the immortal of maluha
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‘A good point,’ conceded Brahaspati. ‘But tell me one thing. Did your tribe also experience<br />
an improvement in <strong>the</strong>ir pre—existing conditions?’<br />
‘Actually, yes <strong>the</strong>y did.’<br />
‘So maybe <strong>the</strong> diluted air you all lived in did have some role to play. But since all <strong>of</strong> your<br />
tribe did not develop blue throats, it is obvious that <strong>the</strong> “thinner air” <strong>the</strong>ory may be a partial<br />
explanation. We can always research it more. I am sure <strong>the</strong>re is a scientific explanation for <strong>the</strong><br />
blue throat.’<br />
Shiva looked at Brahaspati intently, as he read between <strong>the</strong> lines <strong>of</strong> Brahaspati’s last<br />
statement. ‘You don’t believe in <strong>the</strong> legend <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Neelkanth, do you?’<br />
Brahaspati smiled at Shiva awkwardly. He was beginning to like Shiva and did not want to<br />
say anything to insult him. But he wasn’t going to lie ei<strong>the</strong>r. ‘I believe in science. It provides a<br />
solution and a rationale for everything. And if <strong>the</strong>re is anything that appears like a miracle, <strong>the</strong><br />
only explanation is that a scientific reason for it has not been discovered as yet.’<br />
‘Then why do <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> Meluha not look to science for solving <strong>the</strong>ir problems?’<br />
‘I am not sure,’ said Brahaspati thoughtfully. ‘Perhaps it is because science is a capable but<br />
cold-hearted master. Unlike a Neelkanth, it will not solve your problems for you. It will only<br />
provide you <strong>the</strong> tools that you may need to fight your own battles. Perhaps it is easier for<br />
people to believe that someone else will come and solve <strong>the</strong>ir problems ra<strong>the</strong>r than solve it<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves.’<br />
‘So what do you think is <strong>the</strong> role that <strong>the</strong> Neelkanth has to play in Meluha?’<br />
Brahaspati looked at Shiva sympa<strong>the</strong>tically. ‘I would like to think that true Suryavanshis<br />
should fight <strong>the</strong>ir own demons ra<strong>the</strong>r than put pressure on someone else and expect him to<br />
solve <strong>the</strong>ir problems. A true Suryavanshi’s duty is to push himself to <strong>the</strong> limit <strong>of</strong> his abilities and<br />
strength. The coming <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Neelkanth should only redouble a Suryavanshi’s efforts, since it is<br />
obvious that <strong>the</strong> time for <strong>the</strong> destruction <strong>of</strong> evil is near.’ Shiva nodded.<br />
‘Are you concerned that it may be too much <strong>of</strong> a strain for you to take up a responsibility<br />
that you don’t really want, because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pressure <strong>of</strong> faith?’ asked Brahaspati.<br />
‘No, that is not my concern,’ replied Shiva. This is a wonderful country and I certainly want to<br />
do all I can to help. But what if your people depend on me to protect <strong>the</strong>m and I can’t? Right<br />
now, I can’t say that I can do all that is expected from me. So how can I give my word?’<br />
Brahaspati smiled. According to his rule book, any man who took his own word seriously<br />
was worth respecting.<br />
‘You appear to be a good man, Shiva. You will probably face a lot <strong>of</strong> pressure in <strong>the</strong> coming<br />
days. Be careful, my friend. Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> blue throat and <strong>the</strong> blind faith it generates, your<br />
decisions will have ramifications for <strong>the</strong> entire land. Remember, whe<strong>the</strong>r a man is a legend or<br />
not is decided by history, not fortune-tellers.’<br />
Shiva smiled, glad to have finally found a man who understood his predicament. And more<br />
importantly, was willing to at least <strong>of</strong>fer some advice.<br />
It was late in <strong>the</strong> evening. Having spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on a detailed tour<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mount Mandar with Brahaspati, Shiva lay on his bed, reading a book. A spent chillum lay on<br />
<strong>the</strong> side table.