part 13

Past Midnight

Princess Leelavati was greatly astonished by this man who narrated strange and intriguing stories. The listener would fail to draw conclusions, compelling her to speak. She thought, Now, I must be cautious; otherwise, my defeat is certain.

King Vikramaditya pondered, Two questions, two prahars of the night remain. If Princess Leelavati fails to answer even one of them, my victories so far will turn into defeat. As a Kshatriya bound by duty, I cannot flee. If I make a mistake, the name of Vikramaditya will be tarnished. How shameful it would be if the great king, in whose court the nine renowned scholars of Aryavarta shine like jewels, were to be defeated by a woman!

Immersed in deep thought, he searched for a story that, like the previous ones, would end in a question. He invoked his trusted spirit, Vetala.

Vetala appeared and said, "Master, I am your obedient servant."

King Vikram ordered, "Go and enter the water pitcher immediately. Be cautious. Midnight has begun; do not be careless."

Vetala replied, "Master, Vetala and Carelessness have been enemies for lifetimes. You may rest assured. No one can separate my name from yours, let alone me. I understand your purpose. Upon receiving your command, I will provide you with a fitting answer."

Saying this, Vetala entered the water pitcher.

Then, King Vikramaditya turned to Princess Leelavati and said, "I am compelled to converse with inanimate objects. Will you speak with me?"

Answering would mean inviting defeat, and Princess Leelavati knew this well. Understanding Vikram's trick, she simply smiled as if to say, Clever man! Things are not as easy as you think.

King Vikramaditya then addressed the water pitcher, "O Water Pitcher! Princess Leelavati does not wish to talk to me. You must assist me."

The water pitcher spoke, "O noble man! What shall I say to you? I am but clay at my core. Once, I rested peacefully in the loving embrace of Mother Earth. One day, a potter came and tore me apart. I cried out in pain. He separated me from Mother Earth and loaded me onto a donkey. At his home, he beat me so mercilessly that I crumbled into pieces. Then, he poured water over me and trampled me underfoot repeatedly. After kneading me into a lump, he placed me on the potter's wheel. Gradually, my form changed, and I transformed into a pitcher.

Even after such torment, he showed no mercy. He left me in the sun to dry and then thrust me into a blazing kiln. How can I describe that agony? Afterward, I was taken out, painted, and brought to the market for sale. The princess's maids chose me, and now I adorn this royal court. But I know my fate. With the changing seasons, I will become useless. After all, I am just clay. What worth do I truly have?"

King Vikramaditya said, "O Pitcher! Your suffering has moved me, but you have only recounted one side of your life's story, not the other. Once you took the form of a sacred vessel, you became precious. Is it not an honor to be placed in a great royal court? When people see you at an auspicious event, they consider it a sign of good fortune. Even noble and virtuous women carry you on their heads as a symbol of blessing for travelers. Compared to a long, dishonored life, a short yet honorable existence is far more glorious."

The pitcher replied, "O noble man! You have revealed my significance and lightened my sorrow. Now tell me what you wish to say."

King Vikramaditya began, "O Pitcher! Listen.

In the city of Shankha Nagar, four friends lived. One was a wood sculptor, the second a cloth weaver, the third a goldsmith, and the fourth a Brahmin who was an expert in sacred chants. The friendship of these four was well-known.

Usually, friendships form among those with similar interests, but these four were an exception. The wood sculptor crafted statues and toys so lifelike that they seemed real. The cloth weaver and goldsmith were also highly praised for their work. The Brahmin was a master of mantras, offering blessings at every auspicious occasion.

One day, the four friends gathered at the sculptor's house, surrounded by many wooden creations. The sculptor asked, 'Friends, do you see these creations? How do they appear to you?'

The three friends replied, 'This is not something to ask or answer. The entire city knows that your creations look lifelike. Your fame speaks for itself as proof of your mastery. But tell us, why do you ask this question?'"

— To be continued…