I have received a lot of requests to update this FF. So I updated an additional chapter. I shall post the war sequence after 25th Sept. Hope you like this update.
Part 7- Dark Omens
Iravan was in his tent putting on his armor to get ready for the upcoming day of the war. A few rays of Sunlight were coming in through the gap in the shutter of the tent. Looking around he saw two childish eyes peeping into the tent through the gap.
"Garbha, come in.", Srutsom shouted in his husky and bold voice.
A boy who looked of the age of twelve years came in. His face was quite childish but he moved with maturity. He was quite regal in his looks with lotus eyes, dark skin and a healthy body. He was dressed up as a warrior.
"Pranipat Jyesht Bhrata Prativindhya. An army of odd looking creatures have come here and are searching for someone by the name of Iravan. Mata told me I will find that man in this tent."
"Rochangarbha, you have not met Jyesht Bhrata Iravan yet!" Abhimanyu said as Iravan came forward to meet the boy.
"I am Iravan. Do take me to the people who are searching for me." Iravan said.
"Ji jyesht Bhrata. Do follow me."
Iravan followed Rochangarbha to the bank of the river. He was intrigued by the boy of such a tender age fighting the war. Rochangarbha seemed to be a boy of undefeatable spirit.
"Who are you?" Iravan asked Rochangarbha.
"I? I am son of Devi Rochana and Rajkumar Arjun, youngest among my cousins. I am going to be a great archer just like Pitashri."
Iravan laughed at his brother's last line. Iravan saw a little of him in this young boy. Somehow he thought this boy seemed to be kept in shadow just like him. It was a tough time Iravan's mother had gone through after her marriage with his father. Marriage of a widow was not taken lightly by the Naga society. His mother had to face numerous insults and there was a time when she along with her son were excommunicated. They had traveled to many places during that hateful time. It was while they were travelling they had met Chitrangada and Babruvahan. Iravan had spent early part of his life in Manipur learning war skills from his mother along with Babruvahan. It was a long time after which his grandfather had come to take them home after settling matters with the council. It was even after they returned, Iravan heard people speaking behind his back. They scrutinized his mother. It took them a long time to gain their stand back in society. Iravan had asked his mother once," Mata, is it because of me that you are called this bad names by the society?"
"No dear. Our society is very backward in thinking. They do not let its women take a step out of the line. But do not fear. As long as we are together nothing can give me pain."
As Iravan reached the river bank he saw an army of Nagas bowing to him.
The commander spoke," I have come with a message from your mother. She has asked you to return immediately with us"
"Why? Is she all right? Has something grave happened?"Iravan asked fearful of the answer.
"Your mother is very much in pain. She saw dark omens. She is fearful for your life."
Iravan said turning his back to the army "My mother knows very well that fear of death does not suit a warrior. Tell her to be strong. I cannot leave my father now. I have already staked my life I this battlefield. If I am to lose, then I am to lose. No one can turn his face from death."
Rochangarbha was looking at his elder brother with appreciation.
"But... " The commander stammered.
"I do not want to hear any buts and ifs. My mother had trained me to become a warrior. I shall not disgrace my profession by going back now."
The commander sighed."We knew that you shall not come back. We had to try. You come back or not, your mother has given us the responsibility to protect you. We shall fulfill it. We shall fight along with you."
"I don't think Mamashri Drishtadyumna will mind additional help." Rochangarbha piped out.
Arjun
Jhanak
Tum Se Tum Tak
293