Pandavs gathered near cave entrance to bid goodbyes before leaving. Bheem embraced his son tightly and caressed his head.

Bheem :- Take care of your mother, putra.

Karn :- Putra, now you are the king, responsibility of rakshas is on your shoulders and I trust you to never let it down.

Ghatotkach :- I promise you tatshree, I will try my best to protect and serve them all untill my last breath.



Nakul :- (giving him a sword) Keep it, this sword deserves a great king like you.

Sahdev :- We will occasionally come here to meet.

Kunti hugged Hidimba and cupped her cheek.

Kunti :- You are an ideal wife, Hidimba, your name will be motivation for not only rakshas but also humans. I'm so proud to have you as my putra vadhu. May you remain blessed and stay happy.

Hidimba :- Please don't embarrass me mata, I promised you something and I'm doing it. It's you who filled this gloomy life of mine with happiness, I am so lucky to be a part of your family.

She turned to Awantika and hugged her.

Awantika :- Why don't you come with us ? I mean your son is now the king, all the problems have been solved.

Hidimba :- Though turned into an adult, Ghatotkach still lacks experience of life, his brain is like a mischievous little kid and I have to be here to teach him.

Awantika :- All the best for your job.

Hidimba :- Thanks and one more thing, you should stop checking out bhrata Nakul everytime, anyone can notice it.

Awantika immediately got alarmed and slapped her arm lightly.

Awantika :- Don't talk nonsense okay, I'm not checking anyone out.

8 people walked towards gates to continue their journey adhead. Bheem glanced at Hidimba and Ghatotkach with saddened eyes and vanished on the other side.



----------------------------------------------------------- A huge door creaked open, allowing more light to enter the chamber. A pair of feet stepped on carpeted floor.

Srikhandini saw her father sitting on his seat, having a smile on his face as he read the scroll in his hands. Wondering what might be going on, she walked upto him.

Drupad looked up as he heard the door opening and saw his daughter approaching.

Srikhandini :- (taking a seat in front) You called for me pitashree ?

Drupad took a few seconds to read the last few lines, then looked at her.

Drupad :- Yes putri, this letter is from Vasudev Krishna, he advised to begin the preparations for Draupadi's swayamvar and make sure to send invitations calling kings and princes from throughout aryavarth.

Srikhandini :- Okay, but what about Karn. I mean no one knows if they're alive or not, and if they are, where ?

Drupad :- Maybe Vasudev would be having something in mind, he's unpredictable.

Srikhandini :- It's been more than 8 months and no news.

Drupad sighed and thought for a moment, his daughter does have some serious points to consider.

Drupad :- So, what you wanna do ?

Srikhandini :- We should start a search for them, I know some spies who can do this work secretly.



Drupad :- Do whatever you feel might be good.

She noded with an assuring smile and went out. ----------------------------------------------------------- Laughing and giggling could be heard all over garden. Srikhandini followed the sound only to get amused at the scene in front.

Draupadi had a blindfold on as she tried to catch the girls, who ran around frantically, avoiding her hands. She heard footsteps approaching near and turned around, squealing in excitement as she caught her.

Draupadi :- Hey, I got one of you, now it's your turn.

She removed the blindfold and blinked open her eyes, but got confused seeing her elder sister.

Draupadi :- Jiji ?

Srikhandini :- Princess of Panchal, daughter of Maharaj Drupad, Yagyaseni Draupadi is always seen playing with kids.

Draupadi gave a sleepish smile and Srikhandini lightly slapped her head.

Draupadi :- I was getting bored, no one is there to talk. You and Jeystha are always busy with work, pitashree's most of time is spent in meetings, sakha is also not here. He said to return soon but see, it's been months and he didn't even sent a letter.

Srikhandini :- Well, atleast now he remembered something. (showing her the letter) This letter is from your sakha, he'll be visiting here very soon and also has told us to begin the preparations for your swayamvar.

Draupadi :- (surprised) My swayamvar....

Srikhandini :- Yes my dear sister, your swayamvar. And not only this, we'll invite kings and princes from all over aryavarth. Greatest of kshtriyas will come here to complete the task suggested by your sakha.

Draupadi :- But this everything..... all of a sudden, how will you manage. And why didn't you told me before.

She made a pouting face and Srikhandini sighed, wanting to slap her forehead.

Srikhandini :- I am telling you this now only because it'll still take a month and half to finish with the preparations.

Draupadi :- Oh.

She felt a little relieved now having some more time to enjoy the freedom before that drama begins. Srikhandini was about to go but she stopped her.

Draupadi :- Jiji, did you had any sakhis.

Srikhandini :- I can't understand, why do you keep asking me this ?

Draupadi :- I'm getting bored, I want a friend to help me with the things and spend some time with me.

Srikhandini thought for a moment.

Srikhandini :- I know a girl. She is Devika, daughter of Maharaj Chandrasen, who used to be a very close friend of pitashree. But I don't know about their relation now as it's been years since he visited Panchal or pitashree visited Sivi.

Draupadi :- Can I meet her ? How does she look ? Is she the same age as me ? Have you met her before....



Srikhandini :- Okay, okay, just cool down for a moment. I will write a letter to Maharaj Chandrasen, requesting him to send Devika here for a few weeks.

Draupadi :- Wow, I'm really excited to meet her.

Srikhandini :- (caressing her head) Go to your chamber and rest, it's almost mid noon.

Draupadi :- Ya sure.

Srikhandini left, giving her a nod. Draupadi opened the letter and read it curiously. Her lips twitched into a mischievous smile as she finished and walked away. Unaware, that a shadow had been eyeing her, from behind the trees, since half an hour.

A man in pure black clothes, having a lion head badge on his right arm, took out a parchment tucked near his waist and drew something on it. When finished, he rearranged his clothes and proceeded to sneak out quietly. ----------------------------------------------------------- Sun was now hiding behind the horizon, turning the sky to shade of orange. 8 people kept walking in search of some shelter, it's been a few hrs since they left the forest of rakshas.

Karn yawned, wiping the sweat off his face. Yudhisthir gulped some water from the pouch. Bheem and Sahdev walked on either sides, tasting some berries. Arjun munched on a handful of nuts. Nakul had a packet of sweets that Kunti gave him.

'Maharishi Ved Vyas ki jai'

They heard chants of people and looked at each other.

Bheem, Arjun and Karn peeked through the bushes to see what was going on.

Karn :- Few people have gathered, seems like something is going on. Let me check.

Others noded, he tilted the bushes and went ahead. Reaching to the spot through crowd, he could see a man lying unconscious on ground, while a brahmin kept a hand on his forehead, chanting a mantra.

Everyone was surprised as man opened his eyes and sat up.

'Maharishi Ved Vyas ki jai'

Villagers chanted continuously.

Karn :- (thought) Maharishi Ved Vyas ?

Vyas :- (checking man's pulse) He is out of danger now, you can take him.



Villagers thanked him and started leaving one by one. Karn was about to go but,

'I've been waiting for you only'

Came a voice from behind, he turned to see Vyas standing in front.

Karn :- Me ?

Vyas noded with a smile as he eyed the well built warrior dressed as a brahmin.

Vyas :- May I know your name ?

Karn :- (narrowing his eyes) Maharishi, you don't even know my name and at the same time say that you were waiting for me...



Vyas :- (chuckles) I know what world addresses you with, but I want to know what's your real identity Karn.

Karn's eyes widened as he heard his name, he glanced around to make sure no one heard it.

Vyas :- Don't worry, there won't be any disturbance in our conversation, shall we continue ?

Karn :- Vasu.... Vasusen.

Vyas :- Ah, Vasusen. Where is your mother, your brothers and that warrior princess. Bring them here as well, my deciples have done all the preparations for your stay. You all can rest here for tonight and leave early dawn tommorow.

Karn thought for a moment looking at him, Vyas just smiled in response.

Karn :- Okay, I'll bring them here.

Saying so, he left to call others.

Kunti :- What happened putra, what took you so long.

She asked seeing her son return with a thoughtful look.

Karn :- I met maharishi Ved Vyas, he says that he's been waiting for us and wants to meet you all.

Kunti :- Maharishi Ved Vyas ? Where putra ?

Karn :- Come with me.

They followed him, coming out of bushes to notice an ashram. An elderly brahmin sood at entrance to welcome them. Kunti went near him and joined her hands.

Kunti :- Pranipat.

Vyas :- Come inside, you all must be tired.

They went in, washed their hands and feet, then sat down on mat laid in the center of veranda.



Vyas observed all of them before his eyes settled on Karn.

Vyas :- I very well knew Lakshagriha fire was never enough to burn Pandu's family. You all are not ordinary, then why are you wandering in forests like vanvasis.

Kunti :- Because we want freedom from those shackles, relief from politics and safety from conspiracies.

Vyas sighed and shook his head.

Arjun :- Did we do any mistake maharishi ?

Before Vyas could say anything, Karn spoke out.

Karn :- Of course we did, untill when will we keep running from responsibilities, untill when we....

Kunti caught his hand, gesturing him to calm down and let Vyas speak.

Vyas :- There is a misunderstanding, that one takes all the decisions of his/her life, but the truth is, all those decisions are taken by fate. One cannot live by clouding their vision with false hope. The decision you all took may seem fine at first but will soon turn out to be inappropriate.

Sahdev :- What do you want to tell maharishi ?



Vyas :- You will get your answers in Kampilya, Maharaj Drupad's capital. Rest all of you for now, but you must stay in Kampilya for a few weeks.

Karn :- But why Kampilya ?.... I mean ain't there any other place....

Kunti looked at him irritated.

Bheem :- Why do you have objection with each and every thing.

Vyas :- (chuckled) This is first stage of realisation that you own nothing in this material world, only thing you have with you is your identity. ----------------------------------------------------------- 'Are you sure ?'

A man asked, facing the balcony, his strong muscular hands held a parchment as his devilish eyes scanned the sketch with utmost precision.

'Without a doubt Maharaj, she is youngest Panchal princess, beloved daughter of Panchal Raj Drupad. She is the same princess born out of fire, Yagyaseni Draupadi'

This was the same spy in pure black clothes, except for a lion head badge on his right arm.

A grin appeared on former's lips as he gestured him to go. Spy bowed his head and went out, closing the door behind him.

Man picked up a blue rose and smelled it, getting lost in the sensations as he eyed Draupadi's sketch.

He is king of Anga, Vikram.



Vikram :- You will soon be my queen, princess. I can't wait for the moment to bring you here and adorn you on my bed. (caressing the parchment) My goodness, you're so intoxicating, even more than my filthy drugs. I wanna taste you every night while you chant my name, I wanna make you mine while you worship me, I wanna fill your womb with my amsha while you give yourself to me. My bed is waiting for you queen.

He kept the parchment down and grabbed a glass of wine to relieve the fire burning inside. ----------------------------------------------------------- Did you like the chapter ?

I'm sorry for skipping Ghatotkach's birth scene as it was adding an unnecessary boring chapter.

But now we're moving on to most favourite event, grandest swayamvar of this yug, task to preice the eye of fish.

Are you guys excited for Karn Draupadi's next meet ? Well, your wait is going to be over as next chapter will bring them in front of each other. What do you think will be their reaction on seeing the other.

Just two more updates and you'll be sitting in the swayamvar of fire born princess.

Now a note for Arjun Subhadra fans, I am removing the abduction part before their marriage as Arjun won't be going for exile. I will organise a swayamvar of younger Dwarika princess, specially designed for Arjun. I hope you won't have any problem with it.

There hasen't been much action lately, no ? Well, now story will catch pace in upcoming chapters and you will soon reach battle of Khandavprasth.

In case you might be wondering, blue rose is a kind of drug in my story.

Target :- 72 votes.

Do comment if you have any suggestions.