Chapter 13: Mischief, Memories, and Monkeys
Shon's POV
It's been three months since I turned seven. Yup—seven years old. A proper grown-up child now... or so I tell everyone.
And with age, my mischief has also grown. After all, causing a little chaos is my specialty—especially when it involves my dear elder brother, Karna. Oh, the look on his face when he catches me red-handed, mid-prank, and I just flash him my biggest, brightest smile. That moment when he realizes he's doomed... priceless! Watching him sigh in defeat has become one of my favorite hobbies.
Just yesterday, a piece of news shook the whole kingdom. Maharaj Pandu has passed away. The younger brother of Maharaj Dhritarashtra is no more. The entire kingdom is in mourning for three days. Mahamahim Bhishma and Queen Mother Satyavati have rushed to the forest ashram where Pandu once lived, to attend his last rites and bring back Queen Kunti and the five Pandavas.
Everyone's talking about the Pandavas. Even before their arrival, the city buzzed with stories. Born of the gods, blessed with divine strength and grace—they're legends in the making. When they finally entered Hastinapur, the whole city came out to welcome them. Flowers rained from balconies. Music filled the streets. The people were overjoyed.
I was there too—standing among the crowd with my parents and Karna. I saw the five boys step out of their chariots with calm, powerful grace. You could just tell—they were no ordinary children.
And I know this won't sit well with the Kauravas. That glare on Duryodhan's face? It said everything. This welcome... this attention... it's like pouring ghee on fire.
I can already feel the tension brewing in the palace air. It looks like stormy times are on the horizon.
But for now, I'll enjoy whatever little time of peace and childhood I have left. Mischief, sweets, and endless pranks—but never at the cost of my training.
After all, I have promises to keep... to Mahadev... and to Bajrangbali.
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Flashback — When I Met Hanuman
I was five years old.
And I had just pulled off what I considered my greatest heist—I managed to sneak into the kitchen and steal a bowl full of delicious kheer. My mission had succeeded. I tiptoed to a quiet corner of the house, ready to enjoy the sweet reward.
But fate had other plans.
Just as I was about to take my first bite, a monkey jumped down from the window and snatched the bowl from my hands!
I blinked.
Did that just happen?
Yes. It did.
I stared in horror as the monkey, sitting a few feet away, began eating the kheer right in front of me—smacking its lips, making exaggerated faces, clearly enjoying every bite and rubbing it in.
I tried everything—bribery, stealth, even a failed attempt at ninja moves—but nothing worked. This monkey was not just fast. It was clever.
By the time I got the bowl back, it was empty.
I held it up, stared into it, and sighed.
"My kheer... it's gone."
I looked at the monkey. It looked right back at me and smirked. Yes, it smirked. That's when it hit me—this was no ordinary monkey.
I placed the empty bowl aside, folded my hands, and bowed.
"I know you are not what you appear to be. Please... show me your true self."
Suddenly, the room filled with divine light. My eyes widened.
The monkey began to glow, its form changing.
In its place now stood a towering, divine figure—muscular, radiant, with golden-reddish skin. His long tail curled behind him like a powerful serpent. His face was kind, yet strong. His eyes... oh, his eyes! Bright like the rising sun, full of love, wisdom, and courage.
Before me stood none other than Bajrangbali Hanuman.
I immediately fell to my knees and touched his feet.
"Pranam, Bhagwan," I whispered.
"Ayushman bhava, putra," he blessed me.
"Why... why have you come to bless someone like me?" I asked, still stunned.
He smiled warmly. "Because of your devotion. You have been reciting Hanuman Chalisa with a pure heart every day. I am pleased with your dedication. I have come to offer you a boon. Ask for anything you wish."
I folded my hands again. "Bhagwan, meeting you itself is the greatest gift. But if I must ask... then please teach me your devotion, your humility, and your spirit of service."
Hanuman's smile widened. "So be it. I will guide you and teach you all I know of true bhakti, humility, and the path of service. You will learn all this before you go to Kailash to begin your true training."
I was overwhelmed. "Dhanyavaad, Bhagwan."
"Come to the mountains near Ayodhya before you head to Kailash," he said.
And with that, he vanished.
I stood there in awe.
But then, something caught my eye. The bowl—the same one I had stolen earlier—it was now full again. Filled to the brim with warm, fragrant kheer.
My smile returned.
I dug in.
Best. Day. Ever.
---
I still smile whenever I think about that day. That moment changed something in me.
Ever since then, I've worked even harder on myself.
Right now, I can do 250 push-ups, 250 pull-ups, 250 sit-ups, and hold a 15-minute plank—and I do it three times a day.
Yes. Three times.
My body aches. My muscles scream. But I love every bit of it.
Because every drop of sweat brings me closer to the warrior I want to be.
Karna, too, is progressing quickly. His archery is becoming sharper each day, and his strength is undeniable. I train hard, but right now, I'm no match for him. And I love that. It pushes me to do more, to be more.
Just yesterday, I saw him training in the courtyard. His arrows flew like lightning—straight, strong, unstoppable. That's my elder brother. And one day, I'll stand beside him—not behind him.
---
Recently, there's been buzz in the palace about a chariot race that's being organized. It's going to be a big event, with princes and sons of royal courtiers participating.
Word is, Bhrata Karna is going to be one of the charioteers. Not a rider, not a prince—but a charioteer. Because of our caste, we aren't allowed to compete as warriors.
But that won't stop Karna. He'll shine in whatever role he's given.
I'm definitely going to be there to watch.
To cheer him on.
And maybe...
Pull a prank or two if the crowd gets too serious.
I mean—come on, I'm still a kid.
And for now... I'll keep training, keep praying, and keep growing.
Because I know the day is coming.
The day when all my preparations... all my faith... will be tested.
But until then?
Let the mischief continue.
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