Sootputra: The Unsung Hero

The Only Sister

"Oh King, Aunt Radha is here."

My throat felt parched. I looked at Ashwatthama; he was giving me a smirk like he had done something that I couldn't. Like he had beaten me in a fight. He had a right to be that ignorant that day. That soft, low-pitched statement had shaken me from inside. It was like the warm rays on the glaciers of the mountain. Like butterflies fluttering over flowers. It broke the dam holding the river of emotions.

"Go,..... Go. I know you won't stop unless you meet with her."

I'm sure my teeth were showing a laugh so wide, just like a child, running past him into the palace.

"Where is she?"

"Shon took her to your room." Vrushali said, wiping her tears. Running as fast as my legs allowed, fumbling on the stairs I reached the floor in just a few moments. I stormed into my room, slamming the doors on the side walls with a jolt. And there she was, lying on the bed. A maid was clearing the leftover lunch and plates from the side table.

"Much better than the food at home." She said with her trembling lips. "I could get used to this."

She looked up and asked. "Where is Vrushali?"

"She...She... is taking care... of the guests."

"Hmm" She turned her gaze towards the windows. The breezing air filled the room. The smell of rose, sunflower, jasmine, and the taste of salt on my lips.

"It smells good here. The view is grand too." She said with a simple look on her face, unaffected and calm.

I sat down at her wrinkling feet. Holding her hands. "You are shaking, Maa."

"I'm just afraid, the fear of luxury, I guess." Her hands flexed my hair and then touched the earring dangling from my right ear.

"If your old man was here, he would be proud."

"Aren't you?" I asked softly.

"I am. However, I was proud of you either way. Even if you had or didn't have the burden of a crown on your head."

"Maa---"

"I always knew that you were born to be an exceptional man, Vasu. A king, a warrior. It's just----"

The drops of her tears fell down on my face. I scared her. Choking on her own words. She had a look that said she was afraid. The wrinkles at the corner of her eyes intensified as she narrowed them. Afraid to lose something. Or already has lost.

"Ma, Fear should be the last for you. I'll always be your Vasu. Your son will be there for you. Whenever you ask."

She gently stroked my hair again.

"Forgive me, Son. Forgive this old woman. It's just,... you have been the greatest treasure of my life. Ever since, I held you in my arms, ever since you spoke your first words. You have told me you don't think of this. That you don't deserve this. " She was gesturing all over my room. "But sometimes in the morning, I wake up with a sweating brow. Having endured a nightmare where I lose you. That this luxury will steal both my sons from me.

You are so brave, Karna. A strong man.

Sorry for being a cowardly mother. I don't deserve you. I think I never did."

Closing my eyes, thanking the gods, I offered my gratitude for having such a woman as a mother. Such unconditional love cannot come from a selfish heart. I opened my eyes and wiped her tears with my hands.