1) Chapter

On the 14th day of month Phalguna early hours of the evening two noble youngers mounted on old slow moving horses rode side by side towards the golden city of Vatapi.

Vatapi, The capital city of Chalukya Empire known for its breathtaking and wonderful landscape in the heart of Karnataka.

One of the riders was the young prince, the second son of the late Emperor Kritivarman, known by the name Vishnu-vardhana.

He was a striking figure, with dark curls falling down his shoulders, a youth of undeniable charm.

Though the long journey had left him somewhat worn and weary, it didnt seemed to bother him even a little, his eyes still alight with confidence and his face showed the signs of smile.

In contrast, his companion, Adithya, appeared far more tired. A loyal friend and Vishnu's most trusted confidant, Aditya's exhaustion showed in the lines of his face.

"Oh I can't belive you Vishnu! Why did you refuse that royal parade? We could've been at Vatapi by now comfortablay , instead of dragging these freaking old horses through this dust" Adithya start to mumble triedly.

"Relax Adithya relax... I thought we could manage on our own. A little ride never hurt anyone." Vishnu repiled his friend calmly while smiling at him.

"A little ride? funny It has been two days..... These horses are barely moving! My legs feel like they've aged twenty years, and now look... the sun's already setting!" Adithya said in a sarcastic voice.

"You are thinking too much ... Look around! The view is beautiful. Besides, It has been ten years Adithya... since we were awayed for gurukul." Vishnu said with light smile.

"Anyway do you know something Vishnu, By the time we get into the palace , your brother's wedding might already be over!"Adthiya said.

"The wedding's still days away. We'll make it in time, trust me." Vishnu repiled smiling.

"Days away? At this rate, it'll feel like weeks! You really think your brother our crown prince will be pleased to see us covered in dust, dragging ourselves into the palace at midnight?" Adithya asked.

"Anna... won't care how we look." Vishnu grined.

"I can just imagine your uncle's face when he sees me. He'll probably think I'm some beggar you picked up along the way!" Adithya said half joking.

"Come on, he likes you like his own. Maybe he might even prefer you in this rugged look. Hey do you know something, this makes you look like you've fought off bandits or something..." Vishnu started teasing his friend.

"Well.. well  at least we should  make it before dark. Now, if a tiger shows up, I'm pushing you off this horse." Adithya said.

"Oh, I'm sure your aim will be perfect... once you've rested a bit." Vishnu grined.

"Oh Mahadev .. You are impossible Vishnu! ...  Hey look there I think now we are closer.." Adithya spelled while staring at the bright lights.

"I told you" Vishnu said.

"Finally! We've made it to Vatapi. I thought we'd never get here."Adithya said with sighns of relief.

"Just in time for Maha Shivaratri too. Look at the city everything's lit up beautifully. The badami  temples look divine." Vishnu said while looking around.

Everyone was busy with decorations, Streets were buzzling with food stalls and music.

Men, women, children , all  were wearing new clothes and vividly dressed in various ways. Bunches of fragrant flowers such as Jasmine and champaka decorated the braids of women.

And on another coner of this graceful city young girls were singing songs praising lord Shiva with their honeylike voices.

"I'll admit, the view is stunning. But after that ride, I feel like collapsing. I don't even have the energy to walk up to the royal shiva temple." Adithya mumble.

"Oh come on, Aditya. You wouldn't want to miss the Maha Shivaratri festivities. It's the most sacred night of the year! We should join the people and offer our prayers." Vishnu spelled excitly.

"Festivities? Excuse me...  I need a bed, not a festival. You might have all the energy in the world after that ride, but I'm tried." Adithya said.

"Ohh You're not getting out of this, my friend. It's Shivaratri! We'll offer our respects, Beside my uncle The Emperor will definetly expecting us at the royal temple. You know how strict he is about traditions." Vishnu spelled.

"Ah, right. Our mighty Emperor and his rituals. You think he's already at the temple? Adithya asked.

"Most likely. All the royals probably arrived early, knowing him. Let's go and greet him there. And trust me, once you see the grand celebrations at the badami temple, you'll forget all about being tired." Vishnu said in cherished voice.

"Fine, fine. Let's get this over with. But if I fall asleep during the chants, don't you dare leave me there!" Adithya said.

"ohh.. I won't, don't worry. I'll make sure you stay awake through the night... It's Shivaratri, afterall keeping vigil is part of the ritual.. my friend." Vishnu said while laughing.

"All night? .. Great. I'm starting to regret refusing that royal patron even more now." Adithya mumble.

"You'll survive. Just think of it as an offering to Lord Shiva. Now come on, let's make our way to the temple before the crowd gets too big." Vishnu said in a hurry.

Hey readers,

What do you think about the first chapter 🤔? Drop your thoughts as comments!

Warmly

ChronicleKeeper😊