Chapter 25: A Glance and a Name
General POV
The royal palace of Ayodhya had never buzzed with such joy. The news of Princess Vaidehi being chosen as a disciple by the great sage Vishvamitra spread like fragrant wind through the entire kingdom. In every lane and corner, people offered prayers and sweets in her name. And inside the palace, the atmosphere was no different.
Princess Vaidehi's POV
The echo of Sage Vishvamitra's words still danced in my ears.
"I would like to take her as my disciple."
Even now, as I sat by the lotus pond in the palace garden, toes dipped in cool water, I could hardly believe it. Guru Vishvamitra—the same sage who once mentored Lord Ram—wanted me as a student. My heart was fluttering like a leaf in spring wind.
I knew it wasn't just an honor. It was a responsibility. One year from now, I would leave behind the softness of royal silks, the carefree afternoons, the pampering—and step into a world of discipline, learning, and great expectations.
But that didn't mean I wouldn't enjoy the time I had left.
No, I would laugh a little louder, run a little faster, and soak in every moment of childhood before it was time to grow into something greater.
Still, a small corner of my heart kept returning to that boy. Shon. The one who stared at me like I was something precious, not just a princess.
His name... I don't know....
I smiled just thinking about it.
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Shon's POV
The inn was quiet that night. A few merchants were eating their meals downstairs, sharing gossip from every corner of Aryavrat. I joined them for dinner, my plate filled with warm rice, mixed lentils, and a fried roti.
I sat in silence, half-listening to the talk around me.
"Did you hear? Princess Vaidehi is to be trained by none other than Sage Vishvamitra!"
"A blessed soul she is. Ayodhya is lucky."
"Makes sense. The girl's got the glow of destiny."
I paused mid-bite.
So, the princess really had been chosen.
I wasn't surprised. There was something about her—graceful yet curious, noble yet kind. And those eyes... stars couldn't compete with them.
I smiled to myself, remembering how she'd looked at me. Blushed. Peeked back as she walked away. And then I remembered my own reaction—like an idiot sitting frozen, smiling at a gulab jamun.
After finishing my meal, I climbed back to my room, settled into the cot, and chanted Hanuman Chalisa in my mind. The words calmed me, washing away the day's fatigue. I didn't even realize when my eyes shut and sleep took over.
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The Next Day
I woke early and set out to look for work. I couldn't sit idle forever, and I needed both the money and the local knowledge. After a few hours of asking around, I found a job at a small but busy artisan workshop. The owner was a middle-aged man named Bhargav who crafted fine woodworks and chariots.
"Ever held a hammer?" he asked.
"I was raised by a charioteer," I replied.
"Then your hands already know the rhythm. You're hired."
I worked with dedication—polishing wood, assembling joints, oiling wheels. My body was still healing from the forest, but each swing of the mallet reminded me of home.
Bhargav offered one gold coin per week, plus lunch. It wasn't much, but it was honest, and I liked it.
In between work, I kept asking people about the mountain where Lord Hanuman might reside. Most shrugged. Some laughed.
But one old priest said something interesting.
"There's a peak called Sundargiri, not too far from here. People say it echoes with chants of '
" Ram" every now and then. Many believe Lord Hanuman still dwells there in seclusion."
Sundargiri. That had to be it.
I decided that after this week's work, I'd make my way there. My wounds were healing well, and strength was returning to my limbs.
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On the Seventh Day
Bhargav called me into the back room.
"Shon, today you'll deliver the new chariot to the palace. It's a special order. Take it carefully."
He handed me a scroll with royal seals and waved me off.
The chariot gleamed like gold in the sunlight. Luxurious, wide, and carved with lions and lotuses. I rolled it toward the palace, where the chief guard checked the seal.
"Wait here. I'll return with your payment," he said, walking away.
To pass time, I wandered around the palace courtyard. Everything was so polished. Birds chirped from mango trees. The breeze was filled with sandalwood.
And then… laughter.
I followed the sound and found a group of royal girls playing pakdam-pakdai — catch and run. The girl in the center had her eyes covered with a red scarf.
She was Princess vaidehi.
She stumbled forward, laughing, hands reaching out.
And then she caught me.
Her soft palms touched my arm. "Got you, Kirti!" she said.
She pulled off her blindfold, smiling.
Her eyes widened. Her smile froze.
Her cheeks instantly turned pink.
"Y-you…" she stammered.
I blinked. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"You..." she said, blinking. "You're not from the palace."
"I'm sorry, Princess," I said, folding my hands. "I was delivering the new chariot to the guard. He told me to wait, so I wandered around... I didn't mean to interrupt."
She looked at me—her eyes wide, searching. "What's your name?"
"Shon," I replied.
She nodded slowly. "Shon. I see."
I smiled. "And you, Princess Vaidehi... I know you. You gave me sweets the other day. It was unforgettable."
She looked away, her cheeks now rosier. "I must return. My mother will be looking for me."
I nodded. "And I should go too. The guard must be waiting."
"Wait—" she began, but I was already turning.
"Nice seeing you again, Princess," I said with a small bow.
She stood frozen as I walked away.
As I turned to leave, I glanced back.
She was still looking at me.
I chuckled on my way back to the gate.
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Princess Vaidehi's POV
He wasn't supposed to be there.
But somehow… I was glad he was.
He looked even more handsome up close. Strong jaw, clear eyes, sun-browned skin, and that quiet smile. And when I touched him… it felt strange. Good. Warm.
Why is my heart beating like this?
As I watched him leave, my hand lingered where I had grabbed his arm. I blushed harder and ran back to my friends, pretending nothing happened.
But inside, my thoughts were spinning.
Shon.
That name was going to haunt me. Sweetly.
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Shon's POV
I collected my gold coin from the guard and walked back to the workshop. The moment her hand had touched mine, it was like everything paused again.
Why does this keep happening around her?
I grinned to myself, kicking a stone down the street like a kid.
So much had happened in just a week.
And next… Sundargiri.
Time to meet the one who once moved mountains.
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