Once upon a time in the kingdom of Mahashmati, there lived a king named Kimong. He desired to have a baby boy to rule the kingdom after his death. Soon he was blessed with twin baby boys.

At their birth, the king announced a celebration for his people. On the day of the party, everybody showed up, even the people whom were not invited, such as thieves and goons.

When the twins were presented before the public, people were astonished to see two beautiful and identical babies. Soon discussions started about who among the twins would be the made king after Kimong.

The king was also disturbed by this thought, but he brushed it away since the twins were only two days old and this matter could be decided when they grew up.

After a few days, a thief broke into the bedchamber of the king and kidnapped one of the boys. The thief took the child away to the neighbouring kingdom and raised him as his own son.

The king was devastated on finding out that one of his sons had been kidnapped and announced a large reward to the one who would find his son. The thief named the boy Jack while the king named his son Alex. Years passed, but Jack was nowhere to be found.

Jack was taught stealing techniques, and was made the king of thieves while on the other hand, Alex was trained to be the king of Mahashmati. One day the king received an invitation from the neighbouring kingdom Amburi, about a completion through which the princess of kingdom, Isabelle, would select her soul mate. All the eligible young men were asked to appear and take part.

The king at first thought that she would be a good match for Alex, but then decided against it as it would mean Alex would have to leave his kingdom and live in Amburi. Hence, Kim stopped Alex from joining the competition though Alex wanted to go.

Jack heard about it and decided to take part, as did many other young men of different kingdoms. Jack managed to impress everyone with his skills and good looks and won the competition.

Princess Isabella married Jack and made him the king of Amburi. On becoming the king, Jack announced pardon for all thieves of Amburi on a condition that they will not steal any more, and they would work hard and honestly for their living.

After many years, when Kimong turned old, he made Alex the king of Mahashmati. After Kimong’s death, Alex visited Amburi on the invitation of Jack. When Alex entered the palace in Amburi, all dressed up impressively as the king, he was surprised to see himself sitting on the throne in front. Jack too was surprised to see a person just like himself walking into his palace.

There was sudden silence in the large hall as everyone was surprised and stunned to see two identical kings in front of them. Both the brothers were confused and asked each other who the other was. Then there was a lot of chatter in the hall as everyone expressed surprise at the similarity between the two kings.

Suddenly, an old minister who had accompanied Alex, came forward. He narrated that King Alex had a twin brother who was kidnapped as a baby and King Jack is likely to be that long lost brother. Now the man who had kidnapped Jack also stepped forward and disclosed the truth and the two brothers were very happy to meet each other.

Jack forgave the man who had kidnapped him and there was much celebration in both the kingdoms.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 16th, 2020