In the opulent room adorned with silk drapes and golden accents, Krishneshwari paced with fervor, her delicate feet, adorned with shimmering anklets, produced a soft jingle that resonated like a distant chime, echoing her inner turmoil. A luxurious yellow silken lower garment that draped elegantly around her waist, the fabric flowing just above her knees. Her torso was adorned with an array of sparkling necklaces, each catching the light.

Despite the winter chill seeping through the palace walls, Krishneshwari felt no cold; instead, a burning urgency consumed her, propelling her forward in search of answers that felt just out of reach.

Her curls bounced restlessly as she moved, framing her youthful face, which was taut with determination. It had been days since she first encountered the mysterious Aghori at the Mahakaleshwar temple, a man who had whispered secrets about her existence, igniting a fire of curiosity within her. The guards had scoured the streets, yet he remained elusive, as if swallowed by the earth itself.

Hemlata and her friends, stood quietly but exchanged worried glances as they observed her. Just then, the sound of footsteps approached, and an announcement was made.

"HAIHEYA-SAMRAT PADHAAR RAHE HAI !"

The young maidens swiftly straightened up, their dresses rustling like whispers of silk. Krishneshwari's excitement ignited as she turned, her golden silk garment swirling around her. The grand doors swung open to reveal her father, King Dilip, resplendent in his regal blue attire. His turban, adorned with sparkling jewels caught the light, while his shawl, draped elegantly over his shoulders, shimmered with intricate patterns, offering warmth against the chill of the morning.

Hemlata and other girls bowed deeply, Krishneshwari dashed forward, her heart pounding. "Kya aapko woh Aghori mile, Pitashree ?" Her eyes sparkled with hope.

Dilip’s expression was somber as he shook his head. "Nahi putri. Rajya ke shresht sainiko ko humne uss aghori ko dhundhne bheja, kintu fir bhi woh nahi mila. Kadachit woh yaha se chala gaya hai."

"Aise kaise jaa sakte hai woh ?" Krishneshwari's heart sank.

Dilip sighed gently, "Aghoriyo ka apna koi thikana nahi hota, putri. Woh ghumte rehte hai."

The words hung heavy in the air, and Krishneshwari’s face fell, shadows of disappointment clouding her youthful features.

"Toh ab mai swayam unhe dhundhne jaayungi." she declared, her voice steady despite the tremor of urgency underlying her words.

Dilip's brow furrowed, concern etched across his face. "Putri, tum Rajkumari ho. Ek aghori ko-" But she was already grabbing her warm shawl from the intricately carved dressing table, the vibrant fabric merging with her darkish golden complexion.

"Nahi Pitashree, aap samajh nahi rahe ! Mujhe unhe dhundhna hi hoga. Anyatha mera sampurn jeevan arth-heen aur lakshya-heen rahega." She said, her voice breaking slightly as raw emotion surged within her.

The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, causing Dilip’s heart to sink. He had watched his daughter drift into shadows over the past years, her laughter replaced by an unshakeable longing. He knew that no palace walls or royal decree could tether her spirit once it had tasted the fire of purpose.

"Uchit hai." He acquiesced, his voice a mixture of resignation and resolve. "Tumhare pravaas hetu Gaj, sainik, sakhiya aur daas-daasiyo ka prabandh karwa deta hu."

Relief washed over Krishneshwari, her eyes sparkling with newfound hope.
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The procession made its way to the Mahakaleshwar temple. Krishneshwari was seated majestically atop her resplendent elephant, adorned with intricate gold and emerald embellishments. The elephant swayed gracefully, its trunk playfully flicking at the air.

Flanking her on either side, her friends rode spiritedly on their sleek horses, their concerned voices mingling with the rhythmic thud of hooves on the earth. Hemlata, the princess's dearest companion, led the way, her hair flowing like a shimmering river, her eyes bright but shrouded by worry.

Behind them, a retinue of maids and servants followed, their colorful garments fluttering like petals in the wind. They chatted quietly, carrying baskets of fruits, fragrant flowers, fresh garments, and everything the princess would require, each item a reminder of their royal duties.

Guarding the procession, stalwart soldiers on powerful stallions circled protectively, their armor glinting in the sun, eyes keen for any sign of danger.

As they entered the sacred grounds of the Mahakaleshwar temple, a palpable stillness enveloped the air. The scent of incense and the sound of temple bells welcomed them, igniting Krishneshwari's heart with a blend of anticipation and longing. The towering spires of the temple loomed ahead, their intricate carvings glinting in the sun, casting elongated shadows that danced upon the ground.

With a gentle rustle of its massive ears, the elephant was made to kneel gracefully, allowing Krishneshwari to dismount. As her feet touched the earth, a thrill coursed through her veins. She scanned the surroundings, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Aghori. Her friends, Hemlata in the lead, followed her descent with a mix of excitement and concern.

The air felt thick with expectation, yet the temple grounds were eerily silent, devoid of the usual bustle.

"Yaha toh koi nahi hai, Rajkumari..." Hemlata murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, contrasting sharply with the stillness around them. "Kadachit hume laut-" "Nahi !" The princess interjected immediately.

"Woh yahi hai...." She said.

The certainty in her voice silenced her friends, urging them to follow her lead as she strode toward the temple. Reaching the temple's threshold, she paused and removed her footwear, feeling the cool stone beneath her feet. The air buzzed with an unexplainable energy as she climbed the steps, each footfall echoing her belief.

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A/N

The upcoming chapters will have concepts of Brahmgyaan from Vedas and Upanishads. If you read carefully you'd be able to understand the greater existence to some extent.