Having only one option, is not an option.

On the other hand with Maharaja Drupad:-

Kampilya. The new capital of Drupad's Panchal.

After the division of his huge Kingdom, he had shifted to Kampilya, with his daughter Shikandini. Drupad paced within the garden, a frown on his face. It's been a year. The same problem had been troubling him ever since. His anger and thirst for revenge again Drona, had almost blinded him with it's intensity. He had somehow, controlled himself.

Shikandini slowly came towards her father, a small frown on her face.

Drupad looked at his daughter, when she approached. " Shikandini kya hua? Iss samay ane ka koi karan? " asked Drupad. " Ji Pitashree, kuch samachar aya hai! " said Shikandini, frowning a bit. " Kaisa Samachar putri? " asked Drupad, wondering what happened again. " I don't know how this news have not spread throughout Aryavart yet, but the Lakshagriha, where those six brothers and their mother, wife/sister-in-law were staying have been burned to the ground." said Shikandini, her brows furrowing. Drupad stared at her for a while, before laughing. " Pitashree? " asked Shikandini, wondering why her father was laughing like mad. " Putri, when you grow old like me, and have experience, you will know, why I am laughing." said Drupad, a chuckle escaping. Shikandini blinked at her father. " Parantu Pitashree, wo...those brothers..what about them?" asked Shikandini. " Nothing has happened to them. Don't worry...they are fine, most probably staying in hiding." said Drupad, smiling a bit. " Alright, then why the news of their death have not been spread yet? News such as this always spreads fast!" asked Shikandini, confused. " Because, Shakuni is one cunning person!" said Drupad. " Shakuni? Gandhar raj? " asked Shikandini. " Yes, him. I have kept an eye on Hastinapur for a while. Dritharashtra probably wants his son to become king, but that was not possible before as Rajkumar Karna was the eldest among all brothers and after that Rajkumar Yuddhisthir, then his son. That was the line of succession. So, he probably waited till his son's Yuvraja Abhishek was done, before he released the news of both about the tragedy and the happiness. " said Drupad, explaining his opinion. " What does that have to do with Gandhar raj?" asked Shikandini. " Who do you think feeds Dritharashtra's ears?" snorted Drupad. Shikandini hid a smile at that. " So, what now?" asked Shikandini, as she sat. " I am waiting for the Raj purohitji!" informed Drupad, as he continued to pace, The small atmosphere was soothing between the father and daughter.

" Why Pitashree? Is there any functions?" asked Shikandini curious. " No. I asked the Raj Purohitji, how I could get a son who can defeat Drona." said Drupad, as he stopped in front of his daughter. Shikandini's face fell at that. She quickly arranged her face again. " Oh! When will the Raj Purohitji arrive?" asked Shikandini, in an indifferent tone. Drupad smiled a bit at his daughter's indifferent tone.

" Putri, I am not angry on you, dear. You already have a boon that says that you will become the reason behind Bhishma's death. I can't ask more of you. And secondly we lost the war, because I lost to Rajkumar Arjun. Over that his brothers destroyed our Chakravyuh and on top of that the strategy was decided by their eldest brother. I am angry at myself, that I underestimated them greatly." said Drupad gently.

Shikandini gave a small smile and hugged her father, who hugged her back. " Maharaja Drupad, Raj purohitji yeha pravesh karne ki anumati chahte hai! " announced the dwarpal. " Samman sahit unhe yeha leke ao! " said Drupad, as he hugged his daughter a bit more, before smiling at her. " Ready for a new brother?" asked Drupad, softly. Shikandini nodded a bit. Both sat on their respective throne like chair.

As soon as Raj purohitji entered, they stood up to greet him. " Pranipat Raj purohitji!! " " Kalyan ho! " came the immediate blessing. As they all sat, Drupad immediately questioned. " Have you find a way to get me a son Raj Purohitji?" " Haa Rajan. Ek marg hai putra prapti ka! PutraKameshti Yagya! " said the Raj purohit. " Ye to anand ki baat hai Raj purohitji! Please start the preparation for this immediately!" said Drupad, a happy look on his eyes. " Ji Rajan." replied Raj Purohitji. Shikandini smiled seeing her father's happiness and excitement. She had blamed herself at the defeat, but her father had stopped her and said that he was the one who got defeated not her.

Truthfully, she felt a bit of excitement too, at the thought of a brother.

***************************************************

The preparations were done very beautifully. The yagya will be done in the middle of the garden, for privacy's sake. The only people present was Maharaja Drupad, Rajkumari Shikandini and the other priests who will be performing the Yagya. Along with them, the Raj Purohitji was also present. No one was allowed to interfere in the yagya or allowed to enter the garden.

The entire area where the Yagya will be performed was decorated beautifully. Strings of flowers, pearls and pretty cloth created an amazing sight. The sacrificial havan kund was in the middle surrounded by 6 priest. Raj purohitji sat at the apex seat. Maharaja Drupad sat opposite him. Shikandini stood near him.

The chants started. A beautiful ambience was being created, as the chants continued. The moon shone brightly, as it spread it's light far and wide. Shikandini felt her anxiety and excitement rise at the prospect of having a sibling. As the chants continued, the ambience brightened the surroundings. The fire was slowly growing upwards. The Raj purohitji continued to offer sacrifices of ghee in the havan kund, followed by Maharaja Drupad and the other 6 priests. Suddenly a huge light permeated from the havan kund, as if the fire itself was creating a figure. The light made them close their eyes and the heat made them leave their position from the kund, to stand a few distance away.

A heavenly figure of a god was created as The Lord of Fire - Agni dev himself appeared.

Maharaja Drupad and Shikandini's eyes widened. They joined their hands and bowed. " Pranipat Agni dev! " greeted everyone present. Agni dev smiled. He blessed them immediately.

" Kalyan ho Rajan! " Maharaja Drupad and Shikandini along with all of the priest present lifted their bowed heads. " Rajan, you have done the PutraKameshti Yagya, therefore a son would be born to you. Usually I would have given you a Kheer, which after been eaten you would have gotten a son. But, since your wife is no more, and you have not married again, I shall create a son for you." said Agni dev. Drupad smiled and nodded happily. Agni dev gave an amused look, before he stepped out of the havan kund. The havan kund was again lighted as he lifted his palm in a stop gesture. A light came out of the palm, and fell on the kund.

The fire grew again creating a figure, clearly of a man. His forehead held the marking of a fire swirl. His gaze cutting and intense. With aristocratic features and a sharp nose, the man was handsome to look at. A slight divine look was present on his features, as he was created by the Fire lord, the man became a child of not only Drupad but also the son of Agni dev.

Drupad and Shikandini smiled as the man stepped out of the havan kund. Agni dev turned to Drupad, who folded his hands again.

" Rajan, ye putra keval aapka hi nahi, humara bhi hai. Thus, he looks divine. As a demigod, he gets two qualities or powers. One, he can control fire. Two, he can never be controlled by any black powers of any one, because fire when once spreads in uncontrollable. I name him Dhristadyumna, the one who is courageous and splendorous. Since you wish for your son to be the defeater of Drona, I shall give him a boon, that he will be able to defeat Guru Dronarcharya."

Drupad smiled widely and nodded. Shikandini had tears in her eyes.

" Dhanyavad Agni dev! " said Drupad, grateful at the gesture. Agni dev smiled.

The newly named Dhristadyumna came forward to Agni dev and bent to take his blessings. Agni dev blessed him, with a hand on his head. " Ayushman bhava putra! Jao, apne aur ek Pitashree aur Jiji se milo! " said Agni dev, his smile seemed happy. " Ji Pitashreee! " said Dhristadyumna.

Drupad hugged his son, tears escaping from his eyes at the fulfillment he felt. He loved his daughter, but he had wanted more children. That dream was destroyed when his wife died when Shikandini was just 5 years old. To have another child was a dream come true. Now, his thirst for revenge was also sated.

When Dhristadyumna went towards his jiji Shikandini, he was again hugged tightly by her. After his welcoming into the family. Drupad turned towards Agni dev. " Agni dev, mei apka abhaar kabhi byakt nehi kar paunga! Aapne mere sapne ko sakar kiya hai...iske liye apko koti koti pranam." said Drupad. " Rajan, mera kariye yeha tak samapt nehi hai. Aur bhi kuch kariye sesh hai Rajan! " said Agni dev, now a bit serious. " Kaisa kariye dev? " asked Drupad confused. " Rajan, you have two daughters written in your destiny. One have been born to you and another you would have gotten along side Dhristadyumna. Parantu..." trailed off Agni dev, wondering how he was supposed to relay this. " Parantu..? " asked Drupad, wondering what happened. If the god, wished to give him another daughter he had no problem.

" Parantu..her entire life will be filled with thorns. She would face thousands questions and humiliation by this society. All because of a boon, that she got from her previous birth." said Agni dev. " Shama kijiye, par...ek vardaan ke karan ...why would my sister face humiliation from the society?" asked Shikandini, hoping she did not cross her line. Agni dev smiled sadly. " Kyuki putri....the boon was that she would have 5 husbands in her next life." said Agni dev. " 5 husbands?" repeated Drupad, his eyes wide at the boon. He did not understand whether it was a boon or a curse. " Yes...but now due to certain changes created by Destiny herself, perhaps that outcome can be avoided and also make sure that the boon is fulfilled!" said Agni dev pleased.

It was true. Destiny had bought a wise soul, Mahadev and Mata Gauri had created a body for the soul, Devi Prithvi had gotten her child, and he had gotten a solution.

" Tatpariye? " asked Drupad, wondering what solution had been found. " What I am about tell you is not to be spoken off ever again. I ask that you tell the priests to leave. Only you, Shikandini, and Dhristadyumna may stay." said Agni dev. Drupad nodded and told the priests to leave. Everyone other than the mentioned three left, after bowing to all. Drupad, Shikandini and Dhristadyumna stood in front of Agni dev.

" What I am about to tell you shall not be repeated to anyone, not even to yourself. If a word is spoken about it, you will face consequences. That consequence will be nothing less than death. Even if you are my son." warned Agni dev, stressing on it's importance and looking straight at his newly created son, who nodded serious. Agni dev took a deep breath before continuing.

" Niyati ka likan, koi nehi taal sakta. When Destiny saw, how cruel the human kind has become that they had the audacity to behave with a woman in such a crude manner, which resulted in humiliation and anger that burned bright like fire. It bought a soul, which it felt will be able to save at least some people in this cruel world, who otherwise would have faced thousands of pains.

Therefore a daughter was born to Devi Prithvi. Created by Mahadev and Mata Gauri, she was a blessing from Destiny. She is born to create ripples and to either change or interfere in certain circumstances. O King, it is she who unknowingly gave me a solution to my problem, without even realizing what she had truly done. " said Agni dev, a small smile on his face as he spoke of the miracle that had taken place years before.

Drupad, Shikandini and Dhristadyumna exchanged a look of wonder. " Who is she, Pitashree?" asked Dhristadyumna, excited a bit at the story told. Agni dev smiled gently at the childlike excitement on his son's face. " Prithvi Kumari Avni, Devi Gauri ki putri Gaurika, Bhagwan Shiva ki ladli Shivangi, Vasudev aur Balrama ki praan Mayuri! I believe you know her as Hastinapur's first Kulavadu Yuvrani Advika, the one who is Unique." said Agni dev. " Kya!!! " asked Shikandini shocked. " Yes, but she has no idea about her destiny yet, though she has already started walking the path that is meant for her. " said Agni dev. " Can I at least meet her, Pitashree? I won't tell anything. But perhaps she could help me, in learning my divine powers?" asked Dhristadyumna. " Putra, right now it is not possible. But in the future perhaps. And she is not the only one, other than you, there are demigods, born/ created of gods." said Agni dev. " Those six brothers!" whispered Drupad, as his eye widened further. Every incident clicking in his mind. The puzzle fitting.

He had wondered why all the six brothers had such divine look to them, all of them were different yet similar to each other. Now that he has Dhristadyumna, he noticed that the divine look on his son's face was similar to them, yet different. Shikandini eyes had turned into saucers...as she looked at Drupad shocked. " Kya! " whispered she softly. " Yes Putri. Maharaja Drupad you have guessed correct. They are children of Gods." said Agni dev, eyes laughing at their shocked look. Only his son looked confused, since he had no idea about whom they were talking. " How? I had no idea, no such news came when they were born. I can understand about Yuvraja Karna, as he was stolen as a baby, but what about the other five? Whose blessings are they?" said Drupad, his head heavy at so much knowledge. Agni dev became very serious and amused at the same time. Amused, because Karna was not stolen, as it was merely a story weaved by Maharaja Pandu and serious because of the last question that Drupad asked. " Maharaja everything comes at a price. If you want this specific information, you must promise me something." said Agni dev. Drupad nodded. He was very curious and he wanted to know if ever in the future an opportunity arose, whether he should ally with them or remain neutral. He had no wish to fight against them again.

" Very well, You must promise me that you will not repeat this information neither to yourself or to anyone. You won't use them as a means to an end either." said Agni dev. " I promise on my life and my honour, O Lord of Fire, I shall not use the Six sons of Devi Pritha, known as Kunti in any manner. My and mine family's intentions will never be malicious towards them. I here by also promise to not breath a word whether in written or spoken about their divine heritage, unless given permission from them." said Drupad. Agni dev smiled and nodded.

"Then listen O king! The story starts when Pritha, the daughter of Shurasena, got a boon from the Sage Durvasa, after serving him faithfully and patiently. The boon specified that she would get a child from the God she prayed too. Thus the six divine children took birth from this very boon." said Agni dev as he took a breath.

Drupad, Shikandini and Dhristadyumna listened to the tale spellbound. Agni dev continued.

" The Eldest. Born with the marking of the sun on his forehead, his brilliance, qualities and radiance identical to that of the Sun.He is called Aadhavan by his elder brothers, Aditya by his Gurudev Parshurama, Vasusena by his foster father. His other names include Vrisha, the one who is truthful in speech and kept his vows, Vijayadhari, the one who holds the great bow Vijaya. He is Vaikartana, the one who belongs to the Solar race, Suryaputra Karna.

The Second Eldest. Born with the blessing that he will rule the battlefield. His mastery over spear and the chariot had struck awe in the hearts of those who had seen him. O king! His calm and serene nature create the very picture of Dharma. His names include Dharmanandana, Ajatashatru, one who is born without enemies. He is also known as Dharmaja. He is called Dharmaputra Yuddhisthira, the one who is steady in war.

The Third Eldest. Born as mighty as the mountain. Strength flowed in his body like that of an ocean. O king! He is so wrathful and strong that even the King Indra will have trouble in subduing him in a battle. He is also known as Vrikodara, the one who is wolf bellied and Jihmayodhin, the one who fights against falsehood. He is Vayuputra Bhimasena, he who is equivalent to a formidable army.

The Fourth Eldest.Born under the star of Uttara Phalguni, hence he is also called Phalguna. He is also called Dhananjaya, the one who conquered gold and wealth, Gudakesh, the one who has conquered sleep and Anagha, the one who is sinless. O king! He is known as Savyasachi, the one who could shoot arrows with both hands and Bhibhatsu, the one who fights war in a fair and terrific manner. He is Indraputra Arjuna, the son of Pritha, called Partha.

Then are the Twins born to Devi Madri, but through the boon of Devi Kunti.

The Twins are known as Ashvineya. The first born from Ashvini Nasatya, called Nakula, the one who is the most handsome and filled with love. He who he is known for his mastery over the Ayurveda. O king! His characteristics bespoke of his name, as he is hard-working, full of focus and filled with respect and unconditional love. The second and the youngest born from Ashvini Dasra, called Sahadeva, the one with the Gods. O King! He is the most wise, comparable to that of Devguru Brihaspati, an amazing Astrologer and amazing Swordsman, though he prefers an axe.

Thus, you have heard about the children of Kunti, the Kaunteya's. Do remember your promise. If not then your life will be forfieted." said Agni dev, as he finished his tale.

Drupad was spellbound. Shikandini was shocked and Dhristadyumna was excited. Agni dev had purposely said the bare minimum of Prithvi kumari Advika, therefore diverting attention towards the males. Her tale needs to be seen, her divinity and purpose felt, not told yet. Only when the time comes will they realize how much importance the daughter of Destiny has. He smiled as he waited to see the entire saga unfold.

" Pitashree, when can I meet them? They sound amazing!" said Dhristadyumna. " I do not know, putra! When the time comes, perhaps then. Rajan! " called Agni dev, knowing it was time. " Ji dev? " asked Drupad. " It is time I give you the daughters you were promised. To fulfill the boon as well as to save them from facing humiliation in the hands of society, I shall duplicate the soul into five parts,as advised Niyatinandini, the child of Destiny. They would be the first quintuplets born on earth. " said Agni dev. " Aapki jaisi iccha dev! " said Drupad with folded hands. Agni dev smiled before turning towards the havan kund again. Again the fire burned. It created a body feminine in nature.

Then that very body was duplicated into four more parts. Two on each side. Slowly, heads can be seen, then arms, then the torso, lastly the legs.

The females step forward, the fire receded from their heads, showcasing an immense beauty,with their eyes closed and hands joined in the traditional greeting gesture. All seemed to be around the age of 18-20. A divine look can be seen on them. Their beauty was other worldly like that of Advika's own.

All looked in awe, while Agni dev smiled at his daughter. " Rajan, ye putriya bhi keval aapka nehi, humara bhi hai. They would be known as Agnija, the daughters born of Fire." said Agni dev. " Oh Lord! Please do the honour of naming them as well." said Drupad, his eyes not leaving his five beautiful daughters. A sense of love and immense protectiveness filled him seeing such delicate creation. He had felt this feeling only once, when his eldest Shikandini was born. Now, he was the father of not one but seven children. Six daughters and a son. His destiny must be favouring him at the moment to give him such blessings.

" Very well!" replied Agni dev, as he came to stand in front of the female who looked to be the youngest of the five females. Agni dev smiled.

" You, my youngest daughter will be known as Vritika, for you are thoughtful and wise in nature. Since your voice is as sweet as the flute, you will also be called Vanshika." said Agni dev.

Vritika smiled and bent to take his blessings.

" Kalyan ho putri! Jao apne aur ek Pitashree, Jiji aur Jyesht ke paas!" said Agni dev, watching as Vritika smiled. " Jo agya Pitashree! " said Vritika, her voice as sweet as that of the music of the flute. Drupad smiled and hugged his youngest daughter to his chest. Shikandini did the same, while Dhristadyumna also gave a tight hug. Vritika smiled as she waited for her elder sisters to join her.

Then Agni dev, went towards his second youngest. A small smile playing on his lips. " My dearest, you my daughter will be called Kalyani, for you are fortunate to the family you chose as your own. As you face has the brightness of a star that twinkles prettily in the night sky, you shall also be called Kritika." said Agni dev. Kalyani smiled and took her celestial father's blessings. She gave a soft smile. " Jao Putri! " said Agni dev, gesturing towards Drupad. " Ji Pitashree! " replied Kalyani, her smile soft and luminous.

Drupad hugged his second youngest tears in his eyes, though not falling. Shikandini and Dhristadyumna doing the same. Vritika also hugged her with a soft utterance of "Jiji." Kalyani tightened the hug before both the sisters parted waiting for the elder sisters to join them.

Agni dev moved towards the one in the middle. He gave a small smile to Drupad.

" You my dearest, my third eldest. You will be known as the daughter of Drupad, Draupadi. As you are also my daughter and born of Yagya, you will also be called Yagyaseni." said Agni dev. Draupadi smiled and took his blessings. " Kalyan ho! Prasthan karo! " said Agni dev, with a bright smile. Drupad hugged Draupadi hard, his tears spilling. He had a daughter who was named after him. He turned grateful eyes towards Agni dev, who gave a smile at the emotional King. The siblings also hugged their sister. They all turned towards Agni dev and where two more daughters waited patiently.

Then Agni dev went towards his eldest and second eldest. He kept his hand on his second eldest's head.

" You my most adored child, will be known as Vandita, the most adored one in her family. Your personality is that of a fire, therefore you are also called Vanhi, the one who is also called Fire." Vandita smiled then bent to take blessings. " Kalyan Ho putri!! Jao..." said Agni dev. Vandita nodded and went towards her waiting family where she was received similarly to her sisters. All waited for the final member to join them.

Agni dev moved to his eldest daughter. " My most beloved child, my eldest. You will be known as Devanshi, who is divine and calm. You other name will be Divyani, the one with heavenly qualities."

Devanshi, smiled and nodded. She took her blessings as well. " Kalyan ho, putri! Aapne paarivar ke paas jao, putri! " said Agni dev, as he smiled at his eldest. She gracefully went forward. She was received similarly to her sisters.

Drupad, Shikandini, Dhristadyumna, Devanshi, Vandita, Draupadi, Kalyani and Vritika turned towards Agni dev with folded hands.

Agni dev looked towards his six children that he created today - one son and five daughters.

" Remember Maharaja, daughters are a boon and a blessing to a household. Treat them with the love and care they deserve, they will fill life with happiness. Treat them crudely with disrespect, they will turn your life into a war. This is the last advice I can give you. Children, when you meet the people who will be your guide, treat and trust them with the respect and position they deserve." said Agni dev, with a smile.

" Jo agya Pitashree!" came the immediate response from the six.

Agni dev smiled and disappeared with a glow.