Chapter 6
Dhananjayi opened her eyes and found Adrij holding her in his arms.
"How were you walking? You almost fell down the stairs," Adrij said.
Stepping away from him, she replied, "Thank you, Adrij. I was a bit distracted. Where are you going?"
"I'm heading to the prince's chamber."
Adrij was the son of Commander Udayan. Deep in his heart, he loved Dhananjayi, but she was completely unaware of his feelings. Perhaps if she knew, she might not behave so freely with him.
At that moment, Aditiya noticed them talking. As soon as Dhananjayi saw him, she turned her face away.
Aditiya glanced at her from head to toe and said,
"The exiled princess, Dhananjayi."
She remained silent.
Aditiya continued,
"Do you think Soumitra can win this swayamvar?"
Dhananjayi looked at him and replied firmly,
"Soumitra is powerful. He is my younger brother, and I trust him. He will win this swayamvar."
Aditiya smirked.
"Soumitra is still a child. Tell your brother to withdraw. That would be better for him."
Dhananjayi replied sharply,
"The prince of Amravarta has not come here to run away. He will win."
As she turned to leave, Aditiya added,
"In a kingdom where a king cannot respect his own wife, if his son wins a swayamvar, then I would say Princess Rupkatha is destined for misery. I will pray to God that Prince Soumitra wins none."
With that, he walked away.
Tears welled up in Dhananjayi's eyes. She understood that Aditiya had said those words intentionally—to shake Soumitra's confidence.
Adrij gently said,
"Princess, ignore such words. You know Durgavati is our enemy."
Dhananjayi nodded.
"Yes… let's go to Soumitra."
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The Swayamvar Begins
Today was Rupkatha's swayamvar.
The entire kingdom of Amaravati was decorated with flowers and colors. Kings and princes from thirty kingdoms had gathered to win the hand of Princess Rupkatha, daughter of King Ranvijay.
Rupkatha was adorned with nine-gem jewelry. The diamonds in her earrings sparkled in the sunlight, illuminating the entire court.
As the king entered with his daughter, everyone stood up in respect. Once they took their seats, the assembly settled.
The minister began announcing the names of the participants. One by one, the princes stood up and greeted the king and princess.
But when it was time to call Aditiya—
"Prince Aditiya… Prince Aditiya… where is he?"
Prince Swarnendu stood up and said,
"Prince Aditiya has left the swayamvar. He does not wish to participate. I will compete in his place."
Dhananjayi smirked inwardly.
"So he fled. And he calls himself a warrior? Shameful."
King Ranvijay asked,
"Is there any problem?"
Swarnendu replied respectfully,
"I do not know the reason, Your Majesty. I seek forgiveness and request permission to participate."
The king agreed.
Dhananjayi thought,
"Something feels off… Is there some hidden trick here?"
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The Challenge
The rules were announced:
"In this swayamvar, whoever wins the challenge will be chosen by the princess. In the lake to the east lies a sacred Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. A golden bel leaf rests atop it. Whoever retrieves it will earn the princess's hand.
But beware—five hungry crocodiles dwell in that lake."
The challenge was terrifying.
Soumitra thought nervously, "Can I really do this?"
Dhananjayi placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Do not be afraid. Go forward—you can do it."
Meanwhile, Swarnendu whispered to Riddhim,
"Where is brother? How will I win this? It's too difficult…"
Riddhim replied,
"If brother has promised, don't worry."
---
The Contest
One by one, contestants failed.
Some couldn't defeat the crocodiles. Others couldn't reach the Shivling.
Then came Soumitra's turn.
Dhananjayi and Swapnili prayed silently for his success.
Soumitra entered the water, dodged the crocodiles, and reached near the Shivling—but suddenly something tangled his leg. Unable to move, he struggled, then retreated to safety.
As he left, Aditiya emerged from behind the Shivling.
He had secretly laid an invisible trap—a fine net around it—preventing anyone from reaching the goal.
Then came Swarnendu.
As he entered the water, a crocodile attacked—but Aditiya, hidden beneath, struck it down. One by one, he fought them off secretly.
From above, it appeared as if Swarnendu was defeating them.
Aditiya whispered,
"I'll handle them. You take the bel leaf and go."
Swarnendu did exactly that.
Before anyone noticed, Aditiya slipped away.
Swarnendu emerged victorious, offering the golden bel leaf at the temple of Lord Shiva.
The arena erupted in cheers.
Princess Rupkatha placed the garland around Swarnendu's neck.
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Aftermath
In Durgavati, Queen Mother Dhriti was shocked.
"Is this news true?" she asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Why didn't Aditiya participate? Why did Swarnendu compete instead?"
Amalendu smiled quietly.
Because the day before leaving for Amaravati, he had met Aditiya…
Aditiya welcomed him,
"Come, uncle."
Amalendu said,
"I want you to win the swayamvar… but…"
"But what?" Aditiya asked.
Amalendu replied,
"I want Rupkatha to marry Swarnendu. After your father, I wish to see him as king. For that, he must marry and have heirs. So his marriage should happen before yours."
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(To be continued…)
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