Legend

Of
Rudra

Adithya Bhardwaj
Pavan Kumar

To the silence in the Universe, an illusion of calmness

Rudra, Shiva, Vishnu, Narayna, Govinda and other different names always mean a
single force the force that drives mankind. People who understood this simple
logic were called sages and saints. The others are in a race of superiority and
power.

1
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She looked beautiful...umm... magical. She was in some strange attire. She wore a
red scarf around her face that covered her mouth and neck. Her eyes... They were
an angel's eyes. Was I dead already? The smarting pain in my leg... I closed my
eyes.
***
'Who is he?' a man hissed in his husky tone. The surroundings were cool. I tried
opening my eyes but a cloth tied around my forehead obstructed my view. I closed
my eyes again.
***
'How is he now?' It was the same man's voice. I heard another person's voice this
time. It sounded soothing and calm. It was a woman's tone. 'He is recovering fast. I
used our venom'
Venom?
I drifted into a deep sleep soon after.
***
'Where am I?' I finally spoke clearing my throat. 'What place is this?'
I lay on a soft bed made of fresh straw which still held moisture in them. A soft,
thin cloth covered my body from my toes to abdomen. My eye sight had turned
weak and I had to flicker my eyes constantly in order to get a better vision. My
head... It hurt as if someone had struck a blow on my head with a rifle's rear.
A girl who happened to be in her mid twenties hurried into the one room hut,
hearing me shout at the top of my voice. She looked different, yet beautiful. I had
never seen girls like her anytime before, not in my whole life. I mean, yes I was
just 24 years of age, but that is when you happen to find interest in women. She
wore red robes and a blouse that matched her fair colored skin. A necklace she
wore, which was made of black colored beads added to her beauty. She resembled

a local tribe woman in India from those books dad used to read to me, when I was
a kid. Wait, India?
'Who are you? Where am I? What place is this? What happened to me?' I may have
asked a few more questions but she stopped me mid-way with her authoritative
hand sign.
'You need rest. Go back to sleep'
Now that sounded exactly like my mother. I believed only she could control me in
such a way and I did not like anyone occupying her place.
'Who are you?' I smirked, looking into her eyes. They were blue in color. Wow!
'You seem stubborn. You were good to deal with when you were half-dead and
unconscious' she said as she moved closer and occupied a small wooden stool that
stood beside my bed. 'I am Nandni'
I sat upright hearing her name. It was indeed an Indian name, but how? I asked
myself. I was on my way to the United States on a British Navy Ship with about a
thousand army officials on board. How the hell did I get here? How did I get so
far?
'Umm...What place is this?' I asked her with a disturbed voice, just to re-confirm
my assumption.
'The land of Rudra' she spoke with a sense of pride in her voice.
'Thank God! It isn't India. I was afraid that I'd been transported to that place... It all
sounds too strange. Umm... in which state of the US is this Rudra land? I need to
report at the British Ground Team Regiment on the shores of Florida. I mean, I've
been selected for the special ground force. A war is brewing, you see?' I spoke
quickly, grinning all the way. The idea of war just gets me on. I presumed Rudra
land was some Native American name.
'Haha... India, British? Funny names. You need to rest' she laughed at my words.
What was there to laugh? World War II was creating havoc all around the world
and this woman seemed to not even have an idea about it. What is this world
coming to? I thought.

'I need to find a telephone somewhere. A telegram office at least' I said trying to
get up, unsuccessful though. My left leg was bruised badly. The wound was still
fresh and the movement made a little amount of blood to ooze out.
'Don't' she shrieked looking at me. 'You are making things worse. I don't know
what you are talking about. But please don't move. The venom might spread all
over the body'
'Venom?' I asked, with a gaping mouth. I was horrified, Venom kills humans,
right?
'Yes, venom from the snakes of our forests is used as a medicine for dreadful
wounds'
'Are you trying to kill me? Get me an antidote before I decide to hurt you' I
clenched my fists making a square jawed face to add effect.
'Do you really think you can hurt me?' She said and took out a dagger out of
nowhere. It was like magic. The sharp knife had a strange symbol imprinted on its
handle. It was an 'S' except that the starting point had a head. Damn! It was the
symbol of a snake.
'I think I am going to sleep'
***

2
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I could feel my legs after two days' bed rest and complete silence of speech from
my side. Even though Nandni threatened me earlier, she took the best care of me,
given my life at stake. True to her word, my wounds began to heal at a faster rate
than I expected them to. Also, I was still alive in spite of the venom in my body. I
decided to ask her what it actually was.
'Umm... I am sorry for the other day. I shouldn't have been rude' I tried to smile,
politely. Nandni offered me a wooden cup that contained hot and fresh porridge. It
smelt delicious.
'I understand your situation. It is okay.' she smiled back. She looked beautiful with
a smile on her lips.
'Can I ask you something?' I took a sip from the cup. It was sweet, salt, sour and
bitter at the same time. On the whole, it was a mouth watering treat for me.
'Yes?'
'You were talking about some venom... What is it?' I said slowly and steady.
'I told you already, didn't I? Venom from the snakes in our forests is a good healer.
We use it for almost all injuries. In fact, it is what keeps our warriors alive when
they get injured at battle'
'But doesn't venom kill you?' I asked a second question.
'More of anything will make you mortally weak. In the same way, more of venom
intake will poison you. Your blood gets contaminated. The same blood flows in
both the arteries and the veins. You will have a slow death, with a maximum of six
days in hand. That is the reason only certified individuals are allowed to administer
venom into a patient's body' she explained everything with ease. Anyone could
make out that she was an expert in this particular venom stuff.
'Like you? I mean, certified like you?' I asked quickly.
She nodded back and took the empty cup from my hand. As she was about to go
away, she turned to face me and asked, 'Can I ask you something?'

'Sure, what is it?'

She hesitated first, before she said anything. 'Where are you from?'
'My name is umm... Dhruva, I am of Indian origin but I am a soldier for the British
Navy. Don't ask me why I am serving the English, it's a long story. I, along with
other army officials were travelling on the Atlantic ocean from England to USA
but something bad happened. And here I am, safe and sound in your observation' I
sneered as I said the last words. Nandni looked at me as if I had just asked her to
marry me. I liked the idea though.
'Lord Rudra show mercy!' she cried. 'I don't understand at least a word that you
said... You are one of them, aren't you?'
It wasn't her who didn't understand anything, but it was me. What wrong did I talk,
I asked myself. And what did she mean by one of them? The Nazis?
'One of?' I asked frowning.
'Don't act smart! I know you are a spy... Why are you here now? How many more
lives do you want? Won't you let us live happily?' she almost screamed.
'What the bloody hell?!' I stood up suddenly feeling the cold earth beneath my feet.
I staggered for a moment but then I adjusted myself. 'Do I look like a fool? What
the hell are you talking? And who are you talking about?'
'Show me your left arm! Now!' she ordered. She took her miniature sword out of
nowhere again. Fear took over me instantly, I was afraid if she would cut my veins
off and kill me. However, I had to obey her because she was armed readily with a
weapon.
She held my wrist with her left hand and examined it, as if she was checking
something. I felt a chill run down my spine when she touched me. She looked at
my wrist, then at my face, then back to my wrist and released me free. Next, she
collapsed on the floor, her face buried in her hands.
'What is it? What happened?' I asked.
'I am sorry' she whispered. 'I didn't know... It's just.. I was afraid'

'Afraid of whom?' I touched her hand and experienced the same chill in my spine.
What was that?
'The Kashyapi warriors' her voice trembled as she spoke that word.
***

3
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'Umm... Who are they? If only it is okay for me to know' I sat beside her on the
floor, hoping I could find some answers. I really wanted to get back to the war
zone.
'Before that' she said raising her head. 'We have to seriously figure out where you
are from' She stood up from her place and held out her hand, waiting for me to join
her. 'Come with me'
There were about a dozen small huts on the perimeter from where I stood. The roof
was made of dried grass and straw bind together with strong threads and roots. The
walls of the huts were made of what it seemed to be mud. But the structure looked
strong enough to live through a wild storm. A window was given place amidst the
thick wall to let in fresh air from the surroundings.
I raised my head to view what was like a hill at a good distance. Other than that, all
I could see was nothing but trees. The place was covered with green, fresh, huge
trees everywhere, as far as my eyes could see.
Meanwhile, I followed Nandni to a nearby open space among the trees where a
man was cutting wood from a dead log. He wore nothing but a pair of trousers that
too, they were trying hard to reach his knees. They looked exactly like boxers we
used to wear during the night hours after a tiresome day at the army camp.
'He is up and about!' he said, still concentrated on his lumber work. I understood he
was talking about me.
'Yes, and we have to talk. If you could halt your work for a while' Nandni said
without hesitation. Maybe they are close, I thought. I just hoped they aren't what
I'm thinking. I crossed my fingers.
'Umm... Women, you see' he shrugged as he dropped the axe in his hand onto the
ground. 'Let's go inside and talk'
***

'You are not one of them, I know that' he said. I remembered him a while after he
began to speak more often. He was the same man, who's voice I had heard when I
was in my half-conscious state a few days ago.
He now draped a cloth over his muscular chest and settled on the ground. I and
Nandni sat in front of him and started our discussion for the day.
'The Kashyapi guys?' I asked him. He fell uneasy on hearing the name.
'We don't usually take their name. It is considered a bad omen on our lands'
'Who are they?' I asked, stressing my concern.
'Where are you from?' he asked me back, in his strong unusual tone. That question
was finally getting on my nerves. This was the third time I was answering it. But
alas! I repeated the same again, without impatience.
'I never heard any of those names' he shrugged looking at me. Now, I wasn't that
patient to still keep low even after such trouble.
'And I never heard of your Kashyapi men or that Rudra guy' I said and stood up to
leave the hut and go in search of some person who was aware of what was going
on.
'No one dare talk about lord Rudra in that way' he roared almost instantly and
pounced upon me, strangling my neck. I struggled hard to set myself free of his
grip but it wasn't possible as he had pinned me down to the ground with his
muscular arms.
'Leave him! No!' Nandni screamed loud enough for the whole village to hear and
that was when the guy left me allowing me to cough and breathe in fresh air again.
I didn't know that some Rudra man meant so much to them. I understood that I
owed him an apology.
'I Sorry' I said as I sat upright.
'I am sorry, but never talk about lord Rudra in such a manner. Not everyone on this
land is as humble as I am' he sneered.
Oh, good. So that is what humble means around here. I told myself.

'Excuse me, but which year is it?' I asked, looking at my surroundings suddenly. It
was weird but I never thought of asking that question. But then, I had different
reasons which made me ask it. One, since I arrived here not one seemed to be
aware of the world war going on. Two, I did not find at least one wall clock
anywhere in these houses and three, the both of them seemed to be unaware of
India, Britain or USA.
'Incidentally, it is the most auspicious year of all times, the year of Rudra' Nandni
said smiling.
'Ahem, I mean... Number? Isn't this 1941?' I asked again.
'No, we don't count years by numbers. We follow the year cycle. There are a whole
of hundred years in each cycle and we call it a Yuga when ten cycles are complete'
the man said. I remembered I had to ask his name next. Before that, I had another
doubt.
'How many yugas have been complete by now?'
'Two'
'Umm... What is your name? I don't know...'
'Ikshvaku' he said, smiling.
'Weird' I couldn't control myself from saying. 'But nice'
After a few minutes of silence, Ikshvaku turned to Nandni and declared in his
authoritative voice. 'I am leaving for the city on the day after. I believe it is best to
let him accompany me. I will arrange for a meeting with his highness and we'll see
if the royal priest might figure out who he actually is'
Nandni let out a sigh of relief and all the tension vanished from her face. She stood
up from her place and began to move towards her hut or whatever it was. 'Wait for
me!' I screamed as I struggled to catch up with her. She kept moving swiftly and it
was a sight a man could never miss. On hearing me shout, she halted for a while
and turned back to look at me dragging my leg on the half wet ground.
'Umm... Who is that man, I mean, Ikshvaku? What is he to you?'

'He is my brother. He works at the royal court as the minister-in-chief. He's trained
in all modern warfare techniques.'
'I could see that' I grumbled, touching my neck with both hands and heaving out a
sigh of relief at the same time.
'Sorry about that, but please respect lord Rudra.' she continued.
'Yeah, cool. I will' I grinned. Yeah, cool cause Ikshvaku isn't related to Nandni in
any way I assumed. 'Umm, hey Nandni, will you be accompanying us to your
city?'
'Shall see' she said walking, unfocused at my words.
'Did I ever tell you?' I asked louder this time.
'What is it?' she turned her attention towards me. 'Huh?'
'You look beautiful'
She blushed. Yes!
***

4
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So where are we headed to? I asked carrying myself as I caught up with the
brother-sister duo. The both of them were swift and it was really hard keeping up
with them, also, my legs were just out of the healing days. I had decided to travel
to their so called capital city in the hope of finding answers to my questions. What
was I doing, wasting my time in some unknown place when a world war was going
on?
Nandini was dressed in some new kind of attire which covered almost all her body.
It was the same red color again which looked good on her. She carried a bow on
her back and a couple of arrows in the quiver. A small dagger was safely locked
away inside a tiny scabbard and the sash being tied around her waist, making it
easy for her to take it out at times of need. Looking at all this armory, I began to
feel uneasy if I was teleported to some other world. Where did all the guns and the
canons go?
On the other hand, Ikshvaku was dressed as a warrior in his armor and long pants
that protected him during all times of ambush, from danger that I couldnt seem to
recognize.
Our Capital city, you will be mesmerized by its beauty Nandini replied, smiling
while Ikshvaku continued, It is a long journey, will take at least two weeks to
reach Varanasi
Varanasi?
I asked my doubt, I mean, isnt Varanasi supposed to be in India? How the hell did
I get here?
Yes, Varanasi. Where else do you think we are off to? Ikshvaku asked me back.
'Dear sir, I don't know the answer to that question' I wanted to say, but kept silent
as it was the best thing to do, like the proverb goes, Silence is golden.
I began my most favorite pastime, thinking, as we moved through dense green
forests and across chilly lakes. I was in the midst of nowhere with a woman and
her brother. They seemed to know where they were going though. They seemed to

even have a clear idea of what was going around, except for me. I still did not have
a clue about what happened to me or to the world war. I just had a hope inside me
that I would find answers to all my queries once I reached Varanasi.
'Let us rest for a while' I said, panting. 'We have been walking since morning' We
had reached an open grassland with greenery stretched as far as the eye could see.
The grass beneath our feet felt soft and comforting after walking for distance I
couldn't imagine.
'Just a little bit more. It's getting dark however. We should retire for the night soon'
Ikshvaku laughed at my words. Maybe he wasn't tired after all. I raised my head to
look at the orange sky above our heads. The sun was slowly setting down. Or was
it the other way around? Wasn't it the Earth rotating?
'As you say' I said as we continued. Nandni offered to carry the rug sack I wore on
my right shoulder. It contained all the food provisions sufficient for the next few
days. But I didn't give her that, I mean, we are men, right? We never let women do
the tough part. Yes, carrying a bag is tough part for me.
***
'This smells... good' I said sniffing at some slimy liquid in a moderate sized
wooden cup. It did give out a delicious aroma of fresh vegetables and spices. 'And
it tastes soo.. Wow!' I continued. Finally, after a whole day's walk, we retired for
the night after Ikshvaku confirmed it was safe to stay there.
'Thank you' Nandni said as she began drinking the soup from her cup. We had put
on a campfire to drive away wild animals and to provide light for our sake. We had
prepared straw beds for the three of us, close to the fire so that we could stay
warm. Ikshvaku drank his soup in silence, finished it in a hurry and landed on the
straw bed, ready to sleep.
'Good night Iksh' I said casually.
'Night. Ikshvaku, it is' he muttered.
'Never mind, go and sleep. We have another tiring day to look forward to' Nandni
said laughing. I wanted to tell her that she looked even more beutiful when she

laughed but I was well aware that her brother would break my bones and add them
to the fire if I said it. I kept quiet.
'No, I am a light sleeper. Also, one of us has to stay guard. Shouldn't we?'
'Maybe you are right' she replied. 'One of us has to stay guard. I will join you in the
guard duty. Let's talk for a while.'
'Don't ask me who I am. Please... I said readily. That question gave me the creeps
by now.
'I won't!' she laughed again.
'Wait, tell me about lord Rudra. Who is he?' I added a dry piece of wood into the
fire. She moved in her place restlessly, as if something was wrong. 'Talking about
him is okay, right?'
'Yes, in fact, talking about him gives us a sense of courage and pride.' I was lost in
her words.
***
'Lord Rudra was a leader of the tribe called Shaiva, a local tribe that lived in the
northern part of the country. He was the best leader this world has ever seen.
Wearing just a tiger's skin around his waist, he led his people successfully through
hardships unimaginable. It is said that no one really knew where he was from, nor
did they know about his parents or family. He smeared holy ash everywhere on his
body and when asked why he did so, he would say that the ash kept his body
temperature under control. He had a deep liking towards the snakes and he would
treat them just like they were his brothers. He taught the tribesmen how venom
could be put to good use and how it worked as a life savior. He was the most
educated man on the land who knew almost about what purpose a certain herb or a
plant could be used for. He never hurt anyone unless the need arose. When it came
to warship, he was the undefeatable. In fact, we call him the lord of war. He
expanded the small tribe into a vast empire that extended from the Himalayas on
the north to the river Indus on the west, the river Brahmaputra on the east and the
river Tapti on the south. People in the kingdom never had problems to worry
about, nor did they know the meaning of sorrow. Lord Rudra would go on

expeditions in search of new places, new people and knowledge. On one such tour
to the southern parts of the country, he came across another civilization: The
Kashyapi clan. Their emperor, the founder of their clan, lord Vedavit, was highly
impressed with lord Rudra. He treated him with utmost respect and royal honors.
Lord Vedavit's sister Sati fell in love with lord Rudra, right from the day he arrived
at their capital city. She was said to be the most beautiful woman on our lands.
Eventually, lord Rudra's heart joined the game and when everyone came to know
about it, lord Vedavit was the happiest one as he was becoming lord Rudra's
family. Also, lord Rudra had Sati to call family. That wedding is said to be the
grandest, pompous and the most prestigious one till date. After the wedding and
the ceremonies, lord Rudra returned home along with Sati and the two kingdoms
flourished like brothers. The people grew closer now that the royal family was one.
This opened routes for trade and business which in turn increased the flow of
wealth. Both the kingdoms developed at a faster rate.
'Lord Rudra ruled these lands for centuries to come by. After his rule, came his
son, the valiant and the noble Karthik. He excelled his father's deeds and he stood
out as the ideal ruler of all times. He made sure that he never influenced the royal
family of his uncle, lord Vedavit, in any way. Years passed by and his rule ended
eventually. The posterity struggled hard to maintain the family's name and honor.
Slowly the relations between the kingdoms grew worse as the desire for power
and wealth took upon the people and the kings. A peace treaty was made by the
two kingdoms that agreed to the conditions that each of them would not interfere in
the foreign policy, the ruling principles, the trade relations or the family line of the
other kingdom and vice versa. Hundreds of years have passed since the peace
treaty but
I dont remember what she said after that. I fell asleep.

5
I have a few questions to ask I declared without hesitation. We made our way
through the dense growth of bushes. Ikshvaku cut the strong vines with his dagger.
Careful with the insects and the crawlies, just a sting and you are dead he had
warned. The mere thought of a snake crossing our path brought me shudders.
What questions? Nandni asked me back.
About yesterdayabout Rudra
Ikshvaku glared at me as soon as I took Rudras name. What is his problem? Lord
Rudra I mean I corrected myself.
Go on Nandni replied.
You said that he smeared ash all over his body. What ash was it?
Ash that remains after the dead are burnt Ikshvaku answered me.
I froze in my place. Dead people? I thought. Are they cannibals? Fear consumed
me and innumerable doubts filled my mind.
Isnt that barbaric?
It is considered holy he said readily.
In what way?
In every way unrelated to you. If you could shut up, we have a long way to go he
frowned.
Oh, that is cool I shrugged. I used my usual rough voice.
Stop it, dada! Look Dhruva, I will explain things later. Maybe tonight, just like
yesterday. Focus on the road now Nandni said hastily. It was the first time she
addressed me with my name. Suddenly, the name Dhruva sounded sweeter than
anything else, given that she was the one who said it.

6
Where was he from? Like who actually were his parents?
It was the fourth night on our journey to Varanasi. We had found an empty cave or
Id rather say a burrow big enough for the three of us to lie down in width and
stand up bending our heads in terms of height. The only reason I agreed to spend
the night there was that the floor seemed clean enough to sit down. Not that my
opinion was taken into consideration, but humans have a feeling of self
satisfaction.
No one knows Nandni replied smiling. There are a wide variety of stories behind
Lord Rudras origin. History says that a teenage boy emerged from beyond the
high mountains and led a tribe called the Shaivas to victory against another local
tribe
Oh Tell me, what did he have to do with the snakes?
Snakes are harmless and helpless creatures. They dont even have a backbone to
live with. They crawl about here and there. Lord Rudra is said to have spent his
childhood in the dense forests of Himalayas. He discovered that a snakes venom is
rich in very rare antidotes that are capable of curing deadly diseases in human
beings. He took utmost care that no harm was done to the creatures, using venom
extraction as an alibi
Wow! I managed to say. I I am afraid of snakes I said feeling uneasy. How
could someone love snakes? And the dead? Ash? I continued.
Yes, he smeared ash on his arms, the forehead, abdomen and the limbs. Look
Dhruva, everything in this world can be explained in two ways of approach; the
positive and the negative perspective. The path you choose or you are going to
believe solely depends on you. We consider a dead persons ash to be holy and we
treat it with great respect. If you see it as something
No! I understand I said quickly, stopping her midway. My mother used to tell
me about Hindu Gods. I know that ash is considered holy.
Gods? she shrugged. We dont have any Gods here

What?! I asked myself. Dont they even worship Gods here? Damn! What place
is this?
God is said to be the creator of this entire Universe. He controls everything in the
nature. As the saying goes, God is the Generator, the Operator and the Destroyer of
every living being. I said recollecting words my mom would tell me whenever I
questioned her who God was. I had never believed in the theory of Gods but I
always knew that there was a force somewhere which was responsible for
everything happening with us.
Youve got it all wrong she laughed suddenly. Who told you all this?
Umm It is what everyone believes in, isnt it? I dont find any sense in that.
But still I said scratching my head.
No! This Universe is made of the elements of life. Wait, I will explain she said
and added dry branches into the bonfire.
See this? What is it? she asked pointing her hand to the burning fire in front of
us.
Fire? I shrugged. I couldnt make out where she was leading me with her
explanation.
Fire she repeated. Fire is an element of life. There are six elements of life,
Dhruva; Water, Earth or simply dust, the space or simply sky, the atmosphere or
the air that is filled everywhere, and the fire. Every material, every living being,
everything is made up of these elements. Combining each element under suitable
conditions creates new elements. AS you are aware of, each substance has a
lifetime or an expiry period. It gets destroyed eventually as time proceeds. This is
the simple logic behind the theory of creation of life. Look around you, you will
find the elements in everything that you see, touch and feel.
Those words sounded magical, as if someone had suddenly given me the secret of
life. I looked around as she had asked me to do. There were rocks lying on the
floor, a perfect combination of water, dust and fire. There were thick branches on
huge trees, a combination of each element but wait!

But wait! I exclaimed, life! How do you explain the presence of life in the living
beings? For instance, you and me are different. You have the inner voice in you
and I have one inside me. How do you explain this?
She laughed again. I sat upright, my full attention focused on her words. How
many elements did I tell you about? She asked me back. I virtually counted the
elements she had told me- fire, water, dust, air, sky and
What is the sixth one? I raised my eyebrows. Indeed, she had not explained about
the sixth one. What is it?
Spirit she replied. Spirit, or you could call it the soul.
***

7
Everyday was the same; we woke up just before the sunlight hit the horizon and
would stop at a safe place for the night just after the sun bid farewell. Twelve days
had passed and it seemed that I had the wildest tour of the jungles. I was fed up
with greenery seen everywhere I set my eyes upon. But the fact that Nandni was
accompanying us on that journey kept my mind focused on the path. After the
night that she explained me all the weird elements of life, I was somehow more
attracted to her.
We will reach Kotal by tomorrow maybe evening Ikshvaku said before he
retired to sleep.
Ikshvaku! I screamed. He almost jumped from his place.
What is it? Did you see any snake?
May I hold your sword once? I want to touch it, please
Why? he frowned.
Just you know My childhood fantasy to touch a sword
Fine, here. Careful, it is my fathers sword. Its been in the family for almost two
centuries he said and gave me his silver colored metal sword. The blade was
shining like a clear mirror and the handle was covered with thick leather bands,
making it suitable to form a tight grip between the hand and the sword. I tried
lifting the sword and then understood why Ikshvaku had readily agreed to let me
have a look at it. It was about ten kilos of pure metal. I could lift it well, but no, I
could not carry it forward even for a foots distance.
Thanks I handed it back to him, of course, I dragged it on the ground.
Good night Dhruva he said in his low voice.
***
What the hell happened here? Ikshvaku glared at a man. It was almost evening
when we reached the village of Kotal, but something bad had happened there. The
otherwise beautiful and well maintained houses were all broken down to rubble.

The roofs were on fire and the villagers were running about with a look of terror on
their faces.
Sir the warriors they attacked the man replied, burying his face in his hands.
Who? The Kashyapi? Ikshvaku strengthened his voice even further as he stressed
on the name. The man gasped at first and then nodded slowly, giving a
confirmation. Ikshvaku growled and clenched his fists in agony. If only I come
across a handful of them now they will see hell here
What happened? I whispered, moving closer to Nandni, who now put her hand on
the dagger she carried around her waist.
They have attacked again! This has to end! They have to pay for this she
spoke quickly.
The Kashyapi?
Dont take that name! See that they have done to these innocent people. Look at
that man, slaughtered to death. See those helpless women, now lying in a pool of
blood she cried. I turned my head in the way she had pointed just a little while
ago. A man in his mid twenties lay dead, his hands tied together and blood oozing
from a cut on his throat.
What the bloody Hell?
I turned my gaze right away, closing my eyes. No, I could not look at the dead
women at all. I was in the army, yes, but we never killed women at the battlefield. I
wondered how brutal the Kashyapi were to slaughter women to death.
Another man lay dead at some distance, covered completely in blood. I moved to
that spot, to have a closer look. His eyes were still open with an expression of fear
on his face. He clutched a small dagger in his right hand while his left one there
was no left hand. It was separated from his body.
Dhruva! Nandni shrieked.

Wha I turned my head, to see a huge ball of fire flying in my direction. I was
their next targetcrap!

8
_________________________________________________________________
Move! she cried. I was fixed in my position, like a tall and strong street pole.
Except for me, I wasnt strong. Fear had consumed me. Everything around me
turned to slow motion. It felt as if the time had stood still and my life was flashing
before my eyes. My end was near, maybe a foots distance away. I could feel the
warmth of the burning fire flying in my way.
Nandni was still screaming my name while Ikshvaku and the villager started
running towards me. They were too far to reach me in time. However, they would
reach me to collect my dead body, I thought. It brought back a smile onto my
otherwise whitened face. Within a click of a second, I did something unusual. I
made the most important decision of my lifeso far.
I closed my eyes, bent down a little, consumed a whole lot of air and dodged to my
left, making a barrel roll on the ground. Sparks of fire hit me but I knew that it was
better than being crushed to death under the same ball of fire. I was alive and could
see the world moving normal in front of me.
Up! We thought youd be dead meat Ikshvaku held out his hand as support for
me to stand upright.
Thank you, for the sweet words I shrugged and ruffled my hair to remove the
dust.
They are here! Go hide in one of the houses. We will handle them he growled at
me. Now, this was way too much of insult. I was a soldier for the royal British
army and I could fight too.
Go hide in one of the houses?
Look dude, I am a soldier. Also, they tried to kill me and there is no harm in me
trying the same. If I die, tell everyone that I lost my life fighting in a battlefield
Suit yourself he sneered. Suddenly, a strange sound reached our ears. It came
from the same direction from which the fireball was launched. Due to the thick
growth of bushes, one could not see the origin of the sound. It was a conch being
blown, maybe to indicate their presence.

It is time! Nandni, bow on arm! Head over to the debris over there and dont
engage till I signal you to Ikshvaku spoke quickly and Nandni started following
his orders at the same pace.
Be safe she said in a low voice and handed me her dagger that had the snakes
mark on its handle. I simply nodded and smiled. She reached the rubble of a
destroyed house and hid behind a damaged wall. It protected her from the enemys
eye.
Now! the strong man beside me ordered and the villager clapped twice, to which
about a dozen men gathered behind him. They were holding long swords and
spears in their hands.
Are they your soldiers? I asked out of curiosity.
Bah! No, they are locals. Had our soldiers been here, the attack would never
happen in the first place Ikshvaku sneered and drew out two miniature swords. He
held each of them in one hand and kept swinging them in the air.
The conch was blown for the second time from the same direction. Brace
yourselves! Stay alive Ikshvaku patted on my left shoulder and moved to the front
line where the villagers were ready for a show.
O brave men of Kotal, it is time to seek revenge! Our enemies are returning for a
showdown. Protect your families and protect your brothers! Lord Rudra show
mercy! he screamed and the shouts of Rudras name echoed in the air. Meanwhile,
there was a movement in the trees and one could finally see men heading in our
direction. They assembled at a distance of about two hundred meters from us.
There were about fifty of them.
The odds were obviously against us.
***
The Kashyapi are strange guys I said out loud, wearing masks like eagles?
Indeed, they looked a bit strange. The men with their muscular bodies, had their
chests covered with golden colored armor while their faces were covered with war
helmets that resembled ancient Greek helmets, in the shape of an eagles head.
Brown colored feathers were attached to the top of them that swayed in a rhythmic
movement in sync with the air flow.

Wait for them to strike. We may be just a fifteen but we are strong enough for
fifty men No, it wasnt Ikshvaku this time. It was me who said that words. Yes, I
was in battle mode.
***

9
Throats and veins I repeated inside my head. Go for the throats and the veins
A man of medium height charged towards me with his sword clutched tightly in
his right hand. He advanced in top speed, gaining control with each step he took.
Within a blink of the eye, he raised his sword and tried bringing it down on my
head. I couldnt afford to take that blow because people usually lose their lives
when such blows are inflicted upon them. I moved aside with ease while he
staggered in his position because of my sudden movement. He had planted his
sword to the ground and the vibrations must have reached his arm, I theoretically
explained inside my head.
I reached for his throat and made my first kill, standing in front of him. See, this is
the disadvantage when you wear a face mask or a war helmet. It obstructs your
view, if he had not worn one, he could have seen me coming for his throat.
Meanwhile Ikshvaku was busy handling two enemy warriors at the same time. He
struck a blow to the man on the left and quickly shifted his position to take care of
the one on his right. He pushed the sword deep into the warriors heart and then
released him after making sure that he was in no condition to get up and walk
again.
Two on your right he said pointing towards me. I nodded quickly and moved to
my right, to find two giants running towards me with ferocious looks on their half
covered faces.
Oh good God!
Their swords were huge and long. Their each arm was almost the size of my two
legs combined. From where did they get men of such size? I asked myself as I kept
shifting the small dagger between my two hands. I looked at it and wondered if it
would at least pierce these mens skins.
The first one swung his sword at my heads height, a fatal blow to the skull. If that
blow hits a man, his brain would split into two halves, I assumed as I ducked down
just in the nick of time. By now, the other man had reached my position, made sure
that I was unaware of his movements, and pushed me down onto the ground. I fell
down at about four feet away, my arms badly bruised.
Im an easy kill now.

But no, my guardian angel was observing me keenly, from her hiding place. An
arrow struck the second man on his temples, an instant kill. It was Nandnis game.
The other man was shocked to see his companion hit the ground suddenly. There
was an arrow stuck to his head and it took him a while to regain his senses. He
allowed enough time for me to stand back up and plan his end. I rushed forward,
planted that tiny looking dagger in his abdomen on the left side and dragged it all
the way to the right. He tried to strangle my neck using his large bare hands but I
had control over his strength by then.
After I finished the kill, I looked in the direction from which the saviour arrow
originated. She was busy, searching for her next victim already.
***

10
'Help the locals to lift the dead and make sure you treat the bodies with respect'
Ikshvaku said in a low voice and I nodded back. I don't know if it was a random
thought or reality, but I felt he was finally showing respect towards me after the
showdown with the Kashyapi.
We had carried about a dozen bodies including three women to the shelter that was
put up at some distance. Seeing their family members lying motionless on the
ground, everyone around us kept wailing out of grief and pain. Nandni was
consoling a woman who had lost her husband in the fight, when she caught me
looking at her.
'See what they have done. Do you still think they are good?'
'I never said they are good... Or bad, as a matter of fact' I shrugged and smiled.
Ikshvaku was issuing more orders to the headman of Kotal, about increasing
security and informing the capital on the showdown that day. Seeing me walk
towards him, he showed his right hand at me and began saying, 'This here is
Dhruva. He doesn't seem to remember his past, I am taking him along with me to
the capital city. Guruji might have something to say about him'
'Sir' the headman said and bowed, 'I am Vajra, the headman of Kotal'
'Dhruva' I repeated my name and smiled.
'Are the carts ready? All the arrangements done?' Ikshvaku intervened.
'This way, sir' Vajra bowed again. I guess Ikshvaku meant authority.
***
We reached the banks of a river, along with the whole village accompanying us.
The dead were brought on the carts, being drawn by bullocks. The cries had
increased by the time we reached the bank and it was a hard sight to see. The
women were in no control of themselves, while some of them were falling down,
losing consciousness.
'What do we do now?' I asked Nandni, who was walking beside me silently.

'We are here to pay respect to the dead' she said, in her low voice. 'Their bodies
shall be burnt now'
All the dead were lined up side by side, on piers of equal height. A man, maybe the
local priest of the village, completed some procedure by chanting verses, which
sobbed rhythmic to me. After that, the dead person's son or a brother lighted the
pier.
'Tell me, why do they burn the dead body, when you consider it so sacred?' I asked
unknowingly, while I watched a small boy approximately aged seven, light his
father's dead body. I remembered a blast of my past looking at the little kid, but
then Nandni's words brought me back to my senses.
'Do you remember what I told you about the six elements of life?' she asked me
back. I nodded, while she continued, 'The elements of life simply change their
form from one state to another after their expiry time. We call it destruction, but it
is a simple transformation. If you see the dead body, the spirit inside has escaped
from its mortal self, making the body useless now. The spirit might simply choose
another new body somewhere still developing in its mother's womb. But this
useless body has to be transformed now and burning it helps in a way.'
'In what way? I mean, why burn it? When you can just bury it inside the ground...'
'Burning the body will reduce it to ashes, which means the body has been
consumed by fire, one of the element of life. Later, the ash is carefully collected
and transferred into an urn which is then mixed into the holy waters of river
Ganga. This way, not only is the body interacting with fire, but it also transforms
into dust and gets dissolved in water. The elements of life are balanced finally.' she
spoke quickly, as the little boy ran to his wailing mother and held her hand. He was
smiling.
By the river that evening, sixteen dead bodies were reduced to ashes. Sounds of the
skull and bones being broken due to the rising heat could be heard, as the bodies
slowly succumbed to the brilliance of fire. After the last body was burnt, a man in
his torn clothes collected ashes from each body and transferred them into equal
sized urns that were kept ready beforehand. The family members moved to the
piers to pay their last respects. Indeed, they did deserve respect. Their death was

not a simple one, since they had died on the battlefield facing their enemies whilst
protecting their family. Nandni bent down and picked up a pinch of ash, holding it
in between her thumb and index fingers. She signaled me forward, to which I
obliged readily. She brought her hand closer and applied the sacred ash on my
forehead. I felt a weird chill run down my spine, to which I shivered a little.
What is this? Why does it happen every time she touches me?
'Lord Rudra be with you!' she said and withdrew her hand quickly. Ikshvaku was
coming our way. Or maybe, she did that just on purpose.
'Umm... Thanks' I managed to say.
'We have to leave early tomorrow morning. Vajra has prepared for our journey. We
travel by boat from here' Ikshvaku said, pausing with every sentence he spoke. He
was observing everyone around us, with a sad look on his face.
'Excuse me, but which river is this?' I asked.
'The holy Ganga'
***

11
Hello Vajra, are you coming with us? I asked him as he put his rucksack onto the
boat. It stood majestically at the docks, waiting for its passengers, ready to kick
start its journey.
Yes sir. I have to present myself before the majesty and explain the happenings. I
am responsible for the events that took place in our village of Kotal he replied
smiling.
The boat, or rather Id call it a medium sized ship started moving slowly, but
gathered speed soon. That was when I noticed my surroundings. It wasnt just a
normal ship that we see usually. Not a piece of metal was used anywhere, nor was
it used for the railings and poles. The floor was maintained neat with no water
spilled anywhere. The steer was placed exactly in the middle with a neat view of
what was coming from the front and the sideways.
I quickly turned to Ikshvaku, who was issuing orders to the crew aboard, and
asked, How does this ship run? Who manufactured this master-piece?
Firstly, thank you for calling this beauty a master-piece. I am sure youll use more
words of praise when you see the battleships. This was manufactured, as you said
so, by our very own craftsmen. And as for the mechanism, it runs on water he said
with no sense of what he had just said.
It runs on what? Water!?
What the water? Did you mean steam? I asked, for the second time.
Not steam. Water from the river he answered back. The scientists from about a
few hundred years ago, devised a motor that runs purely on water.
Whoa dude! That is one cool thing! No pollution. No use of non-renewable
energy source. Intelligent! I literally had no words. I mean, if the same mechanism
were to applied to airplanes, or cars and tankers, imagine how much fuel we could
save. Of course, constant supply of water has to be provided but I am sure Einstein
or Eisenhower would take care of that, I told myself.

Umm Go sleep for a while Ikshvaku shrugged. Maybe he felt I over-reacted a

little bit.
***
The days sped just the way the boat sped majestically on the waters of Ganga. We
had to stop at two small port towns with funny names, for refilling of provisions
and drinking water. As for fuel, the boat ran on water and there was no necessity
for coal.
The day on the boat started with the crew's loud voices issuing orders and
constantly cracking jokes upon each other. Ikshvaku would go around and inspect
everything for unwanted danger and the boat's health conditions. Nandni would
spend time reading some books, and I took care not to disturb her. On the first day
of our journey, I tried to start a conversation with her, 'Nandni, what is that book
that you are reading?'
'Not now Dhruva. I shall talk to you later' she had said. Also, she closed the door to
her small cabin, locking herself in. After that, I never entertained the thought of
disturbing her.
Vajra, on the other hand, became a good friend at times of boredom. He would talk
for endless hours, telling the crew and me about how he became the headman of
Kotal and his encounters with the king. 'Our king, his majesty, Jayasiddhi is a
humble man. He has been ruling our lands for the past thirty three years, yet he
rules the kingdom with the same zeal and enthusiasm. You sir, Dhruva, will like
him. He has a deep interest in warfare and history' Vajra had said, in one of his Italk-you-listen sessions.
'How many more days should we travel, Vajra?' I asked him, as I tried counting the
stars in the clear sky. We had finished eating supper for the day that consisted of
raw vegetables, salt and crushed spices. A glass of buttermilk accompanied the
menu.

'We are almost there, sir. Another day's pull and the boat shall hit the shores of
Varanasi.'
'So tell me about this city. What is it like?' I asked him back. After all, there was
nothing better to do.
'Varanasi is the biggest city in the land. The city gets its name from the rivers by
which it is situated. Varuna and Asi being the tributaries of holy Ganga, the city
was eventually named Varanasi. It is the capital city of our land, with its huge
buildings, monuments, ports and places of trade. Also, Varanasi is considered to be
the education centre of the country. It is home for the art of war and the values of
wisdom' he said with a pinch of enthusiasm in his tone. The city seemed to be a
jewel in the cap of their country's pride.
'That sounds great, Vajra. I am looking forward to experience the beauty of the
city' I retired to the cabins in the lower deck for a peaceful night's sleep.
***

12
The city was beautiful, yes, but overcrowded for starters. There were people
everywhere rushing about as if something important was about to turn out. The
docks were full with ships always coming and going out of the port. The buildings
adjoining the port looked a bit old with a touch of Indian architecture. The people
dressed in their strange Rudra land attire began looking at me as if I had landed
there to rob them off their properties.
What is it with them? Am I that strange for you guys? I asked Nandni as she
descended the last step of the staircase laid out from the boat.
You sure are she giggled as she joined her brother.
Sigh, girls.
Nice city Vajra I turned to Vajra, who was helping the crew unload the remaining
provisions from the boat.
It sure is he responded absent-mindedly. I sighed and made my way to keep up
with the tough man, Ikshvaku.
Freshen up quick. We have to go meet the majesty today he said. It was more like
an order, to which I nodded. We entered a building that depicted fine work of
Indian architects. I was led to a room, a clean one. It had a wooden bed, on which
were clean bedspreads and a few pillows. To the farther side of the room was a big
window that offered a nice look of the street outside. I walked to it have a good
view of what was happening outside.
A man was selling fresh fish to his customers, in his voice loud enough for the
whole street to hear. Another man had displayed some stocks of papers, which I
assumed to be books. All the other guys were selling one thing or the other which
was quite normal but what I witnessed next blew my brains off my head. A
woman, sat on the neatly built sidewalk, and was selling shining stones. They did
not seem to be normal stones, cause there were different kinds of them. Sapphires,
rubies, emeralds and pearls, you name it, she had it.
Rubbing my eyes to make sure it wasnt a dream I made way to the adjoining room
and found it to be the washroom. There were clean towels hanging inside and a

metal faucet which when turned on would bring in running water. The water was a
bit cool and I stuck to washing my face, hands and legs. I always preferred hot
water for a bath.
***
Welcome to the palace of the great king Jayasiddhi, the ruler of Varanasi and the
emperor of the land of Rudra Vajra made way through the entrance, led by
Ikshvaku and some other people dressed exactly like him.
The entrance was a huge gate, about 20 feet tall and wide enough for two militia
tankers to enter. It was guarded by four soldiers, with long spears in their right
arm. They did not make a slightest move nor was there an expression on their
faces, until Ikshvaku entered the gate. As soon as he stepped in, they bowed down
their spears, maybe as a term to mark his authority.
When one crosses the gate, they are next led onto the huge wooden bridge, beneath
which runs a stream of sparkling water. One would think of it as a work of natural
beauty unless their eye meets with one of the many sleeping alligators in the water.
A few alligators could be seen moving happily, if observed clearly. It was a huge
moat of about 10 feet long and lord Rudra knew how deep it was.
A perfect security strategy! I told myself.
After crossing the bridge, there came another gate a little smaller than the previous
one with eight soldiers guarding the way. Once we crossed the second gate, a
beautiful lawn and at a far away distance stood the magnificent palace, meant for
the pleasure of the human eye. The garden with its innumerous trees and huge
fountains just added to the beauty of the whole building. The royal palace, as it
seemed to be, was the best royal building I had ever seen.
The palace was a four storey building with each storey smaller than its preceding
one. The last and the highest storey had four pillars on it, meant for the guards to
perform their watch duty in these watch towers.
Beauty I managed to say, to which Vajra responded readily. Thank you, sir
Dhruva
***

So who is this man? the king, Jayasiddhi questioned Ikshvaku who had just
bowed to the majesty.
He was a short man, about five feet tall with big moustache. Unlike I had imagined
him to be, he wasnt fat. He had a well built body and the royal posture was
something that couldnt go missing. He had his hands folded, his body straight and
his face firm with the slightest hint of any expression. I remembered Vajra telling
me that their king had ruled their lands for thirty three years. Looking at him, I
wondered if he had been born on the throne. He didnt seem to be that aged.
We were standing in a huge hall with bright colored walls and huge pillars. There
was an unoccupied throne painted in gold at the farther end of the hall. Many
guards were standing near each pillar, silent and focused at the same time. It was
all like a scene from the stories my dad would narrate, when I was being stubborn
or wouldnt sleep.
Your majesty Ikshvaku said in a slow voice, this is Dhruva and he seems to
forget his past
No I didnt, I remembered it quite good.
Are you sure he isnt a spy? An enemy? the king questioned back.
No your majesty, he isnt. He doesnt even know who they are Ikshvaku assured,
taking sides with me.
So tell me young man, what is your name? he asked me this time.
UmmDhruva, sir. I mean, your majesty
And tell me about your story
SighThere it goes again.
***
Listening patiently to what I had to say, the king declared it was a matter of high
suspicion to him and ordered a servant to go fetch the Rajguru.
Who is he? I whispered into Vajras ears, almost frightened about what was
going to happen next.

Relax, he is the high priest. He might be able to solve your troubles he replied
back.
Meanwhile, meet my men the king announced. As you have already met my
minister-in-chief Ikshvaku, meet my commander-in-chief of the army Ajaya and
my advisor Kaumudhi oh he isnt here?
Who wasnt where? I thought to myself. A man sprung forward and bowed
suddenly. Rising up, he said smiling, I am Ajaya, the commander-in-chief of the
army, and the personal bodyguard to his majesty
WellUmm, I am Dhruva, British Royal Army I said, though I clearly knew
they wouldnt understand who I was. But come on, everyone was declaring their
ranks and importance so openly, making me boast a little about myself.
The Rajguru is entering. Please rise a guard announced clearly as everyone who
was seated stood up. I looked out for someone with authority to enter the hall when
a man with the noblest attire among all, entered.
He had a peaceful expression on his face, in fact, looking at his face gave you a
feeling of bliss. His eyes seemed heavenly, in a state of trance. His hair was grey
with no extra facial hair. He wore white colored robes reaching his feet, and all he
had with him was a book clutched firmly in his hand.
Greetings, my majesty he said, in his calm voice and bowed down. The king
followed the same. How can this old man be of service?
Well, Rajguru, this man here seems to have a problem with his past the king tried
to explain when the priest turned to have a look at me.
There is no problem with his past, my majesty. What he has been telling is the
truth he said, almost simultaneously blowing my minds off.
How was he so sure about me? It was the first time we were meeting.
The water was a bit cool, wasnt it? he asked me smiling, looking straight into
my eyes. My mouth dropped open, out of wonder. I sniffed my underarms for foul
smell, assuming the smell made him know I did not take a bath. But I was wrong,
there was no smell at all.

How did he know?

I have been waiting for you, Dhruva. Its time we had a talk
Who told him that my name was Dhruva? And why was he waiting for me?
I saw Ikshvaku the minister, Jayasiddhi the emperor, Ajaya the commander and
several other officials bow their heads in terms of respect as I started moving with
the Rajguru.
Uncountable thoughts began to enter my mind as I unknowingly followed him
from out of the palace hall to the garden.
***

PART - III

13
It was quite a journey, eh? he asked as we settled down on a bench.
Who are you? It may seem foolish to ask, but who am I?
You are in a hurry. Haste makes waste he smiled without his lower jaw moving.
Oh come on old man! Dont test me on this I lost my patience.
Ingenuous! I like it. Well, listen carefully for here begins the legend we have been
protecting all these years he said and my ears perked up with attention.
There was once a man named Rudra, of the Shaiva tribe. He united the people of
mountains and extended the Kingdom till the area where the water started to flow
westwards. Beyond that flourished yet another kingdom, ruled by Vedavit. Rudra
married Vedavits sister and the two kingdoms kept prospering based on a peace
treaty. Before lord Rudra left his mortal self, he spoke of the legend he was leaving
behind. He called upon his trusted group of officers, his son Karthik and my
ancestor who was the then Rajguru, to his chamber and told them something that
has been kept a secret ever since. The people of this land know that there was a
legend that was spoken of but the subjects never knew what it was actually about.
Only the families of the officials and the emperor being the direct descendant of
the lord, knows about it. I am the safe keeper of the legend and I pass the honors to
my children before I die he paused and looked at me. I was lost in the magic of his
words.
Oh, so what is the legend? How am I connected to that? I asked out of curiosity. I
was well aware that he would talk about it anyway.
You see Dhruva, you are the legend. You are the weapon we have been protecting
all these days. I am aware of your origins, about your birth and how you have been
brought back in time. What you have heard is the truth, you have been sent back in
time through a mystical portal that opens in the middle of an ocean

I dont understand a bit that you are talking about. I am not some famous
legendary personality and I do not care a bit about what you think of me. Just send
me back to my time, I plead you I stood up all ready to run away from that place.
A calm body and a calmer mind are the qualities of a benign person he spoke
with the same smile but the words were thrown as a measure of caution. It felt as if
he could read others minds. I sighed and sat down again.
The legend has it that neither a Shaiva nor a Kashyapi, neither a God nor a king,
neither alive nor dead, but a simple being shall come to the rescue of our kingdom
and lead us to eternal peace and victory. You are, O Dhruva, our legend of Rudra!
he joined his palms and bowed his head.
That was the stupidest thing I probably heard. The last time I heard something
similar from my school teacher. She told us humans were stupid and God would
reincarnate to save us from our misery. But lets see, It is true that I am neither a
Shaiva nor a Kashyapi and I am well aware of the fact that I am not a king let alone
the thought of a God. But how can I be alive and dead at the same time? Do I look
like a ghost to all of you?
I knew you would ask that he stood up and started walking back to the palace
entrance.
You are a traveler through time. According to your real world, where I believe a
war is in progress, you are nowhere to be found there, which means you are not
alive there. On the contrary, you are present here in flesh and mind which clearly
states that you are not dead here. The ways of Lord Rudra are quite
circumlocutory, arent they? he laughed and I simply followed him. I was quite
because of confusion, but silence always doesnt mean that one has agreed to
something.
After we entered the palace hall, the king and his fellowmen rose again to
acknowledge the presence of their Rajguru. Once they settled back into their
positions, it was the guru who spoke first.
We all know about the legend of Lord Rudra and have been waiting for the same
since generations. On this great day, I present to you, Dhruva, the Legend of
Rudra

Everyone bowed their heads again while the soldiers raised their spears to show
respect to their legend who stood bewildered with the sudden changes in scenes.
But wait, tell me sir, how come you know my name and the fact that I havent
bathed today? I almost shouted.
It was just a trick of mathematics. You will be surprised he spoke quickly and
turned to his king.
Oh Jayasiddhi, ruler of the land of Shaivas, I request you to let your people know
that our savior has arrived. It has to be you who introduces him to the public he
said and disappeared from the palace hall. I stood there amongst a group of people
who now believed I was their legend. I wanted to run somewhere, find a good
place and empty my bladder.
***
So you are the legend! I knew it! Nandni screamed after her brother summarized
the main events of the day. It was almost evening when we got back to the quarters
of the chief minister. The city of Varanasi was already in a state of joy now that
their legend had finally appeared. Ikshvaku took extra care about me after her
came to know I was the legend of Rudra. He went to the extent of removing my
sandals when we reached his quarters, which I protested and pleaded him not to do.
I somehow liked the old and grouchy Ikshvaku. The new one began to create a
feeling of guilt inside me. A great warrior like him deserved respect.
No Nandni, it was just a story. Even you believe that? I sighed, while my face
had already sported a gloomy look, like the one on a Monday morning. I wondered
for a moment if they had Mondays here. What did they call their days of the week?
Good lord! I blamed you and called you a Kashyapi the other day. Please forgive
me, Dhruva! she said and started crying.
You are crying? When will you people put some sense into your heads? I said
massaging my temples. I was always weak at consoling women.
Anyway, it is good that we now have a clarity on who you are, isnt that great,
Dhruva? she asked, her eyes sparkling. Her cheeks wore a slight pink because of
crying, which made her look even more beautiful in her red cloak.

Umm Yeah I managed to say before I turned my head towards Ikshvaku who
was sitting on a chair in the middle of the room, Ikshvaku, the commander Ajaya
has invited me for dinner. Is it okay if I go out today?
Of course, my lord. I will make the necessary arrangements he said, smiling.
My name is Dhruva. Your lord is Rudra alone I said and walked out of the room.
***

14
Why the cloak? I asked. I was walking alongside Ajaya, the commander of the
Shaiva armies. He was a tall man, taller than me for instance. He was well built
with muscles shaped at the right places. He wore a black cloak over his head and
offered a red one to me. We were just coming out of his quarters when he signaled
his guards to stay back.
We are going to the inner parts of the town. They serve the best food there, but it
is a local place where you may find all kinds of people, including sailors, traders
and travelers. It is just a precautionary against unwanted trouble. There might be
spies around, especially when everyone is talking about the arrival of the legend
he stressed on the word legend as he spoke. It felt as a work of mockery.
Sure sir, as you say I wore the red colored cloak and pulled the hood over my
head.
Call me Ajaya. I am not a commander except for during the times of war. We are
friends from today, O Dhruva! he patted on my back and I almost lost control and
fell down because of his strength.
We walked for almost a good twenty minutes before reaching a busy place where
lots and lots of people were eating and drinking some white liquid to their hearts
full. As soon as the serving man saw Ajaya, he led us to a corner where no one sat.
Maybe it is reserved for special guests, I thought. It was a merry sight to look at
different kinds of people sitting at a place and talking while filling their stomachs.
I dont know the time period, but this sure is a good custom I told myself.
Some of the men were laughing loud and ordering more of the white liquid while
others were waiting for food to be served. Tell me about yourself, Dhruva. Are
you trained in swordsmanship and aiming? he asked casually. But it was aimed
right at my ego. I knew that I was an amateur with these weapons.
No, Ajaya. I dont know how to fight using a sword or a bow
Thats no problem at all. We shall train you and make you fit for the battle he
chuckled silently. I wished I never came here tonight. I was simply degrading

myself with each word I spoke. It wasnt my decision to become their legend nor
did I ask for the extra respect or attention.
Oh I cleared my throat.
Oh no, I am extremely sorry if you felt offended. I didnt mean to he touched
his forehead with his right index finger and continued, what have I done?! Forgive
me, Oh Dhruva! Please forgive me
There it goes again!
What? No! I have been overly pampered from the morning and believe me, this is
the best conversation I was looking forward to. I must thank you for offering to
show the city in the first place.
Thank the lord! I was afraid for a moment. You are important to us, Dhruva. The
future of this country rests in your hands now Ajaya replied quickly.
I literally looked down at my hands that were busy stuffing fried potatoes into my
mouth. There was nothing in my hands, forget the future he was blabbering about.
I trust you, Dhruva. I will always be your side no matter what happens. You have
my undying friendship his eyes sparkled as he spoke.
I am blessed, Ajaya
***

15
We have been challenged with severe problems, be it the spread of poverty or be
it the attacks of the Kashyapi clan on our people. Being a king of this land and a
humble servant to you all, I am striving hard to abolish poverty from our houses.
But, in spite of our army staying alert all the time and in spite of the presence of
qualified generals among us, we still face those wretched attacks from the cold
blooded Kashyapi! But hark, my fellow citizens of Varanasi!
'Our sorrows come to an end, for here I give you our savior. Our legend, Dhruva!
Yes, what you have been hearing is the truth, there does exist a legend. And here
he is right before your eyes.' the king Jayasiddhi completed my introduction with a
roaring voice trying to keep up with the cheering sounds from the crowd gathered
to witness their legend. I, on the other hand stood dumbfounded, with my brain in
no state to respond. I had lost complete sense of what was happening around. I did
not see that people were rushing towards the erected stage to catch a glimpse of
me. I did not listen to emperor Jayasiddhi's signal beckoning me to move forward.
I did not see Ikshvaku coming to my side and asking me to obey the king. All I was
able to analyze was the load of responsibility pushed upon my shoulders.
'We have been tormented and tortured by the evil Kashyapi clan ever since our lord
Rudra left this land. We have been trying our best to redeem our lost honor. In the
process of saving our country from falling into the evil hands, many lives have
been lost and many more lives have been devastated. But no more, my humble
subjects, not any more. Our hero has arrived!' he continued amidst the roars of
approval from the people of Varanasi.
Legends are those who serve mankind. I had no reason why I am being addressed
as one I told Nandni, who just smiled back with an It is going to be okay look.
***
'Lord Dhruva, what would you like to eat for lunch?' Vajra enquired. We were
back at Ikshvaku's place after a morning full of over enthusiasm and praise. The
king wanted us to stay at a special palace meant for people with high status but it
was just not correct on my part to accept it. I was just a soldier in an army and I

will always be the same no matter who calls me a legend. Legends are made not by
prophecies, but by performances at war, I had told myself.
'Please Vajra, I would be more than happy if you called me Dhruva. And no, I am
not hungry. I just need some sleep. Wake me up in the evening, we'll go out into
the town' I replied as I made way out of the room. Nandni was just about to open
the door when I did it instead.
'Oh you scared me!' she laughed, her innocent voice back again.
'My bad. Anyway, it feels good to hear you laugh like that'
'Well thank you, Lord Dhruva. I was just coming to ask if you would like to eat
something' she spoke quickly, stressing on the lord part. Some people never
change.
'There it goes again. No lord business please. And for the second time, I am not
hungry. I am off to sleep' I sighed and walked away.
As I entered my room, I began to have second thoughts about going out into the
town. Who knew how many times I would have to deal with the Legend and Lord
titles?
'Staying indoors seems to be the best option available'
I fell asleep soon after.
***
The loud banging sounds on the door woke me up suddenly. Everything around me
seemed totally confusing. Was this a dream?
Someone continuously banged the door as if they were trying to break it open. No,
this cannot be a dream, because if it was, the sounds would not be so clear. 'Stop it!
You are going to break the door!' I yelled as I gathered myself and walked slowly
to the door. The banging had stopped by then. I carefully turned open the bolt and
someone pushed the door with great force from the other side. It was so instant that
I fell to the ground.

Four guards rushed in with swords in their hands and serious expressions of
mistrust on their faces. After them followed Ikshvaku, sporting an expressionless
face. I instantly knew something was seriously wrong.
'What is it? What's wrong?' I staggered a little as I tried to get up from the cold
ground underneath. 'Why are you in such a rush?'
'Silence!' Ikshvaku roared as the guards flung towards me and held their swords
inches from my throat. 'You are under arrest!'
***
'What?! Are you guys out of your mind?' I cried as a guard pounced on me to tie
my hands with a rope. 'Why are you even arresting me?'
'You imbecile!' Ikshvaku roared in his usual tone. When things around you start to
make no sense, you go in sync with that situation. In other words, you lose your
sense of thinking.
'You idiot!' I yelled back, 'there has to be a reason upon which you are arresting me
now. I have all the rights to know that reason'
'The king... He has been assassinated' Ikshvaku said, with his tone breaking at a
point. On the other hand, my brain was about to break its line of control and
explode.
The king was dead, but why are they arresting me?
'But why are you arresting me? What do I have to do with the king's death?'
'You... Traitor! You are our prime suspect' he replied, with the same strong will as
before. I began to analyze my situation amidst the four guards and the minister-inchief. The king Jayasiddhi, who had introduced me to the people as their legend,
had been assassinated. But what did I have to do with that? And why was I being
held as the prime suspect?
'Oh I get it' I exclaimed, 'you guys are arresting me because I could not save him in
time. You must have had high expectations on me because I am your legend. I am
really sorry that I could not satisfy them. If that is the reason for this drama here,
you are an idiot!' I had totally lost it.

'Look who's speaking! The king was murdered just an hour ago. He was sleeping
in his chambers when a man sneaked upon him and cut his throat with a dagger.
The guards standing outside the chambers heard some disturbance and came inside
to check on it, only to find our humble king lying on the ground lifeless. They
noticed a hooded figure jump out of the window, onto the rooftops. They chased
him and were quick enough to follow him to his hideout. And here comes the
brightest part of the story. The hideout turned out to be my house, while the
hooded killer turns out to be you. Well look what we have here' he sneered, 'the
hood and the dagger carefully placed at the corner of the room' and pointed his
hand to one corner of the room I was peacefully sleeping in ten minutes ago.
Everyone turned their heads and gasped in turns. As of me, I almost fainted to find
the articles of suspicion neatly placed on the ground as if they belonged to me. The
next thought that came to my mind was clear. I have been somehow framed, and
that too, in the most brilliant way possible.
'But Ikshvaku, you know me. I did not do it. I was just taking a nap until you came
banging that door. But if I was really the killer, why would I place that hood and
that knife so open for everyone to see? Get the logic?' I tried to speak as quickly as
possible. Nothing seemed to get me out of this state.
'Do you expect me to believe that? You Kashyapi freak! It was my mistake to bring
you here, to our peaceful city. Look what happened now! You killed our king, the
only bloodline left of Lore Rudra. How could you?' he was on the verge of
breaking down. But he quickly stood upright and ordered his men, 'Take this
murderer to the dungeons where no light reaches the ground. Make sure he does
not escape'
'But wait! I... Please listen to me. Please don't do this!' all my screams were not
being taken into consideration anymore. That was when Nandni's face flashed
before my eyes. 'She might believe me, she might save me' I told myself and
quickly screamed at the top of my voice.
'Nandni! Tell your brother that I did not do this! You know I came to this room to
sleep. Oh Vajra! You tell him at least! Where are you?!' but there was no response
in return.

'You already murdered the king and still expect me to allow my sister stay here in
your presence? They are safe in the royal palace. The whole city is on high alert, O
Dhruva. You have no escape' he claimed with a proud voice.
I have no escape. To the dungeons then, I told myself when a swords rear made
contact with my head. In no time, I was out of my senses.
***

16
Stories of the past:
'Daddy, where are we from?' young Dhruva asked his father, who was reading him
a story about Asoka the great. His father would bring a new book every Sunday
and would read out the story to his four year old son. The attention with which his
son listened to his stories made him improve his narration skills with each passing
week.
'We are from India, Dhruv!' he spoke with excitement, 'We will go back there
someday'
'But why are we here in England then? Why don't we go back to India?' young
Dhruva asked. His father's smile turned into a frown. But he maintained a calm
expression as he spoke, 'Daddy is working here for a minister, right? Daddy is his
lawyer. Now we can't leave daddy's master to his own worries and go away. But I
promise you, Dhruv, I shall take you to India one day'
'Tell me more about India' Dhruva shrieked in joy, 'I want to know how it is like'
'India is our home, Dhruv. We are all Indians and no one can take India away
from our hearts. It is a beautiful country and our people there are warm and
affectionate to others' his father said.
'Daddy, are Akbar and Birbal there?' Dhruva asked another question. A kid's brain
is a factory of questions, his father thought. 'No more questions now. Look, your
mother is calling us for lunch! Let's see who eats first today!' He carried Dhruva in
his hands as the father-son duo walked to the kitchen, where Dhruva's mother was
preparing Indian food for lunch.
The year Dhruva turned eight, he was left alone with his mother. His father, a
proper man with great concern towards his family, was murdered by two
unidentified Royal soldiers when he was returning home from work.

'An Indian was murdered by two unidentified persons yesterday' a small column in
the newspaper said. 'The quarrel reportedly began when the man protested openly
when the murderers called India a filthy country' it continued. When Dhruva
overheard people talking about it, he remembered how much his father had loved
India.
The minister for whom his father worked was kind enough to make arrangements
for Dhruva's mother to find a job at a local grocery store. He also assured them
that Dhruva would study in England itself, and would attend the Royal military
school.
Saab, we cannot thank you enough, but please tell us how we can repay you' his
mother had pleaded before the old minister.
He just placed his right hand on Dhruva's head and said, 'His father was a loyal
servant with whom I could trust anything. This is an opportunity for you, boy. Join
the Military and show them what an Indian boy is capable of'.
Those words echoed through young Dhruva's ears as he decided what he wanted to
become in life.
***
'India' I muttered, as I regained my senses. I remembered what my father told me
about this country. The people here are indeed warm and affectionate, but try
hurting their sentiments knowingly or not, you are dead. 'Also, this time period is
so much before than that of the stories dad would narrate'
I was left to rot on the wet floors of the dungeon, where neither light could be seen
nor could any noise be heard to the human ear. I tried to find the walls of the room,
in order to gain support against the wall and stand up. I wanted to scream and
announce that I had nothing to do with their king's murder but I felt there was no
one there to listen to my woes. 'I wonder what Nandni and Vajra must be thinking
of me' I sighed as I gave up the task of finding the wall.

To be continued