The soldiers have bid goodbyes to their wives and hugged their children. They don't know when they would see their families next. Or if they'd see them ever. The king of Mandav has readied his armour. "Do you have to go? Soldiers can fight for you instead!" Mandavi, the princess had pleaded. "I have to go. I have to stay in the frontline, dear. They need me more today." He had kissed her on the forehead and left.
It's been two days. Soldiers are giving a tough fight on the border. There seems to be a large, large army on the other side. We'll give our best, King says. But his tone has lost its usual tenacity. Probably, best wouldn't be enough this time. He thinks of Mandavi and goes on with the battle.
Back in the palace, little Mandavi finds a way to come out of the room she was told to stay locked in. She comes out in the garden. Aged five, she is a vivacious young girl who loves everyone in the palace but is loved back by only her father. Her mother has been dead since her birth, and her stepmothers haven't been so kind to her.
She plucks a red rose from the garden for her father. This has been her ritual since she grew up. She'd pluck the flower and sit on her father's lap every evening. Placing the flower in her palms, she'd bring them close to the king's face, and wait for his reaction. It used to be the same every day -- he'd take a deep breath and say, "This is what heaven must smell like, Mandavi!"
She looks around. Far in the distance, she sees elephants walking in. Big, triumphant elephants, sounds of trumpets and drums inching their way into the city. She runs to the queens and tells them about it. They look worried. There has been no message from the royal messenger yet. Have the enemies won? Mandavi is still looking.
A few wounded soldiers come rushing in the palace. They bang on the doors to alert everyone, and Mandavi runs down the stairs to the soldiers in the hope to hear about her father.
Seeing her, the Marshall turns around to look at the other soldiers. Their gaze searches the ground. They are not able to gather the courage to face the princess. But Mandavi now knows. It's over.
Soldiers do not know how to break the news to her, but she looks at them and smiles. She's fighting back her tears. She hands over the rose as her father's words ring in her ears. "I'm sure a heaven is a good place." Mandavi says. "He used to praise it every evening. I'm sure he will love it there."