Chapter 1: chapter 1

Sun has just started his journey in the sky. The darkness of night has begun to clear. A red hue lit up the mountains and sky. The stars in the sky have begun to fade. A thick layer of cloud has covered the valley making the view heavenly. Anantsen gazed at the beautiful mountain range stretched as far as the eye could see.Every year Anantsen, the prince of Agyatpur, travels to different provinces of his country in disguise to assess the condition of his countrymen. Anantsen's childhood friend, Chandravardhana, accompanies him on his every journey. Like Anantsen, Chandravardhana is also one of the greatest warriors of the country. This year they have come to this beautiful mountain village, Kumbharwada, as a student to learn pottery work. Being the best in pottery work in the entire Agyatpur, the people of Kumbharwada export their pottery to their neighbouring countries too. Most of the inhabitants of this village are Bhil tribes. Other than pottery experts, Kumbharwada has brave warriors too. Whenever there is a war-like situation, the Bhils defend the country from the front lines.Anantsen and Chandravardhana have started learning pottery work from Balabhadra, the best potter of Kumbharwada. Balabhadra is famous for his craft not only in Agyatpur but also in neighbouring countries. People come to learn pottery work from him, not only from the remote villages of Agyatpur but also from neighbouring countries. Unaware of the real identities of Anantsen and Chandravardhana, Balabhadra arranged their stay in his barn. Though it was a barn, Balabhadra took care of its cleanliness and hygiene. Balabhadra's house is small, but he has a big heart. Balabhadra and Sulochana take care of Anantsen and Chandravardhana as their sons. Although Sulochana serves simple food, Anantsen and Chandravardhana enjoy every meal made from fresh vegetables and homemade ghee. They feel the food to be more delicious than the food they get in their palace. The love of Balabhadra and his family made the stay more enjoyable.Enchanted by the beauty of the mountain, Anantsen sat there staring at it. The golden rays of the sun have spread colours to the clouds and meadows, mountains and valleys. Birds have also started chirping to welcome the morning. A gentle breeze is blowing. Anantsen enjoys the beauty of nature in this heavenly hour. Hearing some female voices, Anantsen gets distracted. When he looked in the direction from where the voices were coming, Anantsen couldn't take his eyes off. A group of girls were coming from that direction. The beauty of one of the girls in the group made Anantsen awestruck. Anantsen has never witnessed such a charm and astounding beauty before. It seems as if the moonlight itself has molded into a golden statue. The radiance of her body is shining through her clothes. Her intoxicating eyes can easily attract anyone to herself, and no matter how great an ascetic he is, he cannot escape the attraction. The charm and lustre emanating from her body are sufficient to arouse any ascetic. It seems God has given his best to create her. She cannot be a human; she must be an Apsara. Anantsen thought. (Continued .....................)