Laughter is the best medicine.



The Sun rose as it does every day. It's light spreading over the entire earth. The breeze blew gently, over the flowers and the trees. The leaves danced happily and played with the breeze. The entire Nature hummed happily. Court in Hastinapur was in session as usual. Maharaja Dritharashtra sat on his throne. Beside him was his trusted aid, Sanjay. Mahamahim Bhishma sat on his own throne. Karna sat on the Yuvraja's throne. Mahamantri Vidur was also present. Every courtier was present, except one - Shakuni.

They all started the proceedings, without waiting any longer for him. All of them wondered where was the King of Gandhar. Usually, he would be the first person present within the court. Karna smirked in his mind, keeping a impassive face outside. Bhishma, Vidur and Maharaja was confused at the sudden absence of Shakuni. The session was about to end, when a harried looking Shakuni ran inside the court. His clothes were haphazardly worn. His crown missing. His eyes had fear in them.

" What is the meaning of this, Shakuni? " said Bhishma, utterly bewildered, why his nemesis was dressed like a mad man. Shakuni looked at Bhishma, and screamed terribly. Bhishma's eyes widened. What was going on?

" Shakuni! Chal kya raha hai? Why are you screaming?" asked Maharaja, beyond annoyed at him. As it is, his eldest son was angry with him, on top of that Shakuni was creating a ruckus. Shakuni then turned to Maharaja, then he blinked.

" Jijashree, from when did you become a farmer? Does my sister now have to live like a farmer's wife? No, no...I won't allow that to happen. I won't, won't." muttered Shakuni. He went on to mutter 'I won't ' continuously to himself. His eyes wide with confusion and he had a crazy look to him. " Kya bol kya rahe ho, tum? Hum Kisaan kab ban gaye? Tatshree, what is he speaking about? I don't look that different, do I ?" said Maharaja, absolutely confused. " Nehi, putra! You look like your usual self! I don't know what is going on with Shakuni! Vidur, please make sure all the courtiers leave and the family members stay!" ordered Bhishma, his eyes taking Shakuni's dress and posture. Vidur made sure all the courtiers left, leaving only Maharaja, Bhishma,Karna and Vidur, himself. Of course, Shakuni was still there. He was still muttering that he won't allow his sister to stay as a farmer's wife. Karna had to stop himself from laughing out loud. He adopted an appropriate concerned look.

" Mamashree! Are you alright? " asked Karna, his voice seemed as if he was genuinely concerned. He was curious though, what Shakuni will see him as! Shakuni looked at him, and then shielded his face. " Oh! Surya dev, you are very bright! Please reduce your radiance and heat!" said Shakuni, his voice simpering. Karna looked shocked, but inside he was laughing. Bhishma and Vidur was blinking and shared a look.

" Kya bol rahe ho? Surya dev kab aye? " asked Maharaja, wondering if really a devta was present in front of him. " There is no Surya dev, tatshree. Mamashree happens to think I am Surya dev, which is obviously not true, even though I am flattered." explained Karna, his lips fighting a smile.

" Vidur, go in front of Shakuni!" said Bhishma, an idea forming in his brains. Vidur nodded. " Gandhar raj! " called Vidur. Shakuni turned towards him. Shakuni blinked and then shook his head. " From when do you have an animal's head? Your head is so small." said Shakuni, in childlike wonder. He reached out his hand to touch Vidur's cheek. Before he could do so, though Vidur hid behind Bhishma. " Help, tatshree! " whispered Vidur, as he hid. What happened next shocked everyone. Shakuni, took hold of Bhishma's beard and was marveling at it's texture. " It is silk, that also in silver! I want my Dhoti to be made with this material." said Shakuni, still running his hand over Bhishma's white beard.

Bhishma eye's were wide and he was gaping. Karna stifled his laugh. Maharaja was utterly confused and Vidur was looking at the scene in shock. " Shakuni, choro! " said Bhishma, as he removed his beard from Shakuni's hand as fast as he could.

When Shakuni looked at the person( Bhishma) who dared to remove his favourite silk, from his hand, his eyes widened. " Yamraja! No....I WON'T LET YOU TAKE ME!" yelled Shakuni, before running out the court room, leaving Bhishma who was shocked, Vidur who was fighting a smile, Maharaja who was confused and Karna, whose shoulder's were shaking with laughter.



Advika's pov:-

I was sitting with maa, Badi maa, Dushala and my five devars, chatting with each other as my five brothers spoke of their childhood days and days during Gurukul.

All six of us were on the other hand wondering about Shakuni and his reactions. I don't much of what they had done, only that they had scared him to unconsciousness and fed him a hallucination concoction, which curiously came from Dwarka. I wonder whether this concoction came from Kanha, and if so then....well, it will be filled with chaos. I can't wait! Where is Arya anyway? Shouldn't court finish by now?

My eyes continue to wonder towards the door of the balcony we were sitting in. The balcony was airy and huge, letting the soothing breeze caress our body. I loved this place. One can even see the beautiful garden of the palace from here. " Bhabhishree, don't look anymore towards the door! What if Maa asks something?" warned Arjun, whispering at me. He was sitting to my left side. Nakul who was sitting to my right, leaned in to whisper as well. " Arey bhrata Arjun, Maa will tease Bhabhishree about jyesht! Or make a excuse about jyesht, she will let the matter go!" said Nakul, his voice a mere whisper. My cheeks flamed, while Arjun stifled his laughter. " Maun raho tum dono! I am curious about the hallucination concoction!" I admitted to them. " I am wondering that myself, bhabhishree. Jyesht said that only when all of us have encountered Shakuni, then only can we read the letter that was sent with it." replied Arjun, a curious expression on his face. " Aur to aur, this concoction came from Dwarka!" said Nakul, his smile wide. " Really? Madhav sent it?" asked Arjun, his eyes wide. " It seems like it, Arjun. Who else can it be? Kanha is one troublemaker!" I said, my eyes twinkling. Both my devars laughed at the truth of Dwarkadeesh. I smiled too. It was the truth after all. Kanha, is the God of troublemakers. At least, that was what I teased him with.

"Bhrata Arjun, Bhrata Nakul, Bhabhishree, aap log kis vishai pe muskura rahe ho? " asked Dushala, as she looked curiously. I was on the verge of slapping my forehead. This had bought the attention of everyone to u three.

" Aaa! Kuch nehi behena! Wo...Bhabhishree was telling us about Madhav's antics!" said Arjun quickly, making up as he went. " Acha? Why don't you share with us too, putri! We would love to hear too!" said Gandhari, a soft smile on her face. I looked at Arjun, glaring at him. He is so getting a scolding, after this. He put me in the spotlight. I looked around to find, Bhima grinning, Yuddhisthir had a knowing look on his face and Sahadev was smiling. Maa looked curious too. Before I can say anything, the doors slammed open. We all looked to find Shakuni, ah! I mean Mamashree, looking harried and dressed in a peculiar manner. It was completely opposite to his put-together look. I stifled a smile, wondering what the men had actually done? I watched everyone's expression.

Yuddhisthir looked like he was having a hard time keeping a straight face. Bhima was grinning widely, not at all hiding his happiness. Nakul and Sahadev snickered, while Arjun was laughing quitely. Maa looked very confused, so was Badi maa. Dushala was trying hard not to laugh, as she had pressed her palms to her mouth, trying to muffle her laughter.

Shakuni mamashree, on the other hand was huffing and puffing, like if he has came running from the court. If so, then where was the others?

" Kunti? Who is here?" asked Gandhari, wondering why could she hear her daughter and one of her nephew laughing.

" Ahh! Jiji, it's Gandhar raj and he is dressed weirdly!" said Kunti, her voice confused. " Bhrata is dressed weirdly?" repeated Gandhari, wondering what was happening. Before anyone can open their mouth, Gandhar raj ran towards Badi maa.

I wondered what will happen now?

End pov









Shakuni looked around frazzled, searching for his beloved sister, Gandhari. He saw her wearing a very faded saree, rather than her usual beautiful red saree. Her jewels were also missing. Rather she was wearing silver jewelries and had a black cloth on her eyes. ( hallucination)

" Bhrata? "called Gandhari, unsure at the sudden silence. " Behena! Meri pyari behena! Don't you worry, your brother is here. I won't let you stay in poverty. You will live a Queen's life in Gandhar! Come with me." said Shakuni, as he tugged at Gandhari's hand. " Kya bol rahe hai app, bhrata? Daridrata? " muttered Gandhari, utterly confused. Advika pressed her palms on her lips, her eyes wide and shoulders shaking. Nakul, Bhima, Sahadev and Arjun was laughing so hard that tears coming out from their eyes. Yuddhisthir was chuckling, not being able to stop himself. Dushala looked like she was going to pass out from laughing. Kunti narrowed her eyes at her laughing sons, before calling Shakuni, since she noticed Gandhari was very confused. So was she!

" Gandhar raj? Aap swasth to hai na? What are you saying? Jiji is sitting here, dressed as the Queen she is! Yet you are telling, she is living in poverty?" asked Kunti, her voice confused.

Shakuni turned around to see Kunti. He saw that Kunti looked like Maa Durga! Her ten hands carrying weapons and her third eye opened. His eyes widened. " O the mother of the Universe! I am very glad to see you. I don't understand, why you decided to appear in front of me, though!" said Shakuni, his voice filled with awe. He got down on his knees, about to touch Kunti's feet. Kunti's eyes widened and she took a step back, immediately. " Aap ye kya anhart kar rahe hai, Gandhar raj? I am younger to you, like your sister. Why are you touching my feet?" said Kunti, now very confused and bewildered at this kind of behaviour. He wasn't behaving like his true self at all. The seven youngsters in the room, watched it like a drama with gaping mouth.

" Bhrata! " said Gandhari scandalized at Shakuni's behaviour. Just then Maharaja, Bhishma, Karna arrived.The youngsters went straight towards them.

" Pitamaha! I am glad you came! What is going on? Why is mamashree behaving so weird? " asked Advika, her voice purely concerned. " Putri, even I have no idea. He was fine till last night. I have sent Vidur for Rajvaidji, they should be arriving soon." said Bhishma, his tone shocked and confused. Karna joined his brothers and wife quickly. Dushala sat on one of the chairs, beside her father. Gandhari was still sitting. Kunti was sitting down too. Shakuni was forcefully made to sit too. After everyone sat, they all were waiting for Vaidji to arrive. But till then, chaos was still left.





Advika's pov:-

I was impressed! How could I not be ? My family was brilliant!

Mamashree, actually went down on his knees in front of maa, calling her the Mother of the Universe, Really? It was amazing.

And he also thought that Arya was Suryadev, Pitamaha was Yamraja, Tatshree was a farmer and Vidur Kakashree had an animal head. I am chuckling quitely as Arya was recounting what happened in the court to six of us! It was brilliant. If only I could have seen it!

" I wonder what he would see us as?" said Arjun, his eyes alight with laughter and curiosity. " We have to get ourselves seen by him, then only we can open that letter, Remember?" I reminded them, and I was curious too. " Haa bhabhishree! Bhrata Yuddhisthir app suru kijiye! " said Bhima, looking at Yuddhisthir, whose eyes were wide. Yuddhisthir took a deep breath, and was about to call out to mamashree, when a soft shriek was heard. We all turned to find Shakuni mamashree getting up and going straight towards Sahadev. My eyes were wide. We all watched with wide eyes. " How do you have elephant's head?" asked Mamashree, to Sahadev who looked like he would prefer to be anywhere than here. He was about to touch Sahadev's nose, but he ran from there, hiding behind Gandhari. Mamashree looked everywhere, not seeing him anywhere, he looked at Nakul, who gulped. I was stifling my laughter and so was my brothers and Arya. " Are...wahh from where did you get this jewels? Are you a jeweler? I am the King of Gandhar, I will appoint you as the main jeweler, if you can make me a beautiful necklace for my beloved sister! Say, when will you do that?" asked Shakuni as he looked at Shakuni

" Uhh...Dhanyavad Maharaja, but I don't know how to make jewelries!" said Nakul, before he also ran behind Badi ma.

Badi maa slapped her forehead. Tatshree looked amused, while Pitamaha was shaking his head. Maa was smiling, looking very amused. " Arey...he also disappeared! I hope you won't disappear too!" said Mamashree, as he turned to Arjun, who had a startled look on his face. He gestured ' me'. " Haa, tum! Aur kon hai mere samukh? This children have no brains these days. Anyway, why is a handsome lad like you, wearing Rishi's dress? Going for Tapasya are you? You know what, I can give you a good offer! I know a good girl, get married!" said Mamashree, looking creepily at Arjun.

I stifled my laughter, pressing my head on Arya's shoulder! O god! This concoction was amazing. Arya himself was chuckling. Actually, everyone was laughing.

Maa laughed aloud, so did Badi maa. Dushala was giggling.

" Ji Mamashree! " stuttered Arjun, his face red. Mamashree patted his shoulder, before moving towards Bhima. He blinked. " Are..you are wrestler, right? It is so weird that so many different types of people are sitting together. Anyway, my little Duryodhan wants to be a wrestler too. Can you teach him?" asked Shakuni, blinking at Bhima, whose mouth was wide open. Even I was shocked! Did he ask Bhima to teach Duryodhan ? Like really?

Mamashree, stumbled towards Yuddhisthir, who stopped him from falling.

" Are Yogi! Aap bhi yeha hai? Vichitra baat hai! Anyway, I hope you meet whom you want to meet! Parantu...mujhe ye pratit hota hai ki Yogsadhna ke liye Himalaya jana avashak, hai! This is my opinion. You can do your Sadhna anywhere you want!" said Shakuni, as he stood straight. Yuddhisthir looked resigned but nodded.

Then,he came in front of Karna and myself. I wondered how he will behave, now! " Are..Surya dev, you are still here! I can see you now though." said Shakuni, his voice a bit blurred. " Mamashree, mei Suryadev nehi hu! " said Karna, his voice very amused. " Mamashree? How can I be the uncle of the Sun! Nehi nehi dev, I am human. You are God. By the way, who is this little girl? She is so cute!" said Shakuni. I winced. Really? Cute? Well, better than most. You can't get everything....

" Mamashree? " called a voice from the doors. We all turned to see Duryodhan and Dusshasan standing there. " Are mere pyare bache! " with that Mamashree ran towards Duryodhan, and started to pull Duryodhan's dhoti. I looked away, immediately. I could still hear though. " Mamashree, what are doing? Choriye! " yelled Duryodhan, Dusshasan tried to help as well. Before anyone can help, I heard silence. " You can look!" whispered Karna, in my ear, as I had pressed my face on his shoulder. I looked up at him and then turned around to find that...Mamashree was unconscious again. My lips curled into a small smile. " Phase 2 complete!" whispered Karna, as he looked at the scene. A smirk playing in his lips.