In a secluded forest near the town of Ikshumati, a holy man named Mana Kanaka raises his daughter, Kadali-Garbha, after losing his wife. Kadali-Garbha grows up in harmony with nature, befriending wild animals and learning from her father. At sixteen, her life changes when the king, Dridha-Varman, discovers her while hunting. Captivated by her beauty, he proposes marriage, and despite her initial fears, Kadali-Garbha agrees, believing her father will always be there for her. As the couple marries, Kadali-Garbha is filled with joy, but jealousy brews among the court, particularly from a woman who had hoped to be queen. This woman conspires to ruin Kadali-Garbha's reputation, enlisting the help of a barber to spread false rumors about her. The barber, motivated by greed, tells the king that Kadali-Garbha is a witch who gathers herbs for nefarious purposes. Doubt creeps into Dridha-Varman's mind, leading him to question his wife's loyalty. Kadali-Garbha, sensing the king's growing mistrust, becomes despondent and longs for her father's guidance. Disguised as a messenger, she returns to her father, who is furious at the king's treatment of her. However, Kadali-Garbha pleads for her father's help to prove her innocence rather than seek revenge. Together, they return to the palace, where Mana Kanaka confronts the king about the slander against his daughter. In a moment of clarity, Dridha-Varman realizes his mistake upon seeing Kadali-Garbha's unwavering love. The truth is revealed, and the king punishes the conspirators, though Kadali-Garbha's compassion leads her to advocate for leniency. Mana Kanaka declines a high position at court, preferring his simple life in the forest, but he ensures that the king understands the importance of trust in their marriage. The story concludes with the couple visiting Mana Kanaka often, raising their children to appreciate nature and the bonds of love, free from the constraints of jealousy and deceit.
By S.M. Mitra · First published 2021 · Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Adventure · 9 chapters