Flight of Dreams

Long ago, there was a just but strict king named King Vikramaditya. His army, kingdom, and splendor were renowned far and wide. But there was one thing for which he was even more known—

He loved his beloved white horse, Chandraketu, very much. It is said that the horse could talk to the wind, yet could not fly.

One day, two young men—Aarav and Neel—were arrested on false charges of theft and conspiracy. The court sentenced both to death. Both were to be executed after a year. But then Aarav had a unique idea.

When King Vikramaditya asked him what his last wish was, Aarav bowed and said,“Your Majesty! If you give me one year's time, I will teach your beloved horse, *Chandraketu*, to fly.”

The king's court fell silent. Everyone thought the young man had gone mad. The ministers and soldiers burst out laughing.

The king asked in surprise, "Can you really do this?"

Aarav calmly replied, "Allow me to try, leave the results to God."

The king, who loved his horse very much, was excited at the thought that if this came true, he would be the first person in the world to ride a flying horse. He ordered, "This young man is given one year. If the horse learns to fly, it will be freed; otherwise, its death will be certain."

When Aarav and Neel were brought back to the prison, Neel angrily said, "You're crazy, Aarav! A horse can never fly. You've just postponed your death for a year."

Aarav smiled and said, "No, friend, I've kept four paths open for myself."

"Four paths?" Neel asked in surprise.

Aarav said,"First, maybe the king will die in a year, then the punishment might be changed.

Second, maybe I'll die, and this worry will end.

Third, maybe the horse will die, and then I won't be blamed.

And fourth... who knows, maybe I'll actually teach the horse to fly!

Neel was stunned.

Aarav said softly, "Look, Neel, as long as there's breath, there's hope. Who knows what the future holds?"

Days passed. Aarav began to care for the horse every day. He talked to it, stroked it, and sometimes played his flute.

Gradually, Chandraketu and Aarav developed a unique bond.

Even the king was amazed to see that while others were afraid to approach the horse, Aarav played, ran, and sang with it.

People would make fun of him—"Look at that foolish prisoner, teaching the horse to fly!"

But Aarav ignored every laugh.

Over time, many events occurred. There was a war in the kingdom, the rains decreased, and the king fell ill.

When the king saw his situation, he remembered Aarav and his promise.

He said, "Even if this young man couldn't teach my horse to fly, he has touched my heart."

The king ordered that Aarav's punishment be pardoned because he possessed the power of "hope."

A few months later, King Vikramaditya passed away. His son, who admired his father's kindness, became the new king. He freed Aarav.

Neel said with tears in his eyes,"You were right, Aarav! Your hope truly worked wonders. The horse may not have flown, but your life certainly did."

Aarav smiled and said, "Look, Neel, life isn't always what we imagine. But the person who never gives up hope finds a way out of every situation."

Moral : -  As long as there is life, there are possibilities. Before you ever give up, think—perhaps tomorrow something that seems impossible today will happen. Hope is the horse that carries us from darkness to light.

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