परिप्रश्न - Meaning 'a probing question or inquiry'
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Dwarka
Panchami, Chaitra Shukla Paksha, 5000 BCE
The royal palace of Dwarka was unnaturally silent that night after the news of the almost assassination of their princess had spread through its inhabitants like wild fire. Apart from the royal family everyone was tiptoeing their way through its halls after witnessing the crown prince's ire when the assassin was finally caught and brought to the palace by Satyaki in the late evening. Balarama's voice could be heard all the way from the royal dungeons, cracking like the thunder in a storm, making everyone jump in fright throughout the palace.
Flashback
"Commander Satyaki is back, your Highnesses. He has requested your presence in the dungeons," A lieutenant of the Narayani sena came to inform them in Balarama's study.
"Very well. You may go." Balarama said and bowing his head, the soldier left.
"Udho, go and give this news to our family. Kanha, you come with me." Saying this, the crown prince strode out of his study and his younger brother rushed to catch up with him.
"Dau, calm down. You are scaring everyone." Krishna said in a quiet voice as a couple of palace workers scampered off in the opposite direction the moment their eyes fell on the two princes. Upon hearing him, his brother let out a long exhale and rubbed a hand down his face, trying to set his features in a neutral look.
" How can I calm down, Kanhaiya? Our sister was nearly murdered right under our noses! Someone dared to harm the princess of Dwarka in her own city! I am furious! We are her brothers, we swore to protect her!" Balarama said with gritted teeth, his eyes flashing with rage.
" I know. And we will continue to do so to the best of our ability. But there are some things that even we cannot control. You are well aware of that, Dau." Krishna said in a soothing tone, keeping a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Balarama sighed heavily. " I know, I know. But we cannot just forget the fact that an assassin entered the palace; a palace guarded by some of the best warriors in Aryavarta." His hands came up and grabbed his younger brother by the shoulders.
" This cannot happen again, Kanha. We have to take extra precautions from now on. This absolutely cannot happen again."
"Agreed, Dau. But to take those precautions, we first have to talk to the assassin. We have to understand how he was able to enter an area which is guarded by the Narayani sena. That will enable us to devise our strategies." Dwarkadheesh said, clasping his brother's hands and squeezing them comfortingly with his own.
"You are right." The crown prince replied and together, they made their way down to the palace dungeons.
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The royal gallows of Dwarka were mostly empty, save for a prisoner or two who were awaiting trial for their crimes. Naturally, the crime rate of Mokshapuri was almost negligible since the people were honest and hardworking. But there was an exception to every rule and hence, one or two criminals did exist in the peace-loving city. But like every other royal prison, it was not exactly a welcoming place. It was located outside the palace compounds, about half a yojana away and consisted of a low building constructed out of pure stone and guarded by the army, it was an impenetrable fortress.
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Kaal Chakra
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