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Love Stories from The Mahabharata  
Sumukh and Gunakeshi – 4

Immediately after entering his house Matali heard from his wife Sudharmaa that Lord Vishnu was in Amaraavatee today. The news gladdened Matali, but the next moment, like one worried over a danger, he called, “Gunakeshi!”

His daughter Gunakeshi appears before him, “What is your command, father?”
Matali: “The just-arrived stranger whom you have guided to that vine-covered grove in the Mandaar grove, can you guess his identity, daughter?”
Gunakeshi: “No.”
Matali: “He is the grandson of Naga Aryaka of Bhogvati city and
the son of the late Chikur.”
Gunakeshi: “Why has a youth of the nether world come to the abode of gods?”
Matali: “He who shall take your hand and become the companion of your life is this Naga youth Sumukh. But...”
Looking at Gunakeshi’s blushing cheeks, affectionately Matali went on, “But Sumukh’s life-span is almost ended.”

As though suddenly the searing wind of a desert storm had pained Gunakeshi’s two eyes, she keeps staring in pain. In an instant the joyful blush vanishes from her cheeks and in silence she tries to understand the meaning of this unbearable message.

Matali continues, “Naga-foe Garud’s resolve is that even within a month he shall take away Sumukh’s life. That is why I am worried, daughter. Amrita will have to be begged for Sumukh from Lord Vishnu or the king of the gods. I must go immediately.”
Gunakeshi: “May your prayer be fruitful, father.”
Matali: “But I have heard that Lord Vishnu is residing in the city of the gods today. That is why I cannot leave with my mind at rest, daughter.”
Gunakeshi: “Why?”
Matali: “When Lord Vishnu has arrived, then his attendant Garud must have also come. I fear that at any moment the life of my guest, Sumukh, will be destroyed by that terrible Garud, mad for the blood of Nagas and infatuated with pride by Vishnu’s grace. That is why I cannot leave free of worry, daughter.”
Gunakeshi: “Please do not delay, father. Leave without any anxiety.”
Matali: “As long as I do not return, the responsibility for protecting Sumukh’s life is yours, Gunakeshi.”
Gunakeshi: “Yes, father.”
Matali left for meeting Indra and, gazing unblinkingly at the Mandaar grove, keeps sitting Gunakeshi.

Only a few moments before Gunakeshi has guided to the recesses of the Mandaar grove a form that seemed to have been created with all the pleasant dreams of her nubile years. But Gunakeshi could not even imagine that truly that attractive youth will be as short-lived as an evanescent pleasant dream. Death has stretched out its arms for looting that youth’s life. Yet he has come hoping for a beloved. To take away Gunakeshi of Amaraavatee as his life-companion a beautiful faith has risen up from the far depths of.

– Continued

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