Deep inside the grand palace of Ahabantpura, a magnificent hall stood illuminated with the soft glow of golden lamps. Tall pillars carved with ancient symbols supported the high ceiling, and beautiful silk curtains moved gently with the cool morning breeze.

At the center of the hall, on a raised platform, sat the King of Ahabantpura, Maharaj Virender Raj, beside his queen Rani Kashviraj. Both of them looked thoughtful and slightly worried.

In front of them, seated calmly on a sacred seat, was their Kulguru, the royal spiritual guide of the kingdom. His eyes were wise and peaceful, as if he could see beyond time itself.

After a moment of silence, the king finally spoke.

महाराज वीरेंद्र राज गंभीर स्वर में बोले:

“गुरुदेव… आप तो सर्वज्ञ हैं। हमारे पुत्र के विषय में आप सब कुछ जानते हैं।”

The queen nodded gently and folded her hands respectfully.

रानी काशवीराज चिंतित स्वर में बोलीं:

“गुरुदेव, हमें अत्यंत चिंता हो रही है। क्या राजकुमार का विवाह होना संभव है या नहीं? वे सदा राजकार्य, प्रजा की सेवा और युद्धाभ्यास में ही लीन रहते हैं। गृहस्थ जीवन और विवाह में उनकी तनिक भी रुचि नहीं है।”

The king sighed deeply and continued.

महाराज बोले:

“गुरुदेव, अनेक राजकुमारियाँ और कुलीन कन्याएँ उनके लिए प्रस्ताव लेकर आईं, परंतु राजकुमार को कोई भी पसंद नहीं आया। हम तो बस अपनी वंश परंपरा को आगे बढ़ते हुए देखना चाहते हैं।”

The Kulguru listened quietly. A gentle smile slowly appeared on his face.

He closed his eyes for a moment, as if reading the destiny written in the stars, and then opened them calmly.

गुरुदेव शांत स्वर में बोले:

“राजन, चिंता करने की कोई आवश्यकता नहीं है। मैंने राजकुमार की कुंडली का भली-भांति अध्ययन किया है। वे अत्यंत वीर, परोपकारी और धर्मनिष्ठ हैं। उनके जीवन में विवाह योग भी स्पष्ट रूप से विद्यमान है।”

Hearing this, a small smile appeared on both the king’s and queen’s faces.

But the Kulguru’s next words made them curious.

गुरुदेव आगे बोले:

“परंतु एक बात विशेष है… वह कन्या कोई राजकुमारी नहीं होगी।”

The king and queen exchanged surprised glances.

महाराज विस्मित होकर बोले:

“क्या कहा आपने, गुरुदेव? राजकुमार का विवाह किसी राजकुमारी से नहीं होगा?”

The Kulguru nodded slowly.

गुरुदेव गंभीर किंतु मधुर स्वर में बोले:

“नहीं राजन… वह कोई साधारण कन्या भी नहीं होगी। वह दिव्य होगी। उसके आगमन से आपके राज्य में सुख, समृद्धि और शांति का विस्तार होगा। आपका राज्य और अधिक उज्ज्वल होगा।”

The queen’s eyes filled with hope.

But then the Kulguru’s expression became slightly serious.

गुरुदेव धीमे स्वर में बोले:

“परंतु स्मरण रखिए… जहाँ सुख होता है, वहाँ दुःख का होना भी निश्चित है। यह सृष्टि का नियम है।”

The king straightened slightly, concern returning to his face.

महाराज चिंतित स्वर में बोले:

“गुरुदेव… आपका आशय क्या है?”

The Kulguru simply smiled calmly.

गुरुदेव बोले:

“राजन, अभी उसके विषय में अधिक चिंतन मत कीजिए। समय आने पर सब स्पष्ट हो जाएगा। बस धैर्य रखिए।”

The hall fell silent again.

*******

(Eng version )

Deep inside the magnificent palace of Ahabantpura, a grand royal hall was glowing with the soft light of golden lamps. Tall stone pillars carved with ancient designs stood proudly across the hall, and silk curtains gently moved with the cool breeze coming through the large windows.

At the center of the hall, on a raised royal throne, sat King Virender Raj, the ruler of Ahabantpura, beside his queen Rani Kashviraj. Both of them looked worried as they faced their Kulguru, the royal spiritual guide of the kingdom.

The wise guru sat calmly on a sacred seat, his face peaceful and composed, as if he could read the secrets of destiny itself.

After a moment of silence, the king finally spoke in a respectful but concerned tone.

“Gurudev… you already know everything about our son.”

The queen nodded gently and folded her hands with respect.

“Yes, Gurudev,” Rani Kashviraj said softly. “We are deeply worried. Is it even possible for the prince to get married?”

She sighed before continuing.

“Our son is always busy with royal duties, protecting the kingdom, and practicing for battles. He is completely devoted to the welfare of the kingdom. But when it comes to family life or marriage… he shows no interest at all.”

The king spoke again, his voice heavy with concern.

“Many princesses and noble daughters have come with marriage proposals for him. But the prince has not liked any of them. We only wish to see our lineage continue and our kingdom secure for the future.”

The Kulguru listened quietly to their worries.

After a moment, a gentle smile appeared on his face.

He slowly opened the prince’s horoscope scroll lying beside him and studied it carefully.

“King Virender Raj,” the guru said calmly, “there is no reason for you to worry.”

Both the king and queen looked at him with hope.

“The prince is brave, noble, and blessed with a kind heart. His destiny clearly shows a strong marriage fate.”

A small smile appeared on the king’s and queen’s faces.

But the guru continued with a mysterious tone.

“However, there is something unusual about his future bride.”

The king frowned slightly.

“What do you mean, Gurudev?”

The guru looked thoughtfully at the horoscope.

“The girl destined to marry the prince will not be a princess.”

Both the king and queen were shocked.

“Not a princess?” the king repeated in surprise.

The guru nodded slowly.

“She will not be ordinary either. That girl will be divine. Her arrival in this kingdom will bring great happiness, prosperity, and peace to Ahabantpura.”

The queen’s face lit up with hope after hearing those words.

But then the guru’s expression turned slightly serious.

“However,” he added slowly, “remember one thing… where there is happiness, sorrow will also find its way. It is the eternal rule of life.”

The king straightened in his seat, his expression tense again.

“What do you mean by that, Gurudev?”

But the guru only smiled calmly.

“There is no need to worry right now, Maharaj. Everything will reveal itself at the right time.”

He paused before adding gently,

“For now… have patience.”

Silence filled the royal hall once again.

*****

The vast training grounds of Ahabantpura echoed with the sharp clash of metal.

Clang! Clang!

Swords struck against each other with powerful force as royal soldiers trained under the bright morning sun. Dust rose from the ground with every step and every strike.

In the center of the battlefield stood a tall warrior dressed in dark royal armor.

His long hair was tied behind his head, and a deep red warrior cloak flowed behind him in the wind. Sweat glistened on his forehead, but his sharp eyes remained calm and focused.

He moved with unbelievable speed.

Clang!

With a single powerful strike, he knocked the sword out of the soldier’s hand.

The soldier immediately stepped back and bowed respectfully.

“Forgive me, Rajkumar.”

The man lowered his sword slowly.

He was Rajkumar Atharv Raj, the crown prince of Ahabantpura.

Tall, fearless, and known across kingdoms for his unmatched bravery in battle.

Another soldier stepped forward to challenge him.

Without hesitation, the prince signaled him to attack.

The soldier rushed forward with full strength.

But before the man could even react—

Clang!

The prince turned the blade aside in one swift movement and placed his sword gently against the soldier’s shoulder.

The match was already over.

The soldiers around the ground looked at him with admiration.

“Rajkumar ki jai!” one of them shouted proudly.

Soon the entire training ground echoed with the same chant.

“Rajkumar ki jai! Rajkumar ki jai!”

But the prince raised his hand, stopping them.

His voice was calm and firm.

“This is not the time for praise. A warrior must always keep learning.”

Just then, a royal guard rushed toward him and bowed.

“Rajkumar, Maharaj Virender Raj is calling you to the royal court.”

The prince wiped the sweat from his forehead and nodded.

“I will come.”

As he walked away from the training ground, the sunlight reflected off his armor, making him look almost like a warrior born from legend.

The soldiers watched him with respect.

Because to them, Prince Aryavardhan was not just their future king…

He was their protector.

The massive doors of the royal court slowly opened.

A tall figure stepped inside the grand hall.

It was Rajkumar Atharv Raj.

His royal armor still carried the marks of training from the battlefield, and his deep red cloak moved slightly behind him as he walked forward with calm confidence.

The hall guards immediately bowed their heads.

Atharv Raj walked toward the throne where Maharaj VirenderaRaj and Rani Kashviraj were seated beside their respected Kulguru.

As he reached the center of the hall, the prince respectfully folded both his hands and bowed his head.

“Pranam, Pitaji. Pranam, Mataji,pranam gurudev .he greeted them with humility.

Maharaj Virender Raj looked at his son with a thoughtful expression.

“Rajkumar,” the king said in a calm but serious tone, “we wished to speak with you.”

Atharv Raj straightened and replied respectfully,

“Yes, Pitaji. Please tell me.”

The queen observed her son quietly. His personality had always been the same—disciplined, fearless, and completely devoted to the kingdom.

The king exchanged a brief glance with the queen before continuing.

“There is an important matter we must discuss with you… about your future.”

Atharv Raj listened silently, his expression calm but attentive.

The Kulguru, sitting beside them, watched the prince carefully.

Because he knew something the prince did not yet know.

The destiny of Rajkumar Atharv Raj was already moving toward a path that would soon change his life forever.

The grand hall of the palace was calm and silent.

Soft sunlight entered through the tall windows, lighting the golden pillars and the royal throne where Maharaj VirenderaRaj and Rani Kashviraj were seated. Beside them sat their wise Kulguru, observing everything quietly.

Standing before them with dignity was Rajkumar Atharv Raj.

After greeting them respectfully, Atharv waited for his father to speak.

Maharaj Virender Raj looked at his son for a moment, then spoke in a steady voice.

“Atharv, there is an important matter we must discuss with you.”

Atharv nodded slightly.

“Ji, Pitaji. Please tell me.”

The king leaned slightly forward.

“You are no longer a child, Rajkumar. The kingdom looks up to you as its future ruler. It is time we start thinking about your marriage.”

The words hung in the air.

Atharv’s expression remained calm, but his eyes hardened slightly.

Rani Kashviraj spoke gently, trying to keep her voice warm.

“Many royal families have sent proposals for you, Atharv. Princesses from noble kingdoms—well-educated, graceful, and worthy of becoming the queen of Ahabantpura.”

The king continued,

“Our duty is not only to rule the kingdom but also to ensure the future of our lineage. Your marriage is important for the stability of the throne.”

For a moment, Atharv remained silent.

Then he slowly folded his hands again in respect.

“Pitaji, Mataji… please forgive me,” he said calmly. “But my answer will remain the same.”

Both the king and queen looked at him carefully.

Atharv lifted his eyes and spoke with quiet determination.

“My life belongs to this kingdom. Protecting Ahabantpura and serving our people is my greatest duty.”

He paused before continuing.

“I do not wish to marry.”

The queen’s face fell slightly.

“Atharv…”

But the prince continued respectfully.

“My focus must remain on the kingdom. Marriage will only distract me from my responsibilities.”

The king’s expression turned serious.

“A ruler must balance both duty and family, Atharv.”

Atharv lowered his gaze slightly but remained firm.

“I understand, Pitaji. But my decision will not change.”

Silence filled the hall.

Then the Kulguru suddenly spoke, his voice calm yet mysterious.

“Rajkumar Atharv Raj… destiny often walks a path different from the one we choose.”

Atharv looked at him.

The Kulguru’s eyes held a knowing smile.

“There will come a day when the very person you refuse today will become the reason your destiny changes.”

Atharv frowned slightly.

“With respect, Gurudev,” he replied calmly, “no such person exists.”

The Kulguru simply smiled.

“Time will answer that, Rajkumar.”

The hall became quiet again.

******

At the first light of sunrise, the ancient temple on the hill stood peaceful and silent. The soft golden rays of the sun slowly spread across the stone steps and the tall temple tower.

It was a sacred place, older than the kingdom itself.

Every morning, Rajkumar Atharv Raj came here alone.

For him, this temple was not a royal place—it was a sacred place. And before the divine, he did not consider himself a prince.

Here, he was simply Atharv, a humble devotee.

Because in front of God, no one carried royal blood… everyone was equal.

Atharv reached the long staircase of the temple and slowly walked up the stone steps. The cool morning air brushed against his face as he climbed.

Reaching the entrance, he gently rang the temple bell.

Dong…

The deep sound echoed through the quiet temple courtyard.

Atharv stepped inside and stood before the idol of the goddess. Folding his hands respectfully, he closed his eyes in prayer.

The priest quietly performed the morning rituals while Atharv offered flowers and bowed his head with deep devotion.

After completing his prayers, he stepped out of the temple and began walking down the long staircase.

Just then, his eyes noticed something.

An old woman was slowly trying to climb the steps. Her hands trembled slightly as she carefully placed each foot on the stone stair, struggling to keep her balance.

Atharv didn’t hesitate for even a moment.

He quickly walked toward her.

Stopping beside her, he spoke gently.

“Dadi maa… may I hold your hand?”

The old woman looked up at him with surprise. Her tired eyes studied his face for a moment.

Then she gave a small nod.

Atharv carefully held her hand and helped her climb the steps.

He made sure to walk beside her quietly, not saying anything that might make her feel weak or incapable.

He didn’t want her to feel that he was helping her out of pity.

For him, it was simply the right thing to do.

Slowly and patiently, they climbed the stairs together until they reached the temple entrance.

The old woman turned toward him with a warm smile.

“Rajkumar…” she said softly.

Atharv immediately shook his head with a gentle smile.

“Dadi maa,” he replied kindly, “please just call me Atharv.”

The old woman’s eyes filled with affection.

Few people in the kingdom knew this side of their prince—the warrior who was fearless in battle… yet so humble and kind at heart.

And somewhere above them, the temple bell rang again in the morning wind, as if blessing the moment.

Because the destiny of Atharv Raj was far greater than anyone in the kingdom could imagine.

The old woman smiled warmly at Atharv.

Then she slowly slipped her wrinkled hand inside the fold of her chunri (shawl) and took out something carefully wrapped in cloth.

When she opened it, a beautiful mirror appeared in her hand.

It was not an ordinary mirror. Its frame was carved with delicate ancient patterns, and the metal edges shone softly in the morning sunlight.

The old woman held the mirror out toward the prince.

Atharv looked at it with confusion and slightly narrowed his brows.

“Dadi maa… why are you giving this to me?” he asked gently.

The old woman simply smiled.

“Keep it,” she said kindly. “It is a small gift from me.”

Atharv hesitated.

“But… how can I take this from you?” he replied respectfully.

The old woman chuckled softly.

“Why? Can you not accept something from your dadi maa?”

Atharv’s serious expression slowly softened into a smile.

Without arguing further, he respectfully accepted the mirror from her hands.

He lowered his head slightly in gratitude.

“Thank you, Dadi maa.”

For a moment, he quietly stared at the mirror.

The glass looked strangely clear and deep, almost as if it was not reflecting just his face but something far beyond it.

The sunlight touched its surface, and the reflection shimmered faintly.

Atharv looked at it thoughtfully, wondering why the old woman had chosen to give him such a mysterious gift.

When he lifted his head again—

The old woman was simply smiling at him.

But there was something unusual in her eyes… as if she knew something about the prince’s future that he himself did not.