Ch-18: Unveiling the Pioneering Ideas

Vijay's day had been filled with problem-solving and innovation. As he approached his home, the early evening sun cast long shadows on the palace walls. He was greeted by a peculiar sight—carpenters diligently at work on something intricate. Though curiosity tugged at him, he decided to set that mystery aside for the moment and headed inside to find his father.

Entering his father's chambers, Vijay found Vaishakhnandan engrossed in a pile of scrolls and parchments, his face alight with enthusiasm. He looked up, a broad smile spreading across his features, as his son walked in.

Vaishakhnandan: (enthusiastic) "Vijay, my boy! You won't believe the wonderful news. Our iron output is increasing rapidly, thanks to your innovations"!

Vijay: (grateful) "I'm glad to hear that, Father. It's heartening to know that my ideas are making a difference".

Vaishakhnandan's excitement was palpable, and he seemed so overjoyed with the news that he didn't pause to inquire how Vijay had acquired the technology. This omission didn't go unnoticed by Vijay, who understood that revealing the true source of his knowledge could lead to trouble.

As the family gathered for dinner that evening, Malini, Vijay's mother, maintained an air of skepticism. She remembers the physician's accusations about her son's supposed knowledge of black magic. Doubt lingered in her mind, and her eyes occasionally flicked toward Vijay, searching for any signs of the mysterious abilities she had heard of. But she also recognized the immense love she held for her son, should he ever be branded heresy or face danger, she was resolved to stand by his side, regardless of the truth. As the meal went on, she couldn't help but bring up her concerns.

Malini: (worried) "Vijay, my dear, these stories I hear... You must promise me that you're not dabbling in anything dangerous".

Vijay: (reassuring) "Mother, you know me. I would never do anything to harm our family or our people. These are just innovations, simple ideas to help the village".

Malini wasn't entirely convinced, but a glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes, and she nodded silently.

Nandini, Vijay's older sister, had a different perspective. She believed her brother was merely replicating innovations from other sources, a notion that struck a chord with Vijay. It was a complex mix of feelings—on one hand, the knowledge from future practically makes him it's innovator, and on the other, the weight of guilt of plagiarizing the hardwork of someone albeit in the future.

Nandini: (skeptical) "Vijay, let's be honest. You threatened the innovator to hand over his invention using your status as Young Master"?

Vijay: (defensive) "Sister, it's not like that. My innovations are genuine and nowhere in the world are to be found".

Nandini just scoffed and didn't believe in his words due to being blinded by her anger to her brother.

As the evening wore on, Vijay contemplated the delicate balance he needed to maintain. His inventions were transforming the village, but they were also inviting scrutiny and suspicion. The future remained uncertain, and he knew he needed to tread carefully, ensuring that his innovations brought hope rather than fear to those around him.

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Inside the opulent chamber of King Rajendra, a young woman stood, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the silk curtains. Kundavai, the Princess of Vidya, was a sight to behold. With the bloom of youth gracing her features, she possessed a natural beauty that captivated those who met her. Yet, it was her eyes, shimmering with unquenchable curiosity, that truly set her apart.

Kundavai had reached the age of eighteen, on the cusp of womanhood, but her sheltered life as the only princess of Vidya had left her somewhat removed from the political intricacies and the harsh realities of the world beyond the palace walls. However, what she might lack in political acumen, she more than compensated for with her innate intelligence, a trait she undoubtedly inherited from her mother, Queen Kamala.

The king, Rajendra, a wise and just ruler, had always protected and nurtured his daughter. Kundavai's late introduction to the story underscored her unique situation as the cherished princess of Vidya. She possessed a profound innocence, untainted by the complexities of statecraft and the machinations of power.

Kundavai had spent her formative years within the palace, where she had access to the vast royal library. Her insatiable appetite for knowledge had led her to explore the depths of literature, history, politics and mainly Vigyan (Science). She was intrigued by the Land, Seas, The Sun and Moon. As she stood in her father's chamber, her mind was alive with curiosity, and she yearned to unravel the mysteries of the world that had been hidden from her.

Queen Kamala, a graceful woman with a regal presence, took it upon herself to educate her daughter, Princess Kundavai, about the harsh realities of their kingdom and the world beyond. She understood that in the world of politics, innocence could be a vulnerability, and she was determined to prepare her daughter for the responsibilities that lay ahead.

In their private chamber, adorned with tapestries depicting the kingdom's history and grandeur, Queen Kamala began imparting her knowledge to the young princess. Her voice was gentle yet filled with authority as she delved into the intricacies of politics, the strategies of war, and the ever-present threat of corruption.

She spoke of political marriages, where alliances were forged not out of love but out of necessity, and how sometimes, even love had to take a backseat to the greater good of the kingdom. Queen Kamala discussed the treachery that could lurk in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to strike, and how enemies could be ruthless in their pursuit of power.

As she spoke, Princess Kundavai listened attentively, her curiosity shining through her eyes. She absorbed her mother's wisdom like a sponge, eager to understand the complexities of the world she was destined to inherit. Queen Kamala was proud of her daughter's intelligence and her willingness to learn, she was also surprised as the Princess was not new to these topics and fairly knew them.

Their lessons continued, with the Queen guiding her daughter through the turbulent waters of politics and power struggles. She knew that these lessons were vital to ensure the safety and prosperity of their kingdom, but she also wished that her daughter could have enjoyed a more carefree childhood, to not fear for any marriages to settle political disputes like herself and could find a man for herself. But she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness due to her daughter's interest in Vigyan (science) like an old man as she feared that she will remain maiden for her rest of the life. Due to which she may become a victim of such political marriage as women of this age in that period generally were married. The Queen herself couldn't stop her marriage if it means for the betterment of the Empire, and it may as well destroy her life.

In this quiet chamber, the bond between mother and daughter grew stronger as they shared the burden of knowledge, preparing Princess Kundavai for the challenges that awaited her as the Princess of Vidya.