Let the instincts guide you, they will help you to choose the correct person.





The Raj Vaidji arrived quickly after a few moments. Shakuni was taken to his room, and all of the family members waited outside.

Karna, Yuddhisthir, Bhima, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev were standing a bit away from where Duryodhan was pacing. Dushasan leaned against a pillar. Maharaja Dhritarashtra stood along with Bhishma. Maharani Gandhari was very anxious regarding her brother, so Kunti, Advika and Dushala were speaking with her softly. The Rajvaidji came out of the chamber just then. " Rajvaidji, Is my mamashree alright?" asked Duryodhan, a bit lost without the constant presence of his uncle. All looked towards the healer, waiting for the verdict. " Rajkumar, Gandhar raj thik hai. It seems he may have drank something that made him see hallucinations. I have never seen something like this!" said the Rajvaidji. " Hallucinations?" asked Bhishma, confused. " Yes, Mahamahim, Hallucinations. I have sedated him. By this evening the concoction will leave his body!" said Rajvaidji, his palms joined in the gesture of greeting. Mahamahim nodded, as the healer left, his work completed. Duryodhan immediately went inside the room, followed by Gandhari, Kunti, Dushala and Maharaja Dhritarashtra. Bhishma, Advika and the six brothers remained behind in the hallway.

" You seven won't go in?" asked Bhishma, looking at them. " You are not going in as well, Pitamaha! " replied Karna, with a smile.

Bhishma chuckled as he smiled fondly.

" It's better I don't go in." said Bhishma, his eyes twinkling. " It's better we don't go in as well!" replied Karna, with a small smile.







The Sun had set a few hours back. Night sky was dominated by various twinkling stars as the moon played hide and seek among the clouds, floating by. Karna, Advika, Yuddhisthir, Bhima, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev sat in Karna's room. The doors of the chamber was closed, and no one was allowed to come in, except if Kunti came.

" Jyesht, shigra wo patra leke ayiye hume dekhna hai! " said Arjun, his gaze curious.

" Haa haa ruko! " said Karna, as he got up to get the letter that came alongside the Concoction. " Read it aloud Arya! " said Advika, her voice excited. All of them leaned to hear, as Karna opened the scroll to read aloud.

Dear Troublemakers,

This letter is from one troublemaker to another! So there is nothing to be suspicious.

I believe you are curious about the hallucination concoction. Let me tell you, that was no ordinary thing. It was a mixture of herbs and maya ( illusions). It is not harmful, can be funny yet it is not.

When one speaks under it's influence, it comes off as nonsensical talks, but it is not. Every single thing that the person speaks in it's influence, has meanings. It shows what the person thinks about various people. How ? I will let you figure it out!

I hope you will get my hint!

Best of luck in you work!

Krishna.

" Madhav ka ye patra vichitra hai! " said Arjun, his eyebrows raising. " Haa, Vichitra to hai! " agreed Yuddhisthir, a thoughtful look on his face.

Karna furrowed his eyebrows while Advika's eyes widened.

" What do you think he was talking about jyesht? " asked Sahadev, curious.

" I don't know, anuj! I did inform Vasudev about the attack on Advika, and he sent the concoction saying it will help in whatever we have planned. He also mentioned not to read this letter until we all have encountered the person on whom we are using this mixture!" explained Karna, his brows furrowed deeper at the thought .

" That is weird! Krishna is being rather cryptic.." said Bhima, his face on his hand. " Bhabhishree, what do you think?" asked Nakul, looking towards the only female in the room. Advika had stayed quiet till now, watching everyone's reaction.

All the six brothers turned to her, to hear what she had to say, about this.



Advika's pov:-

My eyes had widened when I understood what Kanha was trying to say. The reason we were called soul brother-sister was because we could understand each other very easily. Likes how actual twins with a healthy bond can behave. There was a reason after all, only Dau and I called him Kanha! Anyway, I watched as all of them started to get confused. Then Nakul asked me, about my opinion in this.

They all turned towards me. All of them had eager and thoughtful looks on their faces.

I wondered what should I do? Let them stew in their thoughts for a while or tell them?

I looked at their eager faces and decided to simply tell them.

" Well! What Kanha meant is that the person on whom this mixture was used, will see various people as how the person subconsciousness see them as." I explained. " So, Shakuni saw us as he sees us subconsciously?" asked Arya, his voice seemed confused to me. " In a way! He saw us the way he perceives us. Like he knows that Sahadev has good memory, therefore he saw an elephant's head. Elephants do have good memory!" said I, giving an example, hoping they understood what I was trying to say. My husband and devars were in deep thought. I also thought about the entire morning. I was startled when Arya spoke. " So he sees you as a little girl. Someone who needs to be protected at all cost. He has no idea regarding you, then." said Arya, his eyes meeting mine. " It seems like it! I don't like it, but being underestimated has its perks, I guess." said I, a bit disappointed, even though I understood.

Shakuni was one cunning and sly fox. He was a master manipulator and good strategist. It would be better if he has no idea about all of our capability. He probably remembers that my mother is Devi Prithvi. Though, he is probably thinking I am not worth much, other than my parentage. He either forgot or did not hear about my teacher, and that I was trained in warfare. Well, it's good for us. A wild card will be good. Who knows what the future has in store for us?

" At least he did not think that the only thing you are good for is marriage!" said Arjun, his face in a grimace. " He probably had a girl in mind for you. " said Arya, his voice expressed his doubt. " Perhaps. A single bad member in the family can destroy the entire family's unity." I replied. Arjun sighed while all of the others frowned. " What about us?" asked Bhima, his face curious. " I believe, Bhima, he wanted to learn your weakness as well as strength. I mean, if you teach Duryodhan, he gets to know about your strength and weakness. Therefore, he could plan ahead and predict how to sabotage you. You are the one whose strength rivals Duryodhan's. " said Yuddhisthir, his voice subdued. I understood, he had been hurt. He had seen the Kauravas as family, even if they did not. I smiled sadly, my hand coming to rest on his shoulder. " Yuddhisthir, do not be sad. There is no reason to cry over split milk." said Arya, his voice soft. His eyes imploring his little brother to understand. " Ji jyesht! Baas wo..."said Yuddhisthir, his voice barely audible. " Bhrata, hum ne apni taraf se prayas kia hai...If they do not want to be family, what can we do?" asked Nakul, his voice a bit chocked. I shook my head. This won't do at all. All my brothers looked so sad, even Bhima and Arjun, they are the one who always protest against the behaviour of the Kauravas.

" No no...don't you all become sad, because some people does not know the meaning of family, in the first place. Yes, it is upsetting that some of our family do not see us as one, but don't forget about the family you have." I said, my voice stern. I would not let my family break down like this. I caught Arya's eyes, who looked gratefully at me.

" All of you, go and rest. Forget about Mamashree and Kauravas for tonight, alright?" said Karna, his voice sounded so soothing to my ears.

My devars looked among each other, before nodding. They all left, with a " Subhratri".











Authors pov:-

Advika turned towards Karna, as their brothers left for their own chambers. Karna looked to be in deep thought, but was startled out of his thoughts when Advika's hand came to rest upon his forearms.

" Kya hua? " asked Advika, her voice a bit subdued. " Nothing, it's just that I don't have any attachments to the Kauravas or even to Tatshree. Is this worrying?" replied Karna, his eyes gazed back at her. " Not really! You did not grow up with them. It's hard to form attachments when you have no memories of them." said Advika, her eyes sincere. Karna smiled a bit, before interlacing their hands together and tugging her gently towards the balcony where the swing stood. Both sat down, beside each other. Karna leaned against the back of the swing while Advika leaned on to him. Both their eyes looking towards the moon, as the moonlight flitted in the room. " Arya? " murmured Advika, her voice soft.

Karna hummed in response, as he turned to look at her. " Do you hate Duryodhan?" asked Advika again, sitting up straight. " No, not really. Why?" said Karna, one of his eyebrow raised as his intense gaze focused on her. " Nothing. I just felt a huge amount of jealousy from him during the Yuvraja abhishek." said Advika, her eyes looking right back at him. " I see. Tell me, priye, what do you think about him? Don't sugar coat what you think of him!" asked Karna, wondering what his wife thought of his cousin. Advika looked thoughtful for a few moments, gathering her thoughts to speak. Karna kept quiet, knowing she will answer after she had thought about the matter. " I don't hate him, but I don't like him. I see him as a child whose entire life revolves around his uncle, I guess. As far as I understood, Gandhar raj, has the most significant influence on his life as well his thoughts. If he was a child, I would try to see if taking him out of Gandhar raj's influence is possible. But now, he is an adult. He should know what is right and wrong. If he can't see that his uncle is leading him astray, then either he agrees with his uncle or simply does not care!" said Advika, trying to bring all her thoughts into focus.

Karna hummed thoughtfully, as he pondered about it. " I don't think he cares. To him the most important thing is his uncle and the throne of Hastinapur. He would probably go at any lengths for both." said Karna, expressing his own thoughts. Both stayed silent after that, simply listening to each other's heart beats as they stayed embraced on the swing, which was being gently swayed by Karna. " By the way, I noticed one thing." whispered Advika as her eyes remains closed, her head laid on Karna's chest. " Hmm..Kya?" muttered Karna, his eyes closed as well. " That...you have been calling me priye for a while!" said Advika, her voice a mere whisper, as her cheeks had a dusting of red.

Karna opened his eyes as he looked down at her, where her head laid on his chest. A small smirk adorned his lips, as his eyes expressed his amusement. " Oh?" questioned Karna, a slight confusion mixed with amusement. " I don't mind. I definitely got used to it." murmured Advika, her eyes looking at him, even though her cheeks were red at admission. " I am glad. I won't do anything without your permission, love." whispered Karna, his voice soft. His fingers had tilted her chin to make her look at his eyes. Their faces a few meters apart. His one hand cupped her cheek. The other stayed interlacing their fingers. Her remaining hand placed on his arm, which held her cheek.

Advika looked at him, her lips pulled in to a soft smile. His eyes had always been expressive. He wanted to do something, but he won't, until and unless her permission was there. Those eyes held immense love within them. All for her. She expel a breath slowly, as she nodded. Her eyes reflecting his own, permission given.

" Are you sure?" whispered Karna, hoping she won't say no. " Yes." a mere whisper was spoken by Advika. Two soft lips molded against each other, fitting perfectly. The kiss was gentle and soft, simply expressing their mutual and immense love for each other. Both their eyes closed as they felt their emotions. A soft brush of his lips, which slowly deepened, taking over their senses.

Advika's mind blanked at the contact. She stayed still before allowing him to guide her. The mere intimate contact made goosebumps rise on her arms. Her heart beating fast.

They separated slowly, Karna kissed her forehead again, before placing their foreheads together, both catching their breath. Their eyes made contact with each other, both their chest heaving softly as they took a gulf air greedily. Both closed their eyes, simply savouring the beautiful and intimate moment.

Advika's cheeks had turned permanently red, her lips sharing the same fate. " I love you." a soft whisper was heard from Karna, his eyes still closed as he said those words.

Advika snuggled in his arms, a small smile on her face as she sighed contend. " I love you too. " came the reply, softly whispered as well.







The next morning dawned bright, filled with happiness and love for two souls. Both have woken up cocooned in each others warmth.

Karna smiled at his wife, his best friend and confidant. The kiss was done very impulsively. He had wanted to wait, but yesterday the wounds of nearly losing her has been so fresh. His fingers caressed her hair, as his eyes looked at the sky to see the time. He looked down when he felt her stir. Her beautiful doe eyes fluttered open before coming to rest upon him. He smirked when her cheeks were tainted red.

His dearest Advika, was a calm person, rarely getting angry. She believes words have power and tended not to speak, without having all pieces of the situation. She was straight forward rather than meek. To see her shy, was a novelty. " Aap ko jana nehi hai? " asked Advika, her voice soft, as she gazed at him. " Kaha? " asked Karna, wondering what she was asking about. Advika eyes danced with amusement at that. " Surya puja? Remember?" said Advika, humor present in her voice. Karna narrowed his eyes at her, before pecking her lips and getting up. That caused her to blush red, and Karna to laugh.

" I had no idea you were this shy!" said Karna, laughter in his voice as he turned around to look at her. " Arya!" said Advika, a soft plea in her voice. Her cheeks darkening to dark red. Karna laughed as he kissed her forehead before leaving the room.





Advika was nearly ready for the day, only thing left was the sindoor. She was opened the box, and was about to take a pinch of it, when two slim fingers took it from the box.

She turned around to find Karna standing there. Within his fingers, a pinch of sindoor was present. He gestured towards her maangtika with a smile. Advika lifted her maangtika, allowing him to fill the partition. Her eyes fluttered closed before a soft smile spread on her painted lips.

A soft smiled was exchanged between the couple. Karna was already dressed in a white silk dhoti and yellow angavastra. His jewels were shone against the radiant glow that surrounded his face.

" Yuvraja, May I enter?" asked a dwarpal. " Andar ayiye! " said Karna, as Advika turned to place the box back in it's place.

When she turned back, then the dwarpal spoke. " Yuvraja, Maharaja aur Mahamahim ne aap ko shigra sabha griha mei bulaya hai! " said the dwarpal.

" Tum jao, hum aate hai! " said Karna, as his brow furrowed.

" The court does not start for two hours yet! Why did Pitamaha called you now?" asked Advika, her voice soft and puzzled. " I don't know, love. I should go and find out." said Karna as he turned towards her.

Advika nodded with a smile. " Do be here for breakfast, will you?" asked Advika.

" Avashya! " said Karna, before kissing her forehead and leaving their chamber.

Advika frowned wondering what more problems were coming there way?









A full court has been called. Every single courtier were present. The entire atmosphere buzzed with excitement and confusion. All of them wondered what was going to be announced. Not only the courtiers but also all the royal family members were present.

Maharaja Dritharashtra and Maharani Gandhari sat on their thrones. Rajmata Kunti sat on her own throne. Mahamahim Bhishma, Mahamantri Vidur and Yuvraja Karna sat on their respective thrones. Two huge balconies overlooked the court.

On the right balcony, sat Advika in the middle. On her right sat Yuddhisthir, Arjun and Bhima. On her left was Dushala, Nakul and Sahadev. Dushala had decided that she wanted to sit with her bhabhishree, so she came to sit with them. On the left balcony, Duryodhan, Dusshasan and Shakuni sat. Shakuni should be within the court, but he was still weak from the hallucination spell, therefore he sat alongside his nephews. All the Kauravas were present on the balcony, either sitting or standing.

Daas and Dassis littered the balconies keeping refreshments. The daasis served the right balcony, while the daas did their opposite.

The entire court was silenced when Maharaja lifted his hand.

" My courtiers, today I wish to announce a very special event that will take place four days from now, in Hastinapur. The Kuru Clan has only one daughter, our Princess Dushala, the youngest among her 106 brothers. After consulting with our Mahamahim, Yuvraja and Mahamantri, I am happy to announce that we have decided to hold a swayamvar for Hastinapur's only Princess." announced Maharaja, causing excited whispers and shrieks to come from all sides. Advika smiled as she looked towards Dushala, who looked at her smiling shyly. The five brothers smiled among each other happy for their little sister.

The Kauravas were happy too, as Duryodhan smiled at his sister on the opposite balcony, who smiled back at her brother. Shakuni on the other hand frowned. He did not like that such a decision was taken without his input. Bhishma was rather happy. Dritharashtra wanted to speak to Shakuni, about this matter, but he managed to convince him Shakuni was still ill, it would be better not to disturb him. When Vidur had suggested to ask his grandson Karna, regarding which alliance to choose for Dushala, he was all for it. Dritharashtra had called for him, and he had suggested a Swayamvar, saying it would allow Dushala to choose her own husband. When Dushala has been called she had agreed, shyly. Gandhari and Kunti was very happy, while Gandhari was also emotional at having to sent her only daughter to her in-laws.

All of them had much preparation to do.

Swayamvar of the only princess of Hastinapur was only four days away, after all.







Shakuni sat in his own chamber. Beside him sat Duryodhan, both playing chausar. " Mamashree, what are you thinking so deeply?" asked Duryodhan, his gaze inquisitive. " Just, the fact that how we can get this six brothers out of the palace." murmured Shakuni, his face in intense concentration.

" How?" asked Duryodhan, raising his eyebrows. " Hmm...perhaps Varnavrat...yes..yes...it will do!" said Shakuni, to himself.

" Mamashree?" said Duryodhan, his eyes confused. " Mere baccha tujhe chinta karne ki koi avashakta nehi! You will get you throne soon, and my revenge as well. Now, be happy! Your sister's wedding is near after all." said Shakuni, his voice sugary sweet. Both laughed with each other as they finalized all their plans.









The day of the Swayamvar came bright and early. The entire Hastinapur was decorated beautifully, with bright clothes and fresh flowers. Happiness and excitement made the occasion even more joyous. Kings and Princes from the entire Aryavart were already arriving. The Swayamvar sabha was getting filled slowly. Mahamahim Bhishma and Mahamantri Vidur was welcoming them, while Karna was busy in making sure all the preparation were completed. His brothers also helped out. For the first time, Duryodhan did not complain, but completed all the work he was given. This has caused Karna, to raise his eyebrows, but he kept his suspicion to himself, only sharing them with Advika, who has frowned as well.

Dushala was dressed by Advika, with the help of Kunti. Gandhari blessed her daughter and cried at having to loosing her only daughter.

A dwarpal was sent to bring Dushala to the open Chamber, where everyone was waiting for the Princess to arrive. Advika and Kunti bought her in, with Kunti and Gandhari sitting with Dushala. Advika joined Karna and his brothers on her own throne, signifying her position of Yuvrani. The Swayamvar started with Dushala coming in front of each King or Prince with a garland in her hand. She at the end chose the Sindhuraja, Maharaja Jayadratha. Their wedding was completed the very same day along with the Vidaai. The atmosphere changed from happiness to sombre as the only daughter of the Kurus left for her in-laws home. As every one was going back to the Palace, Advika stopped at the base of the stairs. " Kya hua Bhabhishree? " asked Arjun, as he and his brothers have stopped when they noticed her not coming along with them. A wind blew by them, it's fragrance had a hint of danger in them.

" Aisa kyu pratit hota hai ki koi samasya ane wali hai? " said Advika, whose voice carried over to all six of them. They all looked at each other unease settling within them.

" Another problem?" thought Karna, his gaze stuck on the setting Sun.







Never was anything great achieved without danger! Gandhar raj Shakuni walked through the hallways towards his destination - Maharaja's Dritharashtra's room. His face turned into a scowl at what had happened a few days before him. He hated what had happened to him and how he had behaved. He was sure it was those six brothers, but there was no roof, which he could implicate them with. He smiled though as a cruel thought entered his mind. They were going to die, anyway. Let them have their last fun. He gestured the dwarpal to announce his presence to the Maharaja. " Pranipat Jijashree! " said Shakuni, his voice sugary sweet. " Pranipat! Is your health fine now?" asked Maharaja, his brow furrowed in concern. " Haa haa Jijashree! I am fine. I need to speak with you alone." said Shakuni, his voice excited. " Of course! Parihar! " said Maharaja. All the daas and daasis left. Dritharashtra's trusted aid, also left. " Betho Shakuni! Kya baat karna hai tumhe humse? " asked Maharaja, his voice inquisitive. " Jijashree, well...I was wondering whether you will be going to Varnavrat this time as well or not?" asked Shakuni, his voice sly. " Yes...of course. Why won't I go?" replied Maharaja, wondering why his brother-in-law wanted to ask such a stupid question. " Oh! I won't be able to come with you Jijashree. My health is still not perfect. I am advised to rest. You know putra Duryodhan, he won't allow me to go at all!" said Shakuni, in a mock sad voice. " I see! I have gone there to conduct the puja on my brother's name every year, since his death. But I never went alone. Gandhari, Kunti and You have always come with me. It is sad you won't be able to join us this time. Take rest Shakuni." said Maharaja. ' Uff! This fool does not even understand!' thought Shakuni, silently gritting his teeth. " Jijashree, I was thinking that it is the ideal age for your son Duryodhan to marry, don't you think? Kalinga has sent the invitation of the Swayamvar of their Princess Bhanumati! I have heard she is the fairest princess of the entire Aryavart. Why don't we go there? After all, the eldest prince of Hastinapur, Yuvraja Karna is married. Dushala's marriage is also completed. It is time for all the brothers to get married slowly." said Shakuni, his eyes glinted as he smirked. He knew the King was caught in his web. " You are right! My son deserves the fairest maiden in Aryavart! We should go to Kalinga. But if we go there, who will go to Varnavrat?" asked Maharaja, a bit subdued at facing a possible problem. Shakuni smirked evilly, his eyes held triumph.

" I have a solution for that Jijashree! Why don't we send the six sons of Pandu along with Rajmata Kunti and Rajkumari Advika, to Varnavrat. None of them, other than Kunti has ever went to Varnavrat before. It would be a good vacation for them." suggested Shakuni. " Yes...you are right! This will also allow us to go to Kalinga. If Yuddhisthir participates in the Swayamvar, then he may get chosen. I won't allow that! This would be the ideal solution." said Maharaja, a pleased smile on his face. Shakuni smiled a crooked smile.

" Now the game begins!" murmured Shakuni to himself.







Rajmata Kunti walked through the hallways as the soldiers on guard bowed their head. Her mind swirled with various thoughts and possibilities. She felt something dangerous in the air, something that could potentially harm her children. One does not live her life and not be able to say, when danger is coming. She did not know what was coming, but she prayed her children were strong enough to overcome all odds.

These days have been hectic on everyone. She did not get enough time to spent with her children. She wondered if they had any idea, what happened with Gandhar Raj Shakuni? Probably. Her children were devious when they wanted to be. A smile appeared on her face, making her face glow. She stepped into the main chamber, to find her sons and daughter-in-law spending time together. She beamed. She had always loved when her children spends time with each other. It reminded her, that they were a family.

Sahadev head was placed in Yuddhisthir's lap, as he himself leaned against the big sofa. Both were reading some kinds of scrolls, which nibbling on some sweets. Bhima had a plate of laddoos in front of him, which he was giving shape. Advika sat with him making laddoos as well. Both of them sat chatting while making laddoos. Arjun's head was placed in Karna's lap, as he sat beside Bhima talking to Nakul about his childhood. Both Arjun and Nakul were listening to his tales. In the interval, Arjun was stealing a laddoo from the plate, dividing it into three and giving them to his brothers. Bhima was wondering why his laddoos were decreasing all of a sudden, while Advika hid her smile as she raised her eyebrows at Arjun, who simply smiled impishly.

Kunti laughed at the scene, happy for her entire family.

" Maa! " called Sahadev, as he noticed her entering the chamber. This caused all of them to look towards her and get up immediately.

They all came to take her blessing which she gave wholeheartedly.

" It seems like only I don't have time to spent with my children." said Kunti, a soft smile gracing her lips. " That is true! We hardly see you these days." complained Bhima, his lips forming a pout. " I am so sorry son. These days have been hectic on everyone, making us busy as well. But don't worry we will have more time for each other from now onward." said Kunti, as he cupped his face and placed a kiss on his forehead. " Maa, do sit! Why are you standing there?" asked Advika, her smile reaching her eyes. " Haa maa, aap mere saath bethiye! I will feed you laddoos. Do you know, bhabhishree and I made motichoor ke laddoo?" said Bhima, as he dragged her to sit with Advika and him.

Kunti went with him as Bhima lovingly fed her laddoos. She also fed both Advika and Bhima laddoos with her own hand.

The brothers returned to there own world again, as the similar ambience of calm and peace returned within the room.

Arjun continued to sneak laddoos from the plate, as Advika, Kunti and Bhima continued to talk among themselves. He was about to take another one, when Kunti caught his ears. " Ow! Ow! Ow! Maa choriye! Dard ho raha hai! " whimpered Arjun, blinking his eyes pathetically.

Karna chuckled while Nakul and Sahadev grinned. Yuddhisthir smiled while Bhima was snickering. Advika lips were smiling as well, at the scene. " Hona to chahiye dard! What were you doing?" asked Kunti, as she left his ear. Arjun rubbed his ear. It was not paining though, at least not much. " Now, will you say or shall I ?" said Kunti, fighting her smile and keeping a mock stern look on her face. " Haa maa, ache se daat na isse! Bara aya mere laddoo churane wala! " said Bhima, grumbling. " Arey Bhrata Bhima, you are getting angry without any reason. And anyway there are so many laddoos still left and you are making more as well. If I did take some, where is the problem? And I was not the only one eating them, Jyesht and Nakul had their share as well!" said Arjun, sulking. " Jyesht! " said Bhima, looking scandalized. While Karna and Nakul looked had a ' dear caught in headlights' look on their face. Yuddhisthir was chuckling while Advika and Sahadev laughed. Kunti smiled before letting out her suppressed laughter at her children antics. All her children laughed along with her, happy their mother was happy too.

" Ao..mai khilati hun tum logo ko! " said Kunti as she gestured towards Arjun, Karna and Nakul. All three forwarded their faces happily. Kunti took a laddoo each for them and fed them lovingly as well. " Dekh rahe hai bhrata Yuddhisthir, Mother only loves them, not us! What will happen to us, now?" asked Sahadev, dramatically. " Pata nehi anuj! We should be happy with what we have, I guess!" replied Yuddhisthir, expressing mock regret. Kunti's eyes widened before she chuckled. She took two more ladoos before coming towards them. " Kahiye devi, how could we two brothers help you?" asked Sahadev, his entire gesture dramatic. " By eating this laddoo from my hands, you and your brother can certainly help me!" said Kunti, her voice filled with laughter. " Definitely!" said Sahadev, as both the brothers eagerly ate those laddoo. Everyone smiled among each other, as they watched the scene. " By the way, children...Jyesht has said that this time we will go to Varnavrat, instead of him." said Kunti, turning towards all her children. " Varnavrat?" asked Advika, confused. " Haa bhabhishree! As far as we know, Tatshree, Badi maa, Shakuni Mamashree and Maa used to go to Varnavrat. There every year since Pitashree's death a yagya is done in Pitashree and Mata Madri's honour. " said Yuddhisthir, his voice a bit subdued. Kunti nodded along.

" Oh! Then why are we going this time?" asked Advika, inquisitive. " Because, putri, this time apparently only two days after we are supposed to leave for Varnavrat, a Swayamvar will be held for the princess of Kalinga, Bhanumati. Jyesht wants Duryodhan to attend it on behalf of Hastinapur." said Kunti, her expression a bit conflicted. " But maa...Duryodhan is younger to bhrata Yuddhisthir! How can he attend it, if Bhrata is not going?" said Bhima, protesting.

Yuddhisthir tried to placate him.

" I don't want to go either, Bhima. Let Duryodhan go. Perhaps, he will be chosen." said Yuddhisthir, not at all minding at being looked over. Karna jaw has tightened at the slight done by Maharaja Dritharashtra towards his younger brother. To get the younger cousin married before the elder is an insult towards them, to his little brother. It showed that Maharaja believed that Yuddhisthir was lesser to Duryodhan. His jaw clenched as a calm entered his eyes, as his anger reached it's peak.

A hand intertwined their fingers. Advika squeezed Karna's hand, trying to calm him down. " Shant ho jayiye! Krodhit hone se paristhiti parivartit nehi ho jaigi! " whispered Advika. " So I should not do anything? Nothing at all! He went and insulted my anuj! I am supposed stay quite?" asked Karna, his voice though spoken in a whisper, one cannot miss the venom in them. " When did I say that? When the time comes, we will answer them. Parantu abhi iss vishai pe baat na uthana hi uchit hoga Aryaputra! " said Advika softly, her voice had a hidden plea in them. Karna nodded but he was not pleased at all. While they were whispering among themselves, Yuddhisthir was calming Bhima down, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev exchanged enraged and uneasy glances among them. They had noticed their Jyesht's anger, but thankfully their Bhabhishree had managed to calm him down. It did not take a genius to see a injustice done and an insult given. On the other hand, Kunti had a contemplative look in her eyes. " Maa, when are we supposed to leave for Varnavrat?" asked Advika, partly curious, partly trying to divert attention. " Huhh? Oh, in 3 days dear!" replied Kunti, as she nodded at herself. " Then we have much preparations to do! Let us start as early as possible." said Advika, as she stood up.

Kunti nodded absentminded.

" Maa? " asked Advika again, seeing her absentminded look. " Huh? Oh! I was thinking about what I have heard of the Kalinga Princess. She is rather prideful of her beauty. She is not a perfect match for my son." said Kunti decisively. Karna smiled at that, though he was still fuming. Bhima calmed down a little at that. Arjun nodded glad. Nakul and Sahadev sighed of relief. Yuddhisthir simply nodded. Advika went towards Yuddhisthir, her hand came to muss up his hair. " Don't you worry! I know my devrani will be one of a kind, who will complete you entirely. The best flowers always bloom late." said Advika, a hint of teasing in her voice. Yuddhisthir blushed red. " Bhabhishree! " said Yuddhisthir, shy at the sudden attention on him. It caused all his brothers to laugh and exchange mischievous looks. They got a topic to tease him with after all.

Kunti smiled as her children laughed and teased Yuddhisthir.

She knew her family will come out of all struggle victorious.







3 days passed swiftly.

The six brothers stayed away from the Kauravas, Shakuni and Dritharashtra. They knew if they went anywhere near them, all of them would loose their temper. It's better if they simply stayed away.

Yuddhisthir was exasperated at their over protectiveness for him especially his Jyesht Karna. While he definitely enjoyed being pampered, but this was too much. His Jyesht and his brothers never let him be alone anywhere. His bhabhishree had laughed at their behaviour and told him to enjoy while it last. He had flushed pleased, but still...it was getting ridiculous. At least, they were leaving today itself. Karna had spoken with Pitamaha, and he found out Shakuni was behind this sudden decision of attending the Swayamvar. He had a feeling something fishy was going on among them, but he kept quiet.His family was being insulted. He won't take this lightly. But for now, he will protect his family and make his brothers the best warriors in entirety of Aryavart. He had wanted to teach his little brothers about the divine powers they could use, and was glad to get the chance to do so. He hoped this trip will be fruitful!

Gandhari knew the political machinations that was done within the palace. She was also aware of what Maharaja had done. She had not been happy, but accepted the decision as it was already taken, hence cannot be changed. If her son got a wife, then something will come from this blunder at the least.

Bhishma had also not been pleased with this sudden change in decision but had not said anything. He had understood the slight Dritharashtra had done towards his nephews. He also knew that Karna had been furious, but his hands had been tied. Shakuni smiled a sickly sweet smile as his plan was going as it should. He cannot wait till he heard the news of theirs death. Duryodhan on the other hand smirked, happy the thorns in his path to the throne will be dead soon. Then the crown will be his. Everyone stood at the palace gates. All the six brothers, Kunti and Advika were preparing to leave. Shakuni, Duryodhan and Dusshasan were present as well.

"Take care Kunti. Send a letter when you will reach there, okay?" said Gandhari, as she hugged Kunti. "Ji jiji! " said Kunti, as she went towards Bhishma and Maharaja.

Then Karna and Advika took Gandhari's blessings.

" Ayushman bhava! Sadha Suhagan raho! Putra, Putri, take care of your family. Yatra subh ho!" said Gandhari, as she hugged Advika, and blessed Karna and patted his cheek. " Ji Badi maa." said both of them together. The other brothers came forward one by one to take their blessings.

The elders blessed them. Neither Advika, nor the brother took any blessing from Shakuni. They simply folded their hands in front of him and the Kauravas. Bhishma and Kunti said nothing about it either. There were three chariots. Advika and Kunti sat on one, followed by Bhima in one chariot. Yuddhisthir and Nakul sat on another. Karna, Arjun and Sahadev rode their horses. Following them were a few daas and daasis and about 10 or 20 foot soldiers.

The sun shined brightly at they left leaving behind dust in the air.

Shakuni smiled a viscous smile on their wake.

" Yatra subh ho... antim yatra jo hai!" whispered Shakuni, laughing.