivereactiontosave
myselffromtheangrycrowditchingtolynchmetodeath?HaveIledmanypeopletomiseryanddeath,justtoachievemypersonalambitions?thedoubtslingered.Mymindfelt
numb.Ilovedmypeople.HadInotbuiltanempireoutofnothing?AndhadInotgivenbackselfrespectandpridetoabatteredandoppressedpeople?But,whatifitwasall
guidedbyselfishnessandnotbyideals?WhyIamthinkinginthisway?HadInotglorifiedselfishnessandgreedasthetwogreatpillarsofhumanprogress?Butthen,whywasI
feelinglikescum?WhywasIamfeelinglikeacharlatanwhohadledhispeopletogloomandhell?
Thedoorcreakedandafteramomentofpregnantsilence,thetallsilhouetteofmyQueenappearedintheslantingsunlightatthedoor.Slowly,shewalkedtomeandsatdown.I
didnotdaretostirandlookather.Iknewmyeyesweremoistandanymovementonmypartwouldexposethetearswaitingtoflowovertherimsofmyeyes.Sheputherhands
onmyshouldersandtearsbegantotrickledownmycheeks.
Iwillbewithyoualways.DonotleaveSitatoherhusband.Wedonotknowhowhewilltreather.
Whatevermaycome,weshallfaceittogether.Sheisourdaughter.Iunderstandyou,Ravana.Ishookmyhead.Ifmydaughterdidnotwantmyprotection,whyshouldIsacrifice
everythingforher?Tillthen,Ihadntthoughtofreturninghertoherbarbarianhusband,butasMandodariraisedtheissue,Ibegantothinkofreturninghertoherfateand
continuingwithmylife.WhoamItobringdestructiontomyownpeoplefortheselfishreasonofsavingmydaughter?Imaynothavebeenaperfecthumanbeingoraperfect
king,butIdidnotwantthecurseofmotherswhohadlosttheirchildrenandtheirdignity,tohauntmeforever.Enough!IwouldcallVibhishanaandaskhimtoreturnSitatoRama.
Asifreadingmythoughts,Mandodarisaid,No,Ravana,no.WeknowhowDevastreatwomen.Nowthatshehaslivedamongus,theywouldconsiderherimpure.Wehave
alreadylostonechild.Shesqueezedmyshouldershard.Letusnotloseanother.
Prahastha
seeks
audience
in
thedurbar,
announcedaguard.Istoodupwithoutlookingatmywife,wenttothebechild.asinandwashedmyface.Inthecoldwater,Iallowedmytearstoflowfreely.WhenIlookedintothe
mirror,Isawanoldmanstaringbackatme.Hehadgreyhairandstubble.Thedarkcirclesaroundhispuffyeyesandwrinkles,gavehimtheappearanceofabrokenman.Where
hadyouthgone?
WherewastheRavanawhohadchallengedtheGods?
WherewasthatKingwhohadwantedtoachievesomuchinlifethathehadnotcaredaboutthefeelingsofothers?Wherewasthefieryyouthwhohadledbattlesafterbattles
anddestroyedcities,slaughteredmenandwoman,andbuiltanempirethatstretchedfromthisPearlIslandtothesouthernbanksoftheNarmadaonthemainland,themanwho
gavetheAsurasselfrespectandmoreglorythanthelegendryKingMahabali?Andwherehadthelovefornature,music,artandlife,vanished?
WherewasRavana?
Theanswerstoodatthedoor,withhisheadheldhigh,hisbearingproudandmanly.Ravana,withthefiretoconquerandthehungertolive,Ravanainhisyouthfulgloryanda
milliondreams,Ravanaoftheunquenchablezestforallthegoodthingsinlife.TheRavanamissinginthemirrorstoodatthedoor,beckoningmebacktolife.
ItwasMeghanada.Father,theCouncilofMinistersarewaitingforyou.
Iturnedandadjustingmyangavastra,putahandonMeghanadasshoulder.Icouldnotaffordtowallowinselfpity,Ihadacountrytorule.Drawingenergyfromtheyouthfulfireof
myson,Iwalkedtomydurbarleaningonhimalittle,totakeonmylifeagain.Ileftmysobbingwifebehindandlistenedtothesoundscarriedinbythebreezethesoundofthe
Asuras,mybelovedpeople,rebuildingtheircityandtheirlivesafterabrutalterroristattack.Hopebegantosproutagain.Ileftmysonbehindandenteredthedurbar.AsIsaton

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mythrone,Icouldnothelpbutnoticethattherepairworkwasshoddy.Brushingawaythislittleirritation,Ibegantheproceedings.Andinmymind,onceagain,Ibecamethe
Emperorandthegreatestmonarchonearth.Thereweremanymorebattlestobewon.
Wesatdiscussingwarplans.Ipersonallyitchedforrevenge.ThoughIwantedRamatobecapturedaliveforthesakeofmydaughter,IwantedtoslitLakshmanasthroatforwhat
hehaddonetomysisterandkillHanumanwithmybarehands.Iwasimpatientwiththeendlesswarplanningandstrategy.IcouldseethesameimpatienceinMeghanadatoo.
Nevertheless,Vibhishanapitchedforonelastpeaceeffort.HesaidthathewouldpersonallygoasanemissaryandreasonwithRama.
PrahasthawasoftheopinionthatitwouldbedangerousforaprinceofLankatogotothebarbariansforpeacetalks.TheycouldholdhimhostageanddemandSitasreleasein
return.Finally,itwasdecidedthatVibhishanawouldgowithasizablearmyandVarunasnavywouldprotecthimfromthesea.Vibhishanaalsoassuredusthatifrequired,he
woulduseforceandcaptureRama,ifhedidnotseereason.
Prahasthawasdeadagainstanysuchmove.WeshouldmovefastandfinishoffRamaspunylittlearmy.
Weshouldntlosetheadvantageofsurprise.RegularrulesofwararenotapplicablethistimeastheybegantheoffensivebyfirstdeforminganAsuraprincessandindulgingin
terroristactivitiesagainsttheAsuraempire.Vibhishanadidntagree.IgrewtiredandtoldVibhishanahecouldgoasanemissary.IalsoinstructedVarunatostandbyasaback
upifRamatriedanyofhisignobleDevatricks.
Prahasthawasfurious,butonceIhadmademydecision,hecarriedoutthearrangementstoensurethatPrinceVibhishanagotthebesttrainedplatoonstoaccompanyhimon
hismission.Wearily,Idisbandedthecourtandreturnedtomyroom.Iwastirdplatooedandneededtosleepafterhavingcrematedmylittlesonjusthoursbefore.

45Loomingwar
Bhadra
Thesiegebegan.Essentialsdisappearedfromthemarket.Pricesshotthroughtheroof.Badtimeshadcome.Butpeoplelikeme,withourcallousedhandsandcoarsedress
invisible,irrelevantandsilent,wesufferedevenduringgoodtimes.Inbadtimeswestarvedanddied.Wediscussedtheimpendingwarinhushedtones.Manyoftheyounger
generationshadneverseenevensmallskirmishes,letalonewars.True,somehadaccompaniedMeghanadaonhisnortherncampaigns,butthosewerewarsfoughtinother
peoplescountries.Themenandwomenwhowerekilled,rapedandlooted,werelikeus,thepoorandthehungryofothercountries,anotherraceandanotherskincolour.
Butthebattlewasnowcominghome.Fearhungintheairlikeanastywintermistthatnevergoesaway.
Wehadafoolforaking.Otherwisehowcouldoneexplainsuchstupidity?AskanycommonmanontheroadandhewouldsaywhatahypocriteandhowevilPrinceVibhishana
was.OnlyagullibleandnavekinglikeRavanawouldhavetrustedsuchamissiontoVibhishanaandVaruna.Afewdaysago,thepublichadsentoffPrinceVibhishanaaftera
grandpublicfunction.
ThousandsassembledonthebeachwithAsuraflags.
FortytwowarshipscarryingtheentireroyalnavyandalmostthreefourthsoftheAsuraarmy,setsailtowardsthemainlandtocaptureRamaandcrushhismonkeys.
Everyoneknewthattalkofpeacewasonlyaruse.WewaitedfortheshipstocomebackinafortnightwiththebarbarianDevaprince,Rama,inchains.
But,evenafterapassageoftwentydays,therewasstillnonewsabouttheAsuranavyandarmy.Rumoursflewfastandquick.ThemonkeymenhadroutedtheAsuraforcesnear
theShivatempleontheshorenearMahabalipuram.Thescepticslikeme,however,weresurethatVibhishanahadswitchedsides.Andthentheroyalannouncementcame.We
wereright.Fromeveryjunctionandcorneroftheisland,itwasannouncedthatPrinceVibhishanaandAdmiralVarunahadswitchedsides.TheEmperorsbrotherhadthe
audacitytosendamessagerequestingRavanatorelinquishthethroneinhisfavourandtohandoverSitatoRama.VarunaalsowrotetosaythatRavanawasnolongerthe
suzerainoftheAsurasasRamahaddeclaredVibhishana,KingofLankaandtheAsuras,inaceremonyatMahabalipuram.Therewasalsoajointlettersignedbythetwovillains
thatamajorityoftheAsuraarmyandthewholeoftheAsuranavy,hadswitchedtheirloyaltiestotheDevas.
Ravanadidnothaveachance.TosaveLankafromaseconddestructionandunnecessarybloodshed,RavanahadtohandoverthethronepeacefullytoVibhishanaandretireto
theHimalayaswithhisfamily,ifhevaluedhislife.ButRavanaurgedeverycitizentorise,defendhismotherlandandculturefromthebarbarianDevasandthetreacherous
AsuraswhowanttoimposeBrahmanismandcastehierarchy.NotthateverycitizenofLankaoronthemainlandledaprosperouslifeandenjoyedalifeofequality,withoutany
hierarchyorcastediscrimination.ThoughwehadseethedundertheslowspreadofcasteandcolourdiscriminationandhadruedRavanasrule,inourheartsweknewthatthe
kinghadnotbeendirectlyresponsiblefortherotinAsurasociety.
Infact,heandPrahasthahadcheckedthespreadofcasteismseepinginfromthenorth,thoughVibhishanaandhisBrahminfollowershadslylytriedtointroducethe
discriminatoryreligionthroughthebackdoor.Now,thesameVibhishanahadalliedwiththeDevaKingandhadthreatenedtooverthrowRavana.Peopleshudderedtothinkhow
lifewouldbeifVibhishanaandtheBrahminsweregivenultimateauthoritnahay.Wewereafraid.
PreparationsforthefinalbattlebetweentheDevasandtheAsurashadbegunitwouldbethefinalclashoftwocivilizations.Inthisdecisivebattle,theAsurasweregoingtofight
withonearmtiedbehindourbacks.Forthecommonman,ouronlyinterestinjoiningRavanasearlierraidingpartiesasmercenarieswasonlyforsharingtheloot.Afteralong
time,anestablishedAsuraempirewouldfaceanattacksimilartothatfacedbythetenkingswhenIndrainvadedIndia.Awayoflife,acultureofequalityandfreedom,atradition
thatvaluedmaterialpleasureandcelebratedlife,braceditselftofacethefinalassaultfromanotherculture.IthadlongceasedtobeapersonalmatterbetweenRavanaand
Rama.
PeoplehadhatedRavanainitiallyforwhattheysawashislustforSitaandthemisfortuneitbroughttotheAsuras.ButwhenthepeopleheardtherumoursthatSitawasanAsura
princess,ourownKingsdaughter,theyrecoiledatthethoughtofleavingtheprincessinthehandsofRama.Butthekingcouldnotdragustoawaroverhisprivateaffairs.Itwas
afamilyfeudatbestbutwewerepayingtheprice.NorcouldIforgivehimforthewayhehadtreatedmyadoptedson,Athikaya,whowasalsohisblood.ButunlikeSita,thewomb
thathadborneAthikaya,wasthatofablackhousecleanerandnotthearistocraticdaughterofagreatscientist.TheAsurasbracedforthefinalwarbetweengoodandevil.
Rudrakaparadedtheinfantryandcavalrythroughthestreets.Peoplemovedtensely.Soldiersandpoliceofficerswereallonedgeandscreamedatorbeatpeoplewithout
reason.Thenthepeopleoutsidethefort,andthefishermenwholivednearthebay,arrivedwiththeirfowlsandbeasts.Peoplebegantoliveonfootpaths.
ThentheAsuraswholivedneartheport,broughtthenewsthemonkeymenwerebuildingabridgeacrossthewater.Itwasstrange,fascinatingandfearsome.Butthebridge
inchedtowardsourlittleislandrelentlessly.Asitgrew,sodiditsterroreffect.Peopleclimbedontotempletowersandtreetopsoranyelevatedplace,andtalkedinexcitedtones.
Kalaripayattu,thetraditionalAsuramartialartscentres,cameupovernight.ThestreetswerefilledwithAsuras,youngandold,menandwomen,carryingswords,bowsand
arrows,spears,andassortedweapons.Ravanaexhortedhissubjectstotakeuparmsandfighttheinvaders.TemplesthathadbeenearlierclosedtousordinaryAsuras,were
openedandbecamevirtualarmycamps.TheseparationandsegregationthattheBrahmanisedeliteoftheempirehadimposedonsociety,vanishedovernight,asmostofthem
leftLankatojoinRamasranks.TheoldsenseofequalityamongtheAsurascameback.Wewerefightingforourculture,ourrace,ourwayoflife,andourtraditions.Thiswasthe
lastbattlewhichwoulddetermineifthepoorandthedowntroddenofIndia,stoodachancetoachieveequalityitwasawaragainstheartlessCasteismandUntouchability

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againstdegradedBrahmanism.Ismiledattheirony.AwaragainstBrahmanismwasgoingtobefoughtunderakingwhowassecretlyproudofhisBrahminlineage.However,
whatchoicedidwepoor,unlucky,blackoneshave?Ofalltheleadersandkingsthatwe,theblacksofthiscountry,hadeverhad,Ravanawasthebest.Hewashumanedespite
hisfaultsandthealternativethekingdomofRama,orworse,thatofVibhishana,wastoofrighteningeventoimagine.
Instinctively,everycommonAsuraknewthatthiswarwoulddeterminethefutureofIndiaanditsmillionsofpoorandblackpeople.IfthiswarwaslostandRamawon,thenwe
wouldbekickedintotheditchforever.
Weknewthatalifeworsethanthatofastreetdogawaitedusthen.WewouldfightforRavana.Wewouldgiveourblood,ourlives,andeverythingweowned,forifwelostthis
war,wewouldlosesomethingmorepwersreciousthanlife.Ableakanddarkfutureawaitedourchildren.Wewereterrified,hungryandthirsty,yetweeagerlyawaitedtofight
Ramaandhismonkeymen.
Ourchancesweregrim.Weknewitwell.Butweweredeterminedtofighttotheend.Thiswasthedecisivewar
thewarbetweengoodandevil.WeweresurethatMahadevShivawouldnotalloweviltotriumph.
However,inthedeepestcornerofmymind,IknewwewerethelesserchildrenoftheGods,andevenacompassionateandallpowerfulGodlikeShiva,wouldlookatthecolour
ofourskinandflinch.Perhapswehadbeenbornwiththewrongskincolour.

46Formypeople
Ravana
Thepalacewasdark.Oddsoundsfilteredthroughthehumidair.Notaleafstirred.Ihadbeensittingonthisverandahoverlookingthesea.Defeatanddeathstaredmeinthe
face.IberatedmyselffornothavingthrownVarunaintotheragingwavesthatnight,long,longago.Ifeltnumb.ThelifeIhadbuiltwithtears,toilanddeath,wascrumbling.The
torchesandlampsthepalaceservantshadlithoursbefore,hadflickeredtoaslowdeath.Hereandthereinthepalacegardens,anoddlampstillshone,fightingafinalbattleto
survive.
Forhoursmymindhadbeenablankpage.Then,likeaheadachethatstartswithasmallflashofpainatthetemples,thefeelingsreturned:Iwantedtoseemydaughter.Itriedto
dismissthethoughtanditsubsidedforawhile.Butbeforelong,itseizedmeagain.IstoodupandwalkedtowardsthegiantAshokatreewheremydaughterlived.Itwasdark.
Thelightsthatescapedthroughthepalacewindowsthrewhugeshadowsonthebushes,makingthemappeargrotesque.AsIapproachedthetree,abirdflewawaywithaloud
flapofwingsandrodentsscurriedpast.Abatflewperilouslyclosetomyhead,changedcourse,andthenvanishedintothedarkness.
Sheslept.ThetwodozingAsurawomansoldiersdidnotevenknowofmypresence.Somuchforherprotection,Ithought.Ihatedmyselfforthetremblinginmyhands.Iwanted
totouchherandgobacktoherchildhood,whichIhadnotseen.Iwantedtofeelmybabydaughterstinyfingers,tocradleher,andseehergrowingup.Themoonbrokethrough
thedarkcloudsandareluctantbeamfilteredthroughtheleavesoftheAshokaandilluminatedherangelicface.Thedullmoonlightplayedhideandseekwiththedarkshadows
ofthegarden.Agentlebreezerustledtheleaves.Shestirred.Asmalldropoftearflowedfromtheedgeofhereyesoverthebridgeofherlovelynose,balancedonthetipandfell
down.Myheartwentoutformylittlepreciousdaughter.Shewaspiningforherhusbandslove.DidIdoamistakeintakingherawayfromthepersonwhomsheloved?Suddenly
Iwasangry.Whycantsheseeherfatherslove?WhatwasthereinRamathatcouldmakeherforgetallthewealthIhadearned?
Thenmyangeroozedawayandinitsplaceasenseofhelplessnessarose.Ihadwrongedher.Ihadforsakenherwhenshewantedmemost.Iwasbusybuildinganempire.In
myinsaneraceforsuccess,Ilostmydaughterschildhood.Now,whenshewassomadlyinlovewithherhusband,Ihadagaintakenherawayfromhim.Ihatedmyselffordoing
so.Butwhycantsheunderstand?Herhusbandwouldnevertakeherback.Hewasstandingatmycitygates,roaringdeathanddestructiontoanoldman,notbecauseheloved
hiswifesodearly.Ordidhe?Idontwanttolosemychildagain.Idonotwanthimtotakeherawayfromme.SheisanAsuraprincessandsheismydaughter.Ihadlostheronce,
Iwillnotletithappenagain.
Instinctivelysheawokeandsawmestandingtherewithalookofdespairandconfusiononmyface.Iwantedtopersuadehertostaywithus,herparents.ButasImovedtowards
her,shescreamed.ThespellwasbrokenandIstaggeredback,disgustedwithmyself.Shespokewordsofabuse,sobbinghystericallyandcallingonRamatosaveher.The
Asurawomenguardswokewithastart,lookingconfused.Butbeforetheycouldseeme,Iwithdrewintotheshadowsandhurriedbacktomypalace.MyheartcriedinpainasI
enteredmybedroomandsawMandodarisittingonthebed.Icouldnotfaceher.
Wherewereyou?Wasthereanedgetohervoice?Ishruggedandlaydownwithmybacktowardsher.Ifeltbitterandangryabouteverything.WhydidshecomeintomylifeI
shiftedinmybedbutthethoughtsrefusedtogoaway.ThenIfeltawarmhandonmyshoulderandturnedtohugmywife.Slowly,Ibegantoundressher.Icouldnotrememberthe
lasttimeIhadlovedherandwaitedfortherushofdesiretooverwhelmme.Butnothinghappened.Ifumbledwithherclothes,likeateenagerminuspassion.Ifelthergorigidand
stiff.OnceagainIattemptedtostokethoseforgottenpassionsandthengaveup.Iturnedawayfromherandlayonmyback.Sheputherheadonmyshoulderandtriedtostroke
passionwithherhands.Butnothinghappened.Iwastiredandwishedshewouldgiveupandleavemeinpeace.IhatedheratthatmomentandIhatedmyselfforbeing
impotent.Idonotknowforhowmanyhourswelaylikethat,butslowlysleepclaimedherandsheslidbacktohersideofthebed.Butthesimplemercyofpeacefulsleepeluded
me.
Millionsofthoughts,mostlymeaningless,poppedup.
Somewherebetween,asenseofwearinessanddefeatcreptin.Iwantedtoenditall.Lifehadnomeaning.
Everythingwasworthless.Itossedfromsidetosideandtheslippedintoastupor.
Then,whentheeasternskyhadturnedpale,Iwokewithastart,drenchedinsweat.IhavebeenlearningastrologyandastronomyfromMayan.AsIgrewolder,myown
vulnerabilityhadgraduallymadememorereceptivetotheseabstractsciences.Anysubjectthatinterestedme,Idevotedlonghoursofstudyto.Lifewassoshortandtherewas
somuchtolearn.Iwasintheprocessofwritingabook,asamhita,onastrologyandomens.MaybethatpromptedthenightmareIhadofmydaughterSitabeingdraggedawayby
tallandfairmenandbeingthrownintoaragingfire.Ramasatonahighpedestal,visiblydistressed.Somewherenearby,anotherfirewasraging.Morethanthehorriblefateof
mydaughter,itwasthegrotesquefacethatwashungrilybeingdevouredbytheflamesthatwokeme,myheartthuddinginmychest.ItwasthefaceoftheAsuraEmperor.Wasit
anomen,theharbingerofthingstocome?AstrologywassuchaveiledscienceandIdidnotbelieveinomens.Iwishedsleepwouldclaimmebackintoherbosom,butdisturbing
imageskeptmeawakeandtired.Twice,myservantscametowakeme,butIignoredthem,feelingtheirdreadthroughthecoveredsheetunderwhichInestledunderlikea
frightenedchild.
Finally,Mandodaricameandshookmeawake.Itwasableakmorning.Theskywasovercastanddarknessloomedovertheheavingocean.
YourHighness,theCouncilawaits.PrahasthasvoicestartledmeandIlookedathimwithblearyeyes.
Council...whatCouncil...Whatdotheywanttodiscussnow?Iwaswearyofeverythingpettypoliticsandegosbickeringandtusslesendlessmeetingsandsycophantstrying
toimpressmewiththeirunfailingpatriotismmyglitteringpalacemyverythingempirethewarIwouldhavetoinevitablywageagainstRama.Iwastiredoflife.Iwanted

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Prahasthaandhiskindtogoawayandvanishfrommyworld.WhydidIchoosetobeKing?IshouldhavechosenasimplerlifeonthebeautifulshoresofthePoornariver,
dreamtsmalldreams,andlivedanddiedliketheinsignificantmillionsoftheworld.Asmallhut,afaithfulwife,beautifulchildren,somefieldstotillandallthetimeintheworldto
enjoylifebutIknewsuchdreamswerejustthat
dreams.
IsatthereforalongtimeafterPrahasthahadleft.IdidnotfeellikedoingmypujatoShiva.Lethimdowithoutapujatoday.Ihadprayedenough,evenwithoutbeingsure
whetherGodheardmeornot.WhenIfinallyreachedthedurbar,theCouncilmemberswerehuddledincircles,chattingirreverentlylikeschoolkids.
TherewasasuddenhushwhenIenteredandtheyscrambledtotheirrespectiveseats.Iwaitedwithgrowingannoyanceasmanyfumbledwiththeirdressandtheirturbans.
PrahasthastoodupbutIcuthimoffwithaflickofmyhand.IcouldseetheembarrassmentandhurtonhisfacebutIcarednothingabouthisfragilefeelings.OncemoreIwaited
forthemurmurstodiedownandthensaid,Theenemyisbreathingdownournecks.Wearefacingbetrayalafterbetrayal.Vibhishana,thebrotherIcradledinmyarmsand
consideredason,leftfortheenemycamps.Varuna,thesnake,whomItrustedwithournavy,andwhomIconsideredmybestfriend,hasbecomeaslaveofthatDevaupstart.Half
ourarmyandtheentirenavyhaveswitchedsides.SomuchfortheAsuraempireandthegloryofourrace,forwhichIhavegivenmyblood,mykin,mydreams,mylife.
WeshouldmovetotheSubelahills.Theforttherewillholdagainstanyenemyattack.Wehaveenoughprovisionstheretolastforseveralmonths.Wewillwaitthereandwear
theenemyout.Prahasthainterfered.
ItooksometimetoregisterwhatPrahasthawassayingandthenfeltsuddenlyangry.No,IwillnotrunawayfromtwoDevamenandtheirragtagarmyofmonkeymen.Iamthe
EmperoroftheAsuras,andIwillnothideinthehills.Iwillcrushthem.Therewasvisiblecommotionamongmyministers.
ThenJambumalistooduppainfullyandsaid,YourHighness!Ifwecanholdoutinthehillsuntilthenextmonsoon,thenwecantrapRamasarmybetweentheragingseaand
thecity.Wecanresorttoguerillatacticsandweakentheenemyuntilthen.
Youwantmetoleavethecitytothemercyofthosebarbarians?Ithinkyoufoolshaveforgottenthelessonsofhistory.HowmanymagnificentAsuracitieswereransackedand
burnttoasheshowmanywomenrapedandravagedbytheDevasinthepast?YouthinkthesonsofIndrawillspareourmagnificentcity?
But,YourHighness!Weareweaknow.Wehavetostrategize,planandfightthewaronourterms.TheSubelahillsarepracticallyimpenetrable.Theretreatingmonsoonwillstart
anytimenowandthesteepwallsofSubelaFortwillformaformidablebarrierforeventhemonkeymen.Moreover,wewillbeoutofrangeoftheflamethrowersofVarunas
ships.Prahasthapatientlywaitedformyreply.
Icouldsensethetensionintheroombutdidnotsayanything.MyPrimeMinisterwasright.IntheSubelahills,wewouldbeabletokeepRamaatbayforever.Wecouldthen
bribeVarunasmentocomeovertooursideandstrikeatRamalaterinsummer.IknewmyGovernorKhara,whowasnowatthenorthernmostborderofmykingdom,inthe
middleofIndia,wasmmeovingrapidlytoencircleRamafromtherear.OnceRamawasweak,IwassurethatVarunawouldswitchloyaltiesagain.Buthewouldtakeafew
monthstocoverthedistancewithhishugearmy.Couldweholdontillthen?Evenifwedidholdon,whatwouldhappentomycityandmypeople?WhatifPrahasthawasplotting
togetridofme?No,Ravanawouldnotrunawaylikeacoward.Strategyornot,Iwouldstayhereandprotectmypeople.
Suddenlyweheardarisinguproarfromthestreets.
Itwasfaintinitially,butslowlyroseintoacrescendo.
TheCouncilmembersapprehensivelyrosefromtheirseatsandIcouldnotcontainmycuriosity.WasitRamasarmyattacking?IrushedtotheopenverandahwhereIusually
gavemymorningdarshantomysubjectsandheardtheircomplaints.Aserpentineprocessionwasmarchingtowardsthepalace.Asfarastheeyecouldsee,people,menand
women,oldandyoung,weremarchingtowardsthepalace.Theguardsatthefortgatestriedtorestrainthem,butthecrowdpushingpastrelentlessly.
DeathtotheDevas!HarHarMahadeva!
RavanaVijaya!Theangrycriestoreattheskyasthecrowdbrandishedallsortsofweapons,from10footspearsandswords,togardentoolsandevenkitchenknives.
DrummersfranticallybeatthetimelessAsurarhythmsonChendas.
HowcouldIeventhinkofleavingmypeopleandhidinginthehills?Iwavedmyhandsandthecrowdroaredbackinapproval.Igesturedtotheguardstoletthecrowdin.Who
wasItorestrainthem?Thecrowdsrushedin.Theytrampledthemanicuredgardens,upsettheflowerpotsandsomeurchinsjumpedintothefountains.Thepalaceopenedits
gatestomysubjects.Itfeltgood.Iraisedmyhandstotheskyandasuddenhushfellonthecrowd.Inthatmoment,IfeltlikeGod.IfeltthecharismaIhadlostsomewhereinthe
labyrinthsofpower,returntome.IfeltthatIhadonceagainreconnectedwithmypeople.Iregainedmyyouth.
Longago,whenIwasbarelyseventeen,Imadeapromisetoyou.Ipromisedyouaworldwhereallmenandwomenwouldbetreatedasequals.Ipromisedtogiveyoubackthe
goldenageofMahabali.Wehopedtoregainourglory.Wehadnothingexcepthope.YoureposedyourconfidenceinmyleadershipandI,inyourloyalty.Together,we
challengedthemightyDevaempire.Withahandfulofmen,westartedacampaignagainst
inequality,
Brahmanism,
oppression,
and
meaninglessrituals.Withyoursweatandblood,webuiltwhatweseearoundustoday.FromthispearlislandtothefoothillsoftheVindhyas,wemadetheAsuraflagflyhigh.
Prosperitycametoourpeople.Webuiltmagnificentcitiesandmadeleapsofprogressinscience,artandculture.OurgreattemplesproclaimedthegloryofShiva.
ThegranariesoverflowedwiththefruitsofAsuralabour.WebuilttemplesofknowledgeandensuredeachAsurawasliterate.Ourhospitalstookcareofthesickandwebuilt
roadsandcanals.Wecannowconfidentlyclaimtobetherichestempireintheworld.Ipausedforeffect.CriesofHarHarMahadevandRavanavijaya
roseonallsides.
However,onthemarchtowardsprogress,wemadesomemistakes.Westrayedfromthepathofrighteousnessthatourgreatleadersofyorehadsopainfullywalkedupo="n.We
lostpurityofthoughtandthesimplicityoflife.LiketheDevas,webegantothinkthatsomemenwereprivileged.Itwouldperhapsbeenjustifiedifprivilegewasbasedonabilities
andmerit.ButtheDevacivilization,ifonecouldcallitthat,thoughdefeatedbythemightypowerofAsuraarms,slowlyseepedinandpoisonedourminds.Likethem,webeganto
considersomehumanbeingsasdivinethatsomewerepureandothersnotnotbecauseoftheirdeedsortheirminds,butbecauseoftheirbirth.Asyourleader,Ishouldhave
seentheevilthoughtsofcasteseepingintooursociety.Alas,Iwasbusyglorifyingmyself.Thecrowdgroaned.
Iforgotourvaluesmyself,sowhyshouldIblamesociety?TheBrahmins,andImeannoeviltothemasindividuals,corneredallthatwasworthwhile,andthemajorityofyouwere
leftinthedumps.I,asyourleader,failedyou,forIallowedmybrother,thetraitorVibhishana,toflirtwithBrahmanismandVishnu.IamashamedtosayIpridedmyselfthatIwas
superiortoyoubecauseIamhalfBrahminmyself.Iwassecretlyproudofmyfaircomplexionandconsideredblackskindirtyandevil.
Thecrowdstoodraptinattentionasthewordscameoftheirownvolition.Today,ourcivilizationisatcrossroads.Istandbeforeyou,notasanEmperor,notasthearrogantall
conqueringRakshasathatmydetractorsliketocallme,butasasimpleman,asafellowAsura,withmyheartbared.Ihavesinned,forIamnotGod,butahumanbeinglikeyou.I
standchastisedforthewrongsIhavecommitted.Istandhumbledbythesimpletrustyouhaveplacedinmyleadership.IpraytoShivathathegivesmestrengthtoshoulderthis
heavyburden.
Thiswar,despitewhatmanypeoplethink,isnotaboutSita,thebeautifulwifeoftheDevaPrinceRama,andthelecherouslustofyouroldKingforanothermanswife.Noristhis
waraboutavengingthehumiliationsufferedbymysisterSoorpanakha,atthehandsofLakshmana,thebrotherofRama.This...Ipaused.Suddenlythewordshaddriedup.The
crowdwaitedinanticipation.
MydearAsurafriends...Sita...Ismydaughter.TherewasahugeroarfromthecrowdandIwaitedforitdiedown.Themidnoonsunbeatdownmercilessly,suckingmyenergy
anddullingmybrain.Riversofperspirationrandownmyface.Thousandsofblack,wetfacesgleamedbelow.Angry,confusedandexcited,thecrowdswayed.Ididnotwantto
lookbackandfacemyministers,thoughIsuspectedtheyknewaboutSita.Ididnothavethecouragetofacethemnow.AfewminutesagoIhadplannedtoswaythecrowdwith
myspeechaboutthefutureoftheAsuracivilization,now,thosewordshadgoneintohiding.Isupportedmyselfonthebalustradeandwaited.Iknewthecrowdcouldturn
dangerousatthistime.Ifeltexhaustedandtired.
VictorytoSitaMata!VictorytoPrincessofAsuras!aforlorncrywentupfromonecorner.Therewasadeadlysilence.Headsturnedinsurprisetowardsthesound.Isquintedinto
thesuntoseewhohadutteredthecry.WasitBhadra,theoldrascal?Icouldseeashriveled,oldman,leaningonastaff,withasprightly,black,muscularyouthnearhim,butI
wasnotsureabouttheface.Oncemoretheoldmancriedout,
VictorytomotherSita!Andasone,thecrowderuptedwithcriesofvictoryforSitaandRavana.TheChendasthathadbecomesilent,explodedintowildAsurarhythmsandthe
crowd,swayedandpulsatedlikeamonstersnakeasitcrawledoutofmypalace,raisingahillofdustinitswake.
Asthewarcryfaded,Iturnedtomyministersandsaid,nisterssaiandthSoitissettled.Wewillstayputandfight.AllexceptPrahasthabowed.AsIleftformychamberswitha
flourish,IcouldseePrahasthahadaglassylookinhiseyes.Icaughthiseyeandheimperceptiblyshookhishead.Later,inthedark,coolchambers,longafterthefirelitinmy
bodybymysubjectshaddieddown,IfoundmyselfprayingtoShivatosoothetherisingpanic.Apremonitionofdoomhunginthethick,humidairoverLanka.IcouldsmellitI
couldfeelitinmyhair.PerhapsPrahasthawasrightasusual.However,Iwouldratherhavediedandlosteverythingthanabandonedmypeopletothehorrendousmonkeyarmy
ofRama.Iknewitwaslogicaltowithdrawnow,butIwastooproudandtoosentimental.
Iwouldstayhereandfightwithmyhalfarmy.Iowedmypeoplethatmuchatleast.
Inthoselonelyhours,asIwriggledandfumbledwiththelogicofheadandheart,thefateofIndia,theAsuraempire,andmillionsofblackpeople,wasdecidedforever.HadI
listenedtomyhead,perhapsfatewouldhavedecreeddifferently.Butthen,Iwasalwaysacreatureofpassion.IhadlivedasRavanaandIwoulddieasRavana.Ididnotintend
tobecomeRama,theperfectmanandGod.Therewasnodearthofgodsinmycountry.Itonlylackedmen.

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47Warwithoutethics
Bhadra
IshoutedwithallmymightfortheAsuraprincess.
Iwashappythatatleastonerulerhadbeenhonestenoughtoadmitthetruth.Thecrowdsmoodchangedafterthat.Whoknows?ImighthavesavedthedayforRavana.I
followedthecrowdbackbutwastootiredtowalkbacktomyhut.SoIsleptinfrontofasilkshop,onthefootpath.Manymoresleptonthefootpaths.
Policinghadbecomelaxoncethewarfeverhadcaughton.
Suddenly,inthedeadofnight,flametippedarrowswereshottowardsthemarketplace.Thewarhadstartedwithabang.Themarketplacewasonfire.Varunasflamethrowers
hadshotthefieryarrowsfromtheshipsanchoredafewhundredfeetfromshore.Arrowshissedandthrummedintheairtheyhitthingspiercedmenlandedonhayroofsand
guttedthem.TheinkyblackskywaslitwiththousandsoftonguesofredflamethatseemedtodanceinmacabredelightasdeathrainedonLankalikethemonsoonrain.HadInot
beenrunningfordearlife,IwouldhavestoppedtoenjoythespectaclethatVarunawasprovidingforhiserstwhilefriends.
Peopleranout.Screamsrangthroughthesky.
Fleshburned.Houseswereguttedandthick,blacksmoke,swirledupwards.Itwaslikebeinginhell.ForthefirsttimeIfacedwarasacommonmanandnotawarrior.Ifoundthat
Ineededmorecouragetosurvivelikethisthanonthebattlefield.Thereatleastweknewwhotheenemywas.Here,deathcameinvariousforms:asfallingbeams,asmarauding
troops,asthickblacksmokethatchokedyou,asleapingflames,asarrowheads.Herewewaitfordeathtofindus.
TheDevashadnosenseoffairplay.Theywerefiringattheciviliansfirst.Theirintentionwastocausepanic,weakenanddemoralizeus.Withdaylight,theywouldcrossthe
bridgeandlaunchtheattackwiththeirinfantryandcavalry.WhatwasourKingdoing?Forallhisbigwords,hecouldhavehiddenhimselfintheSubelahillfort.Youcouldnot
trustthesekings.WherehadAthikayagone?Adullpanicthrobbedinmystomach.Iranagainstthefleeingcrowds,stumbling,gettingup,stampingandtramplingonatideof
frightenedmenandwomenrunninglikemice.WherewasAthikaya?Iwasonthevergeoftears.Ipressedmyselfagainstalamppostandstoodtherepapalatnting.
Theskywasdarkwithblackfumes.Thesmellofburningfleshmademeretch.WherehastheAsuraarmygone?Whyweretheynotdoinganythingtoprotectusfromthe
monkeymen?Asenseofhelplessnessandutterdisgustforourrulersprevailedamongthepanickycrowd.Icouldsensetheirfear.
Asiftoanswermyquestions,acavalryunitsuddenlyappearedthroughthethicksmoke.Someofthefleeingpeoplepausedtolookback,butthecavalrypressedonthroughthe
crowd,tramplingsome,physicallythrowingoutmany,andhackingawaythroughthecrowdwithswordsandwhiplashes.OhGod!Ramascavalry,Ithought,butthencaughta
glimpseofVajradhamstrainthelead.ItwastheAsuracavalrygoingtomeetthemonkeymen.
Peoplelaydeadorinjuredontheroad.Iwalkedtowardsthepalace,equallyafraidofbothRamasandRavanasarrows.Charredcarcassesofmenandanimalslayscattered
around.Afterafewhundredyards,theskyclearedalittleandIpausedtobreatheinsomefreshair.
Thepalacestoodindeathlysilence.Varunasflamingarrowsdidnothavethereachtotouchthepalace,sofornow,theKingwassafe,unlikehispoorsubjects.Ilookedtowards
thesea.Varunasshipswererollinggentlyonthewaves.Icouldseethousandsofarmedmenshootingflametippedarrowstowardsthemainmarketandresidentialareas.I
clamberedupasmallhillock,afewyardsfromthemainstreet,whichjuttedtowardstheseaandgotabetterviewfromthere.
Ramasbridgewasalmostcomplete.Men,elephantsandhorses,hadunloadedfromtheshipsandalong,serpentine,infantrycolumnsnakeditswaytowardsLanka.Icouldsee
theflutteringDevaflagswiththeemblemofVishnusconch,andfeeltherisingenthusiasmofthebarbarianarmyastheysawtherichAsuracapitalforthefirsttime.
IsawVajradhamstrascavalryclashwiththerushingmonkeymen,onthebeautifulwhitesandsofourbeaches.Tillafewdaysago,lovershadstrolledthosewhitesands,handin
handandmothershadwatchedwithdelightthetinystepstheirtoddlersmade.
Onthesamesands,wherelifehadbeensobeautiful,nowdeathdancedinthestepsofKali.AhugeboulderthattheAsuraarmycatapultedfromanearbyhill,founditsmark.
Anotherfounditsmark,thenanother,untilashipswayed,andwentdown.AhugecheerrosefromtheAsuraranks.
ThefortgateopenedandtherestoftheAsuracavalryandinfantry,thousandsandthousandsofarmedmen,withthebattlecryHarHarMahadev!ontheirlips,chargedforth.I
lookedaround.Itwasagloriousday.
Thesealaylikeasheetofglass,reflectingthedeep,bluesky.Dragonfliesbuzzedandflowersbloomedallaroundme.IfIcouldsomehowshutoutthesmellofbloodanddeath,I
wouldhavesmeltthefreshnessoftheearthandthedew.Then,inasurprisingmomentofclarity,Isawitall.Theworldwasindifferenttothetrivialpursuitsofmen.Itwas
indifferenttowhetherRamaorRavanawon.ItwasasindifferenttotheplightoftheAsurasasitwastotheplightofadeerinthedeathgripofapanther.Theearthwaswetwith
thebloodofmen,ofbeasts,ofanythingthatbreathed.Everymoment,someone,something,wasbeingkilledsomewhere
perhapsbytheenemyonabattlefieldorakillerwhohadbrokenintoahouseinsearchofvictimsorahungrytigerbyanaccidentontheroadorasasacrificetoquenchthe
bloodlustoftheGods.Violencealoneruledtheworld.Everythingelsewasabriefinterlude,apausebeforeviolencestruckwithmoreviciousness.Strangely,itdidnotmatter.All
thattalkabouthonourandpride,ofraceandskincolour,ofmoralsandtraditions,oftriumphsandfailuriolencestes,itwasirrelevantinthegreaterorderofthings.
Yetsomethingthrobbedinme.Fear?Hope?Thirstforrevenge?Wearinessandthemeaninglessnessofthesethoughtsthrobbedinmyhead.Andsomewhere,inthismuddleof
uncontrolledemotions,Idesperatelygraspedforthemeaningofthismaddeningphenomenoncalledlife.Later,muchlater,Irealizedthattheonlymeaningoflifewasthatitdid
nothaveanymeaning.Bythen,however,itwastoolate.WearilyIwalkedtowardsthepalace.Iheardthescreamsandshoutsfromthebeachwhereapitchedbattlewasgoing
on.Dustswirledinthesky.IstoodontiptoetolookforAthikaya.
Wherewasmyson?Iwanttofindhimbeforehegetshimselfkilled.IwantedtogohometomywifeMala,andsomehowconvinceAthikaya,ifIcouldfindhim,toleavethis
madnessandescapefromthismadworldinhabitedbyRamasandRavanas.Wherewashe?Orwashealreadylyingdeadonthebeach?
Withleadenfeet,Idraggedmyselftowardsthepalace.
Thepalacelayhiddenbehindtherisingcloudofdust.Thegateswereclosedandtheguardstenseandalert.Istopped,gaspingforbreathandcursedmyfoolishsonandthe
stupidmenwhohadstartedthiswar.
Iprayedittobeover.Onewayortheanother.Iwouldhavelikedtheintruder,Rama,tobecapturedandhanged
notthatIlovedRavana.Butatleast,hisrulewastolerable.ButwasheamatchfortheslyDevaprince?
Thesunbakedmyback.Withmyknottyfingersovermyeyes,toshieldthemfromtheblazingsun,IscannedthepalacebalconiestocatchaglimpseofAthikaya.Thepalace
seemeddeserted.Thenslowly,asmyeyesadjustedfromtheblazingsunlighttotherelativelydarkpalace,IsawthetallandfairAsuraEmperor,standingaloneonabalcony.He
stoodstaringimpassivelytowardsthebeach.Herewasamanwhowaswatchingthegloriouslifehehadbuiltforhimselfandhispeople,collapsingaroundhim.Yet,hisface
remainednobleandimpassive,hispostureerectandproud.Withhissilverymaneflyinginthebreeze,helookeddivine.Inspiteofmyself,Ibowed.Heturnedtowardsmeand
oureyeslocked.Henoddedandmyheartleaptwithjoy.Hehadrememberedthispoorservant,thepoorwretch,Bhadra,whohadbeenathissidewhenhewasthehurricane

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thatblastedDevabastions,longago,inouryouth.
Isawaguardcomingtowardsme.TheEmperorhadvanishedfromhisbalcony.Theguardorderedmetoenterthepalace.AsIsteppedinthroughthegoldengatesofRavanas
palace,andstooddrinkinginthebeautyoftheplace,Iwasrudelypushedaside.BeforeIcouldprotest,achariotrushedpastmeatgreatspeed.
MycursesdiedwhenIsawalimpfigurewithitsheadsmashedbeyondrecognition.Asthechariotturned,Isawtheface.ItwasVajradhamstra.Themonkeymenhithimfrom
behind!Iheardoneofthesoldiersexplainingingreatanimationtohisfascinatedlisteners.
Thiswasasickwar,withnomorals.IwantedtogetoutofthisplaceandranintothepalaceinsearchofAthikaya.

48Sonsaresons
Ravana
Thedayendedtriumphantly.Rudraka,whohadbeengivencommandofthearmyafterVajrasdeath,andSumaliandPrahasthasbrilliantmovesinthecanoeswhichcutoff
Ramasarmy,savedtheday.Ramasmonkeymenwerebutcheredlikepigs.PrahasthaalsomanagedtorecapturethreeshipsofVarunasfleet.Thiscouldtiltthebalancegreatly
inourfavourinthedaystocome.
ManypeoplepaidhomagetoVajraslifelessbody,whichhadbeenkeptatthepalacegates.Peoplewhohadbeefanterrifiedofhiminlife,nowflockedtoseethedeadAsura
commander.Ihadhatedhishighhandedness,hisguts,andhisdevilmaycareattitude.
ThewayinwhichhehadquelledtheBrahminrebellionhadbeenignoble.ThetyrannyhehadunleashedduringthoseunstabletimeshadmarredtheAsuraclaimofdharmaand
compassion,forever.But,IhadbuiltmyempireontheshouldersofmensuchasVajradhamstra.
Withoutmenlikehim,whodidnotbataneyelidtotakethelifeofanotherwhorevelledincrueltytheempirewouldhaveremainedatwinkleintheeyeofapoorhalfcaste,half
starvedAsuraboy.
AsImovedoutwithmyministersandrelativesinmywake,thecrowdthathadthrongedtoseethedeadcommander,parted.Istoodbeforethelifelessbodyofmychiefsoldier
withmyheadbowed.Themuffledcriesofhiswifeanddaughtercouldbeheardintheuneasysilence.IcouldnotcontroltheshakingofmyhandsasItouchedthecoldfeetofthe
corpse.IprayedtotheallforgivingShiva.Iprayedforthesoulofthemanwhohadcommittedthegreatestcrimespossiblesothathispeoplewouldregaintheirlosthonour.
Aprocessionofdeadbodiescamethroughthestreets.Lessermenwhohadbeenslainalongwiththeircommanderwerebroughtin.Asthefiery,redsunimmerseditselfinthe
sea,thickblacksmokerosefromthefuneralpyresofmymen,whohadlaiddowntheirlivesdefendingtheAsurahomelandfromRamasarmy.
Acrossthesea,ontheotherendofthehalfbrokenford,Icouldseethetwinklingfiresoftheenemysfuneralpyres.Butthecollectivesadnessofthekinoftheslaughteredcould
scarcelysubduethegeneralgaietythatfilledourcamp.WehadwithstoodthesuperiorDevasandgiventhemathrashingtheywouldnotforget.Ihopedthebarbarianswouldgo
away,leavingmydaughterwithme.Iwastoooldtosacrificegoodmeninameaninglesswar.ThehatredIhadfeltfortheDevashadlongsincelostitsedge.Ihadmatured
beyondtheadolescentpursuitsofhonour,revenge,war,campaignsandracialsuperiority.TheworldwaslargeenoughforboththeDevasandtheAsuras.Itwasbroadenough
toaccommodateRamaandRavana.Justlethimleavemydaughteralone.Hehadnevertreatedherwellandneverwould.Itwasinhisveins.Hewastrainedtotreatwomenlike
worms.Theymadeastrangepair,thisRamaandLakshmanawhileonewaswillingtofightandkillthousandsofmenandwomenforthesakeofawifehehadneverwanted,
theotherlefthiswifetolanguishinhispalaceforfourteen,longyears.
Asthefuneralpyresslowlydiedoutandthecrowdofcommonersthinned,Iwalkedtowardsmychambers.
Themoonwasthreefourthsfullandcastamagical,silverylightoverLanka.Theseawascalmandagentlebreezeruffledthecoconutpalms.Thethin,silverybladesofthepalm
leavescaughtthemoonlightontheiredgesandmadelovelypatternsonthesand.Itwasabeautifulnight,exceptfortherecentlywidowedwomenandorphanedchildren.Idid
notwishtodwellonthehorrorsofthewar.Ragaswereforminginmyhead.AsIenteredmychambers,myeyecaughtthemoonreflectingonthestringsofmyRudraVeena.It
wasalongtimesinceIhadplayedtheinstrument.IhadgotthisparticularinstrumentfromthefoothillsoftheHimalayas.Thatwasatripwhenallofushadbeenburiedunderan
avalanche.Themajestyofthegreatmountains,theabodeofmybelovedGodShiva,hadoverawedme.Theneardeathexperienceandsubsequentrecuperationinapeasants
hut,taughtmehumility.Italsotaughtmeabouttheinsignificanceofhumanlife.IlearntaboutthebeautyoflifeanddiscoveredthemusicianinmeinthatremoteHimalayan,
pastoralvillage.ThetwangoftheRudraVeenahadinitiallyirritatedmyears.Butslowly,itcapturedmyimagination.
BythetimeIboardedmyVimanatoheadbacktomysouthernabode,Ihadbecomeavirtuoso.ThenmusicbecamemypassionandIexperimentedwiththeAsuraChenda,
Mrudangam,Milavu,TimilaandMaddallam,withthehauntingGandharvatunesoftheflute.ArtistsfromalloverthecountryandbeyondcametomeasIbecameknownasa
connoisseuroffinemusic.IspentmanymagicalnightsinthegardensofLanka,whereIforgotallthetensionsandstressofrunninganempireandfloatedintherhythmsand
tunesofmymusicians,intheRagasthatflowedfrommynimblefingersastheycaressedthestringsoftheRudraVeena.
Todaywassuchamagicalnight.IwasfilledwiththeurgetocaressthesinuousbodyoftheVeena.Asalovertakeshisbeloved,ItooktheVeenaandgentlyplacedherinmylap.
ThenIforgotthewarIforgotRamaandhismonkeymenIforgotthedeadandthelivingandmyself.Ibecameafeatherfloatinginthewind,carefree,rootless,purposelessand
weightless.Iwasboundneithertotheearthnorthesky.Iwasjustme,barelyawareofthetouchofmybelovedwife,Mandodari,asshecameandsatnearme,withherlovely
facerestingonmyshoulder.Iwasbarelyawareofthepartygoingoninthegardenbeneath,celebratingthetemporaryvictoryoftheAsuras.Asmyfingerscaressedthestrings,I
wasonlyawarethatIexistedinthecelestialsoundthatflewfromthem.Thatwasmorethanenoughforme.
Whereismyson,yourHighness?ThespellbrokeandIcamebacktotheuglyworldofwarsanddeath.Iwokewithangerflaringinmyeyes.Fromtheshadowsofthecurtains,
theuglyandstoopedfigureofBhadraemerged.Howdarethisbeggarentermyprivatechambers?Whoallowedhimin?BeforeIcouldreact,hehadfallenatmyfeetand
graspedmylegswithbothhishands.Istoodstill,notknowingwhattodo.ThenIslowlyraisedhimup.Thestenchofsweatandstaleliquorhitmynose.Igaspedinvoluntarily.
Immediately,Bhadramovedawayandshranklikeafrightenedmouse.
Itisalright,Isaid,eventhoughmyvoicedidnotcarryanyconviction.
Iamsorryfortouchingandpollutingyou.Hisvoicecrackedwhilehiseyeslookeddown.
Mandodarimovedquicklytowardstheoldmanandtookhishands.Hetriedtowriggleaway.WithmorecompassionthanIcouldevermuster,sheasked,
Bhadra,whathappened?
Inanswer,hebrokeintosobs.Iwasassaultedwithvariousemotionsangerthatthisfellowhadbrokenintooneofthemostmagicalmomentsofmylifeashamedthathehad
awakeneddormantthoughtsofimpurity,thathadlainhiddeninthedarkalleysofmymindsorrythatIdidnottreatthebeggarinakinderwayhappythatmyqueenatleast
remainedcompassionateenoughtounderstandthedistressofthispoorman.Withmymindinshambles,IvaguelyheardthatBhadrahadbeensearchingforhisadoptedson,
Athikaya.Insomecornerofmymind,IknewAthikayawasofmyblood,andthatIhaddeliberatelyforgottenit.Ihadpushedsuchirritatiadrahadbngmemoriesintothedarkattics
ofmymind.Ifeltthatthisoldbeggarwasinvadingmyprivateanddirtyattic,whereIhadkeptmydarksecretshiddenfromtheworld.

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Mysonburstintotheroom.Icouldsmellhisinebriatedcondition.Hesmeltofwine,women,andarrogance.Likehisshadow,adarkfigureenteredtheroom.Seeinghim,Bhadra
rushedtohim.Athikayapushedtheoldmanrudelyaway.Bhadrastaggeredandfell.Myfaceburntwithangerandshame.Thescoundrel,blackanduglyAthikayaleanedonmy
sonMeghanadalikeanequal.AndtheywerecreatingaruckusintheEmperorsprivatechamber.
Father,wethrashedthosebastards!YoushouldhaveseenhowIsetadhothionfire.Hoooooo...andAthikayasarrowstruckLakshmanasback...haha...
Idonotknowhowhewillsit...AndAthikayajoinedinthelaughterandslappedthePrincehardonhisback.
Meghanada...Ishoutedatthetopofmyvoice.
Thisisnolanguagetousebeforeyourparents.
Athikaya...sayshorrytopapa.Isteppedforwardandslappedhimhardacrosshisface.Hewasstunnedforamoment,then,withoutsayingaword,hewentout,hisheadhung
inshame.Athikayafollowed.
Bhadrathrewhimselfforwardandtriedtoblocktheirpath.Athikaya,donotgo.Pleasecomewithme.
Wellgoaway.Wellgotothemainland.Pleasecomewithus.
Getoutofmyway,youoldrascal.AthikayapushedBhadrawithaforcethatmadetheoldmanstaggerandfall.Mayyourotinhell!Cursing,AthikayafollowedMeghanadainto
thedarkness.
MandodarisaidsomethingtomebutIraisedahandandwavedheraway.Iwantedtobealone.Istoodlookingattheeerilybeautiful,moonlitnight.Sonsweresons,whetherthey
wereborninapalaceorahut.Butthiskindofarrogancewastheharbingerofdisaster.Butwhocouldfindfaultwiththeyouth?Ihadbehavedworsewithmyfather.Suddenly,a
shriek,followedbyahugecommotion,brokeoutinthepalacegardens,wherethecelebrationhadbeengoingon.Somethinghadgoneterriblywrong.Withmyheartpounding
againstmyribs,Irantowardsthegarden,lithelysteppingovertheheartbrokenfigureofBhadralyingonthefloorofmychambers.

49Deathvisitsagain
Bhadra
Igotupafterawhile.Myheartwasheavy.Whatwastheuseofanything?Therewasnothingnowtolookforwardto.Mysonhadbeenlostforever.IknewIwouldneverseehim
againormaybeonlyasalifelessbody.Strangely,IfeltempathyfortheAsuraKing,notasourEmperor,notasthegreatleaderwhohadgivenhislifeandvalourfortheAsura
race,butasonedistressedfathertoanother.Strippedofhisroyalrobesandshiningcrown,hewasjustlikeme.OrwasIfoolingmyself?Arethepowerfulandthemightyunhappy
inadifferentway?
Ablanketofsilenceshroudedthepalace.Inthefaintlightcomingfromthedurbar,Isawshadowsamongtheshrubsandtreesofthegarden.Somethingsecretwasgoingon.I
haddecidedlongagothattheaffairsofimportantmenwerenoneofmyconcern.Butcuriositygotthebetterofme.IpeepedthroughtheopenwindowsandsawtheEmperor
sittingonhisthrone,hisfacedeathlypaleandhisministershuddledaroundafewlimpbodiesonthefloor.Ibecametense.HadsomethinghappenedtoAthikaya?Iwaitedwith
batedbreathforsomeonetomovesothatIcouldgetabetterview.
Itisinexcusable.t.HaheEmperorsaidinanicyvoice.Theministersshiftedrestlessly.
Iwokethreehoursago.WhenIgotthere,thescenewasgrotesque.Ourpeoplewerebeingslaughtered.Itwaspitchblack.Itwasntclearwhowasbutcheringwhom.Initially,I
thoughtavictorypartyhadgoneawryandourpeoplewerebutcheringeachother.Imovedawayfromandcalledthesentries.Asweapproached,Isawtwodarkfigures.Iamnot
sure,butalmostcertainthattheywerenoneotherthanHanumanandAngada.ItriedtoapprehendthemandthrewmydaggeratAngadaandinjuredhim,butintheconfusion,
theyescaped.ThatwaswhenyourHighnessreachedthescene.Probably,AngadascryalertedyourHighness,Prahasthaconcludedandatensesilencefollowed.
Thisisaninsiderjob.IthinkwearegoingdownintheusualAsuraway.Wealmosttriumphedtodaybutthenwesnatchdefeatfromthejawsofvictory.Ithinkwedeservetobe
slaves.Twoofmyseniorministersbutcheredinmyowngardens.Wearedealingwithanenemywhohasnoscruples,nosenseoffairplayanddharma.Theyareruthless
barbarianswhowillstooptoanyleveltoachievetheirgoals.Andweareinfestedwithspiesandtraitors.Mybrotherbecameatraitor,myfriendbecameatraitor.Iwonderwho
elsewillhelptheDevas?SumaliandMalyavanweregoodmen.Theymaynothavebeenwarriors,nordidtheydeservethisend.
Rudraka,thishasnowbecomeanalloutwarwithoutscruples.Ouraimshouldbetocreatemaximumdamageintheenemyranks.Idonotwantustostooptotheirlevelof
dastardlyterroristattacksandkillingpeopleintheirsleep.ButIthinkwearejustifiedinusingrusetocapturethem.Findmyson,ifhehasreturnedtosobriety,andbringhimhere.
Prahastha,youwillhandlewhatSumaliandMalyavandid,tillpeacereturns.Letusstrategizeandgivethemalessonintheirownway.TheEmperorsoundedresoluteandgrim.
Itookadeepbreath.Itwastheoldministers.Theyweregoodmenwithintegrityinpubliclife,buttheirdeathswereofnoconcerntome.Theworldwasfullofmenlikethemwho
couldbereplacedwithoutbattinganeyelidandnobodywouldknowthedifference.ButwhatwashappeninginsidewasfascinatingandIstoodgluedtomyposition.Soon,Isaw
MeghanadaandAthikayaenterthedurbar.Theministerswereseatedintheirchairs,butthebodiesofthetwoministerswhohadbeenslain,layonthefloorwiththeirheads
turnedtowardsthesouth.Oilllampsmadeoutofcoconutshellsflickeringneartheirheads.AthikayaandMeghanadawereshockedwhentheysawthedead.Nobodyspokefora
while.Thetwoyoungstersbowedtothegroundtopayobeisancetothedead.ThenMeghanadaassumedhisseatwithAthikayaonthefloornearhim.Ravanaraisedaneyebrow
atthesightofAthikaya,buttheyoungstersignoredthedistasteoftheirelders.
Tomorrow,whenRudrakastrikesfromtheeasternside,Prahasthawillattackfromtheseawiththecapturedshipsandwilltrytoeithersinkortakemorepirateships.Iamsurethe
brotherswillbeleadingtheattack.Sincetheirbridgecollapsedyesterday,theymightusecanoestodayandtrytotakeourleftflankfromthenorthernsideofthecity.Wewilluse
thehillstoouradvantageandensurethatbouldersareemployedtomaximumeffect.Waittilltheenemyreachesourcitygatesandthenshowerthemwithstonesandboilingoil.
Usethecatapultsandflamethrowerseffectively.
Prahasthawillsurroundthemfromtheseaandcutofftheirretreat,oratleastengageVaruna,sothattheydonotgetanysupportfromthesea.PutDhumraksha,theassistant
chiefofarmyonthattask.HellhavetocreatemaximumimpactandcreatepanicintheVanararanks.
Whentheyareattackedfromallsides,Surantaka,thechiefofthestabletask.s,willletloosetheroyalelephantsbyopeningthefortgate.Theywillnotexpectustoopenthefort
gate.DrawtheminandallowthemtothinktheyhavebreachedthecitadeloftheAsuras.Whentheyaretrappedinthenarrowconfinesbetweenthehillsandthecitywalls,letthe
beastsloose.WewillshowtheVanaraswhatwearecapableof.
Andyou,Meghanada,Iwanttotalktoyouinprivate.IwillassignyouataskwhichwillbreakthebackoftheDevaarmy.Makefuneralarrangementsforourslainheroes.Visitthe
homesofthoseslainintodaysbattleandcomforttheirkin.WemustassurethemthattheentireAsuracommunityiswiththemintheirbereavementandthatthenationdoesnot
forsakeitsmartyrs.Withthis,theEmperorrosefromhisthroneandsodidtheentiredurbar.
Theeasternskieswerepaintedsaffronandthebirdswerechirpinginthetrees.IwasboththrilledbyandafraidofwhattheAsuraEmperorwasdoing.Iwashappythatatlasthe
wasleadingfromthefront.Hehadregainedhisvigour,nowtemperedwithexperience.Atthesametime,hefacedaslyandruthlessenemywhodidnotcareevenwhencivilians

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werekilledandburntenemycitiesthrougharsonandtreachery.Itwasabloodyandbrutalwarandmysonwaspartofsomesecretscheme.Ididnotwanthimtotakeanypartin
thiswar.Butsonsaresons.Iwastired.Iwenthome,leavingschemingkingsandinvadingprincesfarbehind.
Iwantedtodrinkandsleeplikealog.

50Forwhosesake?
Ravana
Thelossoftwoofmyministerswasagreatblow.
ThiswarwasdifferentfromanyotherwarIhadfought.
Mypalacewasswarmedwithspies.Assassinsstruckwithimpunity.IhopedthattodaywewouldfinishoffthatupstartofaDevaprince.IhadheardthatthattheVanarasbelieved
himtobeanavatarofVishnuhimself.
Thatisagoodpieceofpropaganda,Imustadmit.
ClaimthatGodiswithyou,orbetter,youareGod,thenanythingyoudo,anyadharmayoucommit,becomesdivineplay.IwasshockedtolearnthatmanycommonAsurashad
alsobeguntobelieveinRamasdivinity.Makingyourwifesufferexileintheforest,killingafriendlykingthroughdeceit,sendingterroristtocitiesandannihilatinginnocentmen,
womenandchildrenwerethesethemarksofdivinity?Thenaivetyofthepeoplewasmindboggling.
Today,hopefully,ifShivawaswilling,Iwouldtearoffthemaskofdivinity.IwasrestlessandwantedtogetintoactionandseetheDevaprincefacetoface.Hewasmuchyounger
thanme,butthestrengthinmyarmsremained.Prahasthahadadvisedmenottoventureintothebattlefieldasitwouldbetoorisky.Therewereplentyoftraitorsinourmidstand
onestrayarrowfrommyownrankscouldfinishtheAsuraempireforever.ButIlongedforaction.HowcouldIremainshutinmychamberwhenmypeoplewereingravedanger?I
calledforaguardandorderedthesentriestolineupintheverandah.Ichoosetherightonewhohadmybuildanddismissedtheothers.Iaskedthesuitableonetostripandkept
himlockedinoneofthesmallerrooms.ThenIleftforbattleinhisuniform.Iknewitwasfoolishandjuvenile,butIcouldnothelpmyself.Iwantedtobeintheactionandseehow
mypeoplewerefaring.
Iwenttothestables,tookthefirsthorseIcouldfindandrodeofftowardstheeasterngates.Icouldseedustrisinglikeacloudfromthere.Theconfusionandviolencethatmetme
asIenteredthefraywasunimaginable.Asplanned,Surantakaheahadlettheroyalelephantslooseonthemonkeymen.Theywerecaughtinthenarrowcorridorbetweenthe
fortwallandthecliffthatrosemorethan300feethigh.Themonkeyinfantry,whohadrushedinwhenthefortgateshadopened,foundthemselvestrappedbetweenthecharging
elephantsandRudrakasmightycavalry.Irodetoanearbyhillockinsidetheforttogetabetterview.
TheVanaraswerebeingbutchered.Hugeboulderslandedonthemwithsickeningthudsfromtheclifftop.
ArrowsraineddownfromRudrakasmen.HugebarrelsofboilingoillweredroppedontothehaplessVanarasandsomeaccidentlyspiltontherampagingelephants,drivingthem
insanewithpain.SugreevahadledtheenemyattackandIcouldseehimdesperatelytryingtorallyhismen.Arrowszoomedpast,perilouslyclosetohishead,andfewstruckhim
intheshoulderandthighs,butthemonkeykingheldon.Buthisescaperoutehadbeensealed.Hewouldnotescapethistrapalive.Rudrakawouldseetothat.Thispartofour
planhadworkedwell.Irodetowardsthenorthernend,whereRamaandLakshmanawereleadingtheattack.
MeghanadahadwaiteduntiltheattackersreachedthenortherngatesandthentheAsurachariotsrolledinfromoutsidethefort.Thehorseshadbeenwalkedinthedeadofthe
nighttoanearbyjungleandhiddenthere.
Onlyatokenforceremainednearthenortherngate.Thechariotsweretakenapartandcarriedintothejungle.
Then,beforedawn,thechariotswerereassembledandbymidmorning,MeghanadascharioteerschargedinandattackedRamafromtherear.
Meanwhile,PrahasthahadmanagedtodriveVarunasfleetfaraway,soRamasarmieshadnonavalsupport.
With
alarming
swiftness,
Meghanadas
charioteerssurroundedtheVanaraarmyandstartedtheirbutchering.Asuraswhohadhiddeninthetreesandinthecitadelandlaidlowduringthemorningattack,rosetogether
asplanned,toshowerarrowsonRamasmen.
Thebrothersweretrapped.OneflankwasclosedbyMeghanada.Whowastakingcareoftheotherflank?Icranedmynecktogetabetterview.Whoeveritwas,hewasdoinga
betterjobthanMeghanada.Thenwhenthedustclearedalittle,Isawhim.ItwasAthikaya,myson.TheVanaraarmyhadbeensurroundedonallsidesandtheAsuraswere
decimatingthemonkeys.OnlyHanumansinfantryheldonandfoughtwithgritanddetermination.ThemajorityofRamasmenwerenowtrappedontheothersideofthehalf
brokenbridgetothemainland.ProwlingcanoesandPrahasthascapturedfleet,effectivelycutoffRamasrecklessfrontmenfromthecautiousoneswhohadstayedbackonthe
mainlandunderthecommandofthewilyoldrascal,Jambavan,theoctogenariancommanderofBali,stillservingunderSugreeva.
Irodebacktothepalace,halfamusedbymyadolescenturgeforheroics.Mypeoplewerefightingtoplan.Ifallwentwell,wewouldbeholdingavictorypartytonight.Ihadgotrid
ofthedisguisebythetimeIreachedthepalacegates.ButJambavansreticencenaggedme.Whywasthewilyoldenemycommanderholdinghismenback?Wasitanother
ruse?AndwherewasVaruna?ThereportsIgotindicatedthathehadsailedhisfleetdeepintothesea,farfromtheisland,towardsthemainland.Butthatwasunusualforthe
pirateKing.WhatwasitthatIwasmissing?ImissedPrahastha.
Iwalkedtowardsthegardentoseemydaughter.
Hereinthegarden,itwasadifferentworld.Faintnoisesofbattlecouldbeheardbydiscerningears,butotherwiseitwasjustanormalday.Isuppressedmythoughtsandworries
aboutthewarandRama,andstoodundertheshadeofasprawlingtamarindtree,soakinginthebeautyoftheworldarouseindme.Icouldhearthesoftwhisperoftheseaand
seethewindrustlingtheleaves.Ifoundrhythmintheorchestrathatthecricketshadsetupinmybackyard.Mymindracedbacktomygloriousboyhoodspentintheforestsofthis
islandandintheSahyamountainsofthemainlandItwasamazinghoweasilythemindforgotthepainfulpast,grindingpoverty,dailyhumiliations,andthepangsofhunger,and
onlyrememberedthelittlemomentsofhappiness.Therewasapleasurablepaininnostalgiaayearningforthingsthatwerelostforeveramagicwovenoverthingsthatcould
havebeenbutdidnotadustingofsecrethopesandsweetfrustratedlongings.
Andthereweresmallthingsintheeverydayworld,ifonelistenedwithyourheart,likethecooingofthecuckoo,orthechatterofthesquirrels,wherepainfulthingsremainhidden
intheshadowsandlongforgottenhappinessglowsonceagain.
ShelookedangelicsittingundertheAshokatree.
Besideher,lookingsmug,wasmyniece,Trijata.IwasnotpleasedtofindherwithSita.Iwishedtospeaktomydaughteralone.Trijata,inmorewaysthanone,resembledher

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loaferfather.Kumbhalivedhisownlifeofdebauchery.Hisoncegrandambitionshadbeenthwartedbyalackofdeterminationandcharacter.Hewasusuallydeaddrunkinhis
chambers.Hehadyearnedforimmortalfameandanempireofhisown,butneverhadthewilltoachievegreaterthingsinlife.PerhapsIhadovershadowedhim.Iwasalwaysthe
bigbrother.
Andnooneresentsyoursuccessmorethanyoursiblings.PerhapsitwasplainbadluckthatIhadbecomewhatIhad.IwasatanagewhenInolongerthoughtthathardwork,
determinationandambitiondetermineonesdestiny.Theatheistinmehaddiedanunceremoniousdeathlongago.Ihadseentoomanythingstonaivelybelievethatman
createdhisowndestinyandnothingelsemattered.HindsightmademeashamedtothinkofthechildishconversationIhadhad,yearsago,inthatdarkcave,withtherealAsura
Emperor,Mahabali.IsmiledatthememoryofmybrashnessandstupidityandthekitschphilosophyIhadused,tryingtoimpresstheoldman.Therewassomethingbeyondthe
mentalgraspofmanthatdefiedcommonsense.Determination,hardwork,andallthethingsthegurustalkabout,wereusefulonlytodeterminehowtoreacttorandomthings
thathappened.
ButIsaworderinthings,thewaythedayandnightalterorthewaylivingthingstakebirth,liveanddie.Yetmanythingscouldonlybeexplainedbyarandomnesscalledfate.
IwasshakenfrommymusingsbySitaslaughter.Ilookedather.Sheseemedsodivinelybeautiful.Shehadinheritedherspiritandpassionfrommeandherperfectfaceand
bodyfromMandodari.HowcouldIlosehernow?
Oh!theKingofKings,theEmperoroftheAsurashaveyoucometopaymeavisit?Ravana,countyourhours.MyRamahascometofinishyouandyourevilempire.You
Rakshasasandallthatyouhavebuilt,allthatyouareproudof,willsoonbeashes.MyhusbandhascometodelivermeandIcanseeyourevilempirecollapsing.Ifyouvaluethe
lifeofyourkin,goandfallathisfeet.ButIknowyouwillnot,youaretooproudforthatkindofwisdom.Markmywords,Rakshasa,yourtimehascome.Shedissolvedintoapeal
oflaughterandlookedpositivelyloathsomeinherhatred.Trijatalookedatme,embarrassedandafraid.
Iturnedback,dejectedandabashed.WhycantIbringmyselftotellherthetruththatIamherfather?Ihadbeentryingtorescueherfromherhusband.ButhowcouldIlookat
herfaceandjustifymyactofabandoningherbecauseofsomesuperstitions?AndhowIcouldignoretheburningloveshehadforherhusband,theDevaprinceRama?Wher
facehycouldshenotseethatherfatherlovedhermorethanherhusband?WhycouldshenotseethatIwasstakingeverythingIhad,forherhappiness?Butthen,whydidnot
sheknowthatshewouldneverbehappywithherhusbandandthemomentmyprotectionwasgone,hersufferingwouldstart?PerhapsIfooledmyself.Perhapstheywouldlive
onasthemostidealizedcouple,thedarkskinnedDevaprinceandhislovelywife,andIwouldbecometheevilmonsterwhotriedtodestroytheirhappiness.Alltheomensand
astrologicalpredictionsindicatedmiserytocomeforherandahorrifyingfutureformeandmypeople.CouldRavanachangethefuture?PerhapsIwasrightinmyyouthafterall
andAstrologywasjusthumbug.Idecidedmyownfutureandnotsomeremotestarssunkintheinkyblacknessofanindifferentsky.Butwhydidmydaughterhatemesuch
vengeance?Nofathershouldbetorturedlikethat.Perhapsmytimehadcome.WhywouldIgamblemywholelifeforthiswoman?Iwasgamblingnotjustmylife,butalsothe
futureofawholerace,formyanimalpassion.Thousandswerebeingkilledatthismomentfathers,brothers,sonsfamilieswhohadtrustedmeandwerefightingforme.
Maybe,itwasonlyrightthatmytimehadcome.Iwasaworthlesskingwhohaddraggedhispeopleintoanunnecessarywar,todeathanddestruction.ButhowcouldIhandover
mydaughtertoRama,knowinghowhewouldtreather?Letfatetakecareofthefuture.IwouldfighttothelastandmaybeIwouldwin.
Thewarragedonoutsidethepalace.Theshadowsgrewlongandaheavenlycrimsonhuespreadoverthecity,bathingeverythinginanunearthlyglow.Mydaughterswords
keptringinginmyears,Allthatyouhavebuiltandyourpeoplewillturntoashes.Iwantedtogetdrunkandforgeteverything.AsIenteredmypalace,theybroughtinthestill
bodyofmycommander,Rudraka.Maybe,mydaughterhadknownbetterthanme.

51Aheroreturns
Bhadra
Iwassittingontheverandahofmythatchedhut.
Thesteaminghotporridgeandmangopicklemywifehadputdownnearmehadgrowncoldandsticky.Theflieshadbecomebolderandlingeredlongerontheedgesofthe
bowl.Ididnothavethewilltoshoothemaway.
Thefamiliarbutindecipherableclatterofvesselsandthestirringofpotscouldbeheardfromthekitchenwheremywifewasbusywithherchores.Ihadamildheadache
yesterdayshangover.Businesswasdull.
Whoneededclotheswashednowwhentomorrowyoumightbedead?
ThoughIhadresignedmyselftothefateofmyson,Ifoundmyselflookingoutlonginglyfortheappearanceofthattall,bulkyfigure.SometimesIhopedhewouldcomehomehurt,
sothatwecouldnursehimbacktohealth.ButIknewhewouldneverleavethebattlefieldorhisfriendandbrother,Meghanada.Deathhadcomemarchingintoourstreetmany
timessincethewarhadbegun.Manyoftheneighbourshadalreadylostlovedones.Therewasageneralnumbnessintheairnow.Initiallytherehadbeenemotionaloutbursts.
ThestreetssawfuneralprocessionsofslainAsurawarriorsandemotionsranhigh.Butwhenthebodycountincreased,deathlostitsnoveltyandheroismbecamecheapand
commonplace.Ageneralindifference,exceptforthesmallpoolofsadnessintheimmediatefamily,wastheonlythingtheepicheroismoftheslainwarriorsgenerated.Itwasas
thoughtheentirecountryhadwithdrawnintoashelltobraceitselffortheinevitable.
Fathersplacedthestillandmangledremainsoftheirsonsonfuneralpyreswithsickeningnumbness.
Mothershuddledtogetherandshedsilenttears,whilewidowswithdrewintotheirholesoflonelybitterness.
Overthesebluntedemotionshungthespectreoffear
ofaDevavictoryandthehorribdtolefuturethatawaitedthepoor,blackAsurasunderRamasrule,orworse,underVibhishana.
Thestreetshadbecomedesertedlongago.ManyofthecommonAsurashadwithdrawnintotheforestsandsomehadfledtothemainlandincrude,countryboats.
However,themajorityshutthemselvesintheirhomes,withtheirricketyfrontdoorsshutandbarred.Beforethenoblessensedit,thepoorAsurassmeltdefeatanddestruction,
althoughnobodyspokeofitopenly.Thenightswerescary.ThiswarwasdifferentandeveryAsuraknewinhisbonesthathewasdealingwitharuthlessandunscrupulous
enemyledbygeneralswhowould,underthecoverofnight,setcitiesonfire.Anenemywhowasledbyaprincewhowouldhidebehindatreeandshootarrowstokillanoble
kingengagedinaduelwithhisbrother.Anenemywhowasalsoledbyaprincewhohadstoopedtocuttingofftheearsandnoseofawoman.Theshadowslengthenedandwe
wereterrifiedasneverbefore.
Ithadbeentendayssincethewarstartedandthelosseswereheavyonbothsides.Newsoftheenemywasscarce,butourministersandgeneralslikeRudraka,Vajradhamstra,
SumaliandMalyavan,werealldead.TheAsuraarmywasrunningoutofleaders.OnlythegrittyPrahastha,whokeptVarunaatbayandhadblockedRamasretreatbysea,and
crownprinceMeghanada,weretheexperiencedwarriorsleft.OldandbumblingMayanwasofferedcommand,butweheardthathehaddeclinedit.Thegeriatricministerof
finance,Jambumali,wastoooldtoevenwalk.ThesituationmusthavebeengraveindeedifoctogenarianscientistswerebeingaskedtocommandAsuraarmies.Ravanahimself
shouldhavetakenoverthecommand,butperhapstheEmperorwastoooldforsuchatask.Ihadtheimpulsetowalktowardsthepalace.PerhapsAthikayawaslyingthere

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somewhere,injuredbutalive.Icouldbringhimback.
Wipingmyhandonmydirtydhothi,andwithoutbotheringtoinformmywife,Iwalkedtowardsthepalace.ForsometimeIwasaloneontheroad.ThenIsawmenhuddled
togethernearsmalleateries,gossiping.
Mostofthehouseswereshutandlookeddesertedbutsomehaddefiantlyopenedtheirfrontdoorsandwereputtingupthepretenceofnormalcy.Muffledcriescouldbeheard
behindsomeofthecloseddoors.Perhapsasonwasdead,orahusband.
Thesunwasfierceovermyhead.PerspirationpouredfrommeandIsmeltandfeltsick.Ishouldhavehadabath.AsInearedthepalace,theabsurdityofimaginingthatAthikaya
wouldbenursedinsidethepalacehitme.Athikayawasnoprince.Hewasjustthesonofapoor,illiterate,blackAsura.Ifhewasinjured,hewouldhavebeenleftfordeadonthe
battlefield.Whenhadthelivesofsuchfoolsbeenvaluabletothegovernment?But,wheredidhespendthenights?Hehadstoppedcominghomelongago.Didhesleepoutside
PrinceMeghanadaschamber,ordidhespendhisnightsintheguardsquartersinsidethefort?Iwasdeterminedtoseehimtodayandpersuadehimtoleavethisstupidwarof
importantmenandcomebackhome,thoughIknewitwasfutile.
Thepalaceloomedahead,impregnableandsinisterfromadistance.Itsgoldendoomsandspiresglitteredinthesun.GoldtheEmperorusesgoldtodecoratehisroofwhen
menlikeusdonoteatonesquaremealaday.Maybehedeservedtogodown.Butatleasthewasnotcruelandhadtriedhistouplifthispeople.IshudderedtothinkwhatLanka
wouldbelikeunderVibhishana.InRavanaskingdom,thoughtherewerenoblesandcommoners,intheoryanyonecouldrisethroughsheerhardworkandluck.Examplesof
menlikeRudraka,whowasacommonbutcherbeforehebecameaheartlessdaredevil,andSumali,whohadbeenjustaclerkinKuberaacindlucksspiceexportdepartment
butrosetobeministerandcommander,werequotedbypeoplewhoglorifiedRavanasrule.ButIwasanonentity,oneamongthemillionsofpoorAsurasinacountrythatwas
beingrapidlyBrahminised.
Attheendofthewar,Iwouldendupanuntouchable,thescumoftheearth.Ibadlyneededadrinkbuttherewasnothingnearby.Isatdowntowaitandcatchtheattentionof
someimportantofficialwhomightrecognizeandtakemeinsidethepalace.Ihadtoseeifmysonwasthere.
ItwaslateeveningwhenIwaswokenfrommytiredslumberbytheclamourofthearmymarchingbackintothefortressafterthedaysbattle.Gravelyinjuredordeadmen,who
hadbeenimportantenough,werecarriedback.Ordinarysoldierswereleftforthevulturesinthebattlefield.IcouldhearmyheartpoundinginmychestasIlookedformysonin
thearmymarchingpast.Thesoldierswereinhighspirits.Therehewas!No,thatisnothim.WashedeadandleftinthefieldsincehewasjustablackAsura?Idesperatelyran
tothetiredsoldiers,seekingAthikayaamongthem.Itriedtostopthemarchandcalledformyson.Thereweresomejeersfromthegroupandangrymurmurs,butIdidntgive
care.Ikeptrunninginandoutofthemarchingcolumns,craningmynecktoseethefacesofthedeadandinjured.Igotpushedandshovedbutignoredit.Withgrowing
desperationIlookedformyson.There,therehewasinthechariot,withPrinceMeghanada.Tall,darkandbulky,Athikayastooderect.ThePrincebledfromthewoundsonhis
limbsandshoulders.Athikayahadahorriblegashonhischestwhichhehaddressedcrudelywithabloodsoakedrag.Irantowardsthechariotbutwascrudelyshovedawayby
thebodyguardsofthePrince.
Athikaya,mysonMyhoarsevoicedidnotcarrythroughthedinthesoldiersweremaking.IlookedhopelesslyshortamongthetallandbulkyAsurawarriors.Howtallthe
boysgrowthesedays.Iwavedmyhandsfranticallyandjumpedandshouted,desperatelytryingtocatchhisattention.SuddenlyIcaughthiseye.Iwaved,tryinghardtopush
myselftowardstheroyalchariot.Isawhiseyesgrowwidewithwonderandthenthewonderturnedtoembarrassment.Mysonwashavingthetimeofhisliferidingalongwiththe
AsuraCrownPrinceandI,thepoorwasherman,anobody,wastryingtointrudeintohishighlife.Withthatonelook,hekilledeventheslightesthopeIhaddaredtocherishwithin
me.ButthenIwasjusthisfosterfather.Hedidnotbelongtotheshackofapoor,blackAsura.HewasoftheEmperorsblood,illbegottenyes,butahalfprincenevertheless.He
belongedtoaworldwherewormslikemedidnotexist.
Hebelongedtoaworldofmightymenandlegendaryheroes,whowouldbetalkedaboutforthousandsofyearsaftertheirdeaths.MenlikeBhadradidnotmatter.
SuddenlythePrincesawme.Hegesturedandtherowofbodyguardsparted.Foramoment,Istoodtheredazed,thenIwalkedtowardsthechariotapprehensively.
Hadtheentirecolumnstoppedforme?WouldIberebuffedonceIgotnear?ThePrincelookedatmeintentlywithatiredsmileonhislips.Istoodrespectfullyafewfeetaway.
Mysonlookedawayfromme,asifmyoldandwornoutformcausedhimshame.Iwasgrowingincreasinglyashamedofmyself.Ishouldhavehadabath.Istankofliquorand
decay.TheprincebeckonedbutIstoodrootedtothespot.Asoldiernearmebarked,Youoaf!DontyouseehisHighnessiscallingyou?
NervouslyImovedtowardsthechariot.AsIneared,thePrinceheldouthishandtome.Ishrankfromtouchingtheroyalfingers,butinaswiftmove,hepulledmeintothechariot.
Agaspwentthroughthecrowd.A,thlowly,stinkingbeggarsharingaridewiththeAsuraPrince?Ifeltproud.Notoncehadhisfather,whomIhaddaredtothinkofasafriend,
makeanysuchgesture.ThenIturnedandsawthehatredintheeyesofmyfosterson.Isharedhisshame.Theprincewasscoringapoliticalpointbysharinghismomentofglory
withalowlyperson.Itwasperhapsanoblegesturefromagenuineheart,butIwassoweigheddownbymyexperiencesinlifethatIcouldnotbringmyselftothinkbenevolently.
Everythingtherichandthemightydid,evenincharity,pityorgenerosity,smackedofselfishness.ThatwasoneofthehardlessonsIhadlearntinmyuselesslife.Ihadseenpity
intheeyesoftherichIhadseenprideinbeingnicetopeoplelikemebutaboveall,Ihadseenfear,evenintheeyesofthemightyKingRavana.Theywereafraidofus,the
docile,animalistic,ignorant,black,poormenandwomenoftheworld.Thepity,patronization,charity,arrogance,pride,andindifference,wereallpartofthedefensemechanism
oftherichtoescapetheirfear.
SuddenlyIfeltIhadpowerovertheAsuraprince
powerofthemundaneoverthespectacular.Itwasallveryclear.Hewouldwiltawaylikeahalfblossomedflower,inthewar,stillinhisyouth,butIwouldlive.Hewouldseep
throughthegapsinthepagesoflegendandhistory,butIwouldbethereforever,scrapinglifefromthestreets,fightingmylittleeverydaybattles.Nopoetwouldeversingsongs
aboutme,butwhocaredaboutpoets?NoonewoulddeifymelikeaGodbutGodswereuselessandwhowantedtobeone?Thiswarwouldendsoonandsowouldthelifeof
heroesandvillains.Butmybattlewouldcontinue,andmillionslikemewouldcontinuetowagetheirlittlewarsinthedifferentcornersoftheearth,forfood,water,air,shelter,and
alittledignity.
IwasstilllostinmythoughtswhenthePrincesaid,
Yoursonsavedmylifetoday.Youareaherosfather.
Ibowtoyou,sir.Ifeltsick.Ididnotwantanypartofthis.IwasangryatbeingusedbythePrinceasapoliticalstunt.HadlifemademesocynicalthatIsuspectedatrulynoble
Prince,onewhohadsharedhisroyalchariotwithastinkingtramplikeme?Ikeptquiet,tryingtoholddownthetearsfillingmyeyes.Itriedvaliantlytocontrolthetremblingofmy
lips,butIbrokedownandcried.ThePrincehuggedmecompassionatelyandkissedmycheeks.Mysonlookedaway.Ikeptsobbing.Thechariotstartedtorollandthesoldiers
cheeredoneitherside.
Asthefortressgateopened,IsawtheKingandtheQueenstandingatthetopofthestepsthatledtothepalace.Thebalconiesbrimmedwithcourtesans,servants,andallthose
durbarcreatures.TheyallcheeredthePrince.ThesettingsunpaintedtheEmperorredandRavanalookedeverybitthemightyAsuraEmperorhewas.Hissilvermaneblewin
thebreezeandhestoodtall,erectandproud,ashewelcomedhissonhome.
Itoccurredtomethenthatthiswasavictoryprocession.Wasthewarover?Ravanaraisedhishandsandthecrowdcheered.HarHarMahadev!
rippedthroughtheairandelectrifiedeveryAsura.IcaughtajubilantwhisperfromthecrowdthatboththeDevaprincesweredead,slainbyMeghanada.Chendasbeatfuriously
andflowerswereshoweredonthevictorioussoldiers.Agreatweightfellfrommyheart.
Weweresafe.Mysonwassafeandalive.TheAsuraswouldnotbeartheyokeofBrahminismandcasteism.
Untouchability,racialdiscrimination,andallthehorrorsassociatedwiththeDevaculture,wouldremainastheexoticculturesofthesemicivilizednorthIndians,tobetalked
aboutinjeeringtoneswhilefetion,anelingsmugabouttheculturalsuperiorityoftheAsuracivilization.
PerhapsthePrincewasindeednobleifhehadsavedtheAsurasfromimminentdisaster.Thiswasthebeginningofanewera.RamaandalltheVedicatrocitiesherepresented,
wereburiedinthesea.
Andmysonwasapartofthevictory.Hewastheheroofthevictory.NowonderMeghanadahadfeltobligedtotakemeintohischariot.Actually,astheherosfather,Ishouldhave
beenaccordedmuchmorerespect.Asthechariotcametoastopinfrontofthesteps,theEmperorcamerunningdown.Beforetheproudfathercouldgetnearhisson,hismother
rantoandhughimtight.Meghanadasfatherstoodafewfeetaway,irritatedthathecouldnothughimandfeellthestrengthinthelimbsofhisyoungson.Athikayastoodclumsily
afewfeetbehind,adarkshadowofthefairCrownPrince,astupidandembarrassedgrinonhisplainface.
OnceMandodarireleasedherson,fatherandsoneyedeachotherstiffly.Afterafewmomentsoftensesilence,hehuggedMeghanadatightly.Thecrowdroaredinapprovaland
Chendaswerebeatenfuriously.Thentheymovedintothepalace.Likeadogbehinditsmaster,mysonfollowedthemin.Notaword,notevenanacknowledgementthatIwas
here.Istoodtherestunned.
Thecrowdbeneathstartedtheirrevelries.Ididnotknowwhattodo.Afterawhileaguardtappedmyshoulder.FromthePrince.hesaid,offeringmeasuspiciouslooking
bundle.TentativelyIopenedthecloth.Therewereoddthings.Someusedclothessilk,butusedafewcopperutensils,somesweets.Herewasmyrewardforhavingfostered
aherosentwithlovefromtheAsuraPrinceMeghanada,thevanquisherofIndra.ThiswasthepricethePrincehadputonhisownlife.Theguardwatchedmewithenvyand
feignedindifference.Hewaitedforhisbaksheesh.Thiscountrywillneverchange.Grabeverythingwheneveryoucanthatsthemantra.Greedwasthebasisofthisrotten
country.
Withoutspeaking,Istoodwiththerewarddumpedonmebythegovernment.Thecourierandfaithfulgovernmentservant,wasdeterminedtogetsomethingoutofme.Disgusted,
Idroppedtheentirerewardintohishandsandwalkedaway.Withoutbattinganeyelid,theguardtookthebundleandwalkedintothepalace.Ijoinedtheseaofrevelers
celebratingRamasdeath.

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52Aprimeministersmission
Ravana
Finally,itwasover.Mysonhadvanquishedourgreatestfoes.Iwassoproudofhim.ButIwasalsoworried.Somethingwaswrong.HeandhisfriendAthikaya,hadmanagedto
cutoffRamaandLakshmanafromtheirgenerals,andtrappedtheDevaprincesindeadlyhandtohandcombat.Prahasthahadlandedhalfhistroopsontheeasternsideofthe
islandthepreviousday,andhadmadethemtrekforthewholenighttoattacktheDevaarmyfromtherear.HehadmanagedtodrawHanumanandSugreevafromtheirmasters
andgivethemtheimpressionthattheAsuraarmywasinretreat.Encouraged,themonkeymenhadpursuedtheAsuras,andwhentheyweresufficientlyfarawayfromRama,the
Asurashadturnedbackindeadlycombat.IwatchedthebattlefrommycitadelandwasimpressedbyPrahasthasgeneralship.
RamawasleftwithonlyafewguardsandwassoonoutnumberedbyMeghanadaandAthikaya.TheyhackedtheirwaythroughRamasdeterminedanddesperatearmy.They
didnthavemuchtimeandMeghanadawentinforthekill.TheDevaprinceswerequickandaccuratewiththeirarrowsandwoundsdeteedmysonandhisservantmanytimes.
ItwasAthikayawhosuggestedthattheygetclosetothePrincesasquicklyaspossiblesotheywouldlosetheadvantageoftheirarrows.
MeghanadaandAthikayaabandonedtheirchariotandrushedforwardwithdrawnswords.Theyzigzaggedthroughthefightingclumpofmen,andsuddenlydescendeduponthe
Devaprinces.ItwasasignofhowquickRamawaswithhisarrowsthatis,inasplitmoment,hehadhalfdrawnhisbowandmanagedtolandanarrowonMeghanadas
shoulder.Withonesweepofhissword,MeghanadahackedRamadown,whileAthikayastruggledinmortalcombatwiththeyoungerDevaprince.Lakshmanaabandonedhis
bowandarrowsanddrewhissword.TheDevaswordisadeadlyweapon.Unlikethecurved,heavy,ironswordtheAsurasused,theDevaswordwasalong,thinbladethatwas
usedlikeadagger.MeghanadarushedtoAthikayasaidbutasheturned,Rama,whomhehadthoughtwasdead,caughtholdofhislegandtrippedhimup.Inthesplitmoment
thatAthikayaturnedtolookathismaster,LakshmanathrusthisswordintoAthikaya.
Lakshmanaturnedswiftlyandwithhisswordraisedhighwithbothhands,hewentfortheheartofmysonwholayfacedownontheground.ItwasthenthatAthikaya,whowason
hisknees,movedanddraggedMeghanadaaway.LakshmanasswordnarrowlymissedtheAsuraprinceandplungeddeepintothesoil.
MeghanadathrusthissworddeepintoLakshmanasabdomenandhesawtheyoungerDevaprincerollover,writheinpainandthengostill.
Bythistime,theoldgeneraloftheVanaras,haddescendeduponthesmallbandoftheAsuraarmyfromthehillhehadbeenhidingin.Fromaheightonthehill,thewilyold
generalhadwatchedtheprogressofthebattleanddirecteditscoursewhenhesawPrahasthasploy.Herushedinwithhisbandofmen,toaidRama.
Sensingdanger,AthikayaurgedMeghanadatoretreat,butMeghanadahadlostconsciousnessbythen.Athikayacarriedtheprinceonhisshoulders,thoughhehimselfwas
bleedingprofusely.HehackedhiswaybacktothechariotandtriedtorevivetheAsuraprince.HecouldseeJambavansmenclosingin
JambavanhadsentamessagetoSugreevaandHanumantoreturntoaidtheirleader.Asonebody,theentireVanaraarmyturnedandchargedbacktocloseoffMeghanadas
retreat.Prahasthasarmyinthereargavechase.Icouldseethatmysonwastrapped,thoughIwasunawarethathehadlostconsciousness.FrommycitadelIcouldonlyseethe
flagflyingonhischariot.IworriedwhenIsawthechariotinthemiddleofthebattleground.Howcouldtheboybesorecklessastoabandonhischariotandgoaftertheenemyin
handtohandcombat?Thatwasnotthewayseasonedwarriorsfought.Itwasntjustdangerous,butfoolishtoo.Butboyswillbeboysandfinally,throughrecklessbraveryand
luck,hevanquishedtheevilforces.ItwasthenthatAthikayashoutedattopofhisvoice,RamaandLakshmanaaredead.VictorytoPrinceMeghanada.Victoriouscriesrang
throughtheAsuraranks.Icouldfaintlyhearwhatwashappening,butmywarhardenedeyesnoticedthewaytheVanaraarmiescharged.
ImperceptiblytheysloweddownandthatwasenoughfortheAsuras.Jambavantriedtoassemblehisforces,shoutingoverandoveragainthatitwasanAsuraploy.
Butthenewsspreadfast.
FortheVanarasitwasunbelievable.RamawasaGodtothem,aninvincibleforceofnature,anditwasinconceivablethathehadbeenslainbyanordinaryAsuraprince.The
columnledbyHanumansloweddownconsiderablyandPrahasthasmencaughtupwiththemtoengageincombat.Athikayasmendashedoutoftheconfusiontowardsthefort.
BythistimeMeghanadahadregainedconsciousness.HetoocriedoutthathehadkilledRama.ThemoraleinRamasarmysankfurther.
Foraltheconfuslpracticalpurposes,thewarwasover.
IsawPrahasthasforcesrounduptheremainingVanaras.ButJambavantriedtoreachtheplacewherethebodiesoftheDevaprinceshadfallen.
IwasenragedtoseemybrotherVibhishanarushingtowardstheslainDevaprinces.Thescumthathewas,hewouldbeonallfourslickingmyfeet,oncehewassuretheAsuras
hadwon.IsawJambavansmenliftthelimpbodiesoftheDevaprinces.Somethingwaswrong.Somethingwasseriouslywrong.IcouldseeitinthewaytheVanaraschanged.
Withthebodiesoftheprincesinthechariot,thewilyVanarageneralturnedhisarmyanddashedtowardsthesea.Prahasthatriedtofollow,butwasvigorouslyheldbackby
SugreevaandHanuman.IsawaboatapproachthebeachandthebodiesoftheDevaprincesbeinglaidintoit.
Bythen,Meghanadasvictoryprocessionhadreachedthefortgatesandmyworriedwiferushedout.
Shenaggedmetocomeandreceivehervictoriousson.
Butmyeyesremainedgluedtotheunfoldingdramainthesea.Theboatrowedawayfuriouslytowardsoneofthesmalluninhabitedislandsthatdottedthenorthwesternsea
towardsthemainland.Assoonastheboatwasatasafedistance,HanumanscolumnfledtowardstheseaoverRamasbridge.Prahasthawasinhotpursuitwhensuddenly
Varunasarmyappearedtohisrear.Thiswasaploytoallowthemonkeymentoescape.
Hanumansmencrossedthebridgeanddestroyedtheconnectionwiththeisland.
WiththenewsspreadingthatMeghanadahadslaintheenemychief,theAsuraarmyassembledandthecelebrationsbegan.Therewasthesmallmatteroffinishingoffor
conqueringwhatwasleftofRamasarmy,butthatcouldwaituntiltomorrow.PrahasthatriedtoreininhisindisciplinedAsurasoldiers,whohadrushedbacktotheforttocelebrate
thevictory.ButsomethingnaggedatmeandIanxiouslywaitedforPrahasthatoreportback.Iwashappyaboutourvictory,butIwasalsoworriedbythewayJambavanhad
carriedtheprinces.Weretheyreallydead?Theywereseriouslyinjured,Iknewthatforsure.IwasirritatedthatMeghanadahadnotcutoffRamaandLakshmanasheads.The
boyhadbeenundertremendouspressureandhadfoughtvaliantly,butitwaslittledetailslikethatwhichchangedthecourseofbattles.Meghanadashouldneverhaveassumed
theenemywasdeadfromafewswordthrustsorsomearrows.Butonlyamiraclecouldgetthevanquishedbacktolifeoncehisheadhadbeensevered.ThatwasalessonI
learntalongtimeagointhedenseforests,underMahabaliandBrahma.
HadIhadsuchanopportunityinmyyoungerdays,IwouldhaveseveredtheheadsofRamaandLakshmanaandraisedthemonpolesforhismentosee.Themomentyouget
thechief,thewarends.Itkillsthemoraleofthewarriors.Ihaveseenitinthemanycampaignsofmyyouth.Ihadbeeningravedangerofbeinghackedtodeath,whenmanya
timeIhadrecklesslychargedattheenemychiefswithmyChandrahasaandsomehowkilledtheenemychief.NomatterhowmanyfoessurroundedmeandhowcloseIwasto
death,themomentIcutofftheheadoftheirchiefandmakesureallofthemsawit,thebattlewasover.ThefoolthatMeghanadawas,hedidnotensurethatRamasand
Lakshmanasheadswerechoppedoff.
Thatwasatacticalerror.Meghanadastilllackedsomethingthatonlythebigleagueofgreatwarriorshad.

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Wasitruthlessness?Theboywastoosoftathearttobearealwarrior.Iwouldhavedonethedeedwithoutbattinganeyelid.SowouldhaveBali,Rama,Hanuman,Prahastha,
RudrakaorMahabali.
Thatmeantthattheenemywasnotyetdead.TheremusthavebeenlifeleftinRamaandLakshmanaorwhywouldJambavanhaveferriedthemtotheisland?Theenemycould
stillstrikefeleft.FoolishMeghanada.
Theboyhadnotseentheharshnessoflife,hetookforgrantedthethingsIhadbuiltwithmysweatandblood.
Hehadyettofeeltheutterhelplessnessofnotknowingwhenorifthenextmealwouldcome.Hehasnotseenthesorrowintheeyesofamotherwhocouldnotfeedherchildren.
IblamedMandodari.Shedotedonhersonlikehewastheonlypreciousthingintheworld.Hewassohandsome,lovingandcompassionate,thatonecouldnothelpadoringthe
rascal.But,Ishouldhavebroughthimupbetter.Agoldenopportunityhadbeenfritteredawayinbattle.Fool!
Iwentin,wantingtogrillhimforhisstupidity.Hesmiledatmewithglowingpride.IwaitedforsometimeasIwishedtogethimalone.Theotherfool,Athikaya,wassittingonthe
floorlikeahappymongrel.Iwantedtobashtheheadsofbothtogether,forwhattheyhaddone.TheretheysatlikeheroesaftermissingthebestchancetheAsurascouldhave
everhopedfor.
Ravana,seehowhisbodyhasbeencut,myboycouldhavebeenkilled.Mandodarisobbedandshowedmethevariouscutsandinjuries.Meghanadawasactuallyenjoyingall
theattention.Whatdidsheexpect?Hehadgoneintobattle.Thiswaswar.Whywasthewomanfussingoverhim?Thenitstruckme.
Mandodariwasseeingwarforthefirsttime.Allmyothercampaignshadbeenfoughtinfarawaylands.IhadworriedwhenIsenthimalonetofight,forIknewthehorrorsthat
couldhappeninthefractionofasecondonthebattlefield.Iagonisedaboutthestrayarrowthatcouldlandinhiseyeandpophisbrainsout.Ifwomensawthebattlefieldswhere
foolishmenslaughteredeachother,therewouldhavebeennowarsinthisworld.IdidnothavethehearttobreakintothisscenesoIwentoutoftheroom.Prahasthacametome
andbowed.Iclaspedhishandsandledhimtowardsthebalcony.
Whatdoyouthink?DidRamadie?Iasked,knowingtheanswerwell.
Heshookhishead.
Theboysbotcheditup,Ithink.Isaid,andhesmiledsadly.
Wecannotblamethem.Meghanadaistooinexperiencedandsoft,butthiscouldturnouttocostushigh.Prahasthaavoidedmyeyes.Icouldfeelthefrustrationinhim.He
shouldbestopped.Prahasthasaid,concentratinghardonthedistantislandwhereJambavanhadretreatedwithhisinjuredleader.Ilookedathimconfused.
YourHighness,theinformationIgotwasthatboththeprincesareonthevergeofdeath,buttheVanarasmedicalknowledgeislegendary.Theyknowhowtoextractlifesaving
juicesfromthemostunlikelyplants.
Theydonotusechemicalpowderslikewedo.Instead,theyuseasystemofmedicinecalledAyurveda,wherethethrustisonplants.
Whatdoyousuggest?
WeareunsureifRamaisaliveornot.Hewasgravelyinjuredandcouldevenbedeadbynow.Butifheisalive,oriftheVanaradoctorshavesomehowmiraculouslysavedhim,
theywillneedtobrewtheirmedicines.ThekindofplantstheyuseareusuallyfoundonlyinthreeareasofIndiainLanka,onthetropical,southwesterncoastsofthemainland,
andintheHimalayas.TheHimalayasaretoofar.TheycannotenterLankaasitwouldbetoodangerous,buttheymighttryandwehavetobealerttosuchapossibility.Theonly
optionleftisforthemtogotothewestcoastofthemainland.TheVanaraswillexplorebothoptionsurgently.
Whydontweattackandtaketheislandtonight?Iwasnotconfidentaboutthisoption,butIsoundedouttheideawithPrahastha.
No.Varunasfleetisstandingguard.Itistoorisky.WhatwecaahandoishopethatRamaandLakshmanadie.ThenwecancheaplybuyoffthegreedyVanaraKing,Sugreeva.
Meanwhile,ourislandsecurityalsohastobestrengthened.ItcouldbeAngadawhoattemptstogetintoLanka.YourHighness,weshouldalertLankini,immediately
LankiniwastheAsuragovernorlocatedatthesoutherntipofthemainland,wherethethreeoceansmet.Shehadruledthesouthernprovincesofthemainlandwithajustand
ironhand.Thoughshewasundermysuzerainty,Ihadstoppedmyannualvisitsassheneverdefaultedinsendinghugesumsofmoneyformyprotection.Sheshouldhave
assistedmeinattackingRamafromtherear,butlikeanygoodsovereignundermyimperialthumb,shesatonthefencetoseehowthingswouldworkoutandthenalignwiththe
winner.Ihadsentmanymessagestoherforreinforcements,butthelettersremainedunanswered.Iwasbitter,butalsoknewthatthiswaslife.
HowwillweinformLankini?Igrewmoreandmoreapprehensiveaboutthewholescheme,butsomehow,whatPrahasthasaid,madesense.Iconsideredlaunchinganattack
ontheVanaraswhohadwithdrawntotheislandandweighedtheoptions.Butthatwouldbearecklessventure,temptingfaterathertoofar.No,thebestbetwastoensurethat
Ramadied.Ifeltapangofpityformydaughter,butbrusheditasidehastily.
Wehavetomovequickly.Illtakeoneofthesnakeboatsandgomyself,Prahasthatalkedtohimselfratherthantome.SnakeboatshadbeenexclusivelyusedbyMahabalis
navywhenhehadruledfromthewestcoastofthemainland.Theywerelongandsleekandneededmorethan120oarsmeneach.Theywereidealinthelagoonsthatdottedthe
westcoast,butwererarelyusedintheopensea.Buttheywerethefastestpossiblewaytotravel,otherthanthePushpaka.
YourHighness,Illundertakethemissionmyself.IhavetosneakpastVarunasfleetandreachthemainlandbydawn.Itisdangerousandgivenachoice,Iwouldhaveavoided
it.ButnooneknowsthewatersbetterthanIdo.ImsuretheVanaraswillnotattemptanattackuntiltheirprincesrecover.Iwillstartnow.Anditwouldbeagoodideatogivethe
commandtoKumbakarna.Bowing,heleftbeforeIcouldstophim.Givemybrothercommand?Thatwaseasiersaidthandone.
Myyoungerbrotherhasbeenlyingdrunkformanydays.HisaddictiontodrugsandalcoholhadbecomehabitualandIcouldseehimwastingawayanddisintegratingbeforemy
eyes.WasitbecauseIsensedarivalinhimthatIhadnotmadeenoughofanefforttoweanhimawayfromhisbadhabits?Idonotknow.Ihadnoteventhoughtabouthimfor
manydays.IhadntforamomentthoughtofMaricha.IhadnotevensparedathoughforAkshayaKumara,mylittleboywhohadbeenmurderedbyHanuman.Andnow,whenI
wassoshortofgoodmentotakecommand,Prahastharemindedmeofmybrother.Ihadtofindhiminoneofthedarkholesofthepalaceandpullhimfromhisdarkworldof
happinesstofightmywar.Itwasntgoingtobeeasy.

53Violation
Bhadra
Itwasinthosemomentsjustbeforethedawn,whenthedarknessissothickthatyoufeelitstickingtoyourskin,thatIheardfootsteps.Myanimalinstinctshadnotweakenedwith
age.MyearspickedupthesoundsofdangereventhoughIwasasdrunkasahog.
Ididnotdareraisemyhead,butsomebodywasmovingsilentlyandthatmeanttrouble.Ilistenedintentlyforanysound.Thelastoftheoilllampshaddiedlongago.Theskywas
overcastandtherewasbunosoundotherthantheintermittentcriesofanightfowl.Ilistened,afraidtoevenbreathe.
Thistimeitwasunmistakable.Thereweremanyofthem.Icouldsensetheirpresenceinthenight.Theywereonthetreetops,slowlytreadingoverthehundredsofsnoringAsura
soldiers.Islowlyopenedmyeyes.IcouldseethelimpfiguresoftheAsuraguardsatthepalacedoor.Iheardarustleinthetreesclosetothefirstfloorbalconyandsomedark

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figuresjumpedontotheverandahwithgracefulease.ItcouldonlybetheVanaras.
Achillwentdownmyspine.Whyaretheyhere?
Theguardsweredrunkfromyesterdaysvictorypartyandhadpassedout.SlowlyIcrawledtowardsthepalaceonallfours.Ifearedtheworst.AsIreachedthedoors,Icouldsee
theguardshadbeenkilled,theirthroatsslitopen.Theenemywasinside.ShouldIshoutandmakeanoise?Butwouldanyonewakeup?IhadtowarnRavana.Iknewwherethe
royalchamberswere.ButIwasafraid.Theenemycouldhavebeenanywhere.Inthedarkshadowsofthepalace,deathwaswaitingtopounceonme.IhadalwaysbelievedthatI
wasreadytodie.IfIdied,nobodywouldbother,perhapsnotevenmywife,certainlynotmyson.StillIwantedtolive.IknewwhatwasatstakeifRavanalost.Mypeoplewoulddie
athousanddeathsalltheirlivesatthehandsoftheBrahmins.Ipushedmytiredbody,tremblingattheslightestsound,afraideventobreath,tothefirstfloorwhereIknewRavana
slept.Thatis,ifhewasnotalreadydead.IwishedIhadmorestrengthinmybodyandthatIwasyounganddaringagain.
Iclimbedupthestairsontiptoe,avoidingtheslightestsound.Iheardamuffledcryandthenathudandthenoiseofsomethingbeingdragged.Withmyheartpounding,Ipeeped
fromthestairsandsawafewVanarasscamperaway.Irecognizedtheirevilprince,Angada.Hecarriedalimpformonhisshoulderandwasrunningfromtheroom.Someofthe
guardswhowerestillsoberhadfinallywokenupandtriedtostopAngada.
Hedidnotevenbreakstride,justthrustandhackedhiswaythroughthestunnedguardswithhissword.Irushedtotheentranceoftheroyalchamberandfoundtheguardslying
inpoolsofblood.TheguardswhohaddaredtoconfronttheVanaraprinceweredeadorwrithinginpainwiththeirgutsspilledoutandbloodspurtingalloverthebeautiful
carpets.
Ilookedattheswingingdoorsofthechamberandhesitatedforafewseconds.ThenbracingmyselftoseetheEmperorwithadaggerstuckintohisheart,Ipushedopenthedoor.
Thechamberwasempty.Therewerenodeadbodiesanywhere.Onlythebedlookedasifithadwitnessedsomestruggle.Thenitoccurredtome.
AngadahadcarriedawayMandodari,theAsuraQueen.HehadcomewithmurderinmindbutnotfindingtheEmperorinhischamber,hadkidnappedhiswifeinstead.Ravana
hadtobeinformed.Wherewashe?Iranthroughthecorridorsofthepalace,bangingondoorsandcryingloudly,callingforAthikaya.
ManypeoplewokeupandIshoutedatthetopofmyvoicethattheQueenhadbeenkidnappedbyAngada.
Initiallytherewasnoreaction.NodoubtmanythoughtIwasblabberingafterhavinghadtoomuchliquor.Thenthepanicstarted.Theguardswokeandranhereandtherelike
headlesschickens.Manywailedloudly,someshoutingorders,buttherewasnoonetoobeythem,andotherssatblinkingandnotunderstandingwhattheruckuswasallabout.
ItwasalmosthalfanhourbeforeIlocatedMeghanadaandAthikaya.Ikickedmysonawakeandhejumpedupfromhisdrunkenstupor.Anybodycouldhavecomeinand
murderedtheAsuraPrinceandhisservant.SomuchforAsurasecurity.IfsomeonewantedonereasonforthedownfallofthemightyAsuras,itcouldbesummedupintheword,
liqumpedupuor.Itwasthebaneofmyrace.ThePrincecametohissensesquicklyandbythetimeIhadexplainedwhathadhappened,hewasalert.Hejumpedup,drewhis
swordandranout.IfollowedthePrince,shoutingwhatIhadseen.AthikayacaughtupwithuswhenwecrossedthefrontcourtyardandMeghanadarantowardsthefortbell.
Meghanadatookthestairsatthedouble.Iwasexhaustedanddidnotfollowhimup.Athikayadartedpastme,tryingtocatchupwiththePrince.Soontheentirefortrangwiththe
continuouspeelsofthehugefortbell.WhyhadntIthoughtofthatmyself?
Withinminutes,theentirecourtyardwasfullofalertguards.
Whatisgoingon?TheloudvoiceofRavanaboomedacrossthecourtyardastheEmperorrushedtowardsthebelltower.Meghanadaexplainedwhathadhappenedand
Ravanasfacewentwhite.Thenthecolourrushedback.Hisangerwasbackasheslammedhisfistonthebelltowerwall,sendingdustandplasterflying.Catchthatbastard
Angadaandbringhimtome.
Father,Iwillleadthesearch.Thiscouldbeatrapandyoushouldremaininthepalace.IftheVanarasattackwhenthefortisleftwithoutaleader,wewillbeindeeptrouble.
YouremainhereMeghanada.Itismywifetheyhavedaredtokidnap.Iwillleadthesearchpartyandteachthosebastardsalesson.AndIthinkthetimehascometowakeup
Kumbha.Ineedhimdesperately.Ihavebeentryingtoputsomesenseintothatoafsthickheadthewholenight.
Ravanamountedhisfavouritehorseandplungedintothedarkness.Thesearchparty,withhundredsofsoldierscarryingflamingtorches,struggledtokeeppacewiththe
gallopingAsuraEmperor.Soldiersranbehindthehorseswiththeirspearsandclubs,makingalotofnoise,butgenerallyuselessforanythingotherthanmakinganuisanceof
themselves.Ijoinedthem.
BythetimewereachedtheedgeoftheSubelahills,thehorseshadbeenabandonedandthesearchpartieswerealmostaquarterofthewayupthesteephills.Thethick,dark
jungleofSubelawithitshuge,overhangingboulders,loomedlargeandformidable.Iwasnotsuremytired,oldbodycouldtaketherigoursoftheclimb.
ButcuriosityisagreatmotivatorandIdraggedmybodyup,pantingandpuffing,tocatchupwiththeyoungguardswhohadenthusiasticallyfollowedthepathmadebytheofficial
searchparty.
Onlytheoccasionalflickeroftorchesthroughthethickfoliageguidedus.TwiceItrippedandfell,butignoringthepain,andsuppressingmyfearofthepoisonoussnakesthat
aboundedintheseforests,Itriedhardtokeepupwithmentwentyfiveyearsyoungerthanme.IfoundIwasstrongerthanIhadbelieved.ThememoriesofsuchadventuresIhad
beenapartof,withthesamemanwhowasnowtheEmperorwhenbothofuswereyoungertheheadyfeelingofdaredevilryandcouragetheyouthfulthrilloffacingdangerwith
easecamefloodingbacktomeandIfeltmanyyearsyoungerthanatthestartofthechase.
Wewereallperspiringcopiouslyandpantinghardbythetimewereachedthesmallclearing,hundredsoffeetbelowthepeak.Wecouldseetheearliersearchpartieshuddled
togetherinthedistance.Theeasternskyhadastreakofgreyandthestarshadgrowndimmer.
Manyofthetorcheshaddieddown.Isatdowntocatchmybreathastheyoungeronesinmygrouprushedtotheirfriendsattheedgeoftheclearing.ThenslowlyIdragged
myselfuphill.
Ipushedmywaythroughthecrowd.There,lyingonthebareearth,wastheQueen,nakedandunconscious.Ravanastood,stunned,weepingsilently.Isteppedforwardand
takingoffmytatteredshawl,coveredthenakedbodyoftheQueenoftheAsuras.Myhandsbrushedagainstherbreastsandshestirred.ngsillSlowlysheopenedhereyes.
Ravanacaughtherinhisarmsandhuggedher.Shelookedatthecrowdgawkingatherforamoment,withoutcomprehension.Thenhernudity,hershame,theviolation,dawned
onher.Sheletoutananimalcryandtriedtocoverherselfinmystinkingshawl.Shescrambledupandtriedtorun.Withajerk,Ravanacaughtherarmandhuggedhertightly.
Sheburiedherfaceinhisshoulderandwept.Thecrowdreluctantlymovedaway.Somerantofetchwater,otherscollectedsomeclothesfortheirQueen,andsomeputtogethera
makeshiftstretchertocarrytheQueenback.Istoodnearby,wonderingatthetwistoffate.Sherepeatedlysaidshedidnotwishtocontinuelivingwiththisshame.Angadaandhis
boorshadviolatedherwhentheyrealizedthatshewasnotSita,astheyhadatfirstthought.ShedidnotwanttoremainRavanaswifeanymoreshewantedtodie.
Ravanadidnotspeakatallexcepttosaythatshewashislawfullyweddedwifeandthatshewouldremainso.Itwasembarrassingtowitnesshisintenselyprivatepain.ButIfelta
growingadmirationforthemanwhothusstoodbyhiswifeinhertrial.Asaruler,nothingworsecouldhavehappenedtohim,notevenhisowndeath.TheQueenwasforever
taintedandtheeasiestthingforhimwouldhavebeentoflingherawaylikeausedrag.Buthechosethetoughway,tolivewithsnickeringsubordinateswhowouldmakelewd
commentsabouthiswifethemomenthisbackwasturned.Perhaps,insuchchoiceslayhisgreatnessandalsohisweakness.Atthetime,IdoubtwhetherIcompletely
appreciatedhisgesturetowardshisviolatedQueen.Itwaslater,muchlater,whenIwitnessedthebehaviourofanothermantowardshischosenwife,incircumstancethatwere
muchlessserious,thatIunderstoodwhyRavanawouldneverbedeified.HewastoohumanetobeaGod.
Iwantedtoslipawaysilently,butRavanasawmemovingaway.Bhadra,hecalledandIstoppedtoturnback.IcouldseehewasbothembarrassedandangrythatIhad
witnessedwhatwasessentiallyaprivatemoment.Hedidnotlookatmebutasked,WhereisMeghanada?Ididnotknow,butsomeoneansweredthatthePrinceandAthikaya
werepursuingAngadaandhismen.
Ihopethebastardiscaughtalive.IfeltsorryformyKing.Hewastryingtopickupthepiecesofhisshattereddignity.Soon,amakeshiftpalanquinwasassembledandtheKing
andQueenwereliftedupandcarrieddownthetreacherouspathtowardsthepalace.
Fancythat,theKingwillnowtastetheleftoversofadirtymonkey.oneoftheyoungersoldierscommented.Manyaroundhimsnickered.
Heshouldhavefinishedheroffthen.Now,imaginetheshameofhavingaqueendraggedbyherhairandstrippednakedbyamonkey.Whoknowswhatelsehewouldhave
donetoher,anotherjoinedin.Thereweremoresniggersandwhistles.
Haveaheart,youbastards.oneoftheoldersoldiershoutedback.Whathedidwastrulynobleandright.Howmanymenwouldacceptawifewhohasbeenshamedlikethis?
Therewasalotoflaughteruntilthecaptainofthegroupturnedbackandshouted,Youboyswillnotunderstand.HadyoubeenbornwhentheDevaswereraidingandrazingcity
aftercity,youwouldnothavespokenthisway.Youoweyourdignitytothemanyouaremakingfunofforstandingbyhiswifeatthetimeofherneed.
Alotofjeeringandsnickeringfollowedtheoldsoldierswords.Cursingthemprofusely,hebecamesilent.Ithoughtaboutwhathehadsaid.Wasitsuchagreatthingthatthe
Kinghaddone?Itoohaddonethesamething.ThatKingrapedmywifeandsiredmyson,Athikaya.DidntIbringhimuplikemyown?DidIthrowmywifeaway?ThemoreI
thoughtaboutit,themoreIbelievedthatwyson,hathadhappenedtothequeenwassweetjustice.Ifeltsorryforher,buthewasreapingwhathehadsown.Therewasnothing
nobleaboutacceptingoneswife,evenifshehadbeenraped,andheretherewasdoubt.Ifyouwereaman,youstoodbyyourwife.Oryouwereaswine.
Therewasnothinggreataboutit.But,perhapsthestandardsexpectedfromacommonAsuraandthoseexpectedfromthenobility,weredifferent.Thenobleswereexpectedtobe
bastards.SowhatRavanahaddoneproveshewascrudeandcommonlikeanyotherAsura.
Strangely,thethoughtthathewaslikeuswascomforting.MaybetherewassomehopeifhewonthewarwithRama.
Aswenearedthepalace,IsawthattheshawlthatIhadcoveredtheQueenwith,waslyingdiscardedonthepath.Ibarelyrecognizeit.Ithadbecomeevenmoretatteredand
torn,morelikeadirtyrag,afterhavingbeenstampeduponbysomanymarchingfeet.InitiallyIthoughtofkickingitintotheopensewer,butonsecondthoughts,Ibentandpicked
itup.Maybethishumbleraghadserveditspurposeforqueensandkings,butforapoormanlikeme,itmightstillbeuseful.Icouldperhapsmenditandreuseit.Ididnothavea
spareone,soIhadtomakedowithwhatIhad.Maybe,ifIwasheditcarefully,itwouldwashawaythesmelloftheAngadasandRavanas.

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54Theendofanidealist
Ravana
ThestillbodyofPrahasthawasbroughttothepalaceatsunset.WhenIcameoutofmypersonalhellwhereIwashidingwithmywife,helayonthecoldfloorofthedurbarhall.
Hisbodyhadturnedblueandhelookedolderthanhewas.Helookedwornoutwiththeworriesofanempire,withtheplottingandplanning,thwartedambitions,straightjacketed
selfrighteousness,bytheimpossiblewishtostrictlyadheretodharmaandathoroughlycolourlesslife.Isuppressedatearformybestfriendandworstenemy.Ileaneddown
towardshislifelessbody.Afewtearstorethemselvesawayfrommyhardpracticedselfrestraintandmadeastrangepatternonthefloor.Whowasthisman?Once,longago,I
hadbeenafraidofhim.Ihadbeensurethathewasaftermythrone.HehadbeenallthatIalwayswantedtobe,butnevercouldbe.HewasallthatIneverwishedtobe,butcould
havebeen.Hehadbeentherestraintthathadkeptthewildbeastwithinmeleashed.
Hehadbeenmyconscience.HehadbeenwhatkeptmefrombecomingaRakshasa.Ihadfearedhimmorethananyone.Andinmyheart,Iwassurethathewouldhavebeena
betterleaderfortheAsurasthanme.
HewastheidealAsuraleader,therealsuccessortoMahabali.Brave,moral,honest,upright,incorruptible.
HewouldnothaveinvitedthedisasterthatwasRamaontous,likeIhaddone.Hewouldnothavestrayedfromtherightpath.Hemightnothavebuiltsuchavastempirebuthe
wouldnothavefallenhopelesslyinlovewithVedavathi.HewouldnothavethoughttwiceaboutsacrificingadaughterfortheAsuracauseorifhehadbelievedtheprophecyto
benonsense,hewouldhavehadthecouragetoproclaimittotheworld.OncehelosthisdaughtertoJanaka,hewouldnothavelackedthecouragetogetherbackthroughforce
ordiplomacy.Hewouldhavebroughthisdaughterhomelongago.Norwouldhehavelethiswifebemolestedbymonkeymen.
But...perhaps,hewouldnothavetakenherbackandlovedherinquitethesameway,becauseoftheshame.
HewouldnothavedonemanyofthethingsIhaddone,butthen,hewouldnothavebeenPrahasthaortheshame.IRavana.
Mycourtiersremainedsilent.Jambumaliwasmostdistraught.Prahasthahadbeenhisfriendfromchildhood.Theybelongedtothesamegenerationintheirthinking.Whenold
friendsdie,theytakesomethingofyourlifewiththem.Iwantedtohugtheoldmaninhisdistress,butdidnothavethecouragetofaceanyone.Ihadtobepractical.Prahastha
hadtobecrematedbeforesunset.IwantedtohugPrahasthasstillbodyandtellhimthat,morethananyoneelse,Ihadrespectedandlovedhim.Ialsowantedtotellhimthathe
hadalwaysgotonmynerveswithhisunwarrantedadviseandtalkaboutAsuradharma.SuddenlyIhatedhimfromdeepwithin.Youwereaftermythrone.Andyouwouldhave
beenamuchbetterking,foryouwereamuchbetterhumanbeingthanme.IfhehadbeenKingandIthePrimeMinister,howwouldIhavebehaved?Icouldntevenimaginethat
asIcouldnothaveremainedinthatpositionforlong.Iwouldhavegotridofmymasterandassumedmyrightfulposition.Thismanhadsomanychancestodothattome.He
couldhavepoisonedme,hadmestabbedwhilewesharedbedsduringourcampaignshecouldhavegotridofmeinahundredways.Buteventhecynicinmedidnotthink
Prahasthawouldhavedonethat.Ihadtrustedhim.Hehadbeentoodeeplytiedtohisownprinciplesanddharmatostoopsolowtoassumekingship.Heprizedhissoulmore
thanabloodstainedthrone.
Istoodupandajunioradministrativeofficercameandbowed.Iorderedthatthefuneralarrangementsbemadequickly.Thenthingshappenedinablur.Thepeoplewhowere
proficientinthemattersoflastritestookover.MyPrimeMinisterwascoveredwiththeredAsuraflagandhisbierliftedup.Itoowishedtoputmyshouldertoit,butthoughtitwould
berathermelodramatic.Afterall,IwasstilltheKing.SoIwalkedbehindthehumblefuneralprocession.Peoplehadlinedbothsidesoftheroadandfilledthebalconiesand
treetops.Theprocessionsnakeditswaythroughthewarravagedroad,throughthestreetsthathadseenathousandviolentdeaths.Iwasshockedtoseewhathadhappenedto
mybeautifulcity.
IwantedittoendsoIcouldgohomeandsleep.Iwastired.YetIhadtodomyduty.Iowedthatmuchtomyslainfriendanddearestfoe.Iwalkedamidsttheweepingcrowdand
wassurprisedtoseehowpopularhehadbeen.Hehadneverreachedouttopeopleandhehadtakenmanyunpopulardecisions.Buthestoodhisgroundwhenitcametodoing
whatwasrightratherthanwhatwaspopular.Andhewasalwaysfair.Thatwassomethingnewtome.Peoplelovedyounotfortheshorttermpopularthingsyoudidforthemasa
ruler,butbecauseyouwerejust.Thecountrysilentlyweptforamanwhohadbeenlikeastrictfathertothem.
Andsuddenly,Iwasafraidofthepast.AllthathadstoodbetweenPrahasthaandmythronewashissenseoffairnessanddoingtherightthing.Allthesepeoplewhowere
throngingtocatchaglimpseofPrahastha,couldhavejustcrematedtheirownlovedonesjustafewhoursbefore.Stilltheythoughtitwasimportanttobehere.Hadhemadeone
calltothesepeople,Iwouldhavebeensweptawaylikeafeatherinthewind.ButPrahasthahadneverlivedinthepalaceandwouldvanishtohiscountryhomeafewmiles
awayfromthecitywheneverhecould.Healwayssaidthatthecountryairsuitedhimbetter.Thinkingback,hehadneveroncementionedhisfamily,hadneverrecommendeda
relativeforagovernmentjob,orsoughtlittlefavoursfrommelikemostoftheothersaroundmehad.Ihadputitdowntohisbloatedegoandresentedit.Butnow,asthefuneral
processionwounditswayob,orstohiscountryhome,Icouldseethathehadchosentodosobecauseofhisconvictions.Theneighbourhoodhehadlivedinwasneitherposh
norrich,buthadaruralcharmandthepeoplewererustic.
Theprocessionhaltedbeforewhatlookedlikeapeasantsdwelling.ItwasPrahasthashome,aneatandcleanhut,withathatchedroofthatgaveitacozyfeel.
Theyardwasneat.Therewasacowshedandawellnearby,afewfruittreesandfloweringvines,andaduckpond.InowunderstoodwhymyPrimeMinisterwishedtoescape
frommygaudypalacetothisrustichaven.Itwasnotpovertyhehadchosen,butrichsimplicity.IhadnotknownthissideofthemanIhadoncehatedandfeared.Therewere
manypeople,nottherichandsocialtypes,butpoorvillagersandpettyofficials,whostoodingroups.AsImovedin,asuddenhushfellandIfeltIwasintrudingintotheirprivate
grief.AmanwhoresembledPrahasthacameoutandbowed.SomeonewhisperedthathewasthePrimeMinistersson.Ipattedhisshoulderandwalkedin.Inthedarknessof
thehut,Icoulddiscernthesmoothformsofwomen,hunchedoveringrief.Awomanslowlystoodupandwalkedtowardsme.Asthelightfellonherface,Irecognizedmyslain
PrimeMinisterswife.
Iamdeeplysorry,Isaid,butmywordssoundedholloweventome.Shedidnotmove,juststoodthere.Igrewuneasy.Ihadneverbeencomfortablewithceremoniesofdeath.
Theyremindedmeofmyownmortality.Icouldhearthemenofthefamilycuttingdownahugemangotreetopreparethepyre.ItwasourAsuracustomtoplantamangotree
whenababywasborn.Thetreegrewwiththechildandgaveitsfruitstoalllivingthings,makingtheworldabetterplace.Thechildwasexpectedtodothesamewhenhegrew
up.
Andwhenitwastimeforthefinaljourney,thetreegaveitsfinalsacrificeforitsnamesake,vanishingintothesmokeofthefuneralpyre,alongwithitscompanion.
Finallyitwasover.Prahasthaandwhateverhehadstoodfor,turnedintoformlesssmokeandslowlyvanishedintothinair.Thegriefthrobbingthroughthepeoplemademe
jealous.Buttheyslowlydispersedtotheirownlives,totheirownwoes.Ithadgrowndarkandthecricketswerechirping.Myattendantswaitedoutsideformetomakeamove.I
emergedfrommystupor.Ifeltheavyheartedandwantedtosaysomesoothingwordstothewidowandthesonorperhapshisdaughter.WhatkindofaleaderwasI?Ididnt
evenknowhowmanychildrenmyPrimeMinisterhad.
Wherehadtheloftythoughtsofmyyouthgone?

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WhathappenedtotheideasIhadcarried,aboutbeingacaringleader,amanofempathyandkindness?InwhatpoorconditionmyPrimeMinisterhadlefthisfamily.Theywere
peasantsnow,dirtpoor.WhenthelordofthehousehadbeenPrimeMinisteroftheempire,theirsimplicityhadcharm.
Maybeithadevenbeenapoliticalplus.Buttheywerenothingbutpoorwretchesnowanditwasmydutytohelpthem.
IwasabouttosendforPrahasthasson,whenheappearedandbowedrespectfully.Withsomehesitationhedepositedabundleofsilkenclothatmyfeetandbowedagain.One
ofguardslookedatme.Readingmyconsent,heopeneditinfrontofme.Iwasfurious.ThebundlecontainedagoldbraceletwiththeAsurainsigniaonit,agoldchainwithits
goldtippedtigerclawsandafewneatlyfoldedsilkdresses.TheywerethepersonnelpossessionsofPrahastha,theonlyvanityhehadallowedhimselfwhenheattendedmy
court.
Whatisthis?Myhandshadgonetothehiltofmysword.
TheyoungmanstoodsilentlyforamomentanditseemedIhadfrightenedhim.Thenslowlyheraisedhiseyesandsaid,Forgiveus,yourHighness.Itwasourfatherswish.He
usedtosaythatthesedidnotbelongtous,buttothepeopleoftheitwascountry.Theyhadjustallowedhimtoweartheseornaments,liketheuniformofthepalaceguards.The
momentheresignedorretiredordied,thesamewastobereturnedtotheKing,whowouldholdthemonbehalfofthepeople.Iamjustobeyingmyfatherswishes.
Therewasadeathlysilence.Then,likewaterdrainingoutofaleakyjug,myindignationmeltedaway.
Tearswelledinmyeyes.PrahasthahadbeentheonewhodeservedtobeEmperoroftheAsuras.Butthen,hadhehadmycharm?HadhepossessedtheruthlessnessIdid?
Maybehehadpossessedallthese,buthehadchosentoliveanddiebysomethingbeyondthem.Aboveall,thiscountryhadchosenmeoverhim,thatwasthenastytruth,and
heknewit.Ihadbecometheruler.ThiscountryanditsstupidpeoplehadnotdeservedPrahastha.Theydeservedmeorevenworse,selfishrascalslikemybrotherVibhishana,
whowouldsellthecountryandhiskinforafistfulofgoldtothewhiteskinnedinvadersfromacrossthesea.
IwalkedawayfromPrahasthashumblehut.Ialreadymissedhisarguments,hisstubbornness,hisadvice.Ilongedforouryouthandthetenserelationshipwehadshared.IfI
cameoutofthiswaralive,Iwouldbuildupmyempireagain,butwithmorecompassion,more
probity
for
government
servants,
more
transparencyingovernance,andmakeitlessbureaucraticandmorepeopleoriented.Prahasthamayperhapshavehadmoreinfluenceonmedeadthanalive.
Ihopedhissacrificewouldnotbewasted,butthen,whichsacrificehadnotbeenawaste?
Lankini.Shebetrayedus.Butthen,Ihadhalfexpectedit.AsuraswouldnotbeAsuraswithoutbetrayals.ThathadbeenwhyIhadwantedPrahasthatostopHanumanwiththe
helpfromthewilyGovernorofKanyakumari.Howcouldallthishappeninoneday?
Yesterday,wewereonthevergeofastupendousvictory.Nowthetableswereturned.
ThereportsIreceivedweresketchy,butthepicturethatemergedwastypical.Prahasthahadbeendelayedbybadweatherandbythetimehereachedthemainland,Lankinihad
struckadealwithHanuman.Lankini,whohadalottogaininsidingwithRama,letPrahasthabelievethatHanumanhadyettoreachthemainlandandinsistedthatherest.
PrahasthasfoodhadbeenlacedwithdrugsandthenLankinihadstabbedhimtodeathinhisdruginducedsleep.Bythen,Hanumanhadreturnedwiththeessentialmedicinal
plantshehadbeensenttofetchfortheprinces.IdidnotknowwhethertheyhadsucceededinrevivingRamaandLakshmanabutLankinihadbeenaudaciousenoughtosend
theslainbodyofmyPrimeMinistertome.IdecidedthatonceIhadfinishedoffRama,IwouldaskLankinisomepertinentquestions.
Iwassotiredofthewar.ButIdidnthavethepowertostopit.Thejuggernautrolledon.Itwouldstopwhenthetimewasrightandnotwhentheparticipantswished.Anditwould
destroywhatevercameinitsway
pride,power,life,honour,everything.
IthadgrowndarkbythetimeIreachedthepalace.
Thetorchessputteredinthecold,saltybreezethatcamefromtheseaandtheworlddancedaroundintheeverchangingplayoflightandshadow.Theskywasaninkyblanket
withholeswherethestarsflickered,faded,andglowedbrightagain.Iwastiredbuthesitatedtogotomybedroomandfacemywife.Iwentinsteadtoseemydaughter.Thenight
wascoldandshewasallaloneunderthatAshokatree,whereshestilllived.Ithoughtofmysons,Meghanada,Akshaya,andevenAthikaya.IhopedRamawasdeadandthe
monkeymenhadreturnedtotheirjunglekingdom.Therefollowedafewsecondsofbliss,whenallthoughtsceased.
Fromfaraway,wheretheseawasamovinggreylivingthing,faintsoundsofcheeringrosefromthatislandhiddeninthedarkness.Ihadmyanswer..ed.
<.Ramawasaliveandthenextdayhewouldattackmewithavengeance.SomehowIfoundthethoughtcomforting.War,afterall,wasacatharsisformynumbedsoul.Oneway
ortheotheritwouldbedecidedsoon.
Asoldierstoodbeforemeandbowed,YourHighness,PrinceKumbakarnaisawakeandseeksaudience.WithanodofmyheadIgavepermissionandKumbhawalkedin.The
momentIsawhisface,Iknewtherewasgoingtobetrouble.

55Kumbhakarnasattack
Bhadra
RamaandLakshmanaweresavedbysomemiraculousVanaramedicine.Thebriefsplutterofhopethathadariseninourhearts,died.Iwatchedmutely,tooexhaustedtoeven
standup,asthefortgatesopenedandhordesofAsurasmarchedtomeetRamaandhismonkeymenonceagain.Ridingamidstthecolumn,onatallelephant,wasPrince
Kumbakarna.Thismarchwasdifferent.Themajorityofsoldiersdidnotnotcarrybowsandarrowsorswords.Thefrontcolumnscarriedlong,bamboopolessharpenedatthe
edges.TheywerefollowedbyKumbakarna,wholedaplatoonofwarelephants.Therewerenochariotsthistime.Theywereadisadvantageonthesoft,white,sandybeachesof
Lanka.Kumbakarna,inasingledayhadfoundtheweaknessintheAsuradefence.TheAsurashadbeenfightingthewarliketheywouldhaveontheplainsofthemainland.It
wasagooddefencestrategyandsuddenlyIfeltenthusiasticandtrottedalongwiththemarchingsoldiers,unmindfulofthedanger.Kumbakarnawastakingthebattletothe
enemycamp.
Ifoundthatmanycommonershadjoinedtheranks.
Afewweremyacquaintancesandtheyinvitedmetojointhem.Itwasmadness,butIjoinedthemanyway.
Thecolumnstretchedformilesbehindus.ItwasthenthatIsawtwoshiningfiguresonhorseback.ThesunwasbehindthemsoIcouldnotseetheirfaces.
ThereisprinceMeghanadaandhisservant,saidtheparttimebarberwhodoubledasassistanttothepriestofthestreettemplenearmyhome.

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Hecarriedastoneclubmuchtoobigforhim.Ithenrecognized,tomyhorror,PrinceMeghanadaonthewhitehorseandAthikayafaithfullyfollowinghimonablackhorse.Inthe
seaofclubbrandishingandblack,glisteningbodiesofAsuras,thetwoofthemstoodoutandtheirornamentsglitteredinthesun.TheywereeasytargetsforVanarashooters.
Howfoolishcantheyoungbe?ItriedpushmywaytowardsmysonandthePrince,butwascarriedawayinthetideofmarchingfighters.
IcouldseethelongcolumnofVanarasstretchingtothesea.Thereweremanymoreonthebridgewhichtheyhadrebuilt.Varunasshipsstretchedrighttothehorizon.There
wereVanaraseverywhereonthebeach,screamingandcreatingadin,aswellasontheboatsthatwerebeinglaunchedfromtheships.Thefirstarrowfromoneoftheflame
throwersonVarunasship,whooshedoverhead.Menscreamed.TheAsuraarcherswhowereperchedonthetreesonthecliff,showeredarrowsbackontheVanaraslandingon
thebeach.ManyVanarasfell,butlikelocuststheykeptoncoming.
Kumbakarnacalledahaltbeforeourarmyreachedtheclearingonthebeach.Swiftorderswerepassedandtherewasalotofconfusion.Captainsscreamedcommandsand
therewasalotofpushingandjostling,butfinallythearmyspreadoutinanarch,inthecoverofthetressinsteadofsteppingintotheclearing.TheAsuraswaited.Theelephants
hadgiantlogsandtreesintheirtrunksandwaitedattheedgeoftheclearing.IcouldseePrinceMeghanadagettingrestlessonhishorseandpushinghiswaytowardsthe
Commander.Hefinallysucceeded
SuddenlythemurmurintheAsuraranksdieddown.ThetwoPrinceswerearguing.Kumbakarnagotmoreandmoreagitated,butMeghanadakeptscreamingathisuncle.
AthikayatoojoinedinabusingKumbakarna.
Meghanada
wanted
to
attack
immediately,
but
KumbakarnahadaplanwhichMeghanadadidnotthinkwasbrilliant.HecalledKumbakarnaacowardandanoldwomanandtheCommanderorderedhismentoarrest
MeghanadaandAthikaya.Thesituationbecameugly.
KumbakarnasmencircledMeghanadaandAthikayawiththeirswordsdrawn.Meghanadasmenfoughttheirwaytowardstheirleaderandsoonthefighthadspreadtothe
wholearmy.AsurasdonotneedDevastobedefeated.Ijustwantedtogetout.
ItwasatthismomentthatafewVanarasoldierschosetorushoutofthewoods.TheVanaraCommander,Jambavan,screamedatthemtostayback,butIsawthatthefoolishraid
wasledbynoneotherthanPrinceAngada.Whydotheyoungtryfoolishthingstodefytheoldandmoreexperiencedelders?
Kumbakarnagavetheordertoattackandtheinfightingstopped.Theelephantsadvanced,massivehillsoffleshwithhugelogsintheirtrucks,theymovedwithunbelievable
speedtowardstheVanaraarmy.Angadaandhismen,whowerefullofenthusiasmandbravadoafewminutesbefore,totteredintheiradvanceandtooktotheirheelstowards
thesafetyoftheirgroup.Butthemightymountainsadvancedrelentlessly,smashingtheVanararanksanddrivingthepanicstrickenmonkeymenintothesea.Fromtherear,the
AsuraarmyadvancedandcaughtthefleeingVanarastryingtodesperatelyescape,andclubbedthemtotheirdeath.
TheelephantswreckedhavocintheVanararanks.
Thecolumnofmenbrandishinglongpoles,piercedtheVanararanks.Soonthehairymenwereinastateofpanicanddespair.Fromthecliff,hugebouldersrolleddownonthe
fleeingVanaras.Angadawascaughtbyawarelephantwhichflunghimfaraway.ThearrogantVanaraprincelandedwithasickeningthudamonghisfleeingtroupes.Hewould
havegottrampledbyhisownpeoplebutmanagedtoscrambleupanddislodgeoneoftheridersfleeingthebattlescene.IndisgustIsawthecowardfleeingforhislifetowards
hisowncampwhilethemanhehadunseated,diedunderthegallopinghorses.
Theflamethrowingfromtheshipshadstoppedastheyretreatedtothehighseas.SoontheAsurashadgainedaclearedgeinthebattlethatwasbeingfoughtonthelandand
thesea.IdidntventureintothefrontlinesandwatchedtheVanaramenbeingtornlimbfromlimbandtrampledbytheelephants.Byafternoon,theAsurashadadvancedonto
RamasbridgeandwerechasingthefleeingVanaras.AsmallgroupofVanarasledbythespiritedHanuman,wasallthatwasleftbetweenRamaandthecompleteannihilationof
hisarmy.Hanuman,effectivelycontrolledandutilizedhismen,creatingagreatdinwithhugedrumsthatconfusedtheelephants,allthetimeshootingwellaimedarrowsatthe
menridingtheanimals.
IwonderedwhereMeghanadahadgone,whenacuriouswhirringsoundrippedthroughtheair.Thenoiseincreasedandmanypeoplestoppedhackingeachothertodeathand
actuallylookedup.Flyinglowoverthiscrowd,wasMeghanadainMayansflyingcontraption.
Thehugefansofthemachinewhirredfuriously,whippingupsandandwater.IcouldalsoseeAthikayainthemachineandtheywereshootingflametippedarrowsatthe
Vanaras.SomeoftheAsurascheeredontheirherobutIsawKumbakarnasfacetwistinanger.Heshoutedsomethingwhichnoonecouldhearandgesturedfranticallyatthe
Pushpaka,butwasonlyansweredbyadaringmanoeuvreoftheflyingmachinethatalmosttouchedtheCommanderscrown.Kumbakardhenatriedhardtocontrolhis
elephants.Theywereedgyanddidnotrespondtothecommandsoftheirmahouts.
ManyoftheflametippedarrowsfoundtheirmarkandmanyVanaraswerekilled.ButwiththeAsurasbusywatchingthespectacleinthesky,thepaceoftheattacksloweddown
considerably.Itwasthenthatdisasterstruck.Withacuriouschangeinsound,theflyingcontraptionsputtered,itsfansslowed,andthenitfelllikeastoneintothewaternearthe
bridge.Itsankandthenbobbeduptothesurface.Myheartsank.Myson,Athikaya!Irushedforwardbutwasstoppedbystrongermenhurryingtoseethespectacle.
BythetimeIgotaclearview,IsawthatMeghanadahadmanagedtoclimbontothebridgeandwastryingtopullupthecontraption.Hanuman,seeinghischance,commanded
hismentomoveforwardandcapturethePrince.Athikayaclamberedontothebridgeandtriedtoaidtheprinceinpullingupthemachine.
KumbakarnarushedforwardtosavethePrince.Inhisexcitement,Kumbakarnawassomedistanceaheadofhisarmy,tryingtoreachhisnephewbeforeHanumancouldgetto
him.KumbakarnasgreatelephantwashardlytenfeetfromMeghanadawhenanirontippedarrowpiercedtheelephantsheadandenteredalmosttwofeetintoitsbrain.The
greatbodyshudderedviolentlyasitcrasheddown,trumpetingloudly.Kumbakarnawasthrownfromhismount.
ArrowswhizzedpastMeghanadaandAthikaya,butfortunatelynonefoundtheirmark.Theyhadalmostmanagedtogetthemachineontothebridgeandwereusingitascover.
Manyofthearrowsstruckthemachineorzingedpastit.Kumbakarnarantowardshisdeadelephanttogethisclub.IcouldseeRamaandLakshmana,sittingontheshouldersof
mightyVanaramen,shootingarrowsatKumbakarnaandMeghanada.
TheAsuraarmyhesitated,tooshockedtobelievewhatwashappeninginfrontofthem.HanumanandhismenwereonlyafewfeetfromMeghanada,whileKumbakarnatriedto
pullhiscluboutfromunderthemightycarcassofhiselephant.

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Iwatchedinrisingpanic,whenthatwily,oldrascal,Jambavan,cleverlyusedthemomenttoinstructhisflamethrowerstoaimattheelephants.Onthebeach,theelephants
movedasamightywallandwereeasiertocontrol.Onthenarrowbridge,whereoneelephantfollowedtheotherwithaheavingseabeneath,theanimalsbecameunwieldy.
Whenoneoftheflamingmissilesfounditsmark,theelephantpanicked,turnedaround,andranbackatgreatspeed.Itcrashedintotheelephantfollowingit,whichinturn
panicked.SoontherewastotalchaosintheAsuraranks.Elephantsranamok,smashingeverythingintheirpath.AfewrantowardstheVanara
ranks,
barely
missing
Meghanada
and
Kumbakarna,leavingdeathanddestructionintheirtrail.
ButthemajorityofthepanicstrickenelephantsrantowardstheAsuraranks.Afewfellintothewater.
Iranformylifeandclamberedupacoconutpalm.
Below,menonbothsidesfoughtthebeastsratherthanoneanother.Withamightycrash,thebridgecollapsed.
Meghanada,AthikayaandKumbakarnawerestruckontheotherside,withthousandsofenemiesagainstthem.
TheVanaraarmysucceededinslayingthefewelephantsthathadstrayedtotheirside.Kumbakarnahadsucceededinfreeinghisheavyclubandstoodbrandishingitbetween
HanumansmenandMeghanadaandAthikaya.TheAsuraarmywasindisarray.
MeghanadaandAthikaya,tomysurprise,hadgotintotheflyingmachineandweretryingtogetittofly.Theywerenttryingtodefendtheiruncle.Kumbakarnacontinuedforward
usinghisheavyclubtodeflectafewarrowsasheadvancedswiftlytocrushtheheadsofHanumansmen.
Kumbakarnaw umbakaastooclose.RamaandLakshmana,andtheotherarcherscouldnotgettherangetostrikeKumbakarnaashealmostmergedwiththem.Hesmacked
theVanaraswithhishugeclub,smashingtheirskullsandlimbsbeforetheycouldbrandishtheirswordsoraimtheirarrows.Andsoonemansinglehandedlyheldthemighty
Vanaraarmyonthatnarrowbridge.JambavanshoutedathismenontheboatstosurroundKumbakarnaandattackhisrear.ButsomeAsurashadregainedtheirwitsand
preventedJambavansboatsfromgettingwithinshootingdistanceofKumbakarna.Thebattlestartedintheseaagain.IcouldseeVarunasshipsturnback.Canoeswere
launchedatadistanceandfastapproachedtheshore.
Howlongcouldweholdon?HowswiftlyfortuneshadchangedandallbecauseofthatfoolishMeghanadashowingoff.
BythistimeSugreeva,theVanaraKing,andHanuman,hadbrokenthroughtheranks,brandishinghuge,ironclubsthemselves.Itriedtotrainmyeyesontheenemychief.
WherehadRamaandLakshmanagone?Theyseemedtohavevanished.Thefansoftheflyingmachinestartedrotatingslowly,sputteredandstopped,andthen,afterafew
moments,whirredagainandstopped.Allthistime,KumbakarnahadbeenfightingaduelwithHanumanandSugreeva.Alone,heheldoffthetwogreatwarriorswhilehis
nephewfiddledwiththeflyingcontraption.TheAsuraarmywasnowleaderless,andsawboththeirPrincesstruckinthemiddleoftheenemy,fightingfortheirlives.
Withastrongblow,KumbakarnasentSugreevacrashingintothewater,butHanumanbrokethroughhisdefenceandrushedtowardsMeghanada.Kumbakarnaturnedand
almostflewtocatchHanumanbyhisfeet.
Bothwarriorswentdownfighting.AfewarrowsstruckKumbakarnaandHanumantoowasinjured.ThewesternskyhadturnedredwhenIsawKumbakarnaliftHanumanupand
smashhimonthefloorwithgreatviolence.HanumanlaytherewithoutanymovementandIutteredajubilantcheer.Atthatmoment,anarrowstruckKumbakarnasneckfrom
behindandthetipthatpiercedhisthroat,caughtthecrimsonraysofthesettingsun.Slowly,thehugebodyofthebraveAsuraprincecollapsedlifelessontothebridgeandthen
crashedintothesea,takingahugechunkofthebridgealongwithhim.Finally,JambhavanhadmanagedtogainastrategicpositionandRama,anexpertatshootingarrowsat
peoplefrombehind,hadnotmissedthistimeeither.
Withhorror,theAsuraswatchedtheirCommanderdieandtheVanaraarmyrushedintofinishoffthetrappedPrinceandhisservantintheircontraption.Ifeltdizzy.WasIgoingto
witnessmysonbeingtorntopieces?ThenHanumanstirredandtheVanaraarmywhohadthoughtthattheirgeneralwasdead,weretakenbysurprise.TheyhaltedasHanuman
cametolifeslowly.
Hestaggeredandswayedandsteadiedhimselfontheflyingmachine,whenitsfanssuddenlycametolife.Hepanickedandjumpedback,andbeforetheVanarascould
comprehendwhathadhappened,thefanstartedrotatingfuriously.Jambavancriedoutorderstostopthemachineasitlifted.Themonkeysrushedforwardshootingarrows,
throwingclubs,andhurlingthemselvesonthemachinethatwasquicklyrising.Afewbraveonestriedtoholdonandgotchoppedintopiecesbytherotatingblades.
Asthesunset,thePrinceandmysonescapedintheirmachinetothesafetyofRavanaspalace,leavingthepoorerfolkstothemercyoftheVanaras.Andthemenwhohadleft
theirfamiliesforthegreatergloryoftheirrace,foughtandkilled,andgotkilled.SoalsothepoorVanaraswhofoughtforthegloryofsomeonetheyhadneverevenheardofafew
monthsago.Later,whenJambavanorderedhismenbackandtheVanarasretreatedtotheirisland,Iclimbeddownfrommyperch.
Onmywayback,Iscaredafewjacka felsandbandicootswhowerefeasting,andwithoutasecondthought,steppedoverthedeadbodyoftheparttimecookandpriestwho
hadshownmetheimpressivesightofPrinceMeghanadathatmorning.AnotherPrince,Kumbakarna,wasnowfoodforthesharks,whofortunatelydidnotvalueheroismand
enjoyedbothheroesandvillainswithequaldelight.Iwouldhavegivenanythingforadrink.Itwasabeautifulnight,darkandstrange,anighttogetdrunkandsleeplikealog.

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56Whiletheypray
Ravana
IwasfumingatMandodari.Iwantedtofinishoffmyson.Fool!Ididnotknowwhattomakeofhim.
Sometimesheshowedgreatvalourhethoughtandbehavedmaturelyandshowedrealleadershipatothertimeshemadeanassofhimself.ThereportsIreceivedwereclear.It
hadbeenthisfoolsbravadothathadlostusthebestgeneralinthewar.KumbhasdeathhurtmemuchmorethanPrahasthasandMarichas.
Twiceinthelasttwodays,mysonhadfrittedawaythechancetowin.Andthefoolalwaysrushedtothesafetyofhismother.AndwhatwasthatblackrascaldoingintheKings
chamber?Hestooddiscretely,tryingtohidehishugeframe.IrushedtowardsMeghanadabutonceagainMandodariintervened,Leavetheboysalone,Ravana.
Leavetheboys,leavetheboys,indeed!Whenwillthisidiotgrowup?Itisthecompanyhekeepsthathasmadehimthickheaded.IglaredatAthikaya,whoseemedstrangely
hurt.
Ravana,donotmakemesaythingsIwillregretlater.Doyoureallywantmetoremindyouwhythiswarbegan?DoyouwantmetosaythattheentireAsuraraceisbeing
destroyedbecauseofyouradamancyandpride?
Pleasedonotletmytonguespeak.
Ifelthelplessinmyanger.Ithurtbecauseitwastrue.Mandodari,mindyourwords.YouarespeakingtotheEmperoroftheAsuras.Thewordssoundedridiculouseventome.
Shejustglaredatme,Ravana,itwouldbebestifyougoandrest.
Istoodthereforsometimenotknowingwhattodo.ThenIwalkedaway.Ifeltlonelyandletdown,bitterandangry.Whydidsuchterriblethingshavetohappentome?WhywasI
sounhappyandunluckyinlife?WhydidIhavetostruggleforeverything?Iwouldneverhavecommittedthestupidmistakesthatmypamperedsonhaddone.Hewouldoneday
inheritthelargestempiretheworldhadeverseen.
Kumbha,mybrother,Iforsookyoulongago.Inevertriedtostopyourslide.MaybeIevenencourageditasitsuitedme.Iwasafraidofyou.Icouldseetheambitionflutteringin
yourmindandfeelyourenvy.YouwantedtobeKing.Littledidyouknowtheperilsofkingshiporhowpowercorruptsandcorrodesthesoul.
Youdrownedyourambitionsinopiumandwine,buttheopiumofpowerItook,wasfarmorepotentthananythingyouhad.Yourintoxicationsfedonconstantintakeofpoison,
mineinmanyactsoftyranny.Youwereagiantasleepinyourignorance,Iwasalittlemanwideawakeinmypower.Yourambitionwasrawandyourfeelingsalwaystransparent.
YoumademeafraidforIlovedmythronemorethanyou.Ilovedpowerevenmorethanmyself.Ifearedthatonedayyouwouldwakeupandplotbehindmybackformythrone.
Whenwineclaimedyou,Iwasrelieved.YetIkeptawatch,Iensuredthatyouremainintoxicatedandasleep.
YouKumbha,weretheonewhodisturbedmysleep.Butwhentreacherycame,itdidnotcomefromyou.Itcamefromthelittlebrotherwewereallfondof.
Howweusedtopullhisleg,laughbehindhisback,andmakeupamusingstoriesabouttheAsuraboywhodesperatelytriedtobeaBrahminerwewer.Nowthejokeisonus.
Theenemyisatourgatesandourlittlebrotherisleadingtheminwithatorch.Heisabouttostealourdreamsandturnthemintonightmares.Mymistakebrother,mymistake.
Forgiveme,forIthoughtyouwerethedangerousoneandforgottokeepaneyeonthesnake.
Kumbha,youwerealwaysright.IrememberthatyouhadexpresseddoubtsaboutVibhishanassinceritylongago.ButIwasnaveandthoughtyouwereplottingbehindmyback,
tryingtomakemefighttheyoungeronesothatyourpathtothepowerwouldbesmooth.
ButwhenIneededyou,whenthisgodforsakenAsuraraceneededdirection,Isoughtyourhelp.Youwerecourageousenoughtopointoutmyfolly,butdesistedfromadvisingme
toomuch.NowIrealizewhoyouwere,butitistoolate.Thewaristurningagainstus.
Soon,thecivilizationthatwereclaimed,theidealsofequalityforallmen,thebeautifulcitiesandpalaces,themajestictemplesandroyalhighways,theportswheremerchant
shipswaitedforthefinestspicesandcloths,theartandtheatre,willallbecrushedunderthefeetofaDevatyrant.Youarelucky.YouwontbetherewhenthegreatAsuradream
vanisheswithoutatrace.YouwillnotbetherewhenBrahminswillbethebrainDevawarriorsthelimbsandcrookedmenlikeKubera,thetorsoofourgrandsociety.Asociety
ourlittlebrotherwishestobuildonourcorpses.Brother,youhavegonebeyondthemisfortunesofmeremortals.Imightsoonfollowyou.Myonlyfearis,whenImeetyouagain,
willIbeabletolookyouintheeye?
Mandodaricameandstoodnearme.Hertouchbrokemythoughts.Ravana,theboyisheartbrokenbywhathappenedtohisuncleandthinksitishisfault.
Itishisfault.Warisnotaplacetoshowoffhisdaredevilrytoimpresspeople.LosingKumbhaisthebiggestsetbackforusandIamashamedthatmysonwasthecauseofit.Ido
notwanthiminthebattlefieldanymore.TheAsurascannotaffordsuchmistakes.
Ravana,theboyisalreadydevastated...cantyouforgivehim?
Myangerwasrousedagain.Itisthecompanyhekeeps.Whatbusinessdoeshehavetotowthatblackservantalongwithhim...IfalteredbeforethelookinMandodariseyes.
EnoughRavana,enough.Whycontinuethiswar?
Whydontwecompromise?WhynotgiveRamahiswifeback?Shewasalmostsobbing.
YouthinkIdonthaveanyhonourorpride?Afterlosingmybestmen,mybrother,myfriends,youwantmetofallatRamasfeet?YouwanttheEmperoroftheAsurastobegfor
mercyfromasmalltimeadventurerandprinceofatinybarbarianvassalkingdom?
ThebarbarianprinceofatinyvassalkingdomhasswallowedmorethanhalfoftheAsuraempirenow.
Howmanymendoyouwanttolosebeforeyoustopthisstupidwar?Forwhosesakeareyoufightingthis...
ThiswarisforthehonouroftheAsuras.AwartostopthespreadcasteismandBrahminhierarchy...
Saveyourpoliticalspeechestofoolthemasses.
Youarefightingthiswarforyourownselfishreasons.
Mandodari,youareforgettingthatthisisthesamePrincewhoinsultedmysisteranddisfiguredher.AreyousayingIshouldswallowthat?
Thesamesisterwhoyoumadeawidow...
Enough!Whatdowomenunderstandabout...
Iunderstandwellenough,Ravana.Sparemethenoblefacethatyouwanttoprojecttoyourfoolishsubjects.Youareacreatureofpassion.Irreverent,arrogantandlustful.You
wanttoprojectyourselfasarationalmanwhoisnotswayedbythesuperstitionsandirrationalbeliefsthatplaguethecommonAsura.Butinyourh
ouareart,youareassuperstitious,asafraidasanyoneinthestreet.WhatpreventedyoufrombringingbackourdaughterfromJanakawhenyouregainedyourpower?How
manyhourswouldMithilahavelasted,hadyoulaunchedaninvasion?Butyouwereafraid.Youwereafraidthatifourlittledaughtercameback,shewouldbringdestructionin
herwake,theendoftheAsuradream.Soyoudeniedheramotherslove.Youdeniedherafathersaffection.Youweredrunkwithpowerandlovedyourcrownmorethanyour
family.

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Youwereafraidoftheprediction.ButwhenSoorpanakhawasdisfigured,itwasamightyblowtoyourprideandyouchosetostealyourdaughterfromherhusband.Whatshame!
YoushouldhavefoughtRamainsteadofstealinghiswife,evenifsheisourdaughter.Now,whentheenemyisatourgatesandthepredictionsareabouttocometrue,youhold
ontoyourstupidprideandegoandforgetthatyouareakingfirstandafatherlater.
Iveremainedsilentandsufferedyourarroganceandego.Iremainedsilentwhenyourapedmymaidandmadeherpregnant.IremainedsilentwhenIheardthatyouwere
foolingaroundwiththatBrahminwoman.Isufferedsilentlywhenyoumournedherdeath.IwassilentwhenIheardyoumutteringVedavathisnameinyoursleep.Ihavelivedin
silencewhenyouleftmeforyears,busybuildingyourempire,fightingviolentwars,doingthesamecruelthingsthatyoupeopleaccusetheDevasof,runninglongcampaignsin
farawaylands.I,liketheotherwomen,havebeensilentwhileyoufoolishmenpaintedtheearthredwiththeblood.Andseewhatyouhavebroughtusto.Justthisonce,listento
memybeloved...giveSitabacktoherhusband.
Shutyourmouth,woman!Iexploded,youaretalkingtoomuch.
Ididntknowwhattosay.ItwasasifIstoodnakedontheroad.Myinnermostthoughtshadbeenlaidbareandtheywerenotpretty.
DoyouthinkIrelishthethoughtofsendingSitatoRama?ButRavana,IloveyoumorethanIloveourdaughter.Idonotwanttoloseyou.Wewilllosethiswar,Ravana,wewill
losethis.ThemomentyoubroughthertoLanka,Iwasafraidforher,formyselfandforyou.Iwantedyoutosendherbacktoherhusband.ButbeforeIcoulddoanything,you
startedthewar.
Thousandshavebeenslain.Haveyoueverthoughthowwewomensuffer?Ihavelostason.ButIamjustoneofsomanypoorwomanwhohavelostsons,husbands,fathers,
brotherstheirhomes,theirhonourandtheirpride.Onlyyouhavepride?Youknowwhatyourenemiesdidtome.Andwhatdidyoudo?Didyouevengotothebattlefield?No!
Yousentyourson,yourbrother,yourfriends,yourministers.Butyouhidherelikeacoward
Besilent...Igrabbedherbyherthroat.
Goon.Killme!
Ithrewherdownindisgustandstormedoutoftheroom.Ifumedwithimpotentrage.Ifeltworthlessandsick.InvoluntarilyIturnedtowardstheAshokatreewhereSitasat.Icould
seethehunchedfigureinthedarkness.Asmalllampthrewraysoffeeblelight.AsImovednear,shelookedupandturnedherbacktowardsme.Iwantedtotouchher,tohugher
andsay,See,howmuchIamsacrificingforyou.Butsomethingheldmeback.Istoodthereforalongtime,tryingtopickupthecouragetotalktomydaughter.Then,inavoice
thatwasbarelyaudible,Isaid,Daughter...TherewasnoreactionforsometimeandIdidnothavethecouragetocallheroncemore.ThenIsawthatherlittlebodywas
tremblingandIcouldhearherfaintsobs.
Sita,youaremydaughter...Ilovedyourmothermorethananyoneelseinmylife.ButnowIloveyoumorethanIlovemyself.Exceptforhersobs,nothingcmoreouldbeheard.
Ididnotknowhowtocontinuebutsaid,Willyoustayherewithyourfather,asPrincessofLanka?Ifyousayso...Ishallaskforatruce...Ramadoesnotdeservetobeyour
husband.
Staywithyourfatheralways.
Therewasnoanswerfromher.Shedidnoteventurn.
Please...pleasedonotgowithyourhusband...
Heisabarbarian.
Withaflashofanger,sheturnedandsaid,Ilovehim...Iamhisweddedwife.
Iwastakenabackbythissuddendisplayoffury.IdidnotknowwhattosaybutImadeafinalattempt.
Sita,Iamyourfatherand
MyfatherisKingJanaka,andmyhusbandisLordRama.
Istoodthere,utterlyhelpless.PaingnawedatmysoulasIturnedback.
Uncle...ItwasthenthatInoticedTrijata.Ididnotwanttofacehernow.Shewouldhaveheardaboutherfather.Uncle,didmyfatherfightlikeabraveAsurawarriortoday?
Iamsorry,Trijata...Ihadnowordsleftforher.
Ihaveheardfrommymotherthatmyfatherwasalwaysagreatwarrior,bettereventhanyou,beforewineclaimedhim.But,whileIwasgrowingup,hehadalreadywastedaway.
Itwasnoteasyformetogrowupwiththetagofbeingadrunkardsdaughter.HowIwishedhewouldbesoberandnormallikethefathersofmyfriends.Ihatedhim.Butnow,
when...
Trijata,yourfatherwasabraveman,abettermanthanmany...Ihuggedmynieceassheweptagainstmyshoulder.Asitwasdarkandtherewerenooneelsetosee,Itoo
cried.Honourandpridecancausesomuchmisery.Thiswretchedwar,thiswretchedlife,andtheeulogizingofheroismandviolenceIwassickofeverything.
Iwaswokenfrommyindulgentselfpitybyamessengerwhocamepantinguptome.Afterthat,everythingthathappenedwasmeaningless.Nothingmatteredanymore.Ihad
becomeacoginthewheeloftime.Ibecameasteppingstoneforsomebodysclimbtogreatnessandgodhood.AfterthatIwasjustaminorplayerinRamasheroicepic.Inthat
moment,everythingchanged.
Yourhighness!Thepoormanwassweatingprofuselyandonelookathisfacemademestagger.Theblooddrainedoutofme.
YourHighness,somethinghashappenedtoPrinceMeghanadaHestoodstaringattheground.IpushedTrijataawayandranpastthemessenger,whofollowedme.
Whereishe?Whathappened?!Ididnotwaitforhisanswer.Ifearedtheworst,butkeptdenyingitinmymind.Irushedpastthesentrypostandgrabbedahorse.
ThefortdoorsopenedandIrodetowardsthehillfortlikeamadman.IheardtheroaroffireasIpassedthecityborders.Iturnedbacktoseemycityinflamesbutdidnotstopto
watch.Letthecityburn,letentirehumankindperish.Wherewasmyson?Meghanada.
OhShiva,letnothinghappentotheboy.Icouldsmellthestickysweatfromthefrothinghorse,yetIseemedtoberidingalltooslowly.AsInearedthefort,Icouldseethatitsgates
werewideopen.Irodepasttheslainsoldiers,lyinglifelesslyintheirownblood.Thefortwassunkindeathlysilence.Idismountedandwalkedwithdraggingfeettowardsthe
palace.Ididnotwanttogothere.Iknewwhatlayinstoreforme.YetIwalkedpastheadlessbodies,limblesstorsos,andbloodstainedwalls.
YourHighness!Thevoicestartledme.Myministeroffinanceandthekeeperofthefort,Jambumali,wassittingonthefloor,withhisbacksupportedbyapillar.Hewascovered
inbloodandtheoldmanwastryingtostandup.
WhereisMeghanada?Iasked,
knowingwhattheanswerwouldbe.HepointedtowardstheprayerroomwheremysonusedtopraybeforeahugeidolofdancingShiva,Nataraja.Aglimmerofhopefluttered
in
my
mind.
Meghanda!
Meghanada!Son!Icalledout,halfexpectinghimtocomeoutwithhissheepishgrin.WithtremblinghandsIpushedopenthedoor.Therelaymyson,dead.Icollapsedonthe
floor,avertingmyeyesfromthehorriblesight,yetstrangelydrawntowardsit.MeghandasheadrestedonthefootofShiva,severedfromhisbodywhichlayafewfeetaway.Four
arrowshadpiercedhisback.Itwasevidentmyboyhaddiedbeforeheknewwhatwashappening.
Hehasbeenshotfromtheback.Afterhehadcollapsed,theyhadhackedhimintopieces.
ItwasLakshmanawhobrokeintothefort.Therewerealmostfortymen.NooneknewhowtheycameandenteredthefortorhowtheyknewthatthePrincewashere,praying.
Theoldmansobbeduncontrollably.
Theprincewasinverylowspiritswhenhecamehere.
Hetoldmethathehadlostthewarandhadbeenresponsibleforhisunclesdeath.Hewantedtopray...
but...seehow...he...
Whereistheotherboy?Ihadgrownalmostnumb.
Killed,perhapslyingsomewhereoutside.Everyonewaskilled.Theysparedme,maybebecauseIamanoldman.
AsmallmovementbehindthehugeNatarajaidolcaughtmyattention.ButIdidnothavethecouragetogotherebecauseIwouldhavehadtowalkaroundthehackedbodyofmy
Meghanada.Ahugeblackhandclutchedtheidolandslowly,theblackbodyofAthikayastoodup.Hewascoveredinblood,buthetriedtowalktowardsus.HesawMeghanada
andapiteousanimalcryrosefromhislips.HelookedatmeblanklyandthenatJambumali.Athikayasfacecontortedintoaferociousscowl.Ilookedatmyoldminister.Hehad
grownpale.
AthikayarushedtowardsJambumaliwithallhisstrengthasJambumaliran.Beforehecouldmovefurther,Igrabbedhimbyhisarmsandheldhimstill.ButbeforeAthikayacould
reachus,hecollapsedontothefloor,hisfacehittingthewetsurface.Hetriedtoriseoncemorebutfellback.IpushedJambumalitowardstheoppositecorner,fromwherehe
couldnotrunoutwithoutpassingme.Hesatinthecornerwithhisbodytremblingwithfear.ImovedtowardsAthikayaandturnedhisfacetowardsme.
Itwashe...heopened...thegates...ItriedtosavethePrince...forgiveme...Icouldnot...Itried..
.Ireallytried...Lakshmanahadcomeand...
Jambumaliguidedthemhere...Iwasoutsideandsawit.
..Prince...wantedtobe...alone...soIlefthimand..
.wasoutside...nearthegate...whenIcameback...Isawhim...standingoverthebodyof...Ifought...butthey...escaped...Itried...Itried...Hislifewasebbingfast.Itriedto
lifthimbutitwasdifficulttoraisehishugebody.Slowly,asIwatched,myillegitimatesondiedinmyarms.Iputhimdowngently.IwantedtocryoutaloudbutIslowlystoodup.
TheoldmanJambumalisatquiveringinthecornerlikearat.Iwentnearandkickedhimbetweenhislegs.Hescreamedashegrabbedmyfoot.Mercy...mercy...your
Highness.hesqueaked.Itookoutmydaggerandhackedhimintopieces,slowly,veryslowly,takingmyownsweettime.
NowIhadallthetimeintheworld.Iwasundecidedatfirst,butthenIstartedwithhiseyesandworkeddownwards.AndIrelishedthetask.Hisscreamsweremusictomyears.

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57Funeralofmartyrs
Bhadra
IrushedtothepalacewhenIheardthenewsIhadfearedmost.Itwasveryearlyinthemorning.Itwasfinallyover.Myson,thecewhefool,hadgothimselfkilledalongwiththe
Prince.Iknewitwasboundtohappenoneday.AndIcouldnotdoathingaboutit.Theloveofafatherforhissonisalwaysonesided.WhenIreachedthereIcriedaloudand
beatmybreastandrolledinthestreet.Icouldnothelpmyself.Itoldanyonewhowouldlisten,thatmysonhadbeenkilledforthesakeofthePrince.Butnoonecared.Theywere
allrushingtomournthedeathofthePrinceandenjoyagrandfuneral.
Therewasahugecrowdonbothsidesofthestreet.Iwonderedwhytherewasnowartoday.Ithadbecomeroutinenow,soitseemedstrangethatadaycoulddawnwithouta
battle.Theyblockedmywayintothepalace.Ipleadedwiththemandtriedtobribemywaythrough,buttheguardswererougherthanusualandpushedmeaway.
Mysonhasbeenkilled.MysonhasbeenkilledforthePrince.Myson...
Youbeggar,moveoutoftheway.AguardpushedmeawaywithsuchgreatforcethatIlostbalanceandfellonmyface.ButIstoodupangrily.Mysonhadbecomeamartyrfor
thecountry,andinsteadoftreatingmewiththerespectduetoamartyrsfather,theyweretreatingmelikeabeggar.
Pleaseletmein...
Youfool,thebiercarryingthePrincesbodyisonthewayfromSubela.Oneoftheruffianguardsshovedmetooneside.Helplessly,Istoodpanting.Noonelistenedtome.My
sonhaddiedandtherewasnotevenaniotaofpityorsympathyfromanyone.IwasgettingangrierbytheminuteandabusedRavanaandeveryoneelseIcouldthinkof.For
someminutespeopleignoredme,butafterawhile,aguardwalkedtowardsmeandslappedmehardacrossmyface.MyheadspunandIfellintothedrain.Ilaytheremoaning,
withouttheenergyorwilltogetup.WhenIheardthedistantrumblingofchariotwheels,Icrawledupfromthegutter.PeoplemovedawayasItriedtopushmywaythroughtothe
front.
Thechariotsdrewnearandahugecrowdjostled,pushedandshoutedslogans,thoroughlyenjoyingtheirsadness.Wailsrosefromthecrowdasthebierscarryingthedead
bodiesoftheslainmenslowlycrawledtowardsthepalace.Peoplecompetedwitheachothertowailtheloudest.Flowerswerethrownontothebodies.
EveryonecriedforPrinceMeghanada.Mysonwasdeadandthesepeopleweremakingthisintoaspectacle.
Attheheadoftheprocession,Ravanasat,hisheadbowed.Onhislap,layMeghanada.SilenttearsandsweatdrippedfromtheKingsfaceontothefaceofhisbelovedson.The
Princesfacewasbloodyandgrotesque.Deathhadtakenallhisyouthandbeauty.Astheynearedme,myheartpoundedinmychest.Wherewasmyson,myAthikaya?The
crowdgrewfranticastheprocessionneared.Ipushedforwardbutthecrowdpushedmebackagain.Isawthereweremanybullockcartsfollowingtheroyalchariotandmany
moredeadbodiesoflessermenhadbeenheapedonthem.MaybeAthikayawaslyinginoneofthose.
Manypeopleranbehindthecarts,somewithheartrenderingwails,andIjoinedthem.IwaspantinghardbythetimeIreachedthelastcart.Limpbodiesofslainmenwerethrown
likevegetablesacksintothecarts.
Blooddrippedandmadeatrailinthestreet.Crowslandedsurreptitiouslyonthecartstogetapeckofhumanflesh.Deathwascheap.Butmysonwasdead.
Wherewashisbody?Hadtheyforgottentobringhim?Idesperatelytriedtogetaglimpseofthefaces,butallthedeadmenlookedalike.Myeyesblurred.Whydidtheboynot
listentome?Hewasinbadcompany.IshouldhaveleftLankalongago.IsholuruldhaveleftformylittlevillageonthebanksofthePoorna.
WhydidIstay?WhatdidIhavetodowiththeRavanasandRamasofthisworld?Theyandtheirwars.Ravanahadrapedmywifeandgivenmeason.Thenhetookhimaway
whenIhadlearnttolovehim.
Icriedoutloudinimpotentrage,atthelossofmysonandeverythingIvaluedinmylife.Theyweregoingtoofastnow.Howcouldmyoldlegskeeppace?Theyweretakingmy
sonawayfromme.BythetimeIreachedthepalacegate,theyhadstartedarrangingthecorpsesinastraightlineontheground.Guardswithhugestickscordonedoffthearea
fromtheshovingcrowdstryingtogetaglimpseoftheslainheroes.ThechariotcarryingthedeadPrincehadgonein,pastthegatetothepalacegardens.SomehowIpushedmy
waytothefront.Thedeadwerearrangedinaline.Thewoodforcremationwasdumpeddownfromacartandafewgotbusyarrangingthepyre.Ipleadedwiththeguards,
sayingthatmysonwastheresomewhereandIwantedtohavealook.Finallyaguardtookpityonmeandledmebythehandtothelineofstillfigures.Iscannedeachofthe
facesoftheunfortunatemenwhohadbeenkilledinthismeaninglesswar.Buthewasnotthere.WherewasmyAthikaya?Washestillalive?Aflickerofhoperanthroughme.
Maybetheboyhadlostcourageandgoneintohiding.Maybehewouldcomebackchastenedafterafewdays.
ThenInoticedthehugepalacegatesclosingslowly,pushingawaythecrowdtryingtoforceitswayin.
Inside,thereweretwopyresbeingprepared.OnonelaythebodyofPrinceMeghanada.Ontheotherwastheunmistakablebulkofmyson.Irantowardstheclosinggates.I
kicked,screamedandfoughtmywaythroughthecrowdandsomehowmanagedtoreachthegate.Theguardswerecoveredwithsweatandlookedirritatedandexhaustedafter
dealingwiththeunrulycrowd.Itriedsneakinginthroughthesmallgapbutwaspushedbackrudely.Ipunchedthefaceoftheguardwhohadblockedmypath,surprisedatmy
ownstrength.Themightyguardlayflatinthemud,knockedoutbyanoldman.
Beforetheotherguardscouldgathertheirwits,Iranpastthem.Othermenbehindme,whosawtheirchance,alsotriedtopushtheirluck.Thisensuredthattheotherguardswere
keptengagedinfightingoffthecrowd.
Thishelpedmereachthefuneralpyre.
IsawmysonlyingtherepeacefullyonthesandalwoodpyretheKinghadarrangedforhim.Hehadhundredsofwoundsandhisfacehadlostallthatrusticcharm.Helookedlike
anuglymonsterindeath.Yethewasmyson,myonlypurposeinlife.NoKingwasgoingtoclaimhim.Inlifetheyhadtakenhimawayfromme.Indeath,theyweretakinghim
beyondmyreach.Hehadamotherwaitingforhiminoursmallhut.NoRavanacouldstopmetakingmysontohismother.
TheKingstood,hisfaceamaskofgriefandmisery.TheQueenwaslyingontheground,herhairundone,quiveringwithsilentsobs.Thepalacesycophantswailedoutloud,
competingwitheachothertoshowofftheirgrief,makingathoroughnuisanceofthemselves.AfewmenarrangedthesandalwoodlogsthatwouldconsumethePrinceandmy
son.Hehadneverhadaplaceinthispalaceinthefirstplace.Whenhehadbeenalive,hehadnotlistenedtome.Hewasjustadoginthepalace.Indeathatleast,hecould
reclaimhismanhood.IwenttotheKingandstoodtheredefiantly.Ididnotevenbowtohim.Lethimchopoffmyhead.
Iwantmyson.Itoldhim,buthegazedthroughme.Hedidnotevenseemtohear.
Iwantmysonback!Ishoutedandgottheattentionofeveryone.TheKingdidnotseemtoregistermypresence.DoIhavetograbhimbyhishairandscreaminhisears?Iwas
inthemoodtodoso.
Slowlythekinglookedatmyface.
Isobbeduncontrollably.HeputhishandonmyshoulderbutIshruggeditoffandscreamed.Givebackmyson!
TheQueen,shakenfromherworldofgrief,cametous.Ravana,shesaidslowly,asiftheveryactofspeakingcausedherpain,Givehimhisson.Lethimtakehim.

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Thekingsfacecontortedinrage.Heismyson.hewhisperedtothequeen.
Notatall.Youshouldhaveclaimedhimwhenhewasalive.YoursonisMeghanadaandnooneelse.Hadyouadmittedyourmistakeandtakenhimintothepalaceinhis
infancy,IwouldhavebroughthimuplikeMeghanada.Butyouforsookhim.Nowwedonothaveanyclaim.Infact,weneverhad.
Ravanalookedatmeandathiswife,withangerblazinginhiseyes.ButtheQueenmethiseyesunflinchingly.IdidnothavethecouragetofacehimsoIhidmyselfinpiteous
sobsandturnedawayfromhim.
Takehim.Takehim.HadhenotbeenmyMeghanadasfriend,notevenadogwouldhavecaredabouthisdeath.themightyKinghissedintomyear.
YesIknow,myKing,notevenadogcaresforthedeathofyoungmenlikemyson,whodiedforyou.Theroundmedalsyougiveaway,thepettyjobsyouoffertothekinofthose
whodieforyou,thepaltrycompensationswhichyouthrowfromyourbrimmingcoffers,arenothingbutbones,toenticemoredogstodieforyou.Letmetakemylittledogfrom
you.Hehasservedhispurpose.Youshowedyoungmenhowgloriousitwastodieforsuchabstractcausessuchasthemotherlandandracialpride.Youhonouredhim,and
fooledthepublic,inarrangingsuchabigprocessionforthedead.Everyoneishappythatourcountryhasnotforgottentheyoungwholaiddowntheirlivesfortheirmotherland.
Everyonewhohasbeenmartyrwillberemembereduntilthenextmeal.Greatshow,myKing.Now,moreyoungmenwillcometodie,enticedbyyourpettybones,twominutes
ofglory,andastonememorialbythestreetcornerwhichrealdogswillpisson.Mysonhasservedyourpurpose,nowletmetakehimtohismother.
Ididnotsayanyofthis.IfIhadhadthecourage,thenmanylikemewouldhavehadthecouragetoechoit,andtherewouldnothavebeenanyRavanasorRamasleft.Iwentto
thelimpbodyofmydearsonandhuggedhim.Itriedliftinghimup,buthehadoutgrownmelongago.Twosoldiershelpedmeliftmyson.Hisbodyhadgonerigidandhe
weighedmuchmorethantheshouldersofhispoorfathercouldcarry.AhandcartwasdraggedtomysideandIdelicatelyputmysononit.Withthenervesinmyarmsstraining,I
pulledtheheavyburdentowardsmylittlehut.Hismotherwaswaitingtoseehim.
Bythetime,Icrossedthepalacegates,IheardtheloudwailofthewomenasthefuneralpyreofMeghanadawaslitbyhisgrievingfather.AsIturnedfromtheroyalhighwayonto
thedirtybackstreetsleadingtomyhome,thePrinceoftheAsurashadvanishedintothick,curlysmoke.Hisfriend,companion,servantandhalfbrotherwasforgottenthemoment
thispoorAsuralaidclaimonhim.Iwalkedalone,draggingthecartwithmydeadson.ThesunpoundedrelentlesslywithathousandfistsandIsweatedfromeverypore.Ididnot
seeanyofmyneighboursorfriends.TheyhadallgonetoseethespectacleofaPrincebeingcremated.
AsInearedhome,Icouldseethehunchedformofmyoncebeautifulwifeatthegate.Shehadwaitedeagerlyforhersontoreturnandcamerushingtowardsus,butstoppedat
thecart.Inaflashherjoywasreplacedbyshock,thendeniallw,thenacceptanceofthecruelblowoffate.ShefellonAthikayasbodyandpoundedandshookhim.Shetoreat
herhairingrief.
Ileftthewailingmotherandthedeadsontotheirworld.Ihadpracticalthingstoattendto.Iwantedtogivemysonadecentfuneral.ThesunwassettingandIdidnotwantany
rituals.Ijustwantedittobeoverbeforethesunset.Iwassickofbeinginmisery.MysonwasdeadanditwouldremainastoneinmyhearttillIdied.Idesperatelysearchedfor
somefirewoodtoburnhim.Nothingwasavailable.Ithadbeenalongtimesincewehadcooked.WesurvivedontheoddratsItrappedorsomeunluckysquirrelsorrabbitsthat
hadstrayedontomypath.FarawayIcouldhearthecryofthecrowd.IcouldhearsomeenthusiastcryinghimselfhoarseaboutthevalourofMeghanadaandthecrowdtakingit
upandroaringinreply.Angerroseinmeinwavesasthesloganshoutingroseincrescendo.Iwassickofeverything.Iwassickofmyrace,ofbeingdirtpoor,ofnotevenhaving
firewoodtocrematemysonwhohadsofoolishlydiedforhisPrince.
WhenIstruckmyfirstblowwiththeaxeonthemainpillarthatsupportedmypoorpalace,IhadthefaceofRavanainmymind.Thenwitheachblow,IimaginedIwaschoppingoff
theheadsofthegreatmenIhadseenorheardabout.Mywifestoppedherwailingandcamerunningtome,screamingthatIhadgonemad.Ikeptchoppingmypalacetopieces.
IthadbecomeagamenowandIwasthoroughlyenjoyingit.IgaveabloweachforVibhishana,Kumbakarna,Prahastha,Rama,
Lakshmana,
Sita,
Mandodari,
Jambumali,
Vidyutjihva,Kubera,andVaruna.ButbeforeIcouldchopofftheirheadsasIwouldhavelikedto,myhutcamedownwithacrash.
Irushedtowardsthecartthatcarriedmydarlingsonandpushedthecartintotherubble.ThecarttoppledoverandAthikayashugebodyfellontheheapofwoodfragments.Iran
tomyneighbourshome.Healwayshadalampburninginhispujaroom.Ipushedthedooropenandrushedtothecornerwherethesmalllampwas.Itookoffmymunduand
dippeditintheoil.Theclothcaughtfirequicklyandwiththatburningtorch,Iranoutside.
Mywifewastryingtorecoverherpettypossessionsfromtheheapthatwehadcalledourhometillafewminutesago.Ipushedherasideandthrewtheblazingclothintothe
heap.ForamomentIheldmybreathastheflamedieddown.Then,withavengeance,thefireleaptup,lickingcleaneverythingIhadeverowned.Theflamesvoraciouslyate
awaymyson.
AthikayahadfollowedhisPrince.Hehaddiedanequallyheroicdeathashishalfbrother,butthepoorboyhadbeenbornwiththewrongskincolour,andhadgrownuponthe
wrongsideofthecity.Sotherewasnoonetocalloutslogansandnoidiotstoroarbackandshaketheskyandtheearthwiththeirvoices.Yetthefiredidnotmakeanydistinction.
IthadanequalappetiteformysonandtheKingsson.Iwatchedwithsatisfactionasthefirelickeditsplateclean.Hottearsburnedmysunkencheeks.Asthelastoftheflames
diedandtheashescrumbledtotheredearthofLanka,theskiesbrokeandrainfellintorrents.Bythetimethefuryoftherainhadebbed,ithadwashedawaythelastremnantsof
mysonandmyhome.Mylosshadbecomeadullpainsomewhereinmymind.MywifehadnotmovedfromwhereshelaywhenItorchedoursonspyre.Ifelthungry.Maybethey
wereservingfoodoutsidethepalacegates,astheyusuallydidforthepoorandinvalid,atsuchtimes.Istoodup,shakingawaythewaterthathadclungtomybody.MaybeifI
hurriedIcouldgetsomethingtoeatandifIwasluckyenough,Icouldcarryapacketbackformywife.Maybe,someonewouldoffermeadrink.Istartedtowalktowardsthe
palace.

58DidIfailasKing?
Ravana
Theenemywassonear.Icouldseetheend,thoughIdidnotwanttoacceptit.YesterdayIlitthefuneralpyreofmyson.Now,therewasnothing,otherthantofightRamatothe
endeitherhisormine.ButwhatwasIfightingfor?Myempirehadcollapsed,mysonhaddied,myQueenshonourhadbeendraggedinthemud.Whatwasleftnow?True,I
hadthisbeautifulcityIhadsometiculouslyplannedandbuiltafortunewhichIhadplunderedfromtheDevaslongagoandmydaughter,whohappenedtobethewifeofmy
enemy.
Butasthingsweretakenawayfromme,Iclungmoreandmoredesperatelytowhatwasleft.Yet,likeatidalwavehammeringawayatthesolidrockontheseashore,Iwasgetting
battered.Iwaswitheringfromwithin.Thewilltolivewasebbingaway.ThingsthatIhadcherishedandtakenforgrantedhadbecomemeaninglessnow.Ramawasjustan

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immatureprinceofanirrelevantkingdomofthenorth.TheboywasbarelyafewyearsolderthanmyMeghanadahadbeen.IwasanEmperor,themightiestthatIndiahadever
seen.
Ayodhyawasjustavassalstate,abackwatervillagekingdom.Yet,howdidmyempirecrumblelikethis?
WasitthedeathofBalithatturnedthetide?OrwasitVibhishanasbetrayal?WhendidIlosemyperspective?
AsuraempireshadallgonedowntotheDevas,despiteoureconomic,cultural,andtechnicalsuperiority,becauseoftheconsistentinfightingamongstourselves.
IknewourhistoryandIknewmypeople.IhadruledmyempirewithanironfistandensuredthatIhadonlytrustworthypeopleinpowerfulpositions.IhadkeptaneyeonpeopleI
suspectedwouldturnagainstmemenandwomenwhoIthoughtwereunscrupulousandwereaftermythrone.WhatafoolIwas.
IwatchedmenlikePrahasthaIensuredthatKumbakarnawasalwaysmiredinhisworldofalcoholandbhangImadesurethatinherentlycruelmenlikeRudrakadidnot
accumulatetoomuchpower.IfoolishlybelievedthatIcouldbuyapiratelikeVarunawithimpressivetitleslikeCommanderoftheSevenSeas
andGrandAdmiraloftheAsuraNavies.Ihadkilledmybrotherinlaw,Vidyutjihva.ButIhadbeenbetrayedbymenandwomenlikeVibhishana,wholookedpiouslike
Jambumali,wholookedlikeabureaucratmiredinhisownworldofaccountswomenlikeLankini,whonevertiredofpubliclyproclaimingherloveandaffectionforKingand
country.Ihadpowerfulfriends,butwhentheneedarose,Iwasallalone.Ithoughtmyempirewasbuiltonsteel,butwhentheshovecame,Ifoundoutithadbeenbuiltonnothing
butstraw.WhoeverIhadtrustedbetrayedme.Iwassoproudofmyintelligence,sohowIdidIcommitsuchfundamentalmistakesinjudgingpeople?
Iwanttobeginagain,butlifeistooshortforsecondchances.IhadbeengivenonechanceandIhadgrabbeditwithbothhands.Ihadbuiltupsomethinggreat,butnow,times
hadchangedandeverythingwascrumblingaroundme.Ihadnoregrets.Ihadlivedafulllife.Enoughofthisselfpity.Thetimehadcometodomybest.IknewImightfail,butI
owedmypeopleonelast,grandfailure.Theyweretheonlyoneswhohadnotbetrayedme.WhatdidIdoforthem,forthelovetheyhavegiven?IwasproudthatIhadbuilta
greatempireformyAsuras,IthoughtIhadgiventhemdignityandfreedom,butperhapsIerred.Iwasatyrant,maybeabenevolentone,butIwasnoMahabali.Ihadnotkeptmy
earsandeyesopen.AndIhadbecomeblindtothesufferingsofthepeople.WhenIstroveforbiggerthings
forbiggercities,magnificenttemples,widerroads,betterporteds,largerships,increasedtrade,improvedbusiness,makinganameamongthenationsoftheworld,makingmy
countrytherichestintheworldIforgotsomethingsimpleandbasic.Iforgotmypeople.Ithoughtglitteringcitiesmarkedprogress.Iforgotaboutthepeoplewholivedingutters.
WhenIgavelavishbanquets,Iforgotthatmostofmypeoplehadnothingtoeat.
Prahasthahadpointedthisouttomebutitwassuchaboringsubject.Ithoughtthewealthwouldtrickledown.IimaginedthefreedomIgavemypeopletoprotestonthestreets
andthelibertytoexpresstheirthoughts,wouldsufficeandtheywouldbecontent.IwasproudthatIwasnotliketheotherrulerswhoweremeretyrantsandbruteswhocontrolled
theirpeoplethroughsheerforceandterrorizedthemwithmilitaryruleandbrazengenocides.IwasproudthattheAsurashadevolvedasysteminwhichtheKingwaspowerful
butnominalinthesensethattherealpowerlaywiththePanchayats,theelectedpeopleinthevillages,andIhadheldthisupasamodeltotheworld.Yet,thepoorandwretched
whomIhadignored,stoodbyme.Theyknewtheyhadthemosttolosethefreedomthatgavethemthehopethattheycoulddobetterinlife.Therichandthemiddleclass
whomIhadpampered,eitherblatantlycrossedovertotheothersideorsatonthefence,waitingforaclearwinnertoemergeinthebattle.Todaywouldbethatdecisiveday.
Waseverythingpredeterminedbysomeunknownpowerwhowasconspiringagainstme?MytragedycouldbethatIstilldontknowwhatIdidwrong.Imadeerrorsofjudgment
aboutmen,buttheywerehardlyreasonsforsuchalargeempiretocollapse.Itsoundsabsurd,butIamnowmatureenoughtoknowthatthingshappenrandomlyandwepoor
humansgetcaughtlikestrawsinthewind.ThemiddleclasswassayingthatIwasagreatsinner,thatIhadnorighttokeepanothermanswifeinmypalace.Therumourwasthat
IhadrapedmanywomeninthepastandIstillhadmanywomaninmyharem.Theycalledmygovernmentcorruptandclaimedtheofficialshadamassedrichesatthecostofthe
commonpeople.
Iamthegreatestfoolintheworld.Ihadpamperedthesepeoplebybuildinggreatroadssothattheirgoldplatedchariotscouldrushpasttheruinsofthedemolishedhutments
wherethepoorhadekedoutaliving.Ihaddrivenawaythepeasantfromtheirfertilelandssothatthesegossipingfoolscouldbuildtheirbungalowsandpleasuregardens.Iset
mypoliceontothepavementdwellersbecausetheyweresuchaneyesoreforthemiddleclass.Ichasedawaythepoorwhohadflockedtomycitiesfortheirlivelihoodandhad
corneredpatchesoflandthatweresmallerthanthespaceoccupiedbyarichmanschariot,fortheirentirefamilies.Ihaddivertedwaterfromthefieldstomycities,sothatthese
gluttonswouldhavetheirfountains.
Ihaddamnedriversthathadirrigatedthecountrysideanddivertedthewatertothecitiessothatthesepeoplecouldhavetheirbeautybaths.Thepoorhadtogothirsty,dieorelse
flocktothecitytobetheservants,gardeners,cooksandhewers,totheprivileged.
Myelephantshadpulleddownlittlehutstobuildhugeshoppingspaces,wheresilk,ornamentsofgoldandpreciousstones,weresoldtothiscrassclass.MycofferswerefullasI
collectedtaxesonallthistrade.
AndbecauseItaxedthem,theydemandedthatIbuildmoreroads.Theycomplainedthattheportsdidnothaveenoughberthsfortheirluxuryboatstheywerefrustratedthatthey
didnothaveenoughentertainmentoptions.Theyshoutedthatnothingworkedinthiscountrycomplainedthattheentireestablishmentwascorruptandurgedmetodo
somethingforthemtojustifymyrule.SoIdemolishedmorehuts,builtmoredams,displacedmorepoorfarmers,andcloggedmycitiesintheprocess.Ibuiltbiggertemples
whethiregodmenfleecedthepublic,andwiderstreetsIplantedflowerssothatthepeoplewhodidnothaveamealcouldenjoythebeautyoftheflowersIallowedtemplesof
debaucherywherewineandwomenweretackyandspicy,andIbecamethedarlingofthemiddleclass.Ibecameintoxicatedwiththeirpraise.Theypraisedmefordevelopment
andI,stupidfoolthatIwas,thoughtIwastakingmycountryforward.Isawtheglitterofmycitiesandclosedmyeyestothedarknessoftheshadowswheremiseryclung,smelly
andputrid.Ibelievedtheglitterwasallthatmattered.
ThenRamastoodatourgatesandeverythingchanged.Whentheenemycamecalling,themiddleclassvanishedwithoutatrace.Theyburiedthemselvesintheirdrawingrooms
andhidtheirablebodiedsonsfromtheState.Thecountryhadpaidtohavetheirchildreneducated,inthehopethatwhenthecountryneededthem,theywouldrendertheir
bodiesandmindstohercause.Butalas,nonecametoheraid.Itwasthepeasantsandpavementdwellerswhosacrificedtheirsonsatthealtarofpatriotism.Theforeign
educated,Sanskritspeaking,betelchewingwealthy,gavemeadvisefromtheirhidingholes,butnothingelse.ThepoorrepaidthecrumbsIhadthrowntheirwaywiththeirlife
blood.Whenmycapitalcityburnt,thepeasantsflockedfromthesurroundingcountrysidetorebuildit.
Someofthemwerelooterswhotookwhatevertheycouldlaytheirhandson,butforonceIorderedmypolicetolooktheotherway.
IfIgotasecondchance,Iwouldteachtherichalesson.Iwouldmakemilitaryservicecompulsory,irrespectiveofwhetherthepersonwasthesonofarichmerchant,uglypriest,
orpoorbeggar.Iwouldmakeitmandatoryforeveryonewhopassedoutofthetechnicalandmedicalschools,toserveforatleastfiveyearsinthecountryside.Iwould...whatdid
itmatter?
ThatIwasthinkingthesethoughtsshowedIwasnevertobegivenasecondchance.Theywereutopiandreamsvestigesofmyownlowermiddleclasswishes,longforgotten
titbitsoftheshatteredfantasiesofmyyouth.Powerwouldcorruptmeagainasithaddonebefore.Idealswoulddieandbeburiedliketheyalwayshadbeen.Truewisdomlayin
understandingthatidealismwasjustatoolofpower.IcoulddietomorroworRamacould,buttheworldwouldgoon.Thewretchedwouldremainwretched,thepoorwould
remainpoor.Newrevolutionscouldhappennewideologiesflourishnewcodesofethicsandmoralityreplacetheoldnewprophetsbebornnewkingsruletheearthnew
religionssproutandfighteachotherandnewdiscoveriesbemade,buteverythingwouldremainthesame.Whatwasthepointoffeelingguilty?IdidwhatIcould.Icouldhave
donebetter,butthen,whocouldnothave?
Thewinnerofthebattlewouldtakeeverything
fame,money,power.Hewouldbethetruth,forwhosoeverwins,wouldbecalledthetruth.Bardswouldsingpaeansaboutthevictor.Astimepassed,legendswouldgrow.The
victorwouldbecometheparagonofvirtue,thebestamongmen.Likeeveryman,hetoowouldcommitgoodorbaddeedsinlife.Butasisthenatureoftheworld,thegooddeeds
ofthevictorwouldbeexaggeratedandthebaddeedsobliteratedfrommemory.Andifthedoingsofthevictorcouldnotbejustifiedbytheprevailingmoralcodesofsociety,he
wouldbeelevatedtogodhood,forwhocouldquestionaGod?Inthisway,mycountryproducedmanyGods.
Everypersonwhohadwonbywhatevermeans,hadbecomeaGodoravatar.Forthevanquished,itwouldalwaysbetheotherwayround.
Yet,strangelyenough,Ifeltthatnoneofthisconcernedme.Icouldfeelmyowninsignificancewithinthehigherorderofthingsandthatmademecuriouslyselfcentered.IfIdid
notmatterinthelargerorderoflifeandwasjustaninsignificantdot,thentheonlythingthaewithtmatteredtomewasme.Withmydeath,everythingwouldendforme.What
happenedtomypeopleaftermydeathwasnotmyproblem.Iknewthatdeathwouldbethefinalhaltingpointandtherewasnothingbeyond.Noatma,noheaven,nomoksha,no
hell,noGod,noafterlifeawaitedme.Iwouldvanish,earthtoearth,watertowater,airtoair,firetofire,andeverythingwouldstop.Yet,givenachoice,Iwouldhavelovedtocome
backagain.Whowouldnot?
IwalkedtowardsmygardenwheremyobstinatedaughterSitawasstillsulking.Iwantedtoseemydaughter.Theniftimepermitted,perhapsIcouldspendafewminuteswith
Mandodari.ThenIwouldmeetRamainthebattlefield,facetoface.

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59Iwishyoudeath
Bhadra
Lastnight,bythetimeIhadreachedthepalacegates,thefooddistributionwasover.Everyoneknewthatlessthanhalfthedesignatedquantityreachedthepoor.Fromthe
purchaseoffoodgrainsfromthefarmerstofinaldistribution,therewasachainofswindlingandracketeering.Thefarmerinturncheatedthepublicpurchaseofficialinboth
quantityandquality.
HebribedthepettyclerkswhowrotetheaccountstoshowlargerquantitiesthantheStateactuallyreceived.
Thentheofficialstolesomeofthegrainandsolditintheblackmarket.Bythetimethegrainreachedthepalacewarehouses,thereweresuchglaringgapsbetweenbookstock
andphysicalstock,thatthesupervisorswereforcedtobuygrainfromtheblackmarketatdoubletheprice.Thesupervisorsthenfudgedtheaccountstoshowsomelossdueto
pestilenceandusedthestatetreasurytobuybackgrainfromtheblackmarket.Sincethesupervisorscouldnotbeexpectedtopayfortheshortfall,theyfudgedthenumberofthe
poor,bloatedthenumbersofbenefactorsandswindledmoregrainintheprocess.Bribesflowedthickandfastinallstages.
Everyonewhotouchedthegrainmadeaprofit.
IdealisticministerslikePrahasthahadbeenfooledbythesecrooks.Hehadbeenhappyaboutthewelfareschemeshehadinitiated.SomeotherslikeJambumali,usedthe
systemtotheiradvantage,togrowimmenselyrich.AndwheelerdealersliketheVarunas,transportedhugestashesofillegalgoldandcashfromtheofficialsoftheempireto
northerncountries.Itwasaviciousbutmeaninglesscycle,wheretheonlyloserswerethosewhowerehonestandstraightforward.Everybodycheatedtotheirowncapacity.And
everyonewasawarewhatwashappening.But,sinceeveryonefromthepoorfarmerwhocheatedthegovernmentbyunderreportinghisyieldhisfarmworker,whocheatedthe
farmerhimselfwheneverpossibletotheclerks,merchants,governmentofficers,andministerswereallcrooksofvaryingcapacity,therewasnoangeramongthepeople.
Theyjokedaboutthecorruptioninthesystemandravedagainstthepoliticians.BaitingpoliticiansbecameamajoramusementfortheAsuras.
So,thoughIwasdisappointedatnotgettinganythingtoeat,Iwasnotreallysurprised.Infact,Iwasrelievedthatthedistributingclerkhadnotbeenovertlyrudetome.Hejusttold
metogetlostandclosedtheshutters.IthurtmyprideeverytimeIhadtobegfortheirmunificence,butIhadlearntlongagothatIcouldnoteatmypride.Idecidedtowaitunder
myfavouriteBanyantree.MaybetomorrowIcouldbefirstinthequeueandgetsomefood.
Thewarnotfarfromendingbutonewayortheother,ithadtoend.Ihadlostmanymyacquaintancesandfriendsinthewar.Ihadcheeredforourside.Thelossoflifewassad
butnecessary.Werewenotfightingforwayoracause?Whenotherssonsweredying,Iwasthereinthecrowdtocheerthemartyrs.Whendeathvisitedmyneighbourshomes,I
wassecretlyhappythatmyfamilywasintactandmysonhaleandhealthy.ThefearremainedthatItoowouldlosemyprecioussononeday.Yet,IfoolishlyhopedthatGodwould
sparemethehorribledeathofmychild.HadInotsufferedenough?HadInotsharedwhateverlittleIearnedwiththeGodsandtheirmen?Ihadhelpedtofillthecoffersofthe
templeswithmyhumbleofferings.Inshort,Ihadbribedthegods.ButtheywereourGodsandtheywerelikeus.Theywouldacceptourbribesandofferingsbuttherewasno
guaranteetheywoulddousanygood.LifewasaseriesofbribesbribespaidtotheGodstoGodmentopettyofficialstogovernmentservantstotheKingtofamilytofriends.
Frombirthtodeath,ourculturehadtrainedustobribeandtotakebribesandendorsebribes.
Athikayasfacehauntedme.HoweverhardItried,Icouldnotrememberhimasababy.ButIrememberedlittleincidentsthathadmadelifeliveable.Irememberedhowwesang
songsasoldasthehumanracehowIcarriedhimdeepintothedarkforestshowItoldhimstoriesinwhichGods,animalsandwhitedemonsflittedinandout.Howhewould
clingtomytatteredmundu,scaredofthedemonshowhewouldlaughatthepranksoftheanimalsthattalkedwithGodsandmen.Irecalledthejoyandfeelingofcontentment
thathadnotdependedonafatpurseandamansion,butonlittlethingsthatwovetheirmagic.YetIcouldnotrecallhislittleface.
ThefaceIsawwastheoneIhadseenonhisfuneralpyre,mauledbytheclawsoffate,smashedonthehardrockofracialhatredandcrushedundertheweightofprejudice.I
wantedadrink.Thepainwastoogreattobear.
Ilaythereunderthetreewithraindropsstilldrippingdowneventhoughithadstoppedraining.
Mosquitoesbuzzedaroundandtriedtosqueezeoutwhateverbloodwasleftinmyveins.Ididnotevenbothertoswatthem.Therewereafewlightsinthestreetandthepalace
itselflookedgloomyandilllit.
Somewhereanowllhootedandthenafterafewmoments,anotheranswered.Thefrogshadwokenaftertherainandwerecroakingtotheirheartscontent.
Cricketsbuzzedinthebushes,addingtheirownbizarrenotestothestrangesymphonythatwasbeingplayedaroundme.Ilaythereimaginingthatskywasmyblanketandthe
wetearthmybed.Therewereamillionstars.Weretheythegods?Theyseemedsofaraway,cold,indifferentandirrelevantsilentwitnessestothedramaunfoldingonatiny
rockcalledearth.
Therewasthefranticcryofafroginitsdeaththroes.Momentsbefore,ithadbeencryingforitsmate,hotwithsex,tryingtofulfillitsonlydharmainlife
propagation.Andthenfateinterferedasaslitheringsnake,darkandsilent,struckwithitspoison.Butthestrangedramaofbirth,propagationanddeath,repeateditselfamillion
timesallovertheearth.Inwhatwaywasthedeathofmysonorakinganymoresignificantthanthedeathofthatunknownfrog?Theearthhaditsclaimoneverylivingbody.Our
lifewasloanedfromtheearth.
Aborrowedlife.Andatanytime,earthcouldcallbackitsloan.
Thegriefformylostsonkeptcomingbackintomymind,crushingmyspeculationsonthephilosophyoflife.Iclawedthewet,redearthwithmycrookednails.Imusthavemoaned
loudlybecausesomeonecamenearme.Myrheumaticeyescouldbarelydiscernthedarkfigure.Iwasterrified.WasitYama,theGodofdeath?Itwasinauspicioustoeventhink
aboutdeath.Itmightjustcomeyourway.Ihadbeenspeculatingabouttheirrelevanceofdeath,seeingnodifferencebetweenthelifeofmysonandafrog,justafewseconds
ago.Sowhenthedarkfigureloomedoverme,Iwasterrifiedtomybones.Thefigurestoopedandputitsdark,crookedfingersundermynostrils.Iheldmybreath.Awetpalmfelt
theskinofmybrow.Thenthefigurestoodupandcalledout.Twosoldiersrantowardsus.WasIgettingarrested?MyfeverishbrainfranticallysearchedforthecrimeImighthave
committed.
Heisdying.Heisrunningaveryhighfever.Acraggyface,withalongflowingwhitebeard,loomednearmyface.Iwasrelieved.Itwasthatmadscientist,Mayan.Theguywas
eccentricbuttotallyharmless.
Carryhiminsidethefort.Iheardhimsay.
Butsir,heisadrunkard.Shouldwe...Therewasannoyanceandajeerinthesoldiersvoice.
Heisdyingandneedsmedicalhelp.Takehiminside.Thepoormancouldbestarving.Thisbloodywar...whydopeoplekilleachother?Saturnisontheascendant.Marsisvery
powerfulnow.IfIcoulddevelopamachineeyethatwouldenablemetoseetheplanetsmoreclearly...Isthereanyrelationshipbetweenthemillionsofplanetsandhumanfate?
Therearelakhsofplanetsandstars...wearejustspeckssittinginthisvastoceanofplanets...
Icouldhearhisvoicegettingfainterasthemadscientistwalkedawayintohisownworld.Icouldnotmakeheadortailofwhathehadbeenblabberingabout.

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Thesoldiersstoodtherehesitating.Theyclearlydidnotwanttotouchme.Ireekedlikeapig.Buttheycouldnotaffordtodefytheordersofaseniorminister.ProbablyMayanhad
forgottenallaboutmebythen,butitwasariskforthepoorsoldierstotake.IcouldseethemfaintlyasIswaminandoutofconsciousness.Ifoundmyselfhalfdraggedandhalf
liftedbythesoldierstowardsthefort.Theydumpedmenearthegateandtherewasanangryconsultationwiththewatchcaptain,whodidnotwantanythingtodowithmeand
deniedusentry.SoIwasdumpedinacornernearthemoatandlaytherewithoutthestrengthtoevenliftmyhead.Itwasmuchlater,aftermosquitoeshadgrownfatwithmy
bloodandwormsandinsectshadburrowedtheirwayintomyskin,thatMayanreturnedfromhiswanderings.
Ahgood,good!Youhavebroughthimeh?Takehimtotheverandahofmyquarters.Iwilltrytosavehim.Mayaorderedthehaplesscaptainandwentaway.
Thecaptaincursedme,hisjob,theminister,andlife,fortenfullminutesafterthescientisthadleft.ThenhegaveordersthatIbetakentoMayansverandah.Iwassoweakthat
theyhadtocarrymethewholeway.
Likeasackofcoconuts,theydumpedmeonthecool,polishedandcleanverandah.Afterawhilethescientistcameoutwithanassistantandsomeevilsmellingliquid.
TheassistantclosedmynostrilswithhisfingersandwhenIgaspedforbreath,thebitterliquidwasemptiedintomyopenmouth.MayanshutmymouthbeforeIcouldgagandthe
fieryliquidburnedafierypathintomystomach.Iwrithedwithpainandconvulsed,terrifiedthatIwasdying.ThetwomenheldmytwistingbodytillIlostallmystrengthand
slippedintounconsciousness.
WhenIopenedmyeyesIhadasplittingheadacheandfeltdrowsyandtiredbutmuchbetterthanthepreviousday.MaybetheoldmanMayan,knewathingortwoabout
medicine.Istoodupslowlyandfoundthatsomefoodandatumblerofbuttermilkhadbeenplacednearby.IgrabbedthefoodandgobbleditupasfastasIcould.Strength
returnedtomylimbs.Iwantedtothanktheoldmanandgohomeasearlyaspossiblebuthewasnowheretobeseen.Ididnothavethecourageknockontheimposing,talldoor.
ThesewereimportantmenandIwastooinsignificanttogoknockingatthedoorsofthemightyandpowerful.Forgettheoldman,Ijustwantedtogetoutoftheplace.
AsIwasabouttoleave,IsawtheKing,Ravana,walkingtowardstheAshokatreewhereSitahadcampingadamantly.Strange,hewasaloneandwalkingfast.Iwonderedwhat
theKingwasuptoandfollowedhim,carefultomovestealthily.BythetimeIhadhiddenbehindabushofJasmine,theKingstoodmutelybeforehisdaughter.Ishiveredatthe
thoughtoftheterrifyingpastthatconnectedmewithRavana,SitaandVedavathi.
Here,infrontofme,wasthatlittlebundleIhadbeenentrustedtokillyearsago.Thememorieswerevivid.
Fatheranddaughterglaredateachotherwithunmitigatedanimosityandhatred.Shehadruinedhisdream.Andhehaddraggedthefutureofanentireempireintothemud
becauseofher.Ishouldhavekilledherwhenshelaythrobbinginmydarkhandsthreedecadesago.Itwouldhavebeensoeasytoclosehernostrilsandchokehertodeath.
Instead,Ifeltpityforthelittleone.FoolthatIwas.IshouldhavestayedawayfromtheirbusinessorgonethefullmeasureandcommittedmurderlikeRudrakaorDhumraksha.
Ilovemyhusbandandwhateveryousaywillnotswaymefrommyloveforhim.Shegloweredwithindignation.
TohellwithyourRama.Idonotwanttokillthefool.Idonotwanthisbloodonmyhands.AlreadypeopleareaccusingmeofmurderingSoorpanakhashusband.Idonotwant
anymorebloodonmyhands.
Butyourhusbandisstupidandevil.Whydoyouwanttoleadaslaveslifewithhim?Devamentreattheirwomenlikebeastsofburden.
WhatdoyouknowaboutDevaculture?WomenareworshippedasGoddesses.Ourworldisafarcryfromyours.Herewomenhavenomorals.Theymovearoundunveiled.Men
andwomenmixfreelyandthereisnosanctitytomarriageinyourkingdom.Yourwomenareloud.Theydrinkanddancewithmen.Yourworldisuncouth,withwomenmarrying
menoftheirchoice,insteadofbeingobedientdaughterstotheirfathers.Yourwomenarepretentiousandthinktheyarethemostintelligentcreaturesintheworld.Youarejust
creaturesofpleasure.Yourmenarelikewomen.Amonkeymanburntdownthishatefulcityofsin.Andwhatdidyourmightyarmydo?Lookatthekindofwomenyoupeople
haveproduced.Lookatyoursister,howpromiscuoussheis.Lookatthisdirty,dark,fatanduglyTrijata,yourniece...andyouwantmetolivehere,leavingmyRama.
..
Iseethedwithanger.Trijata,whostoodafewfeetaway,burstintosobs.ShehadbeenafriendandcompaniontoSitasincethedayshehadbeenbroughttoLanka.Itwasforher
thatRavanawaslosinghisempireandhisdreams.ItwasforSitathatsomanypoorAsurashaddied.Icouldhavechokedhertodeathatthatmoment.
Ravanastampedafootanddrewhisswordfromitssheathingreatanger.You...you...Ihadstakedeverythingforyou.Ihavelostmysons,myhonour,mycity...everything,so
thatmydaughtercouldbehappy.
Andthisiswhatyousay?Isacrificedthousandsofmenforyoursake.HeraisedhisswordandIanticipatedtheswiftswooshoftheswordseveringtheheadofthathatefulDeva
woman.Shelookedatherfather,unfazed,hereyestauntingandchallengingthegreatAsuraEmperortobeheadher.Ravanasswordcamewithinaninchofherthroatbut
stoppeddeadthere.ThenslowlythestrongarmofRavanathathadseveredmanyenemyheadsoverthepastfourdecades,wentlimp.Sita..
.youaremydaughter...theKingmutteredasthefamousChandrahasafellontotheredearthofLanka.
Ajeeringlaughwastheanswer.Daughter!Adaughter
who
could
be
thrown
away
when
inconvenient?Adaughteryourpeopleneverwanted?
Andwhatafather!
Iwantedtoleavemyhidingplaceandgrabthatobnoxiouswomanbyherhair,buttomyshockandsurprise,IsawRavanastandwithhisheadbowed.Hestoodwithsilenttears
flowingfromhisreddenedeyes.
Thenslowlyheturnedandwalkedbacktohispalace.
Iwishyoudeath!Apainfulandprolongedone.shoutedSita,astheKingoftheAsuraswalkedawaywithheavysteps.
Ravanaagedtenyearsbeforemyeyes.DeathawaitedtheoldKing,andaswishedandprayedforbyhisdaughteralongprolongedandpainfulone.Iwantednopartofthis
bloody,familyfeud,betweenfather,daughter,andsoninlaw.Butwhatchoicedidpeoplelikemehave,orhadeverhad?

60Endofadream
Ravana
Istartedouttothebattlefieldinadepressedmood.

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Mandodarihadbeenemotional.Shehadnotwantedmetogo.SheaskedmetohandSitaovertoRamaandappealforpeace.Peace...awordforcowards.
Women!Theywillneverunderstandreason.Ihadtoliterallypriseherawayfrommybodyassheshouted,cried,toreherhairandbeatherbreasts.Thattoo,infrontofallmy
soldiers.Itwasembarrassing.Sheaccusedmeofsacrificingeveryoneformypride.ShecursedSitaandIbecameangry.Ishoutedbackandthrewatantrumthatcowedthepoor
woman.ShewasstilltorecoverfromtheshockoflosinghersonandIshouldnothavebehavedsoharshlywithher.ButthenIhavealwaysbehavedbadlytoher.Whyjusther,to
allthewomeninmylife.
Inmyanger,IbrokemyVeenaintotwo.IhadlovedmusicandIdidnotwantanymonkeymanplayingwithmyinstrumentafterIhadgone.Ihadtriedtocodifytheragasandlyrics
Ihadcomposed.Hopefully,theywouldsurvivemeandmyempire.Ihadexperimentedwithpaediatricmedicineandastronomyandmeticulouslyjotteddownmynotesonpalm
leaves.
ThoseIhadsenttoMayan.Perhapsthatmadmanwouldhavesomeuseforthem.BythetimeIputonmybattledress,shehadshutherselfinherchamber.Icalledtohermany
timesbutshewouldnotopenthedoor.
Finally,cursingher,Iturnedandwalkedtowardsmychariot.Iheardheropenthedoorandcomerunningtome,callingmynamepiteously.Ididnotturnback.Iwasafraidtolook
atherfaceagain.Allmyarroganceandfalseconfidencewouldhavemelted,andIwouldhavebecomejusttheaverage,middleaged,potbellied,baldinghusbandofagood
andkindheartedwomaninsteadoftheKingoftheAsuras.IknewthatifIturnedtolookatherface,allmyresolvewouldvanishandIwouldsuccumbandfollowherbidding.I
jumpedintothechariotandbarkedtomycharioteertoproceed.
AsthefortgatesopenedandmyarmyrushedforwardtomeettheDevas,Itriedhardtosuppressthemelancholyfeelingofalifewasted,ofwhatcouldhavebeen.Ileftbehinda
lonelywomanwhohadsufferedmeandmyanticssilentlyformorethanthreeandhalfdecadesawomanwhohadsacrificedherchildreninauselesswarstartedbyherfoolish
husbandbecauseofhisunbridledpassionawomanwhohadthecouragetoquestionthemantheworldfeared.Tearswelledinmyeyes.Ilovedmywifemorethananythingin
theworld.Ishouldhavesaidgoodbyetoher.Nowitwastoolate.
Ramawaswaiting.
Ilookedaroundandsawtheglistening,sweating,bare,blackbodies,bobbingaroundme.Howmanyofthemwouldreturnalivetoday?Howmanywiveswouldbewidowedby
evening?HowmanyofthesepoorsoulswouldwettheredsoilofLankawiththeirblood?Howmanychildrenwouldbemadeorphans?Forwhosesakewerethesefools
fighting?Howeasywasittofoolthesepoorbastards.Farawayonthebeach,Ramasarmylaywaiting.Whatwerethemonkeymenwerefightingfor?
Forthesakeofsomenorthernprinceandhiswife?
NoneofthosepoorbastardshadevenseenRamaswifeandtheyhadnoenmitywiththeAsuras.Buttheycame,readytodie.Manyamongthemwouldalsoleavetheirlittle
onesorphanedortheirparentswithoutshelter.
Ramasarmyeruptedwithloudshoutsasweturnedthecornerandracedtowardsthem.Ihadplacedmyelephantsatthefront.Itwasagamble.Elephantswerenotoriously
undependable.Theycouldturnaroundandcreateastampedeamongmymen.ButIdidnothavemuchchoice.MyrankshaddwindledandVarunasnavywaspoundingmyforts
withhugestonesfromthesea.Ihadpositionedmyflamethrowersstrategicallyatthetopofthelowhillsoverlookingthebeach.Becauseoftheheight,theywereoutofreachof
RamasarchersorVarunascatapultsandcouldreachtheirtargetsmuchmoreaccurately.TheykepttheVanaraarmyatbayandsunkmanycatamaransandboatswiththeir
flamethrowing.AsmyelephantsthunderedtowardstheVanaras,Icouldsensearippleoffeargothroughtheenemyranks.TheytorethroughthefeebleVanararanks,smashing
andtramplingmanyunderfoot.TheAsuraarmychargedandthecavalrysurroundedtheVanarasonthreesides.
IthadbeenalongtimesinceIhadledabattlefromthefrontandIwonderedifIhadlostmytouch.ButthesightofRamasarmypanickingpumpedthebloodinmyveins.
SuddenlyIwasnotanoldandtiredkingnearingsixdecadesoflife,Iwasonceagainthatsixteenyearold,withpassionandambitionburninginmyveins.
WhatwasRamaafterallbutamerehotheadedyoungmanwhohadsomehowarrangedahotchpotchofsemicivilizedtribestochallengethemightiestEmperoronearth.Today,
IwouldensurethathebecameanexampletoallthosearroganthotheadswhothoughttheycouldrideroughovertheAsuraEmperorandgetawaysafelytotheirhomes.
Ibarkedcommandsandrunnersweredispatchedtoallsides.Withsatisfaction,IsawthatRamawasinrealdistress.Hiscaptainsputupabraveyetfutilefight.IfIcouldgethim
andpiercethatthroatwithawellaimedarrow,thisfoolishwarwouldend.Iaskedmycharioteertodrivethroughtheleftflank.Arrowsfellthickandfast.ItwasdangerousbutIwas
inagiddymood.Angerandenthusiasmpumpedthroughmyveinsandnothingcouldstopmefromgettinghim.ThiswouldbethelasttimeaDevaprincewoulddaretochallenge
anAsuraking.
SuddenlyIwasswampedbymenrunninginpanicfromtherear.Icriedmyselfhoarseandaskedthemregroup.Ramahadlaidatrap.Wehadbeenambushedfrombehind,with
Vibhishanaleadingacavalrychargefromthecityend,tryingtoputpressureonmyrear.Isentrunnerstothehilltoptocommandthemtoaimthefireattherearofourformation.
Thefiringcouldcatchsomeofmyownpeople,butthatwasinevitable.Wewerebeingtrappedbetweentheretreating,yetfiercelyfightingVanarasfromthesea,andVibhishanas
armyfromtheland.IdividedmycavalryandorderedagrouptoengageVibhishana.Thisrelievedthepressurefromtherear.IruedthefactthatIhadlostallmyexperienced
commanders.IhadunderestimatedRama.IshouldhavetakenthewartotheVanaracountrythemomentHanumancameandburntdownmycapital.Butwehadbeentoo
complacent.HadIdonethatearlier,wecouldhavesmashedtheVanarasandtakenRamaprisoner.
Instead,hewasleadingthewaragainstmyempireandIwasstrugglingtocontainhim.Today,Iwouldfinishhim.
Botharmiesfoughtwithdesperationandcourage.
Heroesandmartyrswerecreatedeveryminute.Soon,LankinisAsuraarmyattackedourpositionontopofthehills.Waveuponwaveofhersoldiersattackedmysoldiersonthe
hilltop.Isenseddanger.Wewereoutnumberedsixtoone.Itmeantthatwehadtokillsixenemysoldiersforeachofoursoldierbeingkilled,justtokeepourposition.Theother
waywastocaptureorkilltheenemycommander.ButIcouldnotseewhereRamawas.Hanumanwascommandingandleadingfromthefront.IlookedforRamaand
Lakshmana,butcouldnotfindthematall.Thebattleragedonwithnoclearvictoryforeitherside.
Itwasalmostthreeintheafternoonandbothsideshadlostmanymen.Myrankshaddwindled,thoughtheciviliananduntrainedpopulationofmycityhadjoinedmyrankswith
whatevertheycouldlaytheirhandson.
TheywerenomatchforthehighlytrainedVanarawarriors,butfromadistance,IwassurethatmycivilianslookedmenacingtotheVanaras.Itwasalsogoodforourmoraleand
badnewsfortheenemy,astheycouldnotseeanydwindlingoftheAsuraranks.ButIhadnodoubtthatthissituationcouldnotgoonforever.Alreadytwoorthreehilltopshad
beencapturedbyLankinissoldiersandtheywerenowtrainingtheirfireonus.Ourelephantshadmanagedtosmashtheenemylinesandtearoffportionsofthebridge.Manyof
Varunasboatshadbeencapturedbymyenthusiastictroopsandweopenedanotherfrontfromthesea.Thebattlehunginprecariousbalance.
Timewasrunningout.Darkcloudsformedinthewesternskyandtheseawasgettingchoppy.Varunasvesselsbobbedupanddownintheroughsea.Theelephantswere
gettingrestlessandIwasafraidthatatanymomentthingswouldchangefortheworse.Ihadtodosomethingdaringanddramatic.ButwherewasRamaandLakshmana?My
bestchancewouldbetoleadasurpriseattacktowardstheDevaprinceandcaptureorkillhim.Likehim,Itoowaswellhiddenfromenemyeyes.Asapartofthedeception,more
thansevenchariotsflewtheroyalAsuraflagtoconfusetheenemyastowhichwasmychariot.Ibecamedesperate.Myagewascatchingupwithme.Afewarrowshadstruckme
andIwasexhaustedfromthebleeding.
Asthefirstboltsoflightninghitthesea,Isawthem.Theywerenearthebridge.TheywereurgingtheVanarastorebuildit.Hanumanhadlitahugewalloffirethatkeptthe
elephantsatbay.Asthewindshiftedandflamewallmoved,IsawVarunasmastervesselmovingtowardsthebridge.WithhorrorIsawreinforcementsarrivingtohelpRama.
Horseswerebeingloweredandwarriorssliddowntheropestowardsthebridge.OurmendirectedtheirarrowstowardstheslitheringVanarawarriorsbuttheenemynumbers
weregrowingquickly.
Tomyrear,Vibhishanawasbutcheringmycivilianfightersandadvancing.Mytimewasrunningout.
UnlessIkilledRamabeforeIgottotallyswamped,everythingwouldbefinished.
Iassembledmybestfightersandformedarapidactionteam.Itoldthemtheplanandwasannoyedtoseethelookoffearintheireyes.Theplanrequiredextremedaringinits
execution.ButIexplainedthatthesituationwas
desperate
and
without
waiting
for
their
confirmation,Ijumpedoutofmychariotwithmyfavouriteswordinmyhand.Iunshackledmyfavouritehorse.MycharioteerwasintearsandIhuggedhim.Hecollapsedweeping
likeanoldwomanatmyfeet.
Ignoringhim,IjumpedontomyhorseandraisedmyChandrahasatothedarkeningskiesandbellowed,HarHarMahadev.
Allaroundmethewarcryechoedfromahundredtongues.Lightningstruckhereandthereasmassivewavessmashedthebouldersonthebeach.Itwasalmostdarkandrainfell
inhugedrops.Igallopedtowardsthewallofflame,pasttheslainsoldierslyingonthewetground,pastthewrithingmenwithtornlimbs,overthedyingmen,pastpoolsofblood
andtrampledflesh,IgallopedtowardsRama.Mymenthunderedbehindme.
Bloodpoundedinmyears.Icouldfeelthereinstremble.
MyhorsefrothedfromitsnosebutIeggediton.FasterandfasterIgalloped,ignoringtheoddarrowsthatstruckmythighsorbiceps.Icouldfeeltheheatandmyhorsehesitated,
butIkickedherintogallopingfaster.
WithonemightyswoopshejumpedthroughthewalloffiretowardsRama.MymenfollowedmeandwelandedinfrontoftheterrifiedVanaras.Myhairandthemaneofmyhorse
hadcaughtfireandIcouldseetheterrormyfigurehadstruck.
Icouldseehiseyes.Evenatthatmoment,myfeelingswereofsurprise.Howdarkskinnedhewas.
Hestaggeredbackwithalookofabsoluteterror.AsIraisedmyswordtothrustitthroughhisheart,Hanumanjumpedupandgrabbedmylegs.Ilostmybalanceandfellfrommy
horse.Ikickedatthemonkeymansface.
Withagrunthefellintothesea.IscrambledupandhackedmywaytowardsRamaandLakshmana.Theywereshootingarrowsindiscriminatelyandhadhitsomeoftheirown
soldiers,thoughafewarrowsmanagedtohitsomeofmytroopsalso.WeadvancedfastertowardstheDevaprinces,whentheskiesopenedinaflood.Rainpoundeddownon
allofus,makingmovementsslipperyandcumbersome.Giganticwavescrashedontothebridgeandcarriedawaymanymenfrombothsides.Aportionofthebridgecollapsed,
cuttingoffRamaandafewofhismenfromtheirmainarmy.Hewastrapped.Ijusthadtoreachhim.Hewasfinished.Withrenewedvigor,wefoughtourwaytowardsRama.
ThatwasthemomentIthoughtthewarwasfinishedandIhadwon.Onceagain,withpluckanddetermination,Ihadmanagedtoturnmyluck.ManytimesinthepastIhadledmy
troopstovictoryfromseeminglyimpossiblepositions.Thiswasjustoneofthose.InafewminutesRamaandLakshmanawouldjoinmybrotherKumbhainthedeepsea.Icould
seefearontheirfaces.Theirheavybowswereslippingfromtheirhandsaswavespoundedthebridgeandsprayedthefightingmenwithsaltwater.Thewindhowledand
lightningcrackedinthedarkskies.Ramashandstrembledandhewasnotabletoaimaccurately.Arrowswhizzedpastme,butinmyfrenzyIdidnotevenbotheraboutan
accidentalonestrikingme.Ihackedmywaytowardsmyenemy.CountlessVanarasfelldeadastherainlashedusandthebridgeshuddered.AfewmorementoslaughterandI
couldseveretheheadofRamawithmyChandrahasa.Irelishedthethought.

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ItwasfartoolatetorealizethefatalmistakeIhadmade.InleapingacrossthefirewallbuiltbyHanuman,Ihadassumedthattherewasnothingtofearfrommyrear.Inmyrage
againstRama,Ihadmadeafundamentalerrorofjudgment.Thetorrentialrainhadmanagedtokillthefireandnowmyrearlaywideopentoattack.Ihadforgottenmybrother
Vibhishana,whohadbeenfightinghiswaytowardsme.Withnofiretostophim,hehadstealthilyreachedme.ItwasonlywhenhisswordthrustdeepintomybackthatIrealized
myfolly.
Iturnedandtriedtoattackhimwithmysword,butheduckedandIlostmybalance.HekickedmeandIalmostfellintotheragingsea.Irecoveredmybalancebutbloodpoured
fromthewoundhehadinflicted.Myhandswentnumb.TheheavyarmourIworepulledmedown.RamaandLakshmana,seizedtheopportunitytoshowermewitharrows.But
thearrowsbouncedoffmyarmourandcouldnotpenetrateit.Ididnothaveanytimetolose.Iwasabouttopassout.IhadtogettoRamabeforeIbecametooweak.Ikicked
Vibhishanaandhefellintothesea.AsIrushedtowardsRamawithmyswordheldhigh,Vibhishanasomehowscrambledbackonthebridge.Ididnotnoticeit.Mymindwas
totallyfocusedonRama.AsIleaptforward,Vibhishanasswordonceagainfellonmyback.Theswordmissedmybodybyaninchbutseveredtheknotsthatheldmyarmour
tightagainstmybody.InstinctivelyIturnedbackandkickedVibhishana.Hevanishedintotheraging,swirlingseawater.AsIturnedagaintofaceRama,myarmourfellandI
stoodexposedtomyenemysarrows.
Ramaseizedtheopportunityandaimedatmyabdomen.Ididnotwanttogiveupbuttheblooddrippingfrommybodymademyheadspin.Mystepsfalteredandmyadvance
becamepainfullyslow.Whenarrowuponarrowpiercedmyguts,myonlythoughtwasofopendefiance.Witheachpainfulstep,anotherboutofarrowsrippedmybarebody.
Slowly,IfellandthelastthingIrememberedwasbeingswallowedbyadarkgreenwave.Thenmyworldwentblank.
WhenIopenedmyeyes,therewasadeathlysilence.Theearthwasdarkandcold.Somemenwerestandingaroundme,butIcouldnotseetheirfaces.
Thenatall,darkfigurecameandstoodnearmyhead.
Rama...Iwantedtograbhimbyhisthroatbuttheearthheldmefirm.Shewasabouttoreclaimmybody.
RamamumbledsomethinginSanskrit,somethingaboutfindingaplaceinheaven.Iwantedtoburstoutlaughing.
Inmockobeisance,Ibroughtmypalmstogether.ThelastthoughtbeforeIpassedoutagainwasthatthefoolhadbelievedIwasdoingobeisancetohim.Mymacabrejokehad
beenlostonhim.Menandtheirblastedegos!

61Victorsandtheirways
Bhadra
Todayishisfuneral.ItwaslateafternoonandIstoodamidstthecrowd,dozinginthehumidheat.Therewasalingeringsadnessandterrorintheair.Theconqueringarmieshad
enteredthecitylastnight.TheVanarashadpillaged,raped,andlootedthewaythroughthecity.Mostpeoplehadfledtothejungleswhilesomehadbravelytriedtodefendtheir
smallpossessions.
OtherssurrenderedtotheravagingVanaraarmybuttheywereinnomoodtotakeprisoners.Thefoolswhoexpectedmercywerecutdownmercilessly.Thegranarieswere
torchedandthetempleslooted.Ravanasimpressivepalacewasalmostpulleddown,butVibhishanaintervenedandensuredthateveryoneinsidethefortwassafe.Soonce
againthenoblessavedtheirskinsandpossessions.TheVanaraplundererswereletlooseonthehaplesscommonfolkofLanka.
Bymidmorning,asemblanceoforderhadcomeandmanypoorAsuraswerecapturedfromthesurroundingjunglesbytheVanarasoldiersandbroughtforcefullybacktothe
city.LastnightIhadsneakedintothebeachtoforayforanyvaluablesleftbytheslainsoldiers.Itwasrisky,butitwaseasymoney.Besides,itwasasafeplacetobe.Itwouldhave
beenthelastplacetheywouldhaveexpectedanAsuratobe.Twoorthreeothermenlikemescavengedforvaluablesamongthedeadorgravelyinjured,butwekeptadiscreet
distancefromeachother.
ItwasthenthatIstumbledupontheEmperorhimself.Inthedullglowofamoonlessnight,IrecognizedmyKingandmaster.Hewasbreathingheavilyandwrithinginpain.
Jackalswereeatinghimalive.Itwastheshimmerofgoldfromhisbraceletsthathadattractedmetohim.Iwasnotsureinitially,butasIleanedtohavealook,heemittedagrunt.
Howthemightyhadfallen.Thismanhadfoughtforaraceandapeoplewhohadlosttheirdignity,theirfreedom,theirvalues,andtheirculture,toforeignerswhohadinvaded
andconqueredthem.RavanagavetheAsurasdignityandselfbelief,instilledconfidenceandprideinourancientcultureandtookourcivilizationtonewheightsofglory.Yes,he
mayhavebeenatyrant.HehaddestroyedthedemocraticandegalitariansocietyoftheAsurasandmadeitintoameanfightingmachine.Yes,hewallowedinluxuryanddid
whateverhepleased.Thesocietyhehadcreatedwasnotperfect.Themajorityofusremainedpoor.Yetweknewthathardworkandluckcouldmakeusrichandpowerful.There
werenocongenital,privilegedcastessuchastheBrahminswereamongtheDevas.Despiteourcrushingpovertyandtheseethingangerwefeltfortherichandprivileged,we
enjoyedoneluxurycomparedtoourcounterpartsintheDevakingdomsweweretreatedlikehumanbeings.
Mostofuswerepoor,buttherewasasilentdignityinourpoverty.ButasIleanedovermyfallenKing,Ididnotknowanyofthis.Itwaslater,muchlaterthatthesethingsbecame
cleartome.Butbythenitwastoolate.
TheoldKingmumbledsomethingbutIcouldunderstandwhathewastryingtosay.Itouchedhisforehead.Itwasburninghot.Hehadfeverandwheezedheavily.Hewasdying
anditwasunbearabletowatch.
Hemumbledsomethingagain.Icouldonlymakeoutthathewantedmetotakehimsomewhere.Poorman!Ibegantocrydespitemyself.Itookhisheadinmyhandsandhugged
himclosetomybosom.IwashuggingarealKing.TheexhilarationIfeltthen!InmyexcitementItoldhimIwouldseekrevenge.Iwillcompleteyouwork,yourHighness.Donot
worryandgoinpeace.Iwilldoitforourrace.IcouldnotbelievewhatIwassayingtothedyingman.Mymethodsmaybedifferent,evenignoble,asperyourstandards.
Ravanawheezedheavily.Imovedmymouthtowardshishalfeatenear.Thestenchofputrefyingfleshmademegag,butIcontrolledmyselfandwhisperedinhisear,Once,Itoo
wasawarrior,butIhavegrownold.
Armsfrightenmenow.Iamterrifiedofwar.Icannotbeatevenaneightyearold.Nevertheless,mymethodsaredeadly.Iwillhavemyrevenge,foryou,formeandforourblighted
race.Ramawillnotgofreeforwhathehasdonetoyouandourrace.Believemeandgoinpeace.
AsIsaidthis,Ifeltapurposehadcometomylife.
Atleastmythoroughlyunremarkablelifewouldbeofsomeuse.IkissedmyKingsforeheadandgentlylaidhisheadonthewetearth.Hewheezedagainagonizingly.
Istoodthereforalongtime,watchingRavanadie.
Whensilverstreaksappearedintheeasternskyandthecawingofthecrowsheraldedanewdawn,mightyRavanalaboriouslyandpainfullybreathedhislast.Iwaitedforhalfan
hourmoreandthenIkneltdownanddivestedhimofallthegoldornamentshewore.Hewouldnotbeneedingthemwhereverhehadgoneto.ItwasagoodhaulandIwas
happytohavestumbleduponmyKing.
AsIwalkedbacktowardsthecity,theenormityandstupidityofthewordsIhadsaidtothedyingmanhitme.Iwasnotboundbyanything,notevenbymywordstoadeadman.
BythetimeIreachedtheouteredgeofthecity,IhadconvincedmyselfthattherewasnothingwronginbreakingmywordasgiventoRavana.Iwasnoherototakeona

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revengefulmissionagainstRama.SoonIwascaughtbytheVanarasoldiersandmarchedbacktothecitytowatchthevictoryprocessions.BylatemorningIhadpractically
forgottenaboutrevenge.
Manypeoplehadbeenhauledforcefullytotheroyalstreetandmadetositinthehotsunoneithersidesoftheroad.Vanarasoldiersmercilesslybeatanyonewhoevendaredto
shifttheirposition.TheAsuraswatchedwithseethingangerandasenseofhelplessness,astheirwomenweredraggedthroughthestreets.Fearhunglikeanastymistthat
refusedtoclearlongaftersunrise.
Surprisingly,thedaywasclearandwindy.Everythinglookedfreshafteryesterdaystorrentialrain.Thetreeswerestunninglygreenandtheskyadeepbluewithsoft,fluffy,cotton
cloudsfloatingaboutaimlessly.Smallpuddleshadformedhereandthereandfrogsjumpedinandoutoftheminmirth.Thewholeworldwasradiant.
Inlessthanaday,itwasasifRavanaandhisfantasticdreamshadneverexisted.IpushedRavanasornamentsthatIhadstolenfromhiscorpsedownmyloincloth.
Stolenwasnottheword,reclaimedwasbetter,forwhateverRavanaownedhadbeentakenfromusfrommeandpeoplelikeme,sittingherewaitingforthenextRavana.The
flagofVishnuflewhighfromthetowerofthepalace.Wewaitedtowelcomeournextmaster,Rama.Lestwerunawayfromthewonderfulblessingsthatwasbeingpromisedby
thenewLord,wewereheldforciblyinplacebythebrutishVanaras.
Byafternoon,menhadstartedtofaintintheheat.
TheVanaras,usedtothefiercebutdrysummerheatofcentralIndia,weresweatingprofuselyfromthemilderbutsultrytropicalheat.Thismadethemmoreirritableandangry.
Eventheslightestmovementwasdealtwithseverebeatings.IsatnexttoateenagerwhostaredintentlyattheVanarasoldiersafewfeetaway.Icouldsmelltroubleamileaway.I
knewwhatwasgoingthroughthemindoftheteenager.Ihadtogetawayfromthisplaceasfastaspossible.ButhowcouldIslipawaywithoutattractinganyonesattention.The
teenageractedbeforeIcouldformulateaplantoescape.Leapingfromhisplace,herushedtowardstheunsuspectingsoldiers.Hearingthenoise,theyturnedbutcaughtthefull
forceoftheteenagersblowsintheirfaces.Theystaggeredandfell.Theteenagergrabbedtheirspearsandthrustthemrepeatedlyintotheirbodies.Asifincue,manyofthe
youngmenattackedtheVanarasoldiers.
Butthevastmajorityofmen,includingme,watchedthedramawithoutanyreaction.MoreandmoreVanarasoldiersranfromtheforttoaidtheircomrades,andwithinafew
minutes,theyhadmanagedtokilltheyoungrebels.
Theboywhostartedthisfarcewashackedintopieces,hislimbsthrownintothecrowdinalldirections.
HisarmslandednearmeandIkickedthedirtythingawaytowardsmyterrifiedneighbor,whopromptlygaggedandvomited.Somebloodofthedeadteenagerhadfallenonmy
faceandshouldersandIwipeditoffwithmypalmandthenwipedmyhandonmydhothi.
Fortheirslaincomrades,theVanarasexactedaterriblerevengebyrandomlychoosingsomeofourmenandbeheadingthem.Itwaspureterrorinactionandsucceededin
quenchinganythoughtsofheroismintheheartofanyAsuraherowannabe.
Bylateafternoon,theVanarashadgotboredoftheirgameandwerelazilywalkingaround.SomeAsurashadfaintedinthefierceafternoonsunandbeggedforwater.Ihad
dozedofflazilywhenthesuddenrollofChendaswokeme.Atthefarend,thefortgatesopenedandaprocessionenteredtheroyalhighway.Theentirecrowdcranedtoseewhat
washappening.Theprocessionwounditswayslowlythroughthewavesofthegaspingcrowd.Icouldonlyseethattheyhadraisedsomethingonastaffanditwasbobbingup
anddowninthecrowd.Anagonizedwailrosefromthefortendandfollowedtheprocession.Astheprocessionnearedme,IwashorrifiedtofindthatitwasRavanasheadthat
wasbobbingupanddownonthestaffcarriedbyAngada.
Theoncestatelyandhandsomefacelookedgrotesqueindeath,withitseyesmissing,partofitscheeksgnawedawaybyratsandabloodystubofanose,halfeatenbyjackals.
BehindAngada,Sugreeva,thecruelanddrunkenlookingKingofKishkindha,totteredby,barelyabletocarryhisheavyclub.Manyuglyandhairy,noblemonkeymen,walked
withtheircrudeclubsandheavystaffsbehindtheirKing.Insteadofthedeerskinclothingtheywereusedto,theyallworethefinesilkclothesthathadbeenlootedfromthe
palace,inanattempttoemulateAsuranoblemen.Theylookedawkwardinthoseclothesbuttheycarriedhuge,stoneclubsandnomandaredtolaugh.ThenfollowedtheAsura
menwiththeirChendasandhorns,trumpetingthevictoryoftheirnewmasters.
TheywerefollowedbyRama,hisbrother,andatriumphantlookingSita,glowingwithhappinessbesideherhusbandinRavanaschariot.
Besidetheroyalchariot,oneitherside,ranHanumanandVibhishana,doingodderrandsascommandedbyLakshmana,competingwitheachotherinpleasingtheirmasters.
TherivalrybetweenthesetwoservitorsofRama,wasevident.RamasatwithRavanasdiamondstudded,goldencrownonhishead.Heworeawoodensmileandraisedhis
palmsslightlyasifheshoweringhisblessingonus.Inoticedthatheplacedhisbowandquiverofarrowsbetweenhimandhiswife.Ialsonoticedthathedeliberatelydidnotlook
athiswifeandconsciouslyavoidedevenanaccidentaltouchfromher.
Itappearedstrangethen,butlater,asIbecameinitiatedintotheDevaculture,itallmadesense.Theeventsthatunfoldedthateveningaddedgreatlytomyknowledge.Behind
Ramaschariotcamepalanquinscarryingthewomanofthepalace.Inoneofthem,satMandodari,herfacepartiallyveiledandherheadtonsured.Shewaswearingaplainwhite
sari.MorethantheheadofRavanabobbingupanddownonastaff,itwasthesightoftheAsuraQueendressedlikeaDevawidowthatshookthecrowd.Shesattherewith
immensedignityandselfcontrolaswaveuponwavesofAsuramenoneithersideboweddowntotheearthandwailedatherplight.Vanarasoldierskickedandscreamed,trying
tostoptheAsurasfromcryingoutindistressandproddedthemtoshoutSriRamajaya.
YettheAsurasrefusedtobedeprivedofthissmallluxurytocryfortheirshattereddreams.Brokenboneswerenothingcomparedtovanisheddreams.Icouldnotcontrolmytears
andjoinedmyneighboursinpoundingmychestandwailingoutloud.
ThefrenzyoftheChendasandhornscouldnotsuppressthemiseryoftheAsurascries.Itwasthecryofaracefacingthedeepabyssofextinction.Itwasthedeathcryofa
culture.Manyyearsago,theAsurashadseenashiningpromiseofrenewal,butnowitlayshattered.Asthesettingsunbloodiedtheturbulentsea,weburiedourdreamsofa
worldwithoutborders,aworldofequality.Formanyages,theAsurasofIndiaheldupabeaconofhopetotheworldforaworldwithoutslaveryandcaste,whereanyonewithfire
inhisheartandtheambitiontodream,couldcarvehisowndestiny.ThatdreamcollapsedthousandsofyearsagowhenourcitiesonthebankofSaraswathiandIndusfelltothe
barbarianattacksoftheDevas.YetitfoundutteranceagaininitsheroeslikeMahabaliandRavana.
Andthatherowasnowbobbingupanddownonthetipofastaffheldbyabeast.Theprocessionstoppednearthesea.Thecrowdrantothebeachtoseewhatwashappening.
TheAsurasoldiers,whohadfoughtafewhoursbeforewiththeVanaras,nowjoinedtheirfoestocontrolthecrowd.Theynowservedthenewregimeandwantedtheirsalaries,
theirpromotions,andperks,toremainprotected.Theywerepublicservants,readytolandheavyblowsonthepublicatshortnoticefromtheirmasters.Theirlathisfellwith
sickeningwhacksonthebacksofthehaplesscommonman.Theyformedachaintopreventthepublicfromgettingtooneartheleaders.Adaishadbeenraisedforthegreatmen
toaddressus.Wewereallaskedtositdownonthebeach.Wewerepusheddown,presseddownandwhenrequired,beatendowntotheground.Afteradelaywhenthe
sycophantsofRama,thenthesycophantsofthesycophants,ranaroundfetchingthisandthatandgrovellingbeforetheirimmediatebossesandbarkingattheirsubordinates,
Ramaclimbedontothedais.Adeepfrownlinedhisbrow.Butthesmilewasbackonhisfaceagainashewaved.Afewhandswavedbackandagainthefrownreturnedtohis
face.Thesycophantsgottheircueandrunnersweredispatchedtovariouspolicesupervisors.SoonwewereallwavingtoRamaandcheeringhiseveryword,thoughwedidnot
understandaword,ashewasspeakinginSanskrit.Afterawhile,VibhishanastoodupandwhisperedsomethingtoRama.
ThenhetranslatedRamasspeech,sentencebysentenceObviouslywehadnotbeenclappingattherightplacesinRamasspeech.
RamastartedfromthebeginningandsaidthatallofusshouldbehappyaswehadfreedusfromthetyrannyofRavana,anevildemon.Itwashisbeliefthatgoodalways
triumphedoverevil.Itwaslogicalandweclappedforthesegreatwords.ThenRamaannouncedthatwewouldberuledasperDevadharmahenceforth.
Therewouldnotbeanycouncils,orevenvillagelevelpanchayats.TheKingwouldbesupremeandhewouldruleaspertheadviceoftheBrahmins.Thoughmanyinthecrowd
didnotunderstandthefullimplicationsofthis,therewasanuneasysilencefromthecrowduntilwewereallproddedtocheer.Ramastatedthatallsubjectswouldbedividedinto
fourcastesandaprofessionwouldbeallocatedtoeachofthem.TheBrahmins,whohadcomefromthefaceoftheGod,wouldbethesupremecaste.Theywoulddispense
knowledge,actasrepresentativesofGodonearth,anditwasimperativethateveryonelistenandobeythem.TheKshatriyas,whohadthegreatfortuneofcomingfromthelimbs
ofGod,wouldruleoversocietyaspertheadviceoftheBrahmins.
TheVaishyas,themerchantswhohadcomefromthethighsofGod,wouldbegivenpermissiontorunbusinessandtradeandwouldbeundertheothertwocastes.Theartisans,
smalllandowners,theordinarysoldiers,alltheShudras,whohadunfortunatelycomefromthefootofGod,wouldservetheotherthreecastes.Itwassoconfusing,butweall
clapped.Iwonderedwhatwouldhappentotheunskilledorsemiskilledpeasants,theblackestofblackpeople,whoekedoutalivingdoingoddjobslikemecleaningthe
streets,washingclothes,beingporters.IwascurioustoknowwhichbodilypartoftheDevaGodpeoplelikemehadcomefrom.Isoongottheanswer.Ramaannouncedthatall
others,whodidnotfallintothementionedcategories,
would
be
considered
pariahs
or
untouchables.HefeltsorryforourplightsbutaskedustotakeitasablessingfromGod.
Thespeechwentonandon,boringuswithdetailsaboutDevagloriesandtheirwayoflife.Finally,heannouncedthathedidnotwishtobeKingofLankaortheAsuras.He
raisedthehandofVibhishanaandproclaimed,Behold!TheKingofAsuras.Afewmoreblowsbypolicemenensuredasmatteringofapplause.
VibhishanafellatRamasfeet.WewatchedwhatourKingdidwithrevulsion.ThiswasaconvenientarrangementforRama.Hecouldenjoypowerwithouttheresponsibility.This
wasourfate,toberuledbyaspinelessrulerundertheadviceofaforeigner.
Vibhishanabeganhisspeech.HeapologisedtotheDevasandendedwiththelamentthathiswaywardbrothers,RavanaandKumbakarna,hadnotrecognizedthedivinityof
Rama.AsthesunsetanddarknessandgloomspreadoverLanka,VibhishanasaidthathewouldperformthelastritesofhisslainbrotheraspertheVedictraditionoftheDevas.
Awaveofprotestrosefromthecrowdanddiedatthesightofmorepolicemensurroundingthemwithraisedswords.AfewBrahminsarrivedonstageandRama,Vibhishana,
Lakshmana,andSita,allscrambledupinrespect.Rama,LakshmanaandVibhishana,fellattheBrahminsfeetandreceivedtheirblessings.
ButwhenSitatriedtotouchtheirfeet,theyjumpedbackinrevulsion.Ahushdescendedonthecrowd.Wesensedsomethingdramaticandsensationalwashappening.Oneof
theBrahminswhisperedsomethingtoRamaandwesawhisfacegrowdarker.RamaspoketoLakshmanaandthecolourdrainedfromhisface.Foranawkwardmoment,noone
didanything.ThenLakshmanagrabbedSitashandsandpulledherdownfromthedais.Shetriedtowriggleaway,butherbrotherinlawgrippedherhard.Shewaspushedinto
acornerjustbelowthedais,whereshestoodburningwithshame,indignationandembarrassment.OneoftheBrahminscameforwardandspokeinSanskrit.
ThenVibhishanasteppedforwardandtranslatedtheBrahminswords.Hesoundedecstaticwhenhesaid,
See,mycountrymen,howfairtheBrahminsare.Rama,myLord,isKingoftheworld,butevenheisnotabovethelaw.Hiswife,Sita,asweallknow,washeldcaptivebythat
demonRavana.Itisoursorrow,thatbecauseofhimwhoIoncecalledbrother,avirtuousladylikemybelovedLordswife,hasbeenpolluted.Pleasehavenodoubts,SitaDeviis
likeamothertome.But,weshouldbeproudofthewaythelearnedpunditshaveappliedtheirlawstoallequally.IntheirwisdomtheyhaveruledthatSitaDeviwillhavetoprove
herpurityandchastityinthetimehonouredwayoftheDevas.Vibhishanapausedtogulpsomewater.Itwasevidentthatherelishedthisopportunitytodemonstrateaneworder.
Sitahadstoppedweepingandstooddefiant.Theveilfellfromherfaceasshestaredatherhusband.Theresemblancewasunmistakable.Shemighthavelookedlikeher
mother,butinherpostureandthefireinhereyes,shelookedeveryinchthedaughterofRavana.Sheglaredatthehusbandforwhomshehadwaitedsopatiently.Ramalooked
away,unabletofaceher.Hishandstrembledyetthatwoodensmileneverlefthislips.

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Hewastryinghardtocontainhisemotions.Hesattherenotlikeawarriorwhohadvanquishedthemostpowerfulkingintheworld,butlikeamanstrickenbyfate.Mandodari,
seatedafewyardsaway,lookedshockedatthisnewdevelopment.ShetriedtogetupbutwaspushedbackontheordersoftheBrahmins.Theybarkedthatwidowswerenot
allowedtobeseeninthesunlight.Theyhadalreadysinnedbyallowinghertowitnessherhusbandslastjourney.ThiswouldbeMandodarislastdayinthesun.Afuneralpyre
wassetupandtheheadofRavanawastakendownfromthestaff.AbodywhichwassupposedlyRavanas,wascarriedinbyfourdarkmen,myfellowuntouchables.
Thesunhadsetanddarkcloudsloomedlargeinthewesternskies.Itwastheseasonofeveningshowersandtheearthgotreadyforherritualbath.Vibhishanawalkedtowards
hisbrothersfuneralpyreholdingaflamingtorch.VibhishanaorderedforanotherpyretobesetupnearRavanas.HeorderedthatfinestofSandalwoodstobebroughtforthis
pyrewasmeantforadivinepurpose.Wewaitedwithbaitedbreath.Soonanotherpyrewaslit.SpeciallyselectedAsuraladiesdraggedSitatowardsthisspecialpyrethatwould
telltheworldwhethershewaspureornot..Wedidnotunderstandwhatwashappening.WhatwasthistimehonoredmethodoftheDevastotestawomanschastity?Asthe
Brahminscroakedtheirmantrasandsprinkledwateronallandsundry,Vibhishanawalkedthreetimesaroundthepyreofhisslainbrother.Someofthedropsofwaterfellontomy
skinandbyimpulsewastosmellthewater.Itstank.
Myneighbourwhisperedinmyear,Itscowsurineandgobar.Theyuseitforpurification.We,theuntouchables,werepurifiedwithbullshit.Smalldropsofrainfell.Soonthe
skieswouldopen.Lightningcrackled,tearingthedarkskiesintopieces.
JustbeforeVibhishanalitthefuneralpyre,hedramaticallyraisedthetorchandproclaimed,Thisistheendofatyrant,ademon,aRakshasa.Lethislifebealessontoallthose
whodefythesupremepowerofdharma,whoseearthlymanifestationisourmaster,LordSriRamachandraoftheheavenlykingdomofAyodhya.Lettodaybetheendoftheevil
anddecadentwaysoftheAsuras.Lettodaybetheholiestofalldays,whenLordRama,theavatarofVishnu,showershisimmensemercyuponus.Heshall,inhisinfinite
compassion,leadustoanexaltedwayoflife.BythetimeRavanassinfulbodyhascrumbledintoashes,anewdawnofDevadharmawillriseoverourdarkhorizon.Adharmain
whicheverymanwillknowhisplaceandlearningwillbevaluedtheprowessofthewarriorswillberespectedandtheskillsinbusinessappreciated.Nolongerwillwebe
burdenedbyhardstrugglestosucceedinlife,norwillweindulgeinmadcompetitiontogetfurtheraheadthanourneighbours.
WewillcastawaytheevilsocietyoftheAsurasunderRavana,whenmenthoughtthatmeritandhardworkalonecouldassurehimhappiness.
Wewillnot,fromnowon,forgetthatwearebutpunylittlebeings,andthatouractionsandmeritisnothingcomparedtothesupremepowerofGod.Ourmaterialorspiritual
successflowsfromhiscompassionandlove.Ifyouhavehadthemisfortunetobebornapariah,donotgrieve.Inthislifeyouwillfacedifficultiesbecauseinapreviouslifeyou
havedonewrong.ForyourkarmayouhavebeenbornaShudraorpariah.Doyourdutyandserveyourmastersfaithfullydonotbecomeoverlyambitiousorjealousofthe
respectandrichesyoursuperiorsenjoy.OnlywithhumilitycanyouensurethatGod,inhisinfinitecompassionandwisdom,willshowmercyandensurethatyourbirthinthenext
levelofvarnahierarchyinyournextlife.
Vishnu,isthepreserverofthesocialorder.TheLordpromisedthatwhenevertherewasathreattothisorder,hewouldtakebirthamongusmerehumanbeingsand
restoredharma.Ravanaandtheideologyheperpetuated,wasdangerousanddisruptedthatorder.Hewouldsaythatbeingamerepeasantboyofhalfcasteorigin,hehad
createdthemightiestempireintheworld,withonlyhisownbravery,hardwork,ingenuity,andafewmentoaidhim.Histemporaryvictorymighthavedazzledmany.ButIputmy
faithinGod.Now,everythingRavanaachievedismine.DidIworkforit?
DidIusegreatwit?DidIformanevilcompanyofmenlikePrahastha,KumbakarnaandRudraka?TheonlythingIdidwastoputmycompletefaithinGod.Ravanawaskilledand
thekingdomandtherichnesshecreatedisminenow.
Earlier,anotherusurperofthissocialorder,whofoolishlybelievedthatallhumanbeingswereequal,ruledthewesterncoastofIndia.YoumightknowMahabali,whoruledfrom
MuzurisandchallengedVishnussocialorder.AtthattimethemightyEmperorwasdefeatedbyasmallBrahminboy,Vamana,whowasnoneotherthananotheravatarofVishnu.
ThatshouldhavebeenalessontoRavana.Itriedtowarnhim,forIlovedhimonceasmybrother.Buthewastooarrogantandproudtolistentogoodadvicetooengrossedin
lifetoworryaboutdeath.Hethoughthisarmieswouldsavehim.Hethoughthehadgivenagoodlifetohissubjects,sotheywouldsavehim.Hethoughthehadcreated
architecturalmarvelsinthegreatShivatempleshehadbuiltandsoShivawouldsavehim.Butwhenthetime,Ravanahadnoanswer.Therewerenoonetosavehim,exceptfor
thedestituteandthepoor,whodidnotunderstandwhatwasrightandwrong.
WhenRamacame,Ifellathisfeet,forIrecognizedGod.Sodidallthenoblemenofintellectandwisdom,whetheritwasVaruna,orLankini,orJambumali.Andseehowwehave
beenrewarded.Governmentservants,merchants,thepolice,andthearmyofRavana,mosthavenowrecognizedtheirfollyandpledgedsupporttomyreigninRamasname.I
amsureallofyou,whohadfoolishlybelievedinRavanaorMahabalisutopiandreams,willnowstartleadingyourlifeasprescribedbyoursmrithis.Onlybycomplete
submissiontohissupremewillcanoneachievemoksha.Thelawsofourdharma,asdefinedbythegreatsageManu,areeternalanddivine.Theselawscovereveryaspectof
life.Frombirthtodeath,thesedharmiclawswillshowyouthepath.
Knowledgeisadangerousthinginthehandsofpeoplewhodonotknowhowtouseit.TheAsurashadsofarmadethemistakeofeducatingeveryonewithoutthinkingofthe
consequencesofequippingevilandignorantpeoplewithknowledge.Wemadethemistakeofseeingeveryhumanbeingasequal.Butthingswillbedifferentnow.Wewillnot
continuewiththisfolly.Onlythefirstthreecasteswillhavetherighttoeducationandthattoo,itwillberestrictedtowhatisstrictlyrequiredfortheirprofession.Thesalvationof
othersliesinservingtheirmasterswithdedicationandsincerity,withoutworryingabouttheresultsoftheirkarma.ThisisthelawordainedbyLordVishnuhimself.Letanyman
whothinkshecanchangeorchallengethislaw,dosoathisownperil.
Vibhishanapausedandfrownedatthecrowd.Wesatstonefaced.Then,lickinghislips,hecontinued,
Thissoilisblessed,forthegreatGodVishnuhimselftookavatarhere.Menweredefyingfate,menweredefyingtheGods.Ravanatriedtoteachtheworldthatmerehumaneffort
andwillpowercouldleadtosuccess.
HewasworsethanMahabali,forMahabaliwiselysurrenderedhiskingdomwhenVishnucameasVamana.
Butmybrother,Iamashamedtosayso,chosetofightGodhimself.Ravanawasabraveman,buthewasconceitedandvain,andthoughtthathecouldbeamatchforVishnu.
Hetaughtyouwrongbyteachingyoutodefyfateandencouragingyoutothinkthatyouwereincontrolofyourowndestiny.
GodhasputanendtothechaosunleashedbytheevilgeniusofRavana.Thepeacefulorderofvarnashramadharmahasbeenrestored.Nolongershallthemenwhoclean
drainsandtoiletsthinkthattheyareequaltothosewholearnSanskritandchanttheVedas.Nolongershallthetoddymakerconsiderhimselfequaltothemerchantsellingsilk.
Nolongershallthetillerofthesoilthinkheisequaltoanaccountant.
Everyonehastheirplaceandknowshisplace.
Mandodari,hastakentheleadinsettinganexampleofwhatavirtuouswidowsconductshouldbe.Weallknowtheshamethatbefellherintheheatofwar.Greatcrimeswere
committedbybothsidesandshewasanunfortunatevictim,VibhishanapausedandsuppressingasmileashelookedatMandodari.
Therewereafewsnideremarksandcatcallsamongthesoldiers,butIcouldfeeltheimpotentrageandhatredthatburnedinallourhearts.Bastard!Hehadnointentionof
stopping.Theairwasthickwithimpendingrainandthelightplayedhideandseekamongthecoconutpalms.IfIcouldsomehowshutupthemanwhodaredtocallhimselfthe
leaderoftheAsuras...
WhathappenedtotheQueenwasunfortunate,andLordRamahaspunishedthemenresponsibleforit.Buttoourshame,mybrotheracceptedtheQueenafterwhathad
happened.He,likeanyotherAsura,didnotguardthenotionsofchastityandpurityofwoman.Howcouldheacceptherafterwhathadhappened?But,hedidnotknowwhatwas
goodandwhatwasevil.Whydidthiswarstart?Wasthereanyreasonforthedevastation?HecouldhaveremainedKing,asavassalofthegreatGodRama.
Iamashamedtosay,Soorpanakha,myownsister,startedthiswar.Shecannotbeblamedcompletely.Shewasaproductofourculturethatallowedwomenthefreedomtoleada
looselife.ShetriedtoseducethehandsomeLakshmana.Thisimpudenceofawidowtofallinlovecannotbetoleratedbyanyman.HepunishedSoorpanakhabymutilatingher
noseandears.
Ravana,insteadofacceptingwhatGodhadordainedforourimmoralsister,decidedtowagewaragainstLordRama.Sucharrogance,suchfalsepride.
Seewhathappenedtohim.IhavebanishedSoorpanakhaoutofthecountry.SheismysisterbutIwantedtosetanexampleandprovemymasterthattheAsurashavedecided
toshedtheiroldways.MyfriendVarunaensuredthatshewasbanishedtolandofbarbariansacrosstheseas.Sheisnowabeggarandadestitute,ekingoutalivingwithher
beggingbowl.Iamsadatthefateofmysister,butshedeservednothingless.
ThenmybrotherkidnappedLordRamaswife.IhaveheardrumoursthatSitaisthedaughterofRavanaandbykidnappingher,Ravanawastryingtosavehisowndaughter.
Therecannotbeanythingmoredeplorable.HowcouldalowbornAsurahavefatheredaDevaprincess?RamaisnotlikeRavana.Sita,hisbelovedwife,forwhosesakehe
wagedabloodywarandstakedhisownandhismenslives,hasalsosinned.
Iamsure,Sita,byvirtueofbeingaDevaprincessandwifeofLordRama,hasremainedpure.Ravanadidnotdaretoviolateher.But,LordRamaknowsthatthelustfuleyesof
RavanaandotherAsurashavewanderedoverthepurebodyofhiswife.Whichhusbandwouldtoleratethat?LordRamaisaman,unlikemydeadbrotherwhoaccepteda
violatedwife,whowishestosetanexampleandprovetothewholeworldthechastityandpurityofhiswife.HewishestoburnthelustfulthoughtsofRavanaandothermenfrom
thebodyandsoulofhiswifeforever.
Thisisadeeplymovingpersonalaffair,butitisalsoapublicgesturebytheDevakingforthewholeworldtoemulate.UnliketheAsuras,theDevasbelieveinthepurityoffireand
life.FireistheSupremeGod,thegiveroflifeandenergy.Firecleanseseverything.TheimpurityofSitainhavinglivedwiththeAsurasandbearingthelustfuleyesoftheAsuras
onherandinlivingawayfromherhusbandforsuchalongperiodforthebaselessrumourssuggestingthatsheisthedaughterofRavanaallthesewillbecleansedbyfire.In
frontofallofyou,infrontoftheAsurasandtheVanaras,infrontofthewholeworld,SitawillundergothesupremetesttheDevashavetotestawomanspuritytheAgni
Pariksha.ThedivinefirethatisburningnearthefuneralpyreofmybrotherwilldeterminehowpureSitamatais.Ifsheischasteandpure,shewillremainunscathed.
Ifsheisimpure,thedivinefirewilldevourher.
Aterrifiedhushfelloverthecrowd.HeadsturnedtolookatRama,whosatinhishighbackedchair.HewaslookingdownandIcouldseehewasvisiblyshakenanddistressed.
Yethedidnotstandupandsay,
Enough!Itrustmywife.Hanumanappearedtenseandnervous,whereasVibhishanagleefullyenjoyedhisduties.Lakshmanaappearedpaleandanxious,buttriedtohideit
withhistrademarkscowl.Mandodari,whowassittinginonecornerwithhertonsuredheadcoveredwithawhiteveil,sobbeduncontrollably.
Therewastensionintheairandasiftomatchit,thefirstclapofthunderbrokeintheskies.Icouldseetheblackcloudsofathunderstormfastapproachingtheisland.Thesun
wasnothingbutthesilveredgeoftheloomingdarkclouds.Apowerfulwindswayedthecoconutpalmsandhugewavescrashedagainsttherockybouldersofthebeach.People
stoodupastheydraggedSitatowardsthedivinefire.Initiallysheresistedandcriedouttoherhusbandtosavehere.Butwhenshecomprehendedthemonstrosityofwhather
husbandwantedhertodoinordertoproveherpurity,shesaggedandlookedpiteouslyatherhim.Heavertedhiseyesandlookedstraightahead,beyondher,beyondhis
soldiers,beyondus,tosomedistantpointonthehorizon.Tearswelledinhiseyes.Besidehimandhisscowlingbrother,fatBrahminpriestschantedinSanskrit,drowningthe
excitedvoicesofthecrowdandthesobsofMandodariandtheotherwomen.
Onthebeach,Vibhishana,thenewlycrownedKingoftheAsurasandvassalofRama,stoodwithaflamingtorchinhishandandasatisfiedsmileonhisface.Infrontofhimlay
theerstwhileKingoftheAsuras,dead,hisfacehalfeatenbybeasts,hisheadseveredfromhisrottingbody,onafuneralpyre.Nearhim,thefirethatknewwhatchastityis,raged
withitshundredarms.
TheAsurasoldiersleftSitanearVibhishanaandmarchedback.Theexcitementinthecrowdrosetodizzyingheights.Neverbeforehadtheyseenanythinglikethis.Thesunset
intotheredseathatroseandfell.
Silveredged,darkcloudsloomedinthesky,creatingadarkandevilworldofsinisterlookingreptilesthattwisted,turnedandreflectedamyriadcoloursfromthedyingsun.

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WiththisIendtheevilreignofRavana.WiththisIendtheaudacityofamanwhodaredtochallengetheGods.Withthis,Iendthedebauchedlifeofademonwhonearly
destroyedtheworld.VictorytoSriRama..
.Vibhishanathunderedoverthecrowdandlitthefuneralpyreofhisbrotherastherainbegantofall.
AdeepandinexplicablegriefgrippedmeasIwatchedRavanaturnintoashes.Anerahadended.AhugecheerrosefromtheVanaraswhiletheAsurashungtheirheadsin
shame.Sitastoodneartheburningbodyofherfatherwithoutanyemotion,lostinherownworldofgriefandbetrayal.
AsKingoftheAsuras,Iproclaimthatthisdayshallbecelebratedeveryyear,ineveryvillageofIndia,asthedayofVictory.Onthisday,everyman,womanandchildshallbe
remindedofthevictoryofourLord,avatarofVishnu,SriRamachandraofAyodhya,overtheevilcalledRavana.LetRavanadieamilliondeathseveryyearonthisday,inevery
village,street,andhomeofIndia...VibhishanaraisedtheflamingtorchtowardstheskyandtheVanarasandafewAsurascheeredwithenthusiasm.Theskyrespondedwith
angrythunderanditbegantodrizzle.Thepyreburnedhesitantlyasthick,blacksmokecoiledupwards,flickering,shattering,andreforminginthewind.
Nowcomesthetestofpurity,theAgniParikshafortherespectedandbelovedwifeofourLord.Vibhishanaannounced.AnAsuraservantpouredmoregheeintotheburning
pyre.Theflamesrosehighandcrackledinthewind.Weallwatchedinhorrorandexcitement,asSitahesitated,lookingattheragingfireintowhichshewassupposedtostepto
proveherchastitytoherhusband.ShelookedatRama,tryingtocatchhiseye,buttheGod,likeotherGods,lookedawaywhenhewasmostneeded.Vibhishanabecame
impatientandorderedmoregheetobepouredintothefire.Sitastoodthereforafewmomentslonger.Thensheslowlycollapsedontothefloor.Therewasanawkwardsilence
amongthecrowd.Hadshebackedout?
Someonenearmewhispered,Shemightnotbeaspureasshelooks,thatiswhysheisnotreadytofacethefire.
Hisneighbourssnickered,eachcolouringtheirownimaginationwithlewdthoughts.
Iangrilyturnedandsaid,Suchnonsense!Evenifsheisnotvirtuous,howcanitbeprovedbyenteringaragingfire?Afirecannotdiscriminatebetweenavirtuousandnon
virtuous.
ThemanwhohadmadecommentsaboutSitaclearlydidnotlikewhatIsaid.Soyou,anignorantpeasant,knowsallaboutfire.ThisiswhatthelearnedBrahminshavesaid.
Whoarewetoquestionthem?Thoughafewappearedsceptical,mostnoddedtheirheadsinagreement.Ihadmissedalittleofwhatwashappeningintalkingtotheseidiots.
Sitahadstoodup.Againthecrowdsensedthatsomethingwasgoingtohappen.Thenwithsuddenstrength,sherantowardstheragingfire.Didwehearcorrectlyorwasitmy
imagination?Imstillnotsure.
Didshecryout,Father...beforeshejumpedintothefire?Agaspwentupfromthecrowdandatthatmomenttheskiesopenedupandtonsofwaterpoureddown.Thewind
hadturnedintoafullfledgedstormandthecoconutpalmsswayedandcoiled,thefrondswhirlinginafrenzylikethearmsofadrowningman.Ithadgrownunnaturallydarkand
thelightningthatblazedgaveeveryoneaghostlyappearance.ThecrowdpushedtowardsthefuneralpyreoftheirslainKingandsoonbecameuncontrollable.Policemen
pushedandshovedbackthecrowdandtherewastotalchaos.ThepyrehadgoneoutandwesawHanumancarryingSitatoRama.
Sheappearedlimp,buttomyexperiencedeyessheseemedtobealive.So,shewaspureafterall.IrememberedwhenIhadheldherinmyhandsintheVindhyaforests,asmall
bundleoflifegiventomebytheAsuranoblestobury.
Thecrowddisappearedafterthemelaasthemainactorsdisapprearedintothefortforanothernightofcelebration.Istoodtheredrenchedintheragingtropicalstormtillthe
crowdthinnedandthenslowlywalkedtowardsRavanasfuneralpyre.Itwasstillrainingbutnotasheavilyasbefore.Thepyrewasamess.Itwasamushofashandmud,with
bitsofboneandhalfburntskullprotrudinghaphazardly.Istoodtherenotknowingwhattodo.ThenIkickedthebonesandotherremnantsofthegreatAsuraEmperorintothe
ragingwatersofthesea.Aftersometime,Iwalkedbackhometosleep.

62Lifesproutsagain
Bhadra
ThemonthsafterthedeathofRavana,wereahorribleperiodinthelifeoftheAsuras.Therewasconfusionregardingthenewcastehierarchyandplentyofcasteconflicts.Each
familygotitselfalignedtowhichevercastewhichtheythoughtwouldemergeontop.Ifithadbeenonlyacleardivisiononthebasisoffourvarnas,itwouldnothavebeenso
difficulttofindonescaste.Thehierarchywouldhavebeenwelldefinedandeveryonewouldhavejustobeyedorfoughtagainstit.Idonotknowwhetheritwasanactofgenius
orareflectionofmuddledthinking,thatdevisedthebewilderingsystemofcastesandsubcastes.Itdividedoursocietyintoamillionparts,withtheBrahminsclearlyatthetop.
IttookmealmostthreemonthstounderstandthatIbelongedtothecasteofwashermen,whichwastheoreticallylowerthangoldsmiths,carpenters,etc,butmileshigherthan
travellingminstrels,woodcutters,potters,andtherest.Iwasnotpermittedtowalkontheroadwhenthosebelongingtohighercastes,decidedtousetheroad.ButI,inturn,had
therighttokickapotterifhedaredtocrossmypath.MypuritywasbesmirchedifItouchedawoodcutter,but,inturn,ifIevertouchedacarpenter,Icouldcauseimpurity.Noneof
thesecastesbelongingtothelowestrung,couldwalkonthestreetsorweargoodclothesorhavefinehousesorenterthetemplesallofwhichreservedforthepeopleofthe
otherthreevarnas.Itwasaperversesystemanddependedonthebaseemotionsofmantoinflicthumiliationonthoseunderhim.Iwouldhavetoacceptanyinsultfromahigher
casteperson,becauseIhadtherighttotorturethosebelowme.Andthen,grippingpovertycastapallofdoomoverthedispiritedAsurapopulace.
Afteraboutninemonths,aterriblefaminebrokeoutinthesouthofIndiaandontheislands.TradecametoastandstillastheBrahminsdecriedthatcrossingtheblackwatersof
theoceanwouldresultinlosingonescaste.
Themerchantclass,infearoflosingtheirnewlyfoundprivileges,refusedtogotoseaandsoontheChineseandyellowhairedbarbarians,tookoverthetradeofspicesandfine
things.Soontherewasnothingtoeat.ButVibhishanastaxcollectorsshowednomercyinextractingthelastmorselduetothegovernment.Therewasonepersonwhocould
haveworkedamiracletosetrighttheleakydamsandcanals,andrestartthefarminginthecountryside.ButthemadscientistMayan,wasnowaprisonerinchains,heldina
dungeon.TheBrahminslaughedathistheoriesandproclaimedallthathehadachievedhadbeentheresultofblackmagicoftheAsuras.
Itwasadarktimeindeed.Thereseemednohopeofescapeotherthanthroughdeath.Wewereluckyifwegotonesquaremealaweek.TheonlygoodthingwasthatIhadbuilta
smallthatchedhousewiththelogsandfurnitureIhadstolenduringthedisturbedtimesfollowingRavanasdeath.IhadburiedthegoldornamentsIhadtakenfromRavanas
corpse,insidemyhouse.Iwasafraidtotakethemout.Amanofthedhobicastewasnotsupposedtoownvaluablethings.
Inthefirstweekofhisreign,Vibhishanahadseizedanypersonalwealthofthelowercastes.But,likeme,manyhadburiedtheirwealth.
Whenallseemedlost,aflickerofhopecameintheformofarumour.VarunahadbeentransportingpeopleillegallytothecountriesoftheFarEast.Noscripturescouldtouchor
BrahminsexcommunicatemenlikeVaruna.HemademoneywhetherKubera,Ravana,orRamaruled.Heservedonlyonegodmoney.Iwasinitiallysceptical,butwhenthe
pangsofhungergrewandthenaggingofmywomanbecameunbearable,Idecidedtogiveitatry.NosoonerhadIvaguelyexpressedmywishtomigrate,thananagentcameto
arrangeitforme.
Theagentwasamiddleagedmanofprobablymyownage.Butsincehedidnotfacepovertyandhungerlikeme,Imusthavelookedlikeanageduncletohim.

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Tomygreatirritationandtheamusementofmywife,heinsistedoncallingmeUncle.Hewasagovernmentofficer,havingstartedhiscareerwithKubera,andwasnowasenior
officialinVibhishanasadministration.Heclaimedhewasaliberalanddidnotthinktoohighlyofthenewcasterules.However,forhiswifessake,hedidnotwishtoentermy
houseashewasafewnotchesabovemeinthecastehierarchy.Healsorefusedanyrefreshmentsashiswifewouldnothaveapprovedofhistouchinganythingpreparedbya
dhobi.Ifumed,butmywifeappearedrelaxed.Wedidnthaveanythingtoofferhimanyway,sohisinsistenceoncastepuritysavedussomeembarrassment.
Wemetunderanoldtamarindtreeneartheriver.
Hesatonaprotrudingrootofthetreeandthenthehagglingbegan.TwicehepretendedtowalkawayfromthedealandonceIdidthesame.Hekepttellingmethathewasan
importantgovernmentofficeranddidnotcareforthesmallcommissionthelowcastescouldpay.Butitwasevidentthathewasdesperatetofixthedealashestoodtogainan
agentscommissionfrombothsides.
Varunadidnotpayhisagentswell,sotheythreatened,cajoledandcoaxedthemaximummoneyoutofthewannabeemigrants.Wenearlycametoblows,butmywifetookme
asideandtriedtobringsomesensetomyagitatedmind.
Reluctantly,Ireturnedhomeandafterhalfanhourofdiggingandmuchheartburn,Iwalkedbacktomeetthegreedypublicservant,withRavanasornamentstremblinginmy
hands.Therewasagleamintheagentseyesasthegoldglitteredinthemoonshine.Thebureaucrathadbeenchattingtomywifeaboutthegeneralstateofaffairsandhow
difficultitnowwasforamiddleclassfamilytolive,withspirallingprices,therisingcostofeducationandsoon.Heabsentmindedlytookthegoldinhishandsandweighedit.He
wasallsmilesafterthat.Itwasallfixed.Acanoewouldtakeustoashipanchoredinthehighseas,withintwodays.Wejusthadtogetinandwouldbeassuredafirstclass
passagetothelandsoftheFarEast.Hesangthepraisesoftheeasternlands,wheretherewasplentyofworktobehadandgoldcoinscouldbecasuallypickedupfromthe
streetsthatwerepavedwithgold.Heleftuswhenthemoonhadrisendirectlyoverheadandthetraffichadthinnedonthestreet.MalaandIstoodhandinhandundertheold
tamarindtreebytheriverliketwolovestruckteenagers,listeningtothesweetripplingoftheriverandsmellingthefaintfragranceofJasminethatwaftedonthebreeze.Perhaps
lifewasofferingusanotherchance.Whoknew?
ThecanoedidnotcomefortwoweeksandIwassickwithworry.TwiceIwalkedallthewaytotheofficewherethefatofficerhadtoldusheworkedandwasunabletomeethim
bothtimes.Then,whenIhadalmostgivenup,onaverydarknight,therewasadiscreettaponthedoor.Iwokeandhurriedlypushedasidetheterrifyingimagesofonesuchdark
night,decadesago,whenDevamaraudershadcomevisitingmyhumblehutonthebanksofthePoorna.Iwaitedforanothertap.Whenitcame,Islowlyopenedthedoorand
sawtheghostlyfaceofthefatofficerlitbyaflickeringlamp.Hegrinnedandgesturedtometocomeout.Iopenedthedoorandhethrustapalmleafatme.Thereweretwoor
threedarkfigureshidingintheshadows.
Iwentbackinandwokemywife.Shebecameexcitedwhensheheardthatourtickettoparadisehadcome.Quicklyshepickedupourmeagrebelongings,packedinacloth
bundle,andfollowedmeout.Wewalkedtotheriverwhereacanoewaswaiting.Therewerethreeothercouplesandaholyman,inthecanoe.
Silentlywegotintothecanoeandwaited.Afteradelayofhalfanhour,anothercouplejoinedusandthefatmanwavedcheerfullytoallofus.Thecanoeslowlydriftedtowards
therivermouth,carriedbythecurrent.Lanka,thelandIhadadoptedandspentthemajorpartofmylifein,slowlydriftedawayfromusasIsatchokedwithconflictingemotions
lonelyamongsomanypeople,alllostintheirownthoughtsanddreams.
Adarkshiploomedlargeinthedistance.Slowlythecanoeapproachedtheship.Aropeladderdangledonitsside.Onebyone,wewerehauledup.Westoodonthedeckofthe
largeship,waitingforsomebodytotakeustoourfirstclasscabins.Aftersometime,aclerkcameinwithapalmleaf.Hecheckedtheticketsandorderedthepassengerstotheir
respectivecabins.Ihadstruckupaconversationwithayoungcoupleandlearntthattheyhadbeenrecentlymarried.Thegirlwascoy,withlovelyalmondeyes,andtheboy
lookedinnocentandhandsome.TheyhadsoldtheircoconutgrovetoaBrahminandhadtakenpassage.ThegirlsnamewasArasiandtheboy,Shiva.
Whentheclerkapproachedus,westoppedourchatterandhandedhimourticketsrespectfully.Hefrownedandasked,Whichcasteyouare?
Whydoesthatmattertoyou?Shivawasirritated.
Youpeoplelooksodarkanduncouth,youmightbeoftheuntouchablepariahcaste.Icannottakeyouonboard.Theotherhighcastepassengersmayobject.
Whatdoyoumeanyoucannottakeusonboard.
Wepaidthefullamountforthepassage.IintervenedbeforeShivadidsomethingrashandfoolish.
Idontknow.Thereappearstobesomemixup.
Thecompanywillrefundyourmoneywithinsixmonths,onceyougotoourofficeinthecapitalandapplyfortherefund.IamsorrybutIcannottakeyou.
Youcangetdownnowasthecanoehasnotleft.Orelseyoumaybeforcedtoswimback.Theclerkturnedtogodowntohiscabin.
Givemeyournecklace,mywifecommandedtheperplexedArasi.ReluctantlythegirlunclaspedtheonlypreciousthingshehadleftandgaveittoMala,whothrustitintomy
handsandwhispered,Fallathisfeetandsomehowsavethesituation.Wecannotgoback.Ialmostdovetocatchholdontooneoftheclerksfeet.
Heyyou!Hekickedmewithhisfreeleg.Howdareyoutouchandpolluteme?Getout!GetoutIsay,youoldrascal.
ButIdidnotletgo.InmymostpitiablevoiceIcried,Swami,pleasedonotsendusoff.Wecannotgoback.Weshallscrubthedeckandcleanthetoiletsbutpleasetakeuswith
you.Donotforsakeus.YouareourGod.Hereisasmallofferingforyou.HavepityonusSwami.Iheldthenecklaceupsohecouldhaveagoodlookatit.Whenhesawit,he
forgotallaboutimpurityandgraspedthetreasurewithalacrity.Istoodup,crossedmyhandsovermychest,tuckedmypalmsundermyarmpits,andbowedmybackin
supplication.
Mycompanionstooktheircuefrommeandstoodwithallthehumilitytheycouldmuster.
Heonceagaincheckedhisleafandafterpocketingthenecklace,tolduswiththeairofgrantingusagreatfavour,Godowntothelowerdeck.Idontwanttoseeyourdarkfaces
untilwereachthecityoftheLion.
Makeyourselfusefulbyscrubbingthekitchenfloors,washingthedirtylinen,andcleaningthetoilets.Hurry!Withthat,heproddedmedownthestairwaythatledtothelower
decks,beingcarefulnottocomeintocontactwithanyofus.Theothersfollowedme.Itwasdarkanddirtyonthelowermostdeckandtheodourofstalegarlicandrottenonions
camefromthekitchen.
WealmostbrokeourbacksworkingonVarunasship,constantlycleaningutensils,scrubbingfloors,washinglinen,andemptyingthetoiletcansintothesea.
Wehardlysawsunlightandtheconstantrollingandheavingofthemassivewoodenshipmadeussick.
Eventually,afterajourneyofalmostamonth,weheardthejoyousshoutofmenfromtheupperdeck,celebratingthesightingofland.Wecrepttotheupperdeckandthebright
sunshinealmostblindedus.Therewasthemouthofariverandverdantforestsrunningonitseitherside.Mangrovesstretchedasfarastheeyecouldseeandthetall,blackspire
ofatemplecameintoviewastheshipenteredthewideriver.Wehadneverseenariveraswideandexcitementfloodedourveins.
Soontheshipdeckedataportwherestrangelookingmenwearingwhiteturbans,ranaroundloadingandunloadingthegoodsfromtheships.
Theclerksmiledsheepishlyatusandvanisheddowntheladdertomixwiththecrowds.Aftersomeconfusion,wedecidedtoleaveforlandandslowlygotdown.Alreadyaqueue
hadformedattheticketingofficeofVarunasshippingservice,andIdecidedtoenquirewhetherthiswasthecityoftheLionintheeast.ThefirstfewpeopleIasked,staredbackat
mewithblankfaces.ButIfinallyfoundamanasdarkskinnedasusandpickedupenoughcouragetoapproachhim.HewastalkingtotwotallandfairmenandIwaitedfora
chancetospeak.ThenIaskedhiminTamil,whetherthiswasthecityoftheLion.HestaredatmeasifIwasmadandthenasked,HaveyouidiotscomeinonVarunasship?We
lookedateachotherandachillspreadinourhearts.Why,Swami,whyareyouasking...?TheblackmansaidsomethinginSanskrittohisfaircompanionsandtheyallburst
outlaughing.Thenheturnedtomeandsaid,Whatcasteareyou?
Dhobi,Swami,Ianswered,thoughIwasnotsurewhatcasteArasiandShivabelongedto.
Nowonderyoupeoplearesostupid.ThisisthecityoftheGoddessKali.Varunahasdupedyouashehasdonetomanyothers.
Arasiletoutaloudwailandsatontheground,beatingherhead.Malasoonjoinedher.Iseethedwithimpotentrage.TearssprangfrommyeyesandIjoinedthewomen.An
embarrassedShivabeggedtheblackmanforasolutiontoourproblem.Hetriedtoshoveusaway,butShivawaspersistent.Finally,theblackmanbidgoodbyetohisfair
friends.Thenheturnedtowardsusandshoutedatustoshutupsothathecouldthink.
Finallyhesaid,Seefriends,thisisasmalltown.Youmaygetajobhere,butthereisanotherbigcityupnorthwest,calledAyodhya,whereKingRamarules.
Thatcityisboomingnowandthereareplentyofjobsforcoolieslikeyou.Thewagesaregood,Ihaveheard.
Tryyourluckthere.ThereisaricebargesailinguptoAyodhyathroughtheSarayuriver.Theownerisamerchantwhomigratedfromthesouth.Iwillputinawordandifyouare
lucky,youcouldgetsomespace.
Fortonight,thereisaplacenearthetempleofKaliwheretheyservethepoorfreemeals.HavefoodthereandcomeatsunrisetotheRiceGhat.Now,donotcryforwhathas
happened.Perhaps,itisallforyourgood.Sayingthis,hepointedusinthedirectionoftheKalitemple.Anddonottakethefrontroad.Outcastesarenotallowedthroughthat
road,takethesmallpathattheback.heshoutedashejumpedintoasmallboatandfloateddowntheriver.
ThenightwespentinthecityofKali,wedidnotgohungry.Wegotsomefoodatthetemple,lateatnight.IcouldnotsleepasIcouldheartheroaroftigersfromthemangrove
junglesnearbyandmosquitoesbuzzedinmyears.IwasalsocuriousaboutAyodhya.ItwasperhapsayearsinceRamahadflownawayinthePushpakawithhisbrotherand
wife,toAyodhya.TheVanarashadcarriedoffasmuchlootastheycouldphysicallyhaul,andleftonfootandbyship,withinafewmonths.
AsdaydawnedweboardedthericebargeandsailedtowardsAyodhya.Afterthreedays,wereachedRamascapital.Thecityhadgrownfromthesmallvillageithadbeenwhen
Ihadseenitthreedecadesearlier,withRavanasconqueringarmy.ThoughitwasnomatchfortheglitterofTrikotaorMuzurisintheirheyday,therewasnowanairofprosperity.
Butcertainthingshadnotchanged.Cowsroamedthestreetsfreely,blockingthetrafficandlyingdownwherevertheypleasedbutthelowercasteanddarkskinnedpeoplewere
notallowedwhereevendogs,swineandcowscouldroam.Therewereopendrainswithswineandratsplayinginthem.Aperpetualstinkenvelopedthecity.
Weroamedaround,terrifiedthatwecouldbebreakingsomecastetabooortheotherbywalkingthroughstreetswherewewerenotallowed.AllthesignswereinSanskritand
peoplespokeinthatstrangetongue,whichwedidnotunderstand.Wewerepushedandshovedangrilyandsoonattractedtheattentionofthecitypolice.Weweretakentothe
localpolicestationwheretheytriedquestioningusinvariousways.RamaspolicewerenodifferentfromRavanaspolice.TheybeatmewiththeirlathisandkickedShiva,while
thewomanscreamedandcried.
Finally,theybroughtinamanwhoranashopacrossthestreet,whocouldspeakTamil.WetoldhimhowwehadlandedupinAyodhyaandhetranslatedittothepolice.The
policemenlaughedatourfollyandaftertheirmerrimentwasover,askedtheshopownertoenquireaboutourcastes.Whentheyheardthatwebelongedtothedhobicaste,they
directedhimtotakeustowhereourcastebrethrenlived.Theshopkeeperprotested.Perhapshewasreluctanttoleavehisshopunmanned.Butafterthepolicemanlashedhim,
heunderstoodwhatwasimportant.
Thedhobicolonywasbytheriverandstretchedfartothenorth.Themerchantshowedusthecolonyandvanishedbeforewecouldeventhankhim.Thecolonywasacityunto
itself.TherewerepeoplebelongingtoallracesAsuras,Nagas,Kinnaras,Gandharvas,coalblackbarbarians,yellowskinnedChinese,yellowhairedbarbarianracesfrom
somecoldcountries,andpeopleofmixedrace.Buttheyallbelongedtoonecaste,dhobi.Here,inthenorth,thecastesystemwasancientandentrenched.Onebelongedtothe
lowestcasteofonesparents,thoughonemaynothaveresembledeitherofthem.Raceshadmixedforthousandsofyearsbutonescasteremainedthesame.
Thesystemwasestablishedandacasteheadmandecidedwhatwasbestforthewholecasteandsoruledlikeaking.
Weweretakentotheheadman,whointerviewedusandallottedusahutneartheriver.Atenthofourmonthlyearningsweretogotothecastetreasury,whichobviouslytheold
headmancontrolled.Wecouldnotcomplainasweneededaroofoverourheadsandfood.Wetookpossessionofourhutandbegananewlife.
TherewasnoconceptofplumbingorcloseddrainsintheDevacountriesandwehadtorelieveourselvesintheopen,neartheriver.Theriverwhereeveryonedefecatedandthe

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buffalosbathed,wasconsideredsacred,anddrinkingwaterforthecitywassuppliedfromthesameplacewherewewasheddirtylinen.
Slowlyourlifefounditsownrhythm.WepickedupSanskritandwereabletocommunicatebetterwithourneighbours.Aslongaswekepttoourplaceanddidnotaspiretobe
anythinghigher,thestraightlacedcastesystemoftheDevasworkedwell.Thegovernmentcollectedtaxthroughtheheadman,whothennegotiatedhisownpercentage.No
policemanoranyothergovernmentofficial,everenteredthedhobivillage.Itwouldhavebeenthesamewiththepottersorweaversvillages.
Onceafortnight,wewenttothemarketoutsidethecityandboughtwhateverweneeded.Lifewassimpleandstraightforward,withnoneofthecomplexitiesofthefreewheeling,
fiercelycompetitive,urbanworldoftheAsuras.Thecastesystemwasbrutalandtheindignitiesheapedonthelowercasteswereinhuman,butinsideonesowncastevillage,
therewasastrangekindofequality,withthepossibleexceptionoftheheadmansfamily.Nouppercastemembersenteredthevillage.
OneofthegreatestadvantagesofthisDevasystemwasthelackofcompetition.Eachtaskwasassignedtoacasteandallthemembersofthesamecastewereassuredofajob
andtwosquaremeals.UnlikeRavanascities,likeTrikotaorMuzurisorGokarnaorMahabalipuram,wheredifferentculturesandracesmingledwherepeopledaredtodream
aboutmakingitbigwheretrade,science,artandarchitectureflourishedwhereurbanity,planning,designandaestheticsallhadtheirplacewherefiercelycompetitivemenand
womenfoughtindifferentspearsoflifetocreateamarkintheworldwheremenofimmeasurabletalentandscientistslikeMayanflourishedbutwhichalsoforcedahuge
populationthathadfallenbackintheratracetoliveininhumanslums,barelyabletokeepbodyandsoultogetherRamascitieslikeAyodhyaorMithila,weredifferent.
Thesecitieswerean
agglomerationofselfcontainedcastevillagesthatinteractedwitheachotherfortheirminimumneeds.
Unlike
the
dynamic
and
brutally
competitive,
materialistic,yetmagnificentcitiesoftheAsuras,thecitiesofRamapresentedapictureofaclosedandstaticworld,withthecastesystemformingitsfoundation.Itputeachone
firmlyintheirplace,dependingontheaccidentofbirth.Inthissystem,dreamshadnochanceandaspirationsweredangerous.Weimmigrantswouldsoondiscoverthis.
Lifewentonsmoothlyandastheyearspassed,Arasigavebirthtoason.WenamedhimShambuka,afterShiva.Theboygrewfastandwasintelligentbeyondhisyears.SlowlyI
foundhappinessinmylife.
Inplayingwiththeboy,teachinghimtoswim,traininghimtohuntforsmallbirds,Ihadrediscoveredmyyouth.IhadstoppeddoinghardworkforseveralyearsandShiva,who
hadbecomeasontome,tookontheadditionalburden.Hewassuchahardworkingmanandenterprisingtoo.Hehadbeggedandbribedhiswaytogetthecontractforwashing
thepalacelinenanditwasourtickettoworldlysuccess.Thathewasabletoprosper,wasperhapsduetotheinherentcompetitivenatureofhisAsuraheritagethatwasaroused
whentheopportunitypresenteditself.Weexpandedourhomeandaddedtwocowstothedonkeyswealreadyhad.Wewereslowlymovingupinlife.Mydayswerespentgazing
atthecalmlyflowingrivertheserene,cloudfilledskythebargesthatfloatedlazilydowntheriverandthewildHeronsandKingfishersthatdoveintothewaterforfish.Many
timesShambukaaccompaniedmeontheseexcursions,callingmeGrandpaandnaggingmeforsomethingortheother.MyheartfilledwithjoyandpridewheneverIheardhis
boyishprattleandonceagainIstartedtofallinlovewiththisbeautifullifeandthiswonderfulworld.

63Childishdreams
Bhadra
Itisalwayswheneverythingappearsdreamlikeandlifeseemstopossessaneverendingcharm,thatfoolishthoughtsanddangerousaspirationstakebirthinthemindsof
humans.Shambukawasintelligentandhandsome,butthatwasnoreasonforArasitothinkthatheshouldgrowuptobemorethanawasherman.Oncesuchthoughtsentera
mothersmind,thatherchildisspecial,nothingcanshakethemfree.Shewishedhersontobeanimportantofficial,orperhapsafamouspoet,oragreatmerchantanything
otherthanalowlydhobi.Iwarnedherthatpeoplelikeusshouldnotdaretodream.Shivaalsotriedtoreasonwithherbutsheremainedadamant.MalajoinedArasiin
demandingthatShambukabeeducated.Thewomenreasonedthatwehadmoneyandtheboyhadtalent,sowhyshouldhebeleftilliterate?Buttheboywaseightyearsoldand
itwastoolate.HadhelivedinoneoftheAsuracities,hewouldhavebecomefairlycompetentinreading,writingandmathematicsbythen.
Theykeptnaggingandfinally,againstmyobjectionsandprotests,Shivarelentedanddecidedtofindawaytosendtheboytoschool.Ididnotlikethedecision,butwasfairly
confidentthatnoonewouldteachadhobissonanything,soIwasnotoverlyworried.ButIhadnottakenintoaccountthefactthatmoneycanbreakeventhemoststricttaboos.
Shivafoundateacherwhowasalmostarecluse,livingacrosstheriver.
OntheothersideoftheriverSarayu,layathickjungle.Withthefowlsandbeasts,therelivedafewasceticswhodidnothingotherthansmeartheirbodiesinashe,wearskulls
andbonesasornaments,andsometimesstandindifficultandacrobaticposturesforhourstogether.OstensiblytheywereinsearchofGod,ortheirinnerselves,orbrahman,but
theywereaseedycrowdwhodidnotfitinwiththerigidcastesystemoftheDevasandfoundsanctuaryintheirreclusiveness.Asaruletheywereaddictedtointoxicantsanda
fewpunishedthemselvesinexoticways.Thecommonpeoplewereafraidofthismotleycrowdandwhisperedinhushedtonesabouttheirmysticalpowers.Ihadventuredmany
timestothosepartsandhadstruckupconversationswithafewofthem.TheyweresurprisinglyblindtocasteismandIwentthereforthefreedomtheircompanyoffered.They
weretheonlypeoplewhoneveraskedmeaboutmycasteandsomewereevenhappytoshareadrinkorasmokewithme.
Thatwasmysecretworld.
Shivahadfoundoneoftheasceticswhocouldnothavecaredlessaboutcastepurity.Helovedhiswinefromthecityandyearnedforsomeherbstosmoke.Iwasdeputedto
supplyhimwithhisfees,inexchangeforhisservicesinteachingShambuka.Ifoundmyselfenjoyinghiscompanyandhisherbs.Hewasalearnedman,equallywellversedin
Sanskrit,Tamil,Naga,Gandharva,andKinnaradialects,andahandfulofbarbarianlanguages.HewasalsowellversedintheBrahminVedas,astrologyandothersciences.
Shambukacouldnothavehadabetterteacher.TheasceticonlyinsistedthathebecalledGuru.
Inoneofhisdrunkenspells,hespeltouthisearlierlife.HewasaBrahminfromthelandofthefiverivers,buthadtravelledtoAyodhyainhisearlyyouth.Hehaddoneoddjobs
andwasonthevergeofmakingitbigasagovernmentofficial,butbecamedisgustedwiththecastesystem,thoughitgavehimprivilegesasaBrahmin.HewasinAyodhyawhen
RamarelinquishedhisrightofinheritancetorespecthisfathersvowsandhadwitnessedthemeetingoftheyoungDevaprinceandthesaintJabali.Jabalihadarguedwith
Rama,tryingtoconvincehimthattherewasnothingcalledGodorafterlifeorsoul,andonehadtolivethislifeandenjoyittillonedied.ButthepuritanandselfrighteousRama,
hadrefusedtoacceptallthelogicalreasoningofJabaliandhadleftfortheforestwithhisyoungwifeandhisyoungerbrother.However,GuruhadbeenimpressedbyJabaliand
hadimpulsivelydecidedtorelinquishhishighpayinggovernmentjobandbecomehisfollower.WhenDasratha,Ramasfather,hadbeenKing,hetoleratedallshadesofopinion

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andJabaliwasallowedtoroamfreeinthecity,declaimingtheabsurdityofthecastesystem.
ButwhenBharata,theyoungerbrotherofRama,ascendedthethroneinthenameofRama,hehunteddownanydissentingmenandensuredtheorthodoxieswerekeptintact.
JabaliandhisfollowershadbeenbanishedtotheotherbankoftheSarayu,andsoonothermenwithdifferingopinionsandschoolsofthought,alsofoundasylumonthatbank.
Jabaliwasdeadbuthistraditionslingeredon,alongwiththeotherconflictingschoolsofthought.AfterJabalisdeath,hisfollowerstookitasamissiontoeducateasmanyas
possible,irrespectiveofcaste.Butovertheyears,theirongripofthesystemhadtightenedandonlyafewdaredtobecomeeducated.
Thosewhodid,escapedfromIndiatothelandsacrossthemountains,toChina,ortothelandsbeyondtheseas,whereonlythemeritofamanmatteredandnothisaccidentof
birth.
ShambukalistenedtoallthiswitheyeswideopenandIwasdisturbedbythestrangegleaminthem.Later,whenIwouldrowhimbackacrosstheinkyblackwatersoftheSarayu,
hewouldspeakofhisdreamofbecomingagreatpoetwhowouldmesmerizehisaudiencewithhisdazzlingpoetry.Ikeptrowingastheyoungboybrimmedwithlifeand
promise.Thenonenight,withamillionstarsaswitness,withthecoldwatersoftheSarayuripplingovertheheartofIndiaandthesilvermoonreflectinginhisblackcurls,
Shambukabrokeintomelodioussong.Hesangaboutaworldoffreedom,aworldofhope,ofatomorrowthatwasnevertobe.Hissongdissolvedinthebreezethatcaressedthe
lowlyhutsofthepoorandcurledaroundthepalacetowerswheretheGodsresidedintheguiseofmen.IreachedtheshoreoftheDhobiGhatwhenthelightshadgoneoutin
mosthomes.Theboyhadfallenasleep.Withaheavyheart,Itieduptheboatandcarriedthesleepingboyhomeonmytiredshoulders.

64Theswordofdharma
Bhadra
Asthedayspassedby,theboydevelopedwonderfully.Hisvoicegrewrichinitstenorandhisversesbecamelyrical.PeoplebegantowaitattheGhatforourboattoreturnat
night.Hissongsreachedtheshorebeforetheprowofourboatdisturbedthelittlepoolofgoldenlightneartheshorewheremenandwomensatlisteningrapturouslytothesweet
voicethatwaftedoverthedark,gentlyripplingwater.Everynight,asIwalkedmylittleboythroughtheadmiringcrowd,withhissmallfingersclaspedfirmlyaroundmywrinkled
wrist,theaudiencesometimessungwithhim,sometimesclappedtotherhythm,orsilentlyweptwithhim.HesanginSanskrit,buttheemotionsthatpulsedwereuniversalandthe
yearningsthatradiatedwereprimeval.Itstruckachordwitheveryonewhochancedtohearitevenonce.Itpenetratedthethickmuckofreligion,casteandcustomthathadpasted
itselfovermensheartsandinstead,appealedtotheinnergoodnessofallhumanbeings.
Ashisfamegrew,myfearincreased.Itriedtopreventhimfromgoingoutofourlittlecastevillage,tomakehimunderstandthatoutside,adarkandcruelworldwaswaitingto
snaphimup,aworldinhabitedbyGodsandtheirchosenmen,whowouldbrooknochallengetotheirsupremacy.Buttheboyhadtastedthesweetnessoffreedom.Hecouldnot
betiedtoastinkingvillageofoutcasteswiththechainsoftradition.Hewasatastageoflifewheneverythingappearedsunnyandbrightandthefuturespreadaheadinfinitely
withgrandpromises.Thatwasthedangerofeducation.
Itgavebirthtodreamsthathadnolegstostandonfirmlyintherealworld.Itriedtoreasonwithhim,sayingthataspertheVedas,we,theoutcastes,werenotsupposedtolearn
anythingotherthanourcasteduties.
NotthatIknewmuchabouttheVedas,otherthanwhatIhadheardaboutfromtheBrahminpriests,whoquotedobscurephrasesfornorhymeorreason.Instead,hesurprisedme
withhisclearrenditionoftheVedasandtranslatedthemeaningforme.Hechallengedmetoshowhimasingleversethatsanctionedcaste.
IdidnotcarewhethertheVedassanctionedcasteornot.Butthiswasarevelationtome.AsanAsura,IhadbeentaughttohateallthatwasconsideredholybytheDevas.
ShambukasaidthathisGuruhadtaughthimtherealmeaningoftheVedasandtheywerenotthemonopolyofanysinglecasteorprofession.Theywereacollectionofthe
thoughtsofpoetswhohadlivedthousandsofyearsago,whocamefromvariedprofessionssuchasfishermen,priests,woodcutters,potters,huntersandmanymore.Itwasonly
laterthatselfishmenappropriatedtheVedasfortheirownmeansandusedthemasaconvenienttooltobeatotherswith.
Shambukahadbecometoosmartforhisowngood.
IwantedtomurderthatBrahmin,thatdiscipleofJabali,whohadmuddledupmylittleShambukasbrain.Evenifallthethingshesaidweretrue,theyweredangeroustruthsand
nottobeutteredeveninprivate.AndthatBrahminhadtaughtmynavelittlegrandsontosingitinpublic.Ipleadedwiththeboybutheremainedadamant.
Ipleadedwiththefatherandmotheroftheboy,andmywifetoo,buttheywereallinadreamworld,mistyeyedatthesuccessoftheirlittleoneintheworld.Hebegantogooutof
thevillageandsing.HequotedeloquentlyfromtheVedasandthenaddedspicetohisspeechwithlogicandtherenderingoffolktales.Menandwomenflockedtohearthelittle
boyssweetvoice.Theycrowdedontothestreetsandshoweredhimwithflowers.Hebecametoofamousforhisowngood.
Thenithappened.Itwasinevitable,soIwasnotshocked.Theboywasconfrontedontheroyalhighwaybyagroupofpriestswhodidnotwishthelowercastestopollutethe
highway.Theboyrefusedtomoveandchallengedthemontheveryauthoritywhichtheythemselvesusedtocondonesuchanatrociousthing.
Enraged,theheadpriestrumbledforthsomeobscureSanskritverses,whichheimaginedwouldintimidatethislowcasterascal.Theboy,withhisheadfulloftheknowledgehis
Guruhadimparted,challengedthepriestswithacceptedinterpretationsoftheversesaswellashisownversion.Bythetimethenewsreachedmeandourfamilyhadrushedto
thespot,ahugecrowdhadgatheredtowatchthedebate.ThecrowdcheeredwhenevertheboyopenedhismouthtorenderamelodiousverseinSanskrit.
ThecrowdhadforgottenallthetaboosassiduouslybuiltbytheBrahminsaboutwhoshouldusethepublicroadandwhen,andwhocouldorcouldnottouchwhom,alongwithall
theothercomplicatedrulesofthecastesystem.Theyjostledtogether,pollutingeachotherandgettingpollutedbytouchandsight,justtohearShambukasing.Theboy
questionedtheritualsandthesacrifices,justashisGuruhadtaughthim,andhechallengedtheideaofcasteandthesupremacyofonehumanbeingoveranother,basedmerely
ontheaccidentofbirth,asthecrowdcheeredhimon.
Thehighpriestsofthekingdomweregettingmoreandmoreagitatedastheboycontinuedtoquestionthem,notusingtherationalatheisticargumentsasthemasterofhisGuru,
Jabali,wouldhavedone,butusingtheversesfromtheVedasandtheUpanishads.HerecitedversesfromtheVedasandthentranslatedthemintoPrakritforthecommonpeople
onthestreettounderstand.
ThecrowdhowledandcheeredmadlyasIgrewmoreandmoreuneasywitheverypassingmoment.
Shambukaaskedthequestionswhicheveryoneonstreethadalwayswantedtoask,buthadneverdaredto.HeaskedforthetruthandI,fromthevantageofmyadvancedyears
knewwhatthefateseekersoftruthhadalwaysmetwith.WithgrowingtrepidationIwatchedthearmysurroundthecrowd.Icouldsenseachangeinthemoodofthecrowd.The
cheeringgrewlessandlessinvolumeandslowlydiedaltogether.Therewastensionintheairbuttheboyseemedunawareofwhatwashappeningaroundhim.Inthethick
silencethatenvelopedthousandsofimpotent,cowardlymenandwomen,hisvoiceroseinasweetmelody.
AchariotcameinfastandstoppedatthecornerwhereShambukastoodinatrance,recitingtheVedasloudlyandsweetly.Fromthechariot,KingRamasteppeddown.The
priestsrantohimandwhisperedsomethinginhisear.Hebecameuneasyandshookhishead.Helookedasifhewaspleadingwithhispriests,buttheheadpriest,adark,fat
manwithanimmensetorso,angrilydemandedsomethingoftheking.TheKingsshoulderssankasheheardwhathispriestsweretellinghim.Hemovedforwardasiftowake

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Shambukafromhistrance.Thecrowdwaitedwithbaitedbreath.
ButthefatpriestmovedinbetweenandsavedthegreatKingfromsuchapollutingtouch.Shambukaalsosensedsomethingandwokefromhistrance.Helookedbewilderedat
thesightbeforehim.Theboybecameafraidandstartedtocry.Thecryingbrokethespell.Hewasnolongeragreatpoetandsingerwhocouldmovementotears.Hewasjusta
smallboyoffourteen,amereuntouchable,ablackAsuraandanonentity.HelookedathisKingandprotectorandmadeadeepbow.
Ramaagainlookedhelplesslyathispriests,whoangrilypointedattheboy,shouting.
TheKingraisedhishandstoshutuptheBrahminsandaskedtheboy,Son,whoareyou?
IamShambuka,sonofShiva,theboymurmured.
Whatcasteareyou?
Idonothaveacaste,nordoyou.Theboylookedintotheeyesoftheking.
Isittruethatyouareanuntouchable?
Iamnotuntouchable,norisanyoneelse.
Areyouanatheist?
IamafirmbelieverinGod,whoiswithineachoneofus.IamGodandsoareyou.
WhograntedpermissionforaShudhratolearntheVedas?Ramawasgettingangrynow.
Dothebirdsneedpermissiontofly?Dothefishswimonsomeonesauthority?Learning,forhumans,islikeswimmingforfishorflyingforbirds.
Youarrogantfool!Doyouknowthepunishmentmetedoutinourkingdomtothelowercasteswhoarearrogantenoughtobreaktheircastedharma?Theheadpriestbarkedat
Shambuka.
Ramalookedatthepriests,pleading.Hehadthesamelookonhisfacewhenhiswifespuritywastestedbyfire.Heknewwhattheboysaidwastrue,andhiseyesbetrayed
infinitecompassionforthesmallboywhosesoulstirringsongroseabovethemurmursofthecrowd.Helookedatthepriestsagain.
Inanswertothisquestion,ShambukabrokeintoaSanskritsongfromsomeobscureUpanishadthatsaiddeathwasnothingbutatemporaryaddresschangeforthesoul,andjust
asamanchangedhisclotheswhentheywereoldandtatteredandboughtnewclothes,thesoultoo,soughtanewbody.IshouldreallyhavehadawordwiththatGuruwhohad
taughtsuchnonsensetomylittleboy.Whenwouldpeoplelearnthesimplethings
thatdeathwastheendandifyoudied,yourbodyrottedanddissolvedinthesoil.
Thefatpriest,nowraisedhisvoiceandtoldthecrowd,ThisShudhra,thisarrogantuntouchable,hasdaredtobreakthemostimportantofcasterules.NotonlyhasthisShudhra
daredtobecomeliterate,hehasgonetotheextentoflearningtheholyVedas.AndheismisinterpretingwhatiswrittenintheHolyBooks.Thereisonlyonefatethatawaitssuch
arroganthotheads.HelookedatKingRamawiththeairofamanwhohassaidwhatheknewtoberightandnowtheresponsibilitytoactonthosewordshadshiftedtothe
others.Atremorpassedthroughthecrowd.Thesoldiersclosedintoatightcircle,withtheirswordsdrawn,spearspointedtowardsthecrowd,waitingforanyidiotwhowasfoolish
enoughtomove.Acrowcawed,punctuatingthethicksilence.Itrembledatthethoughtofwhatwascoming.Ramahadhissworddrawnnow.
Shambukascheekswerewetfromhistearsandhislittle,innocentfaceworeanexpressionofsomeonewhohadtriedhisbestandfailed.Helookedtiredbeyondhisyears.I
couldhearthethumpthumpofsomewomenwashingdirtylinenfaraway,whichgaveaneerierhythmtothehot,swelteringday.Itasifsomeoneorsomethinghadbeguna
countdown.WhenIhadcountedfourteenthumps,Ramasmightyswordcameswishingdownandseveredtheheadofmylittlegrandson.
Theshowwasover.Thecrowddispersedtotheirhomes,someexcitedlytalkingtoeachother,othersgoingabouttheirbusinessasifnothinghadhappened.Ipushedtowards
theplacewhereShambukalaywithouthishead.Ramaschariotflewpast,cuttingthethinningcrowdintwo.Soldierspushedmenandwomenoutofitswaytoensureasmooth
passageforthefleeingking,tohispalace.Iwantedtojumpinfrontofthechariotandpullthemandownfromtheloftypedestalheclungtodraghimdownthroughthemudand
grabhisbleedingsword,thesticky,redonethathadseveredmylittleboysneck,andthrustitdeepintohisheart.
Instead,Istoodfeebleandwhimpering,gapingatthedisappearedmaninhisspeedingchariot,immersedinmymessygrief.
AsIstoodwatchinghelplessly,thechariotdisappearinginacloudofdust,itsuddenlyveeredtotheleftandstopped.Soldiersrantotheroyalchariotandacommotion
developed.Idraggedmyselftheretoseewhathadhappened.Foramoment,IwishedthatRamahasbeenassassinated,butthenIruefullyrememberedthatsuchthingsas
naturaljusticeexistonlyinthewistfulimaginationsofidealists.Iwastoooldadogtobetemptedwiththatkindofbone.
RamastoodbeforeadistraughtArasiandMala,embarrassmentandangerwrittenclearlyonhisface.
ThewomenhadblockedtheKingspath.Animalscreamscamefromthemothersmouthasshetoreherhairindespair.Malabeatherbreastswithaviolencethatsurprisedme.
Whydidyoukillmylittleone?Whatwereyouafraidof?You...
SoldiersrushedtopushawaythewomenfromthepathoftheGod.ButRamastoppedthemwithaflickofhishand.Mother,yoursonbrokethesacredrulesofthelandandas
King,Ihadtoprotectthedharma.

ArasispatonthegroundandviciouslybarkedattheKing,Sacredlaws...dharma...Ifyourdharmaneedstobeprotectedfromalittleboy,bykillinghim,ifdharmaisafraidofa
fewSanskritwordsutteredbyachild,thinkifyoucan,yourulerofthissacredland,whatsortofdharmayouareprotectingandwhosehandsholdthestringsthatcontrolyou...
Ramastoodspeechless,hisBrahminaidesgloweringatthelittle,darkwomanwhohadaskedquestionswhichnooneelsehadevendaredtothinkabout.Ipushedmyway
towardsthescene,butbeforeIcouldreachthespot,thesoldiershadwhiskedthewomenaway.Whenshewasbeingdraggedthroughthestreetbyherhair,Arasicursedher
Kingwithalltherageofahelplessmotherwhoseonlychildhadbeenkilled,
YouwillpayforthisRama,youwillpayforthis.Youmaybeachampionofsomesmritisthattreatthehelpless,thepoor,theweak,andwomen,likeworms,butmarkmywords..

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.neveragain...neveragain...willyouknowwhathappinessis.Thereisadharma,thelawofthenaturalworld,thatisbigger...strongerthanalltheseverses.Thatdharmawill
comeforyouShekeptscreamingbutthecursesgrewfainterandfainterandslowlydiedawayasthesoldiersdraggedherawayfromtheKing.
Thecrowdgawkedatthisscene,enjoyingthedrama.Theywouldtalkaboutthisforalongtime.
BeforeIreachedthechariot,Iheardthewhipfallonthepoorhorsesbackswithvengeanceandthechariotshotforwardtothesafetyofthepalacewalls.Istoodtherecoughing
andchokingintheswirlingdustthathadariseninthewakeoftheroyalchariot.Iwasdrenchedinsweatandstoopedbytheweightofthedharmathatwascrushingus.The
crowdmeltedaway.Icollapsedonthedusty,redearthandcriedforalongtime.Icriedformylittleboyandhisparents,formyothersonwhomIhadadoptedasmyown,butwho
wasclaimedbyKingsandGodsfortheirownglory.Butmorethananything,Icriedformyblastedcountry.Iclenchedtheearthinbothfistsandscreamed,Crymymother,forthe
kindofrulersyoubeget...worse...crymymother,forthekindofmenyoubreed...
Someonekickedmeintheribs.Itriedtogetupbuthekickedmeagain.Hekickedmeintotheopendrain.
Drunkenbeggar,Iwouldhaverunoveryou,youidiot.
Whyhaveyouchosenmycarttocommitsuicide?Sonofalowcaste.ItwasamerchanthurryingtothemarkettomakemoremoneyandIwaslyinginhiswayandtryingtoreform
mycountry.HekickedmeintotheplacethatIdeserved...thestinkingdrain.IlayinanopendrainofAyodhyaandwatchedtheworldgobywithoutbotheringaboutanythingthat
hadhappened.IalsowatchedthemcarryawaythebodyofmylittleShambukatotheGhattocremate.
ItwaspastmidnightwhenthemerrimentsinthepalaceandinthehomesofthenobleandtherichendedandIreachedmytinyhut.Iimaginedforamomentmylittleonecoming
outwithasongonhislips.Butthen,hadhenotgonetothelandofnothing,forsavingdharma?Perhaps,inhisnextbirth,hewouldbebornasahighcasteboysothathecould
tormentothersbornfromdarkerwombs.Therewassomethingsoothingaboutthatthought.Ididnothavethecouragetoenterthehouseandwalkedtowardstheriverandlay
downonafallentree.
AsIdriftedinandoutofsleep,IcouldhearafainttunethatthebreezecarriedacrossthedarkwatersoftheSarayu.Somenaveidiot,maybethatrascalBrahminGuruof
Shambukas,wassingingaboutaworldthatdidnothaveborders,atomorrowwithoutwars,asocietythatdidnotdiscriminate,andothersuchnonsense.Iwishedsomeone
wouldchokethatidealisticfooltodeathsothatnomoreinnocentoneswouldbecorruptedbysuchimplausibledreamsandsacrificetheirpreciouslivesfornothing.Therewas
noescapingfromtheidealistsoftheworld.Theybreedlikeratandinfesttheworldlikeplague.Whentheydie,theytakesomanyliveswiththem.Tomygrowingirritation,the
songpickedupintemperandvigourandwhenitbecametoobothersomewithitsidioticthemesofequality,Iwalkedtomyhutandhuggeditsdeepdarknesstofindoblivion.

65Thebeginning
Bhadra
IhadbeenwalkingforthebetterpartoftheyearbutstillthereweremilestogobeforeIreachedthevillageofmybirth.Decadesago,Ihadstartedmyjourneywithayoungman
whopromisedusanewworld.Hegaveushopeandfilledourdreamswithnewyearnings.Hebuiltanempireandlostit.Hehadgonetojoinsomanyotherswhodared,
achievedandlost.Igavemyyouthforhisachievements.IwasgullibleenoughtobetakenforaridebysmoothtalkingpeoplelikeRavana,whopromptlymademeintoasucker.
Later,whenIhadlostmyinnocenceandtheworldhadtaughtmeasufficientnumberoflessons,IburiedwhatwaslostinthesoilofLanka,andbundledwhateverlittleIhadleft
anddaredtoventureagain.IreachedsomewhereIdidnotintendtobeinthefirstplace,butIstartedmylifeagain.WhatwaslifeinthislandwithoutGodsandtheirwhims?The
armsoftheGodscaughtupwithmypunylittlelifeandshookit,squeezedit,andtrampledonit,untiltheverylastdropofbloodoozedout.
AfterShambukasdeath,lifebecamealivinghellinAyodhya.Shivatriedtodrownhissorrowsinliquorandthefamilyfellapartasfamiliesdowhentheirshareddreamswither
away.Iwouldalsogetdrunkandcreateasceneonmostdays.Thedrinkingboutsbeganasanexcusetomournforadeadchild,butlaterbecameitsownend.BothShivaandI
wouldgetdrunkandthenventoutourfrustrationsonthepoorwomenofthehouse.Wewouldbeatourspousesmercilesslyandtheneighbourswouldgathertogawkandpass
lewdcomments.Itwasduringoneofthosestupiddrunkenboutsthatsomethingoccurredwhichchangedhistory.
MyoldhaghitmebackwhenIbecametoodrunkandIknewthepeopleinthecolonyrelishedthis.IwantedtogetevenfortheinsultsIhadsuffered.Oneday,Iwasnotasdrunk
asIseemedandastheoldwomanstartedhertricks,Ikickedherdown.Iscreamedherentirepasthistoryforthewholeworldtohear.HerentirelifestoryasawhoreinLanka,her
pastlovers,herbeingrapedbyRavana,werealllaidbareformyneighborstodroolover.Idraggedheroutofmycompoundandpushedherintothestreetsayingthat,Iwas
neitherRamaorRavana,toacceptasoiledwifeasIdidnotbelongtothehighclasswhoswappedwives.IthumpedmychestandsaidthatIbelongedtoagoodmiddleclass
familythatvaluedmoralityandhonouraboveallandignoredthejeeringlaughterallaroundmeasIkickedmyscreamingwifeagain.ThenIleftforthewinetavernforanother
roundofdrinks.
Iwasarrestedtwohourslater.Iwasscaredwhentheydraggedmetotheroyalpalace.TheytookmebeforeRamahimselfashesatinhisfullgloryonthethroneofIndia.Ididnot
knowwhatparticularlawsoftheVedasIhadinadvertentlybrokenandwhatpunishmentawaitedme.Iboweddeeply,mynosealmosttouchingtheground.Oneofthesoldiers
proddedmetostandupandfacetheKing.
Ramafrownedatmeandgesturedforoneofhisministerstoquestionme.Thatsamefat,darkBrahminministercameforwardandstoodexactlyasfarashewassupposedto
standfromanuntouchable.ThenheaskedmeaboutmycommentonRama.IdeniedeverythingrelatedtotheKing,butsoonthepressurebecametoogreat.Ididnotdare
mentionRavanasnameinthecourtofhisswornenemyandsoIsaidthatIwasnotaslargeheartedasRamatoacceptawifewhosechastitywassuspect.Itwasatwistedtruth,
butthatwasthebestIcouldmanageinthosecircumstances.
ThedurbarwentsilentandthereweremanyaccusingfacesandRamaturnedredwithembarrassment.
Tomysurprise,Iwasletoffwithoutanypunishment.IleftRamascabinethuddledtogetherindeepdiscussion,asifthefutureoftheworlddependedononedhobisdrunken
comment.ItwasmorethananhourlaterwhenIreachedtheshrinewhereRavanasoldflyingmachinewaskept.Istoodatadistancetowatchtheamusingsightofpiouspeople
bowingdownwithgreatreverencebeforethePushakaVimana,whensuddenlyachariotclatteredpastmeatgreatspeed.AdistraughtSitasatintherearseatandascowling
Lakshmanawhippedthehorseswithterrifyingviolence.
Ididnotthinkaboutitthenandwalkedtothetavernforanotherdrink.Itwasonlylater,whentheneighboursaccusedusofhavingshatteredtheroyalfamily,didIcometoknow
thechainofeventsmydrunkencommenthadsetinmotion.ThePunditshaddecidedthatSitawasimpureandthatwhatevertestandpenanceshehadundergonetoproveher
chastityinLankawasnotvalidinAyodhya.TheyadvisedRamatogetridofthisblotfromhisstainlesslifeandhedecidedtosendhispregnantwifeintotheforest.TheKingswife
hadtobeabovesuspicion.Hislogicworkedincuriousways.ThepalaceparasitesclaimedthattheKingwasabidingbythewishesofhissubjectsashehadalwaysdone.
Lifebecamemoremiserabledaybyday,withthefamilysituationdeterioratingbeyondhope.Wewerealmostexcommunicatedfromourcasteandthelaundryjobsthatcameour
waywerefewandfarbetween.
Whateverwecouldscrapetogether,ShivaandIspendonliquor.Thewomensufferedandweresickmostofthetime,butwedidnotcare.Tenyearspassed,withlifegetting

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bleakerandbleaker.
ItwasthenthatourKingthoughtthatheoughttoproclaimhissuzeraintyoverthewholeofIndia.HisadvisorstoldhimtoconductanAswamedhaYajna,whentheywouldrelease
ahorsetoroamfree.Whereverthehorsewent,thatplacewouldbelongtotheKingandthosewhocontestedthis,wouldhavetofightanddefeatRama.Thereweremanywars
withthesurroundingpettykingdomsandtheyeachsurrenderedasRamasucceededinestablishinghimselfastheavatarofVishnu.Indra,thetitularkingoftheDevas,hadtaken
refugeinanobscurehillkingdomintheHimalayasandwassoonforgottenbyall.Itwaswhenthehorseenteredanearbyjunglethatthefarceofpalacepoliticscametolife.
ThehorsewasstoppedbytwoyoungboyswhohappenedtobethetwinsbornebySitainherexileintheforest.Everyoneknewitandproclaimedthetwinswereinvincible.The
newswenttoapleasedKing,whocondescendedtogotothespot.TheroyalfamilywasreunitedastheKingfoundthathisbanishedwifehadgivenbirthtotwinsons.Shehad
beenlivinginthehermitageofthepoetsaint,Valmiki.Butwhatshouldhavebeenahappyreunion,turnedintoatragictale,duetothehandiworkofRamasadvisors.They
declaredSitatobeimpureandherchastitywascastindoubtsinceshehadlivedunderthesameroofasthepoetValmiki.
ValmikiwasthemostsaintlypersonIhadeverseenanditwasevidentthathetreatedSitalikehisowndaughter.
Buttherewasnoquestioningthelearnedmenslogic.
AnotherfirewaslitonacliffoverlookingtheSarayuriverandpeopleflockedtowitnessSitaprovingherchastityagainbyenteringtheflames.
IwassittinginmyusualtavernwhenthenewsreachedusthattheKinghadfoundhisexiledwifeandaskedhertojumpintoafiretoproveherchastityagain.
Ipickedafightwithabald,oldmanwhoirritatedmebysingingpaeanstoRama.Ishoutedquestionsathim.
WhydidtheKinggointoexileforfourteenyearsatthewhimofhisstepmotherwhenthewholecitywantedhimtostay?Washenotawareofthewishesofhissubjectsthen?
WhydidhekillBalithroughdeceit?Whatwasthejustificationforsendinghispregnantwifeawaywhenshehadcommittednowrong?Whywashepushingheragainandagain
intothefire?WhydidhekillShambuka?Itsoondevelopedintoaheatedrowwithpeoplejoininginonbothsidesandviolentlybeatingandpummellingeachotherwithabandon.
ThetaverntoughieskickedallofusoutandIcursedmyselfformyfoolishoutburstthathadendedinmymissingadrink.
AfterawhileIreturnedtothetavernforanotherround,butthebouncersthrewmeout.Desperate,IwalkedtowardsthecliffwherethepreparationsforthetrialbyfireforSitawere
goingon.
Itseemedliketheusualcircus,withhangerson,sweetmeatvendors,woodentoypeddlers,andpalmists,jostlingforspacewithexcitedmenandwomenwhowantedtowitness
themiracle.IwasdirectedtowardsaspaceallottedtomycastemenandIjoinedthemtoenjoythedrama.Thesunblazedwithavengeanceandweweregettingbaked.People
howledandscreamedinexcitementeachtimethechariotofsomeofficialpassedby.ThesceneinLanka,whereasimilarfarcehadbeenplayedout,keptcomingvividlybackto
mymind.Theonlydifferencewasthatinsteadoftropicalhumidityandrain,adry,dustywindblewfromthewest,turningusintoghosts.
ThesunhadmoveddeepintothewesternhorizonwhenthechariotcarryingtheKingreachedthespot.Hewavedatthecheeringcrowdandascendedontotheelevated
platform.SycophantsfellovereachothertomakethemselvesindispensabletotheKing,whoignoredthem.Ahugefirewaskeptburninganditwasalmosttenfeethighnow.
Servantspouredgheeandoillandfannedittomakeitburnmorefiercely.ThentheybroughtSita.Twotenyearoldboysfollowed,perhapsnotcomprehendingthefactthattheir
motherwastobeburntalive.
ThefatBrahminpriestbeganhisusuallongwindedspeech,butmercifully,sensingthemoodoftheirritatedandimpatientpublic,endeditsoonerthanhewouldhaveotherwise.
SomeenthusiasticandambitiouswannabepoliticianscheeredRamaandthecrowdtookupthecheerswithenthusiasm.Sitastoodwithoutshowinganyemotion,silently
sufferingthehumiliationonceagain.
Timefroze.
Theneverythinghappenedquickly.Sitaperformedaquickcircumambulationoftheragingfireandstoodstillforamoment.Slowlyshelookedatherhusbandsface.
Weallstoodwithbatedbreath.Then,withaquicknessthattookeveryonebysurprise,sherantowardstheriver,awayfromthefire,andvanishedbeyondtheedgeofthecliff.
Afteramomentofshockedsilence,somepeoplerantowardsthecliffwhereSitahadvanished.
Ramacollapsedontohisseatinshock.
IranwithallthestrengthIcouldpumpintomyoldlegs.Iranagainstthepushingcrowd,Iranpastthewailingwomen,Iranthroughthestreetwheretheclothshopswerequickly
shuttingupandbracingforariot.Iranpastthemarketwheremenhadovercometheinitialshockandwerehurryingbacktothesafetyoftheirhomes,fearingtheearthquakethat
followsinIndiawhenalargetreefalls.
PerhapsIhadsucceededinsavingthelittleAsuraprincessatlastfromtheclutchesofacruelworld.AsIleftthewalledcity,Iwantedtojumpintheairandshoutintriumph.I
wantedtocryouttomyoldfriendandmaster,Ravana,thatIhaddonemywork.Ihadnotplannedit,Ihadnotthoughtaboutit,butIrememberedthatithadbeenoneofmy
drunkenboutsthathadledtothischainofevents.Myrevengemayhavelackedtheglamourofviolence,yetithadbeenmoreeffective.Nobookswouldbewrittenaboutme,no
poetwouldcomposeanepicinmynameIdidnotwishforsuchglory.Idancedonthestreetandrolledintheroad.Ikickedasleepingdogandityelpedandscurriedawayin
agony.BythetimeIreachedhome,Iwastotallyexhaustedbymyjoy.Ihuggedmyoldwifeandshepushedmeaway,butIpersisted,andafteryearsofdeprivation,Ihadmyway
thatnight.
Riotsfollowedandmanypeoplediedfornoreasoninthefollowingfortnight.TheycouldnotfindthebodyofSitaatall.Itwasbelievedthatshehadbeenswallowedbythethick
mudatthebottomoftheSarayu.
IthoughtthatitwasappropriatethatthelastAsuraprincesslayatrestinthelapofmotherearth.TherewasnoKingJanakanowtosnatchtheprizefromtheriverSarayu,andthe
riverkeptherdaughterclosetoherheart.IwonderedhowdifferentlythingswouldhavebeenhadIkilledthelittlegirlasIhadbeenaskedtodobyPrahasthasolongago.
Perhapstherewasnothingcalledfreewillandeventshappenedasfated,astheDevassaytheyare.Whateverdidhappenmustbeonesfate.Whoknows?
Wewereafraidtomoveoutofourshackandwatchedtheredskiesatthenightinhorror.Thenitsubsidedasquicklyasithadbegunandwewererelievedthatwehadcomeout
ofitsafe.Ramawasabrokenmannow,withoutthewilltorule.Hissycophantsstartedrulinginhisnameanddaybyday,thesituationbecamebleaker.TheKingremainedshut
upinhischamber,prayingandfasting,perhapsbeggingforgivenessofhisbelovedSita.TheironywasthathewassuccessfulingettingSitabackfromthemostpowerfulkingin
theworld,andyetwaspowerlesstosavehiswifefromtheclutchoforthodoxy.Igrudginglyadmitthathegenuinelycaredaboutpeople.Aslongashissubjectsdidnotstrayfrom
thestraightlacedpathofcasteduties,theycouldleadapeacefullifeunderhisrule.ButthemomentsomeonelikeShambukaaimedtotaketheirdestinyintotheirownhands,the
longswordofdharmawouldcatchupwiththem.Itwasdifficulttobeajustrulerwhentheentiresystemwasbasedondiscriminationsandprivilegesbasedontheaccidentof
birth.AslongasRamahadsomecontrol,therewasanuneasycoexistencebetweenthevariouscastes,sincehecommandedtherespectofthepeople.ButafterSita&aposs
death,Ramabecamewithdrawnanddepressedandtheorthodoxcaucusofprieststookoverthereinsofthekingdom.Oppressionandcasterulesgrewmorerigidandwhenit
becameunbearable,onebyone,familiesmigratedoutofthecity.Weheldonforsometimeasbusinesshadslightlyimprovedduetothefactthatmanyfamiliesbelongingtothe
dhobicastehadvanishedandwehadlesscompetition.Butwiththeslightincreaseinfinances,ShivaandIrevivedourdrinkinghabitswithvigourandsucceededinmakingour
lifemiserableagain.Oneday,Shivastabbedhiswifeinoneoftheirusualquarrelsandtwodayslater,shedied.
TheytookShivaawayandthrewhimintojail.Thus,theonlyrelationshipthatboundustoRamaskingdomsnapped.Afterlingeringforafewmonths,withaheavyheart,we
decidedtoleavethecityandwalksouthwards.
TheeuphoriaIhadfeltwhenIhadseenRamasdistress,vanished,andallthatwasleftwasaterriblesadness.Everythingappearedmeaningless.Webundledourhumble
belongingstogetherandstartedourlongwalk.
Wetravelledthroughthickjunglesandbarrenwastelands.Thereweremanyfamiliesmigratingsouthandtwicewewereattackedbybanditsandthosewhohadsomethingto
lose,lostthat.WereachedHeheya,onthebanksoftheNarmada,neartheSahyamountains
thecapitalofKarthyaveerarjuna,andthecityseemedprosperousenough.TheoldKingwasdead,killedbyParasuramasmilitantBrahmingroup.Hissonruledthekingdom
now.Westayedforoneyear,asthecastesystemwasnotsorigidandwefoundwork.Butthelocalpopulationbegantoresentthemigrantsandsoonthugswithlongsticksand
narrowmindsbegantotargetallnewcomers.Whathadoncebeenaboomingcity,soonbecamestagnant.Agangofthugsoncecaughtmeinthestreetandbeatme,callingme
ablacksouthIndian.Toescape,ItriedspeakingintheSanskritIhadpickedupinAyodhya.Thatprovedtobeevenmoredangerous.Iwasmadepainfullyawarethattheyhated
northIndiansevenmorethansouthIndians.ThecitycrumbledduetothisrampantregionalismandtheKingseemedhelpless.
Onceagainwejourneyedon,andwhenwereachedGokarna,thecitywhereMayanhaddesignedandbuiltthegrandShivatempleatthebehestofRavana,weweretootiredto
move.Wedecidedtostaythereforsometime,attheedgeofajungle,farawayfromthecitywhich,asoutcastes,wewerenotallowedtoenter.Weekedoutalivingandhad
slowlygotourrhythmback,whenMalacaughtafeveranddied.Itwassuddenandunexpected,thoughshehadpastseventyyears.Itleftahugevoidinmyheart.Iburiedherby
theriverandresumedmywalk.IwasnearGokarnawhenIheardthenewsthatthepriestshadmadeRamaordertheexecutionofLakshmana.Theyoungerprincehadbegunto
questionmanyoftherigidandabsurdpracticesdecreedbythepriests.Hehadbeguntotakeaninterestingovernanceandfoundthatmanyoftheruleswerebizarreandcaused
sufferingstothecommonpeople.
Theeconomywascrumblingasskilledlabourandartisansbeganmigratingaway.ThepriestswaitedfortheirchancetogetevenwithLakshmana.Oneday,totheirdelight,
Ramahimselfgavethemtheopportunity.AgroupofholymenhadsoughtaprivateinterviewwiththeKing.LakshmanawasinstructedbyRamanottoallowanyoneintohis
chamberashehadgrantedaninterviewtoonesetofBrahmins.AnotherMaharishiinsistedthathebeallowedin.HethreatenedtocursetheentireclanofRama.Terrified,
Lakshmanaallowedhiminandsoangeredtheothergroup.TheyquotedatlengthfromvariousscripturesandtheendresultwasthatRamaorderedtheexecutionofhisbrother
forthis
gravecrime.ThusendedLakshmana,thegreatwarriorandslayerofMeghanadathemanwhohadlefthisyoungwifeinordertofollowhisbrotherintoexilefor14longyears
themanwhohadservedhisbrotherwithutmostdevotionsincechildhood.Allhissacrifice,devotionandlovelayatthefeetofamanobsessedwithhisimageasaperfectrulera
maninthecontrolofhisadvisorsamanwhosufferedsilentlyandgravely,yetdidnotdaretocrossthelinesdrawnbyhispriests.
AsIwascrossingtheriverPayaswini,IheardofRamasendfromatravellingholyman.Ramahadsacrificedthetwopeoplewhohelovedmost,forthesakeofhisdharma.He
becamemoreandmoredepressedandwithdrawnandfinallyfoundeternalsolaceinthedarkwatersoftheSarayu.Itwasaningloriousendtoakingwhohaddefeatedoneof
themostcolourfulandgloriousmeninhistory.Ramastrucktoletterofthescriptures.Heledanunhappylifeandsacrificedeverythinghiswife,hisbrotherandhisconscience,
forthatdharma.IstillcannotforgetthehelplesslookinhiseyeswhenheraisedtheswordagainstmylittleShambuka.Hisimagewasincompletecontrasttothemanwhomhe
hadvanquished.
Ravanawasamanwholivedlifeonhisownterms,doingwhathethoughtwasrightandcaringnothingforwhatwaswrittenbyholymenamanwholivedlifefullyanddieda
warriorsdeath.Liketheirlives,beliefs,valuesanddefinitionsofdharma,themanneroftheirdeathswerealsocontradictory.Howeverthefinaltruthremainsthatbothwereactors
inagrandfarceanditisonlythesmalldetailofwhowon,thatdecidedtheheroandthevillain,intheirepiclifestories.
Astimegoesby,RamamaybecomeGodandRavanathedemon,foronewasputtyinthehandsofthepriestsandtheotherasobstinateasarock,selfwilledandunorthodox.
TheRavanasoftheworldaredangeroustothosewhowishtousethescripturesfortheirownpurposesandlordoverothers,exploitingeveryone.TheRamasoftheworldare
usedbysuchoppressors,asmodelstojustifytheirwayoflife.Butastimepasses,eventheRamasandLakshmanasbecomedangerous,astheirinherenthumanitystarts
rebelling.
WhenthehandsofRamashookwhilebeheadingalittleboy,theungodlycoterieknewhemayturndangerouslater.Deifyinghimwastheonlysolution,sincetheyhadalready
vilifiedhisenemies.TheyarethoroughlydistressedwiththeRavanastheycanmanagetheRamasforawhilebutwhattheytrulydelightinaremenliketheVibhishanas,

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KuberasandVarunas.ItisnottherighteousandstraightjacketedlikeRamaortheproudandrebelliouslikeRavana,whoinherittheworld,butthemenwhodothebiddingofthe
fanaticsmenwhocankill,maim,fightanddoanyinhumanthinginthenameofreligionandthescriptures.Forpeoplelikeme,thoseinsignificant,
irrelevant
and
dumb
nobodies,
rememberingthislessonisthebasictoolforsurvival.
Onceinawhilewegetswayedbythepeddlersofimpossibledreams,likeRavana,Rama,Mahabali,theguruofShambuka...Andweidiotswhofightforabstractdreamsand
followsuchleaders,paytheprice,always.Butsometimesdreamsdonotdieandsurvivalbecomesunimportant.TheremaybegloryinlivinganddyinglikeRavanaor
Meghanada,theremaybesatisfactioninstandingsteadfastforsomeabstractidealikedharmaandsacrificingeverythinglikeRama.Butsuchgloriesareunaffordableluxuries
formenlikeme.
Afteramonthofwalking,Ireachedtheplaceofmybirth.WhenIsawtheriverPoornaasasilverlineinthevalley,myheartleaptwithjoy.MemoriescamerushingbackandIfelt
chokedwithemotion.IclimbeddownasfastasIcouldandreachedtheriver.Ijumpedintoitscrystalclearwaterandswamlikeaduck.Ifeltmyyouthreturn.Iswamforalong
time,floatingonathinlayerofinexplicablejoy.Iwasrudelyshakenfrommydreamsbyastonethathitmyforehead,Pariah!Howdareyoupollutethisholywater?
AsIscrambledupthesteps,Isawagroupofhighcastes,gloweringatme.Iranformylife,awayfromthewatersthatbelongedtotheGods.Later,Icametoknowthatmyland
hasnowbecomeGodsowncountryandthereisnoplaceleftforman.ParasuramahassucceededinoverthrowingthelastoppositionfromtheAsurasandhasestablishedthe
mostrigidandcruelcastesystemimaginable.RamasAyodhyawasheavencomparedtothehellParasuramahascreated.Godslurkbehindeverystonetheyhangfromevery
tree,hideateverycornerandmakethelivesofhumansmiserable.
ParasuramahasbroughtsixtyfourBrahminfamiliesfromtheNorth.TheeliteofthedefeatedAsurashavejoinedthemastheirservantsandbecometheircruelandstrongtools,
tooppressallothers.Myplaceofbirthhasbecomeamadhousewithperplexingcasteequationsandtaboos.IwanttorunawayfromthislandofGod,asmanyaredoing,by
sailingawayacrosstheseastothehotdesertstothewest.ButIamtoooldforanotherjourney.IwasbornhereandIwanttodiehere.Theearthisbountifulinmylandandit
doesnotdiscriminatebetweenskincolours.Coconutsandjackfruits,rabbitsandwildberries,andthecoolwatersofthePoorna,thesearemorethanenoughtosustainlifeinmy
hunchedandtiredoldbody.
Onceinawhile,ItrektothemajesticfallsintheupperhillsofthePoornaandsitwatchingtherivercascadingovertherocks.Idonotknowwhy,butitgivesmepeaceofmind.I
sometimeswonderhowIhaddaredtojumpintothesemajesticfallsasaboy.
SometimesIliebackontheblackrockthatprotrudesoverthefallsandlookatthevast,blueskywithlittle,puffycloudssailingacrossit.Thesoundofthewaterfallfillsmyears,
alongwiththescreechofparakeets.Theuniverseseemseternal,infinite,andwithoutanybarriers.
SometimesIfeelitisindifferenttothetrivialpursuitsofmanandhisstrivings.SometimesIfeelagiganticeyewatchingus.Ihavelonggivenupmyquesttofindmeaninginlife.
MaybeIamjustafool,sincemycolourisblack.
Butoncertaindays,especiallyaftertherains,whennaturebloomsinamyriadcoloursandthegrassflowerswithasweetfragrance,Ihearsnitchesofsongsthatwaftacrossthe
river.TheysingaboutthegoldentimeswhentheEmperorMahabaliruledovertheland,wheneveryhumanwasconsideredequal,whentherewasperpetualpeaceandno
fraudordisaster.Isometimessmileatthenaivetyofthesingers.Butmostly,amixedfeelingofsadnessandhopefillsmymind.Maybeacrosstheriver,therearevillagesofblack
skinnedpeoplelikeme.TheymaybecelebratingOnam,waitingforthereturnofagoldenera,waitingforakingwhoislongdeadandburiedsomewhereinacaveinthe
northernSahyas.Yetthereissweetnessintheirhope.Thereisabeautybeyondwordsintheimpossibledreamsthathideinmenshearts.Noholybookscanerasethat,no
tabooscanbindthat,andnoGodscanstealthataway.Menmaydie,butsuchhopesremain.Iamoldandmaydieanydaylikethemillionswholeavewithoutanytraceinthis
world.Maybe,liketheBrahminssay,Ishallbebornagainandagain.Ifso,thatisthegreatesthope.Everydeathisatemporarypauseinthesymphonycalledlife.
Thereisimmeasurablebeautyinthethoughtofreturningtothislovelyworldagainandagain.Perhaps,inoneofmyreturnstothiswonderfulworld,whoknows,Imayfindthatthe
wordsofthatlovelysonghavecometrue.

Acknowledgements
Asuraowesagreatdebttomanypeople.FirstandforemostIowealottomyparents,theLatell.
NeelakantanandChellamalNeelakantan,foropeningthemagicalworldofIndianepicstome.Ialsoowelotsofthankstomybrothers,LoknathanandRajendran,who,withmy
parentsandneighbors,createdmanyenchantedeveningswhenIndianphilosophy,epics,andfolkstories,werediscussedanddebated.TherolethatmysisterChandrikaand
herhusbandParameswaran,playedinmydevelopment,bothasapersonandauthor,cannotgo
unacknowledged.
The
irreverent
and
often
mischievouscriticism,mostlyunsolicited,frommynieces,Divya,RakhiandnephewDileep,haskeptmefromindulginginflightsoffancywhichItendtootherwisedo.Thebook
wouldnothavetakenshapewithouttheheateddebatesIoftenhadandstillenjoy,withmyfriendof25longyears,SantoshPrabhu.IalsoowethankstoLakshmiNair,whotook
painstocorrectmyfirstdraft,andmyfriendandcolleguePremjeetinreadingandcorrectingthefinaldraft.IalsoowetoRajivPrakashwhotooktimetoreadthroughtheentire
storyandpatientlypointouttyposanderrors.
IamgratefultotheentireLeadstartteamforgivingRavanaandBhadratheopportunitytospeakout.TheencouragementwhichChandralekhaMaitra,EditorialDirectorof
Leadstartextended,wasphenomenalandIoweabigthankstoher.Withouthersupportandguidance,Asurawouldhavebeennothingbutafewwordbytessleepinginmy
laptop.AndreaBartonDsouza,whowentthroughthepainfulprocessofcorrectingandeditingthedraftofadebutauthor,deservesanawardforpatience.IoweMishtaRoy
thanksforherwonderfulcoverdesignandSubuandAshokofAmplecreationsStudio,fortheillustrations.
Thebookwouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthesupport,loveandencouragementofmylifepartner,Aparna.Ioweherahug.Andourtwolittleimps,AnanyaandAbhinav,
whoaremoreinterestedinthestoriesItellthanthestoriesIwrite,Ioweyounothinglessthanahundredstoriesforthenexthundrednights.
Lastly,IowegratitudetotheunknownstorytellersofIndia,whohavekeptalivethetraditionofstorytellingforthreemillennia.Andtomycountryanditsinexhaustibletreasure

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troveofreligiousmythology,Iowethemost.

GLOSSARY
Trialbyfire.InancientIndia,awomanschastitywastestedinthiswaythewomanenteredaburningAgniparikshapyrandifsheemergedunscathed,shewasconsidered
chaste.
angavasthraShawlwornbynobles
AnIndianmedicinaltreeintheepicRamayana,Ashoka
SitaspendshercaptivityinRavana'sLanka,inagroveofAshokatrees
Arrow/shaftepicsoftendescribethemashavingastra
divinepowers
HindumythologyportraysAsurasasdemonsofAsura
darknesstheantithesistoDevas,theGodsThefourthVeda,whichspeaksofmagic,spellsetcAtharva
atmaSoul
Ayurveda
AncientIndiansystemofmedicine
baksheesh
Bribe,butwiththeundertonethatthereceiverconsidersithisright,ratherlikeatiporcommissionbhang
Amildnarcoticmadefromthefemalecannabisplantbindi
ReddotwornbyHinduwomenontheforeheadOneoftheHinduTrinityofGodsBrahmacreatedBrahma
theuniverse.Inthisbook,itisthegenericnameofanancienttribeofAsuraorigin
TheonesupremepowerresponsibleforthecreationBrahman
andexistenceoftheuniverse,accordingtoHindubeliefs
HindusocietywasdividedintofourVarnas(seeunderVarnafordetails),andfurthersubdividedintovariousJatisorcastes.Castesvariedfromregiontocaste
region(eg.aBrahminfromKashmirinthenorthandBrahminfromAndhrainthesouth,belongedtosameVarna,butdidnotintermarrybecausetheybelongedtodifferentcastes.
Chaitra
IndianmonthwhenSpringbegins
Chandagyo
OneofthemostimportantoftheUpanishadsUpanishad
Ravanasswordaccordingtomythology,itwasChandrahasagiftedtohimbyLordShiva
AsouthIndiandrum,beatenwithacurvedstickeventodayitiscalledAsuraVadhyaormusicalchenda
instrumentoftheAsurasandisstillusedduringfestivalsinKeralaandpartsofsouthKarnatakaandTamilNadu
Chettis
MerchantcasteofsouthIndiacorruptionofthewordShresti
crore
Onehundredlakhs
LiterallyviewitwascustomaryforIndiandarshan
monarchstoappearatabalconyandhearpetitionsfromtheirsubjects
Dasamukha
Tenfaced
dasa
Servantorslave
Roughtranslation:duty,righteousnessetcbutDharma
Dharmaencompassesmoreitisthecodeoflifeantonym:adharma
DharmayudhaAncientethicalcodeofbattledhobi
Washermancaste
Traditionallowergarmentformen,madefromanunstitchedlengthofcloththedhotiwasalsoworninDhoti
adifferentstylebylowerclasswomeninancientIndia
Durbar
Courtorassembly
Gandhara
PresentdayKandaharinAfghanistan
SingersinthecourtsoftheGodstheywereconsideredtobesupernaturalbeingspiningforloveandactedasmessengersbetweentheGodsandmen.
Gandharvas
Inthisbook,theyarejustanotheraboriginetribe,livingonthefringesoftheclashingAsuraandDevaempires.
Abroadflightofstepsleadingdowntothebankofaghat
riverandusedbybathersorwashermen
gobar
Cowdung
HarHar
HailShiva,theGreatestGod

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Mahadev
KingoftheGodsinthisbook,itisthegenericnameIndra
ofthetribewhoarethenominalrulersoftheDevas
OnewhohadvanquishedIndraanothernameofIndrajith
Meghanada
Jambu
AncientnameoftheAsiancontinent
Dweepa
Jay,Jai
Hailvictory
TimealsoGodofTimeandGodofDeath,whoisKala
commonlyknownasYama(derivedfromtheunitformeasuringtimeyamam)
ThetraditionalmartialartformofsouthIndia,KalaripayattuespeciallyKerala
karma
Actionordeed
Kingara
Servantssoldierslaves
InHindumythologythesewerecelestialmusiciansKinnaras
whowerehalfhorseandhalfhuman.Inthisbook,theyaretreatedasjustanothertribe.
InHindumythology,heisthegodofwealth,patronKubera
godofbusinessmen.Inthisstory,heisjustamanrunningahugebusinessempire
Kurta
Indianshirt
lakhs
Onehundredthousand
Lankeswara
LordofLanka,anothernameofRavana
lathi
CanestickusuallyusedbypolicetocontrolcrowdTraditionallowergarmentofsouthIndianmen,lungi
madefromanunstitchedlengthofclothwhichiswrappedaroundthewaist
TribesfromtheWesternGhats(Sahyas)ofIndia.
Malayans,
ThesetribeswerepriestsbeforeBrahminsbecameVannans
prominent.Evennow,manyritualsintheMalabarregionareconductedbypeopleofthiscaste.
Mata
Mother
Applicationofhennaasatemporaryformofskinmehendi
decoration,especiallyformarriage
mela
Gathering
mlecha
Barbarian/uncivilizedpeople
moksha
Roughtranslation:salvationnirvanainBuddhismMrudangam,
Percussioninstruments,whichliketheChenda,areMilavu,TimilaknownasAsurainstruments
&Maddalam
TraditionalsouthIndianlowerclass,formalgarment,mundu
wornbybothmenandwomen
Nagas
Anancienttribe,literallymeaningserpents
TheonlyIndianfestivalcelebratedinhonourofanAsuraKingMahabali.ItisthestatefestivalofKerala,wherepeoplestillbelievethatthereignofOnam
thisAsuraKing,whowascheatedofhiskingdombyLordVishnuinhisVamanaavatar,wastheideal,wheneveryhumanbeingwasconsideredequal.
pallu
thelooseendofadrapedsariwornbywomenPanchayat
Indianvillagecouncil,usuallywith5membersLiterallySupremeGodandanothernameforShiva,ParameswaraoneoftheTrinityofHinduGods(theothertwobeingBrahma
andVishnu)
pariah
ThelowestandmostdiscriminatedagainstcasteParvati
ConsortofLordShiva
LiterallyLordoftheBeasts,usuallyappliedtoPasupathi
Shiva
Netherworldinthisbookitmeansthecapitalofthepatala
Asurasinexile
Poorna
RiverinKerala,alsoknownasPeriyar
Prabhu
Sir,anhonorificalsousedtomeanarichmanPuja
ReligiousritualconductedinreverencetoaGodRagas
Indianmusicalscales
RajaDharmaCodeofethicsofaruler
SacrificeperformedbyancientKingsofIndiawhoRajasooya
consideredthemselvespowerfulenoughtobeEmperors
AmythologicalevilbeingRavanaisoftencalledRakshasa
RakshasaRajaorKingofDemons
AmightyriverwhichonceflowedbetweentheIndusSarswathi
andGangesbutwhichhasnowvanished
RudraVeenaAncientstringinstrument
Sahya
MountainsparalleltothewesternseaboardofIndiasamhita
Acollectionofholyhymns/science/knowledgeTraditionalattireofIndianwomen,madefrom6
sari
yardsofunstitchedmaterial
Sarpanch
VillagechieforheadofaPanchayat
OneoftheHinduTrinityofGodstheDestroyer,whoaftereveryeon,destroystheUniverse,afterShiva
whichBrahmarecreatesit.Inthisbook,itisthenameofanancientAsuraKingwhobecameaGodbyvirtueofhisgreatdeeds.
FifthmonthoftheHinducalendarconsideredtobeShravan
aholymonth
ThelowestoffourVarnas,theotherthreebeing,inShudras
orderofprecedence:Brahmana,Khshatriya,andVaishya
Sindhu
Indus
ThatwhichisrememberedHindulawswrittenbysmritis
differentsages,includingManuSmriti,thecodeforsocietyinancientIndia
Soma
AnimportantritualdrinkduringVedictimesAncientIndiancustomwhereinagirlchoosesherswayamvaragroomfromagatheringofsuitors,sometimesthroughcompetition
tapsya
Penance
ApercussioninstrumentusedinIndia,alsoknownasTimila
anAsurainstrument

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Trimurthi
TrinityofGods
Collectionofholybooksthey,alongwiththeirUpanishads
commentarycalledBrahmanas,formthebasisofIndianphilosophicalthought
vana
Grove
Literallymonkeys.Inthisbook,theyarearaceofVanaras
mixedAsuraandDevaorigin,dominatingsouthcentralIndia
LiterallycolourbutmeaningsocialgroupsHindusocietywasdividedinto4basicvarnas,withtheBrahmanaorBrahmins(priestsandteachers),assupreme.TheKhshatriyas
werethewarriorswhoformedthesecondrungandVysyasormerchantsvarna
formedthethird.TheShudraswereatthebottomofcastehierarchytheywerefarmers,craftsmen,footsoldiers,pettytraders,dancers,musicians,etc.Belowthe4basicvarnas
werethepoorestofthepoor,theuntouchablesetc
IntheancientHinduwayoflife,theideallifespanofanindividualwasdividedinto4stages:student,householder,retireeandrenunciate.Thisformedthebasisfortheideal
varnaashramadharmasystemofvarnashramalifeinwhichsocietywasdividedinto4socialgroupsdharma
(varnas),accordingtoonesnaturaltalentsandpropensitiestheintelligentsiaandpriests(brahmana),administratorsandwarriors(kshatriya),traders(vaishya),andthe
proletariat(sudra).
GodoftheSeasinHindumythology.Inthisbook,heVaruna
isapiratewholordedovertheIndianOceanThefourholybooks(Rig,Yajur,SamaandVedas
Atharva),oftheHindus,consideredtopossessallthewisdomintheworld
Vijaya
Victory
FlyingmachinethegreatepicRamayana,speaksofvimana
RavanasflyingmachinecalledPushpaka
ThesecondoftheHinduTrinityofGods,whoprotectstherhythmoftheUniverseandistheVishnu
Preserver.Inthisbook,itisthenameoftheclanwhichworkedforDevasupremacy.
Ritualofsacrificingherbalpreparationsinafire,Yajna
accompaniedbythechantingofVedicmantrasSupernaturalbeingswhoalsosometimesthepatrongodsoftreesandforestsinHindumythology.Theyarebelievedtoguard
hiddentreasures.Thefemaleofthisspecies,calledYakshi,hasthenotorietyofYakshas
charmingunsuspectingtravellersintotheforestanddrinkingtheirbloodoreatingthem.Inthisbook,theyarejustatribethatgotmarginalizedbytheconqueringDevas.

TableofContents
1Theend
17
2Theseed
25
3Captives
35
4Guru
44
5Dasamukha,thetenfaced
54
6Devil'sraid
71
7Loreofthelosers
80
8Maharaja
104
9Maricha,thebeloved
114
10Thepearlislandbeckons
128
11Traitor

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141
12Thewait
148
13Lanka'swelcome
154
14Betrayed
163
15Poisonousbrews
172
16Thepirate'sseige
188
17Thesilvertongued
209
18Brother'sbrother
227
19Piratetroubles
243
20Weddingbells
261
21Happyfamily
282
22Revolutionaries
292
23Revolutioncomeshome
301
24Deathofarevolutionary
313
25Alittleworm
322
26Theuntouchableking
331
27Love,atlast!
345
28Anasuraprincess
354
29Letherlive
372
30Lankalost
379
31Denofdeath
386
32Patriot
395
33Sonofdarkness
407
34Riot
418
35Theduel
431
36Acountrythanksitshero
457
37Adaughter'smarriage
470
38Thetimehascome
483
39ReturnoftheAsuraPrincess
495
40Adieumaricha
502
41Thepolicestation
518
42Messengerofdeath
529
43Letmycityburn
548
44Messengerofpeace
552
45Loomingwar
564
46Formypeople
571
47Warwithoutethics
586
48Sonsaresons
594
49Deathvisitsagain
602
50Forwhosesake?
608
51Aheroreturns
618
52Aprimeminister'smission
629
53Violation
641
54Endofanidealist
653
55Kumbhakarna'sattack
664
56Whiletheypray
676
57Funeralofmartyrs
691
58Didifailasking?
703
59Iwishyoudeath
713
60Endofadream
725
61Victorsandtheirways

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738
62Lifesproutsagain
767
63Childishdreams
785
64Swordofdharma
789
65Thebeginning
803
Glossary
826
Acknowledgements
823

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