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They summoned the court physician and counsellor and had discussions with them. On
their suggestion, the king converted the north side of the palace into a big gym with the
latest equipment for the princess to work out.
On the other hand, Malini stayed awake very late in the night and became more and
more preoccupied with chatting and posting. Often, the princess would skip meals and
binge on junk food.
Now, the king was even more anxious and perplexed with the Princess’ weight.
One day the king went on an inspection of the forest area and wandered deep into the
forest. It was late in the evening and he lost not just the way, but also his army of soldiers
and courtiers. Confused, the king further drifted deeper into the outer edge of the forest.
It was late in the evening and he was totally famished and thirsty.
He saw a small hut at a distance. With renewed hope, he drove his car in the direction of
the hut. When he approached the hut, the door was opened by an old woman. She said,
‘Your Highness, you look very tired and thirsty. Please come in and refresh yourself’.
The king asked the old woman, ‘Granny,
how do you manage to stay so active at
your age’. The old woman said, ‘I am 95
years old. I eat simple meals, work in my
small garden, and do yoga.’ The king
said, ‘I am so delighted to meet you. I
must go now. Thanks for the food’.
The king polished off the last morsel
of rice and got up to leave. However,
the old woman was quick to notice the
despair on the king’s face. She asked,
‘O king, what’s bothering you? I totally
understand that an old lady like me
cannot help a mighty king like you. But,
please feel free to let me know.’
The king explained to the old woman about Malini summoned: ordered someone to come to
and her obsession with junk food and social media or be present at a particular place
physician: a doctor
and the resulting health problems. The old woman preoccupied: thinking or worrying about
said, ‘Ah, this is simple. Send the princess to my something too much
binge: an occasion when an activity is done
house. Let her stay with me for three months. in an extreme way, especially eating
perplexed: confused
You will surely see a difference. Trust me, your drifted: moved slowly
Highness’. famished: extremely hungry
renewed: made something new
morsel: a small quantity of food
The king thought for a minute. He didn’t feel the despair: loss of hope
need to discuss the plan either with Malini or with
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