Location: "Bhagyavati," the capital of the "Mukt Kingdom"
Outside the soldiers' mess in the capital, a long line of weary soldiers stretched on. Their faces were tired, armor torn, and they waited eagerly for their turn at the day's meal. As usual, the old fort provided nothing more than dry meat, stale flatbread, and lukewarm water. The food was served on plates made from banana leaves. After collecting their shares, the soldiers found any spot they could—some sat under the spreading branches of a peepal tree, others perched on nearby stones. No one complained—this was a luxury after the harsh war.
In that line stood "Raghuveer," just twenty years old. On his arm, there was no caste mark and he wore no armor. In fact, he was the only person in the line without any kind of armor. His hair was tied back with a thread, his clothing only a tattered old cloak, and strapped to his back was a precious sword. His gaze was fixed on the old fort wall, as if lost in thought.
"You don't look like a soldier."
The man in front of Raghuveer turned and said to him.Raghuveer looked back and replied,
"I'm just hungry."The soldiers behind Raghuveer overheard this. They stepped forward to confront him.
"You're no soldier—leave this line," one of them ordered.
Raghuveer ignored their commands. Even as the soldiers repeated themselves, he didn't move. Finally, one of them—a tall, strong man, probably seven feet—stepped up and shoved Raghuveer, throwing him out of line. Raghuveer hit the ground hard, but showed no reaction on his face, almost as if he was used to this kind of treatment. The surrounding soldiers watched the whole scene closely.Without a single change in expression, Raghuveer stood up again, walked back to the line, and, suddenly, punched the strong soldier in the nose. Blood poured out and the man soon collapsed, dizzy and defeated. The other soldiers were in disbelief. Instantly, they drew their swords. One tried to attack Raghuveer, but with a swift kick, Raghuveer knocked him down. Several rushed at him, but Raghuveer bested them all. One soldier tried to attack from behind, but Raghuveer spun around and floored him, then pinned him to the ground and began punching him mercilessly in the face. Blood streamed from the soldier's nose and mouth; his face turned into a bruised mess. Throughout all this, Raghuveer's face remained blank.
Seeing this intense scene, another soldier stepped forward,
"You're not a soldier. This food is only for us. We just returned from the war—we're exhausted. If things were different, we wouldn't have objected, but now, please understand our helplessness and leave."
Raghuveer paused, looking at the soldier whose eyes were heavy with exhaustion.
He finally stood, silent, and began to walk away. The line opened up to let him go. He had likely not eaten in days—perhaps this was his punishment for killing his own master, that he was always fighting for a scrap of food.
Just then, the same soldier who had spoken up earlier called out,
"Wait!" he said, "I'll share my food with him. Hey—someone, stop him.""Warrior, Bharat is calling you," said a soldier.Raghuveer turned back. Bharat came toward him with his meal in hand.
"Come, let's sit under that tree," Bharat said. Raghuveer followed him."Is that alright?" Bharat asked the soldier who had told Raghuveer to leave."Yes, that's fine," the other nodded.
The two sat under the tree. Bharat offered his plate. Raghuveer took a small piece and placed it in his mouth; after so many days, he finally tasted food again. Hungry, he quickly finished the rest. Bharat watched him."Where are you from?" Bharat asked.Raghuveer didn't answer."Are you of the Shudra caste?" Bharat pressed, but Raghuveer stayed silent."Alright, I get it. You don't talk much," Bharat said, half-joking, half-resigned.He reminds me of my old teacher, Raghuveer thought to himself."See that soldier, the one sitting on the rock?" Bharat continued. "He lost his brother in today's battle. But look how he laughs, as if nothing happened."
Raghuveer looked over and saw, in the soldier's eyes, tears that no one else seemed to notice.
Perhaps hiding your pain is also a form of battle, Raghuveer told himself.Just then, an announcement echoed over the camp.
"Listen, everyone! Good news: two members of the 'Bloody Sudi' gang have been killed..."All the soldiers paused mid-meal, and the atmosphere was suddenly abuzz.