11. The Prince and the Wizard
The Call for Vengeance
Badal, determined to avenge his master’s death, plots to kill King Bhuvansingh and stealthily enters the palace. However, his presence is soon discovered, leading to a heated chase. Thanks to the secret assistance of Princess Pratiba, he narrowly escapes.
The Missing Talisman
The following night, the queen shrieks in terror from a fearful dream, prompting the king to rush to the shrine for a protective talisman. To his dismay, he discovers it has gone missing. The king shares the alarming news only with the queen, the shrine priest, and the royal astrologer, although a sense of dread permeates the palace.
A Dark Horoscope
Inside the shrine, the king and the queen consult the royal astrologer, who has revealed troubling insights about their horoscopes. When it comes to Princess Pratiba’s horoscope, the astrologer looks grave and declares that she is under the influence of an evil eye but indicates that a benevolent force may protect her, possibly from an unexpected stranger.
The Warning
As the astrologer contemplates the mystery of the missing talisman, the queen suddenly exclaims that the face from her dream resembles the wizard who had attempted to abduct their daughter. The king, startled by her revelation, cannot fathom the audacity of a trespasser attempting to return to the palace.
The Chase and Capture
Surprisingly, the wizard does dare to enter again. Despite the guards’ vigilance, he evades capture until a loose stone betrays him. Bound and captured, Badal faces the king, who is intrigued by the youthful prisoner’s demeanor, questioning his motives for perilous deeds.
Imprisoned in the Dungeon
The king orders Badal to be thrown into the dungeon, declaring that he will meet his end the next day. Badal, however, shows no fear, and the king’s curiosity about the young man only deepens.
A Secret Rescue
Meanwhile, Princess Pratiba discreetly observes the unfolding drama. In the depths of the castle’s dungeon, she arrives, accompanied by a maid, to unlock the cell. Badal is astonished to see her, and he is soon freed from his bindings.
A Confession of Intent
The princess inquiries about Badal’s motives. With honesty, he admits that he originally intended to kill the king. Shocked but intrigued, Pratiba expresses her admiration for him, regardless of his mission. As they bond over shared destinies, Badal gifts her a magical ring, a symbol of their entwined fates.
A Love That Can Change Everything
Despite the impossible situation, Princess Pratiba is determined to save Badal, insisting that he must love her to change his path. Just as their connection deepens amidst danger, the king unexpectedly appears, threatening to bring their story to a turning point.
To Be Continued…
The drama unfolds as love and treachery collide in this fateful encounter that could alter the lives of all involved. What must happen next remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: the bond between Badal and the princess will face its greatest test yet.