"These women had a tough life, to be abandoned, alone, and feared?" she whispered sadly.

"Being the weapon of royalty, yet the Vish-Kanya were discarded. How unfortunate," she murmured as she closed the book.

The librarian, approached her. "Would you change their fate if you could?" he asked gently.

"How could I?" Ulupi replied, feeling their pain deeply.

The librarian nodded knowingly. "Then step into their shoes," he suggested.

Before she could react, a mystical portal opened before her. Its swirling energy pulling her in. The world around her shifted, and she found herself standing in the grand courtyard of the Mauryan palace, her senses heightened and her body transformed. Now she became a Vish-Kanya. She felt a mysterious energy within her body.

She scanned the surroundings. The palace was a maze of majestic halls and corridors, buzzing with activity as servants went about their duties.  Following the stream of other servants, she proceeded to the inner sanctum of the palace, where Chanakya, the brilliant adviser of the royal family resided.  No one noticed her as they thought she was just another servant. She knew that Chanakya was the mastermind behind the creation of Vish-Kanyas.

A scent of sandalwood and incense grew stronger as she entered the chamber, mixing with the faint scent of ancient scrolls and ink.

In the dimly lit room, Chanakya sat behind a large wooden desk, his piercing eyes scanning many parchments. He looked up as Ulupi entered, his gaze lingering on her for a few moments, as if sensing the latent power within her.

"Who are you? " He asked.

"One of your deadly creation, scrapped from the golden history." She replied with a smirk.

He scanned her from her head to toes. He understood her identity.

"Vish-Kanya? What is your name?" He asked in a calm tone.

"What would you do with our name, when we all will be deleted from the screen? "

"The Vish-Kanyas are created for a singular purpose," Chanakya began, "To be the silent protectors and deadly weapons of the empire. Their existence is shrouded in secrecy, their power feared and respected."

"Which respect are you talking about? In the end, you throw us away in the darkness. Why do we have to suffer like this?" she asked shouting at him.

Chanakya thought for a moment. "But, you were orphan at beginning, I gave you a purpose of your life. I will not forget your sacrifices, your loyalty. I will remember you all."

"This is not how you save a child. You have failed miserably." Ulupi told smiling sarcasticly.

"What do you want, girl?" He stood up and asked.

"Rewrite our story," after a small pause she completed, "so that we can claim our honour that we deserve."

Chanakya smiled, "Go ahead, girl. I will wait for you."

Without delaying for a moment, she turned and left the chamber but not before giving him a threatening glance. Her path led her to the Queen's palace.

Ulupi quickly became an integral part of palace life, initially blending in as a servant. However, her exceptional talents soon captured everyone's attention. Her music filled the palace with melodies and rhythmic beats that moved hearts. Her paintings brought scenes to life with vibrant colors and deep emotions. Queens,  concubines and courtiers were enchanted by Ulupi's performances and artworks, gathering to admire and enjoy her creative gifts. Thus she increased her power and influence becoming their friends in the palace politics.

However, over the years, Ulupi grew close to the second queen, becoming not only her confidante but also a highly respected advisor within the palace. Using her influence and strategic mind, Ulupi devised a conspiracy that led to the death of the heir to the throne. With the path cleared, she ensured that the second queen's son was named the new successor. Chanakya understood everything, but he had left with no power to intervene in this situation.
He called Ulupi to his chamber for a private conversation.

Over the years, Ulupi grew close to the second queen, becoming not only her confidante but also a highly respected advisor within the palace. Using her influence and strategic mind, Ulupi devised a conspiracy that led to the death of the heir to the throne. With the path cleared, she ensured that the second queen's son was named the new successor.

Chanakya, though aware of the entire scheme, was powerless to intervene. Recognizing the limits of his influence, he called Ulupi to his chamber for a private conversation.

"I know this is all your doing. What do you want now?" he asked, his voice a mix of frustration and curiosity.

"As I said before, I want to rewrite our story, where we take the lead," Ulupi replied confidently.

"Can you stop me?" she challenged with her eyes meeting his eyes.

Chanakya studied her for a moment, and then said in a calm voice —

"Stopping you is not my goal, what I want is to ensure the stability and prosperity of this kingdom. If you believe you can lead it to greatness, then prove it. But remember, Every action has consequences, Ulupi. Can you bear them?"

Ulupi took a deep breath. "I know, I am also not your enemy. I just want to receive the honor we deserve. You always used us as weapons. But we are human beings, and we have our own wishes, which cannot be denied."

Chanakya nodded slowly, "So, how will you receive the honor you seek?" he asked.

"By implementing new laws and regulations," Ulupi responded confidently.

He smiled, though his eyes remained serious. "You can control people with regulations, not their minds. They will continue abandoning girl children. How would you stop those foolish rituals which were the main reason to have taken your lives away?"

Ulupi remained silent. His words left her in hesitation.

Chanakya's smile widened slightly. "You are driven by emotion, Ulupi. Trust me, if you can achieve what you want, you will have done what many before you have failed to do. "

With that, he turned away, leaving the room but stopped by her.

"Then, what do you want me to do?"

He turned back to face her, in a serious tone, he told,

"This is way tougher than you think. If you try to control them with rules, they will turn against you. Remember, in our culture, the Supreme deities are always female. We respect our mother before everyone else. Yet, the situation is changing, and the mindset is deteriorating.

"Lead by example, show them the strength, wisdom, and compassion of a true leader. Educate and inspire those around you, and be the change you want to see. Believe me, one day there will be no more abandoned girls to be forced to become Vish-Kanya. Every child, whether boy or girl, will live a happy life.

"I cannot promise you that you will be the main lead in this story, but you will not be forgotten. Your efforts will lay the foundation for a brighter future."

He paused. A glimmer of hope make brightened her face. She folded her hands and knelt down before him.

"I am sorry for misunderstanding you. Now I realize that you are truly a wise person with a greater vision. I accept my fault. Please, guide the new heir and me; we need your wisdom."

"Don't apologize, Ulupi. You were not mistaken; your path needed adjustment. Go, rewrite the storyline. I am by your side," he assured her warmly.

She stood up. With Chanakya's support and wisdom, she understood the society and their minds. Following his education, she worked diligently to solve the problems plaguing the empire. However, when Chanakya passed away, she was overcome with deep grief. Yet, in her grief, she held on to the belief that change would come eventually. Realizing the impermanence of all things in nature, she was devoted in her promise of a better future for all.

When, she was in her death bed, she saw the same portal again. It again engulfed her and next time she opened her eyes in the same library.

She was puzzled about all the things, the librarian approached her.

"How was the journey?" He asked.

She realized everything gradually, smiling she said,

"I learned that, nothing is permanent, change and evaluation happens."

He gave her the book she read before. She opened it, started reading the alternative past and felt a satisfaction in her heart.

Closing the book, she turned to the librarian,

"Thank you so much, sir. I will remember this forever".