After restoring the law and order Ashoka was able to bring back peace to Ujjaini. The situation remained under control and he won the confidence of the people. Strangely the people love strong rulers and respect them. Ashoka too earned popularity.
Ashoka and Vidisha lived in the palace very happy in each other’s warmth of love and passion. Vidisha no more found any reason to feel emotionally distressed. There was no more any need for Ashoka to use violence. At the most he used reprimands or financial penalties as corrective measures. He consciously avoided the physical punishment in deference to the feelings of Vidisha. He wanted to keep her in happy and satisfied mood.
On rare occasions, when Ashoka had to take unpleasant decisions involving physical violence he took precautions to see that it did not come into her knowledge. He would secretly got it executed.
Thus, the couple lived in complete harmony. In due course of time Vidisha gave birth to a male child. Becoming father was a delightful feeling for Ashoka. He rushed to her bed side and held her hand warmly. His emotionally choked voice uttered, ‘‘Dearest Vidisha! I don’t know how to thank you for helping me become a father. It is a heavenly gift for me.’’
Vidisha weekly smiled at Ashoka.
Ashoka softly said, ‘‘We have come a long way from the moment when we first saw each other on that afternoon when you were going to Vihara. I stammered like a fool and your friends made fun of me. Remember?’’
‘‘It is the fruit of our love,’’ she said.
Ashoka fondled the newborn saying, ‘‘I hope he will become a mighty all conquering Emperor. I will call him Mahendra. Emperor Mahendra he will become famous as. He has the eyes of a ruler even now, see!’’
Vidisha moaned, ‘‘I have no objection to his becoming an Emperor. But I wish he does not shed blood to become one. I will like him to be the winner of all hearts. A kind, benevolent, compassionate and peace loving Emperor.’’
Ashoka did not oppose her wish. But it was clear that he wished his son to do whatever it took.
Their difference did not flare up. The child became a bond of love and peace between them. The months went by squealing in childish delight.
Two years later, Vidisha presented Ashoka a baby girl, delicate like a flower. Lately Vidisha had been being swayed by the Buddhist ideology more and more. She was observing all the Buddhist rituals, customs and traditions with extreme devotion. In that state of mind she named her baby ‘Sanghamitra’.
Ashoka did not like that strange sounding Buddhist name but he did not object for fear of displeasing Vidisha. He had noticed her growing fervour for Buddhism. Ashoka truly love her. He would not do anything that could create bitterness.
The family was getting along nicely and the state was also enjoying a peaceful period. Then, a development intervened. A messenger arrived from Patliputra with an urgent letter from the ministers.
The letter made Ashoka frown. The Emperor was ill and the succession struggle had begun. In the prevailing situation it was his paramount duty to rush to Patliputra to save the sacred legacy of Maurya dynasty.
He went to Vidisha with the letter. He revealed to her, ‘‘Dear! A letter comes from Patliputra. I am very urgently required there.’’
Vidisha asked, ‘‘Dearest! What new development has come up there that demands your presence in the capital? Is everyone physically alright?’’
‘‘Read the letter,’’ Ashoka handed her the letter. As she read the letter he commented, ‘‘The father is sick. The brothers are having some evil ideas. You don’t know them. They would prefer to break the empire into pieces and play kings. We must go at once.’’
‘‘We? I am not travel worthy. You can see that.’’
‘‘I know, dear. Our baby is only three months old and you are too weak for a long journey. I will make adequate arrangements for your stay here.’’
Vidisha said, ‘‘My dear, I have still better idea. On your way you can drop us at my parents’ in Vidisha. I have been longing to see my family.’’
Ashoka replied, ‘‘Anything you wish is alright with me, dear. But should we burden your parents with our children?’’
‘‘Don’t worry. They would adore the boy and the baby. They are like toys for the grown ups.’’
‘‘I will send for you to Patliputra as soon as things settle down. So, get ready. Meanwhile I will hand over the charge of Ujjaini to an Administrator and make arrangements for our journey.’’ Ashoka rushed out.
He took the needful steps in quick time and the family was on way to Patliputra via Vidisha. Accompanying them were Ashoka’s trusted soldiers who always remained with him in all his campaigns.
At Vidisha, while leaving Vidisha and children Ashoka became nostalgic. All the happy years spent with Vidisha came to his mind in a rush. He looked at the loving face of Vidisha and spoke with a heavy heart, ‘Now dearest, I must take leave of you. Please take care of your health and the children. I will call you all to Patliputra as soon as possible because I can’t live without you.’’
‘‘Same here. We will wait for your call.’’
‘‘You won’t have to wait for long.’’ Ashoka promised and softly whispered, ‘‘Darling! Any wish?’’
‘‘I have. But I doubt if you would be able to fulfil it.’’ She looked deeply in Ashoka’s eyes.
‘‘Trust me. Just spell it.’’
‘‘You are going to Patliputra. There is something deeper than your father’s illness. I fear quarrel among the brothers for the crown of the empire. If that happens I wish you to promise me that you will not participate in any bloodshed.’’ Vidisha waited for the response.
‘‘I will stay away form bloodshed as far as possible. And provided the circumstances don’t force me or the call of the duty.’’
Vidisha sighed. Then she spoke, ‘‘Alright dearest, take leave. My Lord Buddha be your guide.’’
Ashoka bowed his head and departed after planting kisses on the foreheads of his children.
Atlast Ashoka set his foot in Patliputra. He was received by the council of ministers and most of the courtiers. The chief minister briefed him on the situation. Ashoka learnt that his father was on death bed and the succession war had already started. His younger brothers were playing war games.
Because of his shining battle record, political acumen and proven administrative skills Ashoka had been accepted as the future Emperor of Magadha by the ministers and the vast majority of the courtiers. He was also seen as the man of strong character with clean image. Prince Ashoka was also immensely popular among the masses as a result of his handling of Taxila and Ujjaini rebellions.
Emperor Bindusara expired in the year 273 B.C. after ruling Magadha for 35 years. Ashoka descended on the throne inspite of opposition by his brothers.
His brothers continued to plot against him and prevented the new ruler from settling down. For the sake of the Empire Ashoka had to take hard decisions against the promise given to Vidisha. He eliminated whoever tried to make trouble for him. It included all the rebels and his brothers. One by one everyone was ruthlessly put to death. Emperor Ashoka was again in his merciless warrior element. The softness infused by Vidisha evaporated in the heat of the power struggle.
After getting rid of all his brothers and the rebel elements Ashoka duly got coronated as the undisputed Emperor of Magadha Empire in 269 B.C. four years after the demise of his father.
