‘Really? I guess the King has some important business dealings with Kashi, right?’ĭivodas breathed in deeply. ‘I’m carrying someone far more important than the Queen of the Nagas.’ ‘Unless you are carrying the Queen of the Nagas herself on one of your ships, I can’t see anything important enough to let you through!’ ‘Major Uma, it is very important that I meet the King. ‘I suggest you turn back and shine your supreme light somewhere else.’ ‘Kashi has really improved your sense of humour, Divodas,’ sneered Uma.
The snide pun on Kashi’s name convinced Divodas that he was facing a changed Uma. An angry and bitter Uma, incapable of listening to reason. He knew Uma used to believe in the legend. ‘I’ll come back with the person more important than the Queen of the Nagas herself,’ said Divodas, turning to leave. The small cutter had just docked at the Branga office. Followed by Shiva, Parvateshwar, Bhagirath, Drapaku and Purvaka. Uma, standing outside her office, sighed. ‘Is this the person? You think I should break the rules for the Prince of Ayodhya?’ ‘This is very important, Major Uma,’ said Divodas. ‘So you are more loyal to Ayodhya as well now? How many times will you abandon Branga?’ ‘He is the Prince of Swadweep, Major Uma. ‘Major, in the name of Ayodhya, I respectfully ask you to let us pass,’ said Bhagirath, trying hard not to lose his temper. He knew the Neelkanth did not want any bloodshed. ‘Our terms of the Ashwamedh treaty were very clear, Prince. The orders to me are to help you maintain your part of the bargain.’ We have maintained our part of the agreement. ‘Get out of here.’īhagirath, Parvateshwar, Drapaku and Purvaka too drew out their swords instantly. ‘I will kill your entire family for this blasphemy,’ swore Drapaku. ‘Wait!’ said Shiva, his arms spread wide, stopping his men. The angvastram that he had wrapped around his body for warmth had come undone, revealing his nee/ kanth, the prophesied blue throat. The Branga soldiers around Uma immediately went down on their knees, heads bowed in respect, tears flooding their eyes. Uma continued to stare, her mouth half open. ‘I really need to pass through, Major Uma. ‘Where the hell have you been? We have been waiting! We have been suffering! Where the hell have you been?’ Uma bent forward, tears in her eyes, banging her small fists on Shiva’s well-honed chest. But she sank down holding Shiva’s leg, wailing. ‘Where the hell have you been?’Ī concerned Divodas turned to another Branga friend also posted at the border. His friend whispered, ‘Last month, Major Uma lost her only child to the plague. Her husband and she had conceived after years of trying. She was devastated.’ĭivodas looked at Uma with empathy, understanding her angst. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what would happen to him if he lost his baby. Shiva, who had heard the entire conversation, squatted. He cradled Uma in the shelter of his arms, as though trying to give her his strength. ‘Why didn’t you come earlier?’ Uma kept crying, inconsolable. The entire crew on all five ships was crowded on the port and starboard side, watching the operation in awe and wonder. Shiva’s men were totally astounded by the Branga gates. They had seen the platform close in on their ship with frightening force. Then the hooks were secured to the chains. The Brangas, after the go-ahead from respective ship captains, began towing the fleet. Looking at the office at the gate entrance.Įvery Branga not working on the gate machinery was on his knees, paying obeisance to the Neelkanth. But Shiva was staring at a broken woman curled up against the wall in foetal position. He knew Uma believed that fate had cheated her daughter. She believed that if the Neelkanth had arrived a month earlier, her child would still be alive. But the Neelkanth himself was not so sure.