What A Swayamvara!

What a Swayamvara!

Would you like to read the same type of stories always?

Hopefully the answer is 'no'!

Of course, whatever you may read, must be based on some basic principles such as love, hate, thrill or suspense or something else!

By the way, sometimes funny stories, comics or happy-ending stories refresh our mind and they linger in our mind for a long period. So why not a funny story now?

Well, sometimes the same story, I mean the same concept, can be twisted and presented in a different style; it may give you a new look at the old story. In this story 'What a Swayamvara!!!', my attempt is exactly like that.

You might have read about Mahabharata or might have seen its TV serial. No doubt, Mahabharata is one of the most famous epics ever written. Each and every episode is remarkable and mind-blowing. All the characters are unique in their own way!

Let me extract one of the best episodes and present it in a new form where you can very much feel your own presence on that very auspicious occasion. What about three-dimensional writing? Well, if you are deeply involved in reading a book, obviously you must have felt your existence in that very spot, isn't it? Anyways, this is my personal attempt to make you feel like that. OK. Yes, you heard right! 3D, but specs are not required. So here the story begins, watch it, grasp it and feel it...

It is a big-time show! In every nook and corner of the city, big posters are displayed:

'Welcome to Droupadi's Swayamvara.'

The venue is uploaded on the internet. It is going to be held in one of the most amazing places, the 'Cannes Festival Ground' of France.

This area is already famous for the International Film Festival. So there is no problem at all in locating this place. Besides that, this is an open invitation to all around the world. The news is spreading like wildfire, since all the news channels have carried the message. The rich, the poor, all are equal for the deal of "Droupadi's Swayamvara".

People are rushing to the carnival ground. Its location is amazing! The natural scenery of the festival ground is awesome! Everybody's mind is soaring to see the new form of Droupadi, an unusual, extraordinarily beautiful young lady, who is covered with heavy jewellery made of gold and precious gems from top to bottom. Her beauty is incomparable!

However, just near the entrance gate, on one side there is a music concert and on the opposite side, a big circular basement is prepared. The lower part of the basement is filled with water. In the middle of it, a round pillar is installed which is very high. On the top of it, a circular metallic object is attached with a fish and the object is spinning around the pillar continuously at high speed. At a little distance from the basement, a beautiful, well-decorated modern bow with an arrow is kept exactly like in 'Mahabharata' but the only difference is, that was meant only for kings while this one is open for everybody.

'Hey, are you there? OK, don't miss this opportunity. Keep going. Who knows, you may be the winner!!!'

Well, before trying the contest, be aware of the conditions. The announcement is: Looking at the reflection of the fish under the water in the basement, anybody who can shoot an arrow into the right eye of the fish attached to the spinning circular object and the arrow remains attached to the eye of the fish, will be the legal husband of the modern 'Droupadi'.

This creates curiosity in the audience's mind, 'Who will be the next Arjun!' When they measure the speed of the rotating fish, it comes out automatically, 'Oh, next to impossible!'

At last, the day has come! The auditorium looks wonderful! On top of it, the colourful lights enhance its charm beyond imagination. A gorgeous red carpet is spread out, from the dais up to the welcome gate.

Wow! It's truly captivating! Excellent arrangement, indeed! Every single waiter is dressed like a real royal follower. The way they are moving around to serve beverages and starters, nobody would guess that it was not a real royal marriage. Oh yes, the eatables are all cosmopolitan food. It is delicious too! Apparently, it seems to be a royal marriage ceremony. The main gate is decorated with wonderful flowers imported from various countries.

Look, look at that side, what a combination of Western and Eastern music! One after another, the music goes on in a continuous flow. Ladies are moving around in beautiful colourful dresses. Obviously, all are on their toes with the best of their dresses to be noticed by others. Guess, by whom? Well, the gents are no less either. God knows how much money must have been spent for these special arrangements! Overall, it looks gorgeous! Obviously, all the competitors are highly qualified archers of the world. Only one thing is missing here, that is no kings, no Kauravas and no Pandavas.

Suddenly the sound of a trumpet acts upon the huge gathering like a tranquilizer. At once, the whole atmosphere comes to a standstill for a moment. Everybody's eyes fall upon the main gate. At last, the elegant lady is coming through the passage gracefully!

The moment she enters the main gate, flowers are showered upon her. People are stunned looking at her! Whatever description about her beauty has been given, she is far more than that. She is quite tall, slim and has a fair complexion. Golden brown hair is thrown over her shoulders. Some part of the hair is beautifully curled and tied on top of her head. A dazzling diamond crown is attached to it nicely. Not a single part of her body is left without ornaments. The upper part of her body is covered with a gorgeous red velvet cloth and the thin curved waist is wrapped with a long skirt, fully stitched with gold and rubies, the most expensive elements. On the whole, her body is covered with exceptional jewellery. Who says that she is not the "real Droupadi" of the old-time 'Mahabharata'? She walks slowly with a smiling face, waving her hand to the gathering. She is holding a beautiful garland for her upcoming event.

Her smiling face announces the challenge of victory indirectly. Forget everything, the moment she looks at anyone, the person loses his nerves. Her eyes are so beautiful, so expressive! It seems as if the damsel 'Urvashi' or 'Menaka' from heaven has landed on earth to take the challenge! By the way, who doesn't want to obtain this precious gem? Slowly she proceeds towards the special seat arranged for her.

The moment she takes her seat, a tall, well-dressed, elderly person on her side starts announcing, 'Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to my daughter's 'Swayamvara'. Before the actual event starts, let me say a few words about my family. Well, first of all, my heartiest thanks to all of you! It was my lifelong aspiration to arrange my only daughter Sterla's marriage in an absolutely different and magnificent way. It was the aspiration of my beloved wife. She is no more in this world but before her death, I promised her that every activity of our daughter would be special. So, I did. From her childhood till today, Sterla has been brilliant in studies and sports too. She is very simple and transparent in her views. Archery is her passion. She has almost gone through all types of books related to archery. Once she came across the character of Arjun in the Indian mythology 'Mahabharata'. She was highly impressed by his sportsmanship. Since then, she kept wondering whether anybody can really do it like Arjun or not? We both are open to each other. We share our good and bad times together. With God's grace, in due course of time, I became a billionaire.

However, once while we were discussing marriage, Sterla proposed, 'Dad, why not make my marriage different from a normal Christian marriage?'

Then I asked her what was on her mind?

'Dad, let my marriage be like 'Droupadi's Swayamvara' in Mahabharata, one of the most famous epics from Indian culture. Keep the deal as it was kept in Mahabharata. Let me see whether any such 'Arjun' really exists in this world today or not. Besides that, it would accomplish two things at a time. For instance, there would be real fun and my marriage would be held in a majestic way! How about that, Dad?'

I was stunned and shocked at first, but then I decided, let her be happy the way she wants. She is my only daughter, let her desire be fulfilled. This is the reason why I have arranged all these things.' After addressing the audience, he gives his consent for the event to start.

The sound of the trumpet once again fills the air of the Cannes Festival Ground. The auspicious event starts with the best archers in the world. One after another, they proceed to the round basement to prove their ability. Before aiming, each one gives a self-introduction. Oh, my God! Already more than half the participants have given their trial, and not a single one has succeeded in achieving the target. People are waiting eagerly to see who the lucky man is!

'Hello, ladies and gentlemen,' the voice comes from a young man.

'I am Arthur, from Germany. I am no exception in getting this interesting news of 'Droupadi's Swayamvara'. Well, my intention is something different. I love archery and challenges too. Both are combined here. So, I decided to accept the challenge. It will be a really thrilling experience for me. My mom always insisted that I devote my time to what I love most. She knew that I love archery. So, gradually I worked hard to master it. Besides that, I searched for the life history of other brilliant archers. It was a coincidence that I read about Arjun from Indian mythology. I was really greatly inspired by Arjun's sportsmanship. He was undoubtedly one of the best archers. Well, I cannot give a guarantee, but till today, I have never failed in any challenge. I have accepted this invitation only for the sake of a challenge.'

Now, Arthur steps into the target place. The whole audience applauds loudly. Arthur looks at the fish above and then at its reflection in the water thoroughly. Closing his eyes for a second, he calculates the speed of the fish spinning on the circular object. Then he takes a deep breath and lifts the bow and arrow. Within a fraction of a second, an arrow released by Arthur completes the deal made by Sterla's father.

A sudden noise fills the air, 'Well done, he did it! It is unbelievable, awesome! Just incredible!' Now, guess what happened. Oh, yes, he has achieved his target. The arrow is still attached to the right eye of the fish. Arthur is flung into the air by some admirers. Overwhelmed with joy, Arthur himself couldn't believe that he did it. Everybody is cheering Arthur's performance.

Hey, are you still there? At least be happy that someone has done it. As per the condition, Arthur is going to marry the most beautiful girl in the world. He is really so happy, Sterla too is very happy to get her modern Arjun!

So, the modern episode of 'Droupadi's Swayamvara' is going to be over after the marriage ceremony in Indian style is completed. Pundits from India are already there to perform the rituals. Arthur has dressed up like an Indian groom. Sterla proudly comes forward to exchange her 'Barmala' with Arthur. After that, the other part of the ritual will begin...

Every single person is enjoying the marriage, food, music and the beautiful romantic atmosphere of the carnival ground. You know what? It will be the most sensational news in the next day's morning paper, 'Arthur, the second Arjun, won the battle of modern Droupadi Swayamvara'.

'Hey, are you there? Enjoy the party. Now go and join the ballroom dance. Look, the cue music has already started. Both Sterla and Arthur in the centre are surrounded by other couples. Have fun! Enjoy every bit of this auspicious moment.'

Remember, Arthur was successful only because he was determined to prove himself as a real, true archer. No matter what the reward was, his concentration was focused on one objective, 'I will be one of the best archers in this world!' And he did it!

(PS: This story I had written approximately in 2017 or 2018.)