Once upon a time,

In a cold, dark, rotting prison, sat the Gandhar prince. Flies buzzing over his smelly, soiled, shoulder length hair, shackles digging on his right ankle, but it didn't seem to bother him, he was now used to it. Only source of light was a small hole at a corner of ceiling, broken nails and bleeding fingers helped him keep awake. Stomach kept growling but he didn't dare to eat. A handful of rice in a bowl rested in front of him, but it wasen't just a bowl of rice, it was the lives of all his family members, who sacrificed to let him live. Only thing roaming in his mind was a image, a middle aged man stood in front of his eyes, wearing a white crown, angvastra and dhoti. Gangaputra Devvrath, the sole reason for his family's destruction, because of his so called proposal to marry his blind nephew to Gandhari. Untill then, he just prayed for his sister's happiness, but no more. Now the only reason for his existence is destruction of kuru vansh, specially Gangaputra Devvrath. -----------------------------------------------------------

It's said that morning brings a new ray of hope in everyone's lives, but it also introduces us with many unseen challenges, same was the case with Pandav family. Day started with rush all around, everyone was busy with the preparation for bride's vidaii.

Chariots were ready, all family members stood at the Palace entrance, bidding farewell.

Draupadi hugged her family members and cried as tears flowed from her eyes, it was the first time she was going away from her family.

Karn stood at a corner, lost in his own thoughts, looked up when felt a hand caressing his head, Vidur smiled at him.

Vidur :- Where are you lost putra ?

Karn :- Kakashree, I was wondering, what will I say to pitamah, I mean.... he must be hurt by the news of us dissapearing, what will I explain him.

Vidur :- Just tell him that the eldest prince is now married, all his pains will vanish within seconds.

Karn noded with a sigh, Drupad came upto him.

Drupad :- Putra, please take care of my daughter, if she commits any mistake, forgive her as she is still naive, she didn't had her childhood so she still lacks the experience of life, I am handing her responsibility to you.

Karn :- Don't worry pitashree, I will do my best to perform my duty as a husband, I will stand by her side no matter what.

They both hugged. Six brothers touched the feet of elderly and soon the chariots departed.

Chariot on the very front was occupied by Vidur and Karn, behind them were Kunti and Draupadi, followed by Yudhisthir and Krishna, while rest were on horses. ----------------------------------------------------------- At the Palace,

Shakuni had manipulated Dhritrashtra to crown his son as the king, he knew that, if the news of Karn being alive spread, his nephew will no longer be the crown prince, ceremony was decided and he made sure it happens soon as possible.

Duryodhan was very angry, he somehow managed to become the crown prince but those Pandavs turned out to be alive, he now wanted to be the king before they returned.

Amrit felt ashamed of himself, his elder brother again managed to escape, he just wanted to defeat his elder brother at any cost, and can go to any lengths to do it.

Dhritrashtra noticed a change in his son's behaviour all of a sudden, he just wanted his son's happiness so he agreed to crown his son the king.



Bhisma could smell something fishy, Vidur was absent, Shakuni and Duryodhan had been behaving very weirdly after returning from swayamvar. Though reluctant, he had to agree for the coronation of Duryodhan, as he was bound by his vow.

Gandhari was still in thoughts of her sister Kunti, though she was somewhat happy listening to her son's coronation.

Bhanumati was worried about her husband, she always tried to change her husband's mind and bring him back to the path of dharma, she was happy cause a few months had passed peacefully and now their relation had started improving, but again her husband was back to the old version, jealous, angry and moody, no matter how much she tried her husband was completely in the web of his mamashree.

Soon the crowning ceremony was about to begin, every royal was present in the court except Bhisma and Vidur.

Kripacharya :- Maharaj we should wait for mahamahim Bhisma and mahamantri Vidur, without them the ceremony would be incomplete.

Shakuni :- Maharaj we should begin the ceremony, waiting or delaying would cause disturbance in auspicious timing.

Dhritrashtra :- Yes kulguru, start the ceremony, Tatshree and anuj Vidur will join soon.

Kripacharya reluctantly began the ceremony, he too wanted to delay it but was unable. Duryodhan was bathed with milk and then by various herb mixed gangajal, and finally with rose water, between them the mantras were chanted continuously, then he was made to wear red angvastra with yellow dhoti, a garland of roses was decorated on him. All his brothers, his parents and his sister smiled happily. Dhritrashtra came foreward, removed his crown and was about to place it on his head when,

'STOP!'

A voice boomed in the hall.

Bhisma entered, carrying his bow and was extremely angry.



Dhritrashtra :- What happened tatshree ? why are you so angry, why did you stop the coronation.

Bhisma :- Putra you cannot crown Duryodhan the king.

Dhritrashtra :- Why tatshree ? what happened ?

Bhisma :- Let me complete putra, Karn and the Pandavs along with Kunti are alive and have reached Hastinapur, they will arrive here anytime.

Dhritrashtra :- What are you saying tatshree! Kunti and Pandavs are alive, but where were they till now.

Bhisma :- Putra they were in the hiding, taking some vacation for which you sent them to varnavrat, Vidur is with them and my priye Karn is the brahmin who won the swayamvar of Drupad's daughter.

Dhritrashtra :- Putra Duryodhan, if Karn is alive then I cannot crown you the Maharaj of Hastinapur without his presence.

Shakuni :- Jijashree why you cannot crown my dear nephew as the Maharaj, whole ceremony was completed according to the rituals.

Bhisma :- Gandhar Raj because Duryodhan became yuvraj after the news of Karn's death spread, but he turned out to be alive, so the post of yuvraj has been returned to him.

Duryodhan who was silent till now, couldn't hold himself.

Duryodhan :- Pitamah, all the rituals have been completed, now what is stopping everybody, I am now eligible to be the Maharaj.

Bhisma :- Putra we will discuss this after the Pandavs arrival, for now the coronation should be stopped.

Dhritrashtra :- As you say tatshree, Gandhari do the arrangements to welcome all of them.

She noded and gestured the dasis. ----------------------------------------------------------- Six brothers, Kunti, Krishna, Draupadi and Awantika were welcomed in a grand manner by the public. They were showered with flowers in their path.

Bhisma smiled contended as he saw the chariots approaching. They reached at the palace gates and got down.

Gandhari hugged Kunti, she could feel tears of happiness flowing down her eyes after getting her sister back. Duryodhan looked at them angrily, which was returned by Bheem, Yudhisthir frowned while rest of Pandavs ignored him. Dussasan couldn't even blink his eyes as he eyed the beautiful Panchal princess from head to toe. In this drees she looked no less than a Goddess.

Gandhari :- Putri Draupadi, stand aside your husband, so I can do your aarti.

Draupadi stood beside her husband and Gandhari did their aarti. One by one, they took blessings from Gandhari, Dhritrashtra, Bhisma and Kripacharya.

Bhanu tried her best to hide her frown as she looked at the newly wedded couple entering. ----------------------------------------------------------- Radha opened the door hearing a few knocks, Karn immediately jumped in front of her.

Karn :- Surprise!

Radha :- Vasu!

They hugged each other happily, Draupadi stood amused, looking at the mother son duo. Radha broke the hug, cupped his face and pressed a kiss on his forehead.

Shivangi and Shon came running, they embraced their elder brother tightly.

Shon :- Jeystha, you're back finally.

Shivangi :- It's almost been an year.

Karn :- Okay okay, first welcome your bhabhishree.

All turned towards the door to see Draupadi standing, she came and touched Radha's feet.

Karn :- Mata, meet your putra vadhu, Draupadi.

Radha :- Sada saubhagyavati bhava putri.

Shon and Shivangi :- Pranipat bhabhishree.

She smiled at them both and they went inside.

Amrit entered his house to find Karn helping Radha, tidying the hall. Both looked at each other for a moment.



Karn :- Always roaming around uselessly, couldn't you help maa with some work.

Amrit :- I'm not born for these things.

Karn :- Don't you feel any shame.

Amrit :- Yes, calling you a brother.

Karn :- I'm warning you with words for the last time.

Amrit :- And I'm waiting for the first time weapons will be used.

Before argument could go further, Radha told Amrit to go and fool around somewhere else. ----------------------------------------------------------- Evening slowly arrived. A sabha was called next morning to discuss about coronation issue.

Karn was in the weaponry room, practicing with a mace when Bhisma entered with an amused expression.

Karn :- Pitamah, you here at this time, any special reason.

Bhisma :- Putra Karn, I can ask you the same question.

Karn :- I wasen't feeling sleepy, so came here to spend some time.

Bhisma :- Putra you have been married yesterday only, you should be spending time with your wife not these weapons.

Karn :- (chuckles) Pitamah, all these words dosen't suit you.

Bhisma :- But putra, what I said is also true.

Karn :- The one who has dream of becoming world's best maharathi, couldn't just find peace without these.

Bhisma :- That's true, but think about your wife and family too, you are the eldest among them, you should also guide them and now you are going to be the future king, just go to your room and relax, for tommorow is going to be a big day.

Karn :- Do you think pitamah that I should be crowned the king ?

Bhisma :- What do you mean putra ?

Karn :- I meant to say that last time when my coronation was decided, me and my family were sent to die in a palace made of wax, and no one knows what would happen next. I am not worried about myself but I just cannot live without my family, and moreover Duryodhan wants to be the king so let's just try him out maybe he would prove to be a kind king.

Bhisma :- I know, Duryodhan is nothing but a puppet at the hands of his mama, I didn't remember any decision he took on his own, he weilded mace also on advice of his uncle, do you think he will be able to handle such a responsible post. Don't ponder too much about it, just go and sleep.

Karn :- Okay pitamah, good night.

Bhisma :- Good night putra.

Karn went to his room and entered silently, heaving and sweating by the practice, he looked around, Draupadi nowhere seen. He took a sigh of relief, went towards the balcony and stood near the railing, he wasen't wearing any jewels, or angvastra. Cool breeze blew and slowly started carrying away the sweat on his body, he felt relaxed, the silence was broken by the sound of payals approaching him. Draupadi stood beside him adorning the beautiful night sky, none spoke anything as the silence was comforting. It was broken by her.

Draupadi :- Thinking about tomorrow's meeting.



Karn :- Kind of.... don't know what's going on inside mama Shakuni's brain. Pitamah said that it's going to be a big day, Madhav too seemed a bit uncertain.

Draupadi :- When he's there, nothing remains to worry about. I think it's late enough we should rest for sometime.

Karn :- That's better I guess.

He then laid down on his swing, she noticed his weird behaviour, and chuckled.

Draupadi :- You can sleep on the bed arya, I don't have any problem.

Karn's remembered his first night with Suchitra, he closed his eyes, not wanting to show the pain inside it.

Karn :- Well, I don't want to make you feel awkward, so good night.

She looked at him again but he was already asleep, she grabbed the sheet and covered him, he slept like a baby, she kissed his forehead and slept on the bed. ----------------------------------------------------------- The next day was as usual, everyone got ready, had their breakfast and assembled at the rajya sabha.

Bhisma ordered the yuvraj's throne to be removed for the time being sensing Shakuni's intensions.

Dhritrashtra entered the sabha and everyone greeted him, he sat on the throne and gestured to start the discussion.

Vidur :- So I believe everyone here knows the topic of today's discussion.

Duryodhan :- Whats there to discuss Kakashree, my coronation ceremony was completed according to the rituals, I was about to be coronated, everyone here is wasting their own time discussing silly things.

Bheem and Arjun gave him a death glare.

Bhisma :- Duryodhan, this is rajya sabha, you will have to follow the rules and regulations here or else you can just leave.

Shakuni :- Whatever you say mahamahim, but my nephew's coronation was completed, and you cannot deny the fact that...

He was cutoff by Krishna.

Krishna :- May I say something mamashree.

Shakuni :- Vasudev, I think this is the family matter of Kurus and you are the guest here, shouldn't you be quiet.

Krishna :- Mamashree, Rajmata Kunti is my bua, so I am also a family member of Kurus, am I not allowed to speak here pitamah ?



Bhisma :- Yes of course Vasudev, we will be delighted to hear your advice and Gandhar Raj, I remind you that you are also the guest here if you are allowed to speak then anyone can.

Shakuni gritted his teeth, he knew Krishna can very well manipulate the situation to Pandavs favour.

Krishna :- Bhrata Duryodhan, you said that your coronation was almost completed. But you were made the yuvraj in the absence of bhrata Karn, so after his return he should be the yuvraj according to the rules, Am I right Kakashree.

Vidur :- Yes, Jeystha, it is well stated in the rules and shastras.

Bhisma :- So I think we are clear then...

Dhritrashtra :- But tatshree what about my son's coronation, all the rituals were completed and you only announced that it is delayed then how can we crown someone else.

Duryodhan and Shakuni smirked while Pandavs except Karn and Yudhisthir were fuming.

Bhisma :- What you say about this Vasudev ?

Krishna :- Pitamah, bhrata Karn is the eldest so he should be the king, but bhrata Duryodhan's coronation cannot be neglected so the only possible way is to divide the kingdom into two.

Bhisma :- NO! This is impossible till I am alive, I vowed to protect Hastinapur and it's throne, I cannot let it crumble down in front of my own eyes.

Krishna :- Mahamahim even I am not in favour of division but there is none other way.

Duryodhan :- (whispering to Shakuni) Mamashree stop them, how can I let them take away my right.

Shakuni :- Shaant mere baache, just see, those pandavs will not be able to do anything even if they get the land, just have belief on you mama.

Duryodhan laughed mentally cause he knew his mamashree will do anything to make him the king.

Sabha continued with many arguments, finally it was decided that Pandavs will be given the land of Khandavprasth and kurukshetra.

Karn was crowned the king of Khandavprasth, Pandavs decided to set off the day after, Dhritrashtra stopped Kunti saying that she was the kulvadhu and it's his duty to protect her, the brothers protested but she told them that she will come to them only when they will be free from the clutches of Hastinapur, and become independent. They somehow got convinced. ----------------------------------------------------------- Spoiler :-

Indra :- Enough Arjun, now face my vajra.

Saying so, he raised his hand summoning vajra and hurled it towards Arjun. Arjun raised his Gandiv, chanted the mantra invoking brahmastra and fired it towards vajra. ----------------------------------------------------------- Did you like the chapter ?

Wow, so the Khandavprasth fight coming up ahead.

How do you think will the brothers tackle it. It's going to be special as Arjun will get his Gandiv and Karn will find his Vijay dhanush in the same chapter, also don't forget that divine chariot Kapi dhwaj.

One more thing, please don't be offended in future if Draupadi's son turns out to be a better warrior than Shatrunjay. I know it might hurt a little but both will have different purposes to fulfill.



Guess who ?

Okay, she is younger Koshal princess, Arjun sangini.

But what's her name ? That is the real problem guys, help me find a name for her.

Target :- 74 votes.

Do comment if you have any suggestions.