Chapter 34: Six Months, One Goodbye
Shon's POV
It has been six months since I came to Ayodhya. In this time, I've learned quite a lot. I've become fully adept as a salesman. I can now sell almost anything while making a decent profit. I've also learned about various trade routes and how Mohan Das sources his goods. He often took me with him on his trips—not just to teach me the trade, but also to have someone he trusted by his side for safety.
As for my physical training, I never stopped. I still practice daily for at least one hour. Most of my day goes into managing the shop, meditating, wandering the market to observe and learn, and helping those in need.
Speaking of helping, there's one incident that I remember clearly...
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Flashback
There was an old lady who lived alone, supported only by her grandson. He had taken a loan from some big moneylenders in town. She had almost repaid all of it, with just ten gold coins left. But tragedy struck—the grandson, who had gone out of town on work, had been missing for three days.
The repayment day arrived, and she had no money left. The lenders came and started beating her for not paying. I was just passing by when I saw this, and I immediately intervened. I fought them off first, then asked the lady what had happened. After learning the full story, I paid the ten gold coins myself and made them leave.
Later, I asked around about the route her grandson had taken. After a lot of searching, I found him injured and hiding in a cave, scared and weak, because a wild wolf had been stalking the area. I helped him back home, and both of them were overwhelmed with gratitude.
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Flashback Ends
Even after a long day, I always look forward to the evening—my time with Princess Vaidehi. We've grown very close over these past six months. We meet near the Sarayu River, play simple games, toss pebbles, and talk about our day. Most of the time, she's the chatterbox. I just sit, listen, and smile.
I don't know what the future holds for us. We call each other friends, but I know it's more than that. I'm drawn to her. I like her. Truly. I haven't said it out loud yet, but I know she already knows.
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General POV
That evening, they met as usual.
Shon and Vaidehi sat side by side on the riverbank, the gentle breeze brushing past. Vaidehi rested her head on Shon's shoulder, talking endlessly about her day—her tutor's funny mistake, her maid's new dish, the flowers she saw in the garden.
"So, that's how my day went. What about you?" she asked.
"Mine was just usual. Nothing new to tell you," Shon replied.
"Come on, Shon! You always do this. You just listen to me and give short answers when it's your turn," she pouted.
Shon pinched her cheeks gently and laughed.
"Okay, I do have something important to tell you," he said more seriously now.
"What?" Vaidehi asked, her smile fading.
"I'll be leaving Ayodhya tomorrow," Shon said.
"What? Why?!" she asked in shock, sitting up straight.
"I have to return to my guru. He told me to spend six months in society to test whether I can meditate without distraction. That time is over now. I have to return," he replied.
"Do you have to go? Can't you stay a little longer?" she whispered, her eyes beginning to fill with tears.
"I'm sorry, Vaidehi. But I must go. There are things I must do—duties to fulfill. I can't afford distractions until they're done," Shon said gently.
"What about me? What about us?" she asked softly.
Shon took a deep breath. "If fate allows, we'll meet again. But before I go, I want to say something. I like you, Vaidehi. Truly. I will come back for you. I promise."
He pulled her into a gentle, heartfelt hug. After a long pause, he turned and walked away slowly.
Vaidehi stood there, watching him disappear into the distance, tears rolling down her cheeks. She didn't try to stop him. She simply made a silent promise to herself—that she would train hard too, and wait for him.
The next day, she would leave Ayodhya as well, heading to her Gurukul.
She returned to the palace with sorrow quietly lingering in her eyes. That evening, during dinner, she sat across from her parents and softly spoke of her decision.
"I want to go to Guru Vishwamitra's ashram," she said, her voice calm but heavy, "to begin my teachings."
The words fell like a hush across the royal dining hall. The king and queen exchanged a glance—deep down, they had known this moment would come. Still, it didn't stop their hearts from tightening.
Rajendra Dev placed his hand gently over hers. "Are you sure, Vaidehi?" he asked, even though he already saw the resolve in her eyes.
She nodded. "Yes, Pitashree. It's time."
The queen smiled, though her heart ached. "We always knew you were meant for something greater. And we are proud of you."
Though sadness stirred in the royal family, they also understood—this was the path of growth. Of destiny. And Vaidehi was ready to walk it.
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Meanwhile, Shon returned to Mohan Das's home and informed him of his departure.
Mohan placed a hand on Shon's shoulder. "You've been more than a worker—you've been family. Go, fulfill your duty. Our doors will always be open to you."
And so, with the first light of morning, Shon started his journey back to Sundargiri.
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