Remember without subjects, the king and the kingdom has no meaning.





Two pairs of small feet ran as fast as possible to the temple. " Rajmata! Rajmata! " called the child desperately. Kunti who was lighting the lamps, was a bit bewildered at the cries of Rajmata. Who was calling for her? The voice seemed like that of a child! She immediately came out of the temple premises, to see a small child of 7 years old, looking distraught and fearful. She bent down to place a calming on hand on the little boy's head. Her eyes asking the unasked question.

" Rajmata, shigra chaliye. The princess is hurt!"said the child, fear and anxiety coursing through his little body.

" Kya? Do you know where she is?" asked Kunti, her heart thudding within her rib-cage. The child nodded and dragged her by the hand, to the place where Advika was. Kunti arrived right on time, to find her daughter-in-law fainting, blood flowing from her shoulder. " Putri!! " called Kunti, her eyes wide. She took a deep breath, as her body acted without thought. Her hands circled around Advika's body, stopping the ascent to the ground. " Kunti! Advika! " called a frantic voice. " Tatshree! " yelled back Kunti, her voice chocked with tears. Gangaputra Bhishma arrived, his eyes quickly taking in the scene. He had been frantic with worry, when the daasi who had seen the princess defending the children, ran to tell the nearest royal, which happened to be Bhishma.He had already sent Vidur to find out the culprit who had the audacity to attack within the place. Though he had a feeling who it could be. " Tatshree! Advika?" asked Kunti, her voice laced with worries, especially as the wound was bleeding a lot. It had seeped into her clothes.

" Don't worry Kunti, the vaidji has been called!" said Bhishma, as he picked up Advika, and bought her within her chamber. Immediately the healer entered and threw everyone out of the room. Bhishma and Kunti waited in the hallway.

" Kunti, Tatshree! Is putri Advika alright?" asked Gandhari as she arrived alongside Dushala. Both of the ladies had worry written in their faces. " I don't know jiji. The vaidji is seeing to her now." said Kunti, her voice had sadness etched to it. " Jyesht bhrata Karna, won't be happy at all. He will be furious." said Dushala, her one hand clutching her mother's own hand and another clutching her skirt. " Yes he will be, putri. I have already sent Vidur to see into the matter. The spys have been notified as well, to keep an eye out. Let us see, what Advika has to say about this matter!" replied Bhishma, as he paced in front of the closed doors of the chamber. Kunti and Gandhari had paled. " The children will be here by tomorrow. What will we say to them?" asked Gandhari, her voice cracking. " The truth!" said Bhishma. Before anyone can say anything, the healer came out of her chamber. " Vaidji, will my daughter be alright?" asked Kunti, her eyes wide, and tone urgent. " Yes Rajmata. Rajkumari is actually fine. She simply lost a lot of blood, nothing at bit of rest and food cannot cure. You all can go on to meet her. The scar that she got, with that dagger will fade away as well. Ab hume agiya dijiye! " said Vaidji, his tone soothing and calm. He left at Bhishma's nod.

Kunti and Gandhari breathed a sigh of relief. Dushala smiled as she thanked God for saving her Bhabhishree.

" We should go inside!" said Bhishma as he gestured to the females to enter. All four of them entered the room to find, Advika sitting up. Her left shoulder was bandaged with white cloth. Other than that she seems absolutely fine. " Putri! Bhagwan Sri Hari ki kripa hai, you are alright!" said Kunti, as she embraced her daughter-in-law. Advika smiled and whispered " I am alright, maa. Your daughter is not that weak." Kunti laughed at the words. " You had us so worried child!" said Gandhari, as she squeezed Advika's hand and then caressed her hair. " I must apologize then, Badi maa. I did not mean to worry anyone." replied Advika. " Bhabhishree, I am glad you are fine!" chirped Dushala, happy to see her bhabhi looking well. " I am glad too, Dushala. Are the children, alright?" asked Advika, her tone worried. " They are fine putri! You were very brave!" said Bhishma, happy she was fine. Advika flushed at the praise. " Indeed! Putri, I will bring you something to eat!" said Kunti, getting up from the bed. " Yes, I will come along Kunti!" replied Gandhari, as she got up as well. Kunti smiled and took Gandhari's hand and both the ladies went out of the chamber. " Putri Dushala, I don't think Dritharashtra has any idea about the attack. Why don't you go and inform him. I will keep Advika company till then." said Bhishma, looking at Dushala. " Ji Pitamaha! " replied Dushala, as she nodded and left. On the way, she closed the doors of the chamber. A pin drop silence prevailed within the room. Advika was deep in thought, when Bhishma turned around, to face her. He took a seat beside her bed. " Putri! I need to know what happened!" said Bhishma, gently as he probed. Advika looked at him and gave a small nod.

" I was collecting flowers for puja, when the sudden onslaught of arrows started. I used my powers from my godly mother, to protect the children and myself. Then a dagger was coming towards a small child, and I simply reacted. You already know the rest. " said Advika, looking at him with a frown on her face.

" This is troubling!! Who is attacking the members of the palace?" asked Bhishma, as he pondered upon the palace. Advika watched him for a few moments, before speaking again. " I have a theory, Pitamaha! If you are willing to listen, may I speak?" asked Advika, her gaze razor sharp. Bhishma nodded slowly, looking at her. " Pitamaha, I believe not the palace occupants but rather I was the member, who they are attacking. The dagger was thrown at the exact place I had been standing previously. But of course since I moved after the dagger was launched, the little girl became the victim. I could not use my own dagger as that would cause both the daggers to fall on the child's head. The only way I could think of was using my body as a shield." explained Advika carefully. " I see. What do you think of this?" asked Bhishma, his mind working overtime. " Wherever they were hiding could not be seen from the gardens but they could see me clearly. And about who bought them here, I am sure you already know!" said Advika, her gaze challenging. Bhishma hid her smile, but nodded positively. " He covers his track well. Spies are a source of valuable good network." said Bhishma. " Yes...well this cut is not that bad. I don't even feel any pain. Anyway, I get to be pampered for a while." said Advika, her eyes twinkling. Bhishma chuckled at that.





Shakuni walked alongside Maharaja as they both proceeded towards Rajkumari Advika's chambers. The guards and the daas-daasis bowed when they walked by. Shakuni maintained a cool and calm image. A slight worried look in his eyes, was seen by the onlookers. Of course all this was a show, he was furious within. His band of people could not even do something properly. The princess was alive, with a scratch on her shoulder, which will also fade within a few days. Technically, she was not even hurt. Then the Princes were returning tomorrow. He had no chance to salvage the situation, at all. Bhishma would keep an eye on him, he was sure of that. And that Rajmata Kunti, along with his niece and his beloved sister would keep an eye on Rajkumari Advika. His hands were tied. His blood boiled, and he gritted his teeth. This was the worst imaginable situation possible. Why was all his plans failing? First, the six Pandavas win, and his nephews were defeated , and then this problem. And the political problem that he had created before the war, was also destroyed the moment Karna saved Dronacharya. His only saving grace was that he could act innocent and had tight alibi. He did not want to know what would Rajkumar Karna say regarding this and his brothers as well. He hoped and prayed to whichever God was listening that he comes out of this situation alive. On the other hand, Maharaja Dritharashtra was more worried about the reputation of Hastinapur, than Advika's health. He was in a bad mood and have been disappointed at his sons loss, in the war. His children were defeated where Pandu's sons had won the war. Now, this news made him worry more. That after all meant that Karna would become the Yuvraja, rather than Duryodhan. And above that Kunti's six sons were virtuous. He did not like the implications it fell on his own children.

Both of them reached the chamber. The dwarpal announced their entrance. They found Bhishma sitting alongside Advika. " Putri, Are you alright? I came as soon as I got the news." asked Maharaja. " I am fine Tatshree! It is not even a scratch. I just lost a bit of blood that's all." replied Advika reassuringly, purposely not looking at Shakuni. She was not going to let him know that she knew he was the culprit.

" I could not believe when I heard that such a terrible thing happened, that also within the presence of Maharathi Bhishma in the palace. I wish you well, Rajkumari. But I must say, the palace security needs improvement." said Shakuni, in a sugar coated voice. Bhishma nearly rolled his eyes, but stopped himself at the right time. " I thank you for your wish, Gandhar raj." replied Advika, wisely keeping her mouth shut and her gaze averted.

Suddenly, anklet noises could be heard as Kunti, Gandhari and Dushala arrived, with daasis bringing four plates food.

" I must ask the males to move now. My daughter need rest and food." requested Kunti, with a smile. " Of course Kunti! We will leave you ladies be then. Tatshree, we need to speak about the culprit and the security. Shakuni, why don't you come along as well?" said Maharaja, pleased with himself. " Of course Jijashree. I would be happy to help." replied Shakuni, his voice sickly sweet.

On the other hand, Bhishma nearly groaned at the thought of spending more time with Shakuni, after every day Sabha. Advika pressed her lips together, trying stop her smile and chuckle. After the males left, Advika, Kunti, Gandhari and Dushala spent their time laughing and eating. They shared stories among each other and pulled each others leg. Dushala teased Advika which led Kunti and Gandhari to chuckle at their daughters antics.

At night, Advika slept with a happy smile on her face, as not only the male half of her family was returning, but also because of the great time she had with everyone this evening. She prayed the females in her life remained happy and safe. She could not wait for the morning to arrive.







The sun rose with its usual splendour. It's brilliance dazzled everyone today. Advika smiled knowing Suryadev was most probably happy, at his son and his brothers win.

" Putri! " called Kunti, as she entered the room, only to find Advika dressed in a beautiful dress, a smile on her face.

" Pranipat, maa! " greeted Advika, smiling at her mother. " Kalyan ho, putri! Why are you up, child? You should be resting. Your wound has not even healed properly." said Kunti, looking worried. Advika smiled in response. " You are worrying too much, mata. I will come with you to welcome them." said Advika.

Kunti sighed at the response. " Fine! You will not stress yourself. Understood?" ordered Kunti, sternly. " Ji maa! " replied Advika.

" Well let us go towards the palace gates then." said Kunti, as both the ladies proceeded towards the gate.





Hastinapur was decorated magnificently with beautiful flowers and bright clothes. The people of Hastinapur gathered on the streets to shower flowers on the princes and welcome them after winning their first war. The six princes name were chanted repeatedly.

Among such celebrations entered the Six princes followed by the Kauravas. Flowers were showered on them. Karna joined his hands, in respect. His brothers followed, his gesture. The Kauravas showed no such humility.

Duryodhan was fuming at the chants of the people of Hastinapur. His mamashree's plan was failing one by one. His so-called plan to discredit Karna was flopped, when Karna saved Guru Dronacharya from an unexpected attack. Now people, cannot deny that the six princes would bring a bright future for Hastinapur. They were rather happy. They all arrived at the palace gates. Gandhari and Kunti stood their alongside Advika. Mahamahim Bhishma and Mahamantri were also present. Shakuni and Maharaja were curiously absent. The six princes stood in front of Gandhari. She did aarti of them and applied tilak to all six. Then she continued to do the same for her own children, because in the end the Kurus had won the war, even though it was bought by only six of the 106 brothers. Kunti next came forward to do the same to her sons. The six bend forward to take their mother's blessing.

" Kalyan ho putro!! I am proud of you. You have made me proud." said Kunti. Her emotions were all over the place. How could it not be? Somehow, even the political nightmare was cleverly defeated. She was truly happy and elated at her sons victory.

The six brothers looked among themselves smiling among each other. Karna's eyes sought out Advika's, who smiled at him. He returned the smile, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer. " Jyesht, abhi bhabhi ko dekhna band kijiye. We are in public." whispered Arjun. Nakul chocked on air, Bhima and Sahadev stifled his laugh, while Yuddhisthir tried to stop himself from smiling.

" Something is wrong with her. Her posture is tensed." whispered Karna, as he glared at his brother. This caused all of them to become serious in a second. " What could have happened?" muttered Sahadev. " Indeed, we were only gone for a few days." replied Arjun. " I don't know what is wrong. We will figure it out when we are all alone." muttered Karna. They all stood straight when Bhishma addressed them. " Kuru princes, I am proud of you. You six brothers had won the war and increased the reputation of Hastinapur and saved your brothers at the same time. We will all adjoin to court now, immediately. Some important decision needs to be taken." said Bhishma, his voice echoing. Everyone nodded and followed him towards the court. The six brothers looked among themselves what more problems were there, that needs to be dealt with.





Mahamahim Bhishma, Rajmata Kunti and Maharani Gandhari, took there allotted seats. The six brothers as usual stood by their Pitamaha, where as the Kauravas went straight towards their mamashree. Gandhar raj Shakuni and Maharaja Dritharashtra were already present in the court. " Putra, you need to announce the Yuvraja, as Pandu's sons were instrumental in the defeat, the eldest of them will be crowned the Yuvraja. Announce it son." said Bhishma, looking at Dritharashtra. Maharaja looked reluctant and contemplative, as if he was thinking how to get out of this situation. He after all wanted his son to be the crown prince and then the King.

" Before, that I have question to ask, Mahamahim!" interrupted Shakuni, a sly smile on his face. " Kaho Shakuni." replied Bhishma, trying hard not to show his disapproval of his interruption. " I would like to ask the Pandu putro, that how did they created such a brilliant strategy, that made the entire Chakravyuh break! If Rajkumar Yuddhisthir, would like to answer my question?" said Shakuni, as he looked at Yuddhisthir. " Jyesht bhrata helped with the strategy." replied Yuddhisthir, with a straight face, wondering where was this conversation heading. " There you have it. Oh, esteemed courtiers, I would like to remind you that Rajkumar Karna had promised he won't help in the war. This is cheating." said Shakuni, his smile absolutely polite. Bhishma and Kunti looked furious at Shakuni, while Maharaja was pleased. Perhaps, now his son could become the Yuvraja. Yuddhisthir, Bhima,Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev barely restrained themselves. Karna had a serious face on, though his eyes were twinkling with laughter, as if he knew something no one did. While Advika was worried. " Do you have something to say, Karna?" asked Maharaja as a courtesy, already thinking his son is the Yuvraja. Duryodhan and Shakuni were grinning triumphantly. " I do Maharaja. You see I believe Gandhar raj forgot to mention certain facts. I promised to never raise my weapons to help my brothers in the war. Strategy is not a weapon. Dronacharya was present there when Yuddhisthir came to ask my advice and he allowed." said Karna, smiling.

Maharaja's shoulder slumped immediately, while Bhishma and Kunti sighed in relief.

The court calmed down immediately. Shakuni frowned, he won't let the topic fall so easily. " And how do you except us to believe that? Surely, you did not think your word was good enough." said Shakuni, his voice sickly sweet. " I bought the letter written by Dronacharya. Surely, you did not think I won't bring proof of my words, Gandhar raj?" said Karna, raising an eyebrow at him. Bhishma was stifling a chuckle at the war of words going on between his eldest grandson and his adversary. The five brothers, Advika and Kunti hid their smile as well. Shakuni, on the other hand was not pleased. Before Shakuni could grab the scroll, Karna handed it to Bhishma, who read it and nodded positively. That caused the atmosphere of the court to lighten considerably. " If that is the case, then why have you not helped, Duryodhan as well? I hope you are not differentiating between your brothers, Kaunteya!" said Shakuni, his eyes glinting at catching his prey.( or so he thought ) " Gandhar raj! It looks like age is finally catching up to you. I also promised that I would help only if they ask. Duryodhan never came to ask me. Yuddhisthir asked for my help. I never went voluntarily. If the Kauravas had also asked me to help them with their strategy, I would have helped. The defeat of Drupad was their Guru dakshina after all, not mine. " replied Karna, his tone razor sharp. Shakuni winced at the dig that Karna took at him, regarding his age.

As much as, Bhishma was enjoying the war of words, time was running out as well. " Putra, announce it!" said Bhishma, or rather ordered Maharaja. " Ji Tatshree! I, here by, announce that since the six sons of Pandu and Kunti had won the war, the eldest of them, Rajkumar Karna, will be the crowned prince of Hastinapur. Tomorrow shall be the Yuvraja Abhishek. Court adjourned!" said Maharaja, before leaving.

Shakuni gritted his teeth and clenched his hands at another defeat. His eyes roamed over Kunti and her six sons and daughter-in-law. This time he would target all of them, together. His eight enemy's other than Bhishma, will be defeated and killed all together.

He knew the right person to do that.







" Advika! How did you get hurt?" asked Karna, his voice worried.

The children of Kunti had entered their sitting chamber, in their part of the palace. Arjun, Bhima, Nakul and Sahadev were regaling her with various tales of the war. Yuddhisthir and Karna was simultaneously watching them and speaking among themselves. Advika had not noticed when her veil had shifted a bit to reveal the bandages on her shoulder.

Advika sighed at this. Here she thought, she could get out of the questions that would surely follow. " Bhabhishree, this wounds looks like you have lost a lot of blood, it was most probably by a dagger right?" said Nakul as he analyzed the wound, unknowingly adding ghee to the fire that was burning. Yuddhisthir, Bhima, Arjun and Sahadev looked worried as well.

Advika wanted to slap her forehead. There goes her chance of downplaying the wound to her dear husband, who also was her best friend.

" Wo..." started Advika. She explained what happened and about her suspicions as well. The very same thing she had said to Bhishma.

" He dares to try and kill our Bhabhishree in our absence! I won't leave him alive." shouted Bhima,as he strode forward to go out of the room.

" Ruko anuj! " ordered Karna, his voice cold.

" Jyesht, why are you stopping me now? He deserves to be killed!" said Bhima, anger evident in his voice. " I know. But not know. We will teach him a lesson, that I promise." replied Karna, looking at his hotheaded brother, who calmed down when retribution was promised. " What are we doing jyesht?" asked Arjun, eagerly. Advika raised her eyebrows at Karna too. " Advika, priye, do you mind leaving? You need to rest. That wound looks deep." said Karna, to Advika, instead of answering Arjun. Advika gaped at him in disbelief. " Why can't I know?" asked she, her disbelief slowly turning into anger. " Because priye, possible deniability. I will tell you after everything is complete. And you do need rest. I can see you are tired still." said Karna, as he doused the fire, before it could even flare. He calmed her down and sent her to rest. Karna turned around towards his brothers. Yuddhisthir had a glint in his eyes, Bhima was happy, Arjun and Nakul looked eager and Sahadev had a pure evil smile on his face. Karna smirked, before he started explaining his idea to his little brothers.