Jure Divino

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"The fourfold caste has been created by Me
according to the differentiation of Guna and Karma" ~Vyasa

“Aniruddha! At this rate, our daughter will never get married.”

“What good are these trading families? They are ignorant and stingy and attached to their gold. I don’t see Sunidhi getting married in such families.”

“You’ve spoilt your daughter. She is too intelligent and educated for her own good.”

“Nandini! I’ve worked all my life for her; so that she lives a life that befits a Goddess. Now, you’re telling me that her intelligence is her curse?”

“Of what use is your high philosophy and precious education to her, when young men are intimidated by her? Most of them are their father’s minions anyway. She expects and deserves nothing short of a Brahman and no Brahman is willing to marry a trader’s daughter.”

Aniruddha gazed morosely at the carpet for some time, and then, at the sun setting outside.

“I should go, the King expects me. Another roll-over of the debt, I guess. I do wish he’d stop being as generous to the landlords and tax the harvest. He spends lavishly, can’t stand up to them and keeps borrowing. We’ve a spineless wastrel for a king.”

…

“Your Highness!”

“Aniruddha! Enter! Bowing isn’t necessary. We’re friends, after all. By the Grace of the Lord, the harvest has been excellent this year, and I was thinking of a huge celebration to mark it”

“Your Highness is most kind to his subjects”

“Aniruddha! You’re a wise man. Your loyalty and your services to me shall not go unrewarded. I’m an old man now. I have no direct heir. I need an able and strong man to guide me until my nephew is old enough to ascend to the throne. Will you be my Prime Minister, Aniruddha?”

“Your Highness! You bestow an honour that is beyond my wildest imagination. It would be an honour and a privilege to serve this kingdom and Your Highness. But, I am a mere trader, and the subjects will never accept a trader in the Royal Council, let alone as Prime Minister.”

“You speak like a true statesman. Don’t worry about such trifles, Aniruddha. By the Divine right vested in me, as the King of Utkala, I now pronounce you a Brahman of the Vaccasya Gotra! Now, hurry and prepare for the sacred ceremony. I shall inform the Royal Priest that he must preside over the ceremony.”

“Your Highness is most kind and generous. My joy knows no bounds. If that is your will, then, I am overjoyed. Allow me to hasten back home and share the news with my beloved wife and my dear daughter.”

“There is one last thing, Aniruddha. About the debt?”

“Would Your Highness accept that as my humble offering to the Royal Treasury?”

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