Ekalavya: Beyond Immortality

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He then gestured to his children and grandchildren, instructing them to take their places. 

Having already prepared all the necessary items for the ritual, Acharya Vyasa didn't need to search for long to gather everything and begin the ceremony.

Standing behind Acharya Vyasa, Ekalavya pondered, 'Have I seen this old man or his sons before?' He observed the old man's appearance closely, the one whom Acharya Vyasa referred to as his Sishya (disciple).

'Ah, yes! I recall now. Isn't this Kankan, the son of Kanika? He was a lesser-known character with no significant future,' Ekalavya finally recollected after ruminating for a moment.

It took a bit of time because Kanika was a minor figure in the Mahabharata and hadn't been prominently mentioned.

Had it not been for his search for ancient texts in his previous life, Ekalavya might never have come across information about this Kankan.

Acharya Vyasa initiated the Agni Kund ritual and guided each family member to place their offerings into the sacred fire, one by one, using their hands.

He also instructed them to recite their names as they made their offerings to Lord Shiva.

'"So those are their names!" Ekalavya murmured, catching their names.

Kankan, an elderly man, exuded a composed and wise presence. His beard flowed white, and his eyes, kind and observant, carried the weight of his learning and experiences.

Ekalavya was drawn to him because of Kankan's deep respect for Acharya Vyasa. Kankan's straightforwardness, without any pretense, left a positive impression on Ekalavya.

Kankan's two sons, Rajendra and Madhav, had become warriors, serving in the army of the Blind King.

Ekalavya couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. 'What a shame for these two,' he thought. 

'They might meet an unfortunate end without achieving much.' It wasn't a reflection on their abilities, but rather a lament for their destined paths.

Turning his focus to the younger generation, Ekalavya noted Veerendra, the young man, and Sadhana, the young woman. 

Both seemed to radiate promise. 'Their bright aura suggests a promising future,' he observed, hoping that destiny would be kind to them.

'Ah, I've got a brilliant idea. I'll save that for later!' Ekalavya thought, a mischievous glint in his eyes, once he finished his observations.

While the wives of Rajendra and Madhav, Anjali and Kavita, were undoubtedly beautiful, Ekalavya found nothing exceptionally noteworthy about them. After a quick glance, he lost interest and stopped paying attention.

Once Acharya Vyasa concluded the ritual offering to Lord Shiva, a small statue was carried by two servants into the hall and carefully placed in a small temple at the corner.

Beginning his prayer, Acharya Vyasa recited sacred verses. Kankan and his children listened with rapt attention, while Ekalavya grew increasingly restless, eager to depart.

After some time, Ekalavya sought permission with a gesture. Seeing Acharya Vyasa nod in approval, he left discreetly, careful not to disturb the other attendees.

After leaving the palace, Ekalavya quickly searched for a place to sell his beautiful ornaments. 

He soon found a shop and greeted the middle-aged shopkeeper warmly.

"Hello, Mahashaya (Respected Sir)! I came here to see if you would be interested in these," Ekalavya explained, showing the ornaments to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper initially thought Ekalavya had entered the shop by mistake and asked, "What brings you here, Balak (Young One)?"

Ekalavya scratched his head and replied, "I thought maybe you'd be interested in trading these items."

The moment Ekalavya opened his bag and displayed the ornaments, the shopkeeper's attitude changed completely. 

He laughed and said, "Hahaha! You're in the right place, Arya (Noble one)! Can I ask where you acquired these?"

With a proud smile, Ekalavya replied, "Actually, I crafted them myself!" He pointed to himself as he spoke, while the shopkeeper observed the ornaments closely. 

"You... Hahaha! Not to sound rude, Arya, but are you serious?" At first, the shopkeeper thought Ekalavya was joking, but the young man's serious expression made the shopkeeper stop laughing. 

"So, what would you like to exchange these for?" the shopkeeper inquired, his gaze fixed on the exquisite lion-shaped hairpin, the intricately designed pair of wrist bangles, and the unique locket featuring Lord Shiva. 

"I'm looking for the tools I need," Ekalavya mentioned, listing the specific tools he required. 

"Alright, I'm fine with this trade!" The shopkeeper smiled, realizing that the tools Ekalavya asked for weren't costly and that he would still profit from the exchange. 

"Oh, and don't forget to include a beautiful sari and a dhoti-kurta. I know for sure that these ornaments could fetch you a handsome price!" Ekalavya looked at the shopkeeper with a knowing smile and a glint in his eyes. 

"Haha, I was just about to suggest the same, Arya!" The shopkeeper laughed nervously, wondering how this young man seemed to know so much.

After that, Ekalavya and the shopkeeper happily agreed to the deal, each getting what they wanted.

"Oh, right. Arya! You haven't shared your name with me, yet!" Before Ekalavya left the shop, the shopkeeper asked with a joyful smile.

"Sure thing! My name is Ekalavya, and I belong to the Nishad Tribe!" Ekalavya replied with a smile, introducing himself.

"Well, Arya! if you have similar items in the future, don't hesitate to visit Suvarna Abhushana Vyapar. I assure you'll be satisfied with the trade," the shopkeeper said proudly, introducing his shop.

"Absolutely, I'll remember that!" Ekalavya nodded and left the shop after saying his goodbyes.

'Now that I have gathered the tools and gifts for my family, let's explore the city before heading back to Guru Vyasa!' Ekalavya thought as he walked along the busy streets, bustling with people coming and going.

Narrow pathways intertwined with wider roads, creating a lively network throughout the city.

Colorful market stalls lined the streets, selling a variety of items from food and clothes to pottery and jewelry. The smell of street food filled the air, tempting people with tasty snacks.

'It's an old-fashioned market, but not too different from modern times. The liveliness is still the same!' Ekalavya said to himself as he admired the sight of men and women trading various goods.

"Hey, you dirty child! How dare you touch my clothes!" Ekalavya heard the arrogant voice and stopped in his tracks, frowning as he looked towards an alley.

"Heh, well, let's see what's going on here," Ekalavya chuckled and sighed, feeling like he couldn't ignore the situation unfolding before him.

"How are you going to make up for this?" A rich kid was looking down at a young boy with dirty clothes, who was selling firewood.

"Please, Malik (Young Master)! I'm sorry for this mistake. It was an accident!" The young boy pleaded, kneeling on the ground with his hands pressed together in a prayer position.

"An accident? How dare you make excuses! It seems like you need to be punished," the wealthy looking young man said, not satisfied with just an apology. 

He wanted to punish the boy for accidentally touching his clothes.

"Swish...!"

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