The next morning came early. Maheshwar dressed up quickly and was waiting in his chambers to be called for breakfast with Aditya. He did not want to be caught in the middle of anything, so he quickly got ready for the day. Luckily the palace was a bit cooler making his attire more royal and wearable. Aditya knocked on his door and as Maheshwar opened it, he was surprised to see Aditya here. "Come on. Let's go. I want to introduce you to my father." Aditya spoke excitedly while Maheshwar could only nod. He quickly followed Aditya who spoke about how excited he was to meet his best friend and his dad.
As they entered the dining room, Aditya's father Raja Chandra Verma was seated on the head of the dining table discussing something with a person who looked like a commander who was seated on his left. As the King heard the footsteps, he looked up in the direction of the sound and a smile broke out on his face.
He stood up, dismissing the commander with a nod and hugging Aditya. Aditya embraced his father and his contagious smile spread to the King. "Father, this is my best friend Maheshwar and Mahesh this is my father." Aditya introduced them, placing his hand on Maheshwar's shoulder.
"Pranam Maharaj." Maheshwar bowed with his hands joined together in a namaste.
"Pranam Beta." His father warmly greeted him. "Please sit down. It shall be our honor to treat the very special person who saved my son's life and is responsible for his happiness." The King ushered Maheshwar to a seat on his right, while Aditya sat down to his left where the commander sat before.
"Maharaj, you are embarrassing me. I was just doing my duty, Maharaj. Nothing else." Maheshwar humbly replied.
"For you it might have been a duty but for me it was my life and I can never thank you enough for saving my son's life." The King spoke, placing a comforting palm on Maheshwar's hand. Maheshwar nodded gently. He couldn't argue with the king and neither could he agree to his words. Aditya raised his hands and clapped them once. Servers entered the hall and began serving the three of them their breakfast. Having an array of delicacies right from authentic dishes made for the royals, fruits, nuts, freshly prepared ginger tea were just a few dishes that Maheshwar could identify. He was never used to this sort of arrangement as he often ate outside or with Chitrama.
He gulped as he looked at his plate being laden with all sorts of food from the table. Taking slow bites of the food, he quietly ate as the King instructed Aditya about the events and occasions that had to be held before his coronation. Looking at Aditya and his father, a smile appeared on Maheshwar's face that Aditya caught before he could escape. "What happened? Why are you smiling?"
"Nothing." Maheshwar shook his head. "It's just that both you and Maharaj look very similar in your habits, behavior and features. It would be difficult to tell if Maharaj is your father or your elder brother." Maheshwar's words brought a chuckle on the father son duo.
"No son. If you would have seen his mother, then I am sure you would have concluded that Aditya looks like a copy of his mother." The King said, sorrow morphing his face. He missed his wife and it was evident on his face. Aditya held his father's hands offering a comfortable squeeze while the King shook his head to hide his tears. "She would be proud of you. Proud of what you have become today, proud of the person you are today. Anu would be very very happy." Tears rolled down the King's cheek and Aditya hugged him tightly wiping tears of his own.
"Ma would also be proud of you, father, for shaping me into the person I am today. I am better because of you, and I aspire to be at least half as worthy as you to ascend to kingship." Aditya said, his voice quivering while he spoke. His father patted his back affectionately and rose from his seat making Maheshwar rise from his. The king gestured to them to continue their breakfast as he left for his chambers.
"I am sorry about that. It's just that we both miss her a lot and this rarely happens. We didn't want to overwhelm you or make you uncomfortable. It's just thatâ"
"I understand Adi, and that's fine. Like you said, she would definitely be very proud of you and your father for coming so far on your own. You need not apologize for remembering her. Instead if you feel comfortable, you can definitely tell me about her. She would have been a wonderful person given how warm natured and caring you are." Maheshwar cut him off and changed the mood, diverting his attention. And the distraction worked like a charm as Aditya spoke about his mother and their bond before she passed away.
"She would have also loved you too as her second son, if she was here. I just wish God was fair before he took them away from us." Aditya spoke, his head bowed down as silent tears rolled down his cheeks. Maheshwar wanted to reach him and wipe those tears but he couldn't instead he chose to stay put in his place and listen to Aditya.
"Them?"
"Yeah, my mother died giving birth to my sister and my sister died a few hours later. She was born a bit premature and she decided to join my mother, leaving me and my dad to ourselves."
"I was taught that those who are living, live among us, but those who have passed away, live within us. Your mother and your sister reside with you, in your heart. I am certain both of them are part of every step and breath you take daily. They have guided you to be the person you are today and they shall also be there with you in every move you make, blessing you with all their might." Aditya nodded as he listened to his friend comforting him. They had their breakfast in silence before Aditya took him to his study for his help and inputs.
That night when Maheshwar retired to his room he wondered if being Aditya's best friend was a good idea or not. Walking away from Aditya would only hurt him more and make him lose his trust and staying with him was a trouble for himself or herself as she thought. She was in a mess and she hoped that things would get better.
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