parth-savyasachi - Tumblr blog

[parth-savyasachi]

Bhraata Bheem has taken my hand. “Hmm?” “Stop thinking of lessons, Arjun! It’s time for dinner.” “We’re done with lessons anyway, Bhraata Arjun,” murmurs Nakul, tiredly. Now that the constant stimulation is gone, I, too, am feeling tired. I stretch a little. “Wow,” I say with a grin. “Today was fun!” Nakul rolls his eyes. ‘I couldn’t understand half of what was going on.’ ‘Oh? That’s okay. I can teach you.” We’re in the Bhojanshala. Bhraata Bheem pushes us down. “Sit. Eat. No talking about lessons.” I obediently start eating. I am somewhat hungry. I usually don’t like eating, unless I’m actually hungry. Bhraata Bheem doesn’t understand that sometimes. Still, he’ll scold me if I eat ‘too less’, so, I eat as much as I can.

After dinner, it’s time for bed. Even as I tumble into bed, I can already hear Bhraata Bheem snoring. I smile, settling back to sleep myself.

The next day, after practice, Gurudev tells us to revise the shaastras.  I had marked out a question, and I ask it. Gurudev patiently explains the intricacies of Arthashastra. He tells me that it will be clear with practice. I nod. ‘I’ll practice, Gurudev.’ He smiles at me. ‘I know that, Arjun.’

I am immersed in revision, when I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look up, and there’s Nakul, with a familiar expression. I smile at him. ‘Sit. I’ll teach you, see. It’s easy.’ Besides, Gurudev had told me to practice and what better way to practise than to teach?

‘See, it’s like this.’ I point to a small drawing I had made to illustrate the situation. Nakul nods. ‘And that’s how Yuddh-shaastra is connected to Arthashastra, right, Bhraata Arjun?’ ‘Exactly. You got it!’ ‘I did! You teach really nicely. Sometimes, even Gurudev can be boring.’

‘Nakul!’ I exclaim. ‘That is disrespect, it’s wrong!’ But he is grinning. ‘Honestly, Bhraata Arjun, you’re so easy to needle.’ I smile hesitantly back, standing with my bow as Gurudev calls us all to practice again.

This time, I pick the mace. I match against Bhraata Bheem, trying to match his stance. It isn’t really easy, the mace is much heavier than the bow. But I concentrate anyway. A warrior must be conversant in all weapons.

A new beginning

I stretch languidly for a moment. The sun’s rays are gently shining outside, morning dawning finally. I blink, suddenly realising. “Bhraata Bheem! Wake up!” My shout arouses more people than I had intended, who grouse irritatedly. “It’s dawn!” I exclaim, running out. “Gurudev had asked us to assemble right after dawn! Come on!” 

I am the first to reach the aangan, but that is expected. Most of my cousins do not take kindly to waking so early.

“Pranaam, Gurudev,” I say, as others also troop in. Gurudev nods. Once all 105 of us are assembled, he runs his gaze on us. We stand in a near-silent glade, the susurrus of the wind the only sound, light barely filtering in through the thick canopy of leaves above. 

When Gurudev speaks, his voice is slow, measured but intense. “Before we start your formal education, I have a task dear to my heart I require you to complete on your manhood.” 

There is silence. Complete, utter silence. Why is everyone silent? I don’t understand why no one answers, because there is only one answer that can be given. 

I step forward. “I solemnly give you my word, Gurudev, that on the onset of my manhood, I shall accomplish whatever task you would have of me.” Until now, I had kept my head bowed, but as I speak, I raise my head, looking into his eyes. “I promise.” 

To my utter shock, he hugs me close, there are tears in his eyes. “Gurudev?” “You are the warrior I was searching for. You will do it. Ah, how you gladden my heart!” I hug him back. It feels nice. Almost like I am hugging Pitamah or even Pitashree. I feel safe, protected.

Tagging @hindumyththoughts. Please reply!

[parth-savyasachi]

I grin at Bhraata Bheem. “Have fun!” “Eh, not really, we need to listen first.” “Attention.” I snap to attention, eyes facing the front, directly at Gurudev. Bhraata Bheem snorts. “Ah, you never change. Were the same with Guru Kripa, still the same.” “Shh, Bhraata Bheem! He’s teaching!” Bhraata Bheem rolls his eyes, but subsides. “Go on,” Gurudev says at the end. “Show me how you spar. Which weapon do you prefer?” There is a clamour of voices. “Arjun.” “Gurudev?” “Pick your preferred weapon.” “Aagya, Gurudev.” 

I pick the bow. “Excellent. Shoot.” I nod, stringing the bow, shooting straight. “Good.” I smile. He reminds me quite a bit of Pitashree. “Dhanyavadam, Gurudev.” “Continue practice. You have great potential.” He turns to the others. “I will!” 

After hours of practice, we finally end the session. I’m pleasurably tired as I do the rituals of Sandhyavandana. Immediately after, Gurudev calls us for a lesson in Shaastrs. 

Bhraata Bheem groans, a groan echoed by the twins, too. “Oh, come on, don’t be lazy!” “I appreciate your enthusiasm, Arjun.” “Is that not duty, Jyeshth?” Jyeshth gives a wan smile. “It is.” 

I run in again. Gurudev smiles at me. “Settle down, Arjun.” I sit down immediately. “One of the most important rules of being a student is obedience. The other is not just as a student, but as a person. Humility is always important.” 

Humility is not easy, I think. I can feel pride in my talent, in the way Gurudev likes me. But if Gurudev says it is, then it has to be, doesn’t it? 

A new beginning

I stretch languidly for a moment. The sun’s rays are gently shining outside, morning dawning finally. I blink, suddenly realising. “Bhraata Bheem! Wake up!” My shout arouses more people than I had intended, who grouse irritatedly. “It’s dawn!” I exclaim, running out. “Gurudev had asked us to assemble right after dawn! Come on!” 

I am the first to reach the aangan, but that is expected. Most of my cousins do not take kindly to waking so early.

“Pranaam, Gurudev,” I say, as others also troop in. Gurudev nods. Once all 105 of us are assembled, he runs his gaze on us. We stand in a near-silent glade, the susurrus of the wind the only sound, light barely filtering in through the thick canopy of leaves above. 

When Gurudev speaks, his voice is slow, measured but intense. “Before we start your formal education, I have a task dear to my heart I require you to complete on your manhood.” 

There is silence. Complete, utter silence. Why is everyone silent? I don’t understand why no one answers, because there is only one answer that can be given. 

I step forward. “I solemnly give you my word, Gurudev, that on the onset of my manhood, I shall accomplish whatever task you would have of me.” Until now, I had kept my head bowed, but as I speak, I raise my head, looking into his eyes. “I promise.” 

To my utter shock, he hugs me close, there are tears in his eyes. “Gurudev?” “You are the warrior I was searching for. You will do it. Ah, how you gladden my heart!” I hug him back. It feels nice. Almost like I am hugging Pitamah or even Pitashree. I feel safe, protected.

Tagging @hindumyththoughts. Please reply!

[parth-savyasachi]

A new beginning

I stretch languidly for a moment. The sun’s rays are gently shining outside, morning dawning finally. I blink, suddenly realising. “Bhraata Bheem! Wake up!” My shout arouses more people than I had intended, who grouse irritatedly. “It’s dawn!” I exclaim, running out. “Gurudev had asked us to assemble right after dawn! Come on!” 

I am the first to reach the aangan, but that is expected. Most of my cousins do not take kindly to waking so early.

“Pranaam, Gurudev,” I say, as others also troop in. Gurudev nods. Once all 105 of us are assembled, he runs his gaze on us. We stand in a near-silent glade, the susurrus of the wind the only sound, light barely filtering in through the thick canopy of leaves above. 

When Gurudev speaks, his voice is slow, measured but intense. “Before we start your formal education, I have a task dear to my heart I require you to complete on your manhood.” 

There is silence. Complete, utter silence. Why is everyone silent? I don’t understand why no one answers, because there is only one answer that can be given. 

I step forward. “I solemnly give you my word, Gurudev, that on the onset of my manhood, I shall accomplish whatever task you would have of me.” Until now, I had kept my head bowed, but as I speak, I raise my head, looking into his eyes. “I promise.” 

To my utter shock, he hugs me close, there are tears in his eyes. “Gurudev?” “You are the warrior I was searching for. You will do it. Ah, how you gladden my heart!” I hug him back. It feels nice. Almost like I am hugging Pitamah or even Pitashree. I feel safe, protected.

Tagging @hindumyththoughts. Please reply!

[parth-savyasachi]

I and Bhraata Bheem laugh and splash each other as we bath together. Quickly, we get dressed. We head to the hut then. Inside, Nakul and Sahadev are alone. They are crying, too. Bhraata Bheem makes a face. I know that I don’t look very nice right now either. We come to an unspoken accord. “Nakul!” I call, at the same time he calls for Sahadev. They come running, and clutch at us. Taking both of them by the hand, I and Bhraata Bheem start walking toward where we came from. If mata is angry, we can tell her that the twins were crying. Besides, it’s my birthday. She won’t be angry. 

“Bhraata Arjun?” It’s Nakul. “Hmm?” “Aren’t we going to do pooja? I want the prasad!” “We will do that, of course! Today’s a special pooja.” I grin. I can almost taste the tangy-sweet halwa. Besides, pitashree still needs to take me to the woods.

Bhraata Bheem comes to a halt in front of me. “Bhraatashree?” “Jyeshth Bhraata,” he says, nodding. I stop, too. Jyeshth Bhraata is looking strange. “Jyeshth Bhraata? What happened?” “Pitashree...” I grin. “Pitashree is playing with you?” “He’s gone.” I look at him, confused. “Gone where?” “Mata said that Pitashree...” Bhraata Bheem understands something that I don’t. “What happened? Where did he go? Pitashree! This is unfair! You promised!” Pitashree never breaks a promise. “Arjun, Bheem...” “Yes, Jyeshth Bhraata.” “Pitashree is...dead, Arjun.” I laugh. That’s not possible. Pitashree never breaks a promise. He can’t be dead. “Pitashree is fine, Jyeshth Bhraata. He’s playing with you. You take games too seriously! Besides, he was fine when he promised me that he’ll take me to the woods. People don’t just...die like that.” Bhraata Bheem and Jyeshth were sad. I hug Jyeshth Bhraata. “Everything will be fine, Jyeshth Bhraata. Pitashree will be back, you’ll see.” 

My birthday!

I toss and turn all night. I want the morning to come fast. As soon as morning dawns, I'm out of my bed.

Mata is doing Pooja. I can smell the vahigandh, the incense. She turns as I enter. "Shubham Janamdinam, little hurricane!" She says, as I hug her. 'Mata, where is Pitashree? He said I can learn swords from today!' 'Wait for it, Arjun. Not today. Today is a day of celebration, yes?' 'But-' 'No, Arjun.' 'Please, mata?' I make the sweetest face I can. Sometimes, I can talk her into doing what I want.

She shakes her head. 'Go have your food. Look, there's Maharaj.' 'Pitashree!' He lifts me high and swings me in his arms. It's a game we play. His voice is low, conspiratorial as he says, winking, 'Once you eat, I'll take you out, hmm? Then, we'll do what you're waiting for.' He's feeding me out of his own hands as I stare at him. 'Really?' He nods. 'Can we finish eating fast?' Pitashree laughs.

[parth-savyasachi]

Bhraata Bheem jumps to his feet. We take off running. I skid to a halt. Bhraata Bheem frowns at me. ‘What?’ ‘Bhraata Bheem...’ ‘Are you scared?’ ‘No!’ I’m a big boy now, not a baby. ‘We should tell mata. Maybe she knows...’ ‘Arjun! If Pitashree is in danger, we should not wait!’ He’s right. I nod. 

We begin running again. The ground is muddy. We stumble often. Neither of us is very careful, it seems. As the both of us stumble again, someone catches us. 

I and Bhraata Bheem look up. It’s mata. Uh-oh. She rises a silent, questioning brow at us. I blurt out the entire story. ‘But even if he’s in danger,’ I say in a sudden burst of inspired truth, ‘he’s a great warrior! He’ll be fine, won’t he, mata? And then we can go to the woods, Pitashree and I.’ Oops. I wasn’t supposed to tell mata about Pitashree promising to take me to the woods alone. It’s alright. Pitashree will be back. And then I’ll apologize to him, and everything will be fine again. Of course it will.

Mata is looking worriedly at us. Why is she so worried?

My birthday!

I toss and turn all night. I want the morning to come fast. As soon as morning dawns, I'm out of my bed.

Mata is doing Pooja. I can smell the vahigandh, the incense. She turns as I enter. "Shubham Janamdinam, little hurricane!" She says, as I hug her. 'Mata, where is Pitashree? He said I can learn swords from today!' 'Wait for it, Arjun. Not today. Today is a day of celebration, yes?' 'But-' 'No, Arjun.' 'Please, mata?' I make the sweetest face I can. Sometimes, I can talk her into doing what I want.

She shakes her head. 'Go have your food. Look, there's Maharaj.' 'Pitashree!' He lifts me high and swings me in his arms. It's a game we play. His voice is low, conspiratorial as he says, winking, 'Once you eat, I'll take you out, hmm? Then, we'll do what you're waiting for.' He's feeding me out of his own hands as I stare at him. 'Really?' He nods. 'Can we finish eating fast?' Pitashree laughs.

[parth-savyasachi]

"Oh!" Bhraata Bheem is still rolling around, asleep. "But he's still sleeping?" Mata smiles. "He went back to sleep, little hurricane." "Bhraata Bheem!" I call. He doesn't move.

Mata inclines her head. So he's all mine to wake up. Seriously, why does he always sleep so much?

I tiptoe to him. Then I shake him. Hard. Finally, he stirs, grumpy. "Why don't you ever let me sleep, runt?" I grin at him. "Dhanyavadham, Bhraata Bheem! For the Uphaar!"

My birthday!

I toss and turn all night. I want the morning to come fast. As soon as morning dawns, I'm out of my bed.

Mata is doing Pooja. I can smell the vahigandh, the incense. She turns as I enter. "Shubham Janamdinam, little hurricane!" She says, as I hug her. 'Mata, where is Pitashree? He said I can learn swords from today!' 'Wait for it, Arjun. Not today. Today is a day of celebration, yes?' 'But-' 'No, Arjun.' 'Please, mata?' I make the sweetest face I can. Sometimes, I can talk her into doing what I want.

She shakes her head. 'Go have your food. Look, there's Maharaj.' 'Pitashree!' He lifts me high and swings me in his arms. It's a game we play. His voice is low, conspiratorial as he says, winking, 'Once you eat, I'll take you out, hmm? Then, we'll do what you're waiting for.' He's feeding me out of his own hands as I stare at him. 'Really?' He nods. 'Can we finish eating fast?' Pitashree laughs.

[parth-savyasachi]

My birthday!

I toss and turn all night. I want the morning to come fast. As soon as morning dawns, I'm out of my bed.

Mata is doing Pooja. I can smell the vahigandh, the incense. She turns as I enter. "Shubham Janamdinam, little hurricane!" She says, as I hug her. 'Mata, where is Pitashree? He said I can learn swords from today!' 'Wait for it, Arjun. Not today. Today is a day of celebration, yes?' 'But-' 'No, Arjun.' 'Please, mata?' I make the sweetest face I can. Sometimes, I can talk her into doing what I want.

She shakes her head. 'Go have your food. Look, there's Maharaj.' 'Pitashree!' He lifts me high and swings me in his arms. It's a game we play. His voice is low, conspiratorial as he says, winking, 'Once you eat, I'll take you out, hmm? Then, we'll do what you're waiting for.' He's feeding me out of his own hands as I stare at him. 'Really?' He nods. 'Can we finish eating fast?' Pitashree laughs.

[parth-savyasachi]

I try to stop sniffling as mata picks me up. I know by now that it’s pointless to argue. Besides, my fingers are actually hurting bad. 

I nestle my head in mata’s shoulder. It feels nice. Really comfortable. 

She’s patting my back as she walks home. I can feel my eyes droop.

Before I know it, we’re home, and mata is lying me down on the bed. She takes cloth and wraps it around my fingers. Ouch. It hurts. I look at her. “Sleep, little hurricane,” she says gently. I reach out to her. 

She sits by my side. She’s singing an old song. I smile. 

I wonder what I’ll learn tomorrow?

A/N: We can end with this, or anyone can intercede. Even Gandhari, as long as she tags her posts as AU.

Another day in the forest

The chirping of birds outside my window wakes me. I open my eyes and stretch. In Hastinapura Veena and other instruments were played to gently awaken the king. The sounds of nature are just as melodious. I go through the morning ablutions quickly. The Sun is just rising as I reach the mountain peak, my preferred spot for the Surya Vandana. I go through the asanas trying to centre my mind. Yet, the darkness lurks in a corner of my mind as it always does. I shake my head. I'm walking back to my hut as I hear it. The sound that any warrior worth his bow would recognize. The twang of a bowstring. I follow it and the sight before me brings an involuntary smile to my face. Arjun, my little hurricane is practicing. Only yesterday, I introduced him to the bow and he took to it like a fish to water. His stance isn't completely perfect, but he's better than anyone I've seen, especially at his age. My boy is a natural.

@incurablescribbler

[parth-savyasachi]

I drag my laughing Pitashree with me. When he sees mata, practicing diligently, he starts laughing harder, until mata is also laughing with him. I look between the both of them. Why are they laughing?

Well, it doesn’t matter. Mata had dropped the bow to the floor. “Mata!” She’s still laughing as she turns to me. “This is not how you treat a bow!” “Oh?” she asks. “How else, Gurudev?” By this time both of them are laughing hard enough that I understand I’m being made fun of.

I huff. Fine. I’m not going to pay them attention, either. I take the bow in hand, and string it. When I try to draw and shoot, pain sizzles through my fingers, going all the way till my shoulders, pain worse than the normal raze of the bowstring. Far worse. 

I cannot stop myself from crying out. “Aah!” I still try my best to place the bow gently on the ground, but it slides out of my loose fingers. Oh, no. 

Another day in the forest

The chirping of birds outside my window wakes me. I open my eyes and stretch. In Hastinapura Veena and other instruments were played to gently awaken the king. The sounds of nature are just as melodious. I go through the morning ablutions quickly. The Sun is just rising as I reach the mountain peak, my preferred spot for the Surya Vandana. I go through the asanas trying to centre my mind. Yet, the darkness lurks in a corner of my mind as it always does. I shake my head. I'm walking back to my hut as I hear it. The sound that any warrior worth his bow would recognize. The twang of a bowstring. I follow it and the sight before me brings an involuntary smile to my face. Arjun, my little hurricane is practicing. Only yesterday, I introduced him to the bow and he took to it like a fish to water. His stance isn't completely perfect, but he's better than anyone I've seen, especially at his age. My boy is a natural.

@incurablescribbler

[parth-savyasachi]

I can Pitashree raise his eyebrow at Mata, but I pay it no mind. Instead, I skip over to Bhraata Bheem. “Bhraata Bheem, Bhraata Bheem, Bhraata Bheem!!” I keep calling in the most annoying voice I can think of until he actually stirs. Jyeshth Bhraata joins me as we drag Bhraata Bheem to his feet. 

He’s still grumbling as I gobble up my food. As soon as I am done with eating, and mata with whatever chores she does, I run over to her, tugging her hand. “Mata! Let’s go!” 

She follows, admonishing me to go slow. I try, I really do, but I can’t. 

And then we’re standing in front of the target again. I grin. I show Mata how to string and fletch the bow, but she’s not able to do it properly. Sigh. 

I repeat it again. She messes it up again! I take a deep breath. Trying to be patient, I show her the stances of archery, too, what I’d learnt. She looks at me, clearly puzzled. I frown. “What is it, Mata?” “I do not understand anything, little hurricane.” 

Seriously? Is she doing this on purpose?

Another day in the forest

The chirping of birds outside my window wakes me. I open my eyes and stretch. In Hastinapura Veena and other instruments were played to gently awaken the king. The sounds of nature are just as melodious. I go through the morning ablutions quickly. The Sun is just rising as I reach the mountain peak, my preferred spot for the Surya Vandana. I go through the asanas trying to centre my mind. Yet, the darkness lurks in a corner of my mind as it always does. I shake my head. I'm walking back to my hut as I hear it. The sound that any warrior worth his bow would recognize. The twang of a bowstring. I follow it and the sight before me brings an involuntary smile to my face. Arjun, my little hurricane is practicing. Only yesterday, I introduced him to the bow and he took to it like a fish to water. His stance isn't completely perfect, but he's better than anyone I've seen, especially at his age. My boy is a natural.

@incurablescribbler

[parth-savyasachi]

@ambitiousandcunning​

I nod, but I’m uncertain. “Will I, really?” He nods back at me. “You will.” If Pitashree says so, it has to be true.

I suppose I can’t actually bring the entire tree down. Besides, Pitashree says that focus is important. So I focus on the centre of the target. It’s painted all red.

I shoot. It’s still not perfect. I resist the urge to stamp my feet. You’re not a baby, Arjun. Pitashree is looking at me still. He gives me an encouraging nod. “Go on, little Krishna.” I do it again.

And again, and again, until it’s mechanical, almost. I keep my focus on the target, seeing the red paint at the back of my eyes. 

Then, finally, it hits the centre! I blink, I am not sure, but there the arrow is!

“Pitashree, I did it!” I jump, happy, into his waiting arms. 

He’s laughing. “So you did, little hurricane. And you’ll do better, won’t you?” 

“Yes!”

“Now, come along, have your bath, yes? Then we’ll have our breakfast, hmm?”

I nod. “And I can tell mata! She’ll be happy too, won’t she, Pitashree?” “Of course she would be, little hurricane.”

I wriggle out of his arms and run, diving into the lake. I clean myself cursorily, and then run out. “Whoa, little hurricane. Easy.” He still sounds amused as I fidget. He takes my hand and we walk home together.

Inside the hut, I can hear Bhraata Bheem snoring still. Jyeshth Bhraata is talking to Rishi Shukra. I hesitate at the threshold, not willing to go back to the daily routine.

But Pitashree’s tugging my hand, and I can’t disobey him, can I?

@onetruesamrat @mayavanavihariniharini @theirrepressiblewritersworld @ambitiousandcunning​

Another day in the forest

The chirping of birds outside my window wakes me. I open my eyes and stretch. In Hastinapura Veena and other instruments were played to gently awaken the king. The sounds of nature are just as melodious. I go through the morning ablutions quickly. The Sun is just rising as I reach the mountain peak, my preferred spot for the Surya Vandana. I go through the asanas trying to centre my mind. Yet, the darkness lurks in a corner of my mind as it always does. I shake my head. I'm walking back to my hut as I hear it. The sound that any warrior worth his bow would recognize. The twang of a bowstring. I follow it and the sight before me brings an involuntary smile to my face. Arjun, my little hurricane is practicing. Only yesterday, I introduced him to the bow and he took to it like a fish to water. His stance isn't completely perfect, but he's better than anyone I've seen, especially at his age. My boy is a natural.

@incurablescribbler

[parth-savyasachi]

I struggle to pull the bowstring taut. It’s hard. Pitashree says that it takes time to learn archery. I want to learn it as fast as possible, because Pitashree wants me to be a warrior. He says that I’ll grow up to be the greatest warrior in Aryavrat!

I manage to shoot the arrow at the target. It’s not perfect. I want it to be perfect. If I manage to do it perfectly, I think Pitashree will be happy.

 So I string another arrow to the bow and shoot. I’m well into practising when I feel like someone is looking at me. At first, I don’t turn. But that feeling doesn’t go away.

Curiously, I turn. And there’s Pitashree, looking at me with a smile on his face. “Pitashree!” He calls me to him, and hugs me close. It feels nice when Pitashree hugs me. I feel special. I know I’m grinning as he ruffles my hair. “Good going, little hurricane! Here, I’ll teach you a little more?” 

I nod my head hard. He laughs. I take his hand as we stand in front of the target. Slowly, he corrects my stance. “Like this, Pitashree?” 

@onetruesamrat​ @ambitiousandcunning​ @theirrepressiblewritersworld​ @mayavanavihariniharini​

Another day in the forest

The chirping of birds outside my window wakes me. I open my eyes and stretch. In Hastinapura Veena and other instruments were played to gently awaken the king. The sounds of nature are just as melodious. I go through the morning ablutions quickly. The Sun is just rising as I reach the mountain peak, my preferred spot for the Surya Vandana. I go through the asanas trying to centre my mind. Yet, the darkness lurks in a corner of my mind as it always does. I shake my head. I'm walking back to my hut as I hear it. The sound that any warrior worth his bow would recognize. The twang of a bowstring. I follow it and the sight before me brings an involuntary smile to my face. Arjun, my little hurricane is practicing. Only yesterday, I introduced him to the bow and he took to it like a fish to water. His stance isn't completely perfect, but he's better than anyone I've seen, especially at his age. My boy is a natural.

@incurablescribbler