Twelve years later...

The grand palace of Amvastapuram was alive with activity, its sprawling courtyards echoing with the sounds of preparations. Servants moved like clockwork under Maharani Nivedita's watchful eye, their hands busy adorning the halls with vibrant garlands, laying out silk drapes, and arranging golden thrones for the royal reception. Musicians rehearsed their tunes in a far corner, while the palace cooks prepared an endless array of delicacies. Every corner of the palace reflected splendor, for this was no ordinary day. This was the day the hundred and five Rajkumars, heirs to the kingdom, returned after almost fourteen long years of rigorous training and learning.

For Nivedita, the preparations carried a weight beyond mere ceremonial grandeur. Her heart was heavy with a blend of excitement and anxiety. Her twins, the youngest of the Rajkumars, Nirmay and Sarvaay were among those returning. The memory of their cherubic faces as they were sent off flashed vividly in her mind. She had watched them ride away, her heart breaking silently as they left the palace gates. Now, they were no longer boys but men, and though the world might see them as heirs, warriors, and future leaders, to her, they would always remain her sons.

She walked briskly through the decorated corridors, personally inspecting every detail.

"No, the garlands should hang higher," she instructed, her tone firm.
"And make sure the feast is ready before sunset."

Her voice carried authority, but her hands trembled slightly as she clutched the edges of her saree. The anticipation of seeing her sons after so many years was almost overwhelming. Fourteen years had passed by. But these last few moments seemed endless to her.

Amid the whirlwind of activity, a soft breeze stirred the air, carrying with it the faint sound of anklets. She turned, her eyes narrowing in confusion. From the shadows of the palace corridor emerged a figure cloaked in the golden light of the sun. The silhouette moved with elegance and poise, and as it drew closer, Nivedita's heart skipped a beat.

"Mata," a gentle voice called out.

Nivedita's breath caught in her throat. Her youngest daughter, who went to Gurumata Kalindi’s ashram years ago, stood before her now, transformed. The child she had once sent away had grown into a vision of grace and maturity. Nilasi's hair, once braided playfully, now flowed freely, and her eyes, which once sparkled with youthful mischief, now held the depth of wisdom earned through years of discipline.

For a moment, Maharani Nivedita could only stare, her emotions too tangled to find words. Then, tears filled her eyes, and she rushed forward, pulling Rajkumari Nilasi into a tight embrace.

"My child! Is this truly you?"

Rajkumari Nilasi smiled softly, her arms wrapping around her mother.

"It is indeed me, Mata. I have returned."

Maharani Nivedita pulled back, her hands cupping her daughter's face as she studied her daughter.

"You have grown so much… You look like a queen already. Gurumata Kalindi has nurtured you well, but I’ve missed you terribly."

Rajkumari Nilasi's smile faltered as she saw the depth of longing in her mother's eyes.

"I’ve missed you too, Mata. Not a day passed when I didn’t think of home."

Maharani Nivedita's joy at Nilasi's return momentarily eased the weight of her anticipation for her sons.

"Why didn't you inform me earlier? You could have sent a message. You travelled so far alone? Your Pitashree will be angry when he hears. Leave all that now. You’ve come back on such an auspicious day," Maharani Nivedita started ranting emotionally.
Then informed her,
"Your brothers are returning as well. Tonight, our family will be whole again."

Rajkumari Nilasi's brows rose slightly, a warm smile of mischief gracing her lips.

"It seems I returned at just the right time. Our little troublemakers are returning after all these years! I wonder if they have grown all serious like Pitashree or remained the same idiots."

"Don't you dare trouble my sons!"

Maharani Nivedita glared at her daughter mockingly. Rajkumari Nilasi laughed at her and shook her head remembering earlier days of their childhood. In the eyes of Maharani Nivedita, her sons could never be wrong. If they make someone fall by stepping foot on their wake, their mother would scold the one who fell instead, stating it's their fault for not watching carefully while walking.

"I'll help you in preparations."

"No," Maharani Nivedita said, holding Nilasi's hand tightly.
"You've done enough growing and learning away from us. Tonight, you will sit by my side and welcome your brothers as a true princess should."

"Okay then, let me go and take Pitashree's blessings. Where is he?"

"In his chambers. Getting ready for the Kalapradarshan (exhibition of talent). Don't be late. You'll also need to get ready for the event."

Maharani Nivedita reminded her looking at the plain saree she wore with simple floral ornaments.

Rajkumari Nilasi nodded and headed through the door, leaving her mother. She walked through the palace quietly, taking in its familiar yet changed atmosphere. Her steps eventually led her to the inner chambers, where she sought her father, Maharaj Jagadeesan. As she went to the door of the chambers. She saw guards stationed there as usual. She paused for a moment. If the guards went inside to take permission before letting her enter, the surprise would be ruined. So, she grabbed a thali (plate) from a passing maid and went inside with them pretending to be one of them.

As Rajkumari Nilasi went inside, she saw her father. The king of Amvastapuram, the lion of Vajra vangsh, son of mighty Maharaj Vridakshetra, a man of austere discipline and unmatched authority! He stood before the ornate mirror getting ready to welcome his chaos. She quietly sneaked behind him and standing on a tool closed his eyes from behind. Gasps of horror and astonishment were heard from around as everyone wondered who was this poor maiden who had called upon her early demise.

However, Maharaj Jagadeesan surprised everyone including Nilasi saying,

"I would be dead long ago even before your birth if it was that easy to sneak behind me unnoticed, Nilasi."

"Pitashree! You're no fun! How did you know it's me?"

Rajkumari Nilasi left him and asked with a cute pout. Maharaj Jagadeesan though wore his blank expression like usual, mirth could be seen in his eyes.

"Who else could dare to sneak into my room and close my eyes?"

"Okay, I understood. You mean, you love me so much that my mere presence is felt by you in an instant."

Nilasi said in reply with a heart melting smile and just like that a smile graced the stone hearted king's lips too.

"You should have informed before coming. I would have sent soldiers to escort you safely. Don't do it again."

Maharaj Jagadeesan scolded her before turning to wear his rings.

"Now go and get ready. Your brothers are coming."

Maharaj Jagadeesan ordered and paused for a moment. He met his own gaze on the mirror as he added,

"All of them."

***

"The chariots have started to arrive Raani-devi,"

One dasi announced after bowing deeply.

"Senapati Mahabir Jayaditya is already at the gates, welcoming the Rajkumars and their companions."

The words sent a jolt through Raani Yamini. Her heart, already brimming with emotions, now raced with an uncontrollable fervor. The moment she had waited for, dreamed of, was here. Her sons were home.

She rose swiftly, her white colored regal saree trailing behind her.

"My sons are here. The future King of Amvastapuram, the Yuvraj has finally arrived! We must be there to greet them."

She said, her voice carried the excitement. She looked expectantly at Raani Tripti, wife of the chief councilor and Mahavaidya (greatest healer of time),  Rajkumar Durdharsh.

Raani Tripti smiled a little awkwardly at Raani Yamini's wording. If Maharani Nivedita heard it, things wouldn't be so calm. However, Raani Yamini didn't wait and proceeded to the Rangashala (the part of the palace where the practice ground and contests of strength took place).

It was the age old tradition of Amvastapuram, whenever the future of the kingdom, the heirs came after ending their education and was ready to fulfill their duties, the whole kingdom celebrated their return. And showing off their talents and strength both entertained people and gave them hope for the future. This time though, as there were a lot of Rajkumars, with Guru Prana's suggestion, it had been decided that there would be a contest among the Rajkumars. They would compete against each other till submission. And in front of the whole kingdom, the worth and strength of their Rajkumars would be proven.

The air was thick with tension as Maharani Nivedita and Raani Yamini crossed paths near the grand entryway to the Rangbhumi, where the Kalapradarshan was about to commence. The arena behind them was alive with murmurs of anticipation, yet the moment between the two women held its own charge.

Raani Tripti stood a few steps away holding her breath. As the years went on, the tension between the two royal women had gradually increased. Raani Yamini, being the widowed wife of Rajkumar Somesh expected sympathy, but demanded respect as the mother of the eldest son of this generation. In her mind, she had it set that no one but only Dharmesth would sit on the throne. That the future of Amvastapuram was only him.

In her arrogance, she started overshadowing Maharani Nivedita. And it was then that she showed Raani Yamini her place and proved that she was the wife of Maharaj Jagadeesan indeed. A true match to the sharp, no nonsense attitude of her husband.

Maharani Nivedita, resplendent in her royal attire of deep blue and gold, carried herself with an unshakable dignity. Her calm, confident expression was a sharp contrast to the pointed, sour gaze of Raani Yamini.

Raani Yamini stepped slightly aside, just enough to allow the Queen to pass, but not without offering a barbed remark.

"Ah, Jiji, It's a glorious day for Amvastapuram, no doubt. I hear Nirmay and Sarvaay have excelled in their training, though some whispers say it was the youngest sons who benefited from Guru Prana's favoritism."

Maharani Nivedita paused mid-step, her expression unfaltering as she turned to face Raani Yamini.

"Favoritism, you say?" Her voice was smooth, her words deliberate.
"I would think a mother’s pride would speak more of her own sons’ merits than question others’. Surely, Dharmesth has proven his worth over these years?"

Yamini’s jaw tightened ever so slightly.

"Indeed, he has. But the true test lies ahead, does it not? We shall see whose sons the kingdom speaks of after today."

Nivedita gave a serene smile.

"Indeed, Yamini. Let the talents of our children shine for Amvastapuram to witness. After all, we are here to celebrate their growth, not to measure rivalries."

With that, she inclined her head gracefully and moved forward, leaving Raani Yamini to stew in her restrained irritation.

As Maharani Nivedita approached her place near the royal dais, the grand Rangbhumi came into view in all its glory.

The Rangbhumi, the grand arena of Amvastapuram, was a masterpiece of architecture and symbolism, embodying the kingdom's valor and heritage. Circular in design, it was surrounded by towering marble pillars adorned with intricate carvings of ancient battles, mythical heroes, and celestial beings. The open sky above bathed the arena in sunlight, creating a golden hue that accentuated its magnificence.

At the center lay the main battleground, a vast expanse of leveled earth, its surface meticulously prepared to ensure fairness in combat. The perimeter was lined with low walls inlaid with ornamental patterns of gold and lapis lazuli. Four towering torches, one at each cardinal point, burned brightly even under the sun, symbolizing eternal vigilance and strength.

Tiered seating rose in concentric circles around the arena, accommodating thousands of spectators. Nobles and courtiers occupied the closer tiers, seated on intricately carved wooden benches draped with silk cushions, while the common people filled the higher stone seats, their vibrant attire forming a living tapestry. At the northern end, a raised dais overlooked the entire Rangbhumi. The dais, reserved for the royal family, was shaded by a grand canopy of red and gold embroidered with the insignia of Amvastapuram.

One by one all were taking seats. Rajkumari Nilasi, now dressed as the royal princess that she was came in view with Rajkumari Jayantika and her cousin sister, Rajkumari Aradhya. Sounds from the conch shells announced the presence of Maharaj Jagadeesan. Behind him entered his brothers, Rajkumar Jayaditya and Rajkumar Durdharsh.

The murmurs of anticipation quieted as Guru Prana, the revered teacher and guardian of the rajkumars, stepped forward. Dressed in flowing robes of white and saffron, his presence commanded respect. His piercing eyes scanned the crowd, his posture exuding both humility and pride.

"Honorable king of Amvastapuram, the most respected Vajravangsi, Maharaj Jagadeesan, noble queens, esteemed courtiers, and the cherished people of Amvastapuram,"

Guru Prana began, his deep voice resonating through the arena.

"Aaj hum yahaan sirf utsav manane ke liye nahi, balki chaudah varshon ki nirantar mehnat, anushasan aur gyaan ke parinam ka darshan karne ke liye ikatrit huye hain.

(Today, we gather not merely to celebrate, but to witness the fruits of fourteen years of relentless effort, discipline, and learning.)"

He paused, letting his words sink in as the audience listened intently.

"Yeh mera saubhagya raha, ki mujhe Amvastapuram ke inn rajkumaro ka margdarshan ka avsar mila. Aaj ve apne shastron ki kushalta, rananiti par adhipatya, aur dridh atmasamman ka pradarshan karenge. Yeh jo aap yahaan dekhenge, kewal shakti ka pradarshan nahi hai, balki yeh unki samarpan ki murtimaan roop aur aapke vishwas ka darpan hai."

(It has been my privilege to guide these rajkumars of Amvastapuram. Today, they will demonstrate their mastery of arms, their command of strategy, and their unwavering spirit. Know that what you witness here is not just a show of strength. But It is the embodiment of their dedication and your faith.)”

The crowd erupted into cheers as the atmosphere charged with anticipation, the stage set for the Rajkumars to prove their merits. With that, Guru Prana gestured toward the towering gates at the far end of the Rangbhumi, where his disciples awaited.

"Toh suru kiya jay, samarth ka pradarshan.

(Let the Kalapradarshan begin.)"

Guru Prana’s voice rang out across the Rangbhumi, firm and resonant, carrying with it the weight of tradition and pride.

"And now, I call upon the youngest of the Rajkumars, the sons of Maharaj Jagadeesan and Maharani Nivedita, Rajkumar Nirmay and Rajkumar Sarvaay!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as the gates to the arena opened, and the two brothers stepped out side by side. Both were clad in traditional warrior attire. Wearing armor of bronze and iron, with leather vambraces and sashes tied around their waists. Their weapons gleamed in the sunlight: Nirmay held a curved sword with intricate engravings, while Sarvaay carried one large axe, its tip sharp and polished.

The twins moved with confidence, their steps in perfect sync, exuding a charisma that instantly captivated the onlookers. As they reached the center of the arena, they stopped and bowed low in respect to their elders and Gurudev.

Guru Prana acknowledged their respect with a nod and raised his hand to silence the crowd.

"Nirmay, Sarvaay," he began, "you may now begin the demonstration of your skills. Show us the strength and unity of your bond."

The twins exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of mischief and determination. They shifted into fighting stances. The arena fell silent, anticipation thick in the air as the demonstration was about to begin.

"Okay, what next?" Sarvaay asked glancing around at the crowd.

"How would I know? Ask Gurudev. He was the one who wanted us to fight."

Nirmay replied. The brothers kept circling each other, neither of them attacking. The decision of contests among brothers did not bode well with any of them. Because whoever lost, would be mocked publicly. And they were the first ones to enter the area! Meaning one of them was going to be the first loser! And that was not the welcome any of the Rajkumars were looking forward to.

"I don't like this. Why is everyone looking at us like that?"

"Oh, no brother. They are looking at the 'chidiya ka ghosla' (nest of bird) that you're carrying on your head."

Nirmay replied pointing at his brother's hair.

"I have brains, remember? I need to preserve that inside with all these hair. Or my condition will be like you!"

Here, the onlookers were watching them in confusion, wondering why they were not starting the fight. Guru Prana frowned and called out to them.

"Nirmay! Sarvaay! Yeh kya kar rahe ho tum dono? (What are you doing?)"

"Bartalap Gurudev! (Talking, Gurudev!)"
Sarvaay replied loudly.

"Why are you not attacking?"

"That's the problem Gurudev. He is not attacking."

"Why should I attack? He should attack."

"Why should I? You do it!"

The playful banter of the brothers sent waves of laughter through the crowd. Guru Prana was irritated at them and told them to stop playing around and fight.

Here, on the dais, Senapati Jayaditya stood watching them silently. Rajkumar Durdharsh came to stand beside him and informed,

"Ranadhrist and Agamya have not yet arrived from Silachetra. And there's no sign of Ranakrit too."

Rajkumar Jayaditya gazed at his brother with an arched eyebrow. Rajkumar Durdharsh smiled sheepishly and said,

"Aajyenge. Aate hi honge. Kintu inka kya kare?
(They'll come. Just about to come. But what to do with them?)"

At his question, Rajkumar Jayaditya once again turned to the arena where Nirmay and Sarvaay stood not fighting. His eyes then went to his brother, Maharaj Jagadeesan who was also observing his sons and understood that they would not fight against each other. He had anticipated this in prior. So, an alternative was already prepared. An alternative that would preserve their honor and also fulfill the purpose.

Maharaj Jagadeesan turned his eyes to his elder brother and gave the signal for which Jayaditya had been waiting.

"You're younger! You have to listen to your elder brother"

Rajkumar Nirmay was saying to Rajkumar Sarvaay. In reply, Rajkumar Sarvaay said frustratingly,

"Only by two seconds!"

"The precious second you are!"

"I am not attacking first. You do."

But before it could go any further, the two of them heard a cracking sound. They shared a glance before turning simultaneously behind them in opposite directions. The heavy metal gates were being opened on both sides. The heavy gates that contained elephants.

Untamed wild elephants!