Book Six: The Book of Fate

Even as a human Savitri sets the highest standards for the race. Once she has chosen she does not reverse her choice just because of personal practical considerations. Prompted by her strong heart, calmly but firmly, she refuses to change her choice.

The prophesy tears the queen’s heart. She cries out in anguish and pain.

Wonderful is the soul of Satyavan yet a shadow chases him attempting to cut short his life.

At the behest of the queen, Narad reveals what he has seen and foreseen.

The queen has sensed that all is not well with the future of Savitri. She begins to lament and complain about the ways of destiny.

The queen senses something ominous hidden behind Narad’s speech that is dissuading her to know the future as it will be an added burden.

Narad responds to the queen in a rather cryptic way trying to dissuade her from asking about the future.

The queen is now a bit alarmed and hence bids the sage to speak out what he knows and has seen.

Aswapati cautions Narad not to reveal anything that may sound alarming.

Aswapati hears his daughter, sees things through an inner vision and approves of her choice.

Savitri reveals her choice before her parents and the sage.

Aswapati now reveals something that he too has felt about Savitri’s future but in a guarded way.

Aswapati describes her daughter as a goddess born upon earth to give radiant joy to all creatures.

The form carries its own significance and the dreams of the soul are often noticed in the eyes. This is what we find revealed in Aswapati’s description of Savitri’s form.

Aswapati responds to the hints even as Narad holds back his words.

Narad concludes his query now but not without dropping a hint of what he has foreseen.

Narad continues his inquiry about where Savitri had been, from where has she returned just now.

The song of Narad sends thrills of joy. Just then Savitri arrives to the palace with her mission completed.