Rakshash Aur Rajkumari (The Devil And The Princess)

19• क्रोधः

In the past:

The courtyard of the Gurukul was bustling with activity, students and teachers milling about under the shade of ancient trees. In the center of the courtyard, a circle had formed around two figures: Ishaan and Aditya. Both young princes stood facing each other, their differences evident in their demeanor and physique.

Ishaan, the elder prince of Shivaay Kul, exuded a sense of quiet strength. With his tall stature and calm expression, he listened intently as Aditya, the heir of Surya Kul, hurled insults his way. Aditya, with his imposing build and intense gaze, seemed determined to provoke a reaction.

"You are incapable of being a prince, Ishaan!" Aditya's voice thundered across the courtyard, his words laced with disdain. His eyes narrowed with contempt as he continued, "You are weak, relying on meditation and mantras instead of strength and power!"

Ishaan remained composed, his expression unwavering. His calmness seemed to only infuriate Aditya further. The gathered crowd held their breath, knowing the tension between these two noble families ran deep.

"I don't need to prove my worth through aggression, Aditya," Ishaan replied evenly, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Strength comes in many forms, and it is not always the loudest voice or the fiercest demeanor that leads with honor."

Aditya snorted derisively. "Honor means nothing if you can't defend it! Your pacifist ways will be the downfall of your family."

A murmur ran through the crowd, tension thickening the air. The clash of ideals and personalities between the two young princes was a reflection of the broader rivalry between them.

Ishaan's gaze remained steady, his calm smile never faltering. "We shall see, Aditya. Perhaps one day you will understand that there are paths to strength beyond the sword."

"You a weakling of a prince, are nothing but a disgrace to Shivaay Kul, Even your mighty brother would feel pity towards you,"Aditya's harsh words cut through the air, and spat on Ishaan's chest in anger and made Ishaan clench his eyes closed.

Murmurs and gasps from the gathered crowd.

Ishaan's response was unexpected. Instead of reacting with anger or retaliation, he opened his eyes and calmly wiped the spittle from his chest. His expression remained composed as he met Aditya's gaze.

"Shant!" Ishaan spoke softly, his voice carrying a serene authority.

(Calm down)

The crowd fell silent, as a new presence was felt among the onlookers.

As Rudraksha cut through the crowd, his presence was unmistakable and intimidating. At only sixteen years old, he possessed a physique that defied his age, resembling more of a seasoned warrior than a young student. His athletic and broad build, coupled with shoulder-length hair tied back in a tight bun and a thick beard on his face, added to his formidable appearance. However, it was his eyes that truly conveyed the danger he posed—dark and intense, filled with a simmering anger that sent shivers through the onlookers.

The murmurs in the crowd ceased as everyone noticed Rudraksha's arrival. It was well-known among the students and teachers alike that an enraged Rudraksha was a force to be reckoned with, feared even by the most seasoned warriors in the Gurukul.

Rudraksha's gaze fixed in Aditya, who stood facing Ishaan mixture of defiance and uncertainty. The atmosphere around Rudraksha seemed to vibrate with tension as he took deliberate steps toward the center of the courtyard.

"Kaun mere bhai ko apman kiya?" Rudraksha's voice rang out, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. Knowing very well who insulted his brother.

(Who dared to insult my brother?)