𝚁𝙾𝚈𝙰𝙻 𝙱𝙻𝙾𝙾𝙳𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙴𝚂

Chapter Two: The Ashram's Discipline

The king, heartbroken but resolute, decided it was time for a drastic change. After countless sleepless nights and consultations with his advisors, he concluded that sending Vaidehi and Aryan to Guru Vashishta would be the best course of action. The legendary sage was known for his wisdom, discipline, and ability to guide troubled souls.

One morning, as the sun cast its golden rays over the palace, King Virendra called for his children. Vaidehi and Aryan stood before him, both curious and apprehensive.

"My children," the king began, his voice heavy with emotion, "I have decided to send you both to Guru Vashishta's ashram. There, you will learn discipline, wisdom, and the ways of the world."

Vaidehi's eyes widened with surprise and a hint of fear. "But Father, why must we leave?"

Aryan, on the other hand, felt a mix of anger and betrayal. "I don't need discipline from some sage. I am a prince!"

King Virendra sighed deeply, placing a hand on Aryan's shoulder. "My son, this is not a punishment. It is an opportunity. Guru Vashishta can help you become the leader you are destined to be. And Vaidehi, you will benefit from his teachings as well."

A few days later, the king and his children arrived at the gates of Guru Vashishta's ashram. The serene environment, filled with the sounds of nature and the chants of disciples, stood in stark contrast to the bustling life of the palace.

Guru Vashishta, a figure of calm authority, greeted them at the entrance. "Your Majesty, welcome. What brings you to my humble abode?"

King Virendra bowed respectfully. "Guru Vashishta, I seek your guidance and training for my children, Aryan and Vaidehi. They need your wisdom and discipline."

The sage looked at the children, his gaze piercing yet kind. "Aryan can stay and learn. But I do not take in girls as disciples."

Vaidehi's heart sank, and she clung to her father's arm. "Please, Father, don't leave me alone."

King Virendra's eyes pleaded with the sage. "Guruji, I implore you. Vaidehi is young and has much to learn. She needs your guidance as much as Aryan."

Guru Vashishta hesitated, sensing the desperation in the king's voice. "It is not customary, Your Majesty."

The king knelt before the sage, his voice breaking with emotion. "I beg you, Guruji. For the sake of my children and their future, make an exception."

After a long moment of silence, Guru Vashishta nodded. "Very well. Vaidehi may stay, but she must follow the same rules and disciplines as the others."

King Virendra stood, his face a mix of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Guruji. I am forever in your debt."

As the king prepared to leave, he embraced his children tightly. "Remember, my dear ones, this is not goodbye. I will visit you as often as I can. Learn well, and grow strong and wise."

Vaidehi clung to her father's robes, tears streaming down her face. "Father, don't leave us."

Aryan stood stiffly, his resentment barely masked. "I'll prove myself, Father. I'll become the king you want me to be."

King Virendra's heart ached as he kissed their foreheads. "I believe in both of you. Be brave, and take care of each other."

As the king mounted his horse and rode away, the children watched him disappear into the distance. The disciples of the ashram whispered among themselves, curious about the royal siblings now under Guru Vashishta's tutelage.

Guru Vashishta addressed the children, his tone firm yet gentle. "Welcome to my ashram. Here, you will learn the ways of discipline, spirituality, and duty. Aryan, Vaidehi, you must follow the rules and respect the teachings. Only then will you truly benefit from your time here."