The city hall plan got approved and everyone appreciated Samyukta. Pinaka heard this, his heart stirred. Pinaka and Samyukta were almost of same age. The Emperor always gave them lessons together. He also sent them to the same Gurukula (boarding school). They used to compete with each other in every subject. While Pinaka helped Samyukta in warfare techniques, Samyukta helped Pinaka in studying history, law etc.Even after growing up, they were always seen together practising archery, sword fight and arguing in topics of law enforcement. Their hearts were set on reaching great heights and they were both patriots of Magadha.
They went to the same wing of the army. However Pinaka was looked down upon since he was a lowly slave, while Samyukta was well taken care of. She resented this and complained several times to her general that there was unfair treatment in barracks. But the general could not control every person, this lead Pinaka to stick around with other working cla.s.s people. He was seldom seen with Samyukta from then onwards.
This made her angry. She tried to fight for his sake, but he gave up on their friendship so easily. She thought it was the act of a coward and started ignoring him.
Once they were back from army after their three years service period, Pinaka was appointed as body guard to the emperor. He was the shadow of the emperor. He remained vigilant all the time. He was bound by grat.i.tude. The emperor always treated him as a son.
Pinaka had a network of trusted spies, spread across the empire. He always kept close tabs on people who wanted to create trouble. Whenever there was a plan or idea of a riot or a threat to the empire, he would target the people behind it and take them into custody before hand. The emperor gave him a free hand to control the law and order. He was the police chief too.
The general of armed forces was Rudra Verma. He doted on Pinaka as he didn"t have any kids of his own. He relied on Pinaka"s sources to understand the movement of enemies of the emperor.
Pinaka and Rudra were like two watchdogs of the empire. One day the emperor summoned Pinaka and Rudra along with the chief minister. The emperor said, "Gentlemen, this is to discuss regarding the coronation ceremony of Princess Samyukta. According to the laws of empire, before coronation, the princess has to be betrothed and the chosen would be known as the Prince consort. He will take our family name.I wish to send the invitations to all the royal families of Magadha as well as to all our allies to send suitable princes over to Manipura on a day prior to coronation ceremony. Samyukta has to meet them and choose one. You three have to take care of everything. "
Hearing this Pinaka felt happy. He always knew the potential of Samyukta. He was confident that she would one day ascend the throne. The future of Magadha would be prosperous. All three of them bowed to the emperor and replied" we hear and obey" then they dispersed.