Dwarka

One year had passed since that night in Hastinapura. The intruder was traced back to a tribe of a foreign land , a land beyond their Sapt Sindhu. It confused the men on the real identity or were they being misled? Suthanu and Bhanu began to watch over Vajra's life more closely but still the incident was a mystery that was yet to be unveiled.

Under the pale moonlight, Bhanu and Dhruv stood in the armory of the palace.

Bhanu exhaled slowly, his eyes still fixed on the distant weapons. "Dhruv, it's time."

Dhruv turned, a slight crease forming on his brow. "Time? Time for what, Bhanu?"

Bhanu shifted his gaze to his friend, his expression contemplative but firm. "It's time we start teaching Vajra and Agastya about the world they'll inherit. Not just the palaces, or the crowns they may wear, but the intricacies of politics-the dance of power and the delicate threads that bind kingdoms together. They must understand the weight of their lineage, but also the fragility of the world around them."

Dhruv frowned, the warmth of the night unable to chase away the chill those words brought to his heart. "Vajra, yes. But Agastya... why him? He's not born to royalty, Bhanu. His path is different."

Bhanu's lips curved into a soft, almost wistful smile. He reached over and placed a firm hand on Dhruv's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "Dhruv, do you not see? Agastya is as much a part of this world as Vajra. He may not have royal blood, but in every way that matters, he is royalty to me. If he is your son, then he is mine too. And I trust no one more than you when it comes to guiding me-should I not offer Vajra the same from Agastya?"

The sincerity in Bhanu's voice silenced Dhruv for a moment. The thought weighed heavy on his heart, but the warmth of Bhanu's words filled him with a deep sense of gratitude and affection.

"Bhanu, Agastya... he's always looked up to you, you are his Pitrutulya but are you sure? Both are still so young, so full of curiosity. Do they need to carry the burden of politics and power?" Dhruv's voice was filled with concern.

Bhanu smiled again, his eyes softening. "Yes, they are young. But the world doesn't wait for them to grow up, Dhruv. And when the time comes, it will be sudden-life doesn't offer much warning before it demands action. The future of Indraprastha, of the lands we govern, will rest in their hands one day. And it is our duty, as fathers, to ensure they are not just into the picture of royalty by us, but protectors with wisdom."

Dhruv remained silent, the weight of Bhanu's words sinking in. He looked at his friend, the man who had stood by him through every trial, every joy. The bond they shared wasn't one of obligation but of choice-of a brotherhood deeper than blood. How could he deny Bhanu's desire to guide Agastya as his own?

"I never thought of it like that," Dhruv admitted quietly. "But you're right. I have no one better to trust Agastya with than you and Suthanu. It is his fortune so as my own. He'll learn from you and Suthanu just as Vajra will. After all, if my son is like your son and your son - mine, then surely both your wisdom should shape him too."

Bhanu smiled, a deep warmth filling his chest. "I always knew you'd understand, Dhruv. It's not about bloodlines, it's about what we pass on. Agastya and Vajra-they're both pieces of us, carrying forward the friendship, the lessons, and the love we've shared. They'll grow into men who'll preserve this land of Dharma, but they need to be prepared. And they will be... because we'll stand beside them every step of the way."

For a moment, silence enveloped the two friends again, but it was no longer heavy with doubt or hesitation. It was filled with an unspoken agreement, a mutual understanding of their roles not just as fathers, but as stewards of the future.

"We'll start tomorrow," Bhanu said, his voice soft but determined. " Suthanu will begin with the pillars of Dharma and I'll start with the science of politics ; their journey will begin in the land of politics."

Dhruv nodded, a small smile creeping onto his face. "And perhaps, a little bit of that mischief you're always known for, Bhanu?"

Bhanu laughed, a sound that echoed warmly in the night air. "Of course , they already have too much and they should inherit more of it, don't you think?"

The two friends chuckled together, their laughter breaking the stillness of the night. In that moment, they knew-no matter how vast the responsibilities ahead, their sons would never walk alone. They had each other, and together, they would ensure the next generation was ready for whatever lay ahead.

The soft light of dawn filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the small room where Suthanu sat with her son.

Suthanu's hands moved delicately as she tied the sash of Vajra's tunic, her fingers lingering just a moment longer, memorizing the texture of the fabric and the feel of her little boy's growing frame beneath it. Her heart was full, but happy, as the reality of the day sank in.

Today, Vajra would begin his sastra abyaas-the day he had waited for eagerly, yet a day Suthanu had prepared herself for. Her son, still so small and full of innocence, would soon begin to learn the ways of warriors, the science of weapons.

"Maiya, why are you tying it so slowly?" Vajra's voice was filled with impatience, his bright eyes alight with excitement. He fidgeted in her lap, barely able to contain his energy.

Suthanu smiled, brushing a soft curl away from his forehead. "Because, my Lal, today is not like any other day." She tied the last knot of his sash and gently turned him to face her, her eyes searching his young face-the face that still held the softness of childhood.

"Do you know what today is, Lal?" she asked softly, her voice laced with tenderness.

Vajra nodded vigorously. "Yes, maiya! Pita said it's the day I start my training. I will learn to fight with swords and spears and bows!" His excitement bubbled up, and his small fists clenched as if he already held a weapon in his hand.

Suthanu chuckled, though her heart tugged at the childlike eagerness. She took his hands in hers, gently loosening his tight little fists. "Yes, today you will begin to learn, but not just about weapons, Lal. Today you will start to understand what it means to protect-why we hold weapons, and when we should use them."

Vajra tilted his head, his brow furrowing in confusion. "To fight, right? To win battles?"

Suthanu smiled softly, lifting his small hands to her lips and pressing a gentle kiss. "No, my son. You do not fight simply to win battles. Your father will teach you the art of war, yes, but before that, you must learn the art of peace."

Vajra's confusion deepened, his innocent eyes widening as he tried to grasp the concept. Suthanu placed a hand on his chest, over his heart. "In here, Lal, is where true strength lies. The sword, the spear, the bow-they are only tools. What you must master first is your heart and your mind. You must understand that weapons are not meant to hurt, but to protect. They are not symbols of power, but of responsibility."

Vajra's eyes softened, though a flicker of uncertainty remained. "But... why do I need to learn to fight if I should keep peace, maiya?"

Suthanu's gaze grew distant for a moment, her mind wandering to the countless battles she had witnessed, the conflicts that had shaped their family and their land. Her voice softened, and she looked into her son's innocent eyes. "Because, Lal, there are times when peace cannot be kept without the strength to protect it. The world is not always kind, and sometimes, we must raise a weapon not to seek war, but to preserve peace-for our family, our people, and those we love."

She stroked his cheek gently, her heart swelling with pride and love for her son. "But always remember, Lal, the greatest warriors are the ones who seek peace first, not violence. You will learn the ways of weapons, but I hope you never have to use them out of anger or hate."

Vajra nodded slowly, his little mind trying to understand the weight of her words. Suthanu smiled and leaned forward, kissing his forehead. "Today, when you step into the training grounds, your father will not be the man who plays with you or tells you stories at night. He will be your teacher. He will be stern, and his lessons will be hard. But know this-everything he teaches you is out of love. Not for the warrior you will become, but for the man you are destined to be."

Vajra looked up at his mother, his eyes full of earnest innocence yet laced with a maturity beyond his years. "Maiya," he began softly, "Pita's lessons are not just for my hands to learn, but for my heart to understand. Every word he speaks, every challenge he sets before me, I will cherish because I know it comes from his love. Even if his hand is harsh or his words stern, I will never see it as punishment. To me, it is his blessing, a gift meant to shape me into the man who is ideal. I would follow his path, not because he is my father, but because he is the man I want to grow to be."

Suthanu felt a lump in her throat as she listened to her son's words, seeing not just a child before her, but a heart filled with love and reverence of a son for a father. Had Bhanu been here , she knew what his emotions would have been. It was a conversation for tonight , she noted at the back of her mind.

A familiar presence entered the room, filling it with warmth and a profound sense of peace. Krishna stood in the doorway, his radiant smile lighting up the space as Suthanu acknowledged with a smile. He walked in, his soft footsteps barely making a sound, and knelt before Vajra who smiled, his hands resting gently on the boy's shoulders.

"Dulhara," Krishna said, his voice like the soft wind rustling the leaves. "Today, you take your first steps toward a path many have walked before you. Anyone can be wield a weapon , some turn a warrior but very few turn a protector. It is start of that journey and you are to make a choice on what you wish to become"

Vajra's eyes widened as he looked up at Krishna. " Pitamaha, will you teach me too?"

Krishna chuckled, his laughter warm and affectionate. "I will teach you, little one, but not in the way you think. Your father will teach you how to wield a sword, but I will teach you how to wield your heart and mind." He pressed a gentle finger against Vajra's chest, just over where his heart beat rapidly with anticipation before caressing his head.

Suthanu watched silently, her heart full as she saw the wisdom and love Krishna offered her son. She knew that these words would echo in Vajra's heart for years to come.

Krishna's eyes twinkled as he met Suthanu's gaze, his smile filled with the understanding of a universe far beyond her own. Then, turning back to Vajra, he said softly, "Go to your father today with an open heart and a sharp mind. Learn not just the ways of war, but the ways of a protector. And remember, the most powerful weapon you will ever wield is your heart and mind."

Vajra nodded, his excitement tempered now with a deeper understanding. He looked up at his mother, then back to Krishna, his young face filled with a mixture of awe, curiosity, and the beginnings of wisdom.

Krishna stood, his presence still radiating warmth as he gave Vajra a final smile. "Go now, my dulhara. Your father awaits."

Bhanu stood tall, watching the two small figures before him. Vajra and Agastya stood wide-eyed, filled with the innocence of childhood, yet their hearts brimming with excitement. Today was the first day of their training-the day they would begin to understand the warrior's path. They had heard stories of valor and heroism, but now, they would hold the weapons that shaped those legends in their own small hands.

Bhanu's gaze softened as he knelt before them, bringing himself to their height. "Are you ready, my little warriors?" he asked with a smile, knowing that their understanding of what was to come was wrapped in the thrill of something new.

Vajra's eyes sparkled with eagerness, his hands twitching as if he could hardly wait. "Yes, Guru Deva! I'm ready!" . Agastya, standing beside his best friend, nodded enthusiastically, though a bit quieter, his curiosity clearly piqued by what was to come.

"Good," Bhanu said gently, rising and motioning for them to follow. His son had not forgotten , this moment he stood in front of them as a Guru. As they walked, Bhanu led them to a wide table covered in an array of weapons-swords, bows, spears, shields, and more. The boys gasped in awe, their eyes drinking in every detail.

Vajra was the first to rush forward, his small fingers hovering over a gleaming sword. "Look at this one!" he exclaimed, marveling at its shine. Agastya followed close behind, his hand reaching toward a bow, though he hesitated just before touching it.

Bhanu stepped closer, his voice low but filled with a quiet firmness. "These are not just weapons, boys. Each one tells a story, holds a purpose. You must understand their significance before you can choose which path you will walk."

Both boys turned their eyes to Bhanu, their excitement tempered by the gravity in his tone. He picked up a sword, holding it in front of them. "This sword is not for play. It's for protection, for defense. It is heavy because the weight of its responsibility is great."

He placed it down gently, his eyes now on the spear. "The spear-it is swift and precise. It strikes with intention, not with rage. When wielded properly, it reaches further than the arm can stretch, but it must always know its target."

Next, he lifted a bow. "The bow teaches patience, boys. It requires focus, steady hands, and a clear eye. You must understand the distance between yourself and the world around you when using it, for once an arrow is released, it cannot be taken back."

Vajra and Agastya listened intently, their gazes following Bhanu's every movement, their faces filled with wonder.

"And these," Bhanu continued, picking up a shield, "are not just for defense. A shield protects not only you but those who stand behind you. It teaches you the value of defense over attack, and that not every battle needs a blade."

He paused, then set the shield down, kneeling once more to meet their eager faces. His tone softened as he reached out and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "But remember this above all : a weapon is not just a tool of war. It is an extension of your heart and mind. When you raise a weapon, it is not out of anger, not out of pride. You raise it only when necessary-when there is something greater than yourself to protect. You must know why you fight, whom you fight for, and when to stop."

Vajra tilted his head, his face scrunching in thought. "But, Guru Deva, how will we know when to stop?"

Bhanu smiled at his son's innocent question. "You will know, Rajkumar Vajra, when the battle is no longer about what is right, but about proving who is stronger. That is when you lay down your weapon. For strength is not in the swing of the sword, but in knowing when to wield it. The moral decision when to rise and lower it".

Agastya looked up at Bhanu, his small voice barely above a whisper. "So... we don't fight to hurt people , Guru Deva?"

Bhanu's smiled at the depth of the boy's understanding. "Exactly, Agastya. We fight to protect-to protect our people, our land, and sometimes, our very honor. But never to harm without reason. The moment we fight out of anger or hatred, we lose the very battle we think we're winning."

The boys fell silent, their excitement tempered by the weight of what Bhanu had shared. It wasn't the weapons themselves that mattered-it was the wisdom behind using them.

Bhanu rose, his heart swelling as he looked down at his son and his best friend's son. "Now, tomorrow I will ask you both to return, and when you do, you will tell me which weapon you wish to master. But," he added, his voice growing stern yet loving, "you must have a reason-a reason from your heart and mind. Not just because it looks exciting or because you think it will make you strong. You must understand what the weapon means to your soul and what you will protect with it."

Vajra and Agastya exchanged glances, their childish excitement bubbling beneath their serious expressions. The idea of choosing a weapon was thrilling, but they now understood it carried meaning-a responsibility they were just beginning to grasp.

" You both may leave now " , Bhanu nodded at the children who bowed to him.

As the two boys ran ahead, chattering excitedly about what they might choose, Bhanu stood back, watching them. He felt a profound sense of peace, knowing that this was only the beginning of their journey.

To be continued...

Vajra is to choose his weapon. What weapon would he choose do you all feel?

Also , we have something very fun coming in the next few chapters.

Also , I heard a few looking for chapter titles. I feel it keeps the story intruiging when I add it to the chapters instead of doing it directly. What do you all feel?

Please do leave your votes and comments !