Mysterious Time Traveler in Dwapara Yuga

Chapter 20: Princess Ira's Commanding Presence

In Guru Drona's Ashram, Ashwatthama told his mother about how the Princess, whom she admired, had talked back to her father in the Raj Sabha. Guru Drona intervened, saying Ashwatthama himself had talked back to him, so he was in no position to criticize Ira. Despite her young age, her words showed her desire to help her people. Ashwatthama, angry, retorted that no knowledge of herbs could solve what the Vaidyas couldn't. Frustrated, he left to find his friend Duryodhana, while the Pandavas, standing outside, looked at each other.

The tension arose because Guru Drona favoured his diligent student, Arjun, causing a rift between father and son. Seeing this, Guru Drona instructed the Pandavas on their tasks. As they reached a secluded spot, Nakul said, "Because of you, Bhrata Arjun, the Princess is also getting scolded by Guruputra. Do you really think a child no older than six spoke like that in the Raj Sabha? I don't believe it. One day they praise her, and the next, they condemn her."

Sahadev added, "I think she knows what she's doing, and her words are not empty talk." Yudhishthira replied, "Whatever it is, we can only pray to God to help them in this unknown situation." Bheem warned, "Be careful, anujo. Don't go to unknown places. We don't know the cause or source of the illness."

Two days passed, and the death toll reached ten. With the condition of the affected worsening, it was clear the deaths would continue if no solution was found. The tension in the Raj Sabha was palpable, like ants in a hot pot. Ira entered the Raj Sabha, demanded details, and declared, "From this moment onwards, until this situation is resolved, I want all of you to listen to me. I will lead this effort." Objections arose, but Ira, irritated, responded, "You don't have a solution, right? Then give me two days. If I don't make progress, it will go your way. For now, I need to see the affected people, seal off the infected areas, announce that people should drink only hot water, cover their faces when leaving their homes, and provide live updates on the illness. Implement these orders now and prepare a cart for me. I am going there myself."

When Maharani Vishaya heard about Ira's plan, she tried to stop her daughter, but Ira told them to believe in her, vowing to protect the people. As Ira's figure grew distant, Maharani asked her husband why he didn't stop her. He replied, "I am also the father of the people in this kingdom. I can't let them die if there's even a small hope. I need to use it for my people."

News spread about how the five-year-old Princess gave orders, implemented methods to stop the illness's spread, and conducted fieldwork. It made a huge sensation.

The disease was none other than cholera, and the source was identified as contaminated rice. Without effective storage, rats had infested the rice, contaminating it with their feces. Ira instructed the people to drink plenty of water, wash hands properly, eat thoroughly boiled food, and drink water with a mixture of salt and sugar to stay hydrated. She also emphasized covering food to avoid contamination and the importance of having proper sanitation (snangrah).

The death toll decreased significantly, and people praised the Princess's bravery. Her love for the people grew, and they spoke proudly of her. Those who had previously criticized her for being rude and spoiled now had nothing to say. They simply acknowledged that she was a Divine Child of the Tridev and Tridevi.

In Guru Drona's Ashram, Guru Drona reminded his son that one should not judge others without knowing them, as it is a weakness. Nakul, impressed, said, "It looks like that child really knows about medicine, more than me. Bhrata, do you think she will teach me?" he asked Arjun. Before Arjun could answer, Duryodhana mockingly said, "Look, he is going to a child to get education about medicine. Don't dishonour us by saying we are your relatives." Saying this, he left.

When Bheema wanted to retort, Yudhishthira intervened, saying, "If Nakul truly wants to learn, there is nothing wrong with gaining knowledge from others. By the character of Princess Irawathi, I believe if you ask sincerely, she will teach you. Her big heart shows that she helps those in need. Nakul, if you really want to learn from her, call her by her title, Princess, not child. She deserves respect for what she did."