The sun’s rays wrapped him in a golden cocoon of warmth and light. Warmth and light, thought Vasusena, as he opened his eyes and made one final bow with folded palms. Warmth and light was what his father gave in abundance to all. He turned with a smile and the smile froze on his lips … More An Unexpected Twist…. Chapter Eighteen
Suyodhana woke up suddenly. He did not know what it was that woke him. He felt disoriented. He shook his head. He tried to sit up. Silk! His hands touched the silken sheets on which he was lying. He looked around. He was in his room. The contours were so familiar to him. He rose … More An Unexpected Twist…. Chapter Seventeen
Vasusena sat on the verandah of the little inn. The physician had told him that both the soldier and Kunti would be all right in a couple of days. Kunti, though unhurt, had been severely dehydrated. Vasusena had sent a message to Bheeshma regarding the ambush and another message to Dhritarashtra also regarding the news … More An Unexpected Twist… Chapter Sixteen
Suyodhana came to slowly. For a moment he could not know where he was. He could see the night-sky above him, the moon shone brightly and the stars winked at him. He wondered if he was back in his room at Hastinapura, but the moon was wrong. This was a half moon, not the full … More An Unexpected Twist…. Chapter Fifteen
Vasusena had got the soldier to the nearest village and left him with the physician before going back. He knew he was losing time, but he could not leave the man there to die. Neither of his wounds were fatal. Loss of blood and dehydration were the cause for his weakened condition. Under the circumstances, … More An Unexpected Twist…. Chapter Fourteen
Suyodhana was having a weird dream. He was seeing a battlefield. Lakshmana was there with him. They were fighting. Then Lakshmana dropped his weapons. “I’m really tired, father.” He said. “But this is a battle, son!” “So? Dying in battle is glorious, isn’t it? I don’t want to fight now. I want to die and … More An Unexpected Twist…. Chapter Thirteen
Vasusena slept soundly and woke refreshed. He worshipped the sun, bathed and dressed. It was while having breakfast that he remembered that he had not given the message about Kunti’s arrival. Yudhistira sent for him soon and he was informed that they would be breaking camp and leaving for Indraprastha within the week. He gave … More An Unexpected Twist… Chapter Twelve
A day and a half’s hard riding brought Vasusena to the Pandava camp. The sentry at the entrance stopped him. “I am Vasusena, an envoy of King Dhritarashtra. I have a message for King Yudhistira.” The sentry led him to a tent where he had to wait till messages were sent to Yudhistira. He was … More An Unexpected Twist…. Chapter Eleven
Suyodhana looked moodily at the ground. It was dry. He looked up at the sky. It was raining. And no ordinary rain either, by the looks of it. The trees outside the clearing were swaying in the wind. Lightning lit up the forest beyond. He could hear the thunder too. Inside the clearing where they … More An Unexpected Twist…. Chapter Ten
Not much debate happened over Krishna’s message. The King would have given Hastinapura too to Yudhistira if that would bring his son back. And Vasusena, Sakuni and Duhsasana were also of the same mind. Bheeshma, Drona and Vidura were openly relieved. The agreement was written by Vidura and Dhritarashtra placed the royal seal on it. … More An Unexpected Twist…. Chapter Nine
