Tuesday, July 7, 2020

The chosen one?


A pair of big brown eyes peered from behind the chariot watching the Kuru princes make their way back to their quarters, after a long day of arduous practice in the sun. Heavy footsteps accompanied by garrulous laughter, filled the air. A few paces behind, the soft crunch of footsteps and quietude could be heard, in stark contrast to the ones in front. In the second lot, the eyes spotted Arjuna, walking with his head held high. After all, wasn’t he the chosen one? The other four brothers looked at him with pride as the Guru continued to shower flowery praises on his favourite pupil.

After they could be seen no more, he emerged from his hiding place. An imprint of the sun marked his forehead and a bright sun-shaped pendant dangled from the gold chain around his neck. A pair of golden ‘kundalas’ adorned his ears and a magical armour was rumoured to bedeck his chest when he was in danger. He was merely twelve and yet was wise beyond his years. His face shone with unexplained radiance, yet the sadness in his eyes was unmistakable.

The Kuru princes were in training under the tutelage of Guru Dronacharya, and Radheya had been watching them hawk-eyed for days. He had approached the Guru requesting to be taken under his wings but had been turned down on account of his lineage.

Today, Arjuna was hailed as the greatest archer for having hit the bird’s eye. The Guru could not stop admiring him!

What a gift that was! Radheya longed to be recognised. Only if he had been chosen to showcase his talent!

Where one would expect anger to burn within him, he was unexpectedly calm. Was it the calm before the storm? One could never tell. But at the moment, the only fire that burned within him was that of fulfilling the challenge. Of showing that he was no less a warrior. Of proving that he was as great an archer as Arjuna.

He hurriedly picked up his bow and quiver of arrows and marched to the forest. Climbing the tallest mango tree, he hung a toy bird from the highest branch. Then he climbed down and took aim at the bird’s eye. He hit it without as much as batting an eyelid! It seemed too easy a target!

Arjuna? The greatest archer? He smirked.

I could do this blindfolded, he told himself.

He studied the bird’s position for a minute and then loosened his ‘angavastram’ and tied it around his eyes. He took aim and again, easily achieved his target! He beamed with joy!

But it didn’t seem enough. Restlessness filled his heart and he paced around, eyes devoid of satisfaction.

He looked around searching for ideas to challenge himself. His eyes fell on a broken earthen pot lying a few yards away. An idea struck him. He filled it with water and placed it under the tree such that the reflection of the bird, fell into the water.

He looked down at the bird’s reflection in the water below and aimed upward at the bird without even looking at it. Concentrating on the bird’s eye, he shot a swift arrow piercing the bird’s eye in one masterful stroke.

Yes! he pumped his fist in jubilation. But there was no one around to applaud. The happiness was short-lived.

But, he did not see Guru Drona observing him from his quarters.

“What an amazing archer!” the guru found himself saying. “It’s a pity I cannot teach him!”

Only if Radheya could have heard that!

Suddenly, the skies turned fiery. A streak of lightning cracked up the sky and thunder roared in the distance. Was it reflecting the agony in Radheya’s heart? Was an achievement still worth the same, if there was no one appreciate it? Was the longing to be the chosen one, the only gift he desired?

Soon, the skies opened up. A slow trickle gave way to a huge downpour soaking Radheya to the bone. He started to hurry home, as the trees shook uncontrollably in the gust of wind that followed.

It was then, that another idea crept up his head! He walked back to the tree and looked at the reflection of the bird in the earthen pot below. The bird shook violently in the storm. Radheya, strung his bow and took aim again.

Would he be able to hit the bird’s eye looking at its reflection in water even when it was moving?

He wanted to test if he could.

He patiently observed the bird and after a lot of deliberation, he released his arrow.

To his pleasant surprise, the arrow hit the bird’s eye, once again.

His eyes shone in the darkness and he puffed up his chest in pride.

He held his bow high above his head and thundered, “Who’s the greatest archer now, guru?” oblivious to being watched by the Guru himself.

The Guru nodded his head in approval. There was no doubt that he was equal to Arjuna in every way, maybe better.

Yet, he could never be the chosen one. That was one gift, he would have to crave all his life.

                                                         ******************



Written in response to the prompt "Being chosen is the best gift you can give someone." 

#Blog-A-Rhythm

#PreBarathon2020 

 

 


1 comment:

  1. Love your storytelling. You got me hooked from the beginning. Is this a part of the mythology?

    ReplyDelete

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person..deep gratitude for those who have lighted the flame within me!! your comments will be appreciated..

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