1) Maya, an attendant or a princess?
King AdityaRaj Chauhan, a young and powerful ruler of 25 years, sat on his throne, his mind weighed down by the recent loss of his father. The kingdom's responsibilities now rested on his shoulders, and the stress was palpable.
Rajmata Shakuntala, his wise and compassionate mother, entered the throne room. Her eyes, filled with concern, locked onto her son.
"Aditya, beta, it's time you should thought about marriage," she said gently.
AdityaRaj raised an eyebrow.
"Mother, why? What's the problem. I can have any woman when I want. No-one can stop me."
Shakuntala's expression turned stern.
"That's precisely the problem, Aditya. Your... indulgences will be your downfall. A queen by your side will bring stability and respectability to our kingdom."
AdityaRaj scoffed.
"I don't need a queen to rule effectively, Mother."
Shakuntala's voice took on a warning tone.
"Your father's passing has left a void. The people need to see you settled, with a family of your own. It's time to put aside your... distractions and focus on securing our dynasty's future."
AdityaRaj's jaw clenched, but he knew better than to defy his mother.
"I'll consider it, Mother," he said reluctantly.
Shakuntala nodded.
"I've already begun searching for suitable brides. We'll discuss the options soon."
AdityaRaj's thoughts drifted to his harem, where his desires were always fulfilled. The idea of marrying and settling down felt suffocating.
But he knew his mother wouldn't rest until he complied.
Rajmata Shakuntala presented the invitation to AdityaRaj, her eyes shining with determination.
"Kingdom Ambala is hosting Princess Suhasini's swayamvar. This is the perfect opportunity for you to find a suitable queen."
AdityaRaj raised an eyebrow.
"Tell me about this Princess Suhasini," he asked, his tone neutral.
Shakuntala's smile broadened.
"Suhasini is intelligent, courageous, and a true leader. She's been trained in politics, warfare, and diplomacy. She'll rule efficiently beside you."
AdityaRaj's expression turned skeptical.
"And what makes you think I need a strong-willed queen?"
Shakuntala's voice took on a stern tone.
"You need someone who can complement your strengths, Aditya. Suhasini's resilience and feminist values will bring balance to our kingdom."
AdityaRaj listened intently, his mind racing.
He didn't like the idea of marrying a strong-willed woman, but his mother's words and the kingdom's needs outweighed his personal preferences.
"Very well, Mother," he said finally. "I'll attend the swayamvar and bring Princess Suhasini as my queen."
Shakuntala's face lit up with joy.
"Swear to me, Aditya, that you'll make Princess Suhasini your queen."
AdityaRaj hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"I swear, Mother. I'll bring Princess Suhasini as my queen."
Shakuntala's eyes shone with satisfaction.
"I'll prepare the royal delegation. You'll leave for Ambala immediately."
AdityaRaj nodded, his mind already racing with the implications of his impending marriage.
.....
As King AdityaRaj entered the palace, he was greeted by Queen Vanshika and Maharaj Shantanu. Beside them stood a young girl, Maya, whose simplicity and beauty caught his attention. Her understated elegance mesmerized him.
"Maya, bring me the thalli to welcome King AdityaRaj," Queen Vanshika instructed.
Maya's graceful movements as she retrieved the thalli held AdityaRaj's gaze. He couldn't help but wonder who this captivating girl was.
"Maya, show King AdityaRaj to his chambers," Queen Vanshika directed.
As Maya led him through the palace corridors, AdityaRaj found himself drawn to her quiet confidence and poise. Her beauty wasn't like the ornate jewelry and finery he was accustomed to; it was genuine and unassuming.
"Maya, what's your position here?" AdityaRaj asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
Maya's eyes met his, a hint of shyness in her smile. "I'm one of Queen Vanshika's attendants, Your Majesty."
AdityaRaj nodded, intrigued. "You're not a princess or noble?"
Maya's laughter was melodic. "No, Your Majesty. Just a humble servant."
As they reached his chambers, AdityaRaj felt reluctant to part with Maya's charming company. "Thank you, Maya. I'll see you around?"
Maya's smile hinted at a connection. "Yes, Your Majesty."
As she departed, AdityaRaj couldn't shake off the feeling that Maya was someone special.
.......
Maya's thoughts revealed a hidden truth, one that Queen Vanshika sought to conceal. Maya, the supposed attendant, was actually Princess, the daughter of Maharaj Shantanu and his mistress. The weight of this secret bore down on Maya, fueling feelings of hurt and injustice.
As she navigated the palace corridors, Maya's mind replayed Queen Vanshika's words: "Never reveal your true identity. You're not my daughter, but a mere attendant." The sting of those words lingered.
Maya wondered why Queen Vanshika, renowned for her compassion and advocacy for women's rights, couldn't extend the same kindness to her own step-daughter. Was it because Maya's birth was a reminder of Maharaj Shantanu's infidelity?
The dichotomy between Queen Vanshika's public persona and private behavior puzzled Maya. Why did she champion justice and equality for others, yet deny Maya her rightful status as Princess?
Maya's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. She composed herself, ensuring her mask of servitude remained intact. The burden of her secret identity weighed heavily, but she knew she must conceal her true self, for now.
........
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