Many years ago, in Varanasi (India)....
"Shashi, get ready fast, your sister is waiting", said a lady in her late forties.
"Coming mom, by the time you prepare the breakfast, I will get ready."
Shashi stood in front of a mirror, her wet hair open and reaching up to her waist. She was born on a full moon night and her mother thought her face is glowing just like the moon, so she named her Shashi, which means moon in Hindi.
Well, she was beautiful, not like any princess though. Still, her beautiful curves and sweet smile was enough to win anyone's heart. But, she had already given her heart to someone else.
After few minutes, she came outside her house wearing a beautiful but simple lehenga (skirt), something that a commoner can afford.
"Hey, you should wear something heavier and more expensive, like your favorite green dress. After all, it's your birthday today'', her younger sister Radhika said.
"No Radha, that dress is only for grand occasions. I don't want to spoil it. Dad has purchased it after spending his hard-earned savings. Let's go, otherwise the temple will close."
"Fine", Radhika murmured and started walking behind Shashi in the enchanting and narrow streets of Varanasi. The mesmerizing ghats (steps leading to the river), the sound of mantras and the scent of flowers being offered to the deities were creating a kaleidoscope of colors, chaos and devotion.
"You know Radha, I just love this place. It's a city where life and death intertwine in harmony. This is the land of ghats, temples and saints, where every stone has a story to tell. I just want to roam in these streets forever and never leave this place".
"But fate is against your wish."
"Why are you saying so?"
"Yesterday, I overheard mom and dad, talking about your marriage. They are searching for a suitable groom. Then, they will send you to his house. I don't want you to go", Radha said with a sad expression on her face.
"Don't worry, we girls are given the right to choose our own husband and no one can force us to marry someone we don't like."
"That's great, but do you have anyone in mind? Tell me, I will not tell anyone", Radha asked teasingly.
"You already know him. Prince Raghavendra."
"Are you serious? I know that every girl of our kingdom loves him and is even ready to kill anyone for marrying him, but do you really think that the Prince and the Future King of North Indian Empire will ever marry you? He doesn't even know that you exist."
"I know, but I just can't think about any other man. I am crazy, but I can't help it."
"This mess is due to Ramya. She is your best friend and her father is a courtier in the Royal Palace. She tells you stories about the Prince's beauty all day long, which she hears from her father, right?" Radha asked.
"It's not only his beauty that attracts me. His bravery and kindness have taken away my heart. He is a Prince but he has a heart of gold. He loves the people of his kingdom and takes care of them as if they are his own family. But the truth is; I can never marry him. It's just an infatuation. He will soon get what he deserves, someone who will be much better than me and will possess all the qualities of being the Future Queen."
"Yeah, after all, he will marry a princess who can match his standards not a commoner."
"Come Radha, we have reached the temple", Shashi said. She didn't know why she was feeling sad after hearing the truth from Radha, even though she knew it earlier.
In Awaleshgarh, the capital of North Indian Empire....
Sitting in front of a huge, royal mirror, Prince Raghavendra was getting ready for the day. Half a dozen maids surrounded him from all sides and helped him to wear his jewelry, comb his hair etc. Even the maids couldn't resist themselves from admiring his beauty. His blue eyes, which he inherited from his grandmother, were so charming that anyone can get lost in their depth. His perfect smile, muscular body and flowing hair, all added to his attractiveness.
"Raghav, I am very angry, you don't have time for your mother", said Queen Kaushiki while entering his room.
"Mom, don't get angry please", Raghav said getting up from his seat. He went and touched her feet to get her blessings.
"Have a long and healthy life! Yesterday you returned from the war, and today again you are going somewhere. I thought that I will spend time with my son after so long."
"Mom, it's not like I don't want to spend time with you, but I have some duties to fulfill. I am not only your son, but also the son of all mothers in this kingdom. Today, I am going to personally meet the families of the soldiers who have lost their lives in the war. I must ask them for forgiveness and make sure that they do not have any financial problem. Then, I have to go to meet the doctor and enquire about the health of the injured soldiers."
"Do you know Raghav, that no other prince does this?" she asked.
"I don't care. This is my way of respecting those who helped me win this war. I tried my best to avoid it, but the neighboring king Sudarshan was adamant. It was necessary to protect the kingdom and these soldiers have fulfilled their duties completely."
"I am proud of you son; you will become a great king in future", she said, her eyes filled with pride for her son.
"No Mom, I want you and Dad to rule this kingdom forever"
"Mom, Mom!" a voice echoed from the corridor.
"Here comes your mischievous son", said Raghav.
"No, he's not mischievous, he is cute", Kaushiki objected.
"Mom, what are you making for lunch?" Raghav's younger brother Krishna entered his room.
Raghav interrupted, "Krishna, you are entering my room without my permission. Where are your manners?"
"I was born manner less", Krishna laughed.
"You were born cloth less too, but that doesn't mean you stay like that for the rest of your life", Raghav said angrily.
Kaushiki said, "Don't start fighting like kids, Raghav".
"I am not a kid, he is. And Krishna, why were you asking to cook lunch for you, she is not your chef. Go, and tell the maids what you want to eat. They will prepare it for you."
"No chef can compete with a mother's love-filled food", Krishna said proudly.
"Fine, do whatever you want. I don't want to talk to you".
"Bro, don't get angry. My day doesn't completes without irritating you, but I love you too, like a brother of course", Krishna said while hugging his brother.
Raghav smiled, "I know, Krishna. I have returned after so many days and I am so happy to see you. Tell me, do you want something?"
"I want a sister-in-law", Krishna said teasingly while Raghav made a weird face.