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Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: Competition

The sun was casting its first rays upon the earth. It signaled that today was the day people had waited for all year. On this day, there was no caste discrimination. Everyone came together to enjoy the competition. Today was the day of the competition. People were coming not only from the capital but also from distant kingdoms to witness it. The king had invited the rulers of "Dandaka" and "Kishkindha" as chief guests. The Mukt Kingdom had good relations with both Dandaka and Kishkindha.

A grand arena was prepared. It was located four kilometers outside of Bhagavati. The arena was surrounded by dense forest. There was only one path to enter the stadium. People were entering through that path. The stadium was round, very large, like a cricket stadium. People were taking their seats. All Shudra and Vaishya caste people sat on the left side of the stadium, and all upper caste people sat on the right. That was the scene. But today, no one was showing hatred toward anyone. Because today, a great soldier or knight would be chosen. But today's competition was different — because today, the selection of the "Commander" was to take place. People were discussing who would become the next commander.

The three kings were seated on thrones. The ministers sat behind the kings. Knights were present there for the king's protection. The three kings were discussing among themselves.

"Vikram, today your kingdom will get a new commander," said the king of Kishkindha.

"Yes, Maharaj… Bharu," said Vikram.

The name of the free state's king was Vikram.

More than three hundred people had participated in the competition. The rules of the competition were:

1. Any weapon may be used.

2. No one should be killed.

3. Whoever surrenders first or drops their weapon first will lose.

These were the three rules. Manas had also entered the competition. The ministers had told him to kill Raghuveer. Manas now considered Raghuveer his enemy. His compassion had disappeared.

In the competition, one player would be from the Shudra or Vaishya caste, and the opponent would be from the upper caste. The competition began like this. The audience was excited. Sharvani was seated on the right side of the stadium. She was very happy because her lover had also entered the competition.

Kamratna, who was in charge of organizing the competition, came to the king.

"How is the competition arrangement, Maharaj?" asked Kamratna.

"Very good..! Kamratna," said Vikram.

"My friends, today is the day we wait for every year. With the permission of our beloved kings, we begin this competition. So, are you all ready…" the announcer shouted.

"Yes…!" the audience responded loudly.

"Then let's begin. Our first competitors today are…

Upper caste 'Madhav' and

Shudra caste 'Raghuveer'," said the announcer.

Madhav entered the arena from the right gate, and Raghuveer from the left. Both had swords.

"I've heard you killed two knights, but I'm the one who will win…" said Madhav.

I've been working hard for three years. I must win. I will win. My father is watching me. I won't let his efforts go to waste… Madhav told himself.

Madhav's father was a knight. His only wish was that his son should hold a high position in the army. Madhav's father was guarding outside the stadium. Bharat was also guarding beside him.

"What happened, uncle? Why are you so happy?" asked Bharat.

"Because my son is about to compete," he replied.

"Madhav is your son?" asked Bharat.

"Yes…" he said.

"So, are you both ready?" Raghuveer and Madhav drew their swords from their sheaths.

"Then begin…" said the announcer.

Madhav ran toward Raghuveer with force. Raghuveer stood still. Madhav attacked with his sword. But Raghuveer gave him a side kick to the face. Madhav fell hard to the ground. The kick was so strong that blood started flowing from his mouth and nose. He couldn't understand what had happened.

What just happened? I didn't even see anything, Madhav told himself. The audience went silent. No one had seen Raghuveer's kick. Raghuveer's speed was such that it was hard to see him. Everyone was shocked. They thought Madhav wouldn't get up. But he was still holding his sword, so he hadn't lost yet. Sharvani was also watching. No one understood how Madhav had fallen, because Raghuveer was still standing in the same spot.

Madhav tried to get up but couldn't.

"Why has the sound inside stopped?" asked Bharat. Madhav's father was silent.

I must get up. Please, Madhav, just a little more. We can still win. Just a little more. Don't let three years of effort go to waste. Please, just a little, Madhav told himself. He tried hard to get up but couldn't. Raghuveer was looking at him, but there was no expression on his face. Everyone was just watching Madhav. He kept trying, but his body wouldn't cooperate. Tears began to flow from his eyes. He realized he couldn't get up. He dropped his sword. That meant he had surrendered. The audience was silent because Raghuveer had won. Only the king's face showed joy.

"So, the winner of the first round is… Raghuveer," said the announcer. His voice could be heard outside the stadium. All the kings began clapping. The ministers behind them also clapped forcefully. But not a single audience member clapped.

Forgive me, father. I couldn't win. I'm very weak. I will work harder. I will work harder, Madhav told himself. Tears were still flowing from his eyes.

Two soldiers came and carried him away.

Raghuveer sheathed his sword.

I don't think I'll need you, Raghuveer said to the sword.

Raghuveer walked away.

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