The grandeur of the dining hall felt like another battlefield for Viddhi (formerly Vidhika). Every morsel of food stuck in her throat, every sweet word sounded like a sharp sting in her ears.
She was alone in her new chamber when suddenly, memories came flooding back like a deluge. That terrible night... the screams... the blood... and then, a soldier's strike that had taken her life.
As she was losing consciousness, she found herself in an unknown, misty place. Standing before her was the Goddess of Death, Mrittyu Devi—her form fearsome, but her gaze held compassion.
Viddhi's soul pleaded, "I was in my palace since childhood... I haven't seen the world, nor experienced this life... I hadn't committed any sin... I lost my mother and father... I lost my brother... I was trapped in an unwanted relationship and was fulfilling it despite my wishes... Then why did this injustice happen to me, Mother? I want to take my revenge... I want to punish my killer... Give me just one chance, Mother!"
Mrittyu Devi saw the purity of her soul and her unwavering resolve. After a moment of silence, she spoke, "Very well, daughter. Seeing the purity of your heart and your firm determination, I grant you another chance. You shall be reborn in the body of Princess Viddhi of Chandragarh... with these very memories."
Viddhi's soul thanked her, and Mrittyu Devi vanished from there.
Viddhi opened her eyes. The royal chamber of Chandragarh was before her. She understood—this was a second birth, a gift for revenge.
In the dining hall, she learned from her new parents—Maharaj Rudrapratap and Maharani Madhavi—that she was now 'Princess Viddhi', the only princess of Chandragarh, who had been unconscious for a full year after a serious accident.
"Viddhi, the proposal for your marriage is back under discussion," Maharaj Rudrapratap said affectionately. "Vaibhavraj is the heir to the throne, it would be a splendid match."
Viddhi's heart forgot to beat for a moment. Another marriage? Her soul screamed. But she maintained a mask of composure on her face. She bowed her head humbly.
"Father, waking up after so many years... I wish to understand myself first. Could I have some time? I would like to see the palace and its surroundings."
Maharani Madhavi immediately agreed. "Of course, beta. As you wish. Your friend Tara will be with you."
For the next few days, Viddhi roamed the palace gardens, libraries, and high-walled courtyards like a living statue. Her eyes were focused less on the decorations and more on understanding the secret passages, weak guard posts, and the language of political alliances. She was practicing with her new body—a body that seemed delicate, but housed the dignity of a princess and the soul of a warrior.
One evening, as she stood on the palace's western tower, her gaze fell far to the south-east. That was the direction where Suryagarh once stood. Countless questions swam in her eyes. Did Suryagarh still exist? Who ruled it now? Where was my brother?
Just then, she overheard fragments of a conversation between two soldiers in the courtyard below.
"...The new Maharaja of Suryagarh, Raja Vidhaan, is arriving on the next full moon. There will be talks of an alliance."
Viddhi's blood ran cold. Raja Vidhaan! The same masked man who had severed her father's head from his body! She had heard his name that night, as he sat on the throne. Now he was coming to Chandragarh. Just hearing the name made fire burn in her chest. 'Vidhaan'... the very name now felt like a disease to her.
That night, Viddhi asked her friend Tara, "Tara, have you ever heard of Suryagarh's Prince Veer Pratap?"
Tara said in a sad voice, "I have heard, Princess. They say he disappeared mysteriously the night his parents were murdered. Some say he died, others say he is in the forests seeking vengeance. But there has been no news of him for a year."
Viddhi's heart broke, but a new spark ignited in her eyes. If Veer Bhaiya was alive, she would definitely find him. And Raja Vidhaan... he was coming here. This was the perfect opportunity for her revenge.
The next morning, Viddhi said to Maharani Madhavi, "Mother, I wish to regain my memory and strength. Could I be taught sword fighting in the palace armory? It would also be a form of exercise for me."
The Maharani was surprised, but seeing her daughter's confidence, she agreed. "Alright, Viddhi. But we will appoint a trusted trainer. No risks."
That trusted trainer was none other than the palace's old and most experienced weapons master, Shivaji. On the first day, when Viddhi lifted the sword, a strange memory flashed in her hands. It was the same feeling she had learned from watching her brother Veer practice. Her soul remembered.
Shivaji expressed surprise at her natural talent. "Princess, it seems sword fighting is in your blood."
Viddhi said, smiling, "Perhaps, Guruji. Perhaps."
A month passed. Viddhi was gradually growing stronger. She was not only learning to wield a sword but also understanding the intricacies of Chandragarh's royal court. And then the day finally arrived.
The palace was abuzz with activity. The Maharaja of Suryagarh, Raja Vidhaan, had arrived at Chandragarh with his entourage.
In the assembly hall, when Viddhi saw him, fire erupted within her body. The same man, the same arrogant gait. But she controlled herself. She remained seated beside the Maharani, like a calm, innocent princess.
During the dinner that night, Raja Vidhaan's eyes fell on Viddhi. "Who is this beauty?" he asked.
Maharaj Rudrapratap said proudly, "This is our daughter, Princess Viddhi."
A strange gleam appeared in Raja Vidhaan's eyes. "Viddhi... What a lovely name. Just like the divine fate-weaver." His words carried a dangerous sweetness.
Viddhi bowed her head in greeting, but a plan was brewing in her mind. She knew Raja Vidhaan saw her as a political bargain. And she wanted to use that to her advantage.
That very night, Viddhi executed her plan with the note and secretly placed the message in the right pocket of Raja Vidhaan's royal robe:
"The Lion of Suryagarh still lives. What you seek is closest to you. — A Shadow"
She knew the game had now begun. On one side was Raja Vidhaan, who had stolen her previous life. On the other side was an anonymous warrior. And standing between them was Viddhi—bearing the pain of two lifetimes and an unshakable resolve.
She said to herself, "Bhaiya, you must be somewhere. I will find you. And oh God, my Ayaan... may your soul be my strength. No one can stop the law of fate