And, so Drona
went on to remind Drupad of their
past association. In the course, Drona reminded
the king of the latter’s promise. The eyes of those present shone with interest
on hearing Drona’s story. An
irritated Drupad cut short Drona.and said –
‘You say we were close friends. Yet, I
don’t recall any association. It does not befit a Brahmin to lie thus.’
Drona
was left speechless at these words. Drupad continued –
‘You try to conjure imaginary friendship
between the two of us only for your selfish interests. Hear me, O Brahmin,
friendship is for two equals. Even if we were friends in our early days as you
speak, that was okay then for we were equal as children. But, now I am the King
of a huge empire and you are a penniless beggar trying to make money by
sketching relationships. Ridiculous to claim any friendship between the two of
us.’
Standing frozen, Drona could hear a couple of stifled laughs in the court. His
heart was pounding, and blood gushing to his brain. Yet, he silently stood
there as if the goddess of speech had forsaken him.
‘Had you come here as a beggar, I would
have given you alms as befitting a Brahmin. You on the other hand, come here
and tell me of your claim on half of the Panchal
kingdom.’
On this Drona
blurted out –
‘You have misunderstood .. I don’t ask for
half ..’
‘There is no place for people like you in Panchal. Leave the court immediately and
don’t bring such ideas into your mind any more’, Drupad cut him short.
His hands cold, eyes and ears shocked, Drona did not know how to react.
Surrounded by murmuring and chuckles in the
court, the Brahmin walked out of the
court. Drupad’s words fired the fuel
of Drona’s honour and inflamed the
fire of revenge.
