●●●●●● The Courage of Arjun ●●●●●●●
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A boy named Arjun lived in the small, dusty village of Rampur. Born to a family living on the edge of poverty, Arjun's childhood was not easy. His father was a laborer who toiled day after day in the fields, while his mother took in laundry to supplement the family's income. There were many nights when they went to bed hungry despite their best efforts.
Arjun was unlike other children of the village. While others played and laughed, he used to carry out strange chores with able-bodied people to help his aged parents. Every day, he fetched water, looked after cattle, and did whatever came his way to earn a few extra rupees. However hard life was, nothing could ever break Arjun's spirit. He had a dream—one so impossible: to be a great warrior, to serve his motherland.
Every evening, with the sun slowly setting to announce the end of yet another day at work, Arjun would sit near the old banyan tree at the end of the village and watch the sun set. It was here, with a makeshift sword made from a fallen branch, that he did his practice. His movements were clumsy at first, but over time, they flowed and became fluid and precise. Arjun had no formal training; on the other hand, he had something far more valuable: determination.
One day, news reached the village that the neighboring kingdom declared war on their land. The king put up a call to arms and wanted brave men in service in his army. Arjun saw this as an opportunity. He approached his father with the idea, but his father laughed in bitterness.
"Arjun, you are but a little boy. How can you think of being a warrior? We need you here."
His heart sank, but Arjun did not give up. The training was continued in secret, polishing his skills and building strength. He knew he had to prove himself not only to his family but to the entire village.
Months passed, and the war went on, until one day a group of soldiers arrived in Rampur, recruiting volunteers to fight in the war. Young Arjun now went up to the captain and spoke resolutely.
"Sir, I want to join the army," said Arjun.
The large man looked him up and down. His skeptical eyes seemed to say, "You are young and thin. What makes you think that you can be a warrior?"
Arjun drew out his improvised sword and strung a few combinations, every one more intricate than the last. The captain stared in amazement at the display of what this mere boy could do.
"You've got heart, lad," said the captain, putting a hand on Arjun's shoulder. "We could use someone like you. Come with us."
Arjun's parents did not want to let him go, but they saw the fire in his eyes and knew that they just couldn't hold on to him. With a heavy heart, they bade him farewell and prayed for his safety.
Arjun had to undergo many problems in the army. The training sessions used to be very tough, and he often became the object of jest on the part of other soldiers due to his low birth. But Arjun's spirit never broke. He trained harder than any man, testing his body and mind beyond their outer limits. The dexterity with the sword he was acquiring became so legendary that simply speaking, there wasn't anyone to match him in that sphere.
The more the war dragged on, the greater was Arjun's reputation. At the forefront of every battle charge, he led his comrades with an undaunted kind of daring that found them falling in line out of respect and admiration for him. He fought not to gain glory or recognition but for the love of the country and the bright hope of a beautiful tomorrow.
One fine day, the enemy attacked the capital as a surprise. His Majesty's forces were outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and underequipped vis-à-vis the gigantic rival. Amidst all that chaos, there emerged Arjun's leadership. He drew together what remained of the troops and then came up with a real daredevil strategy to turn the tides of the battle. At the head of the attack, with sword in hand and heart full of courage, Arjun inspired his fellow soldiers to fight back with all their might.
The battle was furious, but Arjun's plan worked. The enemy was driven back, and the capital was saved. Impressed by the valour and intelligence of Arjun, the king summoned him to the palace.
"Arjun, you have shown exceptional courage and leadership," said the king. "You are no longer an ordinary soldier. From this day onwards, you are a general in my army."
It was a moment of great pride for Arjun. The long journey that had been traveled by this poor boy from Rampur was an inspiration in itself. At the root of his quest was not so much the desire to become a warrior as to demonstrate that if one summoned enough courage and will for it, any obstacle could be surmounted.
After many years, a revered general, Arjun returned to his village. People of Rampur welcomed him with eyes wide open in wonder and amazement. He had not only fulfilled his dream but brought respect to his family and village also.
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The story of Arjun became a legend—eptitude, a saga of courage and plain, pure perseverance. It showed that no matter how humble your origin may be, you will see greatness if you have some heart and a steely determination that will change the world.
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