Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.





"Advika!""Putri!"" Bhabhishree!" the calls came simultaneously. Advika had fainted the moment, she landed on Karna's arms. Her exhaustion catching up on her. Karna shifted his hold, picking his wife in his arms as walked down the stairs to where all of hid family was standing. Kunti sat down on the ground, near the pitcher of water. " Putra, bring her over here!" said Kunti, as she gestured towards her lap. Karna slowly laid Advika on the ground, her head on Kunti's lap.

Nakul came forward to check her pulse, and sighed in relief when he found it was strong. " Jyesht, maa, chinta ka koi karan nehi hai! Bhabhishree's pulse is strong!" said Nakul, a small smile on his face. Everyone released the breath they were holding. Karna sat down removing his angavastra ( upper garment ) as it had burned a bit. His bare chest still adorned with its usual jewels. His hands immediately rubbed Advika's palms, trying to bring her into consciousness.

His brothers followed. Yuddhisthir, Bhima, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev also removed their angavastra, which had also half burned. They kept their weapons aside, and sat down on the ground in a half circle, surrounding their jyesht, bhabhishree and maa. Kunti opened the pitcher and sprinkled a bit of water on Advika's face and patted her cheeks gently.

" Ahh!!" a soft noise escaped Advika lips, as her eyes fluttered open, before shutting again. She slowly opened her eyes, unconsciously squeezing Karna's palms a bit, before her hand went straight to her head.

Kunti slowly let Advika sit up, as Advika opened her eyes again slowly, adjusting to the low lighting of the palace. A single mashal burned in the dark tunnel. " Did we get out?" asked Advika, her voice a bit scratchy from thirst. Immediately Kunti gave her a glass of water from the pitcher. " Drink putri, then speak. How are you feeling?" said Kunti, as she helped her to drink.

Karna slowly helped her sit in between him and Kunti completing the circle. " I am fine maa. The smoke must have made me faint." said Advika, she smiled a bit sheepishly, now speaking softly and properly. " Bhabhishree, You had us worried for a moment! What was that you did? and Jyesht how did you touch the fire, and not get burned?" asked Yuddhisthir, firing question one by one. " Shant putro! Let them speak, and all of you first eat something." with that Kunti took the fruits and sweets that was present and distributed among all her children and herself. When everyone had their share of food, and had eaten a bit, Karna spoke softly.

" As the son of Suryadev, fire does not harm me! In the end, Sun is a huge ball of heat and fire, whose mere temperature is higher than that of any fire. I cannot control fire, but I am not harmed by it either. This is one of my two divine qualities from my father Suryadev." explained Karna, as he nibbled on a sweet. All the others had a shocked look on their faces. " Will we be able to do something like this as well?" asked Arjun, now very excited to explore his gifts. " Perhaps! We will figure it out. What I did was also one of my two gifts. I could control earth, as the daughter of Devi Prithvi. I created the earth wall to shield you all from the explosion. The problem is I used it when I was already tired and panicked. I need a clear head for using that power, hence I fainted from exhaustion." said Advika, as she leaned on to Karna, her head resting on his shoulder.

" That is amazing! You mentioned two gifts though, what is the other one?" asked Sahadev, his eyes sparkling. " You will know soon. For now we need to move soon. I want to use the night as cover." said Karna, as he gave Kunti a bit of water, which she took with a smile, listening to her children chatter.

" Haa jyesht! How long is this tunnel?" asked Bhima, as he finished his food. " It is not very long. It opens at the Ganga river, which flows near Varnavrat." relied Karna, as he got up. He helped Advika to get up, while Arjun helped their mother. Kunti packed the clothes and wooden shoes in a bundle and held it to her chest. Yuddhisthir bought the mashal and held it in the middle. " Let us walk fast. If we can escape in the cover of the night, it would be highly beneficial." said Karna, as he motioned Yuddhisthir to take the lead with the mashal. Arjun and Karna took the side, in the middle walked Kunti and Advika. Behind them was Nakul and Sahadev , while Bhima bought the rear of the group. All the brothers had their weapons with them, even Karna. The tunnel was deep and dark. They could feel the musty air, and the damp walls. After walking for nearly an hour or two, they could hear the sound of running water. " It seems like we are very near to the mouth of the tunnel." said Nakul, from behind. " Yes putra! It seems like it." answered Kunti, with a smile. After 20 minutes of walking they reached the other end and came out to breath fresh air.

It was still night. Though morning was not very far away. Tall trees surrounded the area.

" Let us change our clothes and freshen up before we decide what to do." suggested Advika, which everyone agreed to.

Kunti and Advika went near the river to freshen and change. There was a small glade they could use. The males also freshened up and changed.

All of them wore the normal clothes of an ascetics. The front of the entrance had a few rock structures that were smooth and they could sit there. Kunti sat with Yuddhisthir beside her, Karna and Advika sat together, Arjun and Bhima sat on a rock, while Nakul and Sahadev chose to sit on the ground cross legged. " Now what jyesht? We need to go into hiding and also make sure that no one can recognize us." said Yuddhisthir, his look thoughtful. " Yes anuj. We need a place where we could stay undisturbed and the place has to be near the a village, so we can get fresh produce as well." said Karna, as his eyes looked towards the sky. " And away from Kuru kingdom borders, too. Should we not give Kakashree Vidur the news that we are alive?" Arjun shared his input as well. " I already send it, with the miner. He knows what to inform to Kakashree." replied Karna, as he nodded at his brothers, who smiled back. A silence reigned for a few moments as they all slowly adjusted to the new situation, they found themselves in, when a whisper broke it.

" War will happen, it seems." whispered Advika, softly. " Yudh? Bhabhishree, ye kya bol rahi hai aap? " said Bhima alarmed. Yuddhisthir and Karna's look had turned serious, as they followed Advika's train of thought. " I agree...they are taking that path, with the way they are going." murmured Arjun, his eyes hard. Advika nodded sadly. " With whom?" said Kunti, finally.

" Kauravas maa. They won't stop until they get war." said Advika softly, a sad but determined look on her face. " We won't let that happen. We will try to stall them, as much as possible." said Yuddhisthir, refusing to fight with his family. " Can we speak about all this later? Right now, we need to leave the place." said Nakul, bringing them on track. " Agreed. We would deal with war when it comes. For now let us follow the Ganga path, she will show us the way!" said Karna, as they got up. All the brothers and the two females followed.

" Don't worry about it. But sometimes even above family, our duty comes first. Right?" asked Advika softly, as she noticed Yuddhisthir lagging behind. " Ji bhabhishree." replied he, with a small smile.







In Hastinapur:- The news that the palace in which Kunti and her family was staying was burned down, had spread very fast and far by the morning.

Maharaja Dritharashtra was less sad and more shocked. He ignored the feeling in his heart that said that the children of Kunti cannot be killed so easily. He had always heard how great her children were. Their mere looks surpassed many men and youth of their time. They always had a divinity to them, all six of them. He had felt it, even though he could not see. He won't dare admit the fact that he was jealous of Pandu's sons. From Karna to Sahadev all were virtuous and powerful warriors. All were capable and knew how to adapt to a situation. To turn their weakness into strength. Above that Kunti also had a daughter-in-law, who surpassed any women in both looks and skills. While his own new daughter-in-law was no less, but in front Advika, many women would feel uncomfortable and doubtful of their own capabilities. Many may have forgotten, but he has not. He clearly remembered that Tatshree Bhishma has said that Advika was a devputri, daughter of Devi Prithvi, a blessing of Mahadev and Mata Parvati. He had been so insecure and jealous over Pandu getting a daughter-in-law as virtuous as her. Not only, that Advika was also taught by Maharishi Vashishth.

He had felt immense anger at his own self, at not being able get such a daughter-in-law for his son. He was also aware of his eldest and second eldest sons behaviour and habits. He had always allowed his jealousy and his moh to guide him. He did the same even this time. In the end, he was happy that now his son could become the King. Gangaputra Devrath, also called Bhishma, was in shock and mourning. He won't deny he preferred the children of Kunti and Pandu far more than Dritharashtra's sons. They were moral abiding children and could create grate waves within the society. His emotions cycled through anger, shock, immense sadness and dread. He knew what will happen now. Dritharashtra will make his son the Yuvraja. This will bring the prestige of Hastinapur down, and his dream of seeing a dharma following King on the throne is destroyed. Duryodhan will never listen to his elders, the only person he will listen to is Shakuni. And that man, he wants nothing but the Kuru's destruction and for that he will do anything and everything. He went and manipulated his own sister child for his revenge, made and created the child into an adharmi, after that Shakuni won't stop at anything.

He got up from his seat. He needed to speak with Vidur. He was the only one whom he could trust. He wont let an adharmi be the ruler of Hastinapur, so easily. He won't let Shakuni win.

Shakuni smirked cruelly. His mind chanted " Dead! Dead! Dead!". Now, he only needed proof. He was sure though that Kunti and her family had died in the fire. How can they leave the palace, that was made especially for burning. Above all, there was only one entrance. He chuckled, a cruel laugh escaping his throat. This is what happens to people who dare mess with me. I kill them, he thought. A cruel smile did not leave his face for the entire day. " I will get the throne now. It is mine!" was the first thought that appeared within the confines of Duryodhan's mind. When he had heard that the entire family of Pandu's lineage died in the fire, he had blinked before a blinding smile had appeared on his face. His jealousy was now sated, as the throne will be his. "It seems like mamashree came through in the end" , thought Duryodhan.

Maharani Gandhari was shocked and in disbelief. Her little sister Kunti and her entire family dead, how can it be possible? It was not possible, her heart, her believe said they were alive. She did not know why, how or when, but she knew her faith and believe. Faith and believe have immense power. Her heart was saying that they were alive. She joined her hands and prayed to Mahadev ensuring the safety of her little sister and her family, wherever they are.

Rajkumari Bhanumati did not know what to think. She had not met them, but have heard a lot about them. Mata Gandhari spoke of Choti maa Kunti very fondly.Of course, she also heard about the feast that Choti maa had organized for her in Varnavrat. She had been pleased at seeing a person who accepted her without even meeting her. She really wanted to meet her. She had also heard about jyesht bhrata's wife Advika. In relation,she was her Jethani. She had actually wanted to meet them. According mata Gandhari, it was not possible for them to die so easily. She was confused on what to believe. On one end she found her husband and his uncle happy at their own family members demise, on the other end, the elders of the family accept for Pitashree were grieving. This palace and dynasty of Kuru, was entrapped with such a deep web of politics and past history, that it was simply scary. Where had she ended up, in the end?

Mahamantri Vidur simply smiled at the news. The children were scarily brilliant. He had helped them with knowledge, but they have used the knowledge as a sharp weapon. It was amazing. He decided to sent the miner with strict instruction among the people going to check the place of fire, to make sure any evidence of them being alive can be hidden. He will give them the time they need away from the history and politics of the palace. They can reveal themselves when they wanted too. But for now, he will help them hide for as long as they wanted. He needed to speak with Tatshree and reassure him the children of Pandu alongside Kunti were safe.







Advika's pov:-

We followed the Ganga path which led us out of the Kuru kingdom. It took us 5 days. We took break in between, stopping in some small clearing for a while to rest and regain our energy. We slept on the ground using our old clothes as sheets to cover our body and the angavastra that could be salvaged was used as bed sheets. One of the brothers always kept watch, letting us sleep undisturbed while they rotated their shifts.

We finally reached a place that was suitable for us to stay. It was nearly 30 miles away from the Kamakhya forest. There was two villages nearby the place we choose.

It was a quaint place. In a clearing filled with trees and beautiful flowering plants and a lake, the place was perfect. The brothers had built a small hut, with a small kitchen outside. A small tulsi plant was potted on a worshiping platform on the courtyard. There was various rock slabs kept strategically, that was used as a seating place. It was decorated beautifully by vines and flowers. The lake was right in front of the gate of this small habitat. We had every essential thing that will be required here in this small glade all to ourselves. I was simply amazed. The brothers have done a marvelous job at making this place habitable.

" It is so beautiful! Hai na maa? " I asked softly looking around. Maa walked around too, amazement in her eyes. " Haa putri! Ye sthan atyant hi sundar hai! " murmured maa, as she touched the tulsi plant and did a pranam. " Aap dono ko acha laga? " I heard a hesitant voice asked from behind us. There stood Yuvraja, Yuddhisthir, Bhima, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev. All of them had a slight hesitant look on their faces. I smiled and nodded at them.

" Hume ye sthan acha nehi laga! " said Maa, with a sad look on her face.

My brows furrowed at Maa's words. Just a few moments back she said that she love this place. What happened now? The brothers looked like lightning had fallen on their heads. " Bohot acha laga hai ye sthan. I feel like I could live my entire life here!" said Maa, making me laugh and her sons sigh in relief. " Putri, I want to make food today. You take rest, alright?" I heard her say, as she turned to me. " Parantu maa aap akele itna sab kaise...."

" Putri, you can help me tomorrow, but today I wish to make food for my 7 children." said maa, a soft and happy smile. I did not have the heart to say no to her, so I simply nodded. As maa left to the small kitchenette, to get the pots and ingredients, I sat down beside Yuvraja, who was sitting on a rock slab sharpening arrows.

Now that I looked around I noticed that my devars have all spread around our new home, while maa and I was conversing. Yuddhisthir was sharpening the spear heads by using wetting stone, same as what Yuvraja was doing too, instead with arrows. Arjun seemed to be checking how many weapons we had and separating them into piles. Bhima was busy in collecting fruits from the trees that surrounded our new home, in a basket. Nakul was collecting water from the lake in front of our doorway. Sahadev was looking around the place probably looking for dried sticks that can be used for fire. Maa had bought the vegetables that needed to be cut out on the courtyard. She sat cutting the vegetables, in front of the fire pit.

It was such a domestic scene, that it warmed my heart and made a huge smile appear on my face. " Priye? " I heard him call from beside me. I turned towards him to see him looking amused. " Ji? ", I raised my eyebrows.

" Ye madhur muskaan ke piche ka rahasya? " he asked, his charcoal eyes light with contentedness.

" The scene in front of us is so beautiful and domestic, that I cannot stop smiling." I replied. " Agreed love. The fact that we got out of that dead trap and here all of us are together, is enough for me." he answered. " Jyesht, when will you and bhabhishree teach us?" I heard Bhima ask, as he kept the fruits where maa was sitting. Maa patted his cheeks and Bhima sat beside maa as he turned toward us, with a fruit in his hand. " From tomorrow." replied Arya, I nodded at that.

" I want a spar with you, bhabhishree!" said Nakul as he bought more water on a bucket and filled the huge tube. " Thik hai. Parantu..." I trailed off. " Parantu? " asked Arya, his eyebrow raising at my thoughtful look. " Nehi...wo...we left Purochana there right? What if people search for bodies?" I asked. This was something troubling me from the time we started our journey. Shakuni and Duryodhan would want to see definite proof, what if weapons is not enough? " Bhabhishree, I don't think it will be a problem. By the time the fire had burned the entire place down, everything will turn into ashes, other than our weapons. Those will only melt." said Yuddhisthir, giving a small smile. " True. Hopefully that will be enough proof for them." I replied. " By the way, who will teach whom?" asked Arjun, from where he was sitting.

" The first thing that you need to do is meditate and connect to the divine energy within you. It takes a bit of time, and should be done before the sunrise. That the energy of the cosmos is high as well." explained Arya softly, looking at his brothers.

"That is so boring! How much time does that take?" asked Sahadev, making a face. " Depends on how excited you are!" I said jokingly. Yuvraja chuckled, Nakul and Arjun snickered, Bhima was laughing while Maa and Yuddhisthir smiled. Sahadev sulked at that. " Okay, that is enough. No teasing my darling child." said maa, from where she was cooking. Sahadev perked up immediately, and went to sit with maa. " Anyway, both of us will teach all of you." said Arya, to Arjun's question, to which he nodded going back to his work. After sometime we all had food on banyan leaves.

Night fell and the stars came out. The moon spread it's soothing light making the surrounding look beautiful.

Maa, Yuddhisthir, Nakul, Sahadev and I slept inside the room on our own mats. Bhima slept on the angan, with Arjun and Yuvraja guarding through the night in shifts so they could catch some sleep. The inside of the house was big enough for all of us to sleep comfortably, but still those three preferred to sleep outside, beneath the sky. In the end, we would be good few months here. Might as well enjoy the peace and quite, before things again become hectic.







Author's pov:-

If one was to stumble upon the safe heaven where the hidden royals have made their home, for the past 7 months, one would be amazed at what they saw. The sun had not risen yet in the courtyard of the beautifully decorated place, there sat six males. One male sat at the head with five males in front of him in a half-circle. All had a divine energy surrounding them.

The male who sat at the apex, had a beautiful white glow surrounding and engulfing his entire body. He wore nothing other that a saffron dhoti. His chest bare with no ornaments. Two golden and divine looking Kundal's adorned his ear. His hair was left open, and it fell on his shoulders in waves. He was very handsome and had a natural shine to him. His aura calm yet luminescent. Strong and Dangerous described the man.

Right in front of him sat another man, whose face was calm and serene. A mesmerizing sky blue light engulfed his body. He was in similar state of dress like the man in front. His strong body was perfectly straight, highlighting his strong muscles. His ears were adorned with simple beads earrings. His hair unlike the man in front was tied like that of a maharishis, which was again adorned with beads. His aura was calm with a hint of undercurrent. Soft yet unyielding described this male perfectly.

On the right of the above mentioned man, sat two males. The first one was huge and broad. He was few inches below in height to the apex man, even sitting. His bulging muscles depicted immense strength. His body was engulfed with dark blue glow. His state of clothing similar to that of previous man. He had a hint of slight mustache and beard.His hair similarly tied up with beads. His aura felt turbulent and always in motion. Mighty yet innocent described the man pretty well.

The second male had a hint of smile on his face as his body was engulfed in red glow. His face held immense concentration on his face. His lean body showed his hidden strength and capacity. Like a bow, his body was taut with tension ready to leap into action if required. His state of clothing was similar to the all the males. His hair was in a ponytail rather than in a half up-do. His aura was soothing with a hint of a tornado. Mischievous yet calm was the essence of this man.

On the right of the middle man, sat two more males completing the half-circle in front of the apex man. Both were similar looking and there auras reflected that. The two males were twins. One was immensely good-looking, the other no less. One had an orange glow that illuminated his body, while the other had yellow glow engulfing his body. One can be described as naughty yet stern, while the other was wise yet agile.

A female came and stood behind the apex man. She was other worldly beautiful. A calm yet strong aura defined the woman. She was a warrior yet knew how to hide her deadly capabilities.

Her red painted lips were spread into a smile, that illuminated her face like the moon. Her eyes held a curiosity yet she was very knowledgeable. She wore a red saree with a yellow veil. The dress was entirely of cotton and simple, yet it shone on her. Only a gold necklace and earrings adorned her. She wore beads bangles and arm bands. One small nose pin adorned her face. A dark streak of vermilion adorned her open hair.

Another middle-aged woman came and stood beside her. Even now, the woman looked beautiful. Her age had matured her looks and made it everlasting. Her face held immense wisdom and grace.She wore a simple cotton saree in white with saffron borders. A similar white veil covered her open hair. She had dark beads adorning her neck, ear and hands.

" Putro! " called Kunti, softly. One by one all the male opened their eyes and the glow receded within their body. They slowly relaxed their body and got up to face their mother. " The sun is about to rise. Finish your respective works first. I wish, that all of us go to the small temple at the edge of the nearby village. I would like to offer prayers before starting our journey again." said Kunti, her lips pulled in a small smile. " Ji maa! " answered Yuddhisthir, while the others nodded. All going to finish their respective works.

Karna started his Surya puja in front of the lake, as the Sun arose slowly. Yuddhisthir joined him with folded hands. Advika went inside to fold their clothes in a small folded cloth bag. Bhima followed her and packed some food for the journey. Kunti readied the Puja thali and the offerings she would give at the temple. Arjun collected all their weapons and hid or discarded the destroyed weapons. Nakul and Sahadev collected any other items for their use and slowly destroyed the place....so that no one can figure out they were living here. " Prasthan kare? " asked Kunti. She got a nod from all her children. All of them left the place they had called a home for the past 7 months. The six males and two females proceeded their journey ahead. They have stayed in one place for a while, now they needed to move.





The small temple in this early morning was quiet calm. There was no hustle and bustle. The devotees has not started arriving yet. Only a lone priest was working. "Panditji? " called Kunti.

The priest turned around at hearing a woman's voice, only to blink at what he saw. There stood six males in Rishi's clothing yet built like a warrior, having a divine look to all of them. There were two females along with them, one was very beautiful looking divine, while the other was elder to all of them. Must be their mother, thought the priest. He slowly got up and went towards them.

" Ji devi? "

" Wo..can you offer this to the Goddesses? I want to conduct a small puja if possible." said Kunti, hope shining in her brown orbs.

" Of course devi. It could be done now. Let me arrange the aarti thali, and the puja can start!" said Panditji.

Kunti smiled back and moved to the front. As the priest gave the thali to Kunti, who started venerating the Mother Goddesses. After a while she handed it to Advika, who along with Karna continued, then Yuddhisthir, Bhima, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev did the aarti of the goddesses respectively. The Panditji stopped chanting the mantras and gave the prasad for the small puja. Kunti took it and touched it to her forehead.

The Panditji was a curious person by nature. He had noticed that among the six males one was married, who was probably the eldest. The couple made a beautiful pair, too. They seemed to be a good family to him. The other five males were handsome and divine looking just like their eldest. One can see the resemblance between the brothers and the mother.

Now he had two daughters, if he could get them married to two of these males, their destiny will be settled and he would not have the headache of searching for grooms. But first he needed a bit of information. For that he need a bit of time. He picked up a coconut. " Devi, I could give a suggestion, if you want!" said the priest demurely.

" Ji Panditji? " asked Kunti, as far as she knew all the rituals for the small puja was completed.

" Wo...this temple's goddesses is very giving in nature. I suggest that your putravadhu to circle the temple premises once with this coconut, for the welfare of your family." said the priest, hoping she would agree, so he could get a bit of time.

Advika groaned almost inaudibly, Karna smirked beside her. Her devars were expressing amusement in different forms. Yuddhisthir lips were twitching at the corners, Bhima was grinning, Arjun muffled his laughter, Nakul was smiling widely while Sahadev eyes were dancing with mirth.

Kunti looked thoughtful absolutely unaware of her sons and daughter-in-law's reactions.

" Thik hai Panditji! Putri? " called Kunti, as she looked towards Advika.

" Ji maa." said Advika, before taking the coconut and walking downstairs, to circle the temple premises.





With Advika:- [ Advika's pov ]

I grumbled within my mind. I really did not believe in these small practices. I did not understand how circling the temple premises could make sure my family would be safe. I believed in simply praying with my whole mind and soul.

But Maa, was adamant on even these small practices and I could not say no, so I did these without a complaint. O well! It was just a round. I am glad the Panditji did not say 5-10 rounds. I blinked at the scene in front of me. I was at the back of the temple, where sat a middle-aged man, who seemed tensed. I wondered if I should help or not? I could go and finish my round or help him and then continue the round? I felt a twinge inside my heart, and my mind gave up. Might as well go and help, otherwise my heart would not listen.

"Manyavar, are you alright?" I asked, as reached the middle-aged man.

The man looked at me, slowly turning his head. I noticed he truly looked tensed.

" Kuch nehi putri, I don't think you could help!" said the man softly. I frowned before sitting in front of him. " Kahiye to kaka, perhaps I could help!" I said. " Itna bol rahi ho to..thik hai! " said the man, before straightening. I nodded at him to continue. " I heard a story from a sage and have been thinking about it since. First here the story, then I will explain my predicament." he said. I nodded at him again.

"The story is that of a girl. She was the daughter of a revered sage. She had everything except one thing. She could not get married to anyone. Her marriage was always getting either delayed or broken due to unforeseeable circumstances. The sage advised his daughter to pray to Lord Shiva. She prayed to Lord Shiva for years. Pleased with her tapasya and prayer, Mahadev came and asked her what she wanted as a boon. She said that she wanted a husband with all good qualities. She repeated this statement five times in her hurry and excitement. Mahadev blessed her saying that in her next birth she would have 5 husbands. The girl was horrified. She said that she only asked for one husband with all good qualities. But Mahadev reminded her she asked for a husband 5 times, therefor her boon of getting 5 husbands. Mahadev disappeared after that." said the man.

I was shocked at the story. Did Pitashree actually give such a boon or was it just a story?

The man started to speak again.

" You have heard the story. The sage had asked me to answer the question that what should I do, if this girl was born to my family? Should I marry her to 5 husbands and let her face thousand questions from the society, watch her as she is accused or find another way to fulfill the boon? This questions had been passing through my mind for a while, putri! I really don't know if you can answer them!" said the man, his voice sad.

I frowned. The question and the story was rather peculiar. I personally believed that monogamy was required to keep the society and the household stable. Multiple marriage creates too much problems. Not every female is good and virtuous after all, just like not all males are nice. Rotten apples were everywhere, in both genders.

Suddenly, a idea came into mind. After all, the soul is far more important than the body. " Kaka, can you answer a question of mine?" I asked, hoping he will answer.

The man looked a bit skeptical to me, but he nodded hesitantly.

" The soul is far more important than the body correct?" I asked. The man nodded positively. I saw a bit of curiosity enter his eyes.

" Then I would find a different solution where the boon of Mahadev is also fulfilled and the girl is not humiliated and questioned either." I said, slowly getting excited over my theory/ idea.

"How is that possible?" asked the man.

" Well, I don't know if it is right or not! But, we could divide/ duplicate the soul in five. Essentially they will be one soul but five bodies. Like the concept behind twins. The twins are usually known as one soul two bodies. If two souls can be merged, surely the opposite is feasible as well?" I hesitantly explained, hoping I did not say something that was impossible.

"And the boon can be fulfilled yet the girl won't be humiliated by this patriarchal society either." said the man, excitement in his eyes.

I nodded just as excited.

" Putri, you are a god send. Dhanyavad! " said the man, before going off into the forest fast. I blinked at the abrupt disappearance.

Weird! I should finish the circle, we need to leave soon after all.





At the same time in the temple [ Author's pov ]

When Advika left, the Panditji found the perfect opportunity to pounce. " Devi, I was just curious as I have never seen your family here in this part. May I ask a question?" asked the priest. Kunti nodded while Karna was a bit suspicious. " Wo...aap ke putra kya karte hai? " said priest. Kunti blinked before answering. " Hum vanvasi hai panditji! " said Kunti, completely bypassing the question. Karna felt his suspicion rise. Something was fishy here. Before the priest could question her anymore, devotees started to arrive slowly. Many young marriageable girls looked at the six handsome males coyly. Karna paid no attention to them, while Yuddhisthir, Bhima and Arjun were very uncomfortable at the sudden influx of attention. Sahadev simply turned his back on them, while Nakul smoothed his hair, slowly flexing his muscles. The priest looked a bit annoyed at the attention and he glared at them. The girls immediately looked away, though they sometimes glanced at them from behind their lashes. The priest then called two girls to him. Both were beautiful in their own way, but were rather giggly and girly in nature.

"Inse miliye devi, meri putriya, atyant gunvaan hai dono! Inse gunvaan putri app ko kahi nehi milegi." said the priest praising them.

Kunti looked a bit flabbergasted at the introduction, but being polite in nature she blessed them, when they came for blessings. Karna's eyebrow raised and he blinked. He understood what was going through the priest mind. His brothers on the other hand looked a bit confused. He chuckled in his mind.

" Jyesht ye kya chaal raha hai? " whispered Arjun, as one of the girls giggled while looking at him. Arjun looked absolutely uncomfortable. Karna stifled his laughter, before speaking. " Vivaah ka rishta aya tum paanch mei se kisi 2 ke liye." Karna whispered back. " KYA!!!!!!!! " yelled all the five together. All of them looked panicked and horrified at Karna, while he smiled at them, his eyes dancing with mirth. " Kya hua? Why are you all yelling?" asked Kunti, confused. The priest stopped his praising of his daughters.

" Wo to mai bhi pucchna chahungi maa! Their voice could be heard till outside." said Advika, from behind them. All of them turned to find Advika standing there, a very confused look on her face. On the other hand, she was thinking why were her devars looking so uncomfortable all of a certain and why was Yuvraja hiding a smile?

Before Kunti could say anything, Arjun went straight towards her. The females around the temple wondered who the women was! She was a married woman, that can be seen with the deep streak of sindoor on her parting but who was her husband among those six males? They watched a one of them went towards her.

" Bhabhishree, you arrived! Hum apka hi pratiksha kar rahe the! " said Arjun. The girls blinked around the temple looked interested now. So she was his sister-in-law. Must be the eldest wife then, the other two did not look married at all. They had a chance then. While some of them glared at Advika, in jealousy that she was married to such a handsome man. They were insecure of her beauty too. " Haa bhabhishree, chaliye! " with that Nakul started to gently drag her. " Are par..ye nariyel! " said Advika, absolutely confused, at her devars behaviour.

Kunti was looking annoyed too while Karna was smiling, not being able to stop himself. Yuddhisthir took the coconut from her and gave it to Bhima, who passed it to Kunti. Then all the 5 males left dragging Advika with them. Kunti blinked at her hands where the coconut was. What was going on? Karna chuckled a loud, while all of the women concentrated on him. He noticed that and became very self-conscious immediately. No wonder, his brothers ran when they saw the chance. He spoke wanting to leave as well.

" Maa, you go and offer the coconut while I go and check on my brothers and wife." said Karna, smiling gently at Kunti who nodded. Karna left from the temple. Kunti turned to the priest who took the coconut, a bit displeased. He gave the coconut back when the offering ritual was over. Kunti gave a pranam and left. Now, she need to know why her sons were behaving so weird all of a sudden?







" Ab bolo bhi, kya hua? Why did you run from there?" asked Advika, wondering what happened. " Bhabhishree, wo panditji was going on speaking about the qualities of his daughters and was continuously praising us.....hum yeha pareshan hai aur aap hass rahi hai? " complained Arjun, with all of them nodding along. Advika laughed as she heard what actually happened. " The matter is so funny, of course I will laugh!" replied Advika, her eyes dancing with mirth. Karna reached there to find his wife laughing while his brothers sulked.

" Aap! I am not talking to you. Jyesht, how could you do this to your own younger brothers? You were amused the entire time!" said Nakul, very dramatically. Sahadev nodded along. " Are...tum log kya sach mei vivaah karoge abhi?" said Karna, laughter still in his voice.

Yuddhisthir nodded frantically in negative, Bhima eyes had widened at the suggestion, Arjun looked plain horrified at the thought, while both Nakul and Sahadev had paled.

" Vivaah?" asked Kunti from behind. Before anyone can answer, she spoke again. " What was that you five? Is that the way you behave? Is this what I have taught you? What will I do with you five?" said Kunti, a bit angry at her children. This caused all of the five to pale.

" Maa, maa, shant ho jayiye! They were panicking....it is not exactly their fault." said Karna, moving her to look at him by her shoulders. The brothers nodded frantically. Advika simply smiled. " Panicking? Kyu?" asked Kunti, now confused. " The priest was trying to create a marriage alliance between his two daughters and two of them. They panicked when I told them that, so they behaved like that." explained Karna, gently. " Kya!! But I was not even listening." said Kunti, looking a bit apologetically at her sons, who smiled sheepishly. Advika chuckled. "Chaliye, we should leave now. It is already late!" said Advika, bringing everyone on track. Kunti nodded before distributing the prasad and the coconut among them eight. After eating that, they walked towards Kampilya forest.