The waters of the river were calm , striking opposite to the man's racing mind and heart who stood at the shore , hands joined in prayer to the sun - god. Just as he opened his eyes , he saw a young girl floating in the waters. His heart beat raised as he marched quickly into the waters while carrying the girl in his arms. He softly placed her on the sand and held her hand to know if she was breathing . His heart grew calm after hearing faint beats of her heart . But she didn't look belonging to this place . Shaking his head , he got up carrying the girl yet again in his arms . He had no time to waste !

Just as he turned , there was a roar from the sky that startled him . " Oh the King of Martanda , this girl will bring endless prosperity and bliss to your kingdom . You are choosed to be her parent by the gods above , fulfill it with all your heart and soul ".

Ashwarth , the King of Martanda had no time to think about the order from above . All that mattered to him now was the life in his hand . He mounted the horse with the girl and roared, " Quick Sesha " . The horse , Sesha raced past the sands and he was fast or probably too fast that made the sands swirl behind him . King Ashawarth got of the horse swiftly as his eyes got the sight of palace - entrance . 

He rushed in ignoring the looks from the palace - maids and the soldiers . 

" Senapati Kavacha , summon the Raj Vaidhya immediately " , said the King pacing forward .

The queen , Mrignayani who had finished her morning prayers was shocked to see her lord carrying an unknown girl . Her features expressed worry as she rushed towards the King who placed the girl on the silk bed . Just as she was about to ask , a voice interrupted her .

" Pranaam Maharaja " said the Raj Vaidhya entering the chamber as the Ashwarth nodded gesturing to check the girl . Ashwarth didn't miss the worry in Mrignayani's eyes and Mrignayani did observe the lines of worry on Ashwarth's forehead . But they had to wait !

As the Raj Vaidhya rose after examining the girl , Ashwarth could feel his heart pounding against his chest. 

" The Kanya is fine Maharaja . It will take her  sometime to come in conscious " said the Raj Vaidhya making Ashwarth and Mrignayani breath in relief . 

" Ashwarth " , a voice made the King and queen turn towards the entrance of the door . Ashwarth in a minute found himself in the man's feet , the Kul guru of the Kingdom , Guru Vinay Aditya . 

" Kalyan ho Vatse " , blessed Guru Aditya making Ashwarth raise . Queen Mrignayani joined her palms in greeting as Aditya blessed the queen . Guru Aditya's eyes moved towards the girl as a knowing smile played on his lips .

" Guru Deva , I need guidance " , said Ashwarth with eyes slightly down in respect . Mrignayani was surprised as she thought what had caused the King to be in confusion . " I know Ashwarth . Maharani Mrignayani you will be needed in the discussion " said Aditya making Ashwarth nod his head while Mrignayani accepted being clueless .

~

" Guru Deva , you know everything. Maharani Mrignayani , I need your counsel on this too . I found the girl in the river water when I had gone to do the morning prayer . There was a prophecy from the sky that has caused confusion in my mind . The prophecy said the girl will bring prosperity and bliss to the kingdom and it is the wish of the gods above that we must be her parents.But how far will people accept the decision even if I do ? " , paused Ashwarth trying to calm down his veins . Mrignayani gasped on the revelation that she heard . 

" Ashwarth there is nothing to think . If it is an order then you must follow and the praja is my duty . The repercussions we will face together and I am sure the praja won't go against the king whom they love and worship " , said Aditya making the King raise his head , a hope filling him .

" Guru Deva , I am ready for it . But what about the girl ? She doesn't look like one who belongs to this land and will she accept this ? " , asked the queen being precise as always . Her heart had felt maternal love for the girl at first sight itself but she couldn't be selfish to not value the feelings of the girl .

The silence of the chamber was broken by a voice , " Pitashree Maharaja and Maa , the girl is conscious now". The three exchanged glances with each other as they rushed to see the unknown girl along with the crown prince , Ashok . 

~

" Aah " said the girl , hands moving to her head as she groaned in pain . Her blurry vision was clear now making her stunned .The surroundings were to different . She tried remembering her last memory while clutching her throbbing head . 

She was walking on the road with red eyes , tears falling freely , thinking how ruthlessly fate had played with her life . The hope to live dying as a car dashed her making her head hit hard against the tar road . She closed her eyes feeling the hot blood gush out , slowing pulling out her life as the pendant of Krishna she wore glittered brightly .

" Where am I ? ", the girl whispered thrown in trance.

To be continued...

Please do let me know how this has come out . Do read , vote and comment if you think it is worth it . Happy reading !