20 Nothing on earth is greedier than the eye

The two Bali brothers swallowed their unhappiness on being chastised by their father so blatantly, that too in front of one another. But they held back their displeasure and tried to grovel humbly in front of Kirtidev.

They were well aware that despite his so-called retirement, Kirtidev was way more influential than the both of them put together.

Raja Indraneel still called upon him for an informal council a few times on sensitive matters.

"We promise to mend our ways, father."

"We won't let you down again, father."

Kirtidev waved his hand impatiently, gesturing to them to take their seats. This wasn't the first time that he had warned them. But all he got in return every time were empty promises and false platitudes.

"I have called you today to discuss an important matter," at his unexpected words, both brothers became serious.

Their father wasn't the kind to hype up a matter. If he was deeming the issue to be important, it would definitely not be something small.

"I am old now and before I turn senile, I want to distribute the estate amongst the family members.

Kirtidev ignored their startled expressions and said, "I am thinking of dividing everything into three equal parts. Though your second brother is not with us anymore, his daughter deserves her parents' share in the family assets. For the past ten years, she has stayed away from this house because she felt unwelcomed by all of us. But she is no longer a child and I don't intend to let her return to the hills this time around. She will live here from now till her marriage next year like the other members of the family and both of you have to ensure that your wives don't do anything to make her feel uncomfortable or try any tricks on her."

Rudradev was the first one to speak up. "Father, Lilavati and I have always treated Katyayani as one of our girls. It is she who chooses to stay away, preferring the company of her maids over her family. Maybe she feels inferior to her cousins… but I can assure you that we only have the utmost affection for her, being the only offspring left behind by Second Brother."

Seeing that his father looked appeased by his words, he uttered the actual sentiments which he wanted to express after listening to his father's declaration. "Father, neither Third Brother, nor I have ever coveted whatever belongs rightfully to Second Brother's family. It was unfortunate that he passed away so early and wasn't able to build a... nest-egg for the future. As you know, on my salary as a royal minister, it is hard enough to manage our expenses. If it wasn't for Third Brother's contribution towards the household expenses, we wouldn't have been able to live so lavishly. Moreover, as you know, I have two daughters to marry off. To come up with appropriate dowry, this incapable son still has to depend upon Father's help. If we end up cutting three equal shares, I am afraid that my daughters..."

He was clever enough to highlight the merit of his youngest brother at this moment and leave the sentence unfinished about his daughters' weddings.

If there was one thing clear about Kirtidev, it was his affection for his grandchildren. He may not be expressive enough but he always wanted the best for them.

Kirtidev didn't react to his eldest son's words and looked at Jayantdev impassively instead. "Father, you know very well that most of my capital is put back into the business. How else would we manage to grow in such a competitive environment, especially with the emperor allowing its vassal countries to come and operate their businesses here. It is already so unfair. Both Daivik and Divij are too young and their miscellaneous expenditure over and above the gurukul fee give me sleepless nights already. Moreover, I have always given more to the household than anyone else. I naturally thought that my share would eventually be..."

Jayantdev maintained his sorrowful face all throughout but the next moment, he perked up. "Father, I have a suggestion. Subhadra's nephew has just joined their family business of textiles. He is not even twenty five yet and shows great business acumen. If you approve of it, I can propose a marriage between our Katyayani and him. Since it is the natal family of your third daughter-in-law, they won't be asking for too much dowry and our girl would remain in front of our eyes, as well. All we wish for is for Katyayani to have a prosperous and settled life. I have seen the boy grow up in front of me. I am sure that he will take excellent care of our darling girl."

Rudradev nodded enthusiastically at his brother's idea, especially since this would mean that his contribution would be nil if this happens.

"If I am not mistaken, that boy's first wife died under mysterious circumstances and he barely managed to escape the charges laid by the dead girl's family. Correct?" Kirtidev's voice had taken a sharp edge towards the end of the sentence.

Jayantdev paled at his father's words. He hadn't expected him to remember this matter which happened four years ago.

Rudradev saw the situation turning bad and tried to salvage it. "Father, this matter is not so urgent. We can think of other solutions. I will also keep an eye out on potential grooms for dear Katyayani. As for the distribution of wealth amongst us two brothers, there is no dispute. We will listen to your order. You don't need to worry about it."

His idea was to first resolve this unexpected complication. Giving an equal share to one girl??? Had their father taken leave of his senses!

Jayantdev was quick to agree with his brother in a wholehearted manner and shook his thick neck in tandem.

Kirtidev's face had gone from calm in the beginning to indifferent by the time his sons finished expressing their thoughts.

"Alright. I know your views now. Let's proceed for dinner. I have asked everyone to gather in the main dining hall today since Katyayani has returned home after so long," he said mildly.

The brothers had no objections to it and stood on the side respectfully, waiting for their father to proceed ahead. They gave each other a confident smile, believing that the matter had been successfully resolved.