Chapter 45 Prince Aakaash
Pavangarh
Aakaash 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 immediately appealed to Aakaash Pranav had come to the palace seeking work but Aakaash did not see a servant he saw a friend Pranav in turn devoted himself to Aakaash 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 Aakaash sought out Pranav
Aakaash Friend lets go on a tour of the city today We must see the peoples troubles for ourselves and try to solve them
Pranav Alright Prince Lets go
Aakaash with a playful frown How many times must I say it Do not call me Prince You are my friend Call me Aakaash
Pranav But you are older than me First you are the crown prince of this kingdom and only then my friend
Aakaash We know nothing of such distinctions From today you will call me only Aakaash Otherwise I shall not speak to you
Pranav But Prince
Aakaash No buts Yes or no
Pranav after a pause a small smile touching his lips Alright Aakaash
Aakaash grinning widely Thats more like it And he pulled Pranav into a warm brotherly hug
After this the two set out into the city The streets of Pavangarh 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 Aakaash 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
Aakaash 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
Aakaash 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 Hes a street rat
A Woman Look how scared he looks guilty for sure
Aakaash 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
Aakaash 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 mothers soul
Pranav leaning close to Aakaash whispering Prince the crowd is restless It seems clear he did it We must pacify the people and deliver justice
Aakaash 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
Aakaash 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 boys arm The boy did not resist his head hung low as he was led away the crowds 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
Aakaash 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 fathers name is Shamu Ask anyone
Aakaash 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 Aakaash waiting for his command perhaps for guards perhaps for a caning
Aakaash his voice calm decisive You will be punished for your crime
The boy flinched squeezing his eyes shut as if bracing for a blow
Aakaash 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
Aakaash continued And for this work you will be paid a labourers daily wage You will use that money to buy food and medicine for your father
The boy stared utterly bewildered as if he hadnt heard correctly P paid my lord But but its punishment
Pranav a slow smile spreading across his face as he understood Aakaash 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 Aakaash feet
The Boy Prince I I dont know what to say Thank you I will work hard I swear I will never stray again
Aakaash helping him up What is your name
The Boy Karan my lord
Aakaash Alright Karan Go home now Tell your father he will be cared for Aakaash 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 Aakaash his eyes shining with admiration That was true justice Aakaash You saw the root not just the branch
Aakaash gazed out the window at the sprawling city below My father always says a kings duty is to his peoples 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 crowds demand for retribution his sons 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 Aakaash 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 fathers trust behind him and a whole kingdom ahead of him waiting to be understood one person at a time The journey of Prince Aakaash had truly begun
The palace of Bhoomipur slept in celebration Preparations whispered through the corridors A future wedding filled every breath with joy But in one silent chamber a girl sat alone her heart heavier than any crown Pratha stared at the flickering lamp its flame trembling just like her resolve For the first time she realized something terrifying Some loves do not ask to be chosen They demand to be buried And as the lamp suddenly went out plunging the room into darkness Pratha whispered a promise only the night heard From tomorrow I will not be weak Because when love is taken away quietly something else is born in its place
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