Sharmishtha: Tempered by Adversity (Part 1)

Companions in Unequal Worlds

Sharmishtha is the princess of Asuras, born to the Asura King Vrishaparva.
Devyani is the daughter of Shukracharya, the guru whose counsel upholds the strength of the kingdom.

As a constant royal companion to Sharmishtha, Devyani grows up in the palace, playing and studying by her side, but pride lies between them — a rivalry quiet yet constant, neither willing to yield.

The Riverbank

One afternoon they go with the palace maidens to bathe in the river. Their garments lie together on the sandy bank. A sudden gust scatters them; in the confusion, Sharmishtha picks up a dress, thinking it her own.

Devyani’s voice cuts through the laughter. “How dare you touch what is mine?”

Her tone, sharp and public, stings deeper than any slap. The maidens fall silent.

Sharmishtha’s jaw tightens. “It was a mistake. There is no need for insult.”

But Devyani, flushed with pride, retorts. “A mistake? Without my father, your kingdom would be dust. Remember where your strength comes from.”

A faint murmur moves through the group. Sharmishtha’s pride, fierce and young, bursts its restraint. She pushes Devyani away — an instant of blind heat, meant to silence humiliation, not to cause harm.

There is a scream.

Devyani’s body disappears over the bank into the old well hidden behind reeds. The sound of her fall echoes sharply and then dies.

Sharmishtha freezes. Shock stops her breath. She waits for Devyani to call again, certain she will climb out or reappear, angry and drenched. But the silence grows heavier. Fear coils beneath her ribs — but pride holds her rigid. She turns away and walks back toward the palace, her steps steady though her heart races. She does not yet know the depth of the well, nor the depth of consequence.

The Rescue

Hours pass. Shukracharya waits for his daughter, the stillness around him tightening like a noose. Anxiety spreads through the palace.

Meanwhile, Prince Yayati, hunting in the forest, hears faint cries rising from stone. Following the sound, he finds Devyani clinging to a ledge inside the well, shivering and weak.

He lowers himself carefully, lifts her up, and brings her to safety.

The Judgment

Yayati brings Devyani back to Shukracharya's ashram. Shukracharya turns to Yayati. “You saved my daughter’s life. Ask for a gift worthy of that deed.”

Yayati bows with respect. “If it is your wish, let Devyani be my wife.”

When Devyani recounts the well incident, Shukracharya’s anger surges. He refuses to go to Vrishaparva’s court as usual. Alarmed, the king goes himself to the ashram and apologizes earnestly. Devyani trembles with rage as she speaks: “Sharmishtha left me. She walked away.”

Shukracharya’s fury breaks restraint. “She could have died. Justice must be done.”

Vrishaparva’s voice is heavy with helplessness. “Our people depend on your guidance. Declare the punishment.”

The decree comes like iron: “Sharmishtha shall serve Devyani as maid, with a thousand maidens.”

Silence falls.

Sharmishtha stands unmoving — in that stillness she understands exactly what her moment of anger has destroyed.

She bows without a word. Acceptance becomes armour.

Servitude

Yayati marries Devyani and takes her to Pratishthana as his queen.

Sharmishtha follows as chief attendant, leading the maidens of her retinue. She stands behind Devyani in the royal court — present yet unseen.

Devyani watches her closely, searching for cracks; Sharmishtha refuses to offer even a flicker of weakness. Humiliation tempers itself into discipline.

Her pride is broken — but her dignity sharpens.

The Irony of Fate

Sharmishtha accepts the path shaped by her own choices.

Inside her, a quiet voice speaks: I was brought down by anger. I will rise through strength.

Thus begins the transformation — from a proud princess into a woman tempered by adversity.