The Vermilion Castle and the Princess: A Tale of Love and Valor🔊

On the farthest edge of India, where the sun rises first and orange marigold blooms, there was a land known as 'Kamagura'. This gloriously green island was surrounded by the blue cerulean crystal clear water of the Mahanadi River. In the heart of Kamagura, there was a grand castle. This castle was built with the reddest of bricks, which got its hue from the setting sun's rays licking its every block.

In this grand castle lived a wise king named 'Brijmohan'. Unlike other kings who preferred to conquer and increase their kingdoms, King Brijmohan was a patron of art and culture. He was a scholar himself, knew ten different languages, and was fond of music. He was an inspiration for his people, who loved him more than they feared him.

The vermilion castle not only depicted the vast historical lineage of the brave ancestors of Brijmohan, but it was also home to a secret. It became the object of much dialogue and speculation amongst the neighboring kingdoms. There dispatched groups of couriers from these neighborhoods who tried to shed light on the secret but came back empty-handed.

But it wasn't the castle or the king who was the talk of the town. No, it was a beautiful and enigmatic girl named 'Madhulika'. In the midst of courtiers, poets and jesters, in the castle courtyard, flocked by kingfishers and cuckoos, dwelled this delicate beauty. Madhulika was the only daughter of the wise King Brijmohan. No words could justify her beauty, her charm was as captivating as the full moon night's charm, making the moon moss of Kamagura bloom in her honor.

There lived an ordinary guard named Harihar in the castle. He was a simple yet brave man whose love for Madhulika was as pure as the water of Mahanadi. Undeterred by his socio-economic status, Harihar unwaveringly loved the princess without any expectation or aspiration of reciprocation. This one-sided love became folklore in the kingdom as Harihar expressed his love through his valiant acts of bravery and dedication toward his duty for his king and the princess.

One day, the castle was attacked by a neighboring kingdom. The king and the ministers were caught off guard. Harihar bravely fought the invaders, despite being outnumbered. Knowing about this, Madhulika joined him. The princess, unaffected by her stature, fought like a true warrior, showing her unanticipated gallant side. Harihar and Madhulika's relentless fight and the obvious chemistry became a spectacle, which intrigued the invaders. Taking note of their fierce determination, they withdrew.

Despite the ordinary guard and renowned princess's social chasm, King Brijmohan was impressed by their courage and unity. It was that day the secret of the vermilion castle was unveiled. The king finally revealed that the castle was meant to be inherited by the one who truly loved his daughter and protected the kingdom with absolute courage. King Brijmohan was overjoyed to hand the castle and his throne to Harihar, who was created a prince overnight for his love and bravery.

With the blessing of King Brijmohan, Harihar married Madhulika. Their love story, full of courage, faith, and determination, echoed the values of Kamagura, painting the true picture of the island. It exemplified that love is not bounded by statuses, but by the pure feelings and gallant acts of bravery. It taught a new era of combat, where the fight was not for property but for love and honor.