One fine day,

Krishna sat on his swing, laughing as he watched a scene through his divine vision.



Rukmini observed him with a confused look before patting his shoulder to gain attention.

He turned to look at his beautiful wife sitting next to him all while wondering what he might be upto.

Rukmini :- Swami, it's been half an hour and you are just going on laughing, what's the matter ?

Krishna :- Do you know priye, on this earth, one more Vasudev has been born.

Rukmini couldn't hide her surprise at his words.

Rukmini :- What ?

Krishna :- Yes, Vasudev Pondrak, king of Poundra.

Rukmini :- Is it true ?

Krishna :- Yes, he proclaims himself to be the real Vasudev, and to show himself true God, weilds a sankh, mace, lotus and a sudarshan chakra, just to convince the people.

Rukmini :- Even a sudarshan chakra ?

Krishna :- Not even this, he named his kakashree's son as Balram. He tells his people that I am a trickster. He has even announced in his kingdom that anyone who decides to not worship him would be punished severely.

Rukmini :- Can I also have look at this new 'Vasudev Krishna'....

Krishna :- Before that, I warn you, the scene ahead might not be amusing when viewed from immediate perspective.

Rukmini :- Lets see...

They closed their eyes to watch the situation going on in the rajya sabha of Poundra.... ---------- On a golden throne, embeded with precious diamonds and jewels, resting on a huge sculpture of 'Sheshnaag', laid a man clad in clothing similar to Krishna's.



A beautiful crown placed above his head having peacock feathers, a chakra fixed on the index finger of his right hand, a fierce mace leaned next to left feet.

'Vasudev Pondrak ki jay....'

Courtiers applauding in his praise, making him smile proudly, a beautiful lady sat near his feet, his wife, looking at others with a rather exhaperated face.

On the right of his throne, sat Kashiraj Sudakshina.

Pondrak raised his left palm in a gentle gesture for them to stop.

Pondrak :- My heart today, is filled with happiness seeing the devotion of my subjects for their lord.

Sudakshina :- Yes Prabhu, observing the devotees of Poundra kingdom, my prideful head bows in devotion and respect for you.

Pondrak :- Mitr Kashiraj, you are a king, ruler of Varansi, you are the one who has always stayed by my side. That's the reason only you have seen my true form and know about my powers. You know that I am the lord of universe, God of this present yug. ------------

Krishna Rukmini burst out laughing at this.

Rukmini :- This is... hilarious. How can he even think like that, let alone act..... and people, how can they believe him so easily....

She couldn't get her laughter in check and fumbled with words.

Krishna :- He is supported by his friend Kashiraj, that solidifies his proclaims. And people, they ought to believe not what's true, but what is told to them again and again for a long time. ------------

Pondrak :- There might be some people in my kingdom, who still don't believe I'm a God. I am the creator of this world.

Senapati Durdhar stood up and joined his hands in front of the king.

Durdhar :- Prabhu, your this valiant senapati can promise you that there isn't any head present on the body of a human who doesn't accept you as their lord. My blood stained sword is witness for my words, which baths everyday in blood of non believers. And if with your mercy, someone is still living out there not accepting you as lord, won't stay on this earth long enough.

Pondrak :- I'm impressed senapati Durdhar, your loyalty and devotion for me is praiseworthy.

He gestured to the servants beside his throne and they came out carrying large bags full of gold and jewels.

Pondrak :- Take it Durdhar, it's your reward for your loyalty.

Durdhar :- I am honoured Prabhu. Vasudev Pondrak ki jay!

He pulled out a handful of gold coins and threw them in air, servants and people ran frantically, collecting as much possible. Pondrak and other courtiers laughed seeing the influence of all this act.

Sudakshina :- Now kneel before your lord, join your hands and worship him.

People began to sing songs in his praises. Pondrak raised his left hand to bless.

Pondrak :- Tathastu.

'Leave me... Let me go...'

Just then some soldiers entered the sabha, dragging a restrained Brahman along, who kept struggling to get free.

He was bought to stand in front of the king, his body marked with wounds from merciless beatings, burn marks from torture and heavy manacles keeping his foot in place.

Pondrak :- Senapati.

Durdhar :- Yes Prabhu.

Pondrak :- Why is this Brahman bought here and in this state, all restrained. He is a knowledgeable sage, look what your soldiers have done to him, what a pity!

A soldier stepped foreward and bowed.

Soldier :- Prabhu, don't get swayed by his innocent getup, this adharmi refuses to worship you.

Pondrak looked at him with anger, but quickly composed himself. Instead, Sudakshina stood up disdainfully.

Sudakshina :- Why is he still alive ? Why is he still breathing in this divine atmosphere of Poundra kingdom ? Why is his heart still beating, without acknowledging the one who gave life to it ?

Durdhar :- Prabhu, if I have your permission, I will behead him this instant.

Pondrak :- No Durdhar! Sometimes humans tend to make mistakes, like he did. And everyone knows how mercyful I am, so I am ready to give him one chance to accept his mistake and correct it.

Brahman :- Adharmi!!! Chance is what Vasudev Sri Krishna is giving you to repent for your sins. But you are deliberately dropping them, calling upon your own destruction. You can fool all these blind, deaf and mute, but not me. I am not swayed by these so called sankh, mace, lotus and chakra, which you keep as showpieces. You think of yourself to be a god! Stupid!! Vasudev is Dwarikadheesh Sri Krishna.

Pondrak, fuming with anger, sat up and threw his chakra at the alleging Brahman, beheading him.

Pondrak :- I want descipline in my kingdom, no descipline, no life.

He strode away, leaving everyone shocked and bewildered. ------------

Krishna raised his palm to bless the Brahman's soul departing for heaven. ----------------------------------------------------------- 'You couldn't find!!! You couldn't or you DIDN'T!!!!'

Gandhar Raj Shakuni yelled at his spys as they stood in line with head hung down.

He grabbed a scroll, waving it in front of them.

Shakuni :- Is that a statement for your incompetence or an excuse for your laziness.



He began to pace around, rubbing his heated palms all while stomping his foot loudly.

Shakuni :- What was that you didn't get ? Money ? Enough food ? Equipments ? Clothing ?.... You had a god damned map with you, still you say that you couldn't. Is there any other excuse ?

He realised, frustration had started to get good of his consious brain.

Spies glanced at each other and one of them spoke.

Spy :- No Gandhar Raj, there wasen't anything missing from your side. I realise that the efforts we put to it were not enough. We will get to it again, hopefully this time we won't dissapoint you.

Shakuni :- No, just leave and stay low for sometime, I'll send for you when needed.

Spy :- As you say.

They bowed before turning and exited the chamber. He glanced up at the partial cloudy sky and let go a sigh.

Shakuni :- Don't I too deserve atleast one miracle, or is it all reserved for those Pandu's sons. ----------------------------------------------------------- 'So, How do you know Gandhar Raj ?'

Sumali glanced at the two curious faces walking beside her as they continued their journey back to Hastinapur.



Sumali :- A long story of some stupid decisions, their consequences, backstabbing and revenge.

Malini :- Might be a good timepass.

She said making Amrit glare at her.

Malini :- No problem, you continue.

Sumali shook her head with a smile.

Sumali :- It was long ago when my father Asur Raj Devantak, ruled Sabalgarh. He had a huge, almost invincible army under him, those used to be the golden period for asurs. Untill the day he decided to attack Hastinapur, probably the biggest mistake of his life, he received the information that the throne of Hastinapur lacked a competent king and was occupied by a drinker. But the point he didn't notice was, Hastinapur was protected by the greatest warrior of that time, Shantanu putr Bhism. Who mercilessly destroyed our army and forced them to run away, our capital was sized and our army had to take refuge under Gandhar, who was the only kingdom to provide us some support. Bhism saw us as a potential danger and forced the Gandhar princess to marry his nephew. Then we had to hide in Gadgundar forests, with help from prince Shakuni. Bad times still didn't end, my father's chief advisor, Shanku, was a snake, he killed my father with deceit and took his place. I couldn't let him go away with it, so I married his senapati, Dantvatra, he had a son from previous wife, Karambha. I provoked him to kill Shanku and take the title of Asur Raj. He was not difficult to manipulate and we eventually succeeded. Rest story you know, he had his eyes on elder Koshal princess, so we agreed that I would help him marry her and we'd part ways, but it didn't turn out as it had to.

Silence prevailed for a while as Sumali finished her tale, figuring out how to take the conversation further.

Malini :- So, why do you want to meet him now.

Sumali :- Best doctors of aryavarth come from Gandhar, and I also figured he might wanna have a meet, it's been pretty long enough.

Amrit :- There's a river nearby, we can stop here for a rest, might as well have something to eat.

Malini :- Sounds good to me.

Sumali :- Whatever, go ahead. ----------------------------------------------------------- "Bhratashree, listen to me now, we're not going further if you do not promise to not create any problem there"

Pristi hissed as she shook her brother's arm, trying to get her words in his brain before he passed out drinking.

Vikram :- You don't tell me what to do or what not, I do whatever I want....

Pristi :- If that's so, then we are not going there. Just have a look at you, you smell awful!! I think I'm gonna puke, you make me sick. You think I don't have any clue why you wanted to come along. Get this thing in your mind that they are very respected people, Indraprasth is probably our last hope to stop Manipur. Please don't do anything stupid, making us loose this help. Am I clear, speak up, am I clear!!!

But no response, as he had already passed out, an empty wine bottle slipped from his hand, which she kicked disgustedly and waved to a few servants.

Pristi :- Get him washed and cleaned up. I can't take him there like this, what will they think.



They bowed and quickly got to work, taking their king down from his chariot and prepared to give him a short bath.

Pristi sat near the foot of chariot, sighed frustrated and she hid her face in her palms, rubbing it softly.

Pristi :- What am I gonna do ? I couldn't leave him back there and taking him along would be walking on eggshells, not knowing when it's gonna break.

She didn't knew how long she sat there, but after what it seemed like an eternity, a maid told her that the job's done and they can continue the journey.

Feeling relieved seeing her brother snoring, she ordered the charioteer to move. ----------------------------------------------------------- Carrying a tray having a cup of tea and some snacks, Pallavi entered the conference room.

Yudhisthir sat on his seat, going through a scroll, while other officials taking their places around a huge table.

Yudhisthir :- No, it's not sufficient at all, I want governor's report by tommorow. And make sure all the necessary stuff should be there on time.

Seeing her approaching, they stood up, to which she smiled and gestured them to be sitting.

Yudhisthir :- Bhabhi, you here.

Pallavi :- Yes bhrata Yudhisthir, don't you think you should take rest sometimes, all the time you're just busy with meetings and courtroom works. Here, have something to eat, you didn't even take your breakfast.



Yudhisthir :- Oh, I just wanted to be finished with the meetings by afternoon today, so.... but thanks for this.

Pallavi :- Where are others ? Shouldn't they be helping you out ?

Yudhisthir :- They must be busy with other works, I saw Jeysth, having a walk in garden with head of staff assigned for the bridge construction.

Pallavi :- Okay, you carry on, I'll go and see.

Yudhisthir smiled giving her a nod as she turned and walked out. ------------ Karn and Draupadi reviewed some lists, with a few staff members.

Karn :- Why hasen't it started yet ? I want to meet the supplier, send for him. How's the staff list ?

Draupadi :- Looks fine to me, (looking at the staff head) Do you have a copy of it ?

Staff head :- Yes Maharani.

Draupadi :- Okay so these should be assigned their jobs today only and I want to see a list of extended staff ready, just in case.



Karn :- Also make sure that the due amount is paid in the earliest, no more delaying it further.

They noticed Pallavi approaching and Karn gestured him to leave, which he complied after joining his hands.

Pallavi :- What's going on ?

Karn :- Nothing much really.

Draupadi :- What about you ?

Pallavi :- Bhrata Yudhisthir kept himself busy in meetings since morning, not even bothering about his breakfast, so I handed him some snacks.

Karn :- He sure is going nuts, I'm gonna go talk to him, also I have to meet the delegates that arrived yesterday.

Pallavi :- Where are others ?

Karn :- Arjun and Bheem are having some discussion with army chiefs and twins are out for a survey on horses being bought.

Just then a maid came and bowed.

Maid :- Maharaj, we have some guests. Angraj Vikram and princess Pristi have arrived and want to meet you.

Tilting his head, Karn glanced at his wives, who looked equally surprised.

Karn :- Okay, you go tell others to do the preparations for their stay, I'll welcome them.

Nodding, she went away. Karn stood wondering about it for a few moments.

Draupadi :- Why are they here now ?

Karn :- I guess we'll have to find out, too many surprises have shown up recently. ------------ Pacing back and forth, Pristi desperately tried to think of excuses to keep a check on her brother and his probable nuisance.

"Princess"

Karn walked towards her along with his wives. Straightening her composure, she greeted them with a smile.

Pristi :- Pranipat Maharaj Karn, Maharani Draupadi.

Karn & Draupadi :- Pranipat.

Karn :- I hope your journey was peaceful, without any troubles.

Pristi :- We are fine, and beauty of your kingdom is spreading all around.

Draupadi glanced up at the chariot, where Vikram lay asleep, but looked rather odd.

Draupadi :- What happened to him ?

Pristi :- Oh... He... Uhh... My brother and I were so nervous to come here and meet you in person, he thought of taking a sip or two to relieve stress, but couldn't keep the count and passed out, no need to worry, he'll be fine once he wakes up.

Karn :- Why so nervous ? I mean we are also humans, not some demons waiting here for you to arrive so we could get our meal.

Pristi :- Actually Maharaj, we're here to ask for some help.

Draupadi :- We kind of had it figured, considering this urgent visit and we will be happy to be able to provide some.

Karn :- But first, you are our guest, and it's our honour to welcome you to Indraprasth. I request you to please step inside our palace and give us chance to show our hospitality.



Pallavi :- This journey might've been tiring, so take some rest for now, and this discussion can be done later.

Pristi smiled and followed them inside, Draupadi giving instructions to servants to arrange meals. --------------------------------------------------------- Decorated statue of Prabhu Sri Ram, rested on a raised ground with all its glory.

A woman standing in front joined her hands to pray, white utariya with golden stars hung loosely around her shoulders, waist length long black hair braided with a small knot at the end, while her beautiful face glowing with a happy smile.



That's when a soft breeze swept past the window and dropped a flower on the floor.

Eyelids gently rose up, revealing a pair of enchanting blue eyes. Devika picked the flower up and touched it to her forehead.

She turned around, maids bowed following her behind as she left. ------------ Pushing open a large wooden door, Sivi princess saw her father giving instructions to messengers.

Maharaj Chandrasen smiled at his daughter, gesturing the messengers to leave, he turned to her, caressing her forehead as she touched his feet.

Chandrasen :- Always stay blessed putri. (Passing her a scroll) Here, it's the list of all the kings and princes that will be invited for your swayamvar. Take a look, if you want to add or remove anyone.

But she kept the scroll aside and went ahead to give him a hug.

Devika :- There's no need for that pitashree, I know if you have selected them, then you already have done all the research and discussion. I don't have any doubts regarding it.

He pressed a kiss on her head, patting her shoulders, she felt his rising heartbeat and looked up at his face, which appeared to be diving in uncertain melancholy.

Devika :- Pitashree, is there something you're trying to hide from me, you know that you're not good at it.

His lips, though squeezed flat, showed a hint of faint smile, as if he'd been recalling some memories.

Chandrasen :- I still remember the day when you were born, I'd never seen your mother happier, you were like a blessing to us. She wanted you to be always healthy and happy, praying for your safety all the time, untill she wasen't...

Devika tried to interrupt him but he held his hand up.

Chandrasen :- Let me get this out putri,.... so before she left me and passed away, she made me promise that I will lookout for you, keep you happy and fulfill her dream of seeing you married and living happily with your family.

He turned, wiping the tears from corner of his eyes.

Chandrasen :- I've seen you grow up, study, learn different arts, from a naive little girl to a responsible princess and I can say that I am very proud of, my daughter. I wonder what will this palace be like, when you won't be here, when your voice won't reverberate within these old walls anymore, when your laughter won't echo through the corridor, when gingling of your payals won't fill the emptiness in the silence.

Devika :- So why all these arrangements, I'm still confused about all this, if you don't want me to go, why this swayamvar and marriage, why all the preparations. Why pitashree ?

Chandrasen gave her long look and turned his face to glance out the nearby window.

Chandrasen :- My world almost crashed when your mother left me alone in this miserable world. The only reason or reasons I am alive is, my duty as a king and of course, my daughter. Hopefully after your marriage, I'll be free of that too.

Holding his arm, she jerked him around to face her.

Devika :- What did you mean by that ? And please don't tell me you're going to give up on yourself, if that's so, I won't marry.

Chandrasen :- But I'll have to, at some point in my life, and fortunately after your marriage, our kingdom will get a worthy ruler. I plan to retire after handing all the responsibilities to my future son in law, I want live the rest of my life as a Sanyasi.

Tears began to well up in her eyes, as she scanned his indifferent face, his lack of expression began to dread her.

Chandrasen :- Putri, you only told me that if I've chosen the list for the suitors for your swayamvar I would've done all the cross checking. Then how can you think that I will take such a big decision only in a heartbeat. No, I've thought about it, day and night, for years and reached a conclusion.

Devika :- But...

Chandrasen :- No putri, it's my final decision and I tend to cling onto it.

She hung her head down, knowing he wouldn't change his mind if everything is pre decided.

Chandrasen :- But.

He cupped her face, making her look up and wiped her tears with his thumbs.

Chandrasen :- I wouldn't be anytime soon, I don't plan to retire all of a sudden, atleast not before seeing the faces of my grandchildren and having to play with them.

She smiled at her father's words, he always knows how to cheer up a situation.

Devika :- Can I invite my friend over to help me with the rituals and all.

Chandrasen :- Of course putri, who is she ?

Devika :- Maharani of Indraprasth, Draupadi.

Chandrasen :- Oh, Drupad's daughter, sure, you know what to, right.

Devika :- Ya, thank you.

Chandrasen :- Now I'll have to go and attend a meeting, take care.

Patting her head, he walked out. ----------------------------------------------------------- Night slowly arrived, engulfing the sky above aryavarth in temporary darkness.

Roaming around in garden, humming a song, Nakul glanced up at the glittering sky. Then his eyes spotted a swift messenger eagle flying across the boundary and land on the balcony of Yudhisthir's chamber.

'Is something going on ?'



He thought before proceeding to find out. ------------ Making sure no one followed him through the hallway, Yudhisthir slowly closed the door of his chamber shut.

He found his messenger eagle, already resting in its place, relishing on the sweat meal in the bowl nearby.

Caressing it's fur delicately, Yudhisthir untied the letter affixed on its feet and walked upto a lamp, getting a clear view of letters imprinted.

To my love,

I've been waiting for you for so long, and now that we are going to be together, I will never let you go. We both know that life is not always fair. We know that there will come a time when we have to face trials in our life, but we will overcome because our love will see us through. They say promises are made to be broken, but I say promises are meant to be for as long as we believe in the power of love and I know in my heart you believe it too.

Will you be there for me in my swayamvar ? Pitashree says that suitors from far away are going to be present to woo me, but my heart waits for that one special person it belongs to.

Remember, no matter what happens, I love you and will always love untill forever. That's a promise I'm surely going to keep forever in my heart.

Your future wife, Devika.

A smile appeared on his face as he stared at her confession. The warmth of her love radiating even from the letters on the parchment.

Placing it inside a safe case, he went to his own personal study table and began to write his own thoughts on another parchment. ----------------------------------------------------------- Did you like the chapter ?

Hey, When did Devika and Yudhisthir's story began ? How did it come to this point ?

Another antagonist 'The fake Vasudev' has entered the story, what do you think about his role.

Story is moving forward real slowly for now, I accept that it might seem boring for now but try to understand guys, without proper character building, you won't be able to relate with him/her, why he/she takes a particular choice in life, which side is taken and develop sympathy.

It is also necessary as the sudden twist that is about to be dropped requires a slight buildup.

Vikram is in Indraprasth ? Is Draupadi safe ? or is Pristi in trouble ?

Word count :- 4023 words. Is it long enough, or should I try longer.

Target :- 70 votes.

Do comment if you have any suggestions.

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