Rebirth As The Asura Prince

[Meghnad's POV]

After roaming the city for some time, we found ourselves nearing the outskirts where the hustle and bustle of the market began to fade. The quieter parts of the city offered a different kind of charm—serene and peaceful, with lush greenery and well-tended gardens.

Kavya and I walked through a narrow alley that led to a small, picturesque park. The park was a hidden gem, a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant city. Children played under the shade of tall trees, their laughter mingling with the chirping of birds. Elderly folks sat on benches, chatting and enjoying the pleasant weather.

I felt a sense of calm wash over me as I observed the simple joys of everyday life. It was a stark contrast to the grandeur and often stifling atmosphere of the palace. Here, life seemed unburdened by the weight of responsibilities and expectations.

We sat on a bench near a small fountain, its gentle trickle adding to the soothing ambiance. Kavya handed me a small pouch filled with coins, which she had discreetly obtained during our wanderings. "For any other purchases you might want to make, Yuvraj," she said with a smile.

I accepted the pouch with gratitude, appreciating her foresight. "Thank you, Kavya. This experience has been enlightening. It's easy to forget the simple pleasures and challenges of everyday life when you're surrounded by luxury."

Kavya nodded in agreement. "It's important to stay connected with the people we serve. Understanding their lives, their struggles, and their joys can only make you a better leader."

As we sat in comfortable silence, I reflected on the day's events. The vendor's kindness and her story had left a deep impression on me. It reminded me of the importance of empathy and the impact small gestures can have on others.

"I want to do more for the people of Lanka," I said, breaking the silence. "Not just as a ruler, but as someone who genuinely cares about their well-being. There is so much we can learn from them."

Kavya's eyes sparkled with approval. "That's a noble aspiration, Yuvraj. Your compassion and willingness to understand the common folk will make you a beloved and respected leader."

I smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I hope to live up to those expectations. For now, let's continue our exploration. There's still so much to see and experience."

We rose from the bench and continued our journey, venturing deeper into the heart of the city. As we walked, I felt a growing connection to the people and the land. This day, spent among the ordinary citizens of Lanka, gave me a fresh perspective and a stronger resolve to serve them with dedication and humility.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the city, Kavya and I made our way back to the palace. The journey had been enlightening, and I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences and interactions of the day.

Upon our return, I was greeted by the familiar opulence of the palace, but it no longer felt as suffocating. I had seen a different side of my kingdom, one filled with warmth, resilience, and a shared sense of community.

I immediately beeline toward the royal garden...

The royal garden was a haven of tranquility, filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers and the soft rustling of leaves in the evening breeze. As I stepped into the lush expanse, the weight of the day's lessons and experiences seemed to lift, replaced by a sense of calm and focus.

I found a secluded spot under a sprawling banyan tree, its branches providing a natural canopy. The soft grass beneath me felt cool and inviting as I settled into a comfortable position, cross-legged and upright. I took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, earthy scent of the garden, and gently opened the scroll to read through the instructions once more. The scroll detailed the exercises for building a firm foundation for unlocking Yogic Prana. Each step was meticulously described, emphasizing the importance of posture, breath control, and mental clarity.

I began with the first exercise, which involved deep, rhythmic breathing. In this exercise, one's posture should be straight, ensuring that the spine is aligned and the chest is open. I closed my eyes, focusing on the steady rise and fall of my breath. The sounds of the garden—chirping crickets, rustling leaves, and distant birdsong—blended into a soothing symphony that helped me center my mind.

With each breath, I envisioned drawing in the energy of the earth and the air, feeling it circulate through my body. But even after more than half an hour of practice, my mind was still wandering. The day's encounters with the vendor, the people of the city, and the lessons from Lord Vibhishana all weighed heavily on my thoughts.

I refocused my attention on the breathing exercise, letting go of the distractions and immersing myself in the present moment. The rhythmic inhalations and exhalations began to calm my mind, and I could feel a subtle shift in my awareness. The exercises were meant to clear my mind, and as I continued, I could sense a growing connection to the energies around me.

After a while, I transitioned to the next exercise, which involved a series of gentle stretches and postures designed to enhance flexibility and energy flow. The instructions on the scroll were clear, and I followed them carefully, aligning my body to each pose. I could feel the stretches opening up new channels of energy, and I was beginning to appreciate the importance of these foundational practices.

The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden light across the garden. The fading daylight and the soft, ambient sounds of nature created a serene atmosphere, perfect for meditation and introspection. I continued with the exercises, focusing on each movement and breath.

As I finished the final exercise, a sense of accomplishment and clarity washed over me. The day's experiences had been a profound reminder of the importance of staying connected to the people and the land, and the exercises had helped me center myself and prepare for the challenges ahead.

I stood up, feeling refreshed and invigorated. The royal garden, once a place of opulence, had become a sanctuary for personal growth and reflection. I took a deep breath, appreciating the tranquil surroundings and the lessons learned.

As I opened my eyes, I saw Kavya standing some distance away holding my Aunt Surpanakha's mouth, As she struggled to free herself from Kavya's grasp, her expression a mix of irritation and embarrassment. I approached them with a sense of curiosity and concern.

"Kavya, what's going on?" I asked, my voice steady but filled with concern.

Kavya looked up, her expression softening as she saw me. "Yuvraj, your aunt was trying to sneak into the garden. I thought it best to intervene before she disturbed your practice."

Aunt Surpanakha's eyes met mine, and she straightened herself, her demeanor shifting from frustrated to slightly sheepish. "I just wanted to see, My cute little nephew. Am I wrong for wanting to see how you are faring?"

"No-" But before I could continue my sentence, Aunt snatched me up in her arms and pulled me into a tight embrace, "Mou~ Darling, Your evil maid is bulling your future wife."

"My future wife, who? where?" I acted clueless as I started looking here and there.

"Mou~ of course I am talking about myself," She said with a pout on her smiling face, clearly enjoying the playful banter. "How could you not know that?"

I chuckled, finding her antics both amusing and endearing. "Ah, I see. Well, it's certainly not the worst thing to be accused of having a future wife who is so lively and affectionate."

"Then why do you think I haven't married yet?" She said with a dramatic flair, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Perhaps it's because I'm still waiting for the right prince to come along and sweep me off my feet."

"I wonder, who that might be?" I still acting clueless.

Aunt Surpanakha's eyes sparkled with mischief as she took a step closer, her playful smile widening. "Oh, you're quite the charmer, aren't you? But really, it's not just any prince who could catch my eye. It has to be someone who understands both the gravity and the joy of life."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her words. "And what kind of prince do you think fits that description?"

She tapped her chin thoughtfully, pretending to ponder deeply. "Well, he would need to be kind-hearted, wise beyond his years, and possess a sense of adventure. Someone who can appreciate both the quiet moments and the grand, sweeping gestures."

I chuckled, enjoying the playful exchange. "Sounds like quite the list. I suppose not many would meet such criteria."

"True," Aunt Surpanakha said with a sigh, though her eyes still gleamed with amusement. "But there's always hope. After all, who knows what the future holds? Perhaps there's a prince out there who's just waiting to prove himself."

Kavya, who had been quietly listening, couldn't help but smile at the banter. "Well, if anyone can attract such a prince, It's not you, Lady Surpanakha."

Aunt Surpanakha turned her attention to Kavya with a mock-indignant gasp. "Oh, really now? And why is that?"

Kavya grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief of her own. "Well, it's because, Lady Surpanakha, you're so enchanting that you might be waiting for a prince who's simply too shy to make himself known. Or maybe, just maybe, you're so unique that he hasn't been born yet."

"I know he was born alright," Aunt Surpanakha said with a mischievous glint in her eye. "He might still be growing up."

Can you both stop indirectly talking about me?

I might break my character of a clueless kid...

.

..

...

[To Be Continued]

----------------------

Comment your thoughts about the story so far...

Please leave a review, It helps.

Thanks for reading.

Word Count: 1662