Vishwamitra wore an expression that was rare for this great Brahmin: one of bemused respect. He also felt outfoxed. He smiled. Do you always question your guru like this?'

Ram remained silent. The unspoken answer was obvious. Vashishta, not Vishwamitra, was his guru. Ram was merely following the orders of his father in according Vishwamitra that stature.

You are right,' Vishwamitra continued, ignoring the subtle slight. The Asuras are not bad people; they just have an understanding of dharma that is not valid for today's world. Sometimes, the followers are good but the leaders let them down. Sending them to Pariha is a good idea. They will find some purpose. We'll arrange for their departure.'

Thank you, Guruji,' said Ram.

As for your original question, I'm not going to give you an answer right now. Maybe later.'

Within two weeks, a small group of Malayaputras had been readied, along with the Asuras, to undertake the journey to the hidden city of the Vayuputras, beyond the western borders of India. The Asuras had recovered completely from their injuries.

Vishwamitra stood at the gate of the Malayaputra camp, giving last-minute instructions to his men. Arishtanemi, Ram and Lakshman stood beside him. As the Malayaputra group walked away to mount their horses, Tadaka and Subahu approached Vishwamitra.

Thank you for this,' said Tadaka, bowing her head low and folding her hands together into a namaste.

As Vishwamitra broke into a smile at the surprising display of manners from the Asura woman, Tadaka turned to Ram, her eyes seeking approval. Ram smiled his gentle appreciation.

Your fellow Asuras live in the west,' said Vishwamitra. They will keep you safe. Follow the setting sun and it will guide you home.'

Tadaka stiffened. Pariha is not our home. This is our home, right here, in India. We have lived here for as long as the Devas have. We've lived here from the very beginning.'

Ram cut in. And you will return when the time is right. For now, follow the path of the sun.'

Vishwamitra looked at Ram with surprise, but remained silent.

It didn't work out the way we had planned, Guruji,' said Arishtanemi.

Vishwamitra was sitting by a lake, not far from the Malayaputra camp. Arishtanemi, as was his practice whenever he was alone with his master, had kept his sword close at hand, unsheathed and ready. He would need to move fast if anyone dared attack Vishwamitra.

You don't seem particularly unhappy,' said Vishwamitra.

Arishtanemi looked into the distance, avoiding eye contact with his leader. He was hesitant. Honestly, Guruji... I like the boy... I think he has...'

Vishwamitra narrowed his eyes and glared at Arishtanemi. Don't forget the one we have committed ourselves to.'

Arishtanemi bowed his head. Of course, Guruji. Can I ever go against your wishes?'

There was an uncomfortable silence. Vishwamitra took a deep breath and looked across the vast expanse of water. Had the Asuras been killed in their camp by him, it would have proved ... useful.'

Arishtanemi, wisely, did not contradict him.

Vishwamitra laughed ruefully, shaking his head. Outwitted by a boy who wasn't even trying to outwit me. He was just following his "rules".'

What do we do?'

We follow plan B,' said Vishwamitra. Obvious, isn't it?'

I have never been too sure about the other plan, Guruji. It's not like we have complete control over matters of-'

Vishwamitra did not allow him to complete his statement. You are wrong.'

Arishtanemi remained silent.

That traitor Vashishta is Ram's guru. I can never trust Ram as long as he continues to trust Vashishta.'

Arishtanemi had his misgivings, but kept quiet. He knew any discussion on the subject of Vashishta was one that was fraught with danger.

We will go ahead with the other plan,' said Vishwamitra, with finality.

But will he do what we expect him to?'

We will have to use his beloved "rules" on him. Once it is done, I will have complete control over what will follow. The Vayuputras are wrong. I will show them that I am right.'

Two days after the Asuras left for Pariha, Ram and Lakshman woke up to feverish activity in the camp. Keeping to themselves, they stepped out of their hut and set out for the lake to offer early morning prayers to the Sun G.o.d and

Lord Rudra.

Arishtanemi fell into step alongside them. We'll be leaving soon.'

Thank you for letting us know, Arishtanemiji,' said Ram.

Ram noticed an unusually large trunk being carried out with great care. It evidently contained something heavy, for it was placed on a metallic palanquin which was being carried on the shoulders of twelve men.

What is that?' asked Lakshman, frowning and instantly suspicious.

Something that is both Good and Evil,' said Arishtanemi mysteriously, as he placed his hand on Ram's shoulder. Where are you going?'

For our morning prayers.'

I'll come with you.'

Arishtanemi normally prayed to Lord Parshu Ram every morning. In the company of Ram and Lakshman, he also decided to pray to the great Mahadev, Lord Rudra. All G.o.ds trace their divinity to the same source, after all.

They sat together on a large boulder on the banks of the lake, once the prayers were done.

I wonder whether Tadaka and her tribe will be able to cope with Pariha,' said Arishtanemi.

I'm sure they will,' said Ram. They are easy to manage if they see you as one of their own.'

That appears to be the only way to handle them: keep them among their own. They find it impossible to get along with outsiders.'

I have been giving their ideas a lot of thought. The problem lies in the way they look upon the Ekam.'

The One G.o.d...?'

Yes,' Ram said. We've been told repeatedly that the Ekam lives beyond our world of illusion. He is beyond gunas, the characteristics of created things. For isn't it gunas that create this world of illusion, of temporary existence, illusive because no moment in time lasts? Isn't that why he is not only called niraakaar, formless; but also nirguna, beyond characteristics?'

Exactly,' said Arishtanemi.

And if the Ekam is beyond all this, how can He pick a side?' asked Ram. If He is beyond form then how can He have a preference for any one form? He can, therefore, never belong to any one specific group. He belongs to all, and at the same time, to none. And this is not just applicable to human beings but to every created ent.i.ty in the universe: animals, plants, water, earth, energy, stars, s.p.a.ce, everything. Regardless of what they do or think or believe, all created ent.i.ties belong to, and are drawn from, the Ekam.'

Arishtanemi nodded. This fundamental misunderstanding between our world of forms, and the Ekam's formless world, makes them believe in the lie that my G.o.d is the true G.o.d and your G.o.d is a false G.o.d. Just like a wise human will have no preference for his kidneys over his liver, the One G.o.d will not pick one group over another. It's stupid to even think otherwise.'

Exactly!' said Ram. If He is my G.o.d, if He picks my side over someone else's, He is not the One G.o.d. The only true One G.o.d is the one who picks no sides, who belongs to everything, who doesn't demand loyalty or fear; in fact, who doesn't demand anything at all. Because the Ekam just exists; and His existence allows for the existence of all else.'

Arishtanemi was beginning to respect this wise young prince of Ayodhya. But he was afraid to admit this to Vishwamitra.

Ram continued. Shukracharya was right in wanting to create a perfect masculine society. Such a society is efficient, just, and honourable. The mistake he made was that he based it on faith. He should have built it purely on laws, keeping the spiritual separate from the material. When times change, as they inevitably do, one finds it impossible to give up on one's faith; in fact, one clings to it with renewed vigour. Difficult times make men cling to their faith even more strongly. But if you base a masculine way of life on laws, then, possibly, when needed, the laws can be changed. The masculine way of life should be built on laws, not faith.'

Do you actually believe that it is possible to save the Asuras? There are many of them in India. Hidden in small groups, but they are there.'

I think they will make disciplined followers. Certainly better than the rebellious, law-breaking people I call my own. The problem with the Asuras is that their laws are obsolete. The people are good; what they need is enlightened and effective leadership.'

Do you think you can be that leader? Can you create a new way of life for them?'

Ram inhaled deeply. I don't know what role fate has in store for me but-'

Lakshman cut in. Guru Vashishta believes Ram Dada can be the next Vishnu. He will not just provide leadership for the Asuras, but everyone; all of India. I believe that too. There is n.o.body like Ram Dada.'

Ram looked at Lakshman, his face inscrutable.

Arishtanemi leaned back, sucking in a deep breath. You are a good man; in fact, a special man. And I can certainly see that you will play an important role in history. Though what exactly, I do not know.'

Ram's face remained expressionless.

My suggestion to you is to listen to Maharishi Vishwamitra,' said Arishtanemi. He is the wisest and most powerful among the rishis today, bar none.'

Ram didn't react, though his face hardened imperceptibly.

Bar none,' repeated Arishtanemi for emphasis, clearly referring to Vashishta.

The group rode unhurriedly through the jungle. Vishwamitra and Arishtanemi rode in front, at the head of the caravan, right behind the cart cradling the heavy trunk. Ram and Lakshman had been asked to ride at the back, with the rest of the Malayaputras marching on foot. It would take a few hours for them to reach the ships anch.o.r.ed on the Ganga.

Vishwamitra beckoned Arishtanemi with a nod. He immediately pulled the reins to the right and drew close.

So?' asked Vishwamitra.

He knows,' said Arishtanemi. Maharishi Vashishta has told him.'

Why, that conniving two-faced upstart; that rootless piece of...'

Arishtanemi kept his gaze pinned to the distance as Vishwamitra vented his fury. It was followed by a charged silence. Finally the disciple gathered the courage to ask, So, what do we do now, Guruji?'

We will do what we have to do.'

Chapter 19.

Ram and Lakshman stood on the deck of the lead vessel as the three-ship convoy sailed smoothly down the Ganga. Vishwamitra chose to stay ensconced in his cabin for most of the trip. Arishtanemi made the most of this opportunity; the Ayodhya princes aroused inordinate interest in this Malayaputra.

How are the princes doing today?' asked Arishtanemi, as he approached them.

Ram had washed his long hair and left it loose, struggling to dry it in the sultry air.

Suffering in this oppressive heat,' said Lakshman.

Arishtanemi smiled. It has only just begun. The rains are months away. It'll get worse before it gets better.'

Which is why we are on the open deck; any draught is a gift from the G.o.ds!' said Lakshman, as he dramatically fanned his face with his hands. Many had gathered on the deck, seeking a brief, post-lunch break before descending to the lower deck and on to their a.s.signed tasks.

Arishtanemi stepped closer to Ram. I was surprised by what you said about our ancestors. Are you against the Devas?'

I was wondering when you were going to bring that up,' said Ram, with a sense of wry inevitability.

Well, you can stop wondering now.'

Ram laughed. I'm not against the Devas. We are their descendants, after all. But I am an admirer of the way of the masculine, a life of laws, obedience, honour and justice. I prefer and advocate it as opposed to a life of freedom without end.'

There is more to the way of the feminine than just pa.s.sion and freedom, prince,' Arishtanemi said. There is unbridled creativity as well.'

That, I concede; but when civilisation goes into decline, the people of the feminine are p.r.o.ne to divisiveness and victim-mongering. In the middle ages of the Devas, the caste system, which was originally based on karma and not birth, became rigid, sectarian and politicised. This allowed the Asuras to easily defeat them. When the later Devas reformed and made the caste system flexible again, they regained their strength and defeated the Asuras.'

Yes, but the masculine way can also become rigid and fanatical when such a society goes into a decline. That the Asuras relentlessly attacked the Devas, just because the Devas had a different interpretation of the Ekam, was inexcusable.'

I agree. But didn't these attacks unite the Devas? Maybe the Devas should acknowledge the few positives that emerged from that horrific violence. They were forced to confront the evil that the caste system had descended into; they needed unity. In my opinion, the most important reform that Lord Indra was able to carry out was making the caste system flexible once again. The united later-age Devas finally defeated the Asuras, who lost because of their fanatical rigidity.'

Are you suggesting that the Devas should be grateful to the Asuras for all that brutal violence?'

No, I'm not,' said Ram. What I'm suggesting is that some good can emerge from the most horrific of events. There is something positive hidden in every negative, and something negative hidden in every positive. Life is complicated, and a balanced person can see both sides. For instance, can you deny that, with the Asura experience long forgotten, the caste system has become rigid once again? A man's status in society today is determined by his birth and not his karma. Will you deny that this evil is ravaging the vitals of the modern Sapt Sindhu?'

All right!' said Lakshman. Enough of this philosophical stuff; you will make my head explode!'

Arishtanemi laughed uproariously, while Ram gazed indulgently at Lakshman.