Avishi by Saiswaroopa Iyer

Author:Saiswaroopa Iyer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

“It is a rare privilege, Great One. We haven’t had many from the famed forest of Naimisha grace us in the past,” Khela started the conversation as soon as Anudatta had ushered the rishi into his presence. “I am grateful to you, my friend,” he nodded at Anudatta.

The rishi’s brows knitted before he smiled and raised his right hand in an unspoken blessing.

“The last time we had someone from Naimisha was when the Smriti was last conveyed,” Anudatta filled in with the information that Khela seemed to not recollect. “During the time of King Ugra.”

The rishi noticed the momentary darkness that clouded Khela’s eyes.

“The travelling rishis study the way of life of commoners and kings across the land, Rajan. We aren’t keen on receiving royal courtesies as much as we are about gathering knowledge.”

“What kind of knowledge, Great One?”

“Of people and practices, of causes and effects, of prosperity and poverty and much more.” The rishi paused and turned to look at Anudatta and then back at the king and continued, “Of what drives the people to do what they do, in being how they are, which affects what happens to them, across various settlements of Jambudvipa.”

“In other words, a clandestine reporting of whether kings rule their kingdoms well enough,” Khela put forth his understanding. “I am aware of the power that the rishis of Naimisha wield upon the rulers of Jambudvipa. I also heard that these rishis can cause the rules to change.”

“The rishis wield knowledge, Rajan. The knowledge collected from incessant observation. They wield the will. The will to formulate and monitor the code that ensures larger well-being. They wield the endeavour. The endeavour to stay above the temptations that could make them stray from the path of steadfastness to their goal. The goal of dharma, the universal order of balance and wellness.”

Khela and Anudatta took some time to digest the rishi’s words.

“Did you find anything on the streets of Vrishabhavati that I, as the king, deserve to know, Great One?” Khela’s voice had assumed the usual slant of being shadowed by some hidden meaning.

Anudatta glanced at the rishi with apprehension and said, “I am afraid, My King, our men have given quite an unpleasant welcome to the Great Rishi. They mistook him for a spy. I think we owe him a couple of peaceful days in Vrishabhavati if we expect a favourable opinion.”

Khela’s forehead wrinkled with regret as he brought his palm across his face. “What do I say now, Great One! An apology would not suffice. Please let me make up for our horrible transgression by hosting you in the palace itself.”

From the corner of his eye, the rishi caught Anudatta give a slight shake of his head. He waved away Khela’s apology. “I am just glad that your soldiers’ fears did not prove true, Rajan. Looks like the presence of spies could potentially damage Vrishabhavati?”

“By the grace of all gods, there is nothing for us to fear, Great One. But Vrishabhavati suffers from a long-drawn curse with dacoits and traitors masquerading as rebels, assassinating kings and disturbing the peace.

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