A Journey Back to Love

February 3, 2010 – The Royal Breakfast

The warm morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Vijayanagara Royal Palace, casting a golden hue over the elaborately decorated dining hall. The long table, adorned with silverware and fresh fruit, was set for a simple yet elegant breakfast.

Seated at the table were Krishna Deva Raya, his mother Queen Fulmati Deva Raya, and his father King Shriranga Deva Raya. The air was light, filled with the soft clinking of silver spoons against ceramic bowls.

Queen Fulmati looked at her son, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Beta, you are already twenty-four. You have worked tirelessly for the empire, but now it is time for you to bring me a daughter-in-law."

Krishna nearly choked on his tea. "Ma?" He looked at her, startled, while his father chuckled.

King Shriranga leaned back in his chair, his voice calm yet firm. "Krishna, Vijayanagara is the strongest nation in South Asia. We have an advanced military, a high GDP, and no immediate threats at our borders. The empire is stable under our rule." He paused, meeting his son's gaze. "Unlike other monarchies, we have no noble families interfering in our politics. That is why we will not force you into a political marriage. You are free to choose your queen."

Krishna exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I am still young, Ma, Papa."

The Queen shook her head, determination clear in her voice. "We are getting older, Krishna. We want to hold our grandchildren while we still have the strength to play with them."

A name flashed through Krishna's mind—Smriti Pandey. His first love. The girl who had once whispered in his ear that she would wait for him.

Back then, he had been just Krishna, an ambitious university student. Now, he was the Crown Prince of Vijayanagara, a powerful figure in politics, economy, and the military.

He set down his spoon, his heart suddenly certain of what he needed to do.

Krishna stood abruptly. "I will bring you your daughter-in-law when I return."

His parents exchanged surprised glances as he walked away from the table.

"Beta, where are you going?" his mother called after him.

Krishna turned, a smirk on his lips. "To bring back my queen."

The Journey Begins

Within hours, Vellore International Airport buzzed with activity as Krishna's royal convoy prepared for departure. Over 150 palace guards stood in formation, their uniforms crisp, their expressions stern. The Royal Intelligence Agency worked behind the scenes, ensuring absolute security.

Before boarding, Krishna contacted the Vijayanagara Ambassador in India. "Inform the Indian government that I am arriving for personal matters. Arrange high-security vehicles at Delhi International Airport."

The response was swift. "Understood, Your Highness."

The private jet soared into the sky, carrying Krishna toward a past he had left behind—and a future he was ready to claim.

Arrival in India – A Royal Welcome

As Krishna stepped off the jet at New Delhi International Airport, the red carpet was already rolled out. The Prime Minister of India himself awaited him, flanked by high-ranking officials.

"Your Highness, welcome to India," the Prime Minister greeted warmly.

Krishna inclined his head. "It is always an honor to be in a brother nation."

Before addressing personal matters, Krishna finalized a $30 billion trade deal—one that allowed Vijayanagara's pharmaceuticals and oil to enter India tariff-free, while India supplied manufacturing goods in return.

The media erupted with headlines:

"Vijayanagara and India Strengthen Economic Ties!"

"A Royal Visit with Historic Trade Agreements!"

But Krishna had only one thing on his mind.

As they concluded the deal, he turned to the Prime Minister. "I have one more reason for my visit."

The Prime Minister raised a brow. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Krishna smiled. "I have come to find someone—a girl I loved during my university years. I intend to marry her and take her back to Vijayanagara."

The Prime Minister's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "A future queen from India?" He chuckled. "She is truly blessed. I will arrange Z-security for you and notify the state government of your journey."

February 6, 2010 – The Road to Mussoorie

By 5 AM, Krishna was awake, dressed in a dark royal sherwani, ready to depart.

The motorcade was vast—a fleet of luxury cars, Indian paramilitary forces, and Vijayanagara palace security personnel. The route stretched over 280 kilometers from Delhi to Mussoorie, winding through the scenic landscapes of Uttarakhand.

For over seven hours, the convoy moved, drawing attention wherever it passed.

In Mussoorie, locals gathered, curiosity brimming.

"Which minister is coming?" a shopkeeper asked.

A man beside him, a police officer, whispered, "Not a minister. The future king of Vijayanagara is here. But no one knows why."

Krishna gazed out the window as the cool mountain air brushed against his face. Mussoorie had not changed. The hills, the old buildings, the fresh scent of pine—it all felt familiar.

Then, the convoy came to a halt.

They had arrived.

The School Visit

Mussoorie Public School stood modestly against the backdrop of the hills.

As Krishna stepped out, students, teachers, and staff gaped at the long line of black cars and heavily armed security personnel.

Principal Veru Sahasrabuddhe hurried to the entrance, his face flushed with both nervousness and excitement.

"Welcome, sir!" he greeted, bowing slightly. "May I ask what brings you to our school?"

Krishna's voice was steady. "I am looking for a teacher—Mr. Pandey."

The principal frowned in concern. "Mr. Pandey took leave today. He has been unwell with a high fever."

Krishna's expression didn't change, but something in his chest tightened. "Can you take me to his house?"

The principal hesitated, glancing at the uniformed guards behind Krishna. His instincts told him that this man was someone truly important—far beyond what had been officially disclosed.

He nodded. "Of course, Your Highness. Please, follow me."

As they walked, the principal's mind raced. Who was this girl that the future king of Vijayanagara had come all this way to find?

One thing was certain—Mussoorie was about to witness a love story unlike any other.