Once a disciple has learnt, the master will starve

Mrigtrishna, Marketplace in Dima city

After a small pause, Mandodari continued. "Of course, this must be unpalatable to many powerful people in the city but our refusal helped many music schools get their hands on these 'fat clients'. Hence, a gentle status quo has been maintained over the years. But a year ago, a new music institute opened up and instantly found itself some wealthy and influential backers. They seem to have a fair mix of talent and wealth amongst their student pool. It is rumoured that the owner of the hall has close affiliations with the royal family and hence its meteoric ascend has remained unchecked. Maybe that's also why they got away by naming it as the Royal Music Academy."

Mandodari's eyes displayed a fierce light as she said, "Though it has never been proven or declared, Mrigtrishna Music Hall has been sitting on the number one position amongst the music schools. Over the years, it has been an unspoken truth in the circle. But it seems that there are forces out there who are extremely unhappy with this status quo and want to establish their supremacy by fighting it out in the open for the official position as the best music hall in Mandhaar. For this, they seem to be ready to stoop to any level. It makes me wonder if a music imparting institute can beget such an amount of hatred or fierceness. Does it not obliterate the very essence of learning?"

Katyayani's brows relaxed when she understood the situation. "And hence, this invitation to us to compete in this classical symposium! Interesting. I wonder who the owner behind this new music hall is. But why do you need me for this? You have enough students who would be more than enough to give everyone a run for their money during this competition. Dai Maa, you have become a fret-pot!"

Dvi, who had been listening in quietly till now, interjected at this moment in a soft voice. "Young Miss, Mandodari didi didn't want to trouble you with this matter and hence didn't mention it to you during these past few months. I also got to know about this just this week while living here."

At Katyayani's look of enquiry, she continued explaining. "We have lost a lot of talented students to the Royal Music Academy recently. Some have been lured away by more lucrative conditions offered by them while we suspect many others have been threatened and asked to quit learning at Mrigtrishna."

"Why? Isn't it just a skill? Moreover, if we know this, why did we not take any countermeasures? Being passive is not your style, Dai Maa," Katyayani was still processing this matter.

Was this simply an issue of competing for the top position or was it something more? Since Dai Maa hadn't made any moves to stop the students from leaving, Katyayani was inclined to believe that it was probably the latter.

"Maybe someone has become curious about our institute's origins," Mandodari's mild words confirmed Katyayani's conjecture.

Her eyes shrank in surprise. "But we have been so low-key for so many years. How could this matter come up suddenly and why?"

Mandodari had no answer to either of her questions.

"Unfortunately, we don't have many talented people left in either of the three arts which we teach. We have recruited some new kids but they are too young and too raw to even face the worst music school in this competition," Mandodari's eyes displayed a killing intent, incompatible with her genial appearance.

She had sensed something to be off about the way things had developed in the recent past but their main business was the instruments store, and not Mrigtrishna. The musical hall had been set-up by Kadambari, Katyayani's mother, as a means of imparting the vidya* that she had received, to other deserving people. Of course, there wasn't anyone, including Katyayani who could reach the level of proficiency of Kadambari.

But with many silent and sincere hands working behind the scene, Mrigtrishna had become a symbol of prestige and real talent over the years, unsullied by wealth and politics, unlike the other music schools around.

"The competition seems to have been organised at a large scale and the participants are not just restricted to Dima. The invite has been sent to music institutes across Mandhaar," informed Mandodari in a wry tone.

"I know that you are not supposed to be coming out publicly for another year at least, but this matter involves your mother's pride and hard work. Moreover, the talented students whom they have poached from Mrigtrishna, have completed their swar-sadhana* under me. The news is that all of them are taking part in this competition. Currently, apart from you, there is no one who can win against any of them." Mandodari's words were filled with angry frustration.

Their action was nothing short of backstabbing the guru* and the gurukul*!

Katyayani took in the agitated expression on the old woman's face and consoled her. "Don't worry. I promise that I won't let you or Mother down!"

"Give me some time to finish a few things at my end. It is Grandfather's birthday next week and a lot of movement is taking place in the mansion. Once it's over, I will start coming over for practice here everyday before the contest. For now, put in three fictitious names, one in each category. Dvi will be participating in the singing competition. For dance and instrument, choose two decoy girls who are similar to my height and body structure. They don't necessarily have to know anything about music, just make sure that their background is clean and trustworthy. Also, make sure that you hide these two people from everyone's eyes till the date of the competition. No one should have seen them before, including your current students or teachers," Katyayani rattled off the instructions.

Mandodari looked at the young girl with pride in her eyes and nodded.

Dvi's gaze was filled with excitement as she got an inkling of what her mistress was planning.

Hmph! Was it so easy to bully their blue-blooded girl?

*Vidya - Knowledge

*Swar-sadhana - Practicing the modulation of pitch, tone, or volume or other characteristics through singing or by using instruments

*Guru - Teacher

*Gurukul - is a type of education system in ancient India with shishya ('students' or 'disciples') living near or with the guru