'I want to meet my father,' said Dhruv. 'Please, Ma, can I go and visit him in his palace?'

Suniti blessed him, and let him go.

Soon Dhruv reached the King's palace. King Uttanapada was sitting in his gardens, admiring the flowers and listening to the birds. Dhruv ran up to him, and touched his feet. 'Oh King,' said Dhruv. 'Do you recognize me? I am Dhruv, your son.' The King was overjoyed. He picked up the little boy and sat him on his lap.

Just then, Suruchi appeared, holding her small son Uttama by the hand. She was furious when she realised that the little boy in the King's lap was Dhruv. 'You horrible little brat,' she cried, 'How dare you come here?' And snatching Dhruv out of the King's arms she threw him out of the palace.

'Never, ever, come back,' Suruchi screamed at Dhruv. 'It is my son Uttama - not you - who will be king one day. There is no place here for you or your mother.'

Dhruv went back to his mother in the forest. He was very quiet and thoughtful all day long. Finally he asked Suniti, 'Ma, is there anyone more powerful than the King?'

'Yes,' said his mother. 'Narayan is more powerful than the King.'

'Where does he live?' asked Dhruv.

'Far away, in the mountains,' answered Suniti.

Dhruv, the Pole Star cont'd... 
1   2   3   4