OSR SAMYUKTA Part 5 – In the quest to find out the truth
Part 1 & 2 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dharam-veer/853004/samyukta-1-and-2-dharam-and-veer-story-so-far
Part 3 - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dharam-veer/859041/samyukta-of-d-and-v-it-sinks-in-part-3
Part 4 - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dharam-veer/864874/samyukta-part-4-realizing-their-fears
Recap – After saving the life of a child who they also grow fond of; they return to their palace. There they learn that the commander-in-chief and the king receive misappropriated information. Agni and Jaivardhan secretly have Sonu's family destroyed when they learn she blurted some confidential information to the princes. Dharam and Veer are extremely disturbed when they know about it travel all the way to Sawai hoping she might be alive only to see a ransacked house. Just as they are about to return, they hear meet Dhruv Kumar, a stranger…
OSR SAMYUKTA Part 5 – In the quest to find out the truth
Aryanagar – Village of Sawai
"My name is Dhruv Kumar… don't worry… I am not here to hurt you... I am just a passerby… a nobody…" Hard pressed for time, the three of them usher their horses and start walking without looking back.
Dhruv adjusts his turban and continues unabashed "Unlike you… you are all 'somebody'…I am a 'nobody'… just a 'nobody' in this dreaded kingdom…" Dhruv's provocative dialogues start irritating the already-disturbed princes.
Veer replies "As it is, we have had a very testing day. Please just leave us alone…"
The stranger doesn't cease his charade "Oh! You go ahead…I came to this deserted house in the hope of finding something to eat, but the shelves were empty!" he yawns dramatically "Poor folks! Paying more than half their earnings in taxes, they possibly starved too!"
Dumbfounded, Bhalla swings around "You arrogant man! Do you realize who you are talking to? This is the future king of Aryanagar! Ask for pardon. Ask for pardon, or be prepared to die!"
Dhruv acts surprised "Face death? You mean...like this unfortunate family just did?"
Listening to Dhruv's claims confirming the unfortunate family's destiny; the appalled brothers look at each other in dismay. Dharam swiftly removes his sharp knife, walks towards Dhruv menacingly, holds its tip against Dhruv's throat and screams at him "Are you trying to blame us for their death? I will spend my entire life if required, but I will ensure I throw Agni behind bars. I will make him hang his head in shame in front of the assembly…"
Dhruv replies calmly "With what proof Rajkumar? It is not possible to jail anyone…all evidence has been destroyed. No one would testify in fear of their lives – be it the Shramiks, Aryavarts or even the nobles!"
Dharam harshly pushes him against a rough tree trunk while Dhruv looks at him unperturbed. Taken aback by his fearlessness, Dharam shouts "Don't paint such a horrid picture of the state of affairs. We are from Aryanagar too… we would be aware if incidents like this happened…"
Dhruv retaliates "You are ignorant of all this since you have just returned from the Gurukul. Besides, things are far better off at the capital since it is the residence of the king and other royals. Outside the capital, conditions go from bad to worse… "
Dharam grits his teeth with anger "You bloody Shramik …. You are just making up all this to portray my father and us Aryavarts in a negative light…"
Dhruv speaks softly "Rajkumar! I am an Aryavart myself!" the anger on their faces turns to one of disbelief, as Dhruv continues "Yes I am…I am the son of a minister in your court… Chandrapal"
After Dharam lowers his knife, Dhruv gradually goes on to explain how corrupt soldiers extorted massive taxes from Shramiks illegally, how dishonest nobles were constantly bribed, righteous officials were kept unaware and how innocent people were threatened into secrecy. The horrified Dharam and veer listen all along, debating mentally whether to believe him or not.
Veer finally breaks his silence "Since you seem to know everything, you would possibly have heard about a general called Dhananjeya…"
Dhruv smiles sarcastically "Who doesn't know Dhananjeya around here? I have heard rumours that the corrupt officer reports directly to Rajkumar Agnivardhan and any news directly reaches his ears …probably that is how this unfortunate family met their fate so soon..." he mutters softly "To add to the problems…now soldiers from rival kingdoms have started walking into the Aryanagar border fearlessly and adding to the terror here…"
Daunted, Dharam drops to the ground. Doubts about the positive illusions he had of his kingdom and its administration race through his mind. Veer sits next to him and places his hand on his back comfortingly. Looking at the princes' pitiable plight, Dhruv continues "On learning that you saved the life of that girl once, I realized that there was hope after all… I know I have risked my life telling you all this, but I wanted to make use of this opportunity to meet you …you could change all this for the better Rajkumar…"
Understanding what was going on in his brother's mind, Veer quickly tries changing the course of the conversation "What are you doing here in this forest all alone anyway…away from home?"
Dhruv fiddles with his shawl "I was brought up rich, spoilt and ignorant…but this is my home now… I changed…" he pauses "I have to take leave now Rajkumar… my children will be hungry… I have a big family with 25 mouths to feed …"
The princes stare at Dhruv wide-eyed. Unable to contain his curiosity, Bhalla stammers along "Oh! … 25…I mean…ch…children… didn't realize…you look young… what made you abandon your home and change so…s…suddenly?"
Dhruv tries to avoid the questions and starts walking away, but Veer stops him in his path "When you know all this about us… its only fair we know some things about you too…"
Dhruv smiles to himself "I am not married… my family are my children… children who have been orphaned, as their parents were either imprisoned or killed…" he sighs "and I changed when I fell in love… when I realized her sufferings … an admirable Shramik girl… Sakshi…" The three of them remain awed, as Dhruv concludes "I hope all your questions have been answered now, Rajkumar". He wraps the shawl around himself, bows lightly and paces away from there.
As Veer watches Dhruv walk away, he feels a sudden flutter of joy. The stranger's experiences leave him in an inexplicable and overwhelmingly happy trance, till he is distracted by Dharam.
Dharam calls out to his brother "Veer… what happened? You seem lost…" he continues with determination "Agni and Jai chacha have always been dishonest…but this level of corruption and cold-bloodedness….and pitaji has been kept unaware of all this…" he pauses "I was devastated… no…now I will not be - I can't afford to be! If the pride of my lineage is indeed being destroyed by corrupt people, I will put a stop to it" he then indicates in Dhruv's direction "However, before telling father anything I need to learn the truth myself. I will find out… "
The amused Bhalla then interrupts the brothers "Can love change someone so much?"
Dharam smiles briefly "I don't know… he fell in love with a Shramik girl…he changed…. Even if I ever did fall in love one day, I don't see myself changing or suffering so much for anyone…"
Veer nods negatively "Dharam - falling in love 'is' suffering…so… better not to fall in love – end of story"
After sharing a few laughs, the boys restart their journey back home to the capital; discussing about the evening's occurrences and making plans to investigate all the shocking revelations that they had come to learn of.
Palace of Niphaud - Siya's room
A pretty fair girl stands disapprovingly, listening to a lengthy stern monologue by Siya; primarily a warning her to keep her voice low. The princess then swiftly turns to the rest of her friends in a thrilled manner "Have you got the rest of the items that we need for tomorrow?"
The girls remove a variety of tiny silk pouches from the folds of their garments and place them on her couch obediently. Nanda removes a long scroll containing a thorough set of instructions and haughtily hands it to Siya, much to everyone's amusement. Siya takes the scroll from her angry friend and smiles at her. Seeing no reaction from Nanda, Siya meekly kneels in front of Nanda and holds her ears to apologize. Forcing Nanda to break into a smile, the adorable princess makes up with her hastily. Following the brief interlude, the girls once again resume their enthusiasms; when they watch Siya's culinary plans gradually falling into place
Looking at the display in front of her, Siya exclaims "Wow! Look at how exotic these spices look" she takes the scroll and glances through it "We now have everything needed to make the most delicious meal ever cooked. The queen of Niphaud will be proud of her daughter when she realizes Siya is as perfect as her…"
Amazed, they start examining the ingredients one after another and debating their purposes till they suddenly hear the sound of footsteps approaching them. Frightened, the girls quickly try hiding the ingredients. Siya fills both her hands with the remaining pouches and holds it behind her to ensure her plans don't get foiled prematurely After the announcement of his arrival by the guard, the king strides in.
He smiles and walks towards her "Siya, I am leaving for the border tonight as some urgent work has cropped up there… I will be back by tomorrow night…" he pauses, as he sees her worried expression and then notices her hands stuffed with the bags "Now, what is this you are up to?"
She shushes him immediately "Pitaji! Be hush... you will ruin my well-contemplated plans…I have procured everything that I need for an excellent menu for you and ma ... don't you trust me?"
The king replies anxiously "Siya…trust you? I want to trust you every time... but whenever I do, I end up falling in trouble too…"
She looks hurt "Pitaji…how could you… you know what my intentions are…"
Janardhan sighs loudly "Siya…I realize all your plans are well intended…" he tells himself "the only problem is that the results don't turn out that way…" he pauses "I will have someone oversee all work you are going to do tomorrow. As I will not be here, I don't want you getting into trouble…"
Siya pleads with him repeatedly "Please...please don't father...I am capable of doing it myself..." She hugs him and smiles lovingly.
He takes a moment to enjoy his fatherly instincts and appreciate the charm in her delightful eyes and then replies "Ok but promise me you will be careful and safe…"
Siya giggles excitedly "I will be careful as always father…"
He takes a deep breath "Yes…yes….Siya…"
Palace of Aryanagar – The palace temple
The lovely divine aura around the large marble hall of the grand palace temple is augmented by the bright faces of numerous royal members chanting prayers in harmony to the sounds of the bells, cymbals and the drums. The royal priest fondly performs the Holy Arti to the exquisite large idol of Goddess Lakshmi that is adorned with countless rose petals, floral garlands and sparkling diamond ornaments.
Veer and Dharam silently sneak through the religious crowd and move towards the queens, emoting expressions of thorough devotion, as they stand behind them.
Veer whispers to Dharam while clapping his hands and nodding his head in keeping with his devotional act "Do you think ma or Swathi mami saw us?"
Dharam's replies with shut eyes "I don't know about ma or Nivritti bua...I told you I am worried about what is going on with the Gadhwar soldiers...I have to somehow get to Gadhwar to find out..."
Veer looks alarmed and gulps "Dharam! Gadhwar? That seems too adventurous even for me..." he then thinks to himself for a while and shouts loudly with excitement "I have an idea"
Nivritti and Swathi turn around and stare at Veer while he quickly closes his eyes and pretends to continue singing the Arti, totally out of tune. The confused queens frown at each other and then turn back to concentrate on the religious proceedings.
Veer moves closer to Dharam and mutters very slowly "The kingdom of Niphaud is on friendly terms with us, unlike those rogues at Gadhwar! How about staying at Niphaud at day and traveling the narrow pass from there to Gadhwar at night..."
Dharam looks at Veer surprised "This is a dangerous plan...besides, this will take us a few days Veer...what would we tell everyone..." he indicates in Agni's direction "…and what about this spying owl Agni..."
Veer raises his eyebrows "How about the pretext of a leisure trip to Niphaud?"
Dharam nods "Even if we stay at Niphaud, I don't want to put anyone in trouble...we need something that would allow us get close to the Gadhwar defense ministry, without the king of Niphaud realizing we were staying there to investigate..." his face lights up "how about disguising ourselves as weapon merchants and meeting the commander at Gadhwar covertly...we can at least get an idea about what's going on..."
Veer smirks "Carry weapons from Aryanagar border? Your pet...owl...would find out in no time!"
Dharam replies "No...we can source our weapons at Niphaud...we only need a few samples"
Disturbed by their constant whispering, the annoyed queens turn around and Nivritti addresses Dharam "Dharam! Don't you know the words to the prayers? Come here and sing with me…"
Dharam stammers in reply "No… no… bua I do…" not listening to his protests, she grabs him by the arm and forces him to stand next to her. Veer closes his eyes and continues with his chants innocently.
After the formalities come to an end, the priest distributes the holy offerings to the audience starting from Maharaj Aryavardhan and Maharani Swathi.
As Jaivardhan and Agni walk towards them to receive the prasad, Veer glares at them; images of the small girl's face again flashing in his mind. Realizing he was surrounded by all the monarchs, Veer looks away to control his anger. Rejoicing at Veer's aggravation, Agni asks Dharam sarcastically "Oh when did you both arrive...attending to some important business, I suppose..."
Standing up for his brother, Dharam reciprocates expressively "Oh my God! Agni! How did you get this scar on your neck? Did you do something horrifically wrong?"
Jaivardhan and Agni stare at Dharam and Veer livid with rage, while Maharaj Aryavardhan turns to Agni "Son, when and why did this happen?"
Agni replies slowly "No Maharaj, I was strolling in the military grounds when a mad animal attacked me. Don't worry" he continues with a sly smile "Anyway...my friends will be arriving here tomorrow...so...it shouldn't be too difficult to hunt the creature down..."
Veer listens to his dialogues and smirks with a slow superior smile.
Dharam then turns to his baffled father to request him "Pitaji, I want to express a desire of mine...I have heard that there is a natural spring in the beautiful gardens at Niphaud. We have been so busy ever since we arrived from the Gurukul...we would like to tour...learn about new customs...see new sights..." Listening to Dharam's pleas, Agni and Jaivardhan turn to each other puzzled.
Aryavardhan frowns "Oh I see! You both have been busy ever since you came back from the Gurukul? How refreshing to know...busy with what?"
Having listened in to their chats, Nivritti approaches them "Why don't you allow him to go bhaiya. Once he ascends the throne, where would he find the time for all this..."
After pondering for a while, Aryavardhan addresses them "Ok… Dharam…Veer… you both can go ahead… but only with personal guards and protection...and you must return within three days...Agni might not be able to join you as his friends are arriving here tomorrow…" Agni and Jaivardhan look away in displeasure, as they observe the growing delight of the princes. The king continues sternly "You can start tomorrow morning so that you can reach there by noon. I will send an official message to Maharaj Janardhan tonight… they should be aware of your arrival well in advance."
The exhilarated boys take the blessings of the Lord and the remaining elders before dispersing to their respective chambers. They toss and turn in their beds all night, as they feel intimidated by the frightening experiences they might face, and yet thrilled by the prospects for a new adventure.
Palace of Niphaud – Corridor outside queen's chamber
Nanda discreetly tip toes her way from Siya's room through the long grandiose corridor. She clings tightly to her upper garment in an attempt to camouflage two silk pouches containing the spices. In spite of putting on a casual expression, she is unable to overcome her increasing nervousness when she passes by the corridor near the queen's chamber. She continues swiftly until she thinks she overhears a few words coming from the queen's chamber that catch her attention "Queen Vaidehi… her son…Rajkumar… interested… asking for…Siya's hand…."
Taken aback by the bits of the conversation she heard so far, she is unable to decide whether to proceed towards her friends or stay back and listen. Finally, curiosity wins the better of her and she peeks into the room slowly to catch sight of what was transpiring within. She sees an excited queen resting at the far end of her chamber surrounded by royal scrolls, discussing matters with her chief maid. The impatient girl takes a step back and places her ear close to the wall.
After a while, she hears the voice of the delighted queen "Prince Dharmavardhan… Aryanagar… visiting tonight…staying…Niphaud gardens…"
Nanda places her hand on her mouth in absolute shock. As she concocts the two messages into her own theory, she becomes overwhelmed by the gravity of her realization. She begins running towards the kitchen to let her friend know of the latest news.
Pati Patni Aur Panga
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
