The Hospitality of Affection
In the previous episode: You read how the name 'Princess Swarnaprabha,' unintentionally mentioned by a simple village woman, created a stir in Kumar Vikramaditya's mind. Driven by curiosity, Kumar and Dhruvdev became guests of that rural family to learn more about the mysterious princess and the blindfold over her eyes. Now, moving forward...
<★★★★★★★★★★★★>
At the young girl's call, Kumar and Dhruvdev sat down for a meal with the farmer. The farmer’s wife, with great affection and promptness, served fresh rotis, feeding them with such love as if they were truly her own brothers. That couple, despite their limited resources, seemed to drive away every lack of the meal through their immense love and sense of belonging.
Among the pleasant events during Kumar’s travels, this meal also became a priceless memory. They were savoring the taste of the food not just with their tongues, but with their hearts. He thought that perhaps this selfless love of the subjects is the real wealth that the royal family should always be ready to protect. Kumar smiled to himself, knowing that this family didn't even realize they were feeding their own Prince.
During the meal, at Kumar’s signal, Dhruvdev broached the subject again, "Brother Mansingh! You didn't tell us why the Princess suddenly blindfolded herself? I cannot understand what could have happened that forced her to take such a difficult step. I have heard that Chandangarh is an extremely beautiful and prosperous kingdom. Surrounded by hills on three sides and situated on the banks of the Sobti River, the beauty of its capital 'Suvarnapur' is amazing. I never had the chance to visit, but I have heard much praise."
Mansingh spoke enthusiastically, "Friend! Your words are absolutely true. You might also know that Suvarnapur is named 'Suvarnapur' because, at sunrise, the snow on the mountain peaks shines like gold. With that radiance, the entire city glows like gold. Ah! What a divine sight it is! I have seen that splendor with my own eyes and I can never forget it. If you get a chance, you must go and see it too."
Dhruvdev said, "Certainly, certainly! But a princess of such a beautiful city blindfolding herself is still hard to digest."
Mansingh lowered his voice and said, "What can we say, friends! Only the Creator or the royal family there knows the real reason, but the market of rumors is hot. A foster sister of mine is married into that kingdom. Recently, when I went for her brother-in-law's wedding, I heard that the delicate Princess Swarnaprabha blindfolded herself a few years ago. It is said that she told no one the reason and gets angry if asked. It is possible the royal family knows the truth but has kept it secret for some reason. Well, these are matters of the royal family... big people, big talks!"
Kumar concluded, "In other words, either no one knows the truth, or it is limited only to the royal family."
Just then, Mansingh’s wife spoke up quickly, "Brother! The family must know; they must just be hiding it. I was wondering how the Princess will get married in such a situation? Who would marry a girl with a blindfold over her eyes? I have heard she is very beautiful and talented—exactly like her name, with a golden glowing complexion and kohl-lined eyes! But who knows why she chose to become blind despite having eyes? Only the Creator knows the truth. Here, now eat this Kheer! You have come for the first time, don't hesitate."
Saying this, she laughed affectionately, and Kumar smiled too.
The innocent village woman kept feeding them with great love while talking and only let them get up after they were satisfied.
At the couple's strong insistence, Kumar and Dhruvdev rested there for a while and then took their leave. At the time of departure, the woman became emotional, as if she were seeing off her own brothers. Out of affection, when Kumar tried to gift his necklace and some coins, the farmer and his wife politely refused. However, when Kumar insisted and said that 'this is a gift from his side for his niece,' they accepted the items.
The two friends took their leave and rode ahead on their horses. After galloping at a high speed for a long time, they slowed down the pace of the horses and began to converse.
Dhruvdev asked, "What is the matter, friend! What deep thought are you lost in?"
Kumar said, "You already know my curious nature, friend! Now, I cannot rest until I know the truth about Princess Swarnaprabha."
Dhruvdev burst out laughing and then, stopping his laughter, said, "Kumar! Where have you rested? I understood the moment you questioned that girl's mother. But think about how you will get permission for this from the Maharaja? He will never give you permission to go to Chandangarh for such an unknown task. In my opinion, you should return to the palace now, and I will find out the truth about the Princess on your behalf. There was an order for your return in the Maharaja's last letter, so it is proper to return now."
Kumar spoke firmly, "Don't say that, friend! I cannot return like this now. Not only has the desire to know the Princess's secret awakened in me, but also a strong wish to see Chandangarh and its capital Suvarnapur. For this, I must go myself, and you must help me. As for Father Maharaja, you too think of some way to obtain permission from him."
Dhruvdev realized that Kumar’s 'royal stubbornness' had awakened and he was not going to stop. Until now they were within the borders of their own kingdom, but now the matter was about going outside the state, so he became silent and began to think. Kumar too remained lost in deep thought, and the horses of both moved forward slowly. After traveling some distance, they stopped at an inn for the night's rest and sat there planning how to fulfill the desire to reach Chandangarh.
'To be continued'
<★★★★★★★★★★★★>
In the next episode: Friends! On one hand, there is the Maharaja's order for their return, and on the other, the growing curiosity about Swarnaprabha. Kumar and Dhruvdev would not want to violate the Maharaja's command, but there is no peace without knowing the secret of the Princess. So, how will our two clever heroes find a way? How will their upcoming plan be formed? To find out, don't forget to read the next exciting chapter of Suvarna's journey!
No comments:
Post a Comment