"Tarahi! Tarahi! Tarahi! Tarahi!"
The voice echoing from all around stirred curiosity in the boy. He was actually a warrior of the City Security Force, and today he had single-handedly defeated a large pack of wolves that attacked the city. In this world, each city was built within giant walls to protect it from external threats. Every day, some wild animal would approach the city, and it was essential to kill it. If a whole pack approached, it became even more critical to stop them because they were surely coming to attack.
The larger cities, which were far from forests, didn't face such issues. They didn't need to live behind walls, and even if a wild animal attacked, their warriors were strong enough to kill it. However, being located deep inside forests, resources were a bit limited in this city.
This was the 25th time the boy Tarahi had saved the city. He was directly taken to the king's court. Upon reaching, he bowed his head respectfully to the king. The king rose from his throne, stretched out his arms towards Tarahi, and said:
> "Tarahi! Tarahi! Tarahi, my child! Once again, you have proven your bravery and shown that you are second to none. I feel proud of my decision to grant you the title of Security Officer. I made no mistake.
For this, we will present you with a sword. Today is also a special day – the son of my brother, who is the king of a great kingdom, is arriving. You must be at the gate to welcome him. In the evening, a celebration will be held, and you must come with your wife and son."
Hearing this, Tarahi nodded and left quickly. He was walking briskly toward his home, located in a beautiful corner of the city. He was only 20 years old but already married, with a 5-year-old son who was extremely adorable.
When Tarahi reached home, he noticed no one was there. Even his son was nowhere in sight. As he opened the door to one of the rooms, he suddenly heard:
> "Bhoo!" (Boo!)
Realizing it was his son, Tarahi pretended to be scared and stepped back in fright. His son burst into loud laughter, which filled Tarahi's heart with joy. The little boy then approached him with a toy knife in hand. Tarahi fell to the ground and started crawling backward, saying:
> "Oh great warrior, please forgive me! What mistake have I made that you wish to kill me?"
Just then, his wife entered. Seeing her, the boy ran to her and stood by her side. Tarahi was still on the floor; he quickly stood up and brushed the dust off his clothes.
His wife said:
> "What are you doing? If someone saw the great warrior Tarahi playing scared at home, what would they say?"
Tarahi smiled and replied:
> "Oh my sweet jaanu jaan (darling), dilruba (beloved), whose child is he? Mine, right? So I have every right to play with my son—and with his mother too! So don't talk like that. Besides, I have a lot to do today. The prince is arriving, and I have to welcome him. Then there's the party this evening. Be ready—I'll come to pick you up."
Hearing this, his wife nodded and went off to the kitchen. As evening approached, Tarahi had his meal and headed toward the city gate. He was riding a majestic horse of his own named Baadal (Cloud).
Alongside him were other warriors—his good friends. They stood guard at the gate.
Suddenly, a grand chariot stopped at the gate. A young man, around 25–30 years old, stepped out and walked over to Tarahi.
> "Hey boy! Open this gate quickly!" he ordered.
Tarahi replied calmly:
> "Please show your identification. I cannot allow just anyone to enter."
Hearing this, the young man became furious and shouted:
> "You bastard! How dare you raise your voice at me? Do you even know who I am? You jungle-dwellers! I rule over such a vast kingdom that even if I cast ten kingdoms like this one out of it, I'd still have land left. I could build fifty kingdoms like yours and still have more!"
Still, Tarahi refused to grant him entry.