Niranjan, a master artist of Meenakshiapuram, stood before a vast, empty space, the future home of the kingdom's most magnificent art gallery. Commissioned by the king himself, the project was a testament to the royal patronage of the arts. Niranjan had assembled a team of one hundred of the kingdom's finest artists, each promising to contribute a unique masterpiece to the grand endeavor.

As the days turned into weeks, Niranjan watched with a mixture of pride and concern. Some artists, brimming with confidence, worked tirelessly, their brushes dancing across canvases with a fervor that belied their youthful years. Others, more cautious, approached their work with a meticulousness that bordered on obsession. But there was a third group, a handful of artists who seemed content to linger on the fringes, their minds elsewhere as they dabbled in their creations.

One day, a group of these artists approached Niranjan, their voices filled with a sense of entitlement. "We believe," they said, "that our creativity will be stifled by the constant supervision of the gallery. We request the freedom to work at our own pace, in our own studios."

Niranjan hesitated. He knew that the king was eager to see the progress of the project, and he feared that allowing the artists to work independently could lead to delays. But he also understood the importance of artistic freedom. Reluctantly, he agreed to their request, though he warned them that their work would still be subject to rigorous inspection.

As the months passed, the gallery began to take shape. The diligent artists, working tirelessly under Niranjan's watchful eye, completed their sculptures ahead of schedule. Their works were a testament to their skill and dedication, each piece a unique and breathtaking creation.

But the artists who had chosen to work independently were struggling. Some had become distracted by other projects, while others had simply lost their motivation. When the king announced a surprise visit to the gallery, Niranjan knew that the time had come to make a decision.

The king was impressed by the progress that had been made, but he was also disappointed by the unfinished works. After a careful inspection, he dismissed the artists who had failed to meet their obligations. The hardworking artists were rewarded with additional projects and a significant increase in their pay.

Niranjan and his dedicated team had not only completed the gallery ahead of schedule, but they had also created a masterpiece that would be admired for generations to come. The king was so pleased with their work that he awarded them with even greater honors, solidifying their place in the history of Meenakshiapuram.