Soon everyone once again gathered for breakfast. Draupadi too changed her clothes and after 12 years she wore royal clothes and jwellery but her hair was still untied. Everyone ate breakfast together. Draupadi was then introduce to Apoorva as her new aunt. Soon everyone had breakfast and Sabha was arranged. Like always everyone gathered in Sabha but there are was three new people there they were none other than Vallabh aka Bheem, Madhusudan aka Arjun and Sahdev. Everyone was surprised to see Sahdev there as they were not being able to recognise others but they kept silent because if he was here means their Maharaj has allowed that. Then a soldier came and informed the royals were coming to Palace. Everyone begin looking at the entrance and soon Karna came with their entire family.

Everyone was surprised to see Draupadi was with Karna on the other side of Vrushali. Everyone can understand what it was implying. But none were more shocked than three Pandavas. They eyes almost pop out from their eyes seeing Ghandhari, bhanumati, Dushala, lakshmana. They saw how Dushala was walking beside Eklavya holding hands of a 7-8 year old girl. They understood what it meant. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. They thought everything was over, bhanumati and Dushala has surely met Draupadi today and seeing undisguised Sahdev, they thought they would have to return to Vanvas. Even Sahdev was shocked and wondered why Madhav has sent them here.

Karna came to his throne with draupadi and Vrushali, they turned around, males took their seat in sabha while females went on the balcony. Karna did Pranipat to everyone which other reciprocated as per their age elder blessed him while people of same age or younger ones did Pranipat.

Karna : “Today there are few important announcement that I want to inform everyone before sabha. First as you have already guessed that Draupadi came here as my wife so let me make a clarification she is my wife infact my first wife. We married when Pandavas married to her with the blessings of Saint vedvyas. There was circumstances behind the marriage. It happened not only because of Rajmata of Hastinapur, maharani Kunti's words but because of boon she got from Mahadev.”

He then told everyone about boon and why she had to marry six men. He told them it is Dharm as saint vedvyas has said and boon of Mahadev cannot be Adharm. He told them about he already considered Vrushali as his wife already and Drupad was in already bad situation so they both together decided to let the mairrage be name sake only. He didn't told truth about her rejection but used what he learnt from shanidev and used his orator skill to go round and round about it. He didn't want anyone to question Draupadi as she has already faced such sabha and he didn't want to have another truma or being the reason history repeat it self.

“Now, we had our differences at that time and niether of us wanted to be part of it but when 12 years ago I saved her several more questions about us was raised, though nobody dared to say it loud but I have heard through various sources so today when her Vanvas ended, we both accepted eachother. This matter will remain in border of Brahmnagri as you know her agyatvas is going on but make no mistake she is my wife and queen here but Vrushali will remain to prime queen of Brahmnagri. You will show same respect to both.”

Karna then gestured both of them to sit with on the throne as it was big enough for that. Those living with Karna for so many years showed no surprise because they expected he would do something like that. Draupadi was again shocked by his generosity, she could understand what he was trying to avoid and what is trying to do. Bheem and Arjun was surprised Karna didn't tell the complete truth or mention them only once and never said anything about their insult. Sahdev just smiled and thought as expected of Karna. The sabha didn't have any problems as for them Karna was that kind of man. He would never allow any injustice if he could help. They too were curious why have he saved draupadi or why Pandavas has such bad relationship with him. In their own head they made up theory and were satisfied.

Karna : For my second announcement, from now on Sahdev of Pandavas will be sub-ordinates of prime minister Vishnupant. He is not easily recognisable due to his beard and moustache but for even more precautions because of agyatvas he will be addressed as mantri kank. It is request of my Aradhya and it will be implemented. I am sorry I am bound by my devotion and word but don't worry he will interfere unless he proved himself. I am sorry Vishnupant.

Vishnupant : No, maharaj, why are apologing for providing me able helper. I have no problem with this. I wholeheartedly welcome mantri kank. If there is one Pandavas who has my respect it is him. I know of his knowledge Maharaj. I thank you for providing me this opportunity.

Karna : I am relieved if you think this. Sahdev you will be under Vishnupant from now and don't worry your agyatvas is still good because all those who you saw here are not royals of Hastinapur but my family now. Till they want to go Hastinapur they will be my family nothing else and I don't think anyone here is eager to go back to Hastinapur and inform anyone about you being here.

Ghandhari, Dushala, bhanumati and Lakshmana nodded. Sahdev smiled he got the realised why Madhav have sent them here. He had understood his purpose. Arjun and Bheem were shocked and relived too. But they can't believe not only pitamah but every one else is staying at Brahmnagri.

Karna : Now for third announcement, we will be adding royal musician in out courts. Mahashay Madhusudan here has requested me to let him serve as royal musician. I am here by declaring such post to open.

Mayuraja (laughing) : Oh! I was waiting for this, how could sabha of Aditya the singer not have a single Royal musicians. Isn't it Maharaj. I never understood why you didn't have that before being the greatest singer and veena player of Aaryavrat.

Those who don't know especially Pandavas and Draupadi were shocked hearing Karna is Aditya. Everyone look at him with amazement. Arjun knew he was better than him but to think he was Aditya the divine singer and veena player. No wonder he never came to Indraprastha and they were never able to find him.

Karna : That thought never crossed my mind. Mohoday Madhusudan, please come forward. As you requested I have arranged your position and two deciple I was talking about are none other than lakshmana and Apoorva. You must have known about lakshmana let me introduce Apoorva. Apoorva putri come here.

Apoorva directly left the hands of Dushala and came down stairs. She ran towards the throne and jumped towards Karna smilingly. Karna caught her and smiled at her. He sat her down on his lap and was gently caressing her hair.

Karna : This is Apoorva, eight years daughter of Prince Eklavya and his wife Dushala. Mohoday Madhusudan, my nieces are like me, they won't accept you until you prove yourself so why don't you play a tune and let them know about you capabilities.

Pandavas have already guessed that. But hearing Karna introducing daughter of Dushala, they had tears in their eyes, Dushala was only common thread among siblings of Kuruvansh. She was loved by her all brothers. Pandavas were also fond of her. Seeing Apoorva they could see Dushala in her, her carefree smile and the naughtiness she was just like Dushala. Even Bheem has tears in eyes, Pandavas too were very worried about Ghandhari and Dushala as they disappeared but seeing them here churned emotions inside there especially seeing daughter of Dushala. Arjun who heard Karna's request came forward and placed his Veena on the ground. And played a melody he too wanted to spend time with his niece. Coming to Brahmnagri wasn't a mistake he thought.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyeSkAbb24o

Everyone clapped hearing his music.

Karna : Apoorva how is it do you want to learn from him.

Apoorva : Yes uncle, I too want to play like him.

Karna : Mohoday Madhusudan, do you have any problems in accepting my nieces as your disciple after all it your right to accept or reject anyone being your student.

Arjun : It will be my pleasure to teach both Princess Maharaj. I am thankful for this opportunity.

It was probably first time Arjun has whole heartedly thanked Karna. Karna, Sahdev and Draupadi heard his sincerity. Karna Nodded he was as going for next announcement but

Ghandhari : Putra, Karna I too wish to hear something that played by you. Play Something for me. I also want to hear Aditya.

Karna : Mata, it's your words how could I decline.

Karna stood up and placed Apoorva on his seat. Vrushali too stood up and went to her chamber. Karna came where Arjun was. Arjun wanted to give his Veena to him but Karna smiled and declined. Soon Vrushali came with beautiful Veena. Those who has seen Aditya can immediately recognised it and were excited to hear Aditya in full glory. Karna have played Veena to teach Abhimanyu too but he never used his Veena as it is too hard for anyone to play even Vrushali. He was going to perform in Arjun's veena but seeing Vrushali stand up and go to his chamber he understood her that's why he declined arjun. If it's her wish than he will do it no questions asked. Vrushali placed the veena on the ground. It was very beautiful Veena simple but it's simplicity is its beauty. Being a Veena player himself Arjun was enchanted by Veena he can see it's special especially it's strings. Couldn't help himself but pluck it's strings but the moment he touched first string it broke. He immediately retracted his hands.

Arjun : I am sorry, I was too enchanted by Veena. I never intended to break it's strings.

Karna : Don't worry I know, you are not first one to break it. Even Vrushali could help but want to play it but it's different from other Veena. It's strings are very delicate, it can break easily.

Arjun was so engrossed in veena that he forgot who he was talking too.

Arjun : How can anyone play it, I broke it by mere light plucking. I didn't even use a portion of strength which I used to play my Veena.

Karna : Mohoday Madhusudan, the strings are made up of softest material in trilok. It can be played only by some one with complete control in his strength.

Karna didn't say anything else but sat on the ground. Everyone wasn't surprised by him sitting on the floor in fact nothing he did surprised them anymore. He gestured Vrushali to go back and sit. He took out another string from case of Veena and replaced it with broken one.

Karna : Mata, I know you are great Shiv bhakt so I will play and sing a song that I haven't for long time.

He closed his eyes and plucked the strings it didn't break which surprised arjun the most.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qwZVmItLt8

The sabha turned in bhakti mood and after the music there was silence. Once again everyone saw why he was called a divine singer and veena player. Soon har har Mahadev echoed on Sabha. Karna smiled. He stood up and picked his Veena and thanked everyone.

Karna : Mata, I hope you are satisfied.

Ghandhari : Yes Putra, I always wanted to meet Aditya and listen to him but I never realised he was beside me all this time. I am amazed by you Karna even after these years you can still surprise me. You skills are unparalleled no wonder entire Aaryavrat call you divine singer and veena player. Not only your skills but you are divine too Putra.

Everyone was happy listening to Karna they Whole heartedly agreed with Ghandhari. Even Bheem was impressed much less Arjun who was stupidly standing there. Sahdev frowned because he was thinking what Ghandhari said especially her last words. He had his doubts but Ghandhari's words enlarged his thoughts. Karna smiled and returned to his throne, his seat was empty because Apoorva was on Vrushali's lap. He sat on his throne.

Karna : Now my announcement is finished, mohoday Vallabh I am giving you a bigger chance prove yourself too. Today is a big day. Prepare some sweets for everyone here. Which sweet is your speciality.

Bheem who was addressed suddenly was surprised, he came here because it was courtesy to introduce new staffs of royal palace in the Sabha, he wasn't expecting this but still.

Bheem : laddoo.

Ghatotkach : Laddoo!!!!! Are you confident mahoday.

Though he composed himself on second half but his excitement was clearly visible. Hidimba patted his head and thought when will his idiotic son will grow up. Bheem became happy seeing ghatotkach's excitement. His eyes brimming with confidence. Karna saw this, how can he not guess why Bheem has chosen to be royal chef instead of sweet maker in shop. He obviously wanted to get close to Hidimba and Ghatotkach. Karna was doing all this because sometimes he sees longing in hidimba when she sees him and Vrushali or Eklavya and Dhushala. He knows love can be suppressed but never extinguished. Even Draupadi's love for Pandavas was being suppressed by her anger and injustice she faced. No one can forget their fist love no matter what, even after heartbreak people reminiscent about it. He is doing all this for Hidimba, his sister who madly fell in love with Bheem and was heart broken but he knows she still misses him and if possible want to reunite with him. Bheem wanted to make efforts so he gave him chance rest depends on him. Only two people guessed his reasons Vrushali being his soul mate

Karna : Fine go and prepare Laddoo today everyone here will have luch together. Vishnupant prepare the distribution of alms to everyone as new queen has come to Brahmnagri and prepare a feast for celebration.

Vishnupant : Yes Maharaj.

Bheem to left the sabha and he was escorted by a soldier to kitchen. A special seat beside the minister was arranged for arjun and Sahdev came to his seat which was prepared beside Vishnupant. Then the Sabha began as as usual the problem were discussed and decision were being taken. Sahdev and Arjun was shocked by the efficiency at which decisions were made with Unanimity. They have never seen such Sabha were the king was taking advice from every representative and they too speaking their heart with any inhibition. Looks like it was daily things here. After Sabha, everyone stood up leave saying they will come for lunch but they have work to do, Karna nodded and left with his family in the palace the alms distribution will happen after Lunch, he called Sahdev with him and told a soldier to take Arjun in the city where he can choose where he wants his house. Upon leaving the sabha. Radha, Adhiratha and Ghandhari left for temple. Eklavya and Ghatotkach left for army training. Dushala, Bhanumati and Hidimba took Lakhmana and Apoorva with them to see the preparation of lunch. Only Sahdev, Draupadi, Karna and Vrushali was left.

Karna : Sahdev, you will live in the palace.

Sahdev : It's not necessary Maharaj.

Vrushali : It is mohoday Sahdev for your agyatvas. It would be better if you and Draupadi interact with less people outside palace. Others are in disguise but not you two.

Sahdev wasn't surprised, she knew. He thought maybe she was right. Actually Vrushali did this because Karna has told her all about Sahdev and she was impressed what he did. To cutoff relationship from his family and remain silent for 12 years because they did injustice to strangers (according to Sahdev) isn't something anyone could do. She respected Sahdev for that. They escorted him to chamber beside draupadi and told him to live there from here on. Draupadi too went back to her chamber to rest on request of Vrushali. Karna then took Vrushali to his and her chamber. He wanted to talk to her since he returned to palace but didn't have time to. They reached the chamber and Karna closed the gates. He took her to bed and sat down. Vrushali paced her head on his shoulder.

Karna : How are you Priye.

Vrushali : I am coping, it's not easy.

Vrushali knew lying to him won't work. He knew since he saw her that she isn't well but putting up a strong front. After all which woman could do what she did. She had chance to forever remove Draupadi from their life all she has to do is ask Karna and he would do it but for dharm and righteousness of Karna to never be questioned she has made yet another sacrifice. He knew how hard was it for her to share him with another woman. Not only she did that but she showed unconditional support to draupadi so that others accept or atleast don't mind her presence. He could never say how greatfull he was for having such wife.

Vrushali : How are you, Aarya.

Karna : I am coping too.

How can Vrushali not understand what he was going through. His wounds of 12 years ago was once again scratched seeing Pandavas here. She knew how badly he was hurt at that time. He never told anyone but who was she? his soul mate so she could perfectly see through his indifferent exterior. She saw how broken he was and how he steeled his heart. He was still doing everything what an elder brother should do. Providing them shelter to escape from world. She herself sometimes was amazed by her husband, she could only imagine how did he do that especially after everything happened to him.

Karna : What would we do now. I have accepted her as wife but my heart isn't allowing to be with her.

Vrushali : I know, your heart is only for me and my heart is for you. But you have to do your duties of husband too. She also has right over you, your time and your love.

Karna : How are you like this Vrushali, I know for fact your heart is bleeding but you are still saying this.

Vrushali : I am not only your wife Aarya but I am too some raised by Radha maa and Adhiratha Pitashree from childhood and like you I too am student of Mata Dharini and Bhagwan Parshuram. I am like this because like you they have taught me too and given me same morals. You are doing your duties regardless so how do you expect me not to do so. We are one and same Aarya.

Karna was silent hearing this. He knows what she is saying is completely correct.

Karna : Vrushali, my heart won't allow me to form relationship with draupadi.

Vrushali : Then Aarya you have to steel your heart because if you won't it will be injustice to her. She not only loves you but you have accepted her as your wife too. Now she and her happiness is your responsibility.

Karna : But How?

Vrushali : Give it time Aarya. Time is ultimate Healer. Relationship like this take time.

They both talked for while then lunch came and every came and had lunch. After that alms were donated throughout the kingdom but reason remained secret within Brahmnagri.

Next chapter Kauravas and Pandavas