02

CHAPTER 1

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His Life

In the sacred temple of Rajvansh Palace, the faint flicker of oil lamps illuminated the serenity of the room. A lone figure knelt before the towering idol of Lord Mahadev. Draped in a simple white kurta, his broad shoulders were still, yet his hands moved with reverent precision as he offered flowers to the deity. The rhythmic chant of “Om Namah Shivaya” echoed through the air, but it was his deep, unwavering gaze that truly stood out—a gaze that reflected pure devotion and an unshakable connection to the divine.

The soft glow of the flickering flames danced on his chiseled features, highlighting the sharp angles of his face and the quiet strength he exuded. He moved with a grace that seemed otherworldly, each gesture filled with reverence, each word of prayer spoken with heartfelt intensity. In that moment, he wasn’t just a man—he was a devotee, a soul in communion with his God.

This man was none other than Manas Rajvansh, the owner of Rajvansh Empire and Hukum Sa of Ajmer. Yet here, in the presence of Mahadev, he was just a man—barefoot and humbled in faith. His day was incomplete without offering his morning prayers to Mahadev. He thanked Him every single day, believing that whatever he had become, it was all because of Him.

After completing his pooja, he quietly exited the temple and made his way to his private chamber—a realm where no one was allowed entry, except for a few trusted male attendants who helped clean the space. After getting ready for the day, he walked towards the dining room for breakfast.

Manas's POV

I complete my morning routine by waking up around 5 a.m., hitting the gym, taking a shower, and then doing my favorite part—pooja to Mahadev. I don’t know why, but I feel at peace whenever I am around Him. It feels like a moment of deep introspection. After getting ready for the office, I headed to the dining room where Papa was already seated, reading his ever-so-beloved newspaper.

I really don’t understand this man’s obsession with reading the newspaper every single day.

“Good morning, Papa,” I greeted.

“Good morning, Manas. Let’s go have breakfast,” he said, folding the paper neatly.

We walked to our seats and started eating together. My brothers? Ugh, those sleepyheads were probably still wrapped up in their quilts, snoring away. Idiots are never on time—they don’t compromise when it comes to sleep.

After breakfast, I stood up to leave for the office when Papa suddenly said:

“Be early today. I’ve seen a girl for you—she’s the daughter of one of my friends.”

Not again…

This man and his obsession with fixing me up with his friends’ daughters. I don’t even like the girl he’s talking about. She throws herself at me every time she sees me—and my brothers hate her for reasons I still don’t understand.

“Dad, I’m telling you for the last time, I don’t want to marry her. Please don’t force me to do something I don’t like,” I said firmly. I don’t even remember her name.

“But why, beta? Tum hamesha ladkiyon ko reject hi kar rahe ho jitni bhi dikhai.What's the problem, son? Just tell me,” he asked, a little exasperated.

“Dad, jitni ladkiyon se mila unme se kisi ke boyfriends already the, ya jinke nahi the unhe force kiya gaya tha, ya woh mere type ki nahi thi. Isiliye maine unhe reject kiya. I don’t want some girl’s life to get spoiled because of me. Please try to understand.”

“Toh tumhara type kya hai?"

(Then what is your type?)

“Dad, I want a woman who is modern yet rooted in traditional values. Who respects everyone and stands up for the right things. Who is calm and composed—but bold and fierce when required. Who understands me, and takes my family as her own. I want a companion, a partner who stands by me no matter what. Someone who can correct me when I’m wrong and guide me through life."

Papa looked at me for a moment and sighed.

“Okay, I understand. But you won’t find everything in one girl, beta.”

“No Dad, *mujhe bharosa hai Mahadev par. Unhone zaroor aisi ladki mere liye banayi hogi. And if I have to wait for her, I will.*”

“And what if you never meet her?” he asked.

“Then I’ll remain unmarried for life and devote myself to Mahadev.”

Papa sighed deeply. “Then what about the throne?”

“I’ll abandon it. Karthik can take it,” I said with full confidence.

I know some might say I’m foolish to think this way. But is it wrong to have expectations for your life partner? I’ve always stayed away from women, because I’ve been waiting—for *her*. Just like my God waited for His Gauri. I might not be like Him, but I can walk on His path. And I know when she appears before me… my heart will know.

My thoughts were broken when Papa said, “Today Mahapurohit ji is coming to the palace. Be on time—I want to hear what he has to say.”

“Okay, Papa.”

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After that, I left for my office.

The entire day, I immersed myself in work. By 5 p.m., all tasks were completed, and I returned to the palace as instructed.

When I entered the main hall, I found Mahapurohit ji, a few of his disciples, and my father seated there. I greeted him and took a seat beside my father.

Conversation: (MP - Mahapurohit, M - Manas, Md - Madhav)

MP: Hukum, humne aapke pita se baat ki. Humne aapki kundli bhi dekhi hai. Uske anusar, aapka vivaah bohot jald hone wala hai. Aur woh ladki Rajasthan se nahi hogi.

(Hukum, I spoke with your father and studied your horoscope. According to it, your marriage is destined to happen soon—and the girl won't be from Rajasthan.)

M: Aap itne yakeen se kaise keh sakte hain, Mahapurohit ji?

(How can you be so sure, Mahapurohit ji?)

MP:Hukum, aapki kundli ke anusar, aapka vivaah kisi Madhya Bharat ki ladki se hoga. Aur woh bilkul waisi hi hogi jaisi aapne apni hone wali patni ke liye kaamna ki hai. Wah aapki ardhangini banegi, Hukum.

(According to your horoscope, you’ll marry a girl from Central India. And she’ll be exactly the kind of life partner you've always desired. She will complete you, Hukum.)

M:“Aap itne yakeen se kaise keh rahe hain ki woh ladki Madhya Bharat se hi hogi?

(But how can you be so confident she’ll be from Central India?)

MP: Kyuki aapki kundli aapko wahi le jaayegi, Hukum.

(Because your stars will guide you there, Hukum.)

As I processed this information, my brothers entered the hall and greeted Mahapurohit ji.

Mahapurohit ji had been a constant well-wisher of the Rajvansh family for five generations. Every marriage, every auspicious ritual in our family happened in his presence.

Karthik and Charan asked Papa what was going on, while I was still lost in my thoughts.

Charan (youngest):Bhaiya, aap jaldi se haa keh do. Phir mujhe bhabhi mil jaayengi.

(Bhaiya, just say yes quickly so I can finally get a sister-in-law!)

Harsh (third brother): Shut up, idiot.*”

Karthik just shook his head at the usual banter.

Karthik: Bhaiya, aapko jaisa theek lage, waisa hi kariyega.

(Bhaiya, do whatever you think is right.)

M:Mahapurohit ji, main aapki baat se sehmat hoon.*

(I agree with you, Mahapurohit ji.)

MP:Thik hai, Hukum. Mere ek bohot khaas mitra hain Indore, Madhya Pradesh mein. Main unse baat karta hoon aur dekhta hoon kya unke nazar mein koi ladki hai jo aapke liye sahi ho.

(Alright, Hukum. I’ll talk to a very close friend of mine from Indore. I’ll see if he knows any suitable girl.)

M: Thik hai.

(Alright)

After the discussion, Mahapurohit ji left, and so did I—to freshen up in my chamber.

Later that evening, we had dinner quietly, aside from Harsh and Charan’s occasional banters. After dinner, everyone retired to their respective rooms for the night.

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*End of Chapter 1*

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