12th CENTURY - VIJAYGARH

A few days had passed since Diya arrived in Vijaygarh.

Life in the palace was calm on the outside, but Diya was still struggling to adjust to the customs of the kingdom.

Now her biggest problem is they were not even in Rajpur to get to the time machine near the banks of river kailash

One morning, while walking through the palace courtyard with Roohi, Diya noticed something that disturbed her.

A group of young boys were sitting under a tree, learning from a teacher.

But a few steps away, several girls of the same age were carrying water pots and cleaning the courtyard.

Diya frowned.

"Why aren't those girls studying?" she asked.

Roohi sighed.

"Because they are girls."

Diya looked shocked.

"What kind of answer is that?"

Roohi spoke quietly.

"In this era, education is meant for men. Girls are expected to learn household work. "

Diya clenched her fists.

"That is ridiculous.This is the same as how we studied in our history books. Later social reformers came and the fate slowly started changing for women. But here I need to do something for these little girls"

Later that day in the royal court...

Veer was discussing military matters with Dev and the ministers.

Suddenly the doors of the court opened.

Everyone turned.

Diya walked inside confidently.

The court fell silent.

Women almost never entered political discussions.

Veer raised an eyebrow.

"Maharani... this is a royal court."

Diya folded her hands respectfully but spoke firmly.

"I know. And I wish to speak."

The ministers exchanged uncomfortable glances.

Veer studied her expression.

"Very well. Speak."

Diya pointed toward the courtyard outside.

"I saw boys studying and girls working."

Veer nodded calmly.

"That is the custom of our land."

Diya crossed her arms.

"And who decided that?"

The court went silent again.

One of the ministers spoke angrily,

"Maharani, women are not meant for education. Their duty is to serve the household."

Diya immediately responded,

"Education is not a privilege of men. It is a right of every human being."

The minister scoffed.

"What will a woman do with education?"

Diya replied without hesitation,

"Manage resources. Make wise decisions. Lead if necessary."

The minister laughed mockingly.

"A woman leading a kingdom?"

Diya looked straight at Veer.

"Why not?"

Veer leaned forward slightly.

His voice remained calm but firm.

"Our society has followed these traditions for centuries."

Diya took a deep breath.

"And centuries of tradition does not make something right."

The court murmured.

No one had ever challenged the king's views like this.

Veer studied her carefully.

"You speak boldly, Maharani."

Diya replied softly but firmly,

"I speak the truth."

She walked slowly toward the center of the court.

"Tell me something, Maharaj."

Veer nodded.

"If girls are not educated then people of this kingdom are not completely knowledgeable"

Everyone stood silent

Diya continued.

"If a kingdom only educates its men... it is using only half of its strength."

Dev silently looked impressed.

The ministers were beginning to look uneasy.

Diya's voice grew stronger.

"You want Vijaygarh to be the greatest kingdom, don't you?"

Veer nodded slowly.

"Then why weaken it by ignoring half your people?"

Veer remained silent.

Diya continued.

"In my...world"

She paused carefully.

"...women study, work, lead organizations, even run nations."

The court looked shocked.

One minister said sarcastically,

"But I didn't hear any such thing about Rajpur."

Diya smiled and covered.

"It is a progressive world of my imagination"

She then looked directly at Veer.

"Maharaj, you are known as a great conqueror."

Veer did not react.

"But true greatness is not measured by how many kingdoms you conquer."

She paused.

"It is measured by how many lives you improve."

The entire court fell silent.

Even the ministers had no argument left.

Veer slowly stood from his throne.

His expression was serious.

For the first time in years...

Someone had made him question his beliefs.

He looked at the ministers.

"Leave us."

One by one, the ministers left the court.

Only Veer, Diya.

Veer walked toward Diya.

"You challenge traditions boldly."

Diya shrugged slightly.

"Someone has to."

Veer looked thoughtful.

"When I became king... I believed strength came from power and conquest."

Diya replied gently,

"Strength also comes from wisdom and fairness."

Veer remained silent for a moment.

Then he called Dev and the ministers.

"From today onwards, education in Vijaygarh will be open to both boys and girls."

Dev's eyes widened slightly.

"Yes, Maharaj."

Diya looked surprised.

"You're agreeing?"

Veer looked at her.

"You made a convincing argument."

Then he added with a faint smile,

"And a wise king listens when he hears wisdom."

Diya grinned.

"Careful, Maharaj. You're starting to sound progressive."

Veer smirked slightly.

"Do not become too proud, Maharani."

Diya laughed.

"Too late."

As Diya walked out of the court, Dev quietly said to Veer,

"Maharaj... she is changing Vijaygarh."

Veer looked toward the door where Diya had exited.

A small smile appeared on his face.

"Yes."

Then he said quietly,

"And perhaps... she is changing me too."

✨ Stay tuned for the next chapter.

The bond between Maharaja Veerendra Singh and Maharani Diya Gauri is slowly evolving-from rivalry to respect... and perhaps something deeper.

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