"I'm not going to be a silent king anymore," Satya muttered under his breath.
Right on cue, his stomach growled so loud it almost ruined the moment.Great. Revolution in the mind, emptiness in the stomach.
He sighed and looked around the crowded bazaar lanes, hoping to find something to eat. After wandering for a few minutes, his eyes landed on a small roadside restaurant tucked into a corner. The place was buzzing with people, the smell of masalas drifting into the street like a warm invitation.
Satya didn't walk.He practically sprinted.
Inside, people sat on low cushions arranged around small wooden tables. It was cramped, noisy and absolutely perfect. He spotted a vacant corner table and slipped into the seat. Without hesitation, he ordered a plate of chole-chawal, his favorite.
While waiting, he tapped his fingers impatiently. The hunger wasn't helping his mood.
That's when he heard voices from the table in front of him.
Two men were talking, unaware that the "commoner" sitting behind them was their king.
First Man:"Man, I swear I'm done with Magadh. I feel like leaving everything and moving to another kingdom."
His friend frowned. "Why would you even think like that?"
The first man scoffed."Why wouldn't I? Taxes are already high, and these corrupt ministers keep squeezing us every month. And if that wasn't enough, border attacks are increasing every day."
Second Man:"But… we have Senapati Shunga, right?"
The first man shook his head."Even Shunga can't handle this forever."
His friend leaned forward and whispered, "Honestly, this kingdom is standing only because of Senapati Shunga."
Satya's food arrived right then, but his appetite had shifted into something sharper a mix of anger, guilt and clarity.
He picked up his plate and walked toward the two men."Mind if I join you?" he asked politely.
They nodded, surprised but welcoming.
They talked for a while about life, food, work normal things.Then Satya casually dropped the question.
"If the king wanted to improve his image… what should he do?"
The two men didn't even think.
First Man:"He needs to deal with those corrupt ministers. If he doesn't fix the rot at the top, nothing will change."
Second Man:"And he should fight at the border. If he stands with his soldiers, the army's morale will rise. People will trust him. Right now, he feels… distant."
The honesty hit Satya harder than any sword strike.
They finished their meal, laughed a little, and then each went their separate ways. The men walked home, never knowing they had just advised their king directly.
Satya, on the other hand, walked back toward the palace with a fire in his chest.
For the first time, he truly understood what needed to be done.
Not tomorrow.Not next month.
Now.