Third-Person-Pov

Atharv is crowned the king of the Simha Empire and Rayanakonda in front of thousands of cheering citizens. The air is filled with excitement, pride, and the promise of a new era under his rule.
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Ten Months Later

The kingdom is eagerly awaiting the return of their king and his victorious army, who have just won a crucial war against an enemy kingdom. Atharv had led the charge to avenge the death of his brother Vikram, who had been betrayed and murdered by a king who was aiding their enemies. The war was won, and the enemy kingdom was now part of Atharv's empire.

As Atharv arrives at the palace, the crowds explode with joy, throwing flowers in his honor. The celebration is overwhelming, and one red flower, unlike the others, falls directly onto his chest. He searches the crowd, trying to find who threw it, but the person remains hidden.

"Rajamatha is waiting for you, Your Majesty," the head of the army says, breaking Atharv’s focus. He nods and heads toward the palace, eager to see Yashoda.

Inside, Atharv hugs Yashoda tightly, his heart full of pride and relief. "Your wish was successful, Amma. They lost terribly—the ones who were involved in Vikram Bhaiya's death."

Yashoda pulls away from the embrace, her face full of pride. "Long live, my son." She caresses his cheek, her voice soft with affection. "I hope this victory is just the first of many in your life."

Atharv smiles, grateful for her support. Together, they turn toward the people. Yashoda raises her hand, signaling for the crowd to quiet down. "Today, we celebrate your king and his army’s victory. Let this day mark the start of a festival. For two days, let us rejoice, then return to our daily lives."

After the announcement, Atharv speaks with Aadrika and a few of his friends in the court hall. However, his eyes keep darting around, searching for someone in particular. He hears the soft tinkling sound of anklets near a pole and quickly glances in that direction. The figure behind the pole quickly ducks out of sight.

"Bhaiya, I was so worried when you went to war, but now I’m just happy you're back safe," Aadrika says, her voice full of excitement.

"Hmm..." Atharv responds distractedly, still looking for the mysterious person.

"Bhaiya, are you listening?" Aadrika asks, noticing his distraction.

"I... was just thinking about something," Atharv replies, his gaze still fixed on the spot where the figure disappeared.

"He’s thinking about someone, I bet it’s that pole," Atharv’s friend, Sudhanshu, teases, causing the person behind the pole to duck out of view even more quickly.

"Oh, that pole? Let me call her over," Aadrika starts to say, but before she can finish, Atharv grabs her arm, pulling her behind him. "No, don’t do that," he whispers, just as the figure runs off.

"You scared her, Bhaiya," Aadrika says with a grin.

"Poor girl," Atharv mutters, shaking his head. "You’re still too young to understand."

"I'm not a kid! I’m ten, I’m practically half-adult," Aadrika argues, puffing her chest out proudly.

"Who says that?" Atharv laughs.

"My friends!" Aadrika answers eagerly, and they both share a laugh.

Meanwhile, Yashoda watches the two siblings from a distance, a warm smile on her face. "I’m glad they don’t have the sibling rivalry that others often have," she thinks to herself. Turning to a maid, she says, "Please, call Atharv to my chamber. I have something important to discuss with him."

"Yes, Your Highness," the maid replies, rushing off to deliver the message.

Aadrika looks around again and says, "By the way, Yashu, I mean, Yashasvi keeps asking about you. She says you have quite a following among the girls in the kingdom."

Atharv smiles but raises a finger to his lips. "Behave like a kid, Aadu. Stick to kid things."

Before Aadrika can protest further, the maid returns and says, "Rajamatha is calling for you, Your Majesty. She is in her chamber."

"Alright, I’ll go. You have fun with your friends," Atharv says, heading toward Yashoda’s room. He knocks and enters at her call.

"Come in, Atharv," Yashoda says warmly. Atharv walks inside and immediately asks, "What’s the matter, Amma?"

"I heard from the army chief that you fought alone against the enemy and saved many lives. Is that true?" Yashoda asks, her eyes filled with concern.

Atharv smiles proudly. "It’s true, Amma. I didn’t want anyone to die unnecessarily, so I offered the enemy king a chance to surrender and sign a treaty. I gave him a week, but he refused. In the end, I challenged him to a duel, and I used a trick that Devaki Amma used to tell me about when I was a child. It worked, and he signed the treaty."

Yashoda’s eyes shine with pride, though she can’t hide a hint of sorrow. "Your mother would have been proud of you. It seems she prepared you to be king even from childhood." She pauses before adding, "Did you bring what I asked for?"

Atharv pulls a ring from his pocket and hands it to her. "Here, Amma. But why did you want this ring? I mean, the one from his left hand?"

Yashoda takes the ring gently, her eyes misting. "This was your brother Vikram’s ring. Your father used to wear it, too. It was missing after the war, and I suspected the enemy king had taken it. You’ve done well, Atharv. Thank you." Tears well up in her eyes as she hugs him tightly.

"You don’t need to thank me, Amma," Atharv says, his voice thick with emotion.

At that moment, Yashasvi walks in, catching sight of Atharv. She smiles shyly at him, but Atharv doesn’t respond. He stands and begins to leave. "I’ll go, Amma. I have some work to do."

As he exits, he hears the sound of anklets again from behind the pole. His heart skips a beat. "Mithra, is that you?" he calls out softly.

"Hmm..." Mithra’s voice responds from behind the pole, her face hidden from view.

"Are you alright?" Atharv asks, concerned.

"Hmm..." she nods again, but still doesn’t show her face.

"Come on, show me your face," Atharv urges, stepping closer. But Mithra quickly runs away before he can reach her.

"Mithra, wait!" Atharv calls, starting to chase after her. Just then, his friend and court poet Vikarsh steps in his path.

"Everyone’s on the other side, Your Majesty. Why are you running this way?" Vikarsh asks with a teasing grin.

Atharv frowns, frustrated. "I know you’re a poet, but no rhymes this time."

Vikarsh laughs. "Why not? Oh, is it Mithra? Don’t worry, she’ll be around. And by the way, the Prime Minister wants to speak with you."

Atharv sighs. "Is that so? Let’s go." Together, they head off to meet the Prime Minister, but Atharv’s thoughts remain on the mysterious girl he’s been chasing all day.
 

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