xi.

" Did you both go to the temple without my knowledge? " Lekha's question remained unanswered.

Geetanjali insisted, as she could see how frightened the woman look, " You don't need to fear anyone. "

The woman kept repeatedly glancing at the thin man, pleading him with her eyes. He shook his head and said again, " I'm saying, I am the culprit. I deserve to be punished."

The husband and wife had a triumphant look on their faces, but Geetanjali kept staring at the feeble woman, " I'm with you. No one will harm you, just speak up. " the woman nodded meekly.

" Shanti, no. " the skinny tried to use a hard tone, but end up whispering, " You know why I'm doing this. "

" Let them do what they want. I'm no longer afraid of them. Even if they kill me, let them. My child's death has already taken my soul away. I'm already dead inside. " she broke into sobs, the man too had tears trickled down his cheeks.

He came towards her and hugged her tight, making everybody shocked since, open display of affection was not usual.

" What kind of shamelessness is this, Your Majesty? How lowly- " Kamala pointed her finger at the crying couple, but Shanti interrupted her.

" Wasn't what you did immoral? Did you know my child was crying due to hunger? Did you know how she asked us for food until her last breath? Did you know? No, right? " she cried uncontrollably, " -We are sinners, we are low caste, so punish us. What wrong did that little girl do to you that you so heartlessly let her die? "

" What are you saying? Your daughter? The one with whom you came to the temple- " Mrityunjay gulped.

" Yes, prince. Our child, for whose long life we prayed to God at that temple, is now- no more in this world. " Shanti sniffed and sobered a little, " I've cried a lot, Your Majesty. So much that my tears have dried up. Now I want justice, for our daughter. Will you listen to a mother's pain? "

Adhiraj nodded while everyone present there, prepared themselves to hear the heart-wrenching incident.

" You might be aware, Your Majesty, that even after your orders, the practice of discrimination continued in the city. My family and I are among those who were ostracized by the city's residents, labeled 'inauspicious,' and forced to leave.

We left, went far away. It was no problem for us, Your Majesty, our daughter was enough for us. We didn't desire any happiness beyond that.

But as time passed, the discriminatory practices worsened. There came a point when we were denied food, called cursed. We used to buy grain and lentils from Naresh Seth's ration shop to sustain ourselves, but later, he too refused to give us food.

He claimed that our 'ill-fated' presence was causing his shop to suffer. " the other husband and wife glared at Shanti.

" We could have gone hungry, Your Majesty, but what about our child? Aayushi was starving. We begged him, my husband joined his hands, but that heartless man, he humiliated my husband in the crowded market. He beat him, but my husband remained silent because we needed food.

But when my husband's condition worsened, he was taken to the doctor. We were in distress, but no one came to help. No one came. " not able to control anymore, Shanti fell on her knees and bellowed.

Geetanjali too was sniffing and hugged the woman to give her support.

" Meanwhile, Aayushi passed away. She left us forever. " the thin man whispered to himself, the others hadn't heard it if the court-room hadn't been dead silent.

" This is a blatant lie, Your Majesty. He doesn't even have any evidence." the so-called victimised man said smirking.

" I'm the witness, Your Majesty. " Geetanjali got up, wiping her tears, " We are the witnesses. We saw when they attacked them. That day when we went to the market, do you remember, Prince? "

Mrityunjay nodded ever so slowly, " We saw it, but left before we could intervene. Afterwards, we met Shanti at the temple and learned everything. We testify that, Kamala and her husband committed atrocities against Shanti and her family. And thinking that they would file a complaint against Kamala's husband, instead they falsely accused Shanti's husband. " she glared at the couple, who'd paled because of the revelations, " Now it's up to you to decide, Your Majesty, who is guilty. " Geetanjali folded her hands in front of Adhiraj.

Adhiraj was shocked to hear the condition of his empire, the empire which he'd built in the hope, that it would be one of the greatest in the future. But now, the news of such discrimination, such atrocities have poured a bucket of cold water in his dreams.

" I don't have enough words to offer you condolences. But I can ensure you get justice. " he turned towards the other couple

" You two are sentenced to one year of imprisonment for falsely accusing these people and physically assaulting them without reason. Additionally, your ration shop will be confiscated. " the orders were followed immediately.

The guards dragged them away, while the officials were to do the works regarding the store. Shanti and her husband joined their hands and thanked the king for his wise decision and blessed Geetanjali for her kindness.

After they went away, Adhiraj couldn't help but praise Geetanjali, and Mrityunjay hold her shoulders like a proud husband that he is. Vishakha went out jealous and for the first time, Geetanjali saw appreciation in her mother-in-laws eyes.

Maybe the court session hadn't gone so bad!

•

A huge mass was present in the court-room, as it was decorated as grandly as ever. The hues of golden and red, brightened up the whole atmosphere, while the maidens decorated the room with scented candles and exotic flowers.

The coronation ceremony was a grand one, and Adhiraj wanted people to remember this event, for the rest of their lives. The courtiers and the guests from the nearby empires poured into the huge room, since it was the most anticipated day, the crowning of the prince.

Lekha, Geetanjali and Adhiraj were already standing in the platform, and with the announcement of an attendee, Mrityunjay emerged from the entrance, dressed up as royally as ever. Everyone present there, stood up dazed, as if, it was their soul who wanted to express their respect to the great warrior.

Vishakha for some mysterious reasons had gone back to her home.

Lekha went forward and did the aarti and did the gestures to ward off the evil eyes. Then, he was asked to sit in front of the huge hawan. The priest chanted sacred prayers, but Mrityunjay had his attention on his wife. From time to time, he'll be glancing at her, and when their gazes met, she would smile at him, which made his heart skip a beat.

After all the rituals were done, Adhiraj asked an attendee to bring the royal sword, and handed it to Mrityunjay, and made him wear his crown, " From today onwards, I entrust the responsibility of Gauravgarh to you. I've have faith that you will become an even greater king than me, and always prioritize the welfare of your people and kingdom above your own. " he had slight mist gathered on his orbs, while he blessed Mrityunjay.

" I won't give you any reason to complain, Father. This is my promise to you. " everyone clapped, while Lekha smiled, coming forward.

" And now, I would like to announce the new queen of Gauravgarh. " whispers aroused in the surrounding, but it turned into loud cheers when the announcement was made, " Princess Geetanjali will be your queen from this day forward. "

Geetanjali was shocked, but despite everything, bent down to touch Lekha's feet," May you always remain happy and soon give us our next successor. " she blushed at that.

Lekha pulled her up and touch her cheek, " You know why I gave you this position? " Geetanjali shook her head, " Because in these three months, I've seen your hard work and bravery. You risked your life to save Vishakha without thinking about your own life, which is a queen's duty -to think about her people before herself. And that day in the court, your wisdom ensured justice was served. This made me believe that although it may take time, you, Geetanjali, are the true deserving heir of this throne. And I've have complete faith in you. "

She nodded with tears, " I won't disappoint you, Your Highness. "

Lekha did her aarti too and soon the crown of the queen, adorned her head. Everyone was happy to get their new king and queen.

Amid the celebrations, Mrityunjay catch Geetanjali staring at him. Standing near her, he asked, " What happened? "

She hold his hands, for the first time, forgetting that the whole of the people were watching them, " Thank you, Prince. Today, I'm able to do this because of you. My love and respect for you have increased even more. This crown, it's not my true crown, you are, Prince -the one I will never part with until my dying breath. "

Mrityunjay smiled, " Whatever you are today is because of your own efforts, love. I merely showed you the path. You are my pride, my gurur. And this gurur will always remain elevated."

He kissed her forehead with such love, that she couldn't help but express her thankfulness to god for making him come to her life and show her what love is and how love can make you reach the heights.