Author's note: All the names, places and happenings mentioned in the story are fictitious. Hope you enjoy the story!

-----------------------------

Mother nature was harshly cold as the troops traversed the hills of Sheetvan. They were exhausted, hungry and bitten by frost. After days of fighting they were finally returning home which was still far away. They had long ago given up all hopes and fallen apart if it was not the courageous Jyotiraditya, leading the assembly. It was the first war led by the young prince in which he had demonstrated the essence of being a true Kshatriya. He had suffered wounds all over his frame but still stood fearless unperturbed by the unbearable conditions. They had to leave most of their cavalry behind as the terrain was simply not suitable for taking the animals. They walked further until some of the soldiers collapsed and he finally had to order them to stop.

"We will spend the night here. Make some arrangements", the young prince ordered. 

Everyone started setting up the camp and picking up those who were incapable of getting up. The cold was nowhere near merciful and the wind chilled the atmosphere. 

"Your Highness, we are extremely short of supplies and considering the distance left we might have to call for some horses and supplies for the rest of the journey", Commander Veerottam informed the prince, who was planning the journey ahead while resting in his tent.

Jyotiraditya nodded and replied, "Yes you may". He wrote his name on the letter that was to be sent.

Veerottam sighed and noticed the prince's dull face sitting in the corner holding his head.

"It was brutal. Sometimes it seems unnecessary", Jyotiraditya commented closing his eyes.

Veerottam smiled slightly, the wrinkles around his mouth portraying his experience, "It was your first war. You should take some rest."

They heard a cheer from outside, "Jai Agnideva", signaling that some members were successful in lighting a fire. They surrounded the fire to not let it be blown away by the wind and let it grow so that it could compete with the breeze. But their joy didn't last long as snowfall began with a loud roar of wind and the prince ordered everyone, "Inside the tents, now".

Everyone took shelter and fed themselves with whatever refreshments were left. Although they were in a very difficult time their commander Veerottam had told them a way to trick the mind, that is to smile. They rested in their tents. Although Jyotiraditya felt guilty for how much he had made them work, he was proud that they all were immensely tolerant and dedicated. Jyotiraditya had sentiments and emotions but he knew when and where to express them. His father was not too confident whether he would be successful in his endeavor but he had proved him wrong. 

---------------------------------

"Jai Maharaja! Jai Madhavagarh"

"Yes Abhaijeet", asked King Shaurya.

"Your Majesty, we have received a message from prince Jyotiraditya's commander. They have been successful in relieving the neighbouring kingdom Neerghaat from Rudrapur's capture"

King Shaurya sighed in contentment and ordered his troops to be sent to help the prince and his soldiers. Although his strict demeanour may make Jyotiraditya question his father's trust and affection, he was all the time waiting nervously for the good news for his son. 

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"We have a really pleasant message for you Devi", the king addressed his wife while entering her palace.

She smiled hearing King's Shaurya's voice and they both respectfully joined their hands to greet each other.

"What happened Maharaja?"

"Our son was successful. We hope everything goes well from here onwards. He is very capable and I am sure he would get all the wealth he wants in future", the King said proudly.

"I don't think he needs wealth, Maharaja. He is rather of a spiritual mindset. He would surely choose service above power and wealth. I have taught him and I expect that"

King Shaurya embraced the queen and assured her, "you're right"

---------------------------

"What are you painting", Jiya asked Haripriya.

"I don't know, what should I paint? Can we go outside and see?"

Jiya smiled, "Princess Haripriya, I don't think your father would like that."

"Father doesn't like a lot of qualities in me. I have failed to impress my parents. They feel I don't have the elegance of a princess"

"But you are a nice person and I think they just want you to be your best", Jiya, her close friend and helper, added.

"You remember what happened yesterday!", Haripriya forced her to remember yesterday's events.

Flashback

"Where's princess Haripriya", King Rishiraj asked the princess's maidservants. He was fuming in anger. His wife followed him to ensure he doesn't scold her.

"Rajkumari Haripriya", the King said loudly which woke her up from her sleep. She quickly stood on her feet and looked down.

"I'm highly disappointed by your behaviour today in front of the other royalties and their children. I felt as if you were the only one who was not behaving as one from the royal family. Can I know why it was so?", the King demanded a reply.

Haripriya stood silently till she was questioned again, even more harshly this time, "Answer!"

"I..Um...Father I didn't", she took a deep breath and told the truth, "I didn't find anyone genuine. Everyone seemed to be having a crown of ego decorating their heads as opposed to humbleness and an attitude of service".

Her father shook his head and after a moment of silence explained, "your statement doesn't hold value in the real world. It remains meaningless. The world doesn't work on your righteous principles. I myself would have liked if it was so but you have to maintain the formalities".

He concluded and went away as to disperse away his anger.

"Your father just wants your good", her mother added.

Flashback ends...

"If you would ignore the royal children and spend time with your maidservants like me, then no King would appreciate that", Jiya said casually.

"I am not fake so I did what I felt was right", Haripriya defended herself.

They headed to the mango garden near the palace. It was Haripriya's favourite place as it had countless mango trees and as it was summer in her place the mangoes exceeded the leaves of the trees.

"I feel my mood is changed now. Instead of painting I believe we should collect some mangoes"

-------------------------------------------

To welcome the prince the palace was decorated splendidly with flowers and oil lamps. The troops arrived after a day and although everyone was exhausted their mood lightened seeing the arrangements that had been made for them. As Jyotiraditya proudly entered the palace on his horse, as cavalry was sent by his father the previous day, flower petals were showered and everyone started chanting his glories. 

He got down at the entrance and joined his hands infront of his parents and other members who stood there to welcome him. After touching his parents' feet he was warmly embraced by them and his younger sister Rahini did his Arti.

It had been a long time since he could relax in his palace and enjoy the views of the river flowing next to it. After a long bath, his servants brought his clothes and ornaments for the day. He had suffered various wounds on his muscular frame which were being treated by the best doctor in their kingdom. 

"Jyoti", his mother called him entering his luxurious and massive palace room.

He touched his mother's feet and she blessed him.

"I could have sent someone to say this to you but I wanted to convey it myself. We are extremely proud of you and in celebration of your first victory we have planned a get together. We want to invite kings from neighbouring kingdoms to participate in your success"

"If you think it's important then I don't have any problems", he replied with a smile.

--------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading.