Shakuni :- So putri Bhanumati, will you explain us all what you were doing in the arms of Jeysth Pandu putr Karn.

'Mamashree!!!!'

'Gandhar Naresh!!!!'

'Jeysth!!!!'

Duryodhan, Bhism and Gandhari shot at him, Shakuni flinched a little but maintained his composure.

Dron and Kripacharya glanced at each other but decided to remain silent as it's going to be the family matter.

Bhism :- This is totally out of limit, watch your words strictly before things get out of hand, I won't tolerate any other misbehaving.

Vidur :- Did you call us here just to listen to your baseless allegations, you have certainly forced us to think whether to let you stay her anymore or not.

Duryodhan :- Mamashree, just stop it please.

Shakuni :- Baseless allegations! really Mahamantri Vidur, do you think I'm a fool that I will call upon a meeting just to blabber senseless things.

Bhism :- Then what is this all about.

Shakuni :- My nephew sitting here is first hand witness of whatever happened at Indraprasth, am I right, putri Bhanumati.

Bhanu sat on her seat, looking around with utter shock, how did Gandhar Raj and her husband came to know about that, and what else they must be knowing, a chill ran down her spine, sweat beads appeared on her forehead.



Bhism :- Say putri, what all nonsense is he talking about.

Bhanu :- It's... It's not what it seems, Pitamah, everything's just a misunderstanding.

Duryodhan :- Mamashree why do you want to bring it up now ?

Shakuni :- Trust me mere bhanje, whatever I do, it's one way or the other for your own good.

Dussasan :- Moreover whatever mamashree said is true, why don't you see that, Jeysth.

Shakuni :- Yes bhanje, tell everyone all that you saw with your own very eyes.

Gandhari :- Bhratashri just stop now, what do you get after all this, it's just making things more and more worse.

Shakuni :- Ask your putr vadhu, whatever I'm talking about.

Gandhari :- Tell us the truth putri, we all are confused as to what's this all.

Bhanu :- Mata.. woh...

Shakuni :- Yes, tell tell.

Bhanu :- Mata, he just helped me when my foot was twisted and I was unable to walk, that's all, nothing else happened.

Shakuni :- You think I'm a fool, that I don't know he's a king, and everyone here has seen how rich and prosperous Indraprasth is. Maids and servants would be sitting near his feet just waiting for his orders, what would be the need of carrying his brother's wife in a corridor for everyone to see.

Bhanu :- At that time I was at other end of palace, looking at the city lights, at that time while turning my foot tripped but luckily he caught me before I could fall and hit my back on candle stand, moreover no maids were on round then.

Shakuni :- Far end of the palace, no one around, darkness spreading, and surprisingly only he was there, all this is pointing in some other direction Kaling kumari. A planned adultery.

Bhanu slumped back on her seat as tears rolled down her eyes, how could he accuse her of such a big sin, she would end her life before even bringing up a thought like this. She raised her head to glance at her husband, who just sat looking at her with anger filled eyes, realisation struck her that no one's gonna believe her here.

Bhism sighed irritated and turned to Dhritrashtr.

Bhism :- Putr tell your brother in law to stop his stupidity, he is not only crossing the limits of a guest but also insulting your putr vadhu openly, will you do something or not.

Shakuni :- I am crossing my limits mahamahim, what about your kul vadhu, doing romance with other people behind her husband's back.

Gandhari :- Bhratashri, when putr Duryodhan himself dosen't want to talk about this, then why are you...

Shakuni :- Yes he said, and he will say it everytime because he is still so naive as to not understand what he's dealing with. Can he say that the child growing in her womb is his'.

Vidur :- Stop it now Gandhar Raj, it's going way far now.

Bhism :- Don't talk about that Vidur, that way far is already far away from the limit and has stooped to such a level...

Shakuni :- No matter whatever you say Tatshree, you can't change the truth.

Dhritrashtr, sensing the rising heat of moment decided to interfere.

Dhritrashtr :- Okay okay, putra Duryodhan, tell us all that you saw in Indraprasth. Only then we would decide what really is the matter.

Dussasan :- Jeysth, please tell everyone the truth, do you really want to keep this characterless woman as your wife.

Bhism :- DUSSASAN!!!

He yelled getting up, Dussasan backed off a few steps seeing his grandfather's fury. Vidur immediately stood up and held Bhisma's shoulder.

Vidur :- Dussasan mind your language, you are not only speaking about your bhabhishree but also kul vadhu of kuru vansh, yuvrani of Hastinapur. Tatshree, lets first listen to what Duryodhan has to say.

After they took their seats again, all the eyes turned to Duryodhan, who sat clenching his fist tightly. He was torn between love for his wife and respect for mamashree, one part of his mind warned him to stop all this but the other wanted to go with the flow. He decided to accept the latter as this conversation had to happen at some point or the other.

He glanced at his wife who sat with tear stricken face, his heart pained making him uneasy, ignoring it, he narrated the night's incident.

Elders became numb listening to his words, Bhanu started sobbing, Gandhari, though a little skeptical but still she stayed with her daughter in law.

Bhism glanced at Vidur and then at Shakuni, who smirked at his victory.



Shakuni :- Do you have any words Tatshree, what will you say, your dearest grand nephew is destroying my priye Duryodhan's life by being a third person in his marriage.

Bhanu :- Arya, nothing like that happened, he just helped me and that's it, end of story.

Shakuni :- How can we believe it putri, Duryodhan saw you kissing him with own very eyes.

Bhanu :- What he saw were merely a pair of shadows, and assumed everything by himself. Shadows can show a clever fox as an innocent dear...

Duryodhan :- Then what is his angvastra doing with you, what was his potrait doing under your bed, wern't you in love with him. How can I believe you after this, how can I not believe whatever I saw.

Bhanu :- Enough Yuvraj Duryodhan!!!

She raised her palm gesturing him to stop.

Bhanu :- Don't you dare remind me of those memories again. Here I am trying to move on and forget it and you accuse me of my past. Should I remind whatever happened back then.

Duryodhan's eyes opened wide at the refrence.

Bhanu :- Yes, I loved him, so what, you were the one to abduct me from my swayamvar, did I have any choice in it ? I was forced to marry you, do you know why, because of your Pitamah sitting here.

Bhism lowered his eyes sadly.

Bhanu :- The fear people have of him forced my parents to back off, did I have any choice ? I had to forget everything, even love of my life, did I have any choice ? And after all that you say that I was at fault, why ? I tried to move on, I told myself again and again to trust you, and you are here debating that this child is yours or not ? Why ?

She ran out crying, Duryodhan wanted to go behind her but his anger restrained himself.

Shakuni :- Mahamahim, we all know that she is creating a story to escape, but I want justice for my nephew here.

Vidur :- Gandhar Raj now you need to stop as it too much already.

Shakuni :- Maharaj, I want justice for my nephew, and I won't leave untill it's served.

Bhism :- Vidur, send a letter to Karn and call him here immediately, also tell him to bring his mother along.

He walked out followed by other elders leaving Shakuni behind who flashed a winning smile. ----------------------------------------------------------- 'I know putri, it might seem as if suggested in haste but think about it, Koshal and Indraprasth, no other kingdom came foreward in the time of need. And Karn.... he is better than any other king or prince I would be able to find for you'

Vaadkshemi observed his elder daughter's conflicted face, she paced back and forth, then sat on the bed.

Pallavi :- But, why to bring up this topic all of a sudden. I know you and mata are concerned about my future, but...

Chandrakala sat beside her and patted her head.

Chandrakala :- You went to Hastinapur to meet your sakhi, I remember everything you narrated about him. How he cared about his family, their bond, his valour, although being an angry man, he was a responsible elder brother. You also told me how his mother used to care for him, and his respect for her, which shows his upbringing, he was raised in a common family, that means he knows what hardship is. Aren't these qualities which every parent would want in their son in law.

Pallavi :- I know, but... it's... do I feel about him that way. I mean he's a good friend, and we both somewhat know about each other but... husband. Won't it seem weird.

Chandrakala :- You should go talk to him, know whether it seems that way or not, and whether he is a perfect choice for you or not.

Pallavi :- What if he...



She hesistated, fidgeting with end of her pallu.

Vaadkshemi :- We love and care for our daughter enough to make sure she is happy with our decision. Choice is in your hands, if you say no, we won't proceed with this proposal anymore.

Chandrakala :- Moreover, a known understanding friend will be much better option than a complete stranger. Tell him what you think about this proposal and ask him what he thinks of it. If it works out, good, but if it doesn't, no one's gonna force you.

Pallavi noded with a thoughtful face, she decided to have a talk with him before making a decision. ----------------------------------------------------------- Suchitra stood under a tree, probably waiting for someone, yellow saree covering her figure made her easily spotable. A red coloured pouch hung near her slender waist.

Just then 4 kids came there, carrying 2 pots filled with water. Keeping it near her feet, they wiped their sweat and one of them forewarded his palm, asking for payment.

She smiled, took out some berries from the pouch and gave him, their faces lit up with content smiles. They touched her feet and ran away happily.

Picking up the pots, she walked back to the ashram, her new home. Some kids were playing under a big banyan tree, some elderly ladies gathered together, chatting, birds chirped happily under the clear sky.

When she reached her hut, an elderly lady sat on a cot with baby Jay sleeping in her arms. Keeping the pots inside, she came and sat beside the lady, who is her mother, devi Prithvi.

Devi Prithvi :- You look conflicted, daughter.

Suchitra took a deep sigh and laid down beside, keeping her head on her mother's lap.

Suchitra :- I miss him... a lot. It's been months, I didn't even get to see him, how is he, fine ? happy ? how's his life going ? I know there might be some reason you told me to be here, but... I wanna know... untill when it's gonna go like this ?

Devi Prithvi :- I know daughter, it was hard for you to do that and it wasen't easy for me either, to tell you to leave your husband, just days after your marriage. And yes, there's always a bigger reason behind many small things we do, he doesn't completely recognise his powers, who he is, and this was never possible if he hadn't went through those pains, which allowed him to look for himself. It's gonna take a while but things will eventually short out, and the good news is, you're going to meet him again, soon.

Suchitra's face lit up immediately.

Suchitra :- Really ?

Devi Prithvi :- Yup, he himself will come here searching for you, happy ?

Suchitra noded with a smile and snuggled closer, feeling her mother's hand caressing her head.

Devi Prithvi :- You remember, whatever he needs to know.

Suchitra :- I do, but also confused, what does his previous life has to do with this one, I mean that one's over, ain't it.



Devi Prithvi :- People die, not the souls, time changes almost everything, but it cannot change what has already happened. Surely those people aren't here anymore, but the tale which started then is yet not complete, so he had to take birth once again to put an end to that tale.

Suchitra :- What if he wasen't able to complete it in this life too.

Devi Prithvi :- His soul will be trapped in endless cycle of life and death. He will have to take birth again and again untill he is able to complete the task assigned to him.

Suchitra :- Why is it like that ? I mean what's over is over, why to bring it back again and again...

She heard her mother laughing, as if amused at her questions.

Devi Prithvi :- Here I am, sitting with my confused little daughter, who just keeps asking me questions upon questions, but in front of her husband... she acts as if she's the most wise person living, pretends as if she knows everything.

Suchitra :- That's why I am your daughter.

Devi Prithvi :- Hmmm ?

She looked at her sternly, making both of them laugh, to which Jay opened his eyes and started crying.

Suchitra :- He's probably hungry, I'll get some milk.

She got up and went inside again. ----------------------------------------------------------- Karn sat in the garden, looking at the kids playing and dancing together. Krishna's words kept ringing in his mind as he closed his eyes, trying to relax.

Flashback =>

Karn :- You're joking, right ?

Krishna :- Why will I, I'm all serious and have thought well about it.

Karn :- It's just.... insane. You know that I'm already married, not once but twice, still you're suggesting all this.

Krishna :- Would you say the same if it was Jhanvi in place of her ?

Karn became silent, couldn't think of anything as answer he sat down on a couch. Krishna sat beside patting his shoulder.

Krishna :- You are not a common person now, you are a king. A king has responsibility of his family, but his first priority should be his kingdom, it's people, their safety, well being, prosperity and most importantly alliances. Maintaining old ones is good but adding new alliances is equally important. If you want your kingdom to stand on its own glory, other's support is necessary in initial stages.

Karn :- But... Is marriage the only way to build alliances between kingdoms, isn't any other way available.

Krishna :- What's the problem ? Ain't she beautiful, don't you like her...

Karn :- Please Madhav, not again, I've already gone through this once, there's no problem in her but the thing is.... wait.

He looked at his friend and an idea popped up in his mind.

Karn :- Madhav, you are my friend.

Krishna :- Hmm ?

Karn :- My mother is your aunt, so it means there's already an alliance between Indraprasth and Dwarika. Why don't you marry Pallavi, alliances will still be there, and you are a lot more experienced than me in all these issues.

Krishna laughed hearing his 'intresting idea' and shook his head.

Krishna :- Yup, I for sure have more experience, considering our childhood, but, you should know that she is my sakhi, like my sister. My responsibility is to find a perfect groom for her, not what you think.

Karn sighed in irritation.

Karn :- How many sisters do you have Madhav ?

Krishna :- I have 86400 sakhis who are like my sisters (narrowing his eyes) Are you planning to marry them all.

Karn :- It wasen't funny at all.



Krishna :- What do you want then ?

Karn :- I... okay I want some time to think.

Present =>

He took a deep breath, but still his heart kept beating violently against his chest. He certainly didn't want to hurt his wife, but how to explain it to others, his friend would surely find one way or the other to convince him. But was he ready for another marriage ? How would he explain it to Jhanvi ? How will Draupadi feel about it ?

Many other random questions kept striking his brain. Though one thing was for sure that his mother would understand him, help him out to solve the issue, what about others ? Wait, why is this marriage thing already, it hasen't been fixed yet.

He shrugged it off, trying to think of something to divert his brain.

'Can we talk'

He heard a soft voice and saw Pallavi standing there, she looked a bit nervous and noticing her uneasiness, he could figure out why she was here.

Karn :- Ya sure, come sit.

He gesture to take a seat beside and she complied. An akward silence followed as none knew how to start the conversation.

Pallavi :- I... guess you might be knowing about the proposal our parents have put forward.

Karn :- Yeah... and you're here to test me whether I would be perfect for you or not, and to know what I think about this proposal.

Pallavi :- How do you know that ?

Karn :- It's obvious, you won't come here to ask which sweet dish I'd prefer in snacks or whatever. So you can ask whatever you want, I'll try to answer frankly.

Pallavi :- I don't know... what to say on this. We're friends, we both know each other not much but enough, but this marriage thing, are we ready for this, will we make a good pair... all these random questions are popping out and I don't know how to answer them.

Karn took a deep breath and looked up at the clear blue sky.

Karn :- My mother used to tell me, that trust can only be found where there is love, but to reach our destination, we have to cross a bridge. That bridge is ego, it creates new hurdles everytime, and if we can get past it, love and trust are just, friends.

Pallavi :- Did you get over your ego ?

His lips twitched into a faint smile.

Karn :- I don't know actually, all I ever had was ego... ego to become the greatest Maharathi of aryavarth, I never let myself satisfied, and I think that's what has kept me going all along.

She glanced at him via corner of eyes, he seemed relax, no hesitation in accept his weakness.

Pallavi :- Lets try to figure something out. How would you treat me if I were your wife.

Karn :- Hmmm... like I do, I mean it won't change who we are. Just that the way we see each other would be different and I'm not kind of a person who would run around with bunch of ladies following, I'd rather prefer to spend my time in training.

Pallavi :- What about your wife ? Won't she be angry after seeing me with... you.

Karn :- That's the reason I didn't wanted to marry in the first place, I know it hurts, it hurts a lot to, you know... but I didn't have much choice then, even now no matter what I say, my friend would convince me anyway, so the decision stays with you, whether you want to marry me or not.

Pallavi :- What if I say I don't want to marry you ?

Karn :- It's your life, you have all the rights to decide whom you want to marry, it's okay if you don't see me as your... husband.

Pallavi :- And if I say I want to marry you, then ?

Karn :- Be ready to face my wife's wrath.

Both laughed and she could feel her heart elated, and a new feeling took hold of her as her cheeks started to turn crimson. A soft smile appeared on her face as she looked at him again, she stood up to go back but was interrupted.

Karn :- Pallavi, you didn't told me... what do you want ?

She turned to look at his confused and nervous face.

Pallavi :- Tell your wife to be ready to welcome a new member.

Saying so, she ran away, Karn glanced up at the afternoon sun and sighed. ----------------------------------------------------------- Subhadra laid down on the soft grass, across Arjun as she kept her head on his chest, both had their eyes closed as roses all around them swayed in soft breeze.

Arjun :- Subi.

Subhadra :- Hmm.

Arjun :- I love you.

Subhadra :- How many times are you gonna tell me that.

Arjun :- Untill I take my last breath.

She took his palm and gave it a peck.

Subhadra :- And I promise to be there for you till that moment and beyond it.

Arjun's face changed, his smile vanished and he sat up.

Subhadra :- What happened ? Did I say something which I shouldn't.

Arjun :- No no... it's not that, I'd love to spend my life with you, I love you and I want to be with with you. But...

Subhadra :- But what ?

Arjun :- I sometimes think, I'm a warrior Subi, not only that I'm commander in chief of army of Indraprasth, I have the responsibility of leading the soldiers in war. I...



Subhadra :- Hey please don't say that, nothing will happen to you, have some faith in our love.

Arjun :- I know Subi, I know how much you love me but.... I want to be the reason of your never ending smile, not the reason of life long agony.

Subhadra :- You will always be the reason of my happiness regardless of what happens in future. I will either be your wife or will live with your memories, no one can have your place in my heart.

He pulled her in a hug and kissed her forehead, she snuggled close in his embrace.

Arjun :- I'm sorry I... made the moment emotional.

Subhadra :- It's okay, and thanks for trusting me enough to share your insecurity.

Both stayed like that, feeling the blessing of warm breeze. ----------------------------------------------------------- Pristi sat in the conference room with her council of ministers, all had worried looks on their faces.

Pristi :- So now it's for sure that they don't want any kind of negotiation, war is inevitable. What do you have to say, senapati Durmukh.

Durmukh :- Yes, last time I went there for a peace talk our soldiers were ambushed, we were lucky enough to escape then but not everytime.

Mantri :- And if war happens, we are no chance against them, at least not for now, they have bigger army, better advantage of situation as we are dealing with a recent flood. Only hope we have now is support.

Pristi :- Indraprasth. Even if we ask them, it's not for sure they'll agree to help, not after knowing.... bhratashri.



Mantri :- But it's our last chance princess, we have to talk to them and ask for the much needed help. If they agreed, Manipur will have to back off or face defeat.

Pristi :- Fine, I'll go and talk to Maharani Draupadi and try to convince her for help, but... bhratashri.

Durmukh :- We can take care of him untill then, please don't let go of any other precious moment, they might attack us anytime soon.

Pristi :- Okay, I'll leave today only and hope they might not turn us down empty handed.

She got up and left the room with an unsure expression.

'She might be knowing bhratashri, should talk to Maharaj Karn instead'

With that thought, she left to get ready supervise the maids. ----------------------------------------------------------- Amrit packed his stuff in a bag and adjusted his dress.

Amrit :- I'm leaving, have to cross the forest before dark.



Radha came there smiling and handed him a pouch.

Radha :- Now only putra, have something to eat.

Amrit :- Nah, I'll purchase some on my way, I'm getting late.

Radha :- Ok, be safe and take care, don't forget to have something to eat once in a while and did you pack a spare towel.

Amrit :- I'm not going on any vacation, I going to meet gurudev.

Radha :- Still, pack one extra for any emergency.

Amrit :- Okay.

He took his bag, turned and left without looking back, Radha shook her head and went back to work. ----------------------------------------------------------- Karn stood near the railing as he watched the servants working on decorating a mandap.

Feeling someone's presence behind, his grip tightened.

Karn :- I was living my life happily, training under my gurudev's supervision, and one day he got me married to Suchitra, my first wife. Though it was a little akward at first but I slowly began to have feelings for her. But just then she told me to leave, after that I met Jhanvi, she made me forget my pains, we both... we had feelings for one another, but then you got me married to Draupadi. And when I finally had feelings for her now you want me to marry Pallavi. Do you have any future plans too ?

Krishna passed him a teasing smile.

Krishna :- You don't know me bhrata, I might be having something, somewhere at a corner of my magnificent brain.



Karn opened his mouth to counter question but they heard screeching of an eagle, who came and sat near them. He tilted it's fur and untied the letter from its leg, glancing at his friend, he opened the letter to read.

Karn :- Pitamah.... ----------------------------------------------------------- Did you like the chapter ?

First of all a very happy new year to all the readers who are reading this chapter.

Sorry for making you wait this long but here we are, presenting you a refreshing update.

Credit for very first scene of this chapter goes to KARNAN1 Thank you dear for your help

What do you think is gonna happen ?

Will Shakuni succeed in his plan ?

How will Duryodhan handle his family falling apart ?

Will Draupadi agree to help Pristi, know that she is Vikram's sister ?

What will be Jhanvi's reaction about Karn's marriage ?

Stay tuned for the answers.

Do comment if you have any suggestions.

Will see you in the next chapter, untill then, take care and bye.