The magnate paused for a moment to give his son a chance to reply, but seeing that he sat silent with his head bowed, he continued, ‘My son, a woman is not the only fulfilment of life; she is only an instrument for the realization of something greater than herself. A successful man, a man of influence can have any number of women, but not many opportunities present themselves to achieve success in life. Son, it is power alone that matters; the power of wealth and the power over men. Do you intend to turn your back on the favours of the head of state, the President of the Republic, and live merely on the aged Dev Sharma’s graces? Son, you understand politics. Just think, by marrying the granddaughter of the Greek President, you will, without any effort and without any opposition, become one of the high-born nobles; but by marrying the great-granddaughter of Dev Sharma, even if the liberal Dev Sharma does not oppose it, you will turn the entire Brahmin clan against yourself. The power of the Brahmins lies in the subjection of the common folk, in their right to secure the services of the people. If commoners were to become their equals, what special privileges would be left for the Brahmins to enjoy? They will never allow the common people to become powerful, but at the same time, they cannot ignore the influence of those who wield power. Why should we turn anyone against us? Son, it is friends and supporters that we need, not enemies.’

The magnate paused for a moment and glanced at his son, hoping that he would express agreement. But finding him silent and sullen as before, his voice softened, ‘Son, it is from the position of a common slave that I myself have risen, and have acquired a position where my son, an army commander, can aspire to become the Commander-in-Chief. What you have already achieved is not the peak of your possible success. The value of wealth and position does not lie in foolish self-indulgence, but in the power that they bring.

‘Son, the height of enjoyment lies in the exercise of power. It is time that you won the confidence of the President of the Republic and acquired the rights and privileges of a noble. Then, with your resources, you can raise an army of your own for the defence of Madra. That army will be your strength. You will be able to change the very face of the Republic of Madra. I want to see you in the seat of supreme power, as President of the Republic. I want to see you on the throne of Madra. If in Magadh, the rule of the Maurya dynasty, who were Sudras by birth, can be established, why can’t the rule of the Prestha dynasty be established in Madra?’

He looked again at his son, but Prithusen still said nothing. He continued to sit as before, his hand on his chin. His father had pushed him into the waves of ambition and aspirations and had left him there. He felt bewildered at finding himself in that vast expanse. The force of the current was proving too strong for his willpower. He had difficulty in just keeping his head up and catching his breath.