Princess Momal was the most beautiful girl you could ever imagine, and she lived in a grand, magical palace called Kak Mahal. It stood near a town called Lodhrawa, not far from Amarkot, in a place known for its sparkling beauty. Momal, always perfectly dressed in silk robes, her skin smooth and scented with the finest oils, was the jewel of the kingdom. She lived there with her seven sisters, each one as spoiled and pampered as the next. Two of her sisters, Somal and Natir, were famous for very different reasons—Somal was clever, and Natir, well, she had a knack for getting up to mischief!
Around the palace, there was a mysterious, almost magical field, which made it look like a fast-moving river was rushing through the air. A dense forest grew thick around the palace, full of all sorts of wild creatures, including lions and tigers that could easily frighten anyone brave enough to venture too close. But the palace was more than just surrounded by a jungle; it was protected by a special magic that only those who were brave enough to enter could hope to find their way inside. To marry the beautiful Princess Momal, a prince had to cross through this enchanted jungle and solve the tricky puzzles set by her clever sisters.
Many princes had tried to win her heart, hearing stories of her beauty and the treasure she was, but none of them succeeded. Some wandered through the forest, never to return, lost in the maze of tricks and illusions created by Momal’s sisters. The more unattainable Princess Momal seemed, the more people longed to win her over. And so the legend of her magical palace and the clever princess grew, spreading far and wide, becoming the stuff of dreams for every daring prince.
The ruler of Amarkot, the daring and bold Hamir Soomro, was known throughout the kingdom for his adventurous spirit. Together with his three loyal ministers—Seenharro Dhamachanni, Daunro Bhatyanni, and the youngest, clever Rano Mahendro—Hamir would often set off on horseback, venturing far and wide across the kingdom. These Rajput Sodhas were not ones to shy away from the unknown; they even crossed the borders of their small state, seeking new lands and thrilling experiences.
One day, while on a hunting trip in a remote part of the kingdom, the four men came across a ragged young man who seemed in desperate need of help. They did not reveal their true identities to him, but instead offered him food, water, and kindness. Grateful for their assistance, the young man shared his story. He was a prince from Kashmir, who, upon hearing of the legendary beauty of Princess Momal, had journeyed far to seek her out. After braving the enchanted forest and overcoming numerous trials, he finally reached the magical Kak Mahal, only to be utterly captivated by Momal’s beauty. However, her clever sisters and attendants had played tricks on him, confounded him with riddles, and robbed him of his wealth, sending him fleeing in defeat.
Now, any man who hears of a challenge like that would feel stirred—especially kings. The very thought of failing where others had fallen only made Hamir Soomro more determined. He was a man who loved a challenge, and he longed to win the hand of the beautiful Princess Momal. After learning the location of Kak Mahal from the young prince, Hamir set out to conquer the magical palace and win Momal’s heart. But alas, even the mighty Hamir could not overcome the tricks of the palace and the cunning of the princess’s sisters. One by one, his ministers—Seenharro, Daunro, and even the mighty Hamir himself—tried and failed, each returning empty-handed.
But then came Rano, the youngest of the ministers. Rano was known not only for his courage but for his sharp wit and quick thinking. He was determined to succeed where the others had failed. With unwavering persistence and an intelligence that could crack even the most difficult puzzles, Rano made his way through the illusions of Kak Mahal. He solved the riddles, outwitted the traps, and finally reached the princess herself.
Princess Momal, impressed by his intelligence and bravery, accepted Rano as her consort, and that very night, they were wed. But the next morning, just as quietly as he had arrived, Rano left Kak Mahal, his heart full of pride and joy. He returned to Amarkot, resuming his duties for Hamir Soomro, as if nothing had changed. But everyone knew that Rano had succeeded where the greatest had failed, and his name became forever linked with the legend of Princess Momal.
Rano, though now a loyal minister to King Hamir, could not resist the pull of Princess Momal. Each night, despite the long distance between the two palaces, his journey seemed shortened by magic, and his feelings for Momal grew deeper with every visit. But when King Hamir learned of Rano’s secret nightly excursions, his pride was wounded. He had failed where Rano had succeeded, and so he forbade his minister from visiting Momal again, assigning guards to watch his movements.
Bound by his duty as Hamir’s subject, Rano obeyed, but his heart burned with passion. Unable to resist, he would sneak out at dusk on his camel, returning before dawn, weary and restless. His secret visits took a toll on his health as he burned the candle at both ends.
Eventually, the guards caught him. Hamir, feeling guilty for imprisoning his trusted minister, released him after a time, but under the condition that he would never see Momal again. Despite his best intentions, Rano could not fight the pull of his heart, and once again, he slipped away to see her.
Momal, too, had begun to feel the ache of separation. One night, thinking Rano had abandoned her, she asked her sister Somal to disguise herself as a man and lie beside her in bed. She hoped to test Rano’s love, hoping jealousy would bring him back. When Rano arrived and saw the two lying together, he mistook Somal for Momal’s lover. Filled with fury, he left the palace in haste, leaving behind his cane.
Momal awoke to find the cane, realizing the mistake she had made. Fearing she had lost him forever, she lit a candle in her window, signaling for him to return. But Rano did not come, and after days of anguish, Momal, disguised as a man, set off for Amarkot to find him.
When they finally reunited in Amarkot, Momal begged for Rano’s forgiveness, explaining her thoughtless trick. But Rano’s heart remained cold with anger, and he refused to forgive her. In a desperate attempt to prove her love, Momal threw herself into a raging fire. Without hesitation, Rano followed her, and both were consumed by the flames.
The fire, fierce and all-consuming, burned away their earthly bodies, but their souls, bound in love and passion, were purified. Together, they were reunited in death, their love eternal.
Source: Shah Jo Risalo
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