In the countryside lived a young boy. He went to the local school where he was teased “Ant” due to his name. He was a shy boy and would always sit in a corner. He was average in studies and not a good sports person. However, he craved for adventure and attention. He would often have dreams where he was a well known warrior who fought to save a cause. He knew not why such dreams frequently occurred to him. One day, when he was eight, he accompanied his friends on a school trip to the museum. While touring around the museum they came across a golden sword, a gold crown studded with diamonds and a silver shield. The students were too exhausted to try to know about it so they returned to their school bus, which would leave at midnight.
Anthony was all alone now, staring at that sword, shield and crown. He has worn that crown in the past! He fought with that shield since his childhood! That sword was gifted to him by the king as a honour for saving his life as a mere eighteen year old! Anthony remembered being a twenty year old at the time of “death”. Wait, had he died? When was he 20? He is still eight! He reminded himself thus. But then he remembered many such visions clearly. He tried to dismiss the thought but in vain. He ran back to his classmates and tried to sleep despite everyone telling him to join them and have fun.
Anthony’s parents had died when he was barely two years old. His paternal grandfather was taking care of him. He was a staunch Hindu and his son had converted to Christianity after marrying an English Christian lady. The old man would tell Anthony stories of re incarnation.
As he slept in the last seat next to the window, he found himself in 300 BCE. He belonged to the warrior class and his father had died defending the old king. He inherited his father’s title and duty. His name was Mahadev Veer. He was, by blood, the ancestor of his modern day incarnation, Anthony. Back in 300 BCE there were some wicked tribals creating menance near the kingdom in which the son of the old king who died along with Mahadev Veer’s father, now ruled. At the age of 18, Mahadev Veer saw his father and the old king die at the hands of an evil tribe. He had no time to think and had to save the young prince. He did exactly that, he fought bravely, took away the prince to safety and managed to kill the boss of the tribe. That prince honoured him with gratitude and even gave his twin sister in marriage to Mahadev Veer as soon as he ascended the throne. He was a kind, wise and loving king who cared for the welfare of his subjects.
The wicked clan of tribals always wanted to destroy them, so they sent one of their men to the fort. He got a good position but began to lust upon the princess and was disappointed when he discovered that she was the wife of Mahadev Veer. Mahadev Veer wasn’t in town for three days and he seized the opportunity by assassinating the king. Then he invited the rest of his clan to the fort. He tried to look for Mahadev’s wife but Mahadev’s trusted servant had hidden her at his place safely. When they were unable to track her, they started looting the kingdom, plundering everything, killing children, making men their slaves and enjoying their time.
When Mahadev Veer returned, he was shocked! Within three days the kingdom had changed so much! Suddenly, his servant met him and took him to this house. When his wife saw him, she burst into tears as she ran up to him and told him everything. She was inconsolable as she had lost her parents and brother within a span of two years! Mahadev profusely thanked his servant for his loyality and timely thinking though he insisted that he had just done his duty.
Mahadev Veer was crowned king immediately. Mahadev Veer wore that gold crown which was studded with diamonds, held that golden sword and silver shield in his hands, and led the army personally. He attacked the evil men and finally reached the tribal minister who had betrayed his duty and the state. A fierce conflict arose between them. They striked and punched each other. The wicked man stabbed Mahadev and he retaliated by beheading him!
Meanwhile, Mahadevs wife had given birth to a healthy boy. She walked towards the chambers where her husband was fighting the wicked man. She was in deep pain but continued walking despite repeated advices from Mahadevs trusted allies including the midwife not to do so. She managed to reach the chambers. One look inside and she screamed aloud. A decapitated head lay there, the face turned away from her. She thought it was her husband so she ran towards it crying. But it was that monsters head. She looked here and there and saw her husband lying dead with a sharp sword which pierced his chest.
Mahadev had just beheaded the monster and collapsed. He wanted to hug his wife once more, hold his infant in his hands, and take care of his people. But he was dying. He saw his wife in tears entering the chambers with his infant. She went towards that monsters head fearing that it was Mahadevs head. Then she saw him. Their eyes met, her eyes were alive and his were dead. Teary eyed, she placed her baby close to her husbands corpse saying He is thy courageous father! Thou shalt become as brave, kind, generous, wise and great as thy ancestors. Thou art the king of this great kingdom which thy ancestors have ruled ever since the days of Mahabharata! Her words became true, her son proved to be like his forefathers and ruled the kingdom efficiently for many decades. Mahadev, while dying, had heard the words of his wife to their newborn son.
Those words echoed in Anthony’s ears for some time just before his teacher woke him up telling him that they’ve arrived at the school and his grandfather was waiting for him. It was a bright sunny morning and the birds were merrily chirping. His friends were going home.
Anthony felt proud that he was a great warrior in his past life who defended his kingdom! This gave him lots of self confidence, which he lacked earlier. He stopped being all alone. The next time he was teased, he punched them and knocked off one tooth at least! Nobody ever dared tease him again! He became a good sports person. He won many matches for his school. He decided to become a basketball player, and began taking rigorous training for the same.
Have self confidence always, believe that you can do it and work towards it!
Loved the story and the message!
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