THE CURSE OF BRAHMA Read Free

After Devak took Samadhi and departed from the mortal world, Haripur and some of the neighbouring kingdoms that owed allegiance to Haripur also passed to Ugrasena. Ugrasena belonged to the Andhak dynasty of the Yedu clan. The Andhaks were one of the most respected families among the powerful Yedus at that time. The other prominent family among the Yedus was the Vrshni, with King Surasena as their head. Surasena ruled over Bateshwar. Both Ugrasena and Surasena were close friends and there was peace between the two powerful families.
    ‘How does it feel to be the most sought-after bride in Bharat today?’ Mandki asked jokingly, as she gave a final tug to Devki’s hair.
    ‘Feels like being a prized cow waiting for the right bull to come claim her,’ Devki said with a wry smile. Mandki looked at her with a worried expression. Devki had not been her usual cheerful self for the past few days, ever since the incident with that vile warrior, Somdatta.
    Devki had just turned seventeen, an age which was considered almost old for young princesses, if they weren’t married by that time. It didn’t matter that Mandki was five years older to Devki and still unmarried. After all, she wasn’t a princess. It wasn’t that Mandki didn’t have her share of suitors. There had been several men who had tried to woo her and begged for her hand in marriage; but Mandki had been firm. She would not consider marriage till her best friend and mistress was married first. Devki had tried persuading her to tie the knot with one of the many handsome youth who had come to Mandki with earnest proposals, but this was the only thing that Mandki refused Devki, and the princess loved her even more because of it.
    Ugrasena was always kind towards her and she received unrestrained love from her cousin Kansa. But, she didn’t get along too well with the other sons and daughters. Neither was she particularly close to Kansa’s two wives, Asti and Prapti, sisters of Jarasandha; the powerful King of Magadha. Lately, Ugrasena had started keeping unwell and she saw very little of him. Due to Ugrasena’s illness, Kansa had become more involved in leading conquests over surrounding kingdoms, which had not yet accepted Ugrasena’s dominion or who had moved their allegiance away from Madhuvan in the wake of the king’s illness. Consequently, Devki didn’t even get to see her favourite brother near as often as she would have liked.
    Having Mandki with her made her feel she had a close companion. This was especially true in the past few days, considering the recent events. Somdatta’s challenge to Vasudev filled her with dread. She didn’t doubt Vasudev’s courage, but she knew he didn’t like to fight, unless there was no choice. Would he fight now? Would he fight for her hand? Would he win? Would he survive? She had scores of questions and no answer. And having so many unanswered questions bothered her.
    ‘Where are you lost?’ Mandki asked her. Devki shook her head in a futile attempt to dispel the disturbing thoughts. But Mandki knew what was bothering her friend.
    ‘Vasudev can take care of himself, Devki. He will teach this upstart Somdatta a lesson in manners. And then he will come and ask you for your hand,’ she said, holding Devki’s face in her palms.
    Devki nodded, trying to share her friend’s optimism. ‘I hope so Mandki. I hope so.’ She hugged her friend and whispered, ‘I don’t want anything to happen to Vasudev.’ Mandki held her tightly like she used to when they were both children and her friend was afraid of the dark. Only, it wasn’t the dark Devki was afraid of this time. It was the fear of knowing that a ruthless Prince wanted to fight her beloved Vasudev, and the knowledge that if Vasudev lost, she would not only lose the one man she loved most in this world, but would have to marry his murderer, as the law of the time dictated.

    Vasudev paced pacing across the room, his hands folded behind his back and his head tilted