Pawangadh…
Akash's days had transformed. Learning statecraft with his father, assisting him, and gradually earning both his trust and affection all of this was a new world for the prince. Where once his heart felt heavy, it now began to feel lighter. He found the courage to speak his mind more openly. And it was during these days that a new colour entered his life—Pranav.
Pranav was from a simple, poor family. His clothes were plain, his hands bore the marks of hard labour, but his eyes held a sincerity and honesty that instantly appealed to Akash. Pranav had come to the palace seeking work, but Akash did not see a servant; he saw a friend. Pranav, in turn, devoted himself to Akash with complete loyalty—he was his helper, his confidant, and his most trusted aide.
One bright morning, as the palace awoke to the sounds of birds and bustling servants, Akash sought out Pranav.
Akash:
"Friend,let's go on a tour of the city today. We must see the people's troubles for ourselves and try to solve them."
Pranav:
"Alright,Prince. Let's go."
Akash:
(With a playful frown)"How many times must I say it? Do not call me 'Prince'. You are my friend. Call me 'Akash'."
Pranav:
"But...you are older than me. First, you are the crown prince of this kingdom, and only then my friend."
Akash:
"We know nothing of such distinctions.From today, you will call me only 'Akash'. Otherwise, I shall not speak to you."
Pranav:
"But,Prince—"
Akash:
"No buts!Yes or no?"
Pranav:
(after a pause,a small smile touching his lips) "Alright... Akash."
Akash:
(Grinning widely)"That's more like it!"
And he pulled Pranav into a warm,brotherly hug.
After this, the two set out into the city. The streets of Pawangadh were vibrant and full of life—markets buzzed with trade, children played in narrow alleys, and the air was filled with the mingled scents of spices, flowers, and baked bread. Akash walked with a new sense of purpose, his eyes keenly observing everything. Pranav walked slightly behind him, ever watchful.
As they turned a corner into the main market square, they noticed a commotion. A crowd had gathered, voices raised in argument. At the centre stood an elderly woman, her face etched with anger and distress, and a young boy, perhaps sixteen, looking terrified and defensive.
Akash:
(Stepping forward)"What is happening here? Why has this crowd gathered?"
The people recognised their prince immediately and parted respectfully, murmuring, "The Prince is here, make way!"
Akash:
"Grandmother,why are you standing here in the middle of the road? What is the matter?"
The Old Woman:
(Pointing a trembling finger at the boy)"Prince, this thief tried to steal my money pouch! I felt his hand on my waist!"
The Boy:
(Clasping his hands in desperation)"No, Prince, I did not do it! I swear, I did not steal anything!"
The crowd erupted again, voices overlapping.
A Shopkeeper:
"I saw it,Prince! I saw him reaching for her pouch!"
Another Man:
"Punish him!He's a street rat!"
A Woman:
"Look how scared he looks—guilty for sure!"
Akash:
(Raising a hand for silence)"Quiet, please." He turned to the shopkeeper. "You say you saw him. Did you see him actually take the pouch?"
Shopkeeper:
"Well...not take it, Prince. But he was definitely trying. His hand was there, and she shouted."
Akash:
(looking at the boy,whose eyes were wide with fear) "Is this true? Did you try to steal?"
The Boy:
(voice breaking)"I did not steal, Prince. I swear on my mother's soul."
Pranav:
(Leaning close to Akash,whispering) "Prince, the crowd is restless. It seems clear he did it. We must pacify the people and deliver justice."
Akash looked from the angry woman to the terrified boy, then at the murmuring crowd expecting a swift verdict from their prince. The weight of judgement felt heavy on his young shoulders.
Akash:
(Addressing the crowd,his voice firm) "Everyone, please calm yourselves. We will ensure justice is served."
He turned to Pranav."Take him to the palace. We will settle this there."
Pranav nodded and gently but firmly took hold of the boy's arm. The boy did not resist, his head hung low as he was led away, the crowd's jeers following him. The old woman was appeased, muttering thanks to the prince.
Back in a small antechamber of the palace, away from the public eye, the boy stood trembling. Tears streamed down his dusty cheeks.
The Boy:
(Falling to his knees)"Prince, please forgive me. I did it... I did try. But it was out of desperation, I swear!"
Akash:
(Sitting on a simple chair,his expression stern but not unkind) "Speak the truth now, the whole truth. Why would you try to steal?"
The Boy:
(Weeping openly now)"Prince... there has been no food in my house for three days. My father is sick with fever, lying on a thin mat. We have no money for medicine, nor for bread. I... I only wanted one coin. Just one, to buy some herbs and a little flour. I saw her pouch and... my mind went blank. I am sorry. I will never do it again."
Pranav:
(Skeptical)"Do not lie to the Prince! Many tell tales to escape punishment."
The Boy:
(Crawling forward slightly)"I am not lying! Check if you want. My house is in the potters' lane, near the broken well. My father's name is Shamu. Ask anyone."
Akash studied the boy—the hollows of his cheeks, the frayed edges of his too-small tunic, the raw fear in his eyes that was now mixed with a hopeless shame. This was not the defiance of a habitual thief. This was the despair of a child pushed to a wall.
A long silence stretched in the room. Pranav watched Akash, waiting for his command—perhaps for guards, perhaps for a caning.
Akash:
(His voice calm,decisive) "You will be punished for your crime."
The boy flinched, squeezing his eyes shut as if bracing for a blow.
Akash:
"Your punishment is this:Starting tomorrow, you will report to the palace gardens. You will water the plants, help the gardeners, and tend to the greenhouses. You will do this for four hours every day."
He paused,letting the words sink in. The boy looked up, confused.
Akash (continued):
"And for this work,you will be paid a labourer's daily wage. You will use that money to buy food and medicine for your father."
The boy stared, utterly bewildered, as if he hadn't heard correctly. "P-paid, my lord? But... but it's punishment..."
Pranav:
(A slow smile spreading across his face as he understood Akash's intent)"Get up. The Prince is not giving you punishment. He is giving you an opportunity."
The realisation dawned on the boy. The tears returned, but now they were of relief and overwhelming gratitude. He prostrated himself on the floor, touching Akash's feet.
The Boy:
"Prince...I... I don't know what to say. Thank you. I will work hard, I swear. I will never stray again."
Akash:
(Helping him up)"What is your name?"
The Boy:
"Karan,my lord."
Akash:
"Alright,Karan. Go home now. Tell your father he will be cared for."
Akash signalled to a servant."Give him a meal from the kitchen before he leaves. And ensure he gets a bag of grain and our court physician visits his father tomorrow."
Karan was led away, stammering thanks, his world turned from utter despair to unhoped-for grace.
Pranav looked at Akash, his eyes shining with admiration. "That was true justice, Akash. You saw the root, not just the branch."
Akash gazed out the window at the sprawling city below. "My father always says a king's duty is to his people's welfare, not just to the law. The law said 'punish a thief'. But my duty said 'help a hungry son'. The crime needed correcting, but the cause needed healing."
Unknown to them, Maharaja Vishwadev had been observing the entire scene from a shaded balcony overlooking the antechamber. A proud, thoughtful smile graced his lips. He had seen the crowd's demand for retribution, his son's initial uncertainty, the private interrogation, and finally, the compassionate verdict.
He turned to his senior advisor standing beside him. "True justice," the King murmured, "lies not in delivering punishment, but in uprooting the very reason for the crime. To see a thief and create an honest worker... to see desperation and offer dignity."
He watched his son, who was now deep in conversation with Pranav, probably planning their next visit to the artisans' quarter.
"That boy," the King said, his voice thick with emotion, "is not just learning to be a ruler. He is learning to be a healer. Today, he proved he is truly worthy of being my heir."
Back in the chamber, Akash felt a strange sense of peace. For the first time, the weight of his future crown felt less like a burden and more like a tool a tool to mend, to build, and to protect. He had a friend by his side, his father's trust behind him, and a whole kingdom ahead of him, waiting to be understood, one person at a time. The journey of Prince Akash had truly begun.