Ranakshi: The Battle of Choices

Panchal

The kingdom of Southern Panchal stood vast and proud, a land gifted to Guru Dronacharya after the great defeat of King Drupad as GURUDAKSHINA by Kurukumars. Its southern half, now governed by Ashwatthama, was a kingdom of flourishing fields, bustling markets, and people who worked tirelessly under the sharp gaze of their new ruler. Yet, under the surface, there was unease, an unspoken tension due to destructive past battles.

The royal court of Southern Panchal was grand, though not ostentatious. It reflected Ashwatthama's personality- practical, straightforward, yet holding a quiet intensity. The throne hall was filled with advisors, ministers and warriors, each engaged in discussions of governance, trade and border security.

Ashwatthama entered the court with steady steps, his imposing body cloaked in a dark blue angavastram. His presence was enough to silence even the most heated debates. His eyes were sharp, taking in every detail, every expression and every movement. Today, he had summoned his council to address pressing matters, as rumors of unrest from neighboring regions had reached his ears.

"Maharaj Ashwatthama, Hamein Rajya-seemaon se soochna prapt hui hai," began Virendra, his chief advisor. "Drupad ke shesh sahyogi paschimi seema ke nikat sangathit ho rahe hain. Aisa pratit hota hai ki ve vidrohiyon ke chhote-chhote samoohon ko ekjut kar rahe hain." (We have received word from the borders. Some of Drupad's remaining allies are regrouping near the western front. They seem to be rallying small groups of rebels.)

Ashwatthama's brows furrowed and he leaned forward on his shining, golden throne. His voice was calm but commanding. "Hum unka uddeshya samajh gaye hain. Woh humare rajya ko durbal karna chahte hain. Kintu hum unhe ek aur avsar kadapi nahi denge." (I understand their intent. They wish to weaken our kingdom. But we will not give them another chance.)

A murmur of agreement passed through the court. Ashwatthama turned to his military commander, Dhananjay. "Prepare our best warriors to reinforce the western borders. Ensure that the people remain protected and keep me informed of every movement."

"Ji, Maharaj," Dhananjay replied with a slight bow. (Yes,)

As the meeting progressed, discussions moved to the state of agriculture and trade in the kingdom. Ashwatthama had always been a leader who believed in strength not just in battle but also in the prosperity of his people.

"Yadi praja prasann hai, toh rajya sabal hai," he said, addressing his council. "Ensure the farmers have the resources they need and keep the markets fair." (If the people are happy, the kingdom is strong,)

One of the younger ministers hesitated before speaking. "Maharaj, if I may, there are concerns about tax collections in the eastern regions. The harvest has been poor and the villagers are struggling."

Ashwatthama's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "Unhe samay va sahayta do. We will not burden them until their situation improves." (Give them time and support.)

The court nodded in agreement, impressed by their king's fairness and decisiveness.

As the meeting concluded, Ashwatthama dismissed his council, choosing to remain in the hall for a moment of solitude. He stood by the large window overlooking the courtyard. The sight of children playing and merchants going about their work brought him a rare moment of peace.

Yet, in the back of his mind, there was a restlessness he couldn't shake off. He had been given this throne as a gift- a reward for his father's service and Dakshina. But ruling a kingdom was not the life he had envisioned for himself. Ashwatthama was a warrior at heart, forged in the fires of battle and raised with the teachings of dharma and duty.

"Yeh shanti kab tak reh paayegi?" (How long will this peace last?) he whispered to himself, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

A voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Virendra, who had been standing behind. "Maharaj, you seem troubled."

Ashwatthama turned to his trusted advisor, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Kuch nahi, Virendra. Bas yeh vichar kar rahe the ki ek yoddha hetu raja ban na kitna vichitra hai." (Nothing, Virendra. I was just thinking how strange it is for a warrior to become a king.)

Virendra chuckled lightly. "Maharaj, ek sampoorn raja wahi hota hai jo yoddha bhi ho aur praja ka rakshak bhi." (Maharaj, a true king is one who is both a warrior and a protector of his people.)

Ashwatthama nodded, appreciating the wisdom in his words. Yet, the unease within him did not leave him. He had seen too much, lost too much and the scars of war- external one- was what he was trained for but internal ones, still weighed heavily on him.

As the day went on, Ashwatthama decided to take a ride through the kingdom. He sat up his horse and rode through the streets of Southern Panchal, accompanied by a small group of guards. The people greeted him bowing as he passed.

He stopped by a farmer's field where workers were tilling the land. Seeing their hard work reminded him of his father, Guru Dronacharya, who had always taught him the value of perseverance and humility. He had seen poverty far too closely to not respect poor who work hard.

One of the farmers approached hesitantly, bowing. "Maharaj, humare liye itna karne hetu dhanyavaad. Aap yadi sahayeta na karte to hum kuch nahi kar paate." (Maharaj, thank you for doing so much for us. If not for your help, we wouldn't have been able to manage.)

Ashwatthama stepped down from his horse and placed a reassuring hand on the man's shoulder. "Yeh humara kartavya hai. Aap sab ki prasannta aur suraksha hi humari sabse badi vijay hai." (This is my duty. Your happiness and safety are my greatest victories.)

As the sun began to set, Ashwatthama returned to his palace, his mind still restless but his resolve stronger than ever. Southern Panchal had become his responsibility and he would protect it with everything he had.

Little did he know, his life was about to take an unexpected turn, one that would challenge not just his skills as a warrior and king but also his very beliefs.

__________________________________________________

New Journey Begins! 

Vote, Comment and share.