Justin confessed that he was the perpetrator of the entire Lakshagriha' conspiracy and that it was a mistake to leave Varahmihir alive. Everyone was flabbergasted at this totally unexpected turn of events. Both Noor and Helena stood stupefied with tears brimming in their eyes. Justin continued that he yearned to see the whole Maurya family turn into ashes in front of his eyes. Helena entreated Justin to stop but he continued regardless. When Bindusar questioned him the reason for nurturing such malice and abhorrence for the Maurya family, Justin retorted that the great emperor Chandragupta Maurya had married Helena against her wish and that neither Justin nor Helena ever received the reverential treatment which was their right. Justin said that despite being the eldest son he had been deprived of the throne which was rightfully his and in spite of being younger than him Bindusar had been declared the heir. Justin accused Chanakya of perpetrating the conspiracy of placing Bindusar on the throne in Justin's stead. Bindusar said that Justin should have told him all that earlier. Justin asked why he should do that, so that Bindusar could abdicate the throne in favor of his elder brother and become the exemplary example of greatness. Justin didn't want Bindusar's pity. He said that he had decided to snatch the throne all by himself. Convinced of his felony, Bindusar sentenced Justin to death and issued the order for him to be arrested. Justin had been arrested and taken away from the royal court. Ashok, who was behind the soldiers who were escorting Justin to the prison, witnessed a tearful Helena following behind Justin and asking why he did what he did. Acharya Chanakya and Radhagupta had been meandering through an open yard. Acharya expressed that even the thought of what Helena would do to avenge her son if Justin was put to death was causing him grave tension. They came across Seleucus NIcator who was washing his hands off. Acharya Chanakya taunted Nicator wiping his hands off with his grandson's blood, he might have proved himself innocent in front of everyone else but both him and Chanakya knew the truth. NIcator said that he was sorry for his grandson's deeds. Chanakya taunted that Nicator was so sorry that he enjoyed a full course meal. Nicator strode away from there. Chanakya said that Helena could confess her crime as she was Justin's mother and loved him very much. Ashok was standing outside in a pensive mood and when his mother came to him and asked the reason. He asked how a brother could become the worst foe of his own brother. Dharma made him understand that the avarice for power could make a person blind to everything that was good and kind and that such a leader is required who would think only for the benefit of his people. Ashok excused himself by saying that he had to be with Bindusar as Bindusar was suffering through the worst at the moment. Ashok left with Dharma's consent and Dharma wondered what the emperor might have been going through.
Book Talk
Anupamaa
