After the Kalinga war Ashoka had a change of heart. He was a transformed person. Now he detested bloodsheds, wars, violence and hatred. He admitted to being a power hungry degenerate.
How he would love to have Vidisha by his side! Ashoka had made up his mind to listen to all the advises of his dear Vidisha and act upon them. She had been right all along and in his arrogance he had refused to listen to her. What a pity.
Ashoka sat down to draw up the plans of sending for Vidisha and the children to Patliputra without waste of any more time. He had not seen them for ten years. ‘How could he be so badly irresponsible?’ Ashoka rebuked himself.
Just then, the palace guard materialised to announce, ‘‘Your Majesty! A messenger has arrived from Vidisha. Seeks audience with you.’’
The name Vidisha worked magic on Ashoka. He became alert and said, ‘‘Guard! Bring the messenger in with due respect. He should be bringing news of our queen Vidisha.’’
‘‘As you wish, Honourable Emperor!’’ the guard bowed his head and understood.
Shortly later, he presented the messenger to Emperor Ashoka. Ashoka got him seated like a royal guest and he was served sherbet. Then, others withdrew as it became known that the messenger represented the queen.
Ashoka asked, ‘‘Dear messenger! How are things in Vidisha! How is my dearest Vidisha?’’
‘‘Things are alright, Emperor. But I think our Vidisha is not happy. To be true she is angry with you.’’
‘‘Angry? I know her anger is justified. I did not send for her to Patliputra for such a long time. I broke my promise. But never mind, I will beg for my Vidisha’s pardon. I will, dear man.’’
‘‘Your Majesty! I think it is too late for that. You know how she hated violence and bloodshed! She had sent your children Mahendra and Sanghamitra to you with me.’’
‘‘My children! Oh my God!! Where are they?’’
‘‘They are waiting outside sitting in the chariot we travelled in. It stands at the gate.’’
Ashoka suddenly forgot his Emperor status and ignoring the regal grace he shouted to the soldiers who stood far away out of hearing distance. A soldier ran to him.
Ashoka said, ‘‘There are two children in a chariot at the palace gate. Bring them in. Careful! They are mine…Prince Mahendra and Princess Sanghamitra’’
The soldier rushed out followed by another soldier. Emperor Ashoka rose up from his throne and began to pace every now and then looking at the entrance.
Suddenly he looked at the messenger to ask, ‘‘And what else about my Vidisha?’’
‘‘She sent a letter for you, sir,’’ the messenger was trying to retrieve it from a wooden box.
Meanwhile the soldiers had brought in 14 year old Mahendra and 12 year old Sanghamitra. Ashoka had his gaze fixed on them. His arms were spread for them invitingly as emotions wet his eyes.
First Sanghamitra flew in his arms and then his son Mahendra. Ashoka held them tight for a long time. Then he sat on the throne with his son and the daughter on each side.
The messenger handed him Vidisha’s letter. Before reading the letter Ashoka ordered a guard to bring some refreshments for the prince and the princess.
Vidisha’s letter stayed in the hands of Ashoka folded. He lovingly caressed it and felt the grains of the coarse handmade paper. When the refreshment for the children and the messenger arrived Ashoka unfolded the letter fearfully.
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