A Kingdom of Love

There was a King, named Paramveer somewhere who always worked for the welfare of others. Not only his own subjects, but the people of nearby places also praised him because he used to help other kingdoms in many ways whenever they needed him. Once, to check what his subjects actually did, he disguised himself as a common man & went to analyze his kingdom. He found everyone was happy in his kingdom & praising the king for his people-friendly policies. He felt proud of himself & prayed to God, "Oh God, please make me more capable so that I can serve my people in better ways." What a great King he was. But he was not aware that his neighbouring kingdom was planning to attack him. It was the kingdom of another king named, Randev Raj. The neighborhood kingdom was earlier the friend of this kingdom but due to some reason, it became an enemy. King Randev Raj was always planning to defeat Paramver's kingdom but Paramveer was a very powerful king. Defeating him was not easy. So Randev Raj thought of a plan. He knew that Paramveer was a polite & humble king & his heart melts easily. So he sent one of his soldiers named Bhoomi Sagar in disguise to Paramver's kingdom to take all his secrets so that he can defeat Paramveer.

Bhoomi Sagar went to Paramveer's court & said, "Sir I am a warrior & I want to join your army. It's a great honor to serve a great king like you." Paramveer said, "You are most welcome Bhoomi Sagar. Show us your skills." Bhoomi Sagar was a perfect warrior. From archery to horse riding, he knew all the skills perfectly. Paramveer was impressed & appointed Bhoomi Sagar as one of the soldiers of his army. Bhoomi Sagar was so skillful that he impressed Paramveer to such an extent that Paramveer made Bhoomi Sagar, the chief of his army, Senapati. Bhoomi Sagar's plans were gradually working in the right direction. He started following all the orders of Paramveer without question. Paramveer also praised the skills of Bhoomi Sagar among all his courtiers many times. Many times the humbleness of Paramveer melted the heart of Bhoomi Sagar but quickly he used to remember his actual mission. 

Days passed & a time came when Bhoomi Sagar became knowledgeable about everything in Paramver's kingdom. There used to be a local festival in which the king also participated. The purpose of that festival was to show the unique bond of love between the King & his subjects. The entire festival was organized by common people without taking financial help from the king. It was actually a symbol of the togetherness of the people of that Kingdom. Paramveer was invited as Chief Guest & common people showed many skills to the king like pottery, dancing, singing, gymnastic & much more. Competitions were also organized & Paramveer gave medals to the winners. Everyone was happy.

But as Paramveer came to his court, he saw Randev Raj sitting on his singhasan. He shouted, "Randev Raj, how dare you sit on that singhasan. You don't deserve it. I will kill you." Randev Raj said,"Ha,Ha Kill me! Paranveer you don't know that I have captured your entire Kingdom. You are under my arrest. My Soldiers have surrounded your kingdom from all sides." Paramveer said, "It is not that easy Randev. Come out of your dreams." Randev Raj said, "Oh! Really. Actually, you are dreaming Paramveer. Your loving senapati Bhoomi Sagar is actually my senapati. I sent him to your kingdom to take your secrets so that I can defeat you." 

Paramveer shockingly looked at Bhoomi Sagar. Bhoomi Sagar, full of guilt, bent down his eyes. Tears rolled down the eyes of Paramveer. Randev Raj said, "So touchy moment! And Bhoomi Sagar, why are you bending down your eyes? Are you guilty you duped Paramveer? So sweet! Paramveer, you are a highly impressive personality indeed. But I am sorry, today is your last day on this planet. And I am not going to kill you. You will be beheaded by Bhoomi Sagar. Bend down your knees." Paramveer did that. Randev Raj gave a sward to Bhoomi Sagar, "Bhoomi Sagar, take this sward & behead Paramveer." Bhoomi Sagar took the sward but instead of killing Paramveer, bent down in front of Randev Raj & said, "Sorry Sir. I will not be able to do this. For disobeying your orders, you can kill me."

For a few minutes Randev Raj stood silently. Then he smiled and said, "Paramveer, you are actually very impressive. I was wrong, Paramveer. We cannot build our kingdom by killing people, by conquering people. I always hated your popularity but I am sorry, I never realised the reason behind that popularity. I am going back Paramveer." Randev Raj came near Paramveer. With folded hands, he said, "I am very sorry Paramveer. You are not just the king of this palace, you are the king of hearts & your kingdom is the kingdom of love. I promise you that from now onwards, I will never attack you." 

Randev Raj started moving out of the court with his entire army. Reaching the exit door of the court he stopped, turned back & said, "Paramveer, few of my soldiers will stay here. Whatever damage I have done here, they will rectify that. I am sorry for troubling you.

And one more thing. If you feel like it, do let me know if we can be friends again." 

Randev Raj & Paramveer both smiled looking at each other & then Randev Raj left. Truly, great kingdoms are not made by conquering territories, but by conquering hearts.