Angulimala -28

Mantani and Bhaggava enveloped in deep anguish

Bhaggava now felt compelled to disclose to his wife the Royal Astrologer's prediction regarding Ahimsaka at the time of his birth. After confiding in Mantani his worst fears that the notorious serial killer was their son, he informed her with a heavy heart, "The king has ordered a detachment of the kingdom's finest soldiers to capture and execute him, my dear."

When she heard of the terrible news, Mantani felt a penetrating pain. She felt as if it was pierced by a sharp dagger and she could hardly breathe! Her son, her only beloved child could be a murderer! "Oh Brahma! What have I done to deserve this curse" she wept uncontrollably."

Could this really be my beloved Ahimsaka?" She asked herself. "I must save him from being killed by the King's soldiers", she thought in deep anguish.

Bhaggava begged for Mantani's understanding that much as he wanted to try and forewarn their son about the imminent danger to his life, he could not betray his monarch.

As the king's Royal Chaplain, he must at all times be loyal.

He had no choice but to grieve in silence over the tragic fate of their son. He asked Mantani's forgiveness for his unfortunate circumstance for not being in a position to do something to save their son's life.

To be continued
 

..................................

<< Artscope Main Page