the immortal of maluha
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CHAPTER 2<br />
Land <strong>of</strong> Pure Life<br />
Chenardhwaj, <strong>the</strong> governor <strong>of</strong> Kashmir, wanted to broadcast to <strong>the</strong> entire world that <strong>the</strong><br />
Neelkanth had appeared in his capital city. Not in <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r frontier towns like Takshashila,<br />
Karachapa or Lothal. His Srinagar! But <strong>the</strong> bird courier had arrived almost immediately from <strong>the</strong><br />
Meluhan capital Devagiri, <strong>the</strong> abode <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gods. The orders were crystal clear. The news <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Neelkanth had to be kept secret until <strong>the</strong> emperor himself had seen Shiva.<br />
Chenardhwaj was ordered to send Shiva along with an escort to Devagiri. Most importantly,<br />
Shiva himself was not to be told about <strong>the</strong> legend. ‘The emperor will advise <strong>the</strong> supposed<br />
Neelkanth in an appropriate manner,’ were <strong>the</strong> exact words in <strong>the</strong> message.<br />
Chenardhwaj had <strong>the</strong> privilege <strong>of</strong> informing Shiva about <strong>the</strong> journey. Shiva though, was not in<br />
<strong>the</strong> most amenable <strong>of</strong> moods. He was utterly perplexed by <strong>the</strong> sudden devotion <strong>of</strong> every<br />
Meluhan around him. Since he had been transferred to <strong>the</strong> gubernatorial residence where he<br />
lived in luxury, only <strong>the</strong> most important citizens <strong>of</strong> Srinagar had access to him.<br />
‘My Lord, we will be escorting you to Devagiri, our capital. It is a few weeks’ journey from<br />
here,’ said Chenardhwaj as he struggled to bend his enormous and muscular frame lower than<br />
he ever had.<br />
I’m not going till somebody tells me what is going on! What <strong>the</strong> hell is this damned legend <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Neelkanth?’ Shiva asked angrily.<br />
‘My Lord, please have faith in us. You will know <strong>the</strong> truth soon. The emperor himself will tell<br />
you when you reach Devagiri.’<br />
‘And what about my tribe?’<br />
‘They will be given lands right here in Kashmir, my Lord. All <strong>the</strong> resources that <strong>the</strong>y need to<br />
lead a comfortable life will be provided for.’<br />
‘Are <strong>the</strong>y being held hostage?’<br />
‘Oh no, my Lord,’ said a visibly disturbed Chenardhwaj. ‘They are your tribe, my Lord. If I<br />
had my way, <strong>the</strong>y would live like nobility for <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir lives. But <strong>the</strong> laws cannot be<br />
broken, my Lord. Not even for you. We can only give <strong>the</strong>m what had been promised. In <strong>the</strong><br />
course <strong>of</strong> time my Lord, you can decide to change <strong>the</strong> laws you feel necessary. Then we could<br />
certainly accommodate <strong>the</strong>m anywhere.’<br />
‘Please, my Lord,’ pleaded Nandi. ‘Have faith in us. You cannot imagine how important you<br />
are to Meluha. We have been waiting for a very long time for you. We need your help.’<br />
Please help me! Please!<br />
The memory <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r desperate plea from a distraught woman years ago returned to<br />
haunt Shiva as he was stunned into silence.