Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.





The next 10 days passed with a hectic schedule for everyone. Arjun spoke with Kunti regarding the matter of their birth. Kunti was shocked but she told the same story that Yuddhisthir and Karna had spoken. The brothers simply hugged their mother as she broke down in tears post the tale. Advika had simply smiled at the scene through her freely falling tears. After that everyone became busy with their respective works. Karna needed to see to his duties as the Crown prince but he also kept an eye on the lacquer palace. Yuddhisthir looked over the preparations for the Puja that will be conducted. Bhima was tasked with the prasad for the puja as well the various other requirements for the puja. Arjun dealt with the security of the place. Nakul and Sahadev spoke with the priest and dealt with various other requirements told by the priest. Advika and Kunti spoke with various Brahmans and other various people who will be fed on that day. Invitations and decorations were dealt by both. Finally on the last day, at Purochana's place, the Puja was conducted. All of them prayed for the two departed souls and for their family. The prasad was distributed among everyone, including themselves. Then the Brahman bhojan started with all the brothers, Kunti and Advika serving them. When all have eaten and left, did they sat down to eat.

" Maa, today we will be moving to that place." said Nakul, with a distasteful look on his face.

" Yes, I know! I hope everything goes well. Putra Karna, what have you planned?" asked Kunti as she looked at her eldest son.

" Maa, we need to make sure that Purochana does not get a chance to burn that palace. We need at the least six months. The tunnel that is being dug, will need six months to be completed. " said Karna, his lips pressed into a thin line.

" Six months? Can it not be hurried jyesht?" asked Bhima, grumbling a bit.

" No anuj. Doing that can bring the suspicion of Purochana on us." said Karna.

" Agreed Arya. But we need someone to guard us when we sleep, so that man does not burn us to death." said Advika, her brows furrowed.

" I will do that Bhabhishree, jyesht, maa! I will stand guard while you all sleep till the tunnel is completed." said Bhima, immediately " Bhima, you don't need to do it alone, we will join you." said Yuddhisthir, his concern for his little brothers can be felt by his voice. " Nehi bhrata! I will do it alone. I can sleep in the morning. Please allow me maa, jyesht! Do not take this chance, that allows me to serve you." requested Bhima sincerely.

Karna smiled at the plea. He looked at Kunti who smiled back. His gaze then searched Advika's who nodded with a smile. His brothers also gave a nod and a smile each.

" Thik hai Bhima. But I will join you in some nights." said Karna.

" Parantu jyesht.." protested Bhima, only to be silenced when Karna lifted his palm stopping his protest.

" Bhima, I myself won't feel comfortable if you are alone at night. I will join you, only on some nights. Please keep this request of mine. And you will rest and sleep in the morning, yes?" asked Karna, his voice soft and a beautiful smile graced his lips.

" Ji jyesht! " replied Bhima, giving up in front of his elder brother's request. He was still happy though.







Purochana took the Royals to Lacquer Palace, in the night. " Rajmata, you will be amazed at how the palace looks at night. It is very beautiful." said Purochana, a fake smile on his face, which they noticed.

" I am sure, Purochana." replied Kunti, giving a fake smile back.

They all reached the gates of the palace to see truly a beautiful and mesmerizing scene.

" Someone had said the truth,when they said not to judge anything by its cover! Who could have guessed the truth of this palace, after seeing such a site! Thank goodness Kakashree informed us." whispered Advika. Karna, who was beside her, heard her immediately.

" I agree, love. This place is beautiful now on the outside but deadly inside." replied Karna, in a soft voice.

Advika simply inched more towards him, when Karna slipped his far larger hands into her own, squeezing it reassuringly. Advika simply smiled and leaned into him.

From behind, they heard Sahadev whisper " Such a deadly trap! Who would say that after seeing this?" Then they heard a yelp, probably Arjun pinched him. Advika muffled her laughter in Karna's shoulders at their antics. Karna smirked amused at his brothers. He loved their capability to find happiness even in the midst of danger.

They heard Bhima announce that he will keep watch every day during night and see this beautiful scene as well. They also heard Purochana trying to dissuade him in doing so.

Karna and Advika exchanged a look. Their six months will begin now.









From then onward everyday Bhima would keep watch while everyone slept. Karna would join him once in a while. The miner would do his job at night, as in the morning there was chances of been seen. The tunnel work was going well and at good speed. There was chances that it may be finished early.

In the morning, Bhima slept and ate. In the night, he stayed awake and practiced his mace. He had seen Purochana wandering late at night near this place, but on seeing him, he leaves. Bhima noticed the small flicker of anger and disappointed in Purochana's face when he fails to dissuade him from guarding the palace. Bhima had reported this to his jyesht, who had told him to keep an eye on that man. He had further said to keep up the good act, till the tunnel was completed.

5 months passed similarly. When one day, a letter came from Bhishma, for them.

" Rajmata, Mahamahim had said to deliver this letter to you." said the messenger. " Patra idhar lao. Ab tum jao aur vishram karo! Daasi, iss duut ko atithi kaksh mei leke jaya jaye! " said Kunti, her hands gestured gracefully to the female servant.

The servant took the messenger towards the guest room. Kunti unfurled the scroll and read it. Her eyebrows rose at the news that was written.

Her pace quickened towards the main hall, where she knew she will find her sons and daughter. She opened the door, to find them all sitting and discussing something. Bhima was eating rather than talking as he will sleep in a few moments. " Putro! Putri! Kuch samachar aya hai! " said Kunti, as she entered the room. " Samachar? Kaisi samachar maa? " asked Advika, curious. The brothers also looked at Kunti.

" Read it yourself putri, and read it aloud!" said Kunti, as she sat down gracefully. Advika took the scroll and opened it. It read:-

Kunti, Putro aur Putri Advika,

I am writing this letter about the swayamvar held at Kalinga. I am though pleased to say that Duryodhan married the princess of Kalinga Bhanumati, I am not happy at the way he obtained the princess. Though, I believe I don't have any right to say that, especially after what happened with Kashi Princess Amba. Anyway, Dritharashtra did not want anything to be send until the marriage was completed. Duryodhan kidnapped Princess Bhanumati, after she rejected him during the Swayamvar. Nonetheless she had agreed to marry him, after being bought to Hastinapur. The marriage was completed eight days previously. I only hope Putri Advika, as the eldest Kulavadu of the Kuru clan was here to welcome the third eldest Kulavadu of the family. As this is nothing but a pipe dream, I shall not go down this lane. I hope all of you are well. I wish to see you return soon. May Mahadev bless you my children! Gangaputra Bhishma.

Silence reigned before Bhima, Nakul and Sahadev snickered. Arjun grinned. Yuddhisthir simply shook his head, while Karna looked very amused, a hint of smile on his face. Advika and Kunti exchanged a smile. " That is so Duryodhan! Here I was thinking, the swayamvar would be a straight one." said Arjun, as he grinned widely. " Haa bhrata! " said Nakul, before dissolving into giggles.

" Anyway, I want to announce a feast on the occasion of the Kuru clan getting another daughter- in-law." said Kunti, smiling.

" Maa, you want to waste food on that Duryodhan?" asked Bhima, sputtering.

Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev looked horrified at the mere thought. Both Karna and Yuddhisthir shared exasperated looks at their brothers questions. Advika giggled at her brothers expressions. " Nehi! This feast will be held for Bhanumati. Now do you have a problem?" asked Kunti, smiling at her children's horrified faces. " Ab thik hai! Bhabhishree ke liye hai to thik hai! " murmured Arjun, his brothers nodding along, as Bhima went back to eating.

A soft knock sounded within the room. There stood a daas. Karna gestured him inside. " What is the matter?"

" Yuvraja, the rat hole is ready. The mice can get trapped now." said the daas. " I see. Tum ja sakte ho! Sambhalke jana! "

" Ji Yuvraja! " with that the daas left as quietly as he came. Karna looked at his family who looked at him with anxious looks. " Putra? " asked Kunti, a bit fearfully. Karna nodded at her, signifying that the tunnel was dug. " Ab arya? How will we get out?" asked Advika, her gaze taking an analytical glint. Her gaze razor sharp as her doe-eyes settled on him.

" I was thinking of using the opportunity that had presented itself." said Karna, his lotus- eyes cold. The charcoal colour darkening further to pure black.

Advika nodded.

" That would be wise, arya! "

" What opportunity jyesht, bhabhishree? " asked Yuddhisthir. " The opportunity of the feast. We can trap Purochana and get out of here and burn this place down as well." said Karna. " That will be possible. But jyesht how will we duplicate ourselves?" asked Arjun.

" There won't be any need for that Arjun. We will have to leave our extra weapons here as proof, as much as I dislike it. Secondly, we have a month, we need to create secondary weapons for all of us, which we will leave here. Our real ones will come with us of course." said Karna. " That is a sound plan!" said Yuddhisthir. As everyone nodded at each other determination burning within their eyes. They needed to leave before anything more can happen, and make sure their death was believable. Much work was left and very little time.





Advika's pov:-



It been one month, since the plan was made. Truly said, I was tired. Very tired. Bone deep tiredness has settled within me. I could see the same feeling within every member of my family. If you ask me why? Then I will have to answer that acting good to someone whom you hate, is exhausting. On top of that, the anxiety and tension of getting out of here alive. If it was only

me, I would not have worried. But now, there is my family. Maa, my husband, my brother-in- laws. I worry about them and their safety.

Yes, I know they can protect themselves. But that does not stop the worry or the anxiety, does it? Let me tell you, it doesn't! My life has turned so hectic these days, that I crave the peace and quiet of the time spent during my childhood, among the caves, trees and water.

Anyway, these month was rather busy for all of us. Maa was busy with the feast, which I also helped with time to time. But the most important thing that I did, was to gather clothes and essentials from the market without people knowing that it was the Yuvrani of Hastinapur, shopping amidst them. Many things were required like saffron clothes made of cotton, beads to use as ornaments, fruits, a pitcher for water, and shoes i.e. padukas.

Seriously though, when did my life turned from being normal to being a Royal? Right, when I married my best friend/ love, and he turned out to be a royal. Oh well, I am glad now that the time was not that far, when we will be a bit more free, from all this politics and murder plots. I hate politics yet I chose the one family who is entangled within a web of politics.

Then, Yuvraja dealt with keeping Purochana busy as much as possible, so his brothers can get the necessary materials to create secondary weapons to leave here. That was another problem. One cannot create weapons within seconds, it takes time. So instead of morning, Yuvraja and his brothers would use the night to create the weapons, when no one was nearby. This required many sleepless night. I know all of them were tired. A person needed sleep at equal intervals after all. Thankfully, we managed to create excuses that was believable enough for others.

The feast is supposed to go on for a week. Six days of said week was complete. The last day was left. The last and crucial day, for us, for Purochana. It was tomorrow. I gulped, as my hands shook a little. Thankfully the plate was caught before it fell. I looked up to find Yuvraja, standing there. His lotus-eyes expressing concern and immense care and love.

" Are you alright love? What happened?" he asked, as he kept the plate back.

" I am fine. Can you open the trap door?" I mumbled, as I took the remaining few things that needed to be kept at the entrance of the tunnel.

He said nothing, but opened the door, that was hidden masterfully. We went down the stairs and came in front of the beginning of a huge tunnel. There on the side our commoner clothes, accessories were there. I kept the fresh fruits and wrapped them in a damp cloth, so they stayed fresh. The pitcher with water was also kept. One single mashal was kept there. I looked around realizing that we would need a bit more food till we got out of here. I decided I will bring that here tomorrow morning. I was so focused on making sure all the preparation was done, that I did not realize that I was about to trip on a stray rock. Thankfully, before I can fall, a hand griped my wrist and jerked me backwards, making me fall on a hard and broad chest. I slowly opened my eyes to find charcoal eyes staring at me. I blinked, before wrapping my arms around him a hug. I felt his strong arms wrapping around me,as he hugged me back. We stayed like that for a while. I was not willing to let go. These days have been so hectic for me. I simply nuzzled his chest and stayed like that. " We should go up now, love. Come, you need your rest." I heard him say softly. " I can't walk. Too tired." I mumbled, burrowing further in his arms. It felt so safe, I want to sleep. I felt his chest rumble as a chuckle escaped him. " You just need to ask, love." said he, as his arms tightened around me before picking me up. I opened my eyes, at being carried. His amused eyes looked at me. Here I was tired, and this guy was amused. How nice of him! " Laugh all you want, you are doing all the work tomorrow. I am going to sleep for the entire day." I mumbled, as I hid my face within his neck. I felt his laugh this time, as his chest rumbled again. I simply snuggled against him. Really, this man is so tall, and broad. My entire frame will be hidden, if he stood in front of me. Why is he so tall? The only person who is this tall, is Kanha. He is the only person who can compete with Yuvraja's height.

I was put down on the bed gently. He joined me in a few moments, as he blew the lamps out. I felt the bed dip, and snuggled against him again. He was warm. Well, why won't he be? He was the son of the Sun. His temperature is higher than us, mere mortals. " Sleep love. Tomorrow won't be easy." said he, as one of his arm wrapped around my waist, bringing me against his body. " I know. Especially after the clue Kakashree sent. Was trying to murder us alive not enough for that Duryodhan? Now he wants to poison us too!" I grumbled against his bare chest. His fingers combed my open black tresses, as he hummed for a while. " Shakuni must be a paranoid person. He wants to make sure we are really dead." he said whispering. " Hmm...is Bhima awake tonight as well?" I mumbled, again. My eyes were starting to close slowly. I won't be able to stay awake for much longer. It seems the tiredness and anxiety caught up to me. " Yes. Arjun is there with him. I told them to guard in shifts. That will allow them to catch some sleep as well." said he. " Okay. Subhratri! " I said, before falling asleep immediately. Tomorrow if the plan succeeded, then it will become a turning point.



Dawn arrived as the night sky receded. The birds chirped. There was a certain chirpiness in the air. " Bhabhishree, is everything done?" asked Arjun, as he whispered. " Haa Arjun. We just need a bit more food. I was planing to go into the market again. I don't trust the palace food." I whispered back. We can't trust anyone here, other than our family.

" Phir bhabhishree, hum aate hai apke saath! " said Arjun, a pleading look on his face. I nodded at him, before noticing Yuddhisthir coming from behind Arjun. He came straight towards us. "Pranipat Bhabhishree! "

" Kalyan ho! What is the matter Yuddhisthir?" I looked at him curious. " I was searching for jyesht! Can you tell where he is?" asked Yuddhisthir. Before I can answer, Arjun answered for me. " Jyesht is with mata in the front garden. The guest have started to arrive for the feast." " Okay, I will take your leave then." said Yuddhisthir, before leaving. As he left, I turned towards Arjun. " We should hurry! Let's go." Arjun nodded and we left through the front entrance in the guise of a daas and daasi. We went straight to the market place and I bought a few more fruits and some sweets. Arjun was browsing the market stalls beside me. " Bhabhishree, let us go to that stalls. There is some kind of exhibition there!" said Arjun. I nodded and we went there. There were a lot of weapons on display, and was being sold by a blacksmith. The weapons ranged from knives to swords and even some good axes and spears. Bows were also there. " The bows are not that good." murmured Arjun, grumbling a bit. I smiled amused.

" Buy a few knives. They would be useful for various things and can be hidden as well." Arjun nodded at my words. While he bought the weapons, I looked around. When he was done, we left the market. We entered the palace sneakily and went straight towards our chamber, to get changed. I kept the things at the tunnel mouth, wrapped and ready to go. The day went quickly. A lot of people had come for the feast. We served them diligently and they all left satisfied. The only people left was us and Purochana. " Now, you should eat as well, O Royals!" said Purochana, with a fake happy voice. " Yes, of course. Please send the food to our rooms." replied Yuvraja. Purochana nodded happily as he left quickly.

We all looked at each other and left for our rooms. I looked at him. His charcoal eyes had turned cold, but they softened when they met my hazel orbs.

" Love?" he asked. " Nothing! Just the final stroke is left." said I, as we both exchanged a grim smile. The play was nearing it's end. The rat had entered the trap.

Now the last strike was left.





Author's pov:-

Purochana went to get the food from the kitchens dismissing all the servants from the palace. Even the soldiers were sent home, away from the palace.

He smiled, a cruel smile. The cruelty changed the entire map of his face, giving it a power hungry look. He had been waiting for this opportunity. His mission will be completed. They would die today. The mere thought made him chuckle cruelly, the empty room echoing the sound.

He took the food, and mixed the poison that was tied in his dhoti. He took the plates, and changed his expression to that of a devoted minister.He gave the food to all the royals. While he did not show his cruel intentions on his face, his eyes held a cruel glint. This was noticed by everyone of the Royals present. When Purochana left to celebrate their death by drinking Madira (alcohol), all the six brothers threw the food out. Purochana was stumbling as he entered the palace to check if the royals were dead or not. He saw them lying down and assumed them dead. He laughed like a criminal, and left to get the Mashal to burn the place down. The moment he left, all the six males and two females woke up. " Putra, putri! " called Kunti, softly as she walked inside her eldest room. " Maa, here. I believe the place is about to be burned down, come inside quick!" said Karna, as he walked up from the stairs. Advika was making sure all the jewels were in a casket, which they would be taking. " Putra wait! I need to bring the few things in my room as well." said Kunti, as she made to walk out again. " Maa, don't go alone. I am coming with you." with that Arjun followed his mother.

As their mother and brother left to her room, Karna turned towards his other brothers. His eyes cold and voice authoritative.

" Bhima,Nakul and Sahadev I need you three to get Purochana and make sure he cannot run away from here. Yuddhisthir keep a eye on maa and Arjun.I will bring the rest of the things downstairs. Advika, love, is there anything else?" asked Karna , turning towards his wife. " Nehi arya! This casket and anything Maa brings, these two are the only things are the only thing left." Advika answered, as she handed the casket to him.

With that everyone went for their last work, before they disappear from the world's eyes.

Bhima, Nakul and Sahadev saw Purochana coming towards them with the mashal in hand. On seeing them, his face slowly turned to ash. He dropped the mashal and ran. The fire is spreading faster than anything. Still, Bhima was able to stop Purochana from running,. Bhima's two hands circled around the body of Purochana, as Nakul tied ropes on his both hands and feet, leaving him to die there. " Bhratao shigra kijiye! The fire is spreading fast!" yelled Sahadev, his eyes wide as he watched the fire burn brighter than ever.

Bhima and Nakul immediately looked in front of them to see fire flooding the hallway. All three ran towards their jyesht's room. On the way they encountered Arjun and Kunti, where they stood in the middle of the hallway, because right in front of their jyesht's room a huge block of flammable fire had fallen. The walls were burning red.

The five of them were stuck.

In front was a block of fire, and in back the fire was flooding the hallways was quickly approaching. Five pairs of terrified eyes look past the fire to see their two eldest brothers and sister-in-law looking horrified. " Jyesht ab kya.." said Yuddhisthir, his heart stuttering at the fact that their family was stuck. Karna looked at Advika who closed her eyes, her hands outstretched. Palms facing outwards, in a stop position. " Move Yuddhisthir!" ordered Karna, while Yuddhisthir moved away from the doorway. Karna's hands stretched to touch the block of fire, in front of the doorway. " Putra!!!" "Jyesht!!"

Karna did not pay any heed to the call, as he lifted the block and threw it to the hallway, over his brothers and mother's head to the flood of fire. Within seconds there was bright explosion as fire came in contact with fire. But a shadow covered them, from the explosion of fire. " Shigra maa, anuj! GO INSIDE NOW! " yelled Karna, as immediately snatched his mother and brother's hands and made them enter the hole down the stairs.

Advika hands dropped and sweat rolled down her forehead, as she dropped the earth wall, that she used to stop the fire for a while. She waited a few seconds to take a breath, which was a second too late.

A large hand jerked her straight down the hole, before the fire could take the place where she was standing.

Advika fell on a strong chest, as the hole was closed forcefully.

As the hole was closed, the fire burned brightly through the room as well.

The entire place went up in flames, that touched the sky.

Thus, came the end of Lakshagriha - the palace of flames.