SURIRATHNA: TALE OF A WARRIOR QUEEN

Chapter 1

Hey! Before you proceed, here are some words and their meanings that you might not know of:

Rathna: A gem or a precious stone.

Swayamvara: In earlier days, A competition which determines the husband of the princess, where a number of princes from various countries, willing to marry the princess would take part in various challenges and show off their skills. The winner wins the princess and they get married.

Aarya: Term used by an indian queen to address her husband, informally.

Prasaad: offering to God, offered during 'pooja' or worship.

Sandhya pooja: Pooja done during evening.

Sakhi: friend, helper.

Altha: a red dye used to stain the tips of fingers of hands and legs. Also can be used to create simple patterns on palm. Main reason is for beautification.

Kshatriya: in ancient days, the society was divided on the basis of the work.
A Kshatriya's job is to protect his subjects and keeping the peace in his territory.

"Srirathna! Oh Lord Shiva! you're a grown up now. We will be conducting swayamvara anytime now and you'll be someone's wife! The future queen of a kingdom! Yet you act like a child. learn some royal etiquette and behave, my child!"

A very annoyed voice pierced through the otherwise calm and almost gloom palace.

The girl Srirathna mischievously stuck her tongue out at the woman scolding her; who happened to be her mother and ran to hide behind her father's broad figure. Once she was securely hiding, she carefully snooped with one of her eyes, entire body otherwise safely hidden behind a proud father. Her eyes held an innocent, yet impish glint currently showed a hint of worry, as her mother seemed extra upset today. She looked at her father for help. Her father, almost melting from his childs big, almond eyes looking at him with an expectant gaze, had no choice but to help her.

"My dearest, calm down for she's just a child. She has a long way to go. She will one day be the queen whose bravery will be recognized and celebrated by all.

People will tell stories about her, sing songs which depicts her bravery and beauty.

She will be praised and worshipped for her great deeds.

She will be a great person, for she's born from your blessed womb!"

I hear father's clever and consoling words trying to melt mother's anger away. It works all the times. It's bound to work this time. Srirathna looked at her mother expecting to see her calm down.

She was tired from sewing, painting and learning the princesses etiquette all day. All she wanted to do is to run and continue eating prasaad made to offer the gods during Sandhya pooja.

"King! Stop trying to charm me! She is not only eating the laddu prasaad even before it's been offered, but also feeding the monkeys! Our gods might get angry at this rate! A young lady her age should be clearly aware of the boundaries by now, one day, when she goes to her husbands house; shell bring us nothing but disgrace at this rate." Queen was fuming from anger.

Oh, no! Father's magic didn't work this time! Am I in trouble? thought the young girl.

"My dear! Gods reside in kids. They will not get angry on their own children. Don't worry! Besides, Monkeys represent god Hanuman. Theres nothing wrong with feeding the hungry, helpless animals." The king pauses and looks at Srirathna with a kind gaze:

"Srirathna, my child! Isn't it the time for you to be learning archery? Go on! Remember to respect your teacher and always try to be better and more, my child!"