Epic Retold: The Mahabharata in Tweets by Chindu Sreedharan

Author:Chindu Sreedharan [Sreedharan, Chindu]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2014-12-15T05:00:00+00:00

THE NEW RAVANA

EPISODE

23 TWEETS

58

I wait impatiently for Yudhistira to finish. He has spent the morning closeted with yet another pilgrim who wandered into our camp.

With the twelfth year nearing its end, there is much to be done. Yet my brother has no time left after his endless discussions on morality!

When the old pilgrim finally leaves, Yudhistira summons me. He has a pleased look on his face.

‘The Kauravas deferred Duryodhana’s coronation—as expected,’ he says. ‘They conducted a grand religious ceremony instead.’

Undeterred by my lack of response, he continues, ‘I am told eighteen major rulers attended, and they have promised to support him.

‘Now, he has sent Karna to several kingdoms. King Rukma of Vidarbha has refused him, but I hear some northern rulers received him well.’

I look at my brother in astonishment. He laughs. ‘Yes, that old brahmin is a spy I engage! Did you not know holy men make the best spies?

‘They can go anywhere they please without arousing suspicion. Kings and courtiers welcome them, soldiers seek their blessings!

‘And when they come to me, no one takes notice. Because they come to Yudhistira, the weak king wedded to scriptures, not statecraft!’

The years of cross-legged discussions with wandering old men—so there was a purpose to it all? I look at Yudhistira with new respect.

‘Word has also arrived from Krishna,’ Yudhistira continues. ‘Preparations for our year in disguise are complete. We need to reach Matsya …’

’ Leaving Yudhistira, I seek out Arjuna to share the news. He is in the archery area we had constructed together, some distance from the camp.

Since his return, he has spent much of his time here, perfecting the use of his new weapons. He listens intently. He asks:

‘Five men and one woman joining Virata’s staff—even if we arrive separately, surely it will raise the suspicion of Kaurava spies?’

‘Who says it will be us six alone?’ I ask, smiling. ‘Some of Krishna’s men will be arriving there at the same time.

‘And it will happen in other courts, in several kingdoms. Duryodhana’s men will have to work very hard to find us!’

I tell Arjuna about the new identities Yudhistira and Krishna have planned for us. I would be Vallabha, seeking employment as a cook.

Nakula would pretend to be a stableman. Sahadeva would try to find work as a cowherd.

Arjuna smiles humourlessly when I tell him Yudhistira plans to seek a job in King Virata’s gambling chamber. His new name would be Kangan.

Draupadi would join the court as Malini, a companion maid for Virata’s wife Sudeshna.

‘And I?’ Arjuna asks.

‘You will be Brihannala, the eunuch!’ I say, laughing. ‘You will teach music and dance to the king’s daughter!’

Arjuna too bursts out laughing. ‘I must remember to shave! And walk with mincing steps!’ He demonstrates. ‘See? Easy!’

Easy of mind with the knowledge Yudhistira is thinking our future through, I return to weapons training with greater energy.

Some days, I join Arjuna with the bow. Now I am almost as proficient with my left hand as my right. And faster than I ever have been.

Today, though, I am on my own.

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