Sworn to Rule, Doomed by Greed

Once, in the land of Kanakpura, ruled a wise and aging king named Bhupendra.
His health failed. And so, with the help of his trusted general Prajapati, his son Satyajit was crowned king.

But Prajapati’s son, Veer, wanted the throne for himself.

Burning with ambition, Veer plotted to remove Satyajit — even tried to kill him.

But he failed.

And when he stood before King Satyajit, expecting punishment…

Satyajit looked him in the eye and said: ‘Veer… I know you want the throne. I want knowledge.
Let me go to Kashi to study for five years.
Rule in my place — but swear to give it back when I return.’

Veer (nodding with a slow smile):  ‘I give you my word.’

Years Later… in the Kingdom of Prachipur

The king of Prachipur announced a grand festival —
His daughter, Meera, would choose a husband from the gathered princes.

Invitations were sent to kingdoms near and far.
But Veer, ruling Kanakpura in Satyajit’s absence, got none.

Veer (angry):  ‘How dare they ignore me?’

Prajapati (gently):  ‘Perhaps they know you’ll have to give up the throne soon.
Why would they consider you a suitable groom?’

Veer (fuming):
‘I’ll show them who I am. Prepare the army. We march at dawn!’

He sent an ultimatum to Prachipur:
Invite me — or face war.

But Prachipur was unmoved.

The king tore up Veer’s message and declared:
‘Whoever defeats this false king shall marry Meera.’

And so, princes from every corner prepared to strike.

In Kashi, Satyajit heard the storm that had erupted behind him.
He raced back to Kanakpura.
When he arrived, he saw it:
Armies approaching. Chaos looming.

And inside the palace, Veer — the once-bold usurper — now trembled.

Satyajit did what needed to be done.
With one clean strike… Veer’s head rolled.

When the other princes saw his head displayed from the castle wall, they turned back.

There was nothing left to win.

The king of Prachipur gave Meera’s hand in marriage to Satyajit.
Order was restored. The throne was reclaimed.

Was Satyajit right?
He had forgiven Veer once. Why strike him down now?
Was it justice… or jealousy?

‘Satyajit was merciful. He offered peace — and Veer shattered it.
A king must protect his people first.
Satyajit didn’t kill for power. He acted to stop a war Veer had invited.
Any wise ruler would have done the same.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi