A week flew by and Year Twelve students settled into their academic routine after a long two-month break. The teachers, since the commencement of classes, advised them to stay disciplined and avoid procrastination for a smooth study routine.

The final-year students received some information regarding their year-end projects for each subject to evaluate their learning. Exams were required for some subjects, while for others, evaluation would be done through group work, discussion, debates, and solo presentations. All the students had engaged themselves in serious discussions about their final evaluation for the first two days since school began. The coursework and other academic goals slightly intimidated Smriti too.

A partially sleepy Ved was yawning, his mouth wide open, causing Smriti to slap his arm. "Cover your mouth and yawn. You wouldn't want flies to enter inside," said Smriti. "Besides, it doesn't look elegant."

Ved, in response, yawned louder than before, making Medha chuckle, which made the former's face brighten up. "Well, elegant manners are for the rich and sophisticated. We are poor fellows; let us yawn in peace at least."

Medha turned the pages of her book, her finger resting over the diagram of a cut-open frog and its organs. Looking at Smriti, she asks, "Do you know that we are going to dissect a frog today?"

"A what?" asked a visibly pale Ved.

"A frog..." repeated Medha once again.

"He is going to puke," commented Smriti, motioning to Ved's disgusted expression.

Glaring at the picture of the frog, Ved said, "I have to touch that slimy little amphibian and to make matters worse, I should cut it open? Why, God?"

An amused Medha replied, "Since we can't cut open humans, we have to cut open a frog because studying their organs is clearer and similar to our organ system."

"We aren't frogs!" cried out Ved.

"Poor boy! May God have mercy on his soul." Smriti poked Ved's cheek. "How can such a pure soul exist after fate defiles his soul by making him commit an evil act such as that of a frog's dissection?"

Ved discarded her hand and huffed. "If I would have known that in my final year, I would cut open animals and study them, I would have taken agriculture as a subject."

"Move aside, students! The frogs are here," announced a man, as he entered the room, carrying a large bucket. The bucket was attached to a wheeled platform, making it suitable to move on the floor easily. The bucket was filled with frogs of different sizes. Ved could bet that some of them were breathing, and were minutes away from jumping on his head.

"If I faint here in a while, be ready to carry me to the nurses," whispered Ved to both the girls near him, who patted his back. "Don't worry, Ved. None of them loves you so ardently that they will jump on you," said, Smriti as she broke into a small giggle.

Adhyapika Madhushree, their teacher for Jeevashastra, entered the class, carrying a tray full of the necessary tools needed for the class. She signalled towards the two men who stood right outside the door and said, "This session will definitely see some students fainting midway and some tiny mishaps like frogs jumping around. These two will assist you all for your first dissection and to take care of other messes."

Medha caught Ved's wary look towards the frog-filled bucket at the mention of jumping frogs. Shaking her head, with a small smile gracing her lips, she shifted her attention back to the teacher.

The teacher took notice of some girls completely grossed out by the frogs. "Do not worry; they are sedated. It would be a rare occurrence if they spring back on you."

Smriti observed the frogs lying inside the bucket filled with water. One of the helper men passed her the required knives and pins. She smiled and thanked them for their assistance, to which the man smiled back at her. The other man was distributing the frogs in the opposite column of the classroom.

A few minutes later, all the students received their respective frogs and dissection instruments. The teacher took one last observation of her class and turned to her frog in the centre of the class. Attaching the tiny blade to the scalpel, she demonstrated a quick incision of the frog's outermost skin. "Remember to not cut your fingers. Be careful while handling the blade."

Since this was the first dissection, they divided the students into a group of three to help each other out, especially during the messy stage of the dissection: the frog bleeding out. Medha had pinned the frog's forelimbs and hind limbs to the board, and Smriti made the first incision on its skin. Ved stood silently, breathing as hard as he could.

"And those of you who plan to silently watch your friends do the job, remember you all will be asked to dissect the frog alone during your evaluation practical," said, Madhushree.

Ved and a few other students groaned, earning a raised eyebrow from the teacher. Smriti handed over the scalpel to Ved to make an incision from the frog's sternum to the abdomen. His fingers trembled, but somehow he managed to cut without passing out.

"Wonderful, Ved. You only need to do it that way," Medha cheered him, "See you even made a proper cut even when your fingers were trembling," gestured Medha at the incision. A wide-eyed Ved looked at his cut and smiled a little. He indeed did it.

Smriti tore open the body wall flap and Medha pinned some of the outer skin to the board for clear visibility of the organs. Ved grew a little confident after hearing Medha's encouraging words and pointed out all the organs of the frog as shown in the diagram. Two students had fainted as soon as they saw the frog's blood pouring out like a rivulet after they accidentally cut the heart. They were taken to the infirmary.

"And see, you did not even faint like them, Ved. Very good," said, Medha, which caused Ved to beam at her. Smriti did not miss the twinkle in his eyes after hearing Medha's words. Smiling to herself, she read the anatomy of the frog from the page of her book left open.

Adhyapika Madhushree took a round around the class, observing all the dissected frogs. She pointed out some corrections for some students and for those who had shown a clear demonstration of all the organs; they earned a nod in approval.

The frogs were cleared out, and the teacher started the lecture on frog anatomy and physiology. The trio carefully noted down important points in their papers. Ved zoned out for a while after looking at a flower outside until Smriti nudged his attention back to the class. Smiling sheepishly, he quickly copied Smriti's notes from the point where he left off. Medha was the one who never lost her focus at any point in the class. Her hands gracefully moved across her paper, the ink curling into beautiful letters as she wrote about the frog's abdominal region.

An hour passed by and finally, the bell rang for lunch. The class began buzzing like bees, as the teacher bid goodbye. Smriti arranged her things in her bag. Ved had packed his things in an instant as soon as he heard the bell ring. "I would need to go to the mess now because I have Mathematics next, and I haven't solved the paper for class. See you all in the evening." He waved at Medha and Smriti and left the class.

Smriti and Medha walked to the girl's washroom to wash their hands once again. Medha circled her thumb over her fingertips and said, "It will be difficult to eat lunch now. I still can't shake off that slimy touch from my fingers."

"When you are hungry enough, you stop caring about it," said, Smriti, wiping her fingers. "But this class was messy yet interesting."

The senior girl's mess was bustling like a busy market with all the girls gathered around for lunch. Some girls were chatting while having food while some were hastily writing their assignments with help from their friends. Some girls ate their meal quietly all alone, while some decided to walk in the corridor.

Smriti and Medha sat in the farthest corner of the mess with their plates. Moving her pallu from behind, Smriti sat down on the ground, making sure that her food did not spill. Medha accidentally dropped a few grains of rice. She quickly grabbed a cleaning cloth nearby and cleaned the floor.

"Do you know Adhyapika Parvati is pregnant? She won't be attending school this year," Medha said.

Gulping a morsel, Smriti replied in surprise, "Really? I did hear this from other students too, but I thought they were plain rumours."

"No, this one is true. She only came to the school on the first day of the session, probably for some official work regarding her maternity leave. The kids whom I tutor in Year Three told me the news."

That's wonderful news! Hope she is blessed with a cute baby."

"Remember how Adhyant guru once brought his baby son to class one day? He was so adorable!"

Smriti smiled at the memory of the little baby. They were in Year Eight, and Guru Adhyant who was their Sanskrit teacher then had just had a baby boy. After six months, he showed the little one to his class and all the kids enjoyed cooing and playing with the baby.

"I agree. Look, he's four now. Next year, he will start Year One. Time really flies fast, doesn't it?"

Finishing the last of her rice, Medha said, "Yes, look at us too. We are the senior-most students now. Once we were little kids just trying to learn our subjects and trying to be good for our teachers, and here we are about to finish school and take different life journeys." She gazed at her empty plate for a while, and continued, "Have you thought about your path ahead Smriti? Do you want to take up any higher study or-"

"No, definitely, there's no marriage on the cards," Smriti interrupted, with a laugh. "For my mother, I am totally not a suitable wife material thanks to my laziness in household chores and my burnt meals. But leaving the jokes aside, I have decided to study ahead. Maa and Baba too are with me and Baba..." Smriti's thoughts went to her father's words, "He wants me to do my best in life. I haven't thought of a defined path until now, but in no way, am I going to stop studying after this. What have you planned, though?"

"Architecture. Don't tell anyone though, not even Ved. I want to study architecture either from Takshashila or Vallabhi."

"That's... a good choice. You have always been interested in buildings and design. I am sure you will be wonderful, and your choice of universities are splendid too. Studying from Takshashila or Vallabhi will easily get you a high-paying job. And then in my lifetime, I might get to see some of your buildings."

"First, let me get into those universities. It isn't easy getting into them," remarked, Medha.

"Shh.... I know you will. You are intelligent enough for it, and if you don't get in, then nobody else can."

Both the girls walked to the water tap to wash their hands and plates. After washing their plates, they handed those washed plates back to the kitchen staff and went outside the mess to walk around the narrow garden path. Their next class was yet to start, so they began talking about the latest happenings in the school and the state.

The bell rang for the next class. Smriti held her bag full of parchments and vials for her next class, which was Rasayana Shastra. "I have to run to the third floor now. See you in the evening, Medha."

***

Maharani Lakshita sat on a stool in her chamber, which was ornately decorated, befitting a queen of her stature. Her youth had gone by, but she aged gracefully like fine wine. Her face bore marks of age and time, but those wrinkles only enhanced her features, like that of a wise woman who has witnessed many events in her lifetime, but possesses a heart so strong and full of love and light.

Her long, thick, dark hair bore a few grey strands in the front, which she elegantly pinned to the side with a pin. Rolling the remaining length into a low bun, she secured it with a hair tie and a gold hairpin encrusted with tiny red rubies. After the king's demise, she stopped putting her odhni over her head, but would loosely drape it over her bare shoulders.

In front of her stood the two princes, her darling sons, Kumar Ekaksh and Rathish. The former looked at his twin and quirked his eyebrow in question at the surprising summon from the queen.

"Son, you can stop talking to Rathish with your eyes," said the queen, motioning towards Ekaksh's eyes. "I found out that you have been harboring some interest towards Gyanpith in Takshashila after meeting a female friend here in Avanti." Ekaksh could not hide his very subtle eye movement at the mention of 'female friend.'

"About that... Ranimaa, she was just telling me about her school and that piqued my interest," answered Ekaksh, visibly nervous, which caused Rathish to smile slyly in secret.

Hiding her amused smile, the queen questioned, "Why are you getting so worked up? Boys and girls can and should be friends. I thought you were way more mature than this to react in such a manner."

"Uh... y- yes... I am sorry."

Rathish snorted, which earned a glare from his older twin. Maharani Lakshita stood up from her stool and said, "Rathish mentioned your interest towards the school, and had also told me that you were apprehensive of going there because of your crowning next year. Is that so?"

A shock of surprise took over Ekaksh's features. Quickly calming down, he replied, "Yes, mother. If you will say no, I won't mind your decision at all."

"Can someone please tell my son that not everybody wants to say no to his wishes all the time?" said, the queen, blinking her eyes in annoyance. Taking a step towards Ekaksh, she added, "I am your mother Ekaksh. If your wishes make you happy and will be beneficial to your future, I would gladly fulfil them. You are the future king later, and my son first." Holding his chin gently, she muttered, "You are just a young boy, and at this age, every youth wants to explore. It's okay to want that."

Opening her arms towards Rathish, she called him to come closer. Hugging her boys, she spoke softly, "The royal life is treacherous and full of difficult responsibilities. There's a limit to your desires and wishes, which is a bane to royal life. But you both are still young, and I want you to explore the world. I want you to gather enormous learning experiences about the world and life as well as enjoy this life too."

Kissing Ekaksh's head, she added, "The throne can wait, dear one. I want you to be happy. Go to Takshashila. Spend a year there, make new friends away from your royal ones, and go on a different adventure. Who knows what learning and magic comes your path?"

Stepping away from the hug, Rathish fixed his hair, and said in a teasing tone, "And if you ever miss me, mother and Siddhi, you can always write letters."

"Who said that Ekaksh will be the only one going to Gyanpith?" the queen asked. "You are going too."

"What!"

It was Ekaksh's turn to snort and break into raucous laughter. Rathish looked dumbfounded at his mother's words. "Why me? I have no intention of going to school."

"Take this opportunity as a free chance of travelling away from home for a year. And no, schools aren't boring. You will meet people of your age too," stated the queen. "Besides, we will have another one to travel with you two."

"Who?" Ekaksh asked.

"Malini..." called the queen. A thin lady immediately appeared at the doorstep with her little daughter Siddhi, who smiled with her front tooth missing.

"Siddhi too!" exclaimed the brothers in unison.

Siddhi ran towards the brother duo and stood near their legs. Maharani Lakshita smiled fondly at the sight. "Yes, she will go too. Our Siddhi is smart, and if she is given an education, especially at such a reputed school, I am sure she will go miles ahead and do wonders."

Malini bowed to the queen first and then to the brothers. "Thank you so much, Your Highness! You have always treated my daughter as your own. To think of her education is a blessing. I shall immediately make preparations for her."

Rathish held her hands in his own and said, "Come on Malini kaki, your little one is so naughty. She also needs to be tamed at school by teachers. Who knows where will she run off if she is left here alone without us?"

Malini petted her daughter's head. "Now, will I too carry a book like those older sisters?"

Bending down to Siddhi's level, Ekaksh answered, "Not only will you carry a book like them, but you will be the smartest and the most intelligent girl there. You need to make your mother proud, is it not?"

"Yes!" Siddhi answered, raising her tiny fist towards the air. "I will learn so many things and make my brain very large."

Malini's moistened eyes lovingly looked at her daughter, whose eyes shone with hope and dreams. Silently muttering a prayer to the gods above for bestowing such kind royals who took care of her and her daughter, she said, "Yes, study so hard and so much that you will grow up like your dadas and the queen."

The mother and daughter quickly departed to handle the preparations. Ekaksh felt elated at the thought of seeing Smriti once more. Meanwhile, Rathish gazed up at the chandelier above and pondered how he would endure the confining atmosphere of the school.

"Now, here are some important things to ponder about," said the queen after a moment of thought. "I think it would be better that you all go without your royal identities."

"But I have heard of princes and princesses studying there without going by a different identity. Why shouldn't we go the same way then?" Rathish asked.

Sitting back on the stool, Lakshita answered, "Yes, teachers aren't supposed to be biased towards anyone, but sometimes subconsciously all humans are guilty of it. The difference is some show it while some don't. I don't want anyone to give you any slightest of preferential treatment."

"What's the plan, then?" Ekaksh asked.

"Ekaksh has masterfully maintained a very low profile that could now serve a crucial purpose. My informants suggest that Year Twelve lacks a student from Avanti, so you can go as Ekaksh. Rathish, on the other hand, will adopt the name Ravishtha. This arrangement dictates that only the principal and the administrative staff will be privy to your royal heritage. Beyond them, your royal lineage shall remain concealed."

"Okay. That shall work for me," said, Rathish.

Ekaksh nodded in agreement. "Same for me too."

Clapping her hands, the queen said, "That's settled, then. You three leave the day after tomorrow."

"What! So fast?"

"Sure, I will start packing my belongings."

"Aren't you a dear?" smiled Lakshita at Ekaksh. "And you... Stop making a face and get your things done," she said to her other son, who scowled at her.

***
Jeevashastra: Biology

Rasayana shastra: Chemistry

I am back! Updates are going to brew in for a while until college starts. I am excited for college as well as for the new developments we will see here in Smriti. Hope, you all enjoy the story and do leave your comments and votes if you like the chapter.

I would also love to hear some of your theories and scenarios for Smriti-Ekaksh when they meet. Also, little Siddhi is too cute to make me leave her at the palace and ofc we can't keep brothers apart.

Here's to new adventures!