Sootputra: The Unsung Hero

The Only Sister

"He seems a little sluggish. What happened? Is he sick?"

"Nah. It's just that Bali doesn't get much to run with a rider on him.

I don't let anyone else ride him except you. And I am too busy with all the new roles of stables, palace, and training with you in the evening."

"Wasn't Yuyutsu helping you?"

"He is, but it still takes time to learn the ropes you know. And that's why I haven't been able to pay much attention to his exercises recently."

"Guess we should try setting him with the chariot. He is of that age now."

"Nah, I think we should wait for a few more months, till his legs get a few more muscle, and his stamina increases," Shon said.

"Sure as you say," I said, nodding.

"Did you visit Maa?

You should thank her when we visit next time."

"Do we really have to? Can't we just bring them here?" he said in a tiring voice.

"Shon, we have to! No slacking offs."

"But it's so good here, why can't they just come here!?"

"Shon!!!" I said in a firm voice.

"Ok, ok. I understand. Father has to stay. Sheesh. Talk about a downer."

He left mumbling. Probably cussing me for scolding him. But I felt relief that at least he agreed. The lavish and luxurious lifestyle was getting to me, so I can't complain that it wasn't affecting him. But still maa wants to see him. And a smile found its place on my face, knowing that he still cares about them. Vrushali must miss her parents too. I will take her next time I go to Hastinapur.

"Bali, looks like next time you will be my chariot horse. I'm looking forward to it."

The white horse hoofed as I caressed his ash mane."See you tomorrow, buddy."

As soon as I left from the stables, a servant came running. He told me that my friend has arrived at the palace. He was requesting to meet me as soon as possible. Duryodhana's sudden arrival with no notice can't bear any pleasant news. If he is here, it means that something is up in Hastinapur. And I must be ready to leave, in a moment's notice.

As I strode in the front entrance of the palace, I saw him. It was Ashwatthama. He had a retinue of people, soldiers and servants at his back. He had his arms crossed and eyes glowing. In all these months here. He had been one of the few people who often visited me. Although this time it looked like it was something official seeing how much of a crowd he was carrying.

"You sure kept me waiting for a while" He said, before my eyes could even realize he was there. "Is this how you treat your friend?"

I'm sure it looked like I froze for a second cause I just stood there, still surprised to see him here. Focusing on his sentence, I set my jaw. "Why not?"

"Why not?!!" Ashwatthama took a few steps back. But maintaining his smirk, he said. "Be-Because I have an elderly with me. Although she's not here now. Tired of waiting for you so she's resting."

"Who?" I asked with a straight face.

Vrushali was the one to answer. She had just entered the fray with a few servants, each carrying a plate and jug of what I assume were full of either alcohol or juice. Descending the stairs with crossed arms behind her back, I saw her face.

It was all teary. But with a smile like a crescent moon still visible in the golden rays of the sun. The joy and happiness radiated from her like the fragrance of a flower. With her soft pink, ribbon-like lips, she said the words that instantly warmed my heart.