Читать книгу The Swan Song - - Страница 5

Earth's most beautiful woman had surrendered her innermost soul to her love for her king. Damayanti yearned for love through countless cycles of days and nights, succumbing to sighs of despair. Wrapped in misery and solitude, she withdrew from her friends and maids, forsaking the luxuries and necessities of life. Every waking moment was spent gazing towards the northern skies, even in the darkness that obscured her vision. And as she slipped into a shallow slumber, her closed eyelids concealed eyes that were fixated on the northern star.

Her maidens and friends grew increasingly worried and felt helpless, unable to bear witness to their princess's suffering. The news of Damayanti's distress eventually reached the royal corridors of her father, the aging Southern King. Consumed by concern for his beloved daughter, the king sought advice from his counsel, ministers, sages, and saints.

"My dear girl will soon come of age, yet her distress lingers. What can bring her solace?" – the noble king inquired, his heart weighed down by worry.

After careful deliberation, the wise counsel presented a solution born out of their understanding of Damayanti's longings. "Your daughter is a paragon of virtue, and she yearns for a worthy companion, her true king. She’s a girl and would be a Woman soon. We suggest hosting a Swayamvara⁴ , a grand tournament where eligible kings from all corners of the earth will compete for the highest reward this universe could offer – Damyanti’s companionship. Princess Damayanti will be the supreme judge of her suitors, and it will be only her decision to choose her champion. She will decide the feats and she will set up the charts. The Princess shall become Queen to the only King that she desires" they proposed, their voices brimming with confidence.

4 – Swayamvara is the type of marriage where a woman presents the suitors with challenging tasks and chooses the champion of the trial as her husband

The king's face lit up with hope and delight as he wholeheartedly embraced the idea. A beautiful glow of fatherly love for his beloved daughter sparkled from his optimistic eyes. He summoned his ambassadors and envoys, entrusting them with the crucial task of delivering individual invitations to the lords and kings in all ten directions, cordially inviting them to participate in the grand Swayamvara.

A spectacle unfolds, behold the invitation,

To a grand tournament, where hearts seek elevation.

In this cosmic theater, all are cordially invited,

For the highest reward, to the only champion.

The princess Damayanti, a vision of beauty unmatched,

Shall grace the arena, where destinies are dispatched.

Amidst the valiant and bold, she shall find,

Her champion, a king, in whom her love is enshrined.

Come forth, noble souls, with courage and might,

Gather beneath the moon's enchanting light.

For in this grand affair, fate's hand shall sway,

As hearts entwine in love's mystical ballet.

Esteemed guests, prepare for this grand display,

Where love's power shall guide each warrior's way.

In this tournament, hearts shall be tested true,

And the chosen King, by Queen Damayanti, shall be true.

Soon as the invitations began being read out in the royal courts across the vast lands, swords and arrows found solace, as battles gave way to a greater quest. The barracks became deserted and some were turning into theaters of art and music. The kings, adorned in regal attire, prepared for a grand trial of love, where riches and treasures awaited those worthy. Each ruler, in haste, readied their caravans, laden with opulence and their hearts with a supreme desire. A queue formed, leading to the majestic walls where the princess eagerly awaited her most eligible suitor.

Love-struck and elated, Nal embraced the invitation for the Swayamvara. No carts filled with gold or gems accompanied him, for the priceless treasure within his heart surpassed all earthly riches. Like a radiant star, his love illuminated the fateful morning as he embarked gallantly towards the realm of the southern king. With each stride of his trusty steed, Nal drew nearer to the gates of his destined encounter, where his fateful union awaits.

Meanwhile, in the realms beyond mortal men and materials, a messenger proclaimed the news with resounding voice to his audience of 4 celestial lords:

“There’s Peace on Earth!

They’ve given up their swords

Quarrels don’t matter much

When that Lady is looking for her Lord.

The mighty Kings assemble with their great armies

Not of swords and lances but of tributes and wits

lined outside her palace, their egos ceased

to fight a battle, to win the highest reward there is

In this battle,

There is no death and destruction

There’s Peace on Earth

Damayanti is the reason”

Amidst the celestial planes, Lord Indra, the king among gods, brandishing thunderstorms and a playful reputation⁵ , deployed his omnipotence to steal a glimpse of this enigmatic princess. Just by the message that was relayed, the 4 Celestial Lords were enamoured and after a short glimpse at her sight, they were lovestruck and held a very strong desire. Their minds aflame with attraction and curiosity, they indulged themselves in the admiration of the beautiful princess. The quartet soon decided to descended from the heavens, and mingle among mortals, eager to compete for the reward so exquisite and opulent, even for their kind. Arriving at the crossroads, the final turn before the gates of their destiny, the four prepared for the grand event.

5 – Implying from several tales of Indra from Mahabharat

Meanwhile, bathed in the resplendent hues of the bright morning sun, Nal approached the same crossroads. In the distance, a shimmer of golden light caught his attention, captivating his weary gaze. Guided by curiosity, he ventured closer, drawn to the radiant source. As he neared, four ethereal silhouettes materialized from the luminous brilliance. Recognizing their distinctive features, the prince humbly bowed, his hands folded in reverence, and greeted the familiar beings with his honest and heartfelt words,

"I stand before you as your devoted servant. How may I serve you?

Your presence evokes a sense of divinity.

There is an aura of mystique surrounding you, an energy unlike any other.

Your feet seem to transcend earthly bounds, as if floating above the ground.

Your attire exudes a celestial essence, as if woven from the fabric of the heavens.

Your complexion remains immaculate, untouched by any blemish or flaw.

And atop your heads, radiant crowns of golden luminescence adorn you.

Please tell me, who are you? Are you the Guardians of Life,

Or perhaps the kings of the legends lost in the tapestry of time?"

Nal inquired with humble devotion. Pleased by the prince's eulogy, the higher beings introduced themselves briefly, saying,

"We are the Four lords. The Paradise is our abode.

We caught a glimpse of the princess.

Since that moment itself, she has won us over

We have surrendered to her.

And descended to the earth.

We shall challenge every king and every lord

to win the heart of the only woman we desire.

I am Indra, the ruler of the Paradise,

and these are my friends preside over the realms of

Fire, Wind and Life .

Be our messenger; be our voice.

Send our words of love to the Queen of our hearts

Tell her she may happily choose any one of us four.

We all desire only her.

She can test us as she pleases.

No mortal could match our feats."

As Indra's words reverberated through the air, Nal’s spirit shattered like a delicate glass vase being crushed by a Himalayan peak, each shard piercing through the next. His very essence fragmented into innumerable, insignificant pieces, torn apart by the weight of his disbelief. He began to speak in a trembling voice a plead for mercy,

"I beg you as your devotee,

spare me from this torment,

this incomprehensible transgression.

My heart belongs solely to Damayanti;

In my thoughts, I have wed only her.

My love is untainted, as you surely comprehend.

I beg you as your devotee,

spare me from this torment,

do not compel me to betray my unwavering devotion

My heart belongs solely to Damayanti"

Yet, amidst his words, he recognized the undeniable truth, for honesty had always guided his righteous existence, flowing through him like the currents of a steadfast river. In the face of righteousness, the power of love dimmed. Nal was reminded of the first words he had spoken to the four celestial lords. "I stand before you as your devoted servant. How may I serve you?”. Truth, his mightiest sword along the path of righteousness, prevailed in every word that he spoke. He took a few moments to gather his wits and senses. Though his mind remained numb and his vision obscured, he humbly accepted to the divine decree.

"But how may I deliver your message amidst the watchful gaze of men and the keen senses of the creatures guarding the queen?" – inquired Nal, standing before the towering divine lords. No sooner had the words escaped the lips of the desolate lover than Lord Indra produced a crystal vial containing a shimmering silver elixir.

"You are blessed with our divine favor. Consume this potion, and you shall remain unseen until you desire to be seen" – he proclaimed, extending the boon to the shattered prince, who wept inconsolably not in his tears but in the shreds of his innermost soul. "Bring us tidings from the princess. We await eagerly. Our presence shall be nearby, We’ll show up as soon as you desire to meet us" concluded the Thunder King, bidding farewell as the Nal embarked on his divine duty along his righteous path.

As he approached Damayanti’s palace, he gulped the potion and within moments could see his shadow disappear. The light seemingly passed through his body as he could see the grass beneath through his stretched-out palm. He stealthily entered the palace unnoticed. He stood beneath the magnificent arch that adorned the entrance to Damayanti’s chamber. Delicate curtains in shades of white and indigo gracefully adorned the intricately carved sandalwood frame, while the ceiling of the halls seemingly reached for the heavens. To his left, a beautiful wooden bed adorned with fluffy, pristine white clouds beckoned, and to his right, an angelic figure sat by the window. Damayanti, the epitome of boundless grace, occupied the seat near the window, her gaze fixed upon the long queue of lords and kings gathered outside the royal coliseum. It was as if she sought the king who resided within the depths of her heart among that crowd.

Like a radiant pearl resting upon a vibrant seabed, amidst enchanting ferns and mythical mermaids, Damayanti occupied a seat meticulously carved from a single teak tree. Draped in a celestial green garment that cascaded gracefully along her slender form, she emanated a serenity that would make the seas envious and a charm that would bring delight to Mother Nature herself.

Surrounded by maidens adorned in hues of red and white, Damayanti resembled an everblooming flower nestled amidst a heavenly orchard. Jasmine blossoms adorned her hair, and a gentle smile graced her lips. The perfect harmony of these elements captivated the love-stricken prince, compelling him to suppress his ardent passion and contain the overwhelming love that surged within him. Yet, with each passing moment, his love flourished, multiplying a thousandfold. The mere sight of his beloved, his one and only Queen, brought him an unparalleled joy. Ultimately, love triumphed, and the prince yearned to reveal himself, desiring to be seen by Damayanti.

As Prince Nal appeared before the surprised maidens, their eyes widened in awe, captivated by his striking presence. Meanwhile, Damayanti turned around, her gaze meeting his in an instant. In that profound connection, a peculiar sensation stirred within her. Goosebumps danced along her skin, and her smile broadened, mirroring the joy that erupted within her heart, pulsating with newfound vitality.

With the grace of a flowing river, she glided toward the mysterious stranger, her steps guided by an invisible force. Her eyes delved deep into his, as if peering into the very essence of her soul's companion – the home where she would reside for the rest of her life. In that moment, Damayanti recognized her champion, destined king. Their union became an unspoken truth, interwoven by the threads of love and destiny. She began to tease her lover, for she knew the answer to each of her questions

"Who are you? The most beautiful one!

Who are you? Who has awakened all of my love?

You're no thief, nor a foolish spy.

The stern mandate of the king won't let you in unseen.

Who are you? Speak the words to your queen, the most beautiful one"

Damayanti inquired with a smile, eagerly awaiting the words she had longed to hear. The two peerless stood in front of each other, waiting to begin the life of love they’ve been longing for.

"I am the messenger, blessed by a divine boon.

Four Celestial Lords sent their message.

Lord Indra and the Keepers of Life, Wind and Fire

They have surrendered themselves to your choice.

They will be in competition among the others

You are all they desire to possess.

You are free to judge them as you please.

No mortal could match their feats"

Nal, in his words displayed every element of an honest soul. Although his eyes could barely hold back his tears. He stood there motionless, solemnly staring at the feet of the only woman he had ever wanted to possess. Damayanti listened patiently to each word. Her longing for love was about to end. She had her lover, her only King, standing in front of her. Like a steady river determined to flow, she gathered her thoughts and searched for a way out. She looked at the frowning face of the defeated prince and, with the kindness of a lover, spoke in her soft, gentle voice.

"The swan rekindled my soul.

It ignited the ever-burning love

With the same melody that the Swan’s sang.

Now, I see you in your flesh and bones, just as described.

We are two halves of a perfect soul.

I see a way of refuge with no blame.

When the ceremony begins,

I will walk up to you in the presence of the kings and the divines,

With the universe and its keepers as alibi

I will pledge myself only to you as my Champion, my King"

Damayanti had made up her mind. She decided to put her true love to the test before the desires of every King and Lords that awaited the trial. Nal stepped back and bowed in respect before hurriedly returning to the crossroads to relay the message to the Divine Four. Damyanti retired to her sleepless slumber. Filled with hope, joy and faith in her heart, she dreamt one last time of the life she would soon begin to live.

The moon remained in the sky even as the sun rushed to dawn on a day of good omen. The celebrations began early, and the music added to the air of excitement as the bugles sounded the summons. Kings and lords from the corners of the world assembled in the royal coliseum, each seated on his throne like a lion on the mountain. The coliseum looked filled with glory and power, resembling a cauldron of might and light.

The Kings indulged in conversations and musings with their neighbours. The air within the coliseum began brewing with power and determination. Each king spoke with a voice louder and heavier than the other, each began to sharpen up their wits in occasional pauses. The commotion of mixed emotions captivated the universe within the coliseum as some Kings grew impatient and began flirting with pride and anger among other emotions.

Suddenly a dead silence conquered the universe as Damayanti entered the coliseum. The Kings retired to their courteous behavior fitting for a royalty and were eager to hear the challenges that awaited them. She bowed down in reverence to the assembled kings as the Swayamvara of Damayanti was about to commence. She passed the first few rows of the assembly without uttering a single word. Confused and unsure, the kings didn't turn to look.

Damayanti walked by several lines of suitors. Silence grew as the King’s began to wonder what was to unfold. No challenge was yet announced, no trial was yet laid out but Damayanti walked with a sense of determined task.

"There he is! I can sense him there!" – she said to herself as she approached one end of a long row she was walking past. She began to walk briskly in the direction her heart dictated and took a sharp turn to the left. She came to a sudden halt as a bewildering sight assailed her senses. "What kind of sorcery is this?" she exclaimed to her now numbminded self, which presented her with five men who bore an uncanny resemblance to her beloved, Nal, seated before her. The radiant glow on her face dimmed as she began contemplating an escape. She, in her truest heart, had chosen Nal as her Champion and was attracted by his very presence in that corner of the majestic coliseum. As she stood in her frozen tracks, she gazed in amaze at the five identical men with every physical and meta physical that her lover Nal exuded. She delved into the depths of her soul, questioning, "How can I discern my true love among them? They all appear identical, even their essence feels the same." Her inquiry carried a resolute determination to seek assistance. Moments later, she offered a prayer with the pride of a lioness and the humility of a saint.

In the sweet melody of the swan's song,

I found my heart's true path, where I belong.

Amidst the Lords and beings untold,

I beg you, my love, to unfold.

For I have chosen you, my chosen King,

In your presence, my heart takes wing.

You dwell in every corner, all around,

Within my heart, your presence profound.

For you alone, my love does reside,

No other can claim a place by my side.

We are two halves of one soul's embrace,

Together, we will find solace and grace.

Bound in love's thread, we shall forever thrive,

With you, my King, our souls will survive.

Mighty four, reveal your noble might,

I remain faithful, I remain true.

I leave it upon your divine wisdom

The fate of my love, the destiny of my tale.

Damayanti stood unperturbed, with eyes closed and head bowing in reverence with her palms folded like the delicate petals of a jasmine bud. Love guided her, and as she opened her eyes, she observed distinct variations among the duplicates of her beloved.

One levitated, defying gravity, while another remained unblinking. The garments of the third were miraculously cleansed of stains and wrinkles, and the fourth emitted a radiant light, illuminating a significant portion of the colossal hall. Turning her attention to the fifth, she beheld a figure with a defeated expressions, drooping shoulders, and weathered attire, lost in contemplation of his own feet.

Love emerged triumphant, and even the Gods conceded a rare defeat. Damayanti first embraced Nal with the blessed garland, and then caressed him in her loving arms. The hall erupted in exuberant cheers as the celebrations commenced. Nal and Damayanti were the crowned family a wonderful matrimony awaited.

The universe celebrated their perfect union. Riches and blessings were lavished upon the people across the lands. As the lords and kings departed with mixed emotions, the jubilant festivities continued for several days. Their love flourished like a tree racing towards the heavens. In due course, their love bore them children, and an unshakable harmony permeated their lives. The tumultuous emotions of misery and pain became distant memories. Peace reigned on earth as love prevailed throughout the world, just as the swan had prophesied.

"Love Reigns Supreme" – sang the cheerful Queen in the arms of her beloved King as they strolled through their idyllic life. Their kingdom flourished, and they earned the love and adoration of all. The weather perpetually graced them with its perfection, and Mother Nature showcased her magnificent splendor. A bonfire was lit, and the warmth of their love spread to the farthest corners of the universe.