The Secret of the Vilom Forest

Chapter 73 — The First Test: The True Essence of a Woman
Princess Triya summoned Sagar and Shanti to a vast hall of mirrors.
Triya said,
“The question for the first test is—what is the true essence of a woman?”
Sagar gazed at the various female forms reflected in the mirrors before him—some embodied beauty, others strength, motherhood, wisdom, or the simplicity of an ordinary life. Triya said,
“None of these forms represents a woman’s ‘true essence.’ A woman is not defined merely by beauty, attire, her physique, or any single role. Her identity is also shaped by her personality, thoughts, emotions, desires, and the freedom to make her own choices.”
Sagar pondered for a moment and replied,
“So, a woman does not have a single, fixed outward appearance. Every woman can be unique in her own way.”
Triya smiled.
“That is the correct answer. Being a woman is not about a specific face or body; rather, it is a part of an individual’s own identity and experiences.”
All the images in the mirrors transformed into light simultaneously.
Triya said,
“You have successfully passed the first test.”
Sagar breathed a sigh of relief.
Now, the kingdom’s next test awaited him.
Chapter 74 — What is beauty for a woman?
Princess Triya asked Sagar,
“Now, the question for the second test is—what constitutes beauty for a woman?”
Sagar looked at her transformed female form in the mirror placed before her. She saw various kinds of beauty—beauty of the face, simplicity, self-confidence, and a smile.
Sagar replied,
“Beauty does not lie solely in the face, body, or clothes. A woman’s self-confidence, kindness, intelligence, independent thinking, and self-respect are also parts of her beauty.”
Triya smiled.
“Correct. External beauty may change with time, but a person’s nature and self-respect give a different meaning to their beauty.”
Shanti added,
“And a woman does not need to fit into a specific, set standard to look beautiful.”
Triya nodded.
“With this understanding, you have passed the second test as well.”
The glow of the mirrors subsided.
Now, the kingdom’s third test lay ahead for Triya.
Chapter 75 — The Third Test: A Change in Nature
Princess Triya summoned Sagar and Shanti to a quiet garden.
Triya asked,
“The question for the third test is—does a woman’s nature change simply because of her appearance or gender?”
Sagar thought for a moment and said,
“No. A person’s nature is not determined merely by being a woman or a man. Nature is shaped by experiences, circumstances, thoughts, and choices.”
Triya smiled.
“Very good. The Vilom Forest can alter your body and appearance, but no magic can automatically determine your personality.”
Shanti said,
“That means changing Sagar’s appearance won’t automatically change all her inner habits and qualities.”
“Exactly,” Triya replied. “Changes may occur—new emotions, interests, and experiences may arise. But accepting them or making life decisions based on them remains in the individual's hands.” Sagar looked at himself in the mirror and said,
“Now I understand. My changing form is part of my journey, but I am free to understand my own nature and make my own decisions.”
Triya said,
“That is the answer to this test.”
A light lit up at the next gate of the palace.
The third test had been successfully completed.
Chapter 76 — The Fourth Test: The Many Facets of a Woman
Princess Triya summoned Sagar and Shanti to a vast assembly hall. Four mirrors stood there. Each mirror displayed a different symbol—a goddess, an angry woman, ugliness, and a witch.
Triya said,
“This test is about understanding the concepts hidden behind these words. A woman cannot be defined by these labels based solely on her appearance or emotions.”
Pointing to the first mirror, she said,
“Goddess—this can be a symbol of honor and respect, but it is not right to deny a woman’s human emotions by turning her into a goddess.”
An angry face appeared in the second mirror.
“Anger is an emotion. Whether man or woman, anyone can feel angry in the face of injustice, sorrow, or stress.”
An unusual face appeared in the third mirror.
“Ugliness is not a permanent identity. Standards of beauty vary.”
An imaginary witch appeared in the fourth mirror.
“And the witch is a fictional character from folklore. It is not right to label a real woman a ‘witch’ simply because she is frightening, perceived as bad, or powerful.”
Sagar said,
“So, these four are not fixed forms of a woman. They are merely different symbols, emotions, or figures from folklore.”
Triya smiled.
“Exactly. The real test was whether you would refuse to confine a woman to a single label.”
All four mirrors transformed into light simultaneously.
The fourth test was successfully completed.
Chapter 77 — The Fifth Test: Why Do Women Like Adornment?
Princess Triya asked Sagar—
“Now tell me, does every woman like adornment? And if a woman chooses to adorn herself, why does she do so?” Sagar thought for a moment and said—
“Every woman has different preferences. Some women might enjoy adornment because it gives them confidence, happiness, and an opportunity to express their personal style. Someone might love clothes, jewelry, or makeup, while another might prefer absolute simplicity.”
Triya smiled.
“That is the correct answer. Adornment is not an essential defining characteristic of being a woman. It can simply be a matter of personal choice and a form of self-expression.”
Sagar recalled his past experiences. He now began to understand more clearly his newfound interest in women's attire within the kingdom of Vastramul.
“Perhaps I, too, have started to appreciate adornment because it gives me a chance to express my new style and identity.”
Triya nodded.
“Now you are beginning to understand that comprehending one's own preferences and imposing them upon others are two very different things.”
A bell rang in the palace.
The fifth test had also concluded.
Chapter 78 — The Sixth Test: Understanding Pleasure
Princess Triya asked Sagar—
“Who derives more pleasure from the union of a man and a woman?”
Sagar thought for a moment and replied—
“There is no single, definitive answer to this. Pleasure depends on the individual, not merely on whether one is a man or a woman. Both can experience pleasure, and either one might feel it more intensely or less so.”
Triya said,
“Correct. Physical and emotional experiences differ from person to person. In any intimate relationship, mutual consent, ease, respect, and communication are paramount.”
Shanti added,
“So, it should not be viewed as a competition between men and women.”
Triya smiled.
“Exactly. A true relationship is strengthened not by comparison, but by respecting each other's feelings and boundaries.”
Sagar nodded.
“I understand now; the purpose of this test was not to determine ‘who experiences more,’ but to realize that the experience is unique to each individual.”
Triya announced—
“The sixth test has been successfully completed.”
Chapter 79 — The Seventh Test: Understanding Sexual Desire
Princess Triya asked—
“Who has a higher sexual desire—men or women?”
Sagar replied—
“There is no fixed rule stating that men or women always have a higher drive. Sexual desire varies greatly from person to person.”
Triya explained—
“Sexual desire can be influenced by many factors such as hormones, age, stress, health, relationships, personal experiences, and mental state. Therefore, it is incorrect to gauge a person's sexual desire based solely on gender.”
Shanti said,
“So, a woman having lower desire or a man having higher desire could simply be a normal individual difference.”
“Exactly,” said Triya. “And in any intimate relationship, mutual consent and respect are just as important as desire itself.”
Sagar nodded.
Triya smiled—
“The seventh test was also successful.”
Chapter 80 — The Eighth Test: A Woman's Satisfaction
Princess Triya asked—
“How important is a woman's satisfaction in sexual desire or intimate relations?”
Sagar replied—
“Very important. Intimate relations should not be solely for the desire or satisfaction of one person. The desires, consent, comfort, and satisfaction of both partners must be respected.”
Triya said—
“Correct. In any intimate relationship, it is essential that both individuals can express their desires and boundaries without pressure. Consent should never be forced, and it can be withdrawn at any time.”
Shanti added,
“So, understanding a partner's feelings and satisfaction is part of respect within the relationship.”
Triya smiled.
“Exactly. That is the foundation of a healthy and respectful relationship.”
Sagar nodded.
The eighth test was also successfully passed.
Chapter 81 — The Final Question: Types of *Kamakala* (The Art of Love)
Princess Triya asked the final question—
“Sagar, tell me—how many types of *Kamakala* are there?”
Sagar pondered for a moment and said,
“There is no single, universal, number-based answer to this. Various Indian texts and traditions offer different descriptions of intimacy, love, and *Kamakala*. It would not be right to limit it merely to a count of physical acts.”
Triya smiled.
“Exactly. *Kamakala* can encompass many aspects such as love, attraction, affection, communication, touch, emotional closeness, and mutual pleasure.”
Sagar said,
“So, its most important foundation is mutual consent and respect.”
Triya said happily—
“Correct answer. You have successfully completed the final test of the Kingdom of Triya.”
A new gate opened in front of the palace. Beyond it, the next mysterious path of the Vilom Forest was visible.