The Prophecy Fulfilled

A Journey Begins

Long ago, in the bustling city of Puri, renowned for its centers of learning, two friends, Suresh and Sudhir, were diligently studying the scriptures under esteemed scholars. Upon completing their studies, they set out for their homeland, Vidarbha. During their journey, they encountered a fierce storm and took refuge in a deserted temple.

A Mysterious Encounter

Inside the temple, they discovered a hermit engrossed in astrological calculations. The friends greeted the hermit and offered their assistance. Pleased, he informed them that he too hailed from Vidarbha and was en route to Kalinga.

The Question of Fate

“O wise hermit, I am eager to learn about the future of Vidarbha. Will you share your insights?” Sudhir implored.

The hermit asked, “What is it you wish to know, my son?”

Sudhir explained, “The current king, Mahipal, usurped the throne through treachery after my father, his primary rival, was killed in a conspiracy. Despite my father’s rightful claim, Mahipal has become a cruel tyrant. How long must the people endure his torment?”

A Dark Prophecy

The hermit made several calculations before responding, “While I rarely make prophecies, I sense your deep anguish. You should take solace in knowing that within a week, King Mahipal will be assassinated, and a new ruler will take the throne.”

As the storm abated, the friends took their leave. Sudhir, lost in thought, made a startling declaration. “If it’s true that the time is right, I shall attempt to kill him myself.”

Suresh was taken aback, immediately trying to dissuade him from such perilous action. Despite his efforts, Sudhir was resolute and journeyed toward the capital of Vidarbha, unwittingly followed by Suresh.

A Dangerous Decision

Suresh was filled with concern, knowing that even if Sudhir succeeded, he would likely pay with his life. Upon reaching the town, Sudhir secured a place in a tavern, while Suresh sought out the king’s minister to warn him of his friend’s intentions.

“I will disclose my friend’s whereabouts, but you must promise to keep him unharmed. Detain him for one week, and his desire for revenge will fade,” Suresh pleaded. The minister agreed solemnly.

A Race Against Time

However, the next morning brought Suresh terrible news: Sudhir had already murdered the king and was captured at the scene. In a panic, Suresh rushed back to the minister, lamenting, “If only you had acted on my warning, the king might have lived! You must keep your promise and spare my friend.”

The minister responded gravely, “Who could have anticipated your friend’s swift action? Luckily, I was guarding the king at the time.” Suresh felt a wave of despair wash over him, realizing that despite his warning, he had only put Sudhir’s life in jeopardy.

Judgment Day

As fate would have it, Suresh learned that the minister planned to crown himself king and execute Sudhir that very day. Desperate, he sought an audience but was denied entry. Resolved to save his friend, Suresh waited patiently.

On the day of the coronation, the royal court was filled with spectators. Sudhir was brought in, hands bound, to hear his sentence. In a sudden act of bravery, Suresh confronted the minister. “So, you intend to execute Sudhir?”
“Of course! What else can be done to a king’s murderer?” the minister retorted.

“If that is the case, then I too deserve to be hanged,” Suresh declared, and before anyone could react, he stabbed the minister to death.

The Aftermath

A stunned silence enveloped the courtroom until, surprisingly, the crowd erupted into applause. The truth was revealed: the minister had been a greater tyrant than the king himself, orchestrating much of the king’s tyranny. With both the king and minister gone, the courtiers saw an opportunity to place Sudhir on the throne, acknowledging his rightful claim.

Sudhir ascended to the throne, with Suresh appointed as his minister. “It seems the hermit’s prophecy has proven true. He foretold the king’s death, but he also said the assassin would not gain the throne,” Suresh mused.

Sudhir responded, “The entire prophecy has come to pass. I had no chance to kill the king myself. The minister did it for me and shifted the blame. I was too stunned to object!”