CHAPTER 2

Land of Pure Life

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