‘But...’
‘I’m going. Take care of Kartik. If all goes well, I will be back by nightfall.’
The ships turned the last meander of the Ganga to emerge a short distance from the legendary gates of Branga.
‘By the Holy Lake!’ whispered Shiva in awe.
Even the Meluhans, used to their own renowned engineering skills and celebrated monuments, were dumbstruck.
The gates gleamed in the midday sun, having been built almost entirely of the newly discovered metal, iron. The barrier was spread across the river, and it extended additionally into fort walls along the banks which ran a further hundred kilometres inland. This was to prevent anyone from dismantling a smaller ship, carrying it across land and then reassembling it on the other side. There were no roads at the Branga border. The Ganga was the only way in. And anyone stupid enough to go deep into the jungle would probably be killed by wild animals and disease before meeting any Branga man.
The barrier’s base was a cage built of iron, which allowed the waters of the mighty Ganga to flow through, but prevented any person or large fish from swimming through underwater. The barrier had, oddly enough, five open spaces in between, to allow five ships to sail through simultaneously. It seemed odd at first sight because it appeared that a fast cutter could just race through the gap before any Branga could attack it.
‘That seems bizarre,’ said Bhagirath. ‘Why build a barrier and then leave openings through it?’
‘Those aren’t openings, Bhagirath,’ said Shiva. ‘They are traps.’
Shiva pointed at a Branga ship that had just entered the gates. At the beginning of the opening was a deep pool of water with a base made of water-proofed teak, into which the ship had sailed in. There was a cleverly designed pump system that allowed the waters of the Ganga to come into the pool. This raised the ship to the correct height. And then, they saw the fearsome magic of the gates of Branga. Two thick iron platforms rapidly extended from both sides of the pool onto the ship, fitting onto the groove on the extended iron base at the bottom of the hull. The platform had rollers on its edge which fit snugly within the channel of the iron base of the ship.
Shiva looked at Parvateshwar. ‘So that’s why Divodas built the base at the bottom of our hulls.’
Parvateshwar nodded in awe. ‘The platforms extended with such rapid force. If we didn’t have the iron base at the bottom, it would just crush the hull of our ship.’
Iron chains were being fitted onto the hooks on the hull of the ship. The chains were then attached to a strange looking machine which appeared to be like a medley of pulleys.
‘But what animal did they use to make the platform move so fast?’ asked Bhagirath. ‘This force is beyond any animal’s capability. Even a herd of elephants!’
Shiva pointed to the Branga ship. The pulleys had started moving with rapid force, extending the chains, pulling the vessel forward. The rollers on the platform permitted the ship to move with minimum friction, allowing it to maintain its amazing speed.
‘My God!’ whispered Bhagirath again. ‘Look at that! What animal can make the pulleys move so quickly?’
‘It’s a machine,’ said Shiva. ‘Divodas had told me about some accumulator machines, which store the energy of various animals over hours and then release them in seconds.’
Bhagirath frowned.
‘Look,’ said Shiva.
A massive cylinder of rock was coming down rapidly. Next to it was another similar cylinder, being slowly pushed up by pulleys, as twenty bulls, yoked to the machine, gradually went around it in circles.
‘The bulls are charging the machine with hours of labour,’ said Shiva. ‘The massive rock is locked at a height. When the platform is to be extended or a ship pulled, they remove the lock on the rock. It comes crashing down, the momentum releasing a tremendous force that propels the platforms.’
‘By the great Lord Indra,’ said Bhagirath. ‘A simple design. But so brilliant!’
Shiva nodded. He turned towards the Branga office at the entry gates.
Their ships had anchored close to the gates. Divodas had already stepped off to negotiate with the Branga Officer in-charge.
‘Why are you back so soon? You have enough medicines for a year.’
Divodas was shocked at the manner in which Major Uma was speaking. She was always strict, but never rude. He had been delighted that she had been posted at the gates. Though he hadn’t met her in years, they had been friends a long time back. He had thought he could use his friendship with her to gain easy passage into Branga.
‘What is the matter, Uma?’ asked Divodas.
‘It is Major Uma. I am on duty.’
‘I’m sorry Major. I meant no disrespect.’
‘I can’t let you go back unless you give me a good reason.’
‘Why would I need a reason to enter my own country?’
‘This is not your country anymore. You chose to abandon it. Kashi is your land. Go back there.’
‘Major Uma, you know I had no choice. You know the risks to the life of my child in Branga.’
‘You think those who live in Branga don’t? You think we don’t love our children? Yet we choose to live in our own land. You suffer the consequences of your choice.’
Divodas realised this was getting nowhere. ‘I have to meet the King on a matter of national importance.’
Uma narrowed her eyes. ‘Really? I guess the King has some important business dealings with Kashi, right?’
Divodas breathed in deeply. ‘Major Uma, it is very important that I meet the King. You must trust me.’
‘Unless you are carrying the Queen of the Nagas herself on one of your ships, I can’t see anything important enough to let you through!’
‘I’m carrying someone far more important than the Queen of the Nagas.’
‘Kashi has really improved your sense of humour, Divodas,’ sneered Uma. ‘I suggest you turn back and shine your supreme light somewhere else.’
The snide pun on Kashi’s name convinced Divodas that he was facing a changed Uma. An angry and bitter Uma, incapable of listening to reason. He had no choice. He had to get the Neelkanth. He knew Uma used to believe in the legend.
‘I’ll come back with the person who is more important than the Queen of the Nagas herself,’ said Divodas, turning to leave.
The small cutter had just docked at the Branga office. Divodas alit first. Followed by Shiva, Parvateshwar, Bhagirath, Drapaku and Purvaka.
Uma, standing outside her office, sighed. ‘You really don’t give up, do you?’
‘This is very important, Major Uma,’ said Divodas.
Uma recognised Bhagirath. ‘Is this the person? You think I should break the rules for the Prince of Ayodhya?’
‘He is the Prince of Swadweep, Major Uma. Don’t forget that. We send tribute to Ayodhya.’
‘So you are more loyal to Ayodhya as well now? How many times will you abandon Branga?’
‘Major, in the name of Ayodhya, I respectfully ask you to let us pass,’ said Bhagirath, trying hard not to lose his temper. He knew the Neelkanth did not want any bloodshed.
‘Our terms of the Ashwamedh treaty were very clear, Prince. We send you a tribute annually. And Ayodhya never enters Branga. We have maintained our part of the agreement. The orders to me are to help you maintain your part of the bargain.’
Shiva stepped forward. ‘If I may...’
Uma was at the end of her patience. She stepped forward and pushed Shiva. ‘Get out of here.’
‘UMA!’ Divodas pulled out his sword.
Bhagirath, Parvateshwar, Drapaku and Purvaka too drew out their swords instantly.
‘I will kill your entire family for this blasphemy,’ swore Drapaku.
‘Wait!’ said Shiva, his arms spread wide, stopping his men.
Shiva turned towards Uma. She was staring at him, shocked. The angvastram that he had wrapped around his body for warmth had come undone, revealing his neel kanth, the prophesied blue throat. The B
ranga soldiers around Uma immediately went down on their knees, heads bowed in respect, tears flooding their eyes. Uma continued to stare, her mouth half open.
Shiva cleared his throat. ‘I really need to pass through, Major Uma. May I request your cooperation?’
Uma’s face turned mottled red. ‘Where the hell have you been?’
Shiva frowned.
Uma bent forward, tears in her eyes, banging her small fists on Shiva’s well-honed chest. ‘Where the hell have you been? We have been waiting! We have been suffering! Where the hell have you been?’
Shiva tried to hold Uma, to comfort her. But she sank down holding Shiva’s leg, wailing. ‘Where the hell have you been?’
A concerned Divodas turned to another Branga friend also posted at the border. His friend whispered, ‘Last month, Major Uma lost her only child to the plague. Her husband and she had conceived after years of trying. She was devastated.’
Divodas looked at Uma with empathy, understanding her angst. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what would happen to him if he lost his baby.
Shiva, who had heard the entire conversation, squatted. He cradled Uma in the shelter of his arms, as though trying to give her his strength.
‘Why didn’t you come earlier?’ Uma kept crying, inconsolable.
Chapter 11
The Mystery of the
Eastern Palace
Sati was resting on the sandbank in the middle of the Ganga. She kept low to avoid being seen from the Eastern palace. Her brown clothes, an effective camouflage.
She kept her breathing steady, rejuvenating her tired muscles. Reaching back, she again checked the hold on her sword and shield. It was secure on her back. She didn’t want it slipping out into the Ganga, leaving her defenceless when she entered the palace.
Reaching to her side, she pulled out a small pouch. She ate the fruit inside quickly. Once done, she tucked the empty pouch back. Then slipped quietly back into the Ganga.
A little while later Sati crept gradually onto the eastern banks. Far from the well guarded ghats of the palace, where the King’s boats had been anchored, was a concealed drain. It was impossible to see from anywhere in Kashi or the Ganga. But the elevation of the palace that was Sati’s quarters for the duration of her visit to the city, the only building of that height in Kashi, allowed her to chance upon it. She crept slowly into the foliage, suspecting the channel was behind it.
She quietly slipped into the drain, swimming with powerful strokes towards the palace. The drain was surprisingly clean. Not too many people in the palace perhaps. Closer to the palace wall, the drain disappeared underground. Sati dived underwater. Metal bars protected the drain opening near the palace premises. Sati pulled out a file from her pouch and started cutting away at the bar. She only went up for air when her lungs started burning for oxygen. She dived back and continued filing the rusty, old metal bars. With only five trips up for air, Sati was able to cut through two of the rods, space enough for her to slip through.
Sati emerged along the western wall of the palace to find herself in a breathtaking garden. The area was completely deserted. Perhaps nobody expected an intruder from this end. While the ground was covered with lush green grass, flowers and trees appeared to have been allowed to go wild, giving the garden the appearance of a barely restrained forest. Picturesque and natural.
Sati hurried through the garden, careful not to step on any dried twigs. She reached a side entrance and walked in.
The eeriness of the palace was starting to get her. There was no sound. No servants toiling away. No sounds of royalty making merry. No sounds of birds in the garden. Nothing. It was like she had stepped into a vacuum.
She hurried through the corridors. Not finding anyone to obstruct or challenge her, she went through the luxurious palace, which looked like it had never been lived in!
Suddenly she heard the soft sounds of laughter. She crept in that direction.
The corridor opened into the main courtyard. Sati hid behind a pillar. She could see King Athithigva sitting in the centre on a throne. Standing next to him were his wife and son. Three ancient-looking attendants, who Sati had never seen before, stood next to them, holding puja thalis with all the necessary accoutrements for a rakhi ceremony, including the sacred thread itself.
Why is he getting his rakhi tied here?
And then, a woman stepped forward.
Sati’s breathing stopped in horror.
Naga!
The entire crew on all five ships was crowded on the port and starboard side, watching the operation with awe and wonder. Shiva’s men were completely astounded by the Branga gates. They had seen the platform close in on their ship with frightening force. Then the hooks were secured to the chains. The Brangas, after the go-ahead from the respective ship captains, began towing the fleet.
Shiva was standing aft, looking at the office at the gate entrance.
Every Branga not working on the gate machinery was on his knees, paying obeisance to the Neelkanth. But Shiva was staring at a broken woman curled up against the wall in a foetal position. She was still crying.
Shiva had tears in his eyes. He knew Uma believed that fate had cheated her daughter. She believed that if the Neelkanth had arrived a month earlier, her child would still be alive. But the Neelkanth himself was not so sure.
What could I have done?
He continued to stare at Uma.
Holy Lake, give me strength. I will fight this plague.
The ground staff got the signal. They released the accumulator machines and the pulleys began turning, moving the ship rapidly forward.
Seeing the vision of Uma retreating swiftly, Shiva whispered, ‘I’m sorry.’
Sati was stunned. A Naga woman with the King of Kashi!
The Naga woman was actually two women in one body. The body was one from the chest down. But there were two sets of shoulders, fused to each other at the chest, each with a single arm dangling in either direction. The Naga had two heads.
One body, two arms, four shoulders and two heads. Lord Ram, what evil is this?
Sati realised quickly that each head was fighting for control over their common body. One head seemed docile, wanting to come forward to tie the rakhi on the King’s extended arm. The other head, playful and mischievous, intent on playing pranks on her brother, was pulling back.
‘Maya!’ said Athithigva. ‘Stop playing pranks and tie the rakhi on my wrist.’
The mischievous head laughed and commanded the body to come forward, to fulfil her brother’s wish. Athithigva proudly displayed his rakhi to his wife and son. Then he took some sweets from the plates held by the attendants and gave them to his sister. The attendant then came forward with a sword. Athithigva looked at the mischievous sister and gave the sword to her. ‘Practice well. You are really improving!’
The attendant then gave a Veena, a stringed musical instrument to the King. Athithigva turned to the other sister and gave the instrument to her. ‘I love to hear you play.’
The arms seemed to be in a quandary as to which gift to hold.
‘Now don’t you squabble over the gifts dear sisters. I mean for you to share them sensibly.’
Just then one of the attendants noticed Sati. She screamed out loud.
Sati immediately drew her sword. Maya did as well. But the heads hadn’t come to a consensus. She seemed to be hesitating. Ultimately, the docile head won. She ran behind her brother. Athithigva’s wife and son stood rooted to their spot.
Athithigva however was staring hard at Sati, eyes defiant, arm protectively drawn around his sister.
‘Your Highness,’ said Sati. ‘What is the meaning of this?’
‘I’m only getting a rakhi tied by my sister, My Lady,’ said Athithigva.
‘You are sheltering a Naga. You are hiding this from your people. This is wrong.’
‘She is my sister, My Lady.’
‘But she is a Naga!’
‘I don’t care. All I know is that she is my sister. I
am sworn to protect her.’
‘But she should be in the Naga territory.’
‘Why should she be with those monsters?’
‘Lord Rudra would not have allowed this.’
‘Lord Rudra said judge a person by his karma, not his appearance.’
Sati kept quiet, troubled.
Maya suddenly stepped forward. The aggressive personality had come up front. The docile one seemed to be struggling to pull the body back.
‘Let me go!’ screamed the aggressive one.
The docile head capitulated. Maya moved forward and dropped her sword, not wanting to convey any threat.
‘Why do you hate us?’ said the Naga’s aggressive head.
Sati stood dumbfounded. ‘I don’t hate you... I was just talking about the rules to be followed...’
‘Really? So rules made thousands of years back, in a different land, by people who don’t know us or our circumstances, will govern every aspect of our life?’
Sati kept silent.
‘You think that is how Lord Ram would have liked it?’
‘Lord Ram ordered his followers to obey the rules.’
‘He also said rules are not an end in itself. They are made to create a just and stable society. But what if the rules themselves cause injustice? Then how do you follow Lord Ram? By following those rules or breaking them?’
Sati didn’t have an answer.
‘Brother has spoken a lot about the Lord Neelkanth and you,’ said Maya. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be a Vikarma?’
Sati stiffened. ‘I followed those rules as long as they were active.’
‘And why was the Vikarma law changed?’
‘Shiva didn’t change it for me!’
‘Believe what you want. But the change in the law helped you as well, right?’
Sati kept quiet, disturbed.
Maya continued. ‘I have heard many tales about the Neelkanth. I’ll tell you why he changed it. The Vikarma law may have made sense a thousand years back. But in this day and age, it was unfair. It was just a tool to oppress people one doesn’t understand.’