Immortals of Meluha

another.’
‘I know,’ said Brahaspati nodding. ‘We Suryavanshis love ceremonies! In any case, I wanted
to come and speak with you personally, since I have to leave for Mount Mandar tomorrow
morning’
‘What?’ asked a surprised Shiva. ‘You have survived all this for the last six days. Surely you
can survive one more?’
‘I know,’ said Brahaspati, crinkling his eyes apologetically. ‘I would have loved to stay but
there is an experiment that had already been scheduled. The preparations have been going on
for months. The Mesopotamian material required for it has already been prepared. We are
going to test the stability of the Somras with lesser quantities of water. I have to go early to
check that the experiment starts correctly. My other scientists will remain here to keep you
company!’
‘Right,’ said Shiva sarcastically. ‘I really do love their constant theorising about everything
under the sun.’
Brahaspati laughed. ‘I really do have to go, Shiva. I am sorry’
‘No need to apologise, my friend,’ said Shiva smiling. ‘Life is long. And the road to Mount
Mandar short. You are not going to get rid of me that easily.’
Brahaspati smiled, his eyes full of love towards a man he had come to consider his brother.
He stepped forward and hugged Shiva tightly. Shiva was a little surprised. It was usually Shiva
who would move to embrace Brahaspati first, and Brahaspati would normally respond later, a
little tentatively.
‘My brother,’ whispered Brahaspati.
‘Ditto,’ mumbled Shiva.
Stepping slightly back but still holding Shiva’s arms, Brahaspati said, ‘I would go anywhere
for you. Even into Patallok if it would help you.’
‘I would never take you there, my friend,’ answered Shiva with a grin, thinking that he himself
wasn’t about to venture into Patallok, the land of the demons.
Brahaspati smiled warmly at Shiva. ‘I hope to see you soon, Shiva.’
‘You can count on it!’
Turning to Sati, Brahaspati said, ‘Take care, my child. It is so good to see you finally get the
life you deserve.’
‘Thank you, Brahaspatiji.’