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Love Stories from The Mahabharata  
Parikshit and Sushobhana – 9

Flocks of geese and swan are swimming freely and delightedly in the waters of the lake. Like a thrilled swan, delightfully Sushobhana steps into the water. For some moments she stands there, still. And then, with a face devoid of joy, drawn with pain, she looks at Parikshit.

“Why did you bring me to this lake, king Parikshit?”
“Only at your desire, beloved.”
“Recall your vow, O King.”

Vow? Parikshit starts and can recall only now that promise.

Forgetting that vow he has drawn his life’s beloved to the waters of a lake.

Sushobhana says, “By mistake you have drawn me to the curse of my life, O king. On the surface of these waters I have seen my reflection.  Now prepare to bid me farewell.”
Parikshit says, “I cannot let you go, beloved, not as long as I am alive.”

This is not the outcry of a broken heart, not the lamentation of a helpless one. It is a strong voice, firm with the strength of a decision.

Sushobhana is startled. For the first time in life the confident heart of the coquette is disturbed with apprehension.

“Do not commit another mistake, O king. You do not have the power to overturn the fated curse.”
Parikshit, “Truly a curse, or the pretension of one?”

Hearing Parikshit’s question Sushobhana’s breath suddenly comes fast and trembles with fear.

Coming forward, Parikshit stands before Sushobhana,

“Come, beloved, let me keep you bound in my embrace always. Let me see what creature of a curse can spirit away your life from my arms.”
Fearfully Sushobhana steps backward, “I beg you King Parikshit, do not come near me. Let me remain alone in this place.”
Parikshit, “How long?”
Sushobhana, “For some time.”
Parikshit, “Why?”
Sushobhana, “I wish to understand whether this curse is truly a lie. I wish to believe that the curse is false. Give me the opportunity to pray by myself for some time on the solitary bank of this lake.”
Parikshit, “Pray for what?”
Sushobhana’s voice throbs with a peculiar desperation. “It is your beloved who wishes to pray for removing the fear of death. Give her that chance, dear Parikshit.”

As though a woman overwhelmed by unwarranted fear were striving to break free of the bonds of a false belief. Parikshit did not disregard this earnest plea of the woman. Drawing away from the lake, he paced through the shadows of the mango grove in the garden.

– Continued

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