Meanwhile, the kingdom of Ayodhya had its own problems. The kingdom was currently facing a highly fatal disease, and thus most members of royalty died from it. The only ones who remained alive were the ministers and the crown prince, Chandra. While Chandra had been trained on how to rule a kingdom, he lacked experience. And due to the looming responsibility, he didn't even have time to properly grieve his parents. He too, was subject to the fate of destiny and time. Yet, he never ceased to serve the kingdom and was greatly liked by his subjects.

One day, he was riding a horse through the forests of Mysari, when he saw a small hut. Thinking it to be a rishivar's hut, he went to ask for water. He got off and knocked on the door. But when the door was opened, he was ultimately shocked. He saw a girl, around the age of 7-8. None other than Aishwarya. He smiled and said, "Where are your parents?" Aishwarya looked up, and croaked out, "dead." The young prince was utterly surprised. "Who do you stay with? Aishwarya gave a thin smile. "No one, I stay alone."

"My mother ran away from the village when I was born, so I was already considered an inauspicious child. But now because I'm an orphan, no one will allow me to stay with them." Aishwarya said. Chandra's heart clenched. For she was only a child, but she spoke as if she had seen all the troubles of life. Her pain was something that a child her age should never know. He himself had lost his parents, but at an older age. And during the time when a parent is most necessary, not having one was unfortunate. It was certain that the young child would not be able to survive for long on her own. Especially due to not having much interactions with others.

Hence, Chandra took a decision. "The world may question an orphan, but they will never question the crown prince's sister. If you would accept, you can live in the palace as Ayodhya's rajkumari. You have considered me your brother, the moment you allowed a stranger to enter your house, and you offered me water before even knowing my identity. Hence, the least I can do is lessen your pain. You do not deserve the cruel fate that has occurred. However, it is completely your choice."

Aishwarya's eyes widened. She had never been presented with such decisions in her life. While she trusted Chandra, she had a doubt in her mind. "Why?" Aishwarya asked. Chandra smiled. "Because children as young as you should not know the pain of living alone. I can offer you the education, you can study in the gurukul. That way, you will be able to live your life with peace. You will learn how to protect yourself, and become capable. "

The offer seemed tempting enough and Aishwarya accepted. Her hand shook as she gathered her few belongings. She took her mother's necklace, and clasped it around her neck, as a way to honor her. She closed the door and left the abandoned hut there. She kept the scroll safely in an area and told herself, that once she could read, she would read it. She stood at the edge of the chariot and looked back one last time, knowing her life would change once again.

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The sky had become a violent shade of orange at the time they reached the palace. Aishwarya was shocked at seeing how empty it was. She had never known anything that happened beyond the forest, and this was her first time glimpsing a palace. Turning to Chandra, she asked, "Where has everyone gone?" A flash of sadness appeared on Chandra's face. "We faced a terrible plague that took many lives." And that was all he said. He didn't elaborate.

Opening a door, Chandra said, "Here is your chamber. If you need anything, you have servants at your service." Saying this, he left for some important work for the kingdom. Aishwarya looked around in awe, tracing the golden pillars with her fingers. She stared at the massive bed, having slept on hay for most of her life. She was unable to believe her eyes. Had the circumstances been different, it may have been a very cool moment in her life, but it only reminded her of what occurred.

She looked to the side and saw a plate of food. Shimmering delicacies with an aroma so scrumptious that she could breathe in it forever. Yet to a child who had known hunger, she didn't feel hungry. Instead, she took a small portion, saving the rest like she had been taught. Despite the luxuriousness her surroundings provided, there was no doubt that it felt empty. There was no sign of human life, the walls that surrounded it provided silence.

She missed the safeness she felt at her home, and in her mothers embrace. Nothing could ever replace that. There was no doubt that she felt that she was living in a dream, surrounded by all the luxurious and gold, but like dreams and reality are separate. And now she'd much prefer to go to her previous reality than this dream. Like all kids, she too was confused.

She couldn't adjust well to the new life immediately. A week passed, and it continued like this. The only person Aishwarya talked to was Chandra. She was wary of the ministers, and they also were quite curious of her. Chandra wished he could have helped better, but he too had other responsibilities. Knowing how she spent most of her life in the forest, Chandra asked her if she wanted to go to Gurukul. The young girl, eager to return to a lifestyle, similar to the one she had lived before, eagerly agreed. There she would receive some of the love of Guru Mata and also learn fitting skills. She went to the gurukul of Maharishi Vashisht, and would only return after she learnt how to overcome her stubbornness for change.

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!ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ꜰᴏʀɢᴇᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴠᴏᴛᴇ!

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