The Swan Song

Surrounded by maidens adorned in hues of red and white, Damayanti resembled an everblooming flower nestled amidst a heavenly orchard. Jasmine blossoms adorned her hair, and a gentle smile graced her lips. The perfect harmony of these elements captivated the love-stricken prince, compelling him to suppress his ardent passion and contain the overwhelming love that surged within him. Yet, with each passing moment, his love flourished, multiplying a thousandfold. The mere sight of his beloved, his one and only Queen, brought him an unparalleled joy. Ultimately, love triumphed, and the prince yearned to reveal himself, desiring to be seen by Damayanti.

As Prince Nal appeared before the surprised maidens, their eyes widened in awe, captivated by his striking presence. Meanwhile, Damayanti turned around, her gaze meeting his in an instant. In that profound co

With the grace of a flowing river, she glided toward the mysterious stranger, her steps guided by an invisible force. Her eyes delved deep into his, as if peering into the very essence of her soul's companion – the home where she would reside for the rest of her life. In that moment, Damayanti recognized her champion, destined king. Their union became an unspoken truth, interwoven by the threads of love and destiny. She began to tease her lover, for she knew the answer to each of her questions

"Who are you? The most beautiful one!

Who are you? Who has awakened all of my love?

You're no thief, nor a foolish spy.

The stern mandate of the king won't let you in unseen.

Who are you? Speak the words to your queen, the most beautiful one"

Damayanti inquired with a smile, eagerly awaiting the words she had longed to hear. The two peerless stood in front of each other, waiting to begin the life of love they’ve been longing for.

"I am the messenger, blessed by a divine boon.

Four Celestial Lords sent their message.

Lord Indra and the Keepers of Life, Wind and Fire

They have surrendered themselves to your choice.

They will be in competition among the others

You are all they desire to possess.

You are free to judge them as you please.

No mortal could match their feats"

Nal, in his words displayed every element of an honest soul. Although his eyes could barely hold back his tears. He stood there motionless, solemnly staring at the feet of the only woman he had ever wanted to possess. Damayanti listened patiently to each word. Her longing for love was about to end. She had her lover, her only King, standing in front of her. Like a steady river determined to flow, she gathered her thoughts and searched for a way out. She looked at the frowning face of the defeated prince and, with the kindness of a lover, spoke in her soft, gentle voice.

"The swan rekindled my soul.

It ignited the ever-burning love

With the same melody that the Swan’s sang.

Now, I see you in your flesh and bones, just as described.

We are two halves of a perfect soul.

I see a way of refuge with no blame.

When the ceremony begins,

I will walk up to you in the presence of the kings and the divines,

With the universe and its keepers as alibi

I will pledge myself only to you as my Champion, my King"

Damayanti had made up her mind. She decided to put her true love to the test before the desires of every King and Lords that awaited the trial. Nal stepped back and bowed in respect before hurriedly returning to the crossroads to relay the message to the Divine Four. Damyanti retired to her sleepless slumber. Filled with hope, joy and faith in her heart, she dreamt one last time of the life she would soon begin to live.

The moon remained in the sky even as the sun rushed to dawn on a day of good omen. The celebrations began early, and the music added to the air of excitement as the bugles sounded the summons. Kings and lords from the corners of the world assembled in the royal coliseum, each seated on his throne like a lion on the mountain. The coliseum looked filled with glory and power, resembling a cauldron of might and light.

The Kings indulged in conversations and musings with their neighbours. The air within the coliseum began brewing with power and determination. Each king spoke with a voice louder and heavier than the other, each began to sharpen up their wits in occasional pauses. The commotion of mixed emotions captivated the universe within the coliseum as some Kings grew impatient and began flirting with pride and anger among other emotions.

Suddenly a dead silence conquered the universe as Damayanti entered the coliseum. The Kings retired to their courteous behavior fitting for a royalty and were eager to hear the challenges that awaited them. She bowed down in reverence to the assembled kings as the Swayamvara of Damayanti was about to commence. She passed the first few rows of the assembly without uttering a single word. Confused and unsure, the kings didn't turn to look.

Damayanti walked by several lines of suitors. Silence grew as the King’s began to wonder what was to unfold. No challenge was yet a

"There he is! I can sense him there!" – she said to herself as she approached one end of a long row she was walking past. She began to walk briskly in the direction her heart dictated and took a sharp turn to the left. She came to a sudden halt as a bewildering sight assailed her senses. "What kind of sorcery is this?" she exclaimed to her now numbminded self, which presented her with five men who bore an unca

In the sweet melody of the swan's song,

I found my heart's true path, where I belong.

Amidst the Lords and beings untold,

I beg you, my love, to unfold.

For I have chosen you, my chosen King,

In your presence, my heart takes wing.

You dwell in every corner, all around,

Within my heart, your presence profound.

For you alone, my love does reside,

No other can claim a place by my side.

We are two halves of one soul's embrace,

Together, we will find solace and grace.

Bound in love's thread, we shall forever thrive,

With you, my King, our souls will survive.

Mighty four, reveal your noble might,

I remain faithful, I remain true.

I leave it upon your divine wisdom

The fate of my love, the destiny of my tale.

Damayanti stood unperturbed, with eyes closed and head bowing in reverence with her palms folded like the delicate petals of a jasmine bud. Love guided her, and as she opened her eyes, she observed distinct variations among the duplicates of her beloved.

One levitated, defying gravity, while another remained unblinking. The garments of the third were miraculously cleansed of stains and wrinkles, and the fourth emitted a radiant light, illuminating a significant portion of the colossal hall. Turning her attention to the fifth, she beheld a figure with a defeated expressions, drooping shoulders, and weathered attire, lost in contemplation of his own feet.

Love emerged triumphant, and even the Gods conceded a rare defeat. Damayanti first embraced Nal with the blessed garland, and then caressed him in her loving arms. The hall erupted in exuberant cheers as the celebrations commenced. Nal and Damayanti were the crowned family a wonderful matrimony awaited.

The universe celebrated their perfect union. Riches and blessings were lavished upon the people across the lands. As the lords and kings departed with mixed emotions, the jubilant festivities continued for several days. Their love flourished like a tree racing towards the heavens. In due course, their love bore them children, and an unshakable harmony permeated their lives. The tumultuous emotions of misery and pain became distant memories. Peace reigned on earth as love prevailed throughout the world, just as the swan had prophesied.

"Love Reigns Supreme" – sang the cheerful Queen in the arms of her beloved King as they strolled through their idyllic life. Their kingdom flourished, and they earned the love and adoration of all. The weather perpetually graced them with its perfection, and Mother Nature showcased her magnificent splendor. A bonfire was lit, and the warmth of their love spread to the farthest corners of the universe.