As the echoes of Prince Vikramaditya’s footsteps faded from the chamber, the smile on the Queen's face dissolved into lines of concern.
She looked at the King with an anxious, motherly restlessness and said, "My Lord! What kind of a decision is this? Have you assigned your only son a task that even our ordinary spies could perform with ease? What is the necessity of sending the Prince away from the grand security of the palace to live a common life in an unknown hideout? Is there a looming threat at the borders, or is the loyalty of our confidants wavering? Swami, please end my dilemma; my heart trembles with the fear of some unseen misfortune."
Maharajah Sukarmaditya took a deep breath, approached the Queen, and spoke in a calm voice, "Devi! Your anxiety is natural, but you have unleashed a torrent of questions in your curiosity. Have patience; there is no threat to the state’s security, nor any doubt about the loyalty of our spies. The truth is, I have planned a special kind of training for the Prince—one that was not possible in any Guru’s hermitage."
"Training? What kind of training, Maharajah?" the Queen asked, startled.
A visionary spark ignited in the King’s eyes. He spoke, "Devi, this age is one of indomitable energy and limitless curiosity. Vikramaditya is not just a Prince; he is the future of Suryapur. Before he is weighed down by the formalities of the throne and the crown of responsibility, I want him to recognize the 'scent of the soil' over which he is to rule. Queen, the sorrows of the subjects are not clearly visible from the windows of palaces! When he roams the streets as an ordinary citizen, observes common life closely, and lives amidst their problems and deprivations, only then will he understand the true value of justice and compassion. This experience will make him not just a King, but a 'beloved ruler.' And rest assured, invisible shadows will always be around him for his protection."
A reassured smile played on the Queen's lips. She spoke in a sweet voice, "My King! Truth be told, I did not fear for his safety even for a moment, for I trust your naturally vigilant intellect more than my own. I am well aware of your sense of royal responsibility and your alertness toward our son; I only wished to understand the essence behind this unique decision. Now that you have clarified the situation, I have no hesitation. Especially when he has a deeply sincere and soulful friend like Dhruvdev by his side, who is as dear and trustworthy to me as Vikram himself."
The King looked at the Queen with a solemn smile. The golden rays of the evening sun were spreading through the chamber. After a brief pause, the Queen voiced her curiosity again, "But My Lord! What kind of test are you going to take of Dhruvdev tomorrow? My heart says he will prove himself entirely worthy of your expectations."
The Maharajah’s laughter echoed in the room, "I too have faith, my dear! But this is not a test; it is a small life lesson for his future. That scene will be before you tomorrow, so have patience. Now, permit me to leave; it is time for evening prayers. Take care of yourself, Devi."
Saying this, the King touched the Queen's cheeks with love and respect. A profound sense of reverence welled up in the Queen's eyes for him. She softly said, "You too take care of yourself, Arya!"
The golden rays of the next dawn were just beginning to grace the pinnacles of the royal palace when Prince Vikramaditya stood by the casement of his chamber, gazing at the distant city of Suryapur. Just then, a trusted messenger of the King entered respectfully and announced, "Prince, the King has summoned you to the Shiva Garden immediately."
A faint smile appeared on the Prince's lips. He understood why his father had called for him. Without a moment’s delay, he headed toward the Shiva Garden. At the garden gates, he noticed his inseparable friend, Dhruvdev, arriving at the exact same moment. After the previous day's discussions, both were filled with a surge of excitement and curiosity. Their eyes met, they shared a smile, and with a warm embrace, they entered the garden together.
This was a magnificent sanctuary designed for the private leisure of the King and Queen. On one side stood an exquisitely carved Shiva temple, where the royal couple performed their evening prayers. Amidst the blooming flowerbeds, a massive Banyan tree stood tall, leaning proudly against a Peepal tree. Beneath its dense canopy lay a raised marble platform, surrounded by beautifully crafted and ornate marble thrones. The garden was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the cool morning breeze, making the atmosphere incredibly serene; the melodious chirping of birds was a delight to the ears and soothing to the soul.
King Sukarmaditya and the Queen were seated on their marble thrones, their countenances reflecting a unique radiance and solemnity. The two friends stepped forward and touched their feet in deep reverence. Offering their affectionate blessings, the King and Queen signaled them to sit close by. Within the garden walls at that moment, there was no one else present besides the four of them.
As they took their seats, the attention of the Prince and Dhruvdev was suddenly drawn toward the marble platform in the center. There, resting on a red velvet cloth, were three golden idols, shimmering identically in the morning light.
Filled with wonder, the Prince asked, "Father! What are these idols? Their craftsmanship is extraordinary and enchanting... but why are three identical idols kept here together? Are they a rare specimen of some special metal or art?"
The King fixed his solemn gaze on Dhruvdev and spoke in a low, measured voice, "Son! That is the greatest mystery of these idols. These three are not only identical in appearance but are cast from the exact same blend of metals, and their weight does not differ by even a grain. Yet, in the markets of the world, their value is entirely different from one another. One is of ordinary value, the second belongs to a medium grade, and the third... the third idol is the most precious of all. Dhruvdev! Now it is time to test your keen insight and intellect. Can you tell us why? On what basis is there such a vast difference in their value?"
The Prince realized that the King was testing Dhruvdev’s wisdom and power of reasoning, so he remained quiet, watching the scene with the curiosity of a silent observer.
A flicker of contemplation appeared on Dhruvdev’s brow. With utmost humility, he looked toward the King and sought permission— "As you command, Your Majesty! But for a meticulous examination, do I have your permission to touch, lift, and closely inspect these idols?"
A look of satisfaction crossed the King’s face as he replied, "Certainly, Dhruv! You may examine them in any manner your wisdom and discretion see fit."
"My gratitude, Your Majesty!" Dhruvdev said, rising from his seat to approach the marble platform.
Dhruvdev was now completely immersed in the analysis of the idols. At times, he would lift the first idol to gauge its weight upon his palms, and at others, he would scrutinize the intricacies of its craftsmanship. He examined every feature and limb of each idol with intense focus. Finally, he held them up against the sunlight, as if searching for something hidden within the golden glow. After a brief pause, a singular brilliance suddenly flashed in Dhruvdev’s eyes, as if he had unraveled the layers of an invisible mystery. With a triumphant smile, he looked toward the King, Queen, and the Prince, all of whom had been observing his every move with bated breath and profound curiosity.
Approaching the King, Dhruvdev spoke with deep respect— "Your Majesty! I have discovered the hidden basis for the value of these idols. However, to prove my finding with evidence, I require a certain object. With your permission, may I go and fetch it?"
The King nodded in agreement— "By all means, Dhruv! Bring whatever you require."
Upon receiving permission, Dhruvdev began searching the garden and returned within moments. This time, however, he held a few dry, slender blades of grass (straw) in his hands.
Seeing this, the wonder grew in the hearts of the Queen and the Prince—what possible connection could these ordinary straws have with such exquisite golden idols?
With steady steps, Dhruvdev approached the platform and picked up the first idol. He took a single straw and, with a very precise hand, began to insert it into the tiny opening of the idol’s ear.
At that moment, the breath of the Queen and the Prince seemed to stop as they watched Dhruvdev’s hands intently.
Meanwhile, a mysterious and knowing smile played upon King Sukarmaditya’s lips, as if he were already well aware of Dhruvdev’s next move.
To be continued.....
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Previous on Suvarna: Maharaja Sukarmaditya ordered Prince Vikramaditya and his friend Dhruvdev to go on an incognito journey to understand the true essence of their land. However, before setting off on this exciting adventure, the King decided to put Dhruvdev to a 'special test.' The two friends have reached the Shiva-Udyan of the palace, where mysterious golden idols await them...
Read the next episode here:
https://meetu2nishabd.blogspot.com/2026/03/suvarana-saga-episode-4.html
✍️ Amita Mishra ‘Nishabd’
🖌️ Image created with the assistance of AI
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