-- A FEW SPRINGS LATER --

Vinda and Anuvinda strolled through the opulent corridors of the Mahishmati palace. The intricate carvings on the walls and the polished marble floors reflected the grandeur of their city.

Yet, a sense of unease lingered in the air.
Anuvinda, his face etched with worry, turned to his brother. "Tumhe lagta hai ki Amatya Balaki, Kakashree se humare liye anugrah praapt kar paayenge ?"

"Balaki atyant chatur hai, Anuvinda. Unn par sandeh mat karo." Vinda smiled confidently, "Apne buddhi se woh Ujjain ke mantri ban gaye hai. Humare liye anugrah lena unke liye chhoti baat hai. Unka saath raha toh shigreh Avanti par humara shaashan hoga."

The sun climbed higher, illuminating the path ahead as their conversation flowed with excitement. Each step felt like a march towards destiny, a relentless pursuit of their rightful positions.

As they walked, they passed by courtiers bowing respectfully, their silk garments whispering against the polished stone, unaware of the brother's fervent aspirations. They imagined thrones adorned with jewels, and the day when they would don royal insignia, their lineage restored. With each step, their hearts swelled with certainty

On the other side, the sun shone high over Ujjain, casting a golden hue across the grand court of Maharaj Dilip. The morning air buzzed with anticipation as courtiers and ministers gathered in the opulent throne room, its intricately carved pillars and ornate tapestries reflecting the splendor of the kingdom.

Dilip, regal in his demeanor, sat upon an elevated throne adorned with jewels that sparkled like stars. His attire, a rich blend of silk and brocade, announced his authority and grace. The air was fragrant with incense, mingling with the sounds of distant temple bells.

As the ministers presented their reports, each voice rose in respectful deference. One minister, elderly in age, spoke of the kingdom's agricultural prosperity, his words measured and thoughtful. Another minister, youthful and enthusiastic, advocated for new trade routes, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

Dilip listened intently, nodding occasionally, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest, weighing each suggestion carefully before responding. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of duty, as the fate of the great Avanti rested upon their shoulders.

Amidst the assembly, a middle-aged minister named Balaki rose, his presence commanding yet shrouded in an unsettling air. Dressed in dark, richly embroidered robes that hinted at opulence, his hawk-like features betrayed a cunning mind. A thin, twisted smile played upon his lips, as he joined his hands and bowed before the king.

"Maharaj," Balaki began, his voice smooth like honey yet laced with insidious intent, "Avanti ne apne vartamaan ki awashyakta ko purn kar liya hai. Iss liye samajhdaari isi mei hai ki hum ab rajya ke bhavishya ke baare mei soche."

A hush fell over the assembly, intrigued by his sudden shift in focus. Maharaj Dilip, his interest piqued, smiled knowingly and gestured for Balaki to elaborate.

"Haiheya-samrat, Ujjain par aap 10 varsho se raaj kar rahe hai. Aur sampurn Avanti par shaashan karte huye bhi acche khaase varsh beet chuke hai. Kyu ?" Balaki continued, his tone shifting to a more serious note.

Dilip nodded, "Lagbhag, ha."

"Kintu abhi tak aapne koi uttaraadhikari ghoshit nahi kiya." Balaki told.

A brief silence fell upon the court, eyes darting to the Maharaj, their expressions shifted to one of contemplation. Dilip raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

Balaki continued, his tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "Maharaj, Rajkumari Krishneshwari praja ko ati-priya hai. Aisi tejasvini putri hona saubhagya ki baat hai. Kintu dukh ki baat hai ki aapke kul ko badhane hetu koi putra nahi."

The hall fell silent, tension hanging in the air like a heavy tapestry. Balaki's eyes flicked around, gauging the reactions of the other ministers while Dilip's expression shifted, pondering the weight of the words.

Balaki leaned forward, eyes narrowing, sensing the opportunity before him. "Yadi Haiheya-samrat chaahe, toh woh apne bhatije Vinda aur Anuvinda ko apne uttaraadhikari ke taur pe nyukt karde."

As his words hung in the air, a low murmur swept through the assembly of ministers. Their gazes darted amongst each other, eyebrows raised in both intrigue and concern. The bright morning light streaming through the grand palace windows cast shadows across the marble floor, reflecting the unease that settled over the room.

Raising a hand, Dilip commanded silence, his voice steady and authoritative. "Uski awashyakta nahi padegi. Rameshwari ke dwara rachit Surajya Samhita mei aisi paristhiti ka hal diya huya hai." he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

The ministers fell quiet, curiosity piqued. In a firm voice, Dilip declared, "Mai Rajkumari Krishneshwari ko 'Putrika' ghoshit karta hu. Arthat, mere baad Avanti par shaashan Krishneshwari ke Jyesht putra ka hoga."

The proclamation resonated through the chamber, silencing any dissent and igniting a mix of surprise and admiration among those present.

Dilip then turned to Kulguru Vedamurti, whose wisdom had guided the empire through many trials, "Kya mera nirnaye uchit hai, Kulguru ?" he inquired, seeking validation.

"Ji Rajan." Vedamurti's wise eyes sparkled with approval. "Manipur ke Raja Chitrangad ne bhi apni putri ko Putrika ghoshit kiya tha kuch samaye pehle. Aapka nirnaye nitiyukt aur nyaaye sangat hai."

"Saadho ! Saadho !" Nods of respect and admiration rippled through the crowd, echoing in the vast chamber.

Balaki's smile faltered, the glimmer of ambition in his eyes dimming as he realized the risk of losing his favored nephews' claim. Yet, he quickly masked his disappointment with a practiced grin, joining in the applause, feigning approval.

"Sarvottam nirnaye hai yeh, Maharaj." He said, though the seeds of his cunning intentions shifted uneasily in his mind.

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A/N

Vinda Anuvinda koi bhi chaal chal lo, katega tumhara patta hi..... Kyuki chaaku ko kaddu par maaro ya kaddu ko chaaku par, katega toh kaddu hi 🤣

Also our Krishneshwari becomes a Putrika ✨

It is a provision for parents who do not have sons to adopt the first-born son of their daughter, into his own family gotra and line of work, with the permission of her husband accorded at the time of marriage. And for kings, it meant that their daughter's son will become king after them, as seen in the case of Chitrangada and Babruvahan.