The soft light of dawn streamed through the latticed windows of the palace, casting a golden glow over the chambers where Suthanu stood, gazing out toward the horizon. Today was an important day , she and Bhanu realized it was time for it. Today, Vajra's education would begin, not the formal teachings of scriptures and weapons of gurukula - he still had time for it, but the life lessons that she had to pass down to him. 

Suthanu's heart fluttered with a mix of pride and emotion as she thought about her little boy, soon to take his first steps into a world of knowledge. It felt like only yesterday he was a toddler running around the palace halls, his laughter echoing everywhere. Now, he was about to embark on a new chapter of his life yet still very much her little boy.

As if sensing her thoughts, Bhanu walked into the room, his presence always grounding her. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to turn and face him. There was warmth in his eyes as he smiled at her.

"You look lost in thought," Bhanu said softly.

Suthanu sighed, leaning her head against his chest. "It's just... today is such an important day. Our little Vajra is growing up so quickly. I want to be the ideal guide for him, Adi. What if I fail?"

Bhanu chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. "Fail? You, my love, are the most nurturing soul I know. Who better than you to teach him the morals of life? You've always shown him the way through your actions, your kindness, and your strength. His love for you is not hidden to any eye. Trust me, you will be the perfect guru."

Suthanu smiled, but her eyes were filled with a mixture of emotions. "He's so young, Bhanu. We know his future but he doesn't. It was our mutual decision to not let him know we are rulers of Indraprastha. He is the future of a land and his knowledge becomes crucial"

Bhanu gently tilted her chin, so she was looking into his eyes. "You'll teach him as you always do , Thanu. He doesn't need to understand everything today. This is only the beginning. But he will carry every word, every lesson you give him, in his heart. And when the time comes, he will rise to be the man we dream of—a man of dharma but I want him to create the vision of a person he would be. We can only guide him to choose the right path but to walk on it is always on Lal."

Suthanu nodded, her heart settling with his reassuring words. "You're right. Today, we give him the foundation, and that is all that matters."

As the morning sun climbed higher, the royal family prepared for the auspicious ceremony. Bhanu and Suthanu, dressed in simple yet elegant garments, took Vajra by the hand and led him to the palace temple. It was the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the divine protector of their family, where they sought blessings for every important event in their lives.

Vajra, full of curiosity and excitement, trotted beside them, his little hands clutching Suthanu's fingers. His eyes darted around, filled with the wonder. He knew something special was happening today, but he didn't fully grasp what it was. Yet, he could feel the weight of the moment, the importance that filled the air.

Inside the temple, the atmosphere was serene, the fragrance of incense mingling with the soft chants of the priests. The idols of the gods stood tall and majestic, adorned with flowers and garlands. In the center, the sacred lingam of Lord Shiva stood, representing the infinite power and wisdom of the universe.

Bhanu led the puja, offering flowers and sacred water to the deity while chanting mantras for the well-being and growth of their son. Suthanu, kneeling beside him, offered prayers with folded hands, asking for the divine grace to guide her as a mother and teacher to Vajra.

When the puja concluded, they turned to Vajra, who stood with wide, innocent eyes, watching everything with deep interest. Suthanu knelt beside him, taking his small hands in hers.

"Lal," she began softly, "today is a very special day for you. Today, you begin your journey of learning—of understanding the world, of knowing right from wrong, and of following the path of morality"

Vajra blinked, trying to take in his mother's words. He felt a flutter of excitement in his heart, but more than that, he felt an immense love for his parents. Without a second thought, he knelt down before both Suthanu and Bhanu, touching their feet in reverence.

"Maiya, Pita," he said in his soft, earnest voice, "you are my universe. Please bless me"

Suthanu's heart swelled with pride and emotion as tears pricked at her eyes. She looked at Bhanu, who was equally moved by their son's gesture. Bhanu bent down, lifting Vajra into his arms.

"You surprise us every day, Lal," Bhanu said with a smile, his voice filled with admiration. " Where did you learn this from?"

" Pitamaha told me , Pita " , Vajra smiled. 

Suthanu, still kneeling, gently brushed her son's cheek as she thought internally. 'Your Pitamaha is the universal lord , Lal '. 

Vajra, nestled in his father's arms, smiled brightly, his eyes twinkling with the innocence of a child and the excitement of the journey ahead. The temple echoed with the silence of blessings, as the family stood together, united in love and purpose. 

Suthanu sat with little Vajra under the shade of a grand peepal tree. The rustling leaves created a gentle melody as the cool breeze swept across, filling the air with serenity. 

Vajra sat cross-legged beside his mother, his eyes bright with curiosity. Suthanu smiled softly as she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Today," she began, her voice carrying the calm strength of a mother's wisdom, "we start with the first prayer, a shloka that invokes the blessing of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Do you know why we always begin with him?"

Vajra shook his head slightly, eager to learn.

"Ganapati," she continued, "is the god of new beginnings. Whenever we embark on any journey, whether it is learning, building, or even making a decision, we invoke his name. He clears the path, ensuring that our intentions are pure and our actions lead to success."

With a serene smile, Suthanu folded her hands in prayer and recited the shloka in a slow, melodic voice, encouraging Vajra to repeat after her.

"Vakratunda Mahakaya,
Suryakoti Samaprabha,
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva,
Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada."

As Vajra repeated each line, his voice sweet and innocent, Suthanu could feel the energy of the moment. Her son was a quick-learner but his eyes was bright in curiosity. 

"This prayer," Suthanu explained after Vajra had finished, "is not just a chant. It's a reminder. Whenever you start anything important in life, remember to seek blessings. And, like Ganesha, always strive to remove obstacles from the path of others. That is true strength."

Vajra sat still, the weight of his mother's words beginning to settle in his young mind. His brow furrowed in thought, and after a moment, he asked, his voice soft and curious, "Maiya, why must we seek blessings? Why do we need anyone's blessing to begin a journey?". 

Suthanu smiled at his innocent question, a warmth spreading through her as she recognized the depth of thought in her little son. She noted in the back of her mind that Vajra had sought blessings in the morning from them without knowing the intention behind but it was not that...he had performed a deed without truly understanding it. She had to address it but she will slowly. 

"Rajkumar Vajra," she began, her voice tender but filled with wisdom, "seeking blessings is not a sign of weakness, nor is it because we are incapable. We seek blessings because we recognize that life is vast, and there are many forces beyond our control. Strength and skill, while important, are only a part of what makes a person truly successful. Blessings connect us to the divine, to our ancestors, and to those who love us."

Vajra blinked, absorbing her words but still puzzled. "But how does a blessing help, Maiya? How can words from someone, or even the gods, change what I do?"

Suthanu smiled again, knowing that this was a question many souls struggled with. She shifted slightly, facing Vajra fully, and continued, "Think of it like the wind that fills the sails of a boat. The boat may be well-built, the sailor skilled, but without the wind, the journey becomes long and hard. Blessings are like that wind. They give us strength, clarity, and guidance. They fill our hearts with confidence and hope, pushing us forward even when the sea becomes rough."

"When we seek blessings, we acknowledge that we are not alone and people are there for us. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us—our parents, our ancestors, the gods—and their love and wisdom flows through us. It is that flow, that connection, which inspires usto  rise above challenges."

Vajra listened carefully, his young mind trying to grasp this new understanding. "So, it's not just about me, is it?" he asked slowly. "It's about... all the people who love me?"

Suthanu's heart swelled with joy at the insight of her child. She nodded, her eyes soft with affection. "Exactly, my son. When you seek blessings, you are not just asking for strength from the gods or those around you—you are acknowledging that you are part of something greater at the same time - there is always something higher above you. You are not alone in this world. The love and guidance of others lift you up, just as you will one day lift others."

She paused for a moment, then added, "Do you remember, my dear, when you were learning to walk? You would stumble, fall, and get back up. Your father and I would stand by you, guiding you, holding you when needed, but also letting you find your own balance. Our presence was there to support you, but the journey was yours to make. That is what blessings are like—a support, a foundation, but the steps must always be your own."

Vajra nodded, understanding beginning to bloom in his heart. "So, Maiya, when I ask for blessings, I am asking for their love to guide me, but I must still do the work?"

Suthanu beamed at her son. "Yes, Prince Vajra. You understand it perfectly. The blessings of others will always be with you, but your path is yours to walk. You must put in the effort, face the obstacles, and make choices. Blessings are not a shield that protects you from every hardship, but they are a light that helps you see the way forward."

Vajra, now deep in thought, whispered softly, "And if I forget to ask for blessings?"

Suthanu chuckled, the sound gentle and filled with affection. "The gods and those who love you are always watching over you, whether you remember to ask or not. But asking for blessings is a way of grounding yourself. It humbles us, connects us, and prepares us to face whatever comes with grace."

She then touched his chest, right over his heart, her fingers soft yet firm. "Blessings, my son, are not just words. They are a way of carrying the love, strength, and wisdom of others inside you. They remind you that you are never truly alone, even when the world feels vast and challenging. They help you in staying humble thus seeding compassion - the root that the world thrives in"

Vajra felt the weight of his mother's touch, his heart swelling with the understanding that his life, his path, was woven with the lives of those who cared for him. He looked up at her with bright eyes, full of new awareness, and said, "Then, Maiya, I will always seek blessings before any important moment. But I will put my best efforts too."

Suthanu smiled with pride and love wanting to pull him into an embrace as she stood up. " Prince Vajra - your education has begun ! With both blessings and effort, you will walk a path filled with purpose and victory."

Vajra rose from the ground as he went towards Suthanu. He bowed down to touch her feet this time with a knowing. 

" Bless me maiya " , Vajra whispered. 

" My blessings are always with you , lal " , Suthanu lifted him with a smile before she kneeled down to his height , " I will give you once more lesson today lal , never do any task / deed without understanding it's purpose. Action without purpose can cost heavy at times ". 

" Maiya? " , Vajra looked with wide eyes trying to understand. 

" Remember , you sought our blessings in the morning? " , Suthanu smiled , " You performed it without truly understanding it's purpose ". 

Vajra smiled at Suthanu before he cheerfully spoke , " I understand maiya. I will keep this in mind ". 

The court was unusually quiet, as if even the air itself held its breath. Krishna sat on his grand throne, his expression calm as he listened intently to the proceedings. Before him stood a merchant—nervous, fidgeting—and beside him, a woman in tattered clothes, her eyes puffy from crying. She had accused the merchant of selling her tainted grain, causing illness in her village. The merchant, in turn, defended himself vehemently, claiming innocence.

"It is false, my king! I sold nothing but the finest grain! It must have been stored poorly by her or someone in her village!" the merchant said, his voice tight with desperation.

The woman's quiet sobs filled the room. "I would never lie, my king," she murmured. "My people are sick because of his greed."

Krishna was not new to handling such a delicate case. The merchant was respected, known for his dealings with the royal court. But the woman's sincerity was undeniable. The politics in Dwarka were feminine always with various perspectives and the art of freedom was open as opposed to the masculine way which was strict dictatorship and rigid laws. But the feminine nature was causing a disbalance with time , the value of freedom was now slowly turning the civilization to commit deeds as their heart wishes thus causing chaos. 

He could directly close the case for he could see the truth but that would further sow the seeds of disbalance among the royal class. 

Before he would make a judgement , sound of footsteps and laughter filled the court. Vajra with his curls bouncing and his feet padding swiftly across the polished floor. His face was lit with excitement, clearly unaware of the seriousness of the situation.

" Lal !" Suthanu's gentle voice came from the entrance, trying to call him back, but the child had already run toward his grandfather.

Krishna smiled slightly, though the courtiers looked uncertain about the interruption. "What brings you here, Rajakumar Vajra ?" Bhanu stood up before asking.

Vajra turned to Bhanu not understanding the glances upon him from the court, until his eyes widened as he looked at the two figures in the centre of the court. His gaze settled on the woman, noticing her red eyes and trembling hands.

Without hesitation, Vajra ran to her. He held the end of her saree as the clueless lady kneeled down.

Vajra wrapped his small arms around her as he hugged her tightly, offering comfort in his innocent way. The woman froze, startled by the child's sudden embrace, but something in her heart softened. The court watched in stunned silence as Vajra looked up at her with wide, empathetic eyes wiping away her tears next.

"Don't cry," he whispered softly, his small voice piercing through the tension in the room. "Why are you sad?"

The woman blinked, wiping her eyes, but before she could respond, Vajra turned his gaze toward his grandfather, Krishna, his young face full of curiosity.

"Why is she sad, Pitamaha?" Vajra asked, his voice innocent but loud enough for all to hear.

Bhanu was about to intervene when Krishna raised his palm. Krishna smiled as he answered Vajra - "She believes that the merchant gave her bad grain. But the merchant says he didn't."

Vajra furrowed his brows in confusion, still holding the woman's hand. He turned to her again, his gaze filled with concern. "Did you ask him why he gave you the bad grain?"

The woman looked taken aback by the question. "No, Rajkumar. I only know what happened after we ate it."

Vajra turned to the merchant, his gaze surprisingly sharp for a child. "Why did you give bad grain to her?"

The merchant looked uncomfortable under the child's scrutiny. "I didn't, Rajkumar. It was good when I sold it."

Vajra not understanding, blinked. "But if it was good grain, then why did the people get sick?"

A murmur rippled through the court. It was simplicity of a child's mind. 

The merchant fumbled for words. "I-I don't know, Rajkumar. Maybe it was her fault! Maybe they didn't store it properly."

Vajra stepped closer, his eyes narrowing with childlike curiosity. "Did you eat some of the grain too?" he asked innocently.

The merchant hesitated. His lips twitched, and for the briefest moment, there was a flicker of something—nervousness, perhaps guilt—in his expression. "No... No, I didn't."

The room fell into a hushed silence. Vajra looked at him keenly still not understanding. "Why not? If it was good grain, wouldn't you eat it?"

Krishna had to hide his smile within while Bhanu and Suthanu had to hide his own emotion too. The courtiers exchanged uneasy glances. The young prince had unknowingly stumbled onto a strange point. The merchant seemed rattled now, his calm facade cracking under the child's persistent questions.

Vajra's eyes brightened as if he'd made a new discovery. "Maybe it wasn't good when you sold it. Maybe you knew it would make them sick. That's why you didn't eat it!"

The merchant's face drained of color. He stammered, his words stumbling over each other. "I-I didn't—"

Before he could finish, one of the court advisors, sharp-eyed and quick-thinking, stepped forward. "My king, may I suggest something?"

Krishna nodded , a royal nod.

"We should check the storage houses where the grain was kept before it was delivered. And perhaps it would be wise to check the other places the merchant delivered grain to. If others have fallen ill..."

The merchant's knees trembled, and he dropped to the floor, his hands shaking. "I didn't... I thought... I was pressured! My suppliers—there was something wrong with the grain, but I was told to move it quickly. I swear I didn't mean to harm anyone!" he confessed, his voice breaking.

Gasps filled the court. The tension snapped like a taut string as the truth tumbled out—corruption, deceit, the merchant's greed or fear, masked by lies. The grain had indeed been tainted, and the merchant, knowing it, had turned a blind eye.

The woman's sobs grew louder, but now they carried a mix of relief and sorrow. Justice had been served, but at a terrible cost.

Amid the chaos, Vajra simply looked up at his grandfather, a small smile on his face, unaware of the storm he had just stirred.

"She's not sad anymore, right, Pitamaha?" Vajra said, his voice filled with the kind of innocent certainty only a child could have.

Krishna smiled softly, "No, dulhara. She isn't sad anymore."

And as the woman knelt down, tears still flowing, Vajra patted her hand gently before wrapping his small arms around her again in a comforting embrace. The courtiers watched in awe, knowing that the young prince had not only uncovered the truth but also reminded them all of the purity of justice that must be served against all odds. 

Justice needed - a clear sight and true heart ! 

Vajra ran to Suthanu just as happily as he has entered.

" Maiya " , Vajra threw his hands around Suthanu who had kneeled down to his height. She held him closer affectionately but she could not understand her own heart.

She was a proud mother but the irk of a few men in the court additionally the rich merchant was not hidden to her eye.  She didn't want her baby boy to become a centre of the political game this early even if she knew this was his destiny.

Her heart sank as she held him closer looking at Bhanu and then at Krishna.

To be continued...

How was the chapter?

So , we will be going to Hastinapura too sooner. 

Also , can I please say how many chapters I have completed? I am writing the 11th chapter at the moment <3 

As much as reading is interesting , writing this story is an equal pleasure. 

Please do leave your votes and comments !