📜 Previously on Reincarnated Prince of Kaligarh:
Aryan's navy was successfully launched under the pirate-turned-commander Salak. Three warships were tested, and merchant ships were dispatched to chart the seas. Though no island was found yet, Kaligarh's sails now flutter with ambition.
SCENE 1 – KALIGARH NAVAL BASE – EARLY MORNING
The docks were buzzing with activity. Workers carried crates, sailors argued over rope knots, and seagulls screamed like tiny pirates. Salak, with a ridiculous feathered hat, barked orders from atop a crate.
SALAK (shouting)
If I catch one more man tying a cannon down with fishing net, I'll make you scrub barnacles with your teeth!
NOYON (hanging from a mast)
Captain! The top rope is stuck!
SALAK (smirking)
Then unstick it, boy! You ain't a gull to sit up there singing!
Noyon fell. Into a barrel of fish.
NOYON (muffled)
I regret everything.
Sailors laughed. Even Salak cracked a smile.
SCENE 2 – ROYAL PALACE BALCONY – MIDDAY
Back at the palace, Aryan lounged on a cushioned chair with Veer curled beside him, his tail lazily flicking.
MEENA (leaning over the railing)
Your Highness, you promised to take us to the docks today.
ARYAN
I also promised myself a nap.
KAAMAYA (poking his forehead)
And we promised to annoy you until you take us.
ARYAN
I fear I'm under siege.
REVA (deadpan)
Surrender now, or we'll sing folk songs off-key all the way to the harbor.
ARYAN (getting up)
You're monsters. Fine. Let's go before the birds start doing backup vocals.
SCENE 3 – DOCKS – LATE AFTERNOON
The trio of girls walked ahead excitedly, chattering about ships, while Aryan trailed behind with a very tired tiger and a confused expression.
MEENA (excitedly pointing)
That ship looks like it could fly!
KAAMAYA
It looks like it could fall apart if you breathe too hard.
REVA (teasing Aryan)
So… your "navy" smells like fish and has pirates for captains?
ARYAN
Says the woman who once tried to stab a diplomat with a fish skewer.
REVA (shrugging)
He insulted my sandals.
At that moment, Noyon came running—soaked, smelly, and fishy.
NOYON (panting)
Your Majesty! Small issue. One of the test ships caught fire. Minor. Tiny. Almost invisible!
ARYAN
Is it still on fire?
NOYON (glancing back)
...No?
A large BOOM sounded behind him. Smoke rose.
ARYAN (sighing)
Salak…
SCENE 4 – DOCK WORKSHOP – EVENING
Salak stood proudly before a slightly scorched ship.
SALAK
The fire was part of the test. Explosive resilience!
ARYAN (deadpan)
I see. And the hole in the deck?
SALAK
Ventilation.
REVA (grinning)
Is sinking part of the plan too?
SALAK
If it floats after catching fire, it won't sink. It's science.
Everyone blinked. Even the seagulls looked skeptical.
SCENE 5 – DINNER BY THE SEA
Aryan and the girls sat on a rug by the harbor, eating roasted fish as the sun dipped below the waves. Salak joined them with a bottle of something "probably not poisonous."
MEENA (teasing)
I still think he made the fire on purpose.
KAAMAYA
To impress Aryan? Typical pirate drama.
REVA
He's jealous of our future king's royal hair.
SALAK (raising a cup)
You jest, but the sea listens. And it likes bold men with better hats.
ARYAN (smiling finally)
Let's hope it also likes insane ones.
They all laughed.
SCENE 6 – PALACE – NIGHT
Back at the palace, Aryan collapsed onto his bed.
ARYAN (to himself)
A pirate navy, three terrifying women, and a flaming ship. I'm either ruling Kaligarh or starring in a very weird play.
Just then, a knock at his door.
DEVIKA (from outside)
Did I hear about a flaming ship?
ARYAN
It's classified!
DEVIKA
Too bad. I'm your mother. Everything is unclassified.
He groaned as she opened the door, holding a bottle of ointment and some mangoes.
DEVIKA (smiling)
You smelled like smoked fish from halfway across the city.
ARYAN (laughing)
Then maybe I'll set your ship on fire next time.
🏁 End of Chapter 51