THE CURSE OF BRAHMA by Jagmohan Bhanver Read Free Book Online

out, Father,’ Vasudev said softly. ‘When may I go to Madhuvan to let Devki know that I won’t be able to marry her?’ he asked Surasena. Surasena looked with unabashed pride at his only son and hugged him. ‘Did you think, Vasudev, that I would be so cruel as to not know that you can no more exist without Devki as the Earth without the sun?’ Vasudev looked with surprise at his father, as Surasena continued speaking. ‘You shall marry Rohini because I made a commitment to her father. However, when the time is right, you shall also marry Devki, because she is the one you truly love!’ Vasudev found it difficult to hide his tears at his father’s love for him, but he shook his head. ‘I am afraid that won’t be possible, Father. I cannot do this injustice to Rohini. She will never accept another woman as my wife. And I cannot let Devki feel second to anyone else either.’ Surasena held Vasudev by his shoulder. ‘Rohini understands that you love Devki, Vasudev. She has told me she will be happy if you can find happiness with the woman you truly love.’ Vasudev looked unsure. ‘But, Father…’ he started to say. Surasena interrupted him with a slight wave of his hand. ‘Rohini is a very wise woman, my son. And she has a large heart too. She will never want you to be unhappy.’ Surasena paused for a moment before continuing. ‘Love Devki my child...but honour Rohini too, at all times. You will have two wives and they will both be your strength. Mark my words, for you shall remember this someday.’ Vasudev bowed to his father. ‘Now go. Devki needs to know you are marrying Rohini. If she is as great a woman as I think she is, she will understand why you have to do this.’ This was two years ago, and Vasudev had gone to Madhuvan and sought Devki’s permission to marry Rohini. Devki was fifteen at that time, but with wisdom beyond her age.
    She had quietly given her consent to Vasudev. ‘Rohini is fortunate that she marries you today, Vasudev. Honour her as your first wife. I will wait till you come and ask for my hand, someday soon.’ Vasudev left Madhuvan that day knowing in his mind that he was indeed one of the most fortunate men in Mrityulok, to have the love of a woman like Devki. Vasudev and Rohini were married in a quiet ceremony held at Bateshwar with only a few family members from Surasena’s side in attendance. Shonalik was present from Rohini’s side of the family, along with three brahmins, all of whom blessed the couple. In the past two years of marriage, Vasudev had given Rohini all the honours of being his first wife; but based on mutual understanding, neither of them had shared the conjugal bed. Rohini did this out of respect for Devki, and Vasudev was bound by his love for the only woman he had ever loved...Devki.

    Vasudev was brought back to the present by something Kansa had said. He looked blankly at his friend. Kansa realized Vasudev hadn’t heard him. ‘I know you love my sister more than anyone else, Vasudev. But I don’t want her feeling second to Rohini. It is therefore important that we know how Rohini feels about your marriage with Devki.’
    Though Kansa had reiterated the question, Vasudev looked at Ugrasena while answering. He knew the old king was anxious to know whether his niece, whom he loved like his own daughter, would find peace and love at Bateshwar. And though he loved Devki with all his heart and soul, at this moment he felt an unbridled sense of pride and respect for his first wife. ‘Rohini sends this for Devki, respected king.’
    Ugrasena extended his hand to take a carefully wrapped package from Vasudev. The parcel was covered in the most exquisite silk he had ever seen. But what lay cocooned inside the silk was even more exquisite. A necklace made of rubies and diamonds, each of them the size of a large grape gleamed with the brightness of the sun. Accompanying it were ten bracelets, made of the finest diamonds that competed to outshine the brilliance of