ALLIANCE AND THE CONVERGENCE OF SOULS
The Next Day, Dawn – Nilagarh Council Hall
The first rays of the sun fell upon the marble pillars of the Nilagarh council hall, casting a divine, golden light within. All the ministers were seated in their appointed places, their faces a mix of solemnity and keen curiosity. Neer sat upon the throne—a new resolve shone in his eyes, though his fists remained clenched in his lap.
Neer (His voice serious and clear): "I have called you all here for a decision of great importance. A decision that will determine the future course of our kingdom."
Grand Minister (Leaning forward): "A decision regarding what, Prince?"
Neer (Taking a deep breath): "The losses from the war have devastated our kingdom's economy. The enmity between Tejgarh and Nilagarh has caused immense suffering to the citizens on both sides. I propose that we form a treaty with the Prince of Tejgarh. What is your opinion on this, Grand Minister?"
A profound silence fell over the hall. A wave of whispers rippled through the ministers. The Grand Minister stroked his white beard, and an unexpected light gleamed in his wise old eyes.
Grand Minister (A small smile touching his lips): "Prince, this is an excellent thought. Our late Maharaj, too, desired friendship with Tejgarh. The kings of both kingdoms were once close friends."
Neer (Startled, his eyes widening): "What? Father and the King of Tejgarh were friends? But we were never told about this. For as long as I can remember, I have only seen enmity between our kingdoms."
Grand Minister (His voice carrying the tone of an old pain): "Yes, Prince, you are correct. However, before your birth, the two kings were inseparable friends. They were educated in the same Gurukul, fought battles side by side, considered each other's families as their own. But…"
Neer (Leaning forward, intrigued): "But what, Grand Minister? What happened?"
Grand Minister (Closing his eyes, as if recalling old memories): "But one incident changed everything. An unfortunate misunderstanding turned friends into foes."
The Grand Minister then narrated the entire story—the deep bond of the two friend-kings, the planned marriage, the false news, the wedding party that never arrived, and the tragic death of the princess. Each word echoed in the hall, and Neer's eyes grew wider with each revelation.
Neer (Voice trembling): "So… so it was all a misunderstanding? A conspiracy?"
Grand Minister (Nodding gravely): "Yes, Prince. Your father wished, time and again, for the enmity between the kingdoms to end, but the King of Tejgarh's grief and pride became a wall between them."
Hearing this, tears welled up in Neer's eyes. He clenched his fist tighter, and a deep determination solidified within him.
Neer (Voice firm with resolve): "I will fulfill my father's unfinished wish. We will end this enmity."
Just then, an elderly minister stood up, his face etched with displeasure.
First Minister: "But Prince, that kingdom's prince is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of our soldiers! His hands are stained with the blood of our people!"
Second Minister (Raising his voice): "Yes, Prince! That very prince took the life of our Maharaj! How can we possibly treat with him?"
Third Minister: "How will we appease the public? They will not accept this decision!"
Fourth Minister: "I, too, agree with them, Prince. This decision is emotional, not practical."
Neer slowly rose from the throne. A new authority radiated from his presence—he was no longer just a grieving son, but a responsible ruler.
Neer (His voice carrying a remarkable clarity): "Listen, all of you. The war was fought between two sides. Loss has been suffered by both kingdoms. Kings have been lost on both sides. Just as we are not in their favor, their people are not in ours. However, in the interest of the kingdom's welfare and to honor my father's unfinished wish, I have decided that we will form a treaty with Tejgarh. This is not the time for vengeance, not the time for destruction—it is the time for rebuilding."
Grand Minister (Looking at all the ministers): "Listen, ministers! This decision will lead to the reconstruction of our kingdom, trade will flourish, and the wish of our late Maharaj will be fulfilled. Is that not what you desire? Do you want our children to continue burning in the fire of this enmity?"
A heavy silence descended. Then, slowly, the ministers began to look at one another. Finally, they spoke in unison:
All Ministers: "Alright, we accept your decision as well."
Neer (Letting out a sigh of relief): "Thank you, all of you."
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Tejgarh – A Few Hours Later
Akshay and Agni had returned to Tejgarh. Agni immediately called a council of ministers and announced his decision—the proposal for a treaty with Nilagarh. Surprisingly, most of the ministers agreed—perhaps the fatigue and loss from the war had inclined them too towards peace.
Just then, a soldier hurried in, holding a sealed letter.
Soldier: "My Prince, a message has arrived for you. From Nilagarh."
Agni (Extending his hand): "Give it to me."
Agni opened the letter. His eyes scanned the words, and slowly, an incredible wave of relief washed over his face. A smile, absent for months, touched his lips.
Agni (Voice soft with a gentle tremor): "Listen, everyone… 'Prince Agni, our greetings to you. We are in agreement with your decision. We are prepared to form a treaty with your kingdom. — Prince Neer, Nilagarh.'"
Akshay placed a hand on Agni's shoulder, tears of joy in his own eyes.
Akshay: "Agni, this is wonderful news. Now a treaty will be formed between the two kingdoms, and the people will live together in harmony. Perhaps… perhaps this is the new beginning we were all searching for."
Agni (Eyes moist): "Yes, my friend… perhaps now we can break that shartruta (enmity)."
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A Few Days Later – The Gardens of Tejgarh Palace
The three friends sat under a canopy in the palace gardens. Flowers bloomed all around, and the air carried the scent of sandalwood. Yet, a strange silence hung between them—as if an important matter was about to be spoken.
Akshay (With a light smile): "What is it, friends? Now that you two are together, the treaty is made, why this silence? Say something."
Agni and Neer looked at each other. A silent conversation passed between them. Then, Agni nodded.
Agni (Turning serious): "We have something to tell you, friend. About an important decision."
Akshay (Eyes brightening): "Then speak! I am sitting here ready to listen."
Neer (Looking directly into Akshay's eyes): "We have made a decision together, Akshay. We wish to unite Tejgarh and Nilagarh—as one joint kingdom."
The smile on Akshay's lips froze. Then, slowly, it began to fade.
Akshay: "That is… a very good decision, friends. But…"
Agni (Stepping forward): "But the leadership of this united kingdom… you must take it up, Akshay."
Upon hearing this, Akshay's face turned ashen white in an instant. He stood up abruptly, his eyes wide.
Akshay (Laughing, but the laughter was strained with panic): "What are you saying? The kings of the kingdoms are the two of you! I am just… I am just the son of a simple merchant. How can I possibly…?"
Neer (Firmly): "For us, you are not just a friend, Akshay. You are the one who built a bridge between two broken kingdoms. You possess a sense of justice, practical wisdom, and a heart that desires unity, not enmity."
Agni (Taking Akshay's hand): "And we… we need some time. We need to return to the Gurukul—to meet Gurudev, to find ourselves again. This war, this grief… it has hollowed us out from within."
Akshay (Suddenly erupting in anger, his voice rising): "No! You will not go to the Gurukul!"
An uncomfortable silence fell. Neer and Agni were stunned—they had never seen Akshay so vehement.
Neer (Trying to calm him): "What is it, Akshay? Why are you so angry? Do you have some doubt? Is there some truth you are hiding?"
Akshay buried his face in his hands. His shoulders shook. When he looked up, a deep conflict raged in his eyes.
Akshay (Voice trembling): "No… there is no truth. I just… I just want to say that going to the Gurukul now is not right. The kingdom needs you."
Agni (Nodding understandingly): "Alright, fine. We are not going to the Gurukul. Just… we need to go away from here for a while. To recover from our sorrow, to find peace for our souls. And you will handle the kingdom now, won't you?"
Akshay (Letting out a sigh of relief, but a strange glint remained in his eyes): "Alright… but on one condition. Both of you will stay by my side. I cannot handle all this alone. You must remain here, at least until the kingdom is stable."
Agni and Neer looked at each other once more. A silent agreement passed between them.
Agni: "Yes, Akshay. We are with you. We always will be."
But as Akshay turned to leave, a strange shadow passed over his face—as if a burden weighed him down, a secret ensnared him. And in the far corner of the garden, a crow cawed and flew away, as if warning that this dawn of peace was still shrouded in many secrets and trials yet to come.