Training with an old friend

Surya Chandra and Deepak Chandra agreed. They took leave and went to the Royal grounds to start their preparations. Samyukta sighed. She knew that her siblings would never support her. It was the same since childhood. They couldn't tolerate that she was the brightest among them. She was always lonely. Tending to plants, playing with animals till Pinaka became her friend. But now, even he stopped interacting with her. She wanted to go back to her childhood days and re live the memories she had with Pinaka. Together they were the best team. They could solve riddles, took on treasure hunts together and were always interested to explore new places.

She missed having him around. She too took leave from her parents and went to her chamber. She started reading the book on laws of the land. Next morning she went to the Royal grounds to practice archery. She saw Pinaka giving lessons to the soldiers.

He was an excellent combat trainer. He was skilled in every weapon and combat technique. Samyukta always admired his wrestling. The way he could put down his opponents was truly awesome. There were times when Pinaka wrestled champions double his weight. But never did he lose. He was the best.

Samyukta was thinking if she must ask him to assist her in training. While she was standing and thinking on these lines, Pinaka came over to her. He bowed and said, 'my princess, the emperor asked me to assist you in your training' hearing this she felt happy. Her father always knew what she wanted.But she couldn't show her happiness to him. She simply nodded. They went to the horse stable first. Samyukta brought her horse Chaitanya out. Pinaka also took a good steed. They started their warm up with horse riding. Then they went on to practice archery. Samyukta never missed her target. However tricky the placement of the target, she would hit the bull's eye every time.

Following this they practised sword fighting. Pinaka helped her to better her skills as he taught her some new moves and tricks. They saw the setting sun and decided to retire for the day, agreeing to meet up again the next day for more practice. Though they were interacting, there was a knot in Samyukta's heart.

She told herself not to think about it and reached her chamber. Her personal maid helped her to take bath and dress up in night clothes. She took some food, went on to sleep. She dreamt on about her childhood. The happy times, playing with Pinaka.. running around with him.. she rolled in sleep and had a beautiful smile on her face.

Pinaka went to the slave quarters,took bath. His mother came over and gave him food. He was quiet for the whole time. His mother could tell that he was thinking about something. She did not disturb him. Once he ate his food, she asked him to take rest. He went and slept. As he slept, memories were running through his mind.

Samyukta and he were admitted to gurukul (boarding school) together. Their teacher,Sage Sandeepa was a great scholar.One day he asked both Samyukta and Pinaka to go and fetch some water. He asked them to carry a short knife with them for self defense.

Pinaka took his short knife, Samyukta also did the same. Walking through the jungle, they heard some noises. A deer was running away. A fox was trying to hunt it. The kids decided to save the deer. They took their short knives out. They balanced themselves and took a deep breath. They looked at each other and nodded. There was a noise in the bushes. 'Clang' they released their short knives. They hit the fox. It fell. The kids were so excited.

They reached Gurukul and started narrating their story to Sage Sandeepa.

He heard with a smile. However he didn't praise them. He asked for the water which they were supposed to get. Both felt miserable. They forgot everything about getting water. Their heads hung in shame. Then the holy sage said, ' we learnt two lessons from this.

1.Never interfere with the law of the land-the forest is a land with Tyrranical laws. The weaker animal becomes the food for a stronger animal. Humans cannot interfere with animal laws.

2. Never lose focus-losing yourself in some trivial things and forgetting the main objective will make you miserable.

Now, both of you, go and fetch some water. Both nodded and went.

Presently in slave quarters, Pinaka continued thinking and fell asleep.

They need to train harder the next day.