A True Friend

The land of Pushkara was ruled by King Bhumivarma. He had one son named Rajendra. Manimada, who was the Minister’s son, held a special status as the closest friend of the prince.

Rajendra’s Betrothal and Perilous Journey

Rajendra was betrothed to a princess from a neighbouring country. Along with his trusty friend Manimada, the young prince set out for the capital of his fiancee to get married. After a few days of travel, the royal entourage decided to rest by the banks of a river. The two friends lay down under a large banyan tree. While the prince fell asleep quickly, Manimada stayed awake, fascinated by the peaceful charm of the night. Suddenly, he overheard a conversation among a group of fairies resting on the tree branches above.

The Fairy Prophecy

The fairies forecasted the prince’s imminent dangers. They warned that the prince would not live to see the dawn, he would perish if he picked up a tossed garland, die upon eating a hanging ripe mango, be mortally injured by a falling part of the bride’s house wall, and be stricken by perilous sneezes in his sleeping chamber. The only way to prevent his death was if someone shouted ‘Long live’ for each sneeze until he completed a hundred in the count. However, they added a clause that anyone who revealed these prophecies to the prince would die immediately.

Manimada’s Bravery and Sacrifice

Manimada, deeply disturbed by the terrible fate hanging over Rajendra’s head, decided to protect his friend at any cost. From that moment, he became Rajendra’s shadow, averting every predicted danger thus saving his life multiple times. Although irritated by this unusual behaviour, Rajendra remained silent.

Saving the Prince by Skirting Death

When the prince retired for the night, Manimada hid under the royal bed, keeping count as Rajendra started sneezing. Upon reaching a hundred, Manimada announced that Rajendra was safe. Infuriated by this interruption, Rajendra ordered his guards to take Manimada for execution. As he was led away, Manimada requested a final meeting with the prince. Upon meeting, he revealed the reason for his strange behaviour, confessing that he couldn’t warn Rajendra earlier due to the deadly caveat in the prophecies.

The Prince’s Gratitude

Overwhelmed by gratitude, Rajendra immediately regretted his hasty decision to sentence Manimada to death. He showered his friend with honour and embraced him, their friendship now stronger by the trials they had endured.

Placement: After this line: Manimada hid under the royal bed, keeping count as Rajendra started sneezing.