Nekochei

Before he could react she was out of reach. He looked at his shaking hands, he just couldn't register 'why she was afraid of him? Does she thought he gonna punish her? Or maybe she simply didn't like him...' thoughts of his were getting out of control but Adhrit put his hand on his shoulder as he said, "You should talk to her."

He nodded and as he sat on his house he said, "Let's hope I can win."

Adhrit just smirked and said, "You will, Maharaaj."

He nodded and Megh started to the temple with his full speed. He was not sure if he would be able to calm her or not. But one thing he was sure of was that, he will make her smile no matter what. Her tearful eyes were too much for Arihant. Due to circumstances of his childhood he had never seen any girl closely. So, a girl or moreover a female except his mother, for him, was a mystery or basically a creature that should be protected.

He has never seen or heard any girl fight like that. He was mesmerized by her moves and her excellency in sword skill. She sure was an exception but he never wanted her to be hurt and her tears were proof that something deeply hurt her. He wanted to take all her pain away. Due to her exceptional skills the respect in his mind for her increased. She sure deserved more than what she was given. He wanted to give everything that she deserved. With that in mind he pulled his horse in front of temple. He went in and bowed to Devi Adi Shakti. He said, "Hey Devi she is your shadow let me have permission from you to meet her and give me enough strength to give her smile back to her."

As he was praying some more Mina came there to offer the prasad to him. He accepted it and said, "Devi, can I ask you something?"

She smiled and nodded as he started, "I wanted to ask, where can I find I-"

But he was cut off by Hina cried, "Mina!"

They both looked at her as she was gasping for air and she looked like she had seen a ghost. As she was gathering every air molecule she can, she said, "I-Isha..."

Mina asked worriedly, "What happened to her?"

Hina replied, "She locked herself in her room and refuse to come out. High priest won't be returning back till tomorrow."

Without thinking anything they both ran towards her room. He silently followed them without getting noticed and saw her room's entrance. He said to himself, "She must be very hurt. But why...?"

Both Hina and Mina were trying their best to open the door, they were trying to talk to her, but seemed like she just didn't want to listen. He sighed and went to the garden and looked here and there. Seeing no one he climbed unto the window which was open. There he saw a miserable site which he never wished to encounter. He found his love in her room crying her eyes out. She looked so miserable, so helpless. He went to her and tapped on her shoulder. Tears in her eyes were blocking her vision and she cleaned them only to find Arihant in front of him.

She stood up and bowed saying nothing. He started, "Isha I never meant to hurt your feelings. What is that that's making you this sad?"

She kept looking down without any word. He sighed and said, "Maybe I can help you know."

She looked up with only anger and pain floating in her eyes. She said, "You can? Really? Then change the fact that I am a Brahmin or become a Brahmin yourself."

He frowned and asked, "What are you even trying to say?"

She looked down as a fresh stream of tears started to flow from her eyes, she said, "My Gurudev have said that I will marry the guy who will defeat me."

His eyes went wide with surprise a new wave of happiness started to flow in his whole body. He looked at her from head to toe and asked, "Really? That means you will be my wife?"

"NO!"

Shouted Isha as she backed away from him. She looked at him with hateful eyes, "I am a Brahmin and you're a King, a Kshatriya. I cannot marry you! That's against society rules."

Saying that she fell on her knees and started cry her eyes out.

On the other hand, Arihant was shocked to an extreme extent. Those words pierced his heart into million of pieces. He was so excited hearing that but now he came to know he cannot marry her? Just why? Why cannot he marry the girl he like? He have never heard something like that. He sat down to her level and put his hand on her shoulder. He used his thumb to raise her chin. As she looked in his eyes, they were holding tears of pain, happiness and contentment. He said, "Isha, don't worry, marriage will happen only when the groom would be ready too."

She kept looking at him and he continued, "I will not marry you."

Though the words in the sentence were only five, but he felt as if each word was like a chain on his heart. He breadth were heavy and calm and his heart suddenly felt cold and empty.

But Isha, her eyes filled with hope and new happiness. She said in a cracking voice, "R-Really?"

He nodded shortly with tears forming in his eyes. She wiped her eyes and stood up saying, "You are greatest king! You really are greatest!"

He smiled while looking at empty floor. 'Sure the greatest fool' he thought. While she was swimming in her own happiness. He stood up in his own thoughts. She said, "Oh pardon me. I didn't even asked you for water or something. Would you like to have anything?"

He went to the window and said, "Maybe later."

As he jumped out and went to his Megh, his eyes just couldn't stop leaking and he just kept going back to the palace without looking back. His heart was getting heavier and heavier with each step, but because of his promise, because of his love he just couldn't look back. 'Maybe first love is meant to be broken.'

---------------------------------

Adhrit was waiting for his brother's return in his room but it was getting too late. The fact that the king is not in the palace could leak anytime now. But suddenly he heard footsteps coming and saw his brother entering there. He was in anticipation to what happened so he asked desperately, "So when are you getting married?"

He went to balcony and started looking at the stars. Adhrit thought his brother was being shy as he followed him and asked him, "So, should I tell mother or you want to her on your own?"

Arihant couldn't look at his brother as he replied in a small voice, "Adhrit, first love is never meant to work."

Adhrit was out of confusion right now, he just couldn't understand what his brother meant and asked, "What do you mean?"

Arihant said, "She is a Brahmin brother and I am a kshatriya. We are never meant to be."

Adhrit debated, "But brother, you're the king and it goes all by your saying."

She smiled sadly and said, "In my world Adhrit, in my world it is. But her world, her world revolves around her family and their reputation. I cannot force her in my world."

Adhrit started, "But brother-

Bug was cut by Arihant saying, "No Adhrit, I can't force her. It wouldn't be love to force her or make her bend towards me. Love means freedom brother and I want to give her every freedom. If she doesn't love that okay, it doesn't affect my love towards her. This is the fact Adhrit I will love her for the moon and back even if she doesn't love me back."

Although it felt way to much sad for Adhrit he knew his brother won't budge from him prescription. So he thought maybe he could help him a bit. As he was about to leave Arihant said, "Adhrit, brother, don't you make any move that would hurt me."

By this Arihant meant clearly Adhrit to stay away from Isha or her family. He knew his brother would try to convince her and he didn't wanted his love to be force at any cost.

He added, "Let me enjoy my own love. After all waiting patiently for your love is also another form of love. So what if it's a bit painful, it is always lovable."

Adhrit just sighed and nodded and went to his own room. He was furious, not at anyone but at the situation. He took a heavy breadth and said, "Oh Lord Shiva, do something. My brother has got his name after you, now you help him get his love like you got your Ardhangini, Maa Parvati."

With that he went to his bed and the whole palace seemed to dim it's light along with Arihant's heart.

Days passed and become week. Weeks become months and since that day Arihant never intentionally or unintentionally crossed Isha's way. On the other hand Isha, she completely forgot about him. It was nightmare for her so she just washed away all her memory and started to live her normal life. But she didn't know what Strom was heading towards her life. All her dreams of perfect life were about to shatter, with just one dream she was about to do the biggest mistake of her life...

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Ardhangini: Other half (for female)

Maa Parvati: Wife of Lord Shiva and main form of Kali.

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#painting #illustration #spiritual #paintwithme #followme #painters #painting #illustrationartists #illustrator #illustrations #illustrationoftheday #illustrate

The second episode is out guys! Take a look at the book on @wattpad goes by name, ⭐THE BLESSED PRATIBIMB⭐

As the Royal Family entered the temple after getting lots of love from the whole over the kingdom, the high priest and their family were ready to greet them. As they entered the gate, Raaj Mata was shocked by the decoration as she asked, "Who did the decoration?"

One of the girls from the family said, "Who else can be as talented as our Isha."

'So her name is Isha.' Arihant thought to himself as he smiled on his own. Raaj Mata said, "You must have got a talented girl."

Bowing the high priest said, "Raaj Mata I am really blessed with the goddess herself."

She nodded agreement as they moved forward to do the Pooja. But before starting one of the disciples said, "Isha is not in her room."

The color of high priest's face became pale as he asked in a complete sense of fear, "Where is she?"

Before anyone could say or do anything a voice said, "I am here father."

There stood Isha in full of her glory like before but with a basket. She said, "I thought Royal Family would like to use white lotus in the Pooja as they are Devi's favorite ones."

The priest asked in complete worry, "Where did you get them?"

She smiled and said, "I went to the lake and handpicked them myself. Since I got dirty I went to change myself and that's why I am late."

She came closer and bowing she said, "Pranam Raaj Mata, Prince Adhrit and our dear king Arihant, pardon me for being late as I was trying to offer you my best."

All three of them nodded and Arihant said, "We are well aware of your hospitality Miss. You don't need to be sorry for anything."

Frowning a little she admitted, "I quite didn't understand what you're trying to say."

He smirked and said, "Well, you served us such a good meal and also offered us Chandra kheer." He emphasized on Chandra Kheer to make her realize that they were the Rishis in disguise. She made and Oh face and bowed saying, "I am really sorry that I couldn't recognize you."

Adhrit was the one to spoke this time as he said, "No! No! No! You served us more than enough. Your thoughts and thinking is something to be rewarded."

Arihant nodded saying, "That is why you still have the boon miss, feel free to ask anything anytime."

She nodded smilingly and said, "Let's start the pooja because time is running out."

Everyone nodded and they all did the pooja. After the pooja, Raaj Mata was fed and the royal family moved to the palace, not before stealing as many looks as he can.

Meanwhile, Isha was not happy at all, she was really angry with the king's behavior but she has no one to complain. So taking her father's permission she went to bring water along with other girls. As they were heading towards the lake, girls being girls were chatting among themselves. One of them asked, "Isha, you're so lucky! You got to serve the king. He is soooooo handsome. You even got to talk to him. Now I am getting jealous of you."

But Isha kept walking leaving the two girls behind.

The other one said, "Hey we're talking to you."

But Isha just kept walking, then both of them went to her pace and lightly pushed her shoulder saying, "Can you not hear us?"

Isha was taken by a shock as she jumped a bit and looked at them, frowning she asked, "What?"

One of them said, "You okay? Didn't you hear us?"

She shook her head and they looked at each other. One said, "We were talking about king."

Hearing his name she just looked down and said, "Mina, Hina, I really am not interested in that guy."

Both of them were shocked by her reaction. She continued, "That man is not a good one."

Both of them exchanged looks before Hina literally shook her by her forearm asking, "You okay? You were interested in him this morning and now you're saying this?"

Isha replied, "I never was interested in him. I asked about him just to do the decoration according to him. He is Kshatriya and I am a Brahmin. We are not a match for each other, the destination you don't can't reach why we look at its pathway."

With that, she started walking again. But Mina being talkative one said, "If don't care about him then why care about his kind of decoration. Also, if you want something really bad, it will eventually come to you."

Isha frowned and replied, "First he is the king of ours, my liking or not won't change it. I have some duties towards him that I need to follow. One's duties are far more important than one's liking. And also who said I want him?"

They started to giggle and Mina said, "Well time will tell. We believe in our king for sure our king will make you like him."

She flared and said, "Isha doesn't like she only love."

With that both, the girls kept laughing and they kept walking to their destination

-----------------------

After such long day, Arihant was exhausted and was resting on his bed as Adhrit came in and said, "Today sure was an exhausting day, wasn't it."

Arihant hummed in reply and Adhrit joined him on the other side of the bed. Adhrit asked, "Finally no one's here. So tell me now, what's up with the girl?"

Arihant was shocked and looked away saying, "What do you mean?"

Adhrit smirked and said, "Don't lie to me. I can see it in your eyes."

Arihant just chuckled, "Fine, fine, fine. I like her."

Adhrit said, "What was her name again?" He acted as thinking and Arihant fell for it saying, "Isha... was her name."

Adhrit smirked and said, "You even remember her name."

He looked at Adhrit and said, "Don't you get yourself too much high. Think about what will happen when you will love someone."

Adhrit smirked and said, "First, that time is yet to come and till then at least I can enjoy myself. Second, if I would love someone I wouldn't hide it from her like you're doing."

Arihant got shocked and said, "I just met her today and didn't even get any free time with her, how can I admit to her like that."

Adhrit nodded and said, "Fine, I'll give you free time with her."

Before Arihant could ask anything he stood up and got out of the room. Arihant just sighed and smiled a bit at his brother's devotion to him. He suddenly felt a cold breeze on his ear and he went to the balcony to inquire more about the weather. From his balcony he could see all overview of his kingdom and direct to opposite to his room was the temple where she lived. He smiled in himself at her thought and said to himself, "I will make you mine, soon... very soon."

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As sun invaded his eyes, he rubbed them sitting up. He looked at his surroundings they were not familiar but he took his time letting it settle that he has finally come back to his palace. He always dreamt of this thing to come back and look at how it feels like living in his own kingdom along with his own people. So he decided he would go and train in nature today.

He stood up and went to the bath which was already warm for his arrival. He felt a little shy as he never had maids bath him, only male servants were present on the battlefield, but nevertheless, he didn't complain and let them do their work. After the bath, he came back to his room to get ready and there a familiar voice invited him, "What's the plan for today?"

He looked at his direction and said, "I don't know Adhrit. You say what should we do?"

Adhrit smirked and said, "Why don't we go for a hunt?"

Arihant thought for a second and replied, "But we just reached yesterday. Everyone would be busy in maintaining the palace again. In such a rush I don't think so its a good idea."

Adhrit asked, "But what if we disguise again? Then no one would recognize us and we can also visit the temple."

At the name of the temple, his eyes started to shine and he replied, "You are right!"

Seeing his excitement Adhrit just laughed and Arihant sighed, "Okay you win. But can we go now?"

He started to laugh harder as he said, "At least get ready first."

Arihant nodded and they both got ready for their hunt. They were wearing turbans on their head and some different colored raged Dhoti and some copper ornaments. They looked themselves in the mirror and took some mufflers around their neck. Adhrit said, "Now no one can recognize us."

Arihant nodded and they went to Megh and Bali again. Travelling some distance they reached the forest. They were busy finding some prey for them as Arihant heard some movement around the bushes. He elbowed Adhrit and he nodded in return. Arihant stretched his arrow on his bow and as he realized his breadth he released his arrow too. As the movement was no more they went to see what happened. But as they reached there the site was out of imagination. The arrow was cut into two and a small guy was caressing a deer. Both of them hide their faces behind the mufflers and said, "Who are you? How dare you protect our prey?"

The guy stood up as the deer ran away. He was wearing all white and was hiding his face behind the mask of his turban. He stretched his sword towards them and said, "How dare you try to harm my people?"

The voice seemed familiar but Arihant couldn't understand where he has heard it. Although he was sure he met no guy with such a voice. Adhrit asked, "If you're blind Lemme tell you that, that was no human but an animal."

He humped and said, "What else can I expect from you people? Illiterate hunters."

This gets on Adhrit's nerve as he said, "What did you say illiterate? Who do you think you are? If you are so proud of yourself I challenge you to fight my sword."

He pulled his sword out and said, "I am ready when you are."

Arihant noticed something weird about the sword. He didn't know why but the sword seemed no normal. It was radiating a familiar kind of aura which it had seen somewhere else too, but he just couldn't remember. But Adhrit on the other hand pulled his sword out which was given to him by his Guru which he sure was really proud of. Adhrit attacked him without thinking twice.

The sword of theirs clashed each other. But the guy was able to push Adhrit back and then attacked again. Adhrit was able to block it but was having difficulty to hold him back. Adhrit slide to one side and dodged the attack as he stood up he forwarded the sword and the guy attacked him twice in a second. And he fell on the floor. The guy attacked him last time and before his sword could reach Adhrit it was blocked by Arihant's sword. He pushed the guy back. And said, "Now fight me."

The guy nodded and their swords started to clash each other like waves of water. The fight was going on and the guy was standing in front of Arihant really strong. 'He sure is a powerful one. But who is he?' Asked Arihant to himself. Soon with one blow he weakened the guy and he fell on the tree but before he could balance himself, Arihant caught his hands. 'Too lean' he though.

And he said, "Let us see who is the brave behind the mask."

As he started to grab his turban, the guy started to fight back but in vain because Arihant already had an upper hand. 'He is not strong enough but his sword skills are sure to be praised.' He thought to himself but as he removed the turban the picture that came in front of them was out of imagination. Two shocks in a day, destiny sure was cruel to them.

As he removed the turban long hair fell down and the eyes that were holding anger just a second ago gazed down and the heat flushed to her cheeks.

He was completely shocked finding his love in his arm in such a vulnerable condition.

He released her and started to note her. Her eyes were holding fear and she, from a fierce warrior become a shy girl who was trying to hide.

Arihant couldn't stop himself as he said, "Isha..."

As the word left his mouth, she looked up and asked, "Who are you?"

Instead of replying he removed his mask. As she recognized him, her eyes started to fill with tears and she felt her stomach twisting. Her body felt so week that even her sword fell from her hands. She has never imagined it could be him and she felt ashamed and afraid at an instant. She looked at him helplessly with tearful eyes and in a crack voice she said, "I-I am s-sorry king."

With that, she ran to a direction not looking back. As for Arihant, this was the best yet worst surprise...

--------------------------------

Chandra Kheer: Kheer (Indian sweet made with milk and rice) charged with the moonlight.

Adhrit was worried about his brother. Last time he asked him to go and have fun, the talk of the wife went away along with Gurudev. Now he didn't have enough courage to ask his brother again that they should visit the kingdom before going there officially.

He went to Arihant's room and found him sitting on a chair lost in an empty corner. He just sighed looking at his brother. He knew his brother has always been the most emotion child among them. He would even get sentimental over an emotional poem so this thing was far more painful to him than anyone can imagine.

He suddenly struck with an idea. He went straight to his brother and said, "Come on get up!"

Arihant was too lost to give him any attention so this time he literally pulled him down his chair. As Arihant's butt touched the ground he came to reality. With his angry tone, he asked, "What?"

Smiling, that his brother at least came back to reality he said excitedly, "Get ready!" Dusting his clothes and getting up he asked, "For what?"

His smile just increased as he said, "We are going to have a survey in the kingdom before there officially."

But Arihant had something else in his mind as he said, "I don't want to visit a place which is cursed. Last time you took its name Gurudev left me."

Adhrit said in an irritated voice, "Really? That is your kingdom brother and you are their king. How can you disrespect your very own kingdom? This is not something Gurudev has taught us."

Mention of his Guru, Arihant was a little taken back and looking down he said, "I am nothing without him."

Adhrit, completely understanding his brother's pain said, "You are. He has made you this strong person you are today. In the battlefield, only your name is enough to make enemy leave the ground. Your dignity is like sun, its spread in all directions. Every kingdom knows our bravery and our power. It is all because of him. He has spent years making it that far. Now you want to break it in just a second. It would be a waste of all his efforts. Don't do this brother. Be his best student again."

Till the end Arihant's eyes were filled with tears and he was completely struck by an elephant. He sighed and said, "I guess you're right. I should prove to him that I am his best student anyway."

Adhrit smiled and said, "We'll be changing into saints. Here I have brought them."

Handing Arihant the bag of his clothing he continued, "Change into them and you will look exactly like Rishi Durvasa."

Arihant's lips found a smile as he asked, "Really?"

In a straight and boring voice Adhrit said, "No."

Flaring his nostrils Arihant mumbled a "Whatever."

As they both got ready, they went out to the stable and found out their horses, Megh and Bali there. As Arihant went with his Megh and Adhrit with his Bali, they looked back at their camp and said Adhrit, "Don't worry I have already talked to Maa."

Arihant smiled and said, "You really seem excited about this."

Adhrit just looked at the starry sky and replied, "I have a feeling something great is to be done there. I don't know about anything else."

Arihant just nodded and they started with their horses on full speed towards their kingdom.

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It was bright sunny day and the whole Kaushik Kingdom was ready for their big day. It was Basant Agaman today and everyone was super excited for it. Like every year this year their was special arrangements for the festival and main pooja, but this year was a special one, after all their king was returning back to the kingdom after 12 years.

Soon two fake Rishis emerged near the kingdom on the horses and they both stopped seeing the main entrance to the city. They hide their horses in the bushes bear a tree as they knew soon the whole army would reach here and they will collect them on their own. As Adhrit has already talked to his mother of taking the army back as the war's over.

Arihant looked at the gate really lost in the thoughts and Adhrit just smiled and said, "It's our own kingdom brother let's go in."

He nodded and they both started to the gate and no one stopped them as it was the festival today and everyone was welcomed in the kingdom, only after checking though. As they were carrying nothing they were sent in.

The scenery of inside was so pleasurable that they both were star struck and just stood there admiring city's beauty. The walls of shops and houses were loaded with flowers and were painted new. They were confused as to what was the occasion today. As they went to a shop and Adhrit asked, "Hello dan, can you tell us what is the occasion today? Why is it so decorated here?"

The shopkeeper just smiled and said, "Looks like you are new around here." They both nodded and he continued, "It is the Basant Agaman today. Like every year the whole kingdom is eager to celebrate it, but this year it is something different."

Being curious one Arihant asked, "What different?"

Smiling ear to ear shopkeeper replied, "Our king is returning back to the kingdom that's why everyone is more than usual excited for this year's Basant Agaman. Even the temple has done special arrangements for king's arrival. I have also heard that the king would be here by the noon and he would be doing the Basant Pooja."

Adhrit started to fake cough to hide his laugh which Arihant was completely aware of. He just rolled his eyes at his little brother's antiques. Looking him cough shopkeeper offered him a glass of milk, saying, "Are you alright Rishiwar?"

Taking the milk with a smile Adhrit said, "Was not, but would be now." As he gestured towards the milk. Arihant said, "Thank you for telling us, we should keep going."

Shopkeeper nodded and said his pranam to both as they started to god knows where.

Roaming and roaming, it was the afternoon today. Both of the boys were hungry by now. Adhrit said, "Brother let's eat something." To which Arihant nodded and they reached by a shop of sweet. They asked the shopkeeper, "We are hungry can you feed us."

Judging by their look shopkeeper knew they wouldn't be serving him with any money, but refusing to a Rishi could cost a curse which he sure was not ready. So very politely he said, "Rishi Lord I would love to serve you with my sweets, but my sweets aren't delicious enough for your taste."

Adhrit asked, "What do you mean?"

He said, "As you can see there is Basant Agaman today and there is a special Bhoj in the temple today. The more special thing about that Bhoj is that the high priest's daughter herself have made it. It is said that she is a God Child and all of us have seen her making miracles. Only at the age of 16 she had mastered all kind of yudhkala, ayurveda, astrology, Vedas and what not. It is also said that she has been gifted with magic hands as the medicine made by her hands never fails and have the capacity to even make a dead alive. She is also said to possess all the qualities of devi Annapurna, as many Rishis like you have said that themselves. I would recommend you going there My Lord."

Hearing so much about the magical girl Adhrit's impatience for food just increased as he said, "Brother he is right we should head to the temple then."

But on the other hand, Arihant had something different in his mind. He said, "I guess you're right. We should head towards the temple...and test the girl..."

He said the last part real slow, almost to himself as he was really curious about this girl. So both boys started to the temple.

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Both boys reached the temple as per the shopkeeper advised and for sure the décor was a thing to be noticed. The gate welcomed them with flowers and even the feet were placed on the petals. There was no one in there as they entered, but they saw a beautifully dress Adishakti's pind. They both bowed to her and suddenly Adhrit's nose was hit by a sweet fragrance. He looked in the direction and saw Prasada there. Now his the tiny patience bridge just broke and he without saying anything just went to it.

But before he could dig in, he stopped and thought for a moment. He then took the kheer and the spoon and took out a full spoon of kheer out. But rather than eating himself he went to his brother and said, "Here..."

Arihant gave him a confused look so he said, "I have drank that full glass of milk but you haven't. You didn't even had your dinner last night, so you're the first one taking this."

Arihant accepted the offer smilingly. As he took the first spoon his eyes went wide and his mind went numb. He have never tasted such a delicious kheer ever before in his life. Looking at his reaction Adhrit asked, "How's this?" Getting out of his trance, Arihant smiled and said, "Such a delicious dish I have never tasted before."

Listening to his reply Adhrit's eyes started to shimmer with hunger and he asked, "Really?"

Arihant nodded smirking and said, "Why not try it on your own."

Being said that he couldn't control himself anymore he just dig in the pot and started to eat like there's no tomorrow.

As he was about to take his last bite they heard, "Stop!"

He stopped abruptly and looked in the direction of voice. There stood an aged guy with his long braid along with white Dhoti.

His look made him high priest and it confirmed when his disciples came from behind and one of them said, "What have you done? It was supposed to be for the king on his first visit."

Adhrit asked, "What's so special about this?"

One disciple said, "This specially moon's charged kheer was made for our king's first visit as to make him more emotionally stable and more inclined to his kingdom as he have been staying away for so long."

Arihant frowned but before he could say anything high priest said, "This act of ignorance should be punished fair well."

"Soldiers!" He called and there came four soldiers and they bowed as high priest said, "Capture these imposters and kill them."

Both were shocked from this decision and Adhrit blood started to boil. 'How dare they say something like that to his brother and nevertheless their very own king.' he thought.

But before anyone could say or do anything everyone heard, "Wait!"

The voice was so beautiful that it felt as a melody to Arihant's ears. 'If voice is so sweet how would the owner be?' he thought to himself. As the disciples started to move out of the way of the voice, a clear figure started to come out. In complete white along with a lily on one side of her head came a girl more beautiful then the devi herself. Her hair were braided down along with pearls to her waist. Where her golden waistband just showed her slim figure. The gold earrings along with armlet and then the bangles just added shimmer to her velvet skin. Her eyes were holding authority as bold as her Kajal. Lips pink and the jingles of her anklets made Arihant just admire the beauty of world in front of his eyes. He was so mesmerized by her beauty that she just wanted to bow down and confess his feelings to her. But as she spoke his attention went to the matter, "Pranam Rishiwar."

Both of them nodded to her and she moved to the high priest and said, "Father, I have made that kheer specially for our king and have charged it with moon. Surely the kheer was made for a high purpose. But I assume it was for these Rishis than our king. He is our king father, he is surrounded by so many people around him who would surely take care of his diet. But as for these Rishis I assume they were hungry otherwise no such saint would eat anything without any asking."

Priest asked, "What are you trying say?"

She said, "I simply mean the Kheer they ate was meant for them rather than our king. Kheer was made to fill the eater with compassion and love and indeed King has no such luck to have this. Feeding our king is our duty as Brahmin but feeding any poor is our responsibility as a human being. No religion is greater than the religion of being a human."

Priest thought for a moment and smiled at his girl saying, "You always make me proud my girl."

She smiled and asked, "So can we feed them properly?"

As priest nodded he moved towards the Rishis and said, "I am sorry Rishiwar." He bowed and continued, "As my daughter said, feeding poor is our responsibility and instead of welcoming you to the Maha Pooja I disrespected you. I am sorry for that."

Adhrit smiled and nodded. But Arihant, he was lost in the beauty in front of him so he remained silent. Priest said, "I would love to invite you to our Maha Bhoj at the occasion of Basant Agaman."

Adhrit nodded and elbowed to his brother bringing him back to reality as he nodded too. But again started to look at her. She said, "Come along with me Rishiwar." They nodded and started to follow her.

As they were going through large halls Adhrit asked, "Devi, do all the temples looks like palace?"

She frowned getting a bit confuse as to why Rishis don't know how temple looks like, but then she thought, 'Maybe they have been away from humanity for the start and never get a chance to visit humans or something like that'. She replied, "No Rishiwar, only this temple is made with such an excellency. Our late king made it himself as he was blessed by Devi Shakti. He made this temple in order to show respect to her. He nodded and asked, "What do you know about Royal family?"

She replied, "I don't know much about them, but I have heard that the our present king is one of the greatest warriors of the time. He is not only best at Yudhkala but also the stagiaires are the best made by him. I have also heard that he have received his education directly from Guru Yajana. He also have a younger brother. That is all I have heard about our king."

Getting a bit upset Adhrit asked, "Haven't you heard about the Prince Adhrit?"

She shook her head in no and said, "I actually didn't know anything about Royal family but since they are coming today I asked one of my friends and she told me a bit about our king that is all."

Adhrit replied with 'Oh'.

But Arihant had something else in his mind as he said in a fake low voice which was clearly audible, "He is fool..."

But the girl didn't reply so Arihant elbowed Adhrit gesturing him to say more and he said, "The king of yours is very..."

He just wandered to think of something but Arihant continued, "...is very cruel. How can a king leave his kingdom forever. This kind of brutality with his very own kingdom. What a shameful act by a king. How can he live like that, he should rather d-"

"Enough!" Burst the girl as she said, "Apology for my rudeness Rishi Lord but I request you not to disrespect our king anymore. He has been away from our kingdom for like twelve years now. But he was not enjoying that time either. He was fighting for us. For our people. He learnt in the battlefield and stayed there so that we can stay here happily. He was just a child when he left the kingdom to the battlefield. His whole childhood was spent on the battlefield. This kind of act can be done only by a true king and he is the best king our kingdom can get. This is my own point of view on one told me this.

You are Rishis, bigger than me in anyway rather it age or knowledge. But I would appreciate it if you would keep your views to only yourself. I would apologize again if you find me in any rudeness."

Both of them were just out of words now. They were left to say nothing. Arihant was really impressed by girl's wisdom and sense of patriotism and devotion towards her king. Adhrit said, "Devi, we apology if our words hurt your feeling we didn't meant to do that."

She nodded and smiled saying, "Please come with me so that I can serve you food."

They nodded and they went to the backyard of the temple which was quite big. There she arranged special sitting arrangements for them and served them food.

The food was just too much delicious that even Arihant had to have a bit extra. After they were done Arihant was really impressed by her so he said, "Devi you have really impressed me, I want to give you a boon." She nodded and said, "I would take my boon on time Rishiwar, right now I have nothing to ask for. He nodded and Adhrit said, "We should get going now."

Arihant nodded and the girl thanked them again for visiting temple. Both the boys got out of kingdom and joined the army which had reached almost the gate. They changed back into normal clothing of theirs and entered the Kingdom like real King.

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Rishi Durvasa: A great sage of that time.

Basant: Spring.

Agaman: Coming.

Rishis: Sages.

Pooja: Worshiping of Indian style.

Rishiwar: A noun for Rishi in ancient India.

Bhoj: Offering of food on any special occasion.

Yudhkala: Wararts or different kind of war skills like, swordsmanship and others.

Devi Annapurna: Indian Goddess of Food.

Adishakti's Pind: Adishakti is an Indian Goddess of eternal power. Her body's parts are called pind.

Prasada: The offering to the God/Goddess which were once offered to them, then distributed to various people. Or can say Holy offering.

Dhoti: An Indian lower wear mostly for males.

INTRODUCTION: GURUDEV

"Are you ready?" he asked in a low voice as he was not certain what would the reply be. Adhrit looked at his brother's eyes which were filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. He had never seen his brother in such a state. Spending almost twenty years only on the battlefield he always looked so powerful and undefeatable that seeing him like this was a bit odd for Adhrit, but he just chuckled.

Frowningly asked Arihant, "What's so funny?"

Out of sudden Adhrit started to laugh out loud and in between those laughs, he said, "You are the most powerful warrior on the battlefield, people fear your name more than death. But now? Look at yourself, you look like a child who has lost his way home." Completing that he started to laugh again but this time more loudly.

Arihant was now in bad mood he said, "Really? You're laughing at me? You're supposed to be my brother who would help me going through situations of life."

Suddenly Adhrit stopped and looked straight at his brother's eyes with really great seriousness he said, "I am your brother, not your wife and this is real life, not a battlefield." Saying that he started to laugh again. But this time Arihant was not angry but busy, busy thinking about how would it be to have a wife.

He asked, "Adhrit, what exactly a wife is?"

Hearing this Adhrit had to be serious. He frowned and asked, "Are you serious? You don't know what a wife is?" Arihant replied a little embarrassed, "I know you marry a girl which is called wife. But I want to know the deeper meaning, after all, it was you who used to have poetic classes. I was only taught various kind of  war arts."

Adhrit knew his brother had a special interest in poems and stories, but he was never given chance. It was because of situations. At those times he had to be a ruthless monster than a sweet poet. He smiled understanding his brother completely and said, "A wife? A wife is your other half. They both are equals and shadows each other. Their relationship is a very flexible one. At the times they can each other's teacher or best friends or even guides to each other. They are always to be each other's respective side and always devote themselves to each other."

Arihant asked, "Is that an ideal relationship?"

"No." Said the voice behind. They smiled at each other and bowed to their mother saying Pranaam in unison. Arihant asked, "Then what is an ideal marriage is, mother?"

She came to Arihant and sat in front of his chair. She said, "An ideal marriage is which involves the welfare of everyone. That is only possible when both people are fit for each other. Marriage is many lifetime's bond, which is once established, couldn't ever be broken. The ideal marriage is like Shiv and Shakti's marriage which involves the fulfilment of both of their duties."

Both boys nodded but suddenly they heard, "There is still one thing that you are missing queen." All three of them stood up and looked at their Guru Yajana. They all bowed with Pranam and Arihant asked, "What is that Gurudev?"

He smiled and said, "A husband and wife should be best friends who take care of each other. Their marriage should bring goodness and should be done in the welfare of society. But the most important part of marriage is love. There should be a love bond between them which would help them cross their limits if needed. Which would help them to create something more beautiful in the world. Love is the thing which can establish any bond. Even if there is no match for each other but love is there, then everything can be solved."

Arihant smiled and bowed to his Guru saying, "Thank you so much Gurudev, if it wouldn't have been you I couldn't even imagine what would have I done."

He smiled and said, "You are the best student I ever found. I am proud to be your Guru."

Arihant smiled proudly and he asked, "But Gurudev you still haven't decided what would you bring back to the kingdom."

He frowned and looked at Adhrit and asked, "Didn't you tell him?" Adhrit only looked down. He knew his brother loved his Guru a lot and he has always played the role of their father. Adhrit knew very well that his brother couldn't take it. So how could he be so cruel to tell him that his dearest Guru is leaving him. Arihant frowned and asked, "Tell me what Gurudev?"

He took a long sigh and came closer to Arihant. Placing his hand on his student's shoulder he looked into his eyes and said, "Arihant, you have been like my own son. I never was into the worldly stuff, but looking at you made me feel like I have a son. But I am a Vairagi and now my work here is done and I must return back to my ashram.

Listening was like a thunderstorm on Arihant. His eyes filled with water immediately and he went to his knees, joining his hands he started saying, "No, please Gurudev, don't say..."

Looking at his student like that Guru's eyes filled water too. He bowed down to his level and said, "Don't be like this. I have given you all I had. You have all the necessary qualities of a king. My work is done, please don't mix me with worldly stuff. It would be death for me." 

Hearing this completely broke his heart and he said, "I cannot be the reason for the death of my Guru. I cannot even imagine that."

He stood up and took a deep breath and said, "If that is your wish then it is my command Gurudev. But I want one promise."

He nodded indicating yes to him and Arihant said, "You would come to me when I would need you."

Gurudev only smiled and said, "That's not a thing do promise. It's my duty as a Guru. Don't worry whenever you would need me, you would find me around yourself."

He nodded and Guru said, "Now I am leaving Arihant but before I go I want to talk to you in private." Arihant nodded and both of them went to the nearest forest.

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The moon was shining on its full and was making sure to let everyone know its a full moon night. In that shine on the last edge of Kaushik kingdom stood Arihant and his Guru. There was silence surrounding them, not even a single word was spoken but emotions did their work, making the night as the most memorable one both in a good and bad way.

Gurudev was the one to break the silence as he said, "It was the same moon night your father met me and I blessed him with a son who I would teach myself."

Arihant was just nodded and keep looking at his Guru. He continued, "Arihant, you are a very special one. You have a really big responsibility to carry and also a great destiny awaits for you."

He still didn't say anything, but Guru added, "A lesson is to be taught to the whole humanity. I believe in you. You will do it, won't you?"

This caught his attention and he asked, "How am I supposed to do it alone Gurudev?"

Gurudev only smiled and said, "Who said you would be alone doing this?"

He looked down and said, "If you would leave me, I would be all alone Gurudev. Nothing and no one would be there with me."

Gurudev only laughed and said, "My dear son, its not work to be done alone. You will find your partner." Saying that he started to fade away in thin air, only making Arihant more and more upset. But before disappearing completely he said, "You will find her..."

With that, he disappeared leaving a very confused and upset Arihant all alone...

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Pranam: Bowing down with hands joined. Namaste of ancient India.