The morning sun had just spread its golden glow over the spires of the Junagarh palace. Today was no ordinary first day of school for Prabhasha. Under the strict instructions of Prafulla and Snigdha, Prabhasha was to learn not just literacy today, but the first lessons of royal combat tactics. Arohi herself stood by to prepare Prabhasha. A small but sharp sword was fastened to her waist, shimmering in the silvery sunlight. Prafulla said in a grave voice, "Sister, remember, the identity of royal blood is found not just on the throne, but on the edge of the sword. Let the Master of the academy realize today whose sister you are!"
In the vast, dusty courtyard of the academy, today's lesson was not about scrolls and books, but a special demonstration of swordsmanship or 'Shastravidya.' Children from great royal lineages were present there. When the Master called for a sword duel, Prabhasha stepped into the middle of the field at Prafulla's insistence. Her opponent was an arrogant prince who laughed mockingly at Prabhasha's small stature. He thought, what could such a tiny girl possibly do with a sword!
But as the duel began, the entire field fell silent. Prabhasha began to move her small body with such agility that the opponent's sword repeatedly struck nothing but air. Prafulla and Snigdha stood in a corner of the field, watching with sharp eyes. Prafulla shouted words of encouragement, "Keep your aim steady, Prabhasha! Watch the opponent's wrist!" Upon hearing her elder brother's command, Prabhasha employed a strange tactic. Keeping herself close to the ground, she spun her body and delivered a light strike near the opponent's feet, breaking his balance. The next moment, the arrogant prince's sword went flying, landing far away, while the tip of Prabhasha's sword rested steadily right before the prince's throat.
There was a pin-drop silence in the academy. The Master stared in astonishment. Such a perfect move could not be learned by an ordinary child! Snigdha could no longer hold back; she ran and embraced Prabhasha. She said proudly before everyone, "Behold, everyone, this is the Princess of Junagarh! It is not so easy to defeat one in whose veins the blood of Aditya and Arohi flows!" The Master stepped forward, placed his hand on Prabhasha's head in blessing, and said, "I am honored today. This little girl has proven that courage lies not in the size of the weapon, but in the strength of the mind."
When Prabhasha returned to the palace in the evening, her clothes were dusty and there were minor scratches on her hands, but her eyes held the indomitable joy of victory. When Arohi heard the news of her daughter's triumph, her eyes filled with gratitude toward God. With great affection, she applied sandalwood paste to Prabhasha's wounds. Sitting nearby, Aditya listened to the tales of his daughter's bravery and laughed, saying, "Prafulla, it seems you'll make your sister a general while she's still a child!" Prafulla smiled faintly and said, "Father, my goal is that every child of Junagarh becomes a fortress in themselves."
That night, standing by the window and looking at the stars, Arohi thought—perhaps this is how happiness returns. The dark clouds of sorrow have cleared, and today her family is spreading its branches like a massive banyan tree. With her two brave children and her little warrior, Junagarh is truly invincible today. May God maintain this peace.