“Go and play now, Virta” said Nartha. “Leave the man to do
his work.”
She pointed and led him away. She then chuckled at the
inquisitive nature of children.
“He doesn’t bother me a bit,” said the architect.
Nartha responded, “Nonsense, you must work without
distraction to have this project finished before the grand rajasuya sacrifice.”
The architect later sought out Virta.
“You know I can build just about anything, right?” asked the
architect.
“Anything?”
implored Virta.
“Yes, is there anything special that you would like for your
section of the house? There is a surplus of space,” explained the architect.
“Just last week I built a swimming pool lavish enough to accommodate
the Pandavas.”
“My parents wouldn’t permit something grand in my living
quarters – after all, I’m a kid!” responded Virta.
“We can keep this between the two of us,” added the
architect.
“Well, how would you create something special without my parents knowing?” beseeched
Virta.
“Ha! That is the easy part,” scoffed the architect. “I have
built all types of secret nooks and crannies for my clients for years.”
“Secret?” grinned
Virta.
“Of course! Typically it is at the request of the head of
the household in order to get some time away from the Mrs. and enjoy the ‘man
cave,’” lauded the architect. “But that is beside the point.”
“Virta?” called Nartha as she made her way through the
partially constructed palatial abode.
“Okay, so how about you draw up what you think you’d like?”
said the architect as he tore off a piece of his design paper. “Come up with a
few ideas and I’ll do my best to work it in to your quarters.”
Nartha made her way out to the patio as the architect
hurried off to continue his craft.
“What are you doing out here alone?” inquired Nartha.
“I was just playing by myself, per your suggestion,” quipped
Virta.
“Well, go wash up and prepare yourself for dinner. We are
expecting to have our neighbors – the Pandavas -- over to dine with us,”
explained Nartha.
After dinner, Virta hurried off to draw up some sketches for
the architect.
“What should I do? The possibilities are limitless!” thought
Virta.
“Ah! I know.”
Virta flipped open a few of his favorite books. These tales
described an imaginary escape by the main character into a world so exciting
that no kid would ever want to leave.
Virta drew up everything that stuck with him during the
fictional excursion – slides, elevators, zip lines, and trampolines – and placed
the drawings on his nightstand. Off to bed he went, though the excitement made
sleeping quite a challenge.
At sunrise the next morning Nartha came in to Virta’s room. “Rise
and shine!” exclaimed Nartha. “We’re traveling to the other side of
Indraprastha to visit your aunt.”
“Today?” asked Virta.
“Yes, today. Now get ready,” added Nartha.
“Great, I planned on handing the plans over to the architect
myself! How will he ever know exactly what I want,” thought Virta.
Off they went. The trip took a half-days time on chariot. As
a result, the family stayed with their kin overnight.
Upon arrival the next day Virta darted to his section of the
house.
“What happened?” he thought to himself. “This looks. . . normal.”
Virta grew upset at the thought of the architect letting him
down.
A tear made its way down Virta’s cheek as he leaned against
his wall. Upon touching the wall Virta managed to press on an uneven brick.
Bam! Down went Virta as the wall gave way and he sped down a
slide. The slide ended on a foam ball pit. After Virta made his way out of the
pit, he marveled at all of the features of his hidden playhouse. Everything he
requested was carried out to a tee.
