• Effectuate •

Do not reveal what you have thought upon doing, but by wise council keep it secret being determined to carry it into execution.

Chanakya Niti

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Backdrop:

In the previous part, Abhīstāda was looking after her responsibility as the crowned princess, while she missed Vrīnda who had been gone to Smaranāgarh; her mother's natal house. Her mother is the daughter of one of the King's ministers after his death King talk responsibility and married him, so they share a closer relationship with the Smaranāgarh royal family.

Characters:

Keśava: Crowned Prince of Smaranāgarh
Raghuveer: King of Smaranāgarh
Sridhara: Younger brother of Keśava, and prince of Smaranāgarh
Vrīnda: Daughter of Prime Minister of Rāthnānathi, Prasenachandra; Abhīstāda's dearest friend
Uparīkas: He is one of the governors of Smaranāgarh's division

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Smaranāgarh

The Kingdom was established to the west of Rāthnānathi. The Kingdom was specialized in the trade of spices. Besides, it was known for Vijnānaṁ Vidyāpeeth; it was a learning centre where people from all over the world would come.

Today the capital city was observing a transition. The trees sang the glories of the crowned Prince as its leaves fell at his feet to reimburse their respect to him. He was mysterious as little was known about him.

Born in the royal palace he spent most of his time out of it. The only purpose behind it was to discern the people. Before he would take command of his Kingdom he wanted to understand everything about it. He was aware of its military power, economical strategy, political strength.

A beaded necklace is made by inserting beads of distinct colour and style together. One has to inspect every single bead. If this task is averted that only a single bead could degrade the elegance of the entire necklace.

Keśava wanted these trivial details to be known to him so in future no one could deceive him. His people were like his own family and he would do his best.

"Sridhara," he called his younger brother.

Sridhara's eyes narrowed as he glanced at the letter in his brother's hand. It was similar to the one which he has written in the morning. Since he didn't dare to give it to her it was still in his room. Until now when he saw it in his brother's hand.

Thousands of thoughts emanated in his minds. Its consequence was something he had feared but he was sure about his brother that he will listen to him. Love wasn't what he was scared of, however, about the appropriate time.

Keśava closely absorbed his brother as his heartbeat became erratic. His eyes were perpetually looking at the letter in his hands. His lips twisted and eyes stunned as his brother was wrong this time. His plans didn't entail him. It wasn't time for that matter. He will supervise him when the correct time will come.

He broke the silence. "I have called our Uparīkas. I want you to look at the matter closely."

He took a breath of relief. Keśava looked at her and passed a smile. "Don't worry."

"Pranām Yuvraj." Uparīkas entered and stared at the letter. First, he ignored it but then he saw the mark at its end. He was now convinced about his downfall.

Even when a person can see his end he tries to moves his hands or legs just to save him from drowning. He would also try his best before acknowledging any downfall. "I w-"

His words could not come out of his mouth and speak for his honestly. They would speak if there was any certainly in them. Lies were the only thing he was aware of. Not once he would flinch while lying yet now he was anxious.

"This letter is from your province." He unrolled the letter and showed it to him.

"You see it. These are people from your area speaking against you."

Sridhara couldn't get anything. Out of all the provinces, he was one of the best provincial governors. Or maybe he depicted as one.

"These aren't mere words but their suffering is weaved with them. The single letter has thousands of tears. Tears of the embargo, destruction, and mislay hope. It took years for those ruptures to espoused and concocted to form themselves as the letter. Their whimper was silenced but no more."

He was angry and hurt. Angry as he realised their misery late. He was working on the matter since he was crowned but it took time to collect evidence that's why he was hurt. He was late but currently, he was not going to impede it more.

Rather than regret or remorse, Uparīkas has anger. His eyes were still proud, of something hollow. "You must be mistaken."

"I would have been mistaken but not these many people." He indicated his attendant to bring those letters.

Once they were in their vision he spoke. "You see these hundreds of letters they can't be mistaken. The grief in their eyes can't be mistaken. The injuries on their fragile body can't be mistaken."

Uparīkas cracked up while his eyes accusing him. "If that is so, then why did you said a few time back that I was best of all?"

"I was compiling the evidence. When I get hold of it I presented them before you."

He smirked. "Why are you lying? You could simply tell that you want to remove me as you see me as a danger to your position."

Keśava couldn't believe that the greed of power would make him so blind that he will go as far as accusing the future king. Unlike him, he wasn't afraid to be tested. His eyes twinkle as he was waiting for this moment to expose him in front of the court. "Then let the King and council decided the truth. I promise to not use any power till I am not proven innocent."

His brother looked stunned. He tried to alter his decision. "But you are the Yuvraj."

"No title is bigger than the Kingdom. First I am a servant of my people them a prince. Today I will testify to prove that justice is greater than anyone even the title."

He strode toward his chamber and grazed outside from his window. He noticed the stillness of trees as there was no wind blowing. We need something to keep moving for trees it was wind and for us, it was our enthusiasm.

Isn't it contradictory how we call a tree immovable while its leaves that have been separated from it moves far? Away from everyone's hold.

His curly hair came in front of his eyes as a gust of wind travelled near him. Then he noticed the trees being moving from one direction to another he smiled. That's justice if it is served timely them it takes society to correct direction if wrong then civilization degrades.

He lay down on his bed as the moonlight made his opaque surface glisten and his eyes brandished the magnificence in them.

The next morning when his brother entered his room he saw him deep in meditation. He looked around his room and observed its elegance. His room was embellished with the fragrance of flowers as the valuable stone glow when the light falls on them. His relaxed self increased the grace as a peacemaking aura could be felt.

Keśava opened his eyes and caught a glimpse of his brother but he carried with his routine. When Sridhara noticed he questioned. "Instead of preparing why are doing this meditation?"

"The calmness of mind is as important as the river for our existence. Overpowering of the thoughts cause the havoc in mind just like the increasing level in the river cause flood. When these thoughts are restful you can take rational decisions."

Sridhara just looked beside him and pointed at the numerous parchment.

"These are for some official work."

He has this question lingering in his mind so he decided to ask. "Why didn't to talk about this matter to someone? Not even me."

He pressed his lips. "Words travel faster. Any plan that has to be executed should not be told unless it transfers into a victory."

He nodded at his bother and both of them moved toward the court. When King Raghuveer entered they all greeted him. The court started with the first chance given to Uparīkas.

He made numerous accusation against him. He even questioned his morals. That made Sridhara angry but he saw the faint smile on his brother's lips and relaxed. When he was done Keśava stand up to defend himself.

"Today I will not speak about it but let the people discuss themselves." He called Kumaramatyas and Ayuktas. They were officially responsible for maintaining contact with Uparīkas.

"Pranām Mahārājā. Here are the letters from the people of his province. He has manipulated the system even didn't let us meet you. If you doubt letters, here the people from village and city. Also, many heads are present here."

Keśava presents the letters. "I have visited the place myself. He has distorted the accounts. No money was allocated to them instead it went to his treasure. If you would go there you would see it yourself. I plead you to visit there personally and see the condition. King should not be dependent on the ministers who aren't credible. Also, I have a request to let people decide whom they want next Uparīkas."

The court was dismissed and King decided to go there but without telling anyone. Rumours were spread that he was ill so no one would expect his visit. He was going to visit after ten days.

"Jyeṣṭha can I ask one thing?"

His brother signified to continue. "Why sometimes we take time to speak our heart?"

"As in?"

"To express our love. Why some moments are wrong for it? When is it correct to accept the love which the heart has already accepted?"

He knew about whom he was asking but instead of interrupting he just answered what was asked to him. "You need to bring both self and your heart at the same level and then consider your love. They are many things that will hold you back but once you let them control you it's hard to move forward. Never be doubtful of yourself if it's the truth then it will win."

He walked for there but stopped and looked back as he whispered.

"Remember to say it before it's too late."

From there he went away to his Chamber, where he was always in the presence of the manuscripts that included the Upadeśa of greatest rishi, from where he comprehended to love. His love wasn't restricted but to every people of his Rāṣṭra. His affection was to be equally dispersed and to ensure serenity and prosperity.

There he realised the love, love that was in itihāsa. That Kṛṣṇa had for his people, for them was prepared to establish Dvārakā. He was ready to be condemned but not inclined to mislay the life of his people. To be devoted as king and as a friend like him.

For where he learned to love; Upaniṣad. They told him his real identity, not confining physical attributes, and told him that the power that he held was within this body but the soul was always conscious, all-knowing and then what was left to tell apart. Yet, he was here and that was to sustain the peace, in the rāṣṭra

Uparīkas is the name of provincial governors.

Rāṣṭra is Kingdom

Upadeśa are the teachings

Kumaramatyas and Ayuktas are groups of officials.

Jyeṣṭha is the elder brother

Yuvraj has crowned Prince and Yuvrani is crowned Princess.

Rajkumar is the son of the king.

***

How was it?

Views about Keśava?

Also if you feel that any scene can be written better or expand do tell me so I can work upon it.

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