Sahasra rode for days till she reached the city. People were seen on streets in groups and many were packing things into big or small cloth baggages getting ready to leave. They were shocked to see Sahasra and they ran towards her. Sahasra gave then a weak smile and rode towards the palace without stopping anywhere at all. When Sahasra reached the palace she saw soldiers everywhere. They were not preparing for a war but were packing everything to leave the palace. Sahasra couldn’t understand why they had decided to flee instead of defending a civilization that was there since thousands of years and where were they planning to go? She got down from her horse and walked towards the palace courtroom. Seeing Sahasra came as a shock for the soldiers and they left everything that they were doing and followed her. When Sahasra entered the courtroom everyone stood up in shock. Jayara couldn’t believe her eyes and tears rolled from them. Sahasra had returned, her daughter had come back to her and then she suddenly regretted it. War was on them and it was safe for Sahasra to stay in Mahishmathi.

Jayara: Sahasra.

Sahasra: I have come here to inform about my arrival.

Saying this Sahasra walked towards the balcony and looked down to see the people of Sarayuha below. Sahasra closed her eyes and gathered her thoughts and spoke.

Sahasra: I know that war is upon us. I know that all of you are scared and so am I. But is fleeing the only option that we have? Don’t we owe our nation and our civilization a fight? And also where are you going to go if not here. Who will accept you? Which country will you go to? Leaving our nation and staying in some other land dispersed from our own people and what identity would we have there other than refugees, slaves or servants. What is the difference in it than getting caught by pirates and being sold to someone? You were born here. It’s your land and it deserves defending. By now you all might have known who I am and where I belong to. I could have stayed there and be safe but I chose to come here because I want to honor the love and trust you had put on me and I want fight and die for this nation as I have taken oath as a guardian. I am ready to lead. Would you fight with me?

The crowd erupted in agreement and Sahasra continued.

Sahasra: Then, let’s give those cowards one good fight.

Sahasra said this and turned around and walked and both Varun and Jayara tried to speak to her but Sahasra cut both their words off.

Sahasra: If you are trying to explain or apologize, I would say it is not needed. I don’t have time to hold any grudges, I have a war to fight.

Saying this Sahasra walked towards the palace armory and took the golden sword of Sarayuha and spoke to Varun. I know that this sword belongs to you but I am going to fight this battle with it. Our ancestors have blessed this sword and I believe in the power it holds for what is truthful. I am wielding it for the war. Varun agreed to it. He was a good fighter but no one came closer in battle skills or war planning to Sahasra and he let her lead though all he wanted was to take her away from this land and keep her safe but he sadly realized that even if he wins the battle, Sahasra would never be his, she was of Mahismathi and he has lost her forever even before the battle had begun.

Sahasra made plans for the battle with Hiten after hearing the painful truth that both Charan and Praga had died fighting pirates and it took her some time to process the truth which broke her but she had no time to mourn as she had to prepare for the war to come.

Kshitij reached Sarayuha by sea after a few days and he was surprised to see the war planning that was happening and he couldn’t believe when he heard that Sahasra had come back. He was happy that he could see her but wished if she was back in Mahishmathi and that he had not told her about anything.

When Sahasra met Kshitij she was overwhelmed with so many emotions that she thought she would do something stupid but she controlled herself. Sahasra had a sudden urge to hug him and kiss him all over his face and she didn’t know why she felt that way and she felt shame and confusion after that. Army chiefs, captains and soldiers sat together to make war plans. They all decided to include women as well in the army. It was better to die in battle with pride than being sold off as a trophy of war. They were getting information that the pirate ships were nearing and Sahasra knew that they would lose to the pirates and all was going to end if a miracle wouldn’t happen. Sahasra believed in that miracle till the last day and when nothing happened she accepted defeat but didn’t speak to anyone about her fear.

Sahasra thought that all was lost. She sat in the temple of Heles and tried to listen to her ancestors and she couldn’t figure out what she has to do to keep the people of the country safe. She wished if she had never told the Sarayuhans to stay and wished if they had all left for a safer shore. Sahasra was crying silently when she heard footsteps behind her and she took out her sword. It was Kshitij.

Kshitij: I thought you would be here.

Sahasra: Where else would I go? We are going to lose tomorrow and it is going to be my fault. I asked them to stay.

Kshitij: But it was their decision to listen you. It is not your fault Sahasra and there is nothing better we can do than defend ourselves. The truth is that we have no other place to go to and no one will accept us with dignity. Our old land is not even mentioned in any books and we don’t know how far away it is from here to go back to it. This is our home and we should fight for it till we are alive.

Kshitij walked towards Sahasra and she got up. Sahasra had her face down and she couldn’t look Kshitij in his eyes. Kshiti lifted her face with his hand and kissed her tears away. Sahasra couldn’t believe what he did but it felt good and she learned how much she wanted to be kissed by him. She craved for more of his touch. Kshitij softly kissed her eyes and her cheeks and he spoke.

Kshitij: I don’t know if we would survive tomorrow but if we do or not I just wanted you to know that I love you. Since the day I had seen you for the first time I was in love with you. I never had the courage to tell you and then I came to know that you were the princess of another country and I had no value in front of you. I am a mere sailor Sahasra but for one night I wanted to be the one who loved you and was valiant enough to tell you that.

Kshitij let go of Sahasra and moved away and Sahasra couldn’t control herself and spoke.

Sahasra: I am in love with you as well. I don’t know from when but I do more than you can imagine. I love you and will do till my end and even after that.

Sahasra broke down and Kshitij couldn’t bear her pain and he could feel his heart breaking and he went further and kissed her on her lips and Sahasra was taken aback for a while and then she kissed him back too. They kissed each as though their lives depended on it and held each other’s shoulders tightly. They never wanted to let go of each other. Both Sahasra and Kshitij spent the night near the cliff outside the temple feeling each other the way they had never felt anyone before.

The next day everyone was ready. For some reasons they had no fear. They wanted to celebrate the war. Their forefathers defied the wind and the waves to come to an unknown land and to create a new civilization and it was now their duty to protect it. All were ready but when they saw the size of the fleet that was coming they were shocked. It was going to be massacre and Kshitij and Sahasra who were leading the army at the front with Varun and Hiten looked at each other. They talked through their eyes. They wished things were different and if they had known each other way before. It was when they were about to charge at the pirates that they heard the sound of a huge cavalry from behind. They were coming from a distance but the sound was heavy and Sahasra could see the red flags of Mahishmathi flying high in the air. Her father has sent his army for her. Her belief in him when she asked for help was proven true. Sahasra cried happy tears.

Sarayuhans attacked the pirate ships with fire arrows and many were hit before they landed. The ones who got down had to face the joint force of Sarayuha and Mahishmathi. Even one by fourth of Mahishmathian army was enough to destroy the pirates and to Sahasra’s surprise her father had not just sent the cavalry but also fleets to attack the pirate ships in the sea. She could see her father in one of the ships leading the attack. The pirates were hugely outnumbered and were defeated and were not shown any mercy. Almost all were killed and rest taken as prisoners and ships captured.

After the war was over, Shivu spoke to Jayara who was broken because of guilt. Shivu didn’t blame her but forgave her and agreed that he would open the gates for land trade for Sarayuha and will also let Sarayunhan ships to enter Mahishmathi. After the pacts were made Sahasra said her final good byes to Jayara, Charan, Hiten and all the people who loved and respected her. For them she was nothing less than Heles. After all was said and done Sahasra had to say farewell to Kshitij which broke both their hearts. They kissed each other and hugged for so long. Kshitij knew that Sahasra would never be his and he had to leave her. He was grateful to Gods that she was alive and that’s the only thing that mattered. When Kshitij tried to walk away from Sahasra she held his hands so tightly that he had to use all his strength to let her go. He thought that he would fail and might abduct her and taken her to some far away land where no one would ever find them. But he had to do otherwise and he let go of the only girl he had ever loved as a teary mess and walked swiftly out of the temple.

Sahasra’s initial days in Mahismathi were painful. She didn’t tell anyone about it but she missed Kshitij. She knew that the coronation would happen soon and one from the royal family will be the king and she would be married to him. It was only duty to her land for Sahasra. Mahishmathi deserved her sacrifice and she would do that for the people and her parents.

On the day of announcement of the heir to the throne, Sahasra prepared herself to bear the ultimate pain, the pain of giving away your happiness and freedom to someone else’s decision. Sahasra sat on a specially arranged chair in the court along with the ministers. The king was sat on the throne and her mother on the seat below it on one side and queen mother Devasena on the other. After the court was made silent Devasena stood up. Sahasra was sure that she was going to announce the future king and also when the day Sahasra would be married to him. She kept silence and tried to stay composed though she could hear her heart beats and Kshitij’s name in every one of them. She closed her eyes and pictured his smile. It gave her the strength to endure the moments.

Devasena was not sure what would be the court’s reaction once she spoke her opinion. They might or might not agree with her. But she had to try as it was the best for her nation. Devasena spoke.

Devasena: Mahishmathi is a great Nation. Our forefathers have built it from ground to the prosperity it is now. We have seen wars, famine, betrayal as well as a glory, love and victory. No matter whatever had or is happening in our nation, the royal family has always made decisions that were for the welfare of the people. Today, I stand here to announce the next heir to the Mahishmathi throne. We had conducted many tests in order to find the right person who would rule the kingdom after Mahendra Baahubali. Even after his daughter, our princess returned to the nation, I still preferred to accept the rules that were already decided but something made me refute from my decision. Sahasra was abducted and taken away from her parents and her country while being an infant. She was brought up in our enemy nation and still she held no grudges against us and came to us for peace. When she knew the truth about her origin she agreed to stay here. But when Sarayuha was in misery she didn’t think twice and went ahead to save the people there as she was bound by her oath. And now she is sitting before us ready to marry any person I would suggest just because she is loyal to our nation. This young girl here taught me that it doesn’t matter where you are born in or where you are brought up, loyalty and kindness is always a choice. Sahasra by her actions till now has proved that I don’t have to search anywhere else to find an heir for the throne, the one we need and deserve is sitting in front of me. This child has ended a war of more than twenty years and still has the humility to listen and obey the elders. I, Devasena announce Sahasra Baahubali as the heir to the Mahishmathi throne and the one who would rule us after Mahendra.

Devasena ended her speech and everyone including Sahasra were shocked. People in the court started speaking and shouting and Sahasra’s heart beat faster. She was brought up by Jayara to be a queen, to be Varun’s wife and to assist him. She knew all rules and responsibilities of a queen but she never thought that her name would be announced as the heir to a throne. That too of a country like Mahishmathi. She was not ready for it and she felt as though the world around her was shaking.

Devasena spoke again.

Devasena: Please calm down and speak about your opinions one by one.

Everyone looked at each other but the prime minister spoke.

PM: We all agree that Sahasra is Mahendra baahubali’s blood and possesses many good qualities. But she is a woman and a woman has never sat on the Mahishmathi throne.

Devasena: The women in Mahishmathi were never weak. They have been a strong support to the royal family and assisted kings even in wars. Rajamatha Sivagami ruled the kingdom for years but without ascending the throne. Now it’s time that we respect the women of this great nation by giving them the honour that they deserve. Everything has a first time. Let this be the time when a woman sits on the throne and rule the nation and by Lord Siva’s grace we shall see times of peace and prosperity in the coming days.

There were mutterings in the court for some more time but in the end everyone agreed to Rajamatha Devasena’s decision. Devasena requested Shivu to continue on the throne for a few more years till Sahasra was ready to rule and also agreed to train Sahasra well to make her capable of being a worthy ruler.

No one in the court distrusted Sahasra’s capabilities. They knew about her voyage through the sea. The courage to block queen mother’s palanquin and to face the soldiers and the strength to lead a battle against the pirates. Her courage and kindness and the way she ended the war with Sarayuha was praised by one and all and to choose her as the queen only came as a boon for the people of Mahishmathi. Sahasra was kindhearted like Amarendra Baahubali and strong willed like Sivagami.

The court agreed to crown her as the first queen of Mahishmathi and to support her to become a better ruler. Sahasra was astonished by all that had happened and all she could do was to stay silent. Mahishmathi was her country. They were her people and moreover her father had helped the people of Sarayuha for her sake. She was bound to do what is good for her nation and she promised herself that she would become the best ruler Mahishmathi had ever seen.

The next couple of years Sahasra learned a lot about Mahishmathi and its past. It’s past was not a bed of roses but that was behind her and all she had to look forward to was the future. Sahasra visited Kuntala with Avantika and saw the beauty of the place where she was born in. She stayed there for a few days and heard about the history of the place. Sahasra even went to Sarayuha. The prosperity of the nation had returned and with the help of Mahishmathian soldiers peace was restored and with neither pirates or restrictions in trade, the country and its people prospered. Sahasra spoke to Varun who still wanted to marry her but understood that he cannot as she was going to be a queen and can’t stay in Sarayuha. He admitted that it was breaking his heart but he knew that there was nothing he could do about it.

In all her travels Sahasra’s eyes only searched Kshitij but he was never to be found. He would have gone for a longer voyage and might never ever return to her side. Sahasra cried most of her nights to sleep. She thought the pain would go away but it never did. She met many suitors and didn’t like any. No one could ever take his place in her heart. Sahasra couldn’t believe that a person she had known only for a few days has become a part of her soul.

Kshitij voyaged to far distances, mostly without a destination. He went to different countries and met many people but couldn’t find the peace that he was looking for. He knew it was with the person with whom he had left his heart as well. Kshitij was not ready till then to enter the port of Mahishmathi but when he reached its seas he heard about the coronation ceremony of Sahasra. He was astonished. Kshitij thought that Sahasra would be married to someone from the royal family but never that she will be made the ruler itself. He was happy beyond limits. She deserved to be the queen for that matter no one deserved it more than her. Kshitij decided to see the coronation ceremony as his arrival in such a crowd would never alert Sahasra.

Sahasra was ready for the coronation. She walked in a king like attire with a sword in her hand and was accompanied by the royal soldiers of Mahismathi as well as the elite of Sarayuhan force who had come to show respect. Everyone were gathered around and she walked the high steps to the throne and climbed to the heights and looked at the thousands standing below. The wind was smooth on her face and the sun mild. Rajamatha Devasena took the crown from Shivu’s hand and gently placed it on Sahasra’s head. The entire crowd erupted hailing Sahasra as their new queen. Sahasra had her eyes closed and then opened them and faced the crown below. She raised her hand and made her pledge.

Sahasra: As long as my lungs breathe and my heart beats, I will protect Mahishmathi. I will always do whatever is in my power to bring peace and prosperity to the nation. I would also make sure that our country would never attack any neighbor but will ensure none will be able to bring harm to us. And I hereby announce that no one in this country will be forced to marry a person who they do not like or take up a profession they dislike. Men and women will stand equal before the law in both rights and duties and would live their life in complete freedom.

Sahasra finished her pledge and raised her sword and said ‘Jai Mahishmathi’. Rajmatha Devasena, Shivu and Avantika followed and the crowd joined them.

Kshitij was tying the ropes of the sail and it was getting harder for him. He looked at the setting sun and closed his eyes and he heard a voice calling his name, the voice he wanted to hear since years. The same voice that resonated in his thoughts and dreams every day and night.