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