part 7

With Princess Leelavati's permission, the royal court was convened.

On the night of the full moon, a grand assembly hall was decorated in the royal palace. Princess Leelavati was seated on the royal throne. Nearby sat her companions, attendants, and women related to the royal family. The court was set to continue throughout the night.

Before the princess, on a dignified seat, sat Vikramaditya. The seat was close enough for the princess to hear him easily. In the center of the chamber, on a golden pedestal, a jewel-studded golden lamp was burning. Flower vases filled with fragrant blossoms spread their aroma throughout the hall. A cool water pitcher was placed nearby. A large drum was also kept on one side, which was to be beaten at the queen's command to make official announcements.

A royal attendant struck the drum and made an announcement:

"Tonight, an unknown nobleman shall attempt to break the princess's vow of silence by compelling her to speak four times through his wit and intelligence. If Princess Leelavati speaks four times, she must accept this man as her life partner. However, if he fails to make her speak, he will be sentenced to a lifetime in the dungeon. Both parties agree to these conditions?"

The first quarter of the night was about to begin, and the competition was set to commence.

Before it began, an attendant addressed the competing man:

"Before we proceed, I request the competitor to kindly introduce himself briefly."

King Vikramaditya responded:

"I have not come here to introduce myself. According to the princess's conditions, it is not necessary for me to disclose my identity. Hence, I will not do so. This competition itself will reveal who I am. Let us not waste time and begin the contest immediately."

Princess Leelavati looked at King Vikram and, upon hearing his melodious voice, felt a storm of emotions within her heart. She thought to herself, "What a handsome and charismatic man! Even with a lamp in hand, finding such a brave man would be difficult."

She was inwardly drawn to him, yet the heart of a woman is mysterious and stubborn. She reminded herself:

"My vow is unshakable. If he fails to make me speak using his wisdom and skill, he will meet the same fate as those before him. My people and the entire kingdom know of my vow. I cannot let emotions destroy my honor. I will remain unmarried for life, but I will uphold my oath with all my might. If I do not speak, how can anyone force me to do so?"

Her companions, however, secretly wished for her defeat. They thought, "Oh Lord, let our friend lose! This charming and gallant man must win. Her defeat will be her true victory. Only in her loss lies her happiness and a blessed future. No matter how capable a woman is, she cannot fight wars like a man. If a powerful king attacks one day, our princess will be forced to live a dependent life. If she loses, she will gain the finest husband, and Kanchanpur will have a worthy heir."

The first quarter of the night began.

A deep silence engulfed the court. Vikramaditya pondered, "How can I make the princess speak? If she remains silent, who will respond to my words? If everyone stays quiet, the night will pass, and I will face defeat."

Suddenly, he recalled Vetal, the spirit he had mastered with great difficulty. Vetal followed Vikram like a shadow. Summoning him in his thoughts, Vikram heard a faint whisper:

"Master! Your servant is present. What is your command?"

Vikram said, "Vetal, enter that lamp and converse with me. Tell me a story."

Vetal replied, "Master! What can I possibly discuss with you? I do not even know how to speak. I do not even know any stories."

King Vikramaditya then addressed the court:

"The night is long. Passing the time in silence is extremely difficult. I wish to speak with the princess and her companions, but since the princess refuses to talk, how can her attendants speak? Therefore, I will talk to the lamp."

Everyone sat in astonishment, watching in utter silence.