'So you say he's been your foster brother, what difference does it make...'

Sumali looked at him sharply as Amrit shook his head. Soft rumbling of water flowing rapidly between the rocks mixed with chirping of various birds and woodpecker digging a hole. Sunlight feel on ground from gap between leaves like white patches.

Shukracharya observed both his students having a rather heated discussion.

Sumali :- You both grew up together, raised by the same mother, loved by same father, you think I don't believe it's more than enough reason for two boys to develop an inseperable brotherly bond.

Amrit :- I think I've told you that a hundred times already, you can think whatever you want for all I care.

Sumali :- And I am supposed to believe that ?

Amrit abruptly stood up and pointed at her, his eyes turning red with fury.

Amrit :- For God's shake I want to kill him the first chance I get!!!!

He turned away, taking a few slow steps.

Amrit :- But that would show me as a coward, the only reason giving me strength to hold back, I want to kill him on the battlefield for everyone to see, so they all can witness my might, from their own very eyes.

Sumali :- Why ? Has something happened between you two ? What is that makes you brothers blood thirsty enemies.



Now was time for him to snap back at her.

Amrit :- What has he done ? Because of him I am nothing but a walking piece of meat among our relatives, anywhere I go, anyone I meet, only one name reaches my ears Vasusen Vasusen and Vasusen!!! Where am I, who am I ?

Sumali :- That couldn't be all.

Amrit :- Yes, that isn't all, just looking at him I start to feel a fire burning inside me. His face awakens such intense hatred within me that if not for my years of training, I would loose my sanity every time I see him smiling. Another reason is.... his wife.

Sumali :- What ? His wife ? What she has to do between you two ?

Amrit :- If I would've known the reason why would I be mentioning her now. I know that he is married to the most beautiful woman of aryavarth, she is the daughter of fire, her beauty is worth dying for, a thousand times over. But when I saw her for the first time, I felt as if I've known her already, as if there's some... short of connection between her and me, it can't be mere imagination that I've seen her in some of my dreams.... weird dreams. There is something that I need to know. But untill then, I always try to avoid them as much as I can. ------------ Malini, who kept listening to their conversation hiding behind a wall, flinched at the words.

Worry lines appeared on her forehead.

'Does Vasusen know this ? What about Radha maa ?... It's definitely not a good sign'

Keeping her posture steady, she tried to grasp more of the argument going on. ------------ For what seemed like an eternity, Sumali scanned his face, contemplating his conflicted speech.

Sumali :- Even if I do believe you what....

Amrit :- Look, I don't care what you believe or what you don't, I've already told you my side of story, it's upto you to think anything you want, but please can we not talk anymore about it. It's already catching my nerves and I can't bear it further.

She sighed nodding her head and decided to change the topic.

Sumali :- You think divine astras will make you superior in battlefield.

Amrit :- Is there any doubt.

Sumali :- Have you seen him fighting from up close, his powers, his.... energy.

Amrit :- What ?....

Sumali :- The way he killed my husband.... it was... unbelievable. But I don't think he's a very big problem, the main trouble is that other person with him, the man with peacock feathers on his crown, he is the mastermind.

Amrit :- Man with peacock feathers on his crown.... You mean Vasudev Krishna.



Her eyes shot up hearing a name.

Sumali :- Who ? Do you know him ?

Amrit :- I guess the only person I've seen having peacock feathers on his throne is Vasudev Krishna.

Sumali :- Who is he ? Where does he live ? Is he also your relative ?....

Amrit :- King of Dwarika, yaduvanshi Vasudev Krishna, and he's not my relative. From what I've heard, he and my foster brother are cousins.

Sumali :- Yaduvanshi... Dwarika... Krishna, I'll have to find out about him...

Shukracharya, who till now just silently listened to their banter, spoke up.

Shukracharya :- Putri, I assume that your pitashree handed you the responsibility of Mahabali Ravan's Paulatsya dhanush to you, and you by all means kept it safe and hidden to hand it over to its worthy owner or your upcoming geneations.

Sumali :- As for now, yes gurudev, but I don't know how to find it's 'worthy warrior' and after my powers gone, I think it's out of option.

Amrit :- Paulatsya dhanush....

Shukracharya noded with a smile, understanding the gesture, Sumali's eyes got wide.

Sumali :- You want me to... hand it over to him... how can you tell if he's worthy enough to weild it. Heck, I doubt if he can even lift it, I myself am not able to move it the slightest, how can he ?

Before Amrit could start another argument, Shukracharya decided to end the topic.

Shukracharya :- That's upto him to figure out, just tell him where it is and leave everything for him.

Sumali took a deep breath, closing her eyes she shook her head, then looked up at him.

Sumali :- Okay, I'll take you where the dhanush is kept but, you will have to have to do my work first.

Amrit :- Now what ?

Sumali :- As I told that my brother is injured badly, I know about some magical herbs, you get me the herbs and I help you.

Amrit :- Deal, but I warn you, try to double cross me and it won't be good.

Sumali :- You can't threaten me with your words alone. A piece of advise, instead of using your tongue all the time, used your bow. Blabbering won't make you the best, but training will. Meanwhile I have to go and meet Gandhar Raj Shakuni and ask him to assign best of doctors for my brother.

Amrit :- Gandhar Raj.... you can come with me, I can help you meet him.

Sumali :- Sure, so Deal final then.

Amrit :- Of course.

They finally smiled at each other nodding their heads. ----------------------------------------------------------- Bhism walked aimlessly in the garden, dipping in the pool of thoughts surrounding his consious mind.

His shoulders slumped down as he observed his feet squeezing the soft grass underneath, hands held behind back and a retarded face made him look aged than he already is.

'Tatshree'

Looking up, he saw Vidur approaching.

Vidur :- Pranam Tatshree.

Bhism noded somewhat absentmindly.

Vidur :- You seem to be lost in some deep thoughts.

Getting no response, Vidur asked further.

Vidur :- May I know the reason.

Bhism :- Reason ? You want reason Vidur ? Today Hastinapur is standing on the doorstep of future, still you act as if you don't see anything. You have no doubts ? Can't you see that the values we were taught by our ancestors, the values which were passed down to lineage after lineage, the values which were meant to be the base of a strong society. Those values are dying a slow painful death. Politics is turning blind, king is swayed by greed and temptation, trying to snatch the rights of others.

Vidur sighed and shook his head, Bhism turned and walked to a tree, leaning on it.

Bhism :- Just think, when the gardener himself finds his all other buds unworthy except one, and he wants to collect all the sunlight for that one bud, what can be the future of that garden ? Another sad thing is, that bud, when exposed to such amount of sunlight, will burn itself. This question keeps biting me like a venomous scorpion. I worry about what future might be awaiting for Hastinapur.



Vidur :- Time is like a river Tatshree, it's us who have divided it into parts like past, present and future, for our convenience. Today's past was yesterday's present, and today's present will be tommorow's past.

Bhism :- I don't want to talk about philosophy of time and other nonsense. I am talking of harsh reality spread in the society today. When the present become past, we will be nothing but pages in history books. But for now, we are the characters of this whatever play fate has planned. Shouldn't we atleast know what roles we are here to play ?

Vidur :- You taught me yourself Tatshree, that the beauty of life is, we never know what our roles are. If we knew our future, then Karm would have no meaning at all. Man is only such a creature, who has a definite choice about his actions.

Bhism :- What should I do then ? Leave Dhritrashtr ?

Vidur :- How can I say that ? Because I very well know that you've already made your choice.

Bhism :- So the only option remains that I should blindfold myself and join the crowd of Hastinapur rajya sabha.

Vidur :- You should ask this question from yourself, and answer it to your own self, because I can't answer your question, I don't have answer to any of the questions in your mind. I just came here to see if you're okay and wanted to talk.

Bhism :- Okay then, you have done your job, now you may leave, I want to be alone for sometime.

Vidur :- (joining his hands) As you say Tatshree.

He turned and silently left the place, leaving the old man alone, who kept staring at the retreating figure. ----------------------------------------------------------- The blazing mid day sun shone relentlessly upon the people working in farms and gardens. Roads simmered in the heat of noon, blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily in the gentle breeze.

'It's been so nice coming here and meeting you all...'

Maharani Sanjana said as she patted Draupadi's arm, who smiled at her.

Pallavi :- But the truth is, it's been our good fortune to meet and serve you.

Draupadi :- And now that we are officially going to become a family, we'll be seeing each other frequently enough.



Her words made everyone laugh, Nakul winked at Awantika, who glared back at him, but then her cheeks were red as tomato.

Vyagradatt :- Putr, I'm seeing foreward for the family gathering and meeting other elders. Pretty much we'll have to begin with preparations soon as we return.

Karn :- We all have quiet a lot of responsibilities for the time being. Preparing the guest list, sending invitations, all the shopping, decorations, announcing the good news to people, etc.

Sahdev leaned on Nakul's shoulder.

Sahdev :- But Jeysth, I can see than someone else is also quiet desperate for it.

Nakul pinched his arm, making him yelp as he rubbed the sensitive spot. After a good laugh, guests were escorted towards the chariots ready for the journey.

Awantika sat with her mother while Karn walked with Vyagradatt to the chariot ahead.

Karn :- I have this chariot prepared specially for emergency purposes, in case if situation arises, weapons are ready within your arm's length, I also appointed 100 best soldiers from our army to follow you till the moment you are safe inside your palace.

Vyagradatt :- Thanks a lot putr, but it really wasn't necessary.

Karn :- It's just taking up precautions.

Climbing up on the chariot, Maharaj Vyagradatt gestured the charioteer to leave, who jerked the whips, signalling the horses to move.

Two chariots rode away towards the highway, followed by 100 other fully armed horse riders.

Within minutes, they were long out of sight, leaving behind a trail of dust.

Brothers glanced at each other, mischief filled smirk never leaving their faces. Draupadi narrowed her eyes at their silent exchange of words.

Draupadi :- What does that mean arya ? Have you planned something I don't know about ? Bhrata Yudhisthir ?

Yudhisthir :- Surprise attack, bhabhi.

Karn :- Boys.

5 brothers :- Yes boss!

Karn :- Get your gear ready and meet me here within next 15 minutes.

Draupadi :- What's going on, will anyone explain me ?

Karn :- I will, for now just know that someone is going to get a 'Big surprise'.

Six of them ran inside as fast as they could, leaving the two ladies to themselves, wondering about the situation. ----------------------------------------------------------- 'Look at all this, 'Khandavprasth', which once was nothing but a barren land, stretching for miles, and in the center was a dense forest inhibited by countless snakes, no one even dared to step here. But now, the glorious Indraprasth has taken its place and bought back all the forgotten happiness to the people'

Awantika smiled at her father, who couldn't stop himself from praising the Pandav brothers every now and then, seeing the development and prosperity all around.

Awantika :- Getting rid of the snakes was not as hard as getting the people to settle. Most of the population came here along with us directly from Hastinapur. But due to being left untouched for ages, the soil here was not at all suitable for farming, weather too was not so mercy giving in the beginning and many other troubles.

Sanjana :- No wonder it took months to reach the point where now it doesn't have to be completely dependent on import.

Awantika :- Dwarika was a constant support from the very beginning, bhrata Krishna made sure that any required suff was instantly available at any time.

Their chariots soon crossed the borders of Indraprasth, sun continued descend towards west, slowly changing to orange.

Soldiers following them suddenly got alarmed, they noticed that ground began to tremble slightly, atmosphere became tensed all of a sudden, chilly wind whizzed past them.

One of them looked up only to receive an arrow that preiced his forehead, throwing him off the horse. Seeing him, all other eyes darted towards the sky to noticed a shower of arrows approaching them with tremendous speed, filling their hearts with terror.

Soldier :- Defend!!!

All of them pulled out their sheilds, covering their heads as they jumped down from horses. Shower of arrows hit them hard enough to knock most of them out, ground was covered with countless arrows.

Awantika held her mother tightly, who looked visibily shaken from the sight in front. Maharaj Vyagradatt angrily stood up and grabbed his bow.

Vyagradatt :- Who is this ? Who is the one attacking from behind like a coward, don't have the courage to come up in front, face to face.

Before he could load an arrow, another arrow smashed his bow away. Next moment, they were surrounded by a huge army of soldiers, all dressed in black.

'So eager to face me, are you'

There stood, yuvraj Danddhar, on his chariot, holding his bow high, arrow aimed at his supposed enemy.

Danddhar :- Well, don't worry, I won't test your patience.

Awantika :- Don't you dare.

He turned to her with a smug look on his face.

Danddhar :- Huh ?

Awantika :- Don't you dare release that arrow on my father.

Laughing, he put his bow aside, jumped down and walked towards them, swinging his sharp sword.

Danddhar :- Okay, speaking truthfully, I never intended to come here and hurt you. How about a deal, old man.



Vyagradatt :- What deal ?

Danddhar couldn't help but sniker at the old man's fuming face.

Danddhar :- I like that. So if you hand her over to me, I'll be more than happy to let you go and enjoy your ride till your kingdom.

He said pointing his sword at Awantika, who hissed at him.

Danddhar :- Ain't it more than fair, young lady, what do you say, remember me, I guess we have some old memories.

Caressing the scar on his right eye, he smirked at her.

Awantika :- I will do that every chance I get, creeps like you deserve that.

Danddhar :- It's not about whether I deserve it or not, the thing is, we have some scores to settle to be even. So, any thought about my proposal ?

Vyagradatt :- You think you can threaten me with this stupid act, you can't get to her, not until I am alive.

Danddhar :- I feel sorry for you, you know, I always end up getting whatever I want, one way or the other. Look, I want her and you know that, so why not cooperate. Its the only deal, take it or leave it.

Vyagradatt :- SHUT UP!!! I won't tolerate another nonsense word about my daughter.

Danddhar :- I can understand, being a father it won't be easy, seeing your daughter being taken away forcefully and you can do nothing about it. Let me assure you, once we are settled with our personal conflict, I'll make sure she is escorted back to Mahendrapuri with all due respect.

Vyagradatt :- You rat!! I will show you your place.

He tried to reach for other bow but noticed hundreds of arrows already aimed at him, Danddhar chuckled seeing him.

Danddhar :- Aah, a bunch of bad choices can sometimes make the situation really shitty. Why do you do that, old man. It pains me, you know, makes me think if I made a mistake...

Before his sentence could complete, hundreds of arrows came flying from behind Awantika's chariot and struck the surrounding army like a lightning, knocking down anyone who tried to come in the way. An arrow swiftly sliced his sword down.

Six chariots came into view as as they took place beside his enemies'. On the very right was light one with a flag showing red deer with golden back, following it on the left was a chariot attached to 2 beautiful black horses, it's flag contained a silver swan. Next to it was heavily armoured one with a huge flag displaying a ferocious lion with burning eyes. In the very center was a bright golden chariot with a monkey flag, next to it was another silver one with a flag having a white conch, signifying the ever readiness of Rathi to go for a battle. On the very left was a duty built chariot with flag showing golden moon having planets around it.

Brothers laughed seeing his confused face.

Karn :- I think you should really consider whether it was a mistake or not.

Bheem :- In case you need some help, we're here now.

Awantika, and her parents were relieved and confused at the same time.

Danddhar :- Who are you ? Why do you want to save him ?

Another chuckle at his words.

Karn :- I thought your informers would be brilliant. They told you everything about when our guests will leave, what would be the security measures etc. You knew they were staying in our kingdom, but did you ever ask them who are the 6 Pandavs.

Danddhar watched them with wide eyes.

Danddhar :- Pandav.... you 6 are Pandav brothers...

Arjun :- Late realisation can sometimes get you in real trouble dude.



Seeing their confident looks, Danddhar closed his eyes, bringing the wry smile back.

Danddhar :- Still, I don't care who you are, 6 of you really think you can overpower my army, not a chance in hell...

Sahdev :- I wouldn't do that if I were you.

Danddhar :- Soldiers!!! What are you waiting for, attack them!

Getting no response, he turned to get another big surprise of the day. His army was surrounded by another huge army, battle ready.

Karn :- If you still want to wage a war, yuvraj Danddhar, go ahead, I'll give you a fair chance, but I must warn you, consequences might not be in your favour, atleast not this time. So I am giving you another option, order your soldiers to fall back, and return. We both leave as if nothing happened.

Awantika :- It's the only deal, take it, or leave it.

He glared at her, clenching his fist tightly at the humiliation.

Nakul :- If you still don't feel satisfied, I am more than willing for a duel, wanna try ?

But Karn waved a hand at him to stop.

Karn :- Not today Nakul, it's not the time.

Nakul :- Fine, your good luck boy, but when some other day you feel like sparring, don't forget me.

Yudhisthir :- What do you think it'll be yuvraj Danddhar ? War or peace ?

Danddhar sighed and gestured his army to surrender and leave, then he turned to Awantika, giving her a sharp look.

Danddhar :- Lucky this time young lady, but time ain't anyone's relative, hope to see your soon.

Then he climbed on his chariot and left with rest. Army of Indraprasth began to rejoice at the easy victory.

Arjun :- This was probably better than I thought.

Bheem :- I thought he'd atleast put up some resistance, fool.

Yudhisthir :- But you didn't notice an important thing Anuj. All this time, he didn't loose his calm and considered the situation before taking any decision. He ain't any fool, but an intelligent strategist. Of course he did a mistake by underestimating the circumstances but he won't do that again.

Sahdev :- Atleast for now we don't have to worry about it.

Vyagradatt :- Thank you again putron, I can't even imagine what would've happened if you haven't came on time.

Karn :- Again, it's just taking precautions. We already did receive news about some surprise attack, but we too didn't knew it would be at this level. So we came prepared for a full fledged war.

Bheem :- Now you can continue ahead without any troubles, he won't bother you again.

Sanjana :- I don't have any words to appreciate all that you all have done for our family, you are like a blessing to us, shielding the prestige of our family.

Karn :- I already said it's nothing, Awantika is going to be kul vadhu of kuru vansh, so it becomes our responsibility to keep her safe.

Arjun :- You should leave Maharaj, you won't want to cross the forest during night.

Vyagradatt :- Sure.

Charioteers snapped the whips and the six chariots turned, speeding away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb5i_qelKgM

----------------------------------------------------------- Sun hiding behind horizon was quickly accompained by night spreading its darkness.

Standing in front of sacred fire, Jhanvi felt happier than ever, holding a beautiful garland in her hands, she waited for her dream prince to take his place next to her.

All the family members, relatives and friends gathered there to witness her marriage. Giggles and laughs echoed everywhere, elders congratulating each other.

Her face lightened up with a big smile as she saw him enter the hall. Karn stood near the door, from where a beautiful red carpet led the way to the mandap.

But her smile vanished as she noticed his eyes, though he pretended to smile, his face tried to mask a pained expression which she could clearly notice, his eyes cast down and shoulders slumped. He looked defeated.



Then suddenly he turned and began to walk away, much to her surprise. He didn't cared to look back, even once, as his feet strode out towards the corridor. Garland slipped from her trembling hands as she tried to stifle a sob. She wanted to run behind and stop him but Krishna held her arm.

She looked at him pleadingly to let her go, but he just glanced at the door and shook his head.

She wailed loudly, falling on her knees as she covered her face with her palms. Next moment...

She woke up with a jerk, sweating all over, breathing heavily, feeling weak in hands and knees. Looking around, she found herself in her chamber, right hand clutched the pendant tightly. Bedsheet was almost soaked in sweat and she began to feel uneasy.

Slowly getting up, she walked to the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror, washing her face in the sink.

'Horrible....'

Was all that she could mutter under her breath when churning in the stomach forced the vomit out of her mouth..... ----------------------------------------------------------- Did you like the chapter ?

So Sumali will be accompanying Amrit to Hastinapur, how do you think will be her first meet with Duryodhan ?

How does she know Gandhar Raj Shakuni ? Any idea of history between them ?

Will Amrit be able to life Ravan's Paulatsya dhanush and prove himself worthy ?

Poor pitamah! But but but, story of Valiant son of Mata Ganga is yet to show up.

Danddhar plan of surprise attack has failed miserably, what do you think will be his next move.

Does Jhanvi's dream has any relevance with future ?

Target :- 70 votes ( I will update only when it's complete )

Do comment if you have any suggestions.

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