It is our choice which creates our path.



Devanshi and Kalyani arrived at their meeting place to find Draupadi grumbling, Vandita giggling, and Vritika sulking, while Krishna wore a mischievous smile.

"Hum kehe rahe hai, Govind, that man was so infuriating!! He doesn't even wield a bow. Why should he tell me what to do with my bows and arrows? How dare he speak to me in such a way? If I meet him again, I am so going to..." ranted Draupadi, her hands flailing around.

"What will you do?" asked Devanshi, appearing from behind them.

"Jiji, what happened to your face?" asked Vandita, her smile radiating beauty.

"Uh...forget it... Draupadi, kya hua hai?" asked Devanshi, attempting to change the subject.

Krishna smiled with knowing eyes.

"Aur puchiyega mat, jiji. I met two men. One was so nice, but his brother...uff! How rude. I am so going to give him a lecture if I meet him again and complain to his brother," said Draupadi, finally ceasing her rants.

"Poor guy! He's going to be bored to tears," whispered Vritika softly, causing Krishna to chuckle quietly. Vritika smiled at his reaction.

"By the way, Devanshi, you haven't explained how you got turmeric and sindoor on your face," teased Krishna, a mischievous smile lingering on his lips.

Devanshi blushed at the thought.

"Well, we also encountered two men. And one of them, the older man, accidentally bumped into jiji, and then..." Before Kalyani could finish her sentence, Devanshi interrupted.

"Then I had color smeared on my face. He apologized, and I did too. After that, we went our separate ways. That's all," Devanshi explained, glaring at Kalyani, who responded with an innocent smile.

"Okay, we should head back now," suggested Vritika, preempting Krishna from teasing her about her own disappearance within the forest or before her sisters could inquire. Krishna smiled slightly, raising an eyebrow at her. Vritika blushed but followed her sisters as they walked back to the palace.

Krishna smiled serenely before trailing after them.

"It was time," he murmured.

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

Back in the palace:-[ Next Day ]



Krishna requested a meeting with the Maharaja of Panchal in the early morning. As Krishna entered, Drupad greeted him courteously, saying, "Padhariye Dwarkadeesh! Hum apke liye kya kar sakte hai?" (Welcome, Lord of Dwarka! How may I assist you?) Krishna smiled and replied.

"Maharaja, I believe it is time for your daughters to choose their life partners."

"What? But I just received them. I can't let them go so soon!" exclaimed Drupad.

"I understand your concern, Maharaja, but they have emerged from fire as adults capable of marrying. You need to allow them to choose their own paths from now on. Trust them," patiently explained Krishna.

"Very well, Dwarkadeesh! But... whom should I marry them to?" Drupad asked, his thoughts involuntarily turning towards the six brothers who played a pivotal role in his defeat.

"Don't you have someone in mind?" questioned Krishna, with a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Well... I don't think they will participate!" replied Drupad, feeling a bit despondent.

"Why not? And who are they?" asked Krishna, his smile brightening.

"I believe the ones I want as my sons-in-law are in hiding. You already know who they are, Dwarkadeesh. I don't need to mention them explicitly," replied Drupad, wearing an exasperated look.

"Hmm... I see. Are you certain? The ones you desire don't even have a kingdom at present. They are merely princes, and even if they acquire a kingdom, the eldest will become the king, leaving no chance for your daughters to become queens. Moreover, the younger brothers hold their eldest brother in the highest regard. They would never defy him, even if he were to act unjustly," tested Krishna, aware that there was no chance of Karna deviating from the path of righteousness with Mayuri to rectify any wrongdoing.

However, Krishna still had to test Drupad's priorities to determine whether he favored political alliances or his daughters' happiness.

Drupad pondered over what he should say, and he decided to be honest.

"I prioritize my daughters' happiness above all else. Yes, I understand that this alliance could create political benefits, particularly if the brothers establish their independent kingdom. But my daughters would also be content there. I have seen them on the battlefield, and all six brothers are virtuous and honorable. They would treat my daughters with respect, care, and love. It would be an honor for my daughters to have your elder brother and sister as their own," replied Drupad sincerely, his conviction apparent.

Krishna's enchanting smile widened, and his eyes sparkled.

"Very well, Maharaja. I believe holding a swayamvar would be the best course of action," said Krishna.

"But will they come?" questioned Drupad, genuine concern etched on his face.

"If your daughters' destinies are entwined with theirs, then they will come. Maharaja, you should begin the preparations. After all, this will be the grandest Swayamvar of the era," stated Krishna, rising from his seat.

"Of course. I will invite all the kings and princes as well. Do you have any other advice, Dwarkadeesh?" asked Drupad, following Krishna's lead.

"Let your daughters choose the weapons on which the suitors will be tested," advised Krishna, his smile tinged with a hint of foresight.

"Ji, Dwarkadeesh!" replied Drupad, contemplating whether he was making the right decision or not.

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



Drupad entered the common chamber to find all his children sitting together, surrounding his eldest daughter, Shikandini, who was engrossed in telling a tale.

"Putrio, Putra!" called out Drupad, stepping forward. Seven pairs of eyes turned towards him as he approached them.

"Pranipat Pitashree!" came the simultaneous reply.

"Kalyan ho! I bring good news," said Drupad.

"Good news? What kind of good news?" questioned Shikandini.

"Your sisters have reached the age of marriage. Lord Krishna has suggested that we hold a Swayamvar for all five of them," Drupad explained. There was a moment of silence before both Shikandini and Dhristadyumna spoke up together.

"Pitashree... isn't it a bit rushed?" they both asked simultaneously. The five sisters were taken aback.

"Marriage?" muttered Kalyani to herself.

"So soon?" added Vandita, her eyes meeting those of her sisters. Devanshi and Draupadi seemed lost in thought, while Vritika blinked in surprise.

"Tell me... it's a dream," Vritika said to Draupadi.

"No, behena... it's the truth," replied Draupadi, smiling at her youngest sister.

"Calm down, all of you. We trust Govind, don't we? If he believes it's the right time, then it must be. Let's trust Pitashree too; he won't lead us astray. Alright?" Devanshi reassured her sisters in a gentle tone. They all responded with grateful smiles, while Drupad, Shikandini, and Dhristadyumna observed them.

"Putrio... you won't be getting married tomorrow. The Swayamvar will be held in four months' time. But today, you must choose the weapons that will determine the outcome of your respective swayamvars," Drupad announced, watching them with a smile.

"Weapons, Pitashree?" asked Draupadi, a bit confused.

"Yes, weapons. In a Swayamvar, the suitors who seek the hand of a woman as their bride must complete a specific task. For example, in the Swayamvar of Pritha, also known as Kunti, the daughter of the King of Kunti Bhoj, she asked her suitors to answer a question. Only the late Maharaja Pandu of Hastinapur was able to provide a satisfactory answer. Therefore, she chose him as her husband," Drupad explained.

"Wow... so in a Swayamvar, the girl chooses her husband?" asked Vritika, awestruck.

"Yes, dear. In your swayamvars, the task will be related to weapons," Drupad clarified.

"How do we choose? Should we go to the weapons room?" inquired Draupadi.

"Yes, dear. Come, Putrio, Putra, follow me!" said Drupad, leading the way.

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



"Choose the weapon very carefully and with consideration, Putri," said Drupad, watching Devanshi as she walked around the weapons room.

Shikandini, Dhristadyumna, Draupadi, Vandita, Kalyani, and Vritika stood in awe as they observed Devanshi moving from one place to another.

"Pitashree, will our Swayamvar be the second one held in all of Aryavart?" asked Vritika, curious to learn more.

"No, dear. Swayamvars are common among the Yadavas and various other kingdoms. They are usually small, with only a few kings participating. This Swayamvar will be the grandest of this Yug. I will be inviting all the kings and princes of Aryavart to participate. My daughters deserve only the best men as their husbands," said Drupad, beaming with pride.

"Only the royals?" whispered Devanshi softly, her mind preoccupied with the image of the Brahmin she had met the previous day. His face and smile lingered in her thoughts.

"Yes, of course. Putri, which weapon have you chosen?" asked Drupad, turning his attention to his second eldest daughter.

Devanshi looked around in confusion before her gaze landed on a spear. The weapon seemed to have a magnetic pull on her. She touched it.

"Ah! A spear. Spiritually, it signifies directness and honor. It holds the power of life and death. Good choice, Putri," said Drupad, pleased with her selection.

He remembered Yuddhisthir wielding a spear. Devanshi nodded, a small smile on her face, as Vandita stepped forward to make her choice. While Vandita chose, Shikandini spoke up.

"Pitashree, isn't Dwarkadeesh's sister the first Kulavadu of Hastinapur? She didn't have a Swayamvar. You mentioned that the Yadavas have swayamvars for their females," asked Shikandini, looking at Drupad.

"No, she didn't have a swayamvar. But she also chose her husband. I'm sure Maharaja Vasudev, Dwarkadeesh, and Sri Balrama would settle for nothing less for the eldest princess of Dwarka," explained Drupad.

"Govind has a sister?" gasped Draupadi, shocked by the revelation.

"Not just one, but two," replied Drupad with a smile.

"Two? Why has he never mentioned them?" asked Dhristadyumna. Drupad shrugged, unsure of what to say.

"Do you know them? Can you tell us more about them?" asked Devanshi, feeling a connection with them, especially the eldest sister. She couldn't explain why. She glanced at her sisters, seeing their eagerness to learn more as well.

"Well, the eldest sister is the same age as Dwarkadeesh. That's why they are called twins; they act like it too. I don't know much, but I'll tell you what I know. Her name is Advika. She is also born of celestial lineage like all of you. She is married to the Yuvraja of Hastinapur, the eldest of the Kaunteyas, Rajkumar Karna. From what I've heard, she is considered to be the most beautiful woman of our time," shared Drupad.

"Just like us?" asked Draupadi, genuinely curious.

"Yes, she is as beautiful as all five of you. You six women are the epitome of beauty in this Yug," complimented Drupad.

"What about the younger sister?" questioned Dhristadyumna.

Before Drupad could answer, Vandita chimed in.

"Pitashree, I choose the mace. And dear brother, why are you so excited about learning about the younger princess of Dwarka?" Vandita raised an eyebrow, teasing him.

"Well, I believe he plans to marry her after we are wed. Isn't that right, dear brother? I said it correctly, didn't I?" teased Kalyani, causing her only brother to blush, while her sisters giggled at his embarrassment.

"Alright, girls, let's not tease your brother for now. Putri, that's a good choice. The mace symbolizes strength and authority," praised Drupad as Vandita returned. He remembered that Bhima wielded a mace.

All eyes turned to Draupadi, who looked back at them.

"What?" she asked.

"Aren't you going to choose your weapon for the task?" asked Shikandini, confused.

"I've already chosen, Jiji. I've selected the bow and arrow," replied Draupadi, beaming with a smile.

Drupad's smile widened, while her siblings raised their eyebrows, causing her to blush. She looked at them defensively, only to receive teasing smiles in return.

"Why did Vandita have to reveal what happened in the forest? Now I'll have to endure their teasing," thought Draupadi, pouting on the outside.

"Another excellent choice. The bow and arrow symbolize strength and power," said Drupad, as Kalyani stepped forward.

"So, where were we? Oh yes, Dwarkadeesh's youngest sister is Subhadra, the daughter of Maharaja Vasudev and Maharani Rohini. She is also remarkably beautiful. She is the youngest among the four siblings," shared Drupad.

"Govind has a large family. I hope we have one too," wished Vritika.

"I hope for the same," whispered Draupadi wistfully. Vandita and Devanshi exchanged a knowing smile.

As they continued talking, Kalyani chose the sword, and Vritika selected the axe. Drupad explained the symbolism behind each weapon.

"A sword symbolizes chivalry and protection, while the axe represents battle and power. You five have chosen excellent weapons for the tasks," commended Drupad, noting that his daughters had chosen the same weapons as those five brothers.



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



Four months had passed in the excitement and chaos of preparations for the grandest Swayamvar of the entire Yuga.

Letters were sent far and wide, from north to south, east to west, leaving no stone unturned by Maharaja Drupad when it came to inviting every prince and king to the palace for the Swayamvar of five of the six most beautiful princesses of the age.

Many were miffed that they did not get the chance to woo the princess of Dwarka, as she had married her childhood sweetheart. At least that was the story believed by the entire Aryavart during the grandest wedding of their times—the marriage between Hastinapur's crown prince and the eldest princess of Dwarka.

While this soothed the pride and fragile ego of men, and even a few women, when Advika heard such things after her marriage, all she had said was, "It is my life. What I do with it is absolutely my business."

Her response had caused everyone to either smile or smirk, while the daughter of Prithvi glared and fumed.

Anyway, returning to the present time, the palace was a hub of activity. The entire Panchal of Drupad rejoiced with happiness and participated with eager hearts and capable hands.

When our favorite hidden family heard about it, they were a bit surprised. However, they simply shook it off, as it had nothing to do with them personally.

Advika frowned but decided to let it be for now. When the time came, she would intervene. But for the time being, she had to be patient.

On the other hand, Kunti had noticed some changes in her children that left her perplexed. These changes were subtle, nothing too worrying, but changes nonetheless.

She noticed how Karna seemed a bit anxious about something, how Advika appeared thoughtful, how Yuddhisthir spaced out, how Bhima stared at the sky as if seeing something that wasn't there, how Arjun smiled when he thought no one was around, how Nakula daydreamed, and how Sahadev looked fondly at sticks as if remembering something.

Kunti had no idea what these subtle changes meant. But she prayed to the Lord that everything would sort itself out.

---------------------------------------------------------

Karna watched as a year swiftly passed by, wondering how much longer they would have to wait. Personally, he cared little about the throne of Hastinapur. He had grown up like a commoner and lived most of his life as one. Although he had gotten used to luxury, he would always say that the time spent with his family in hiding was the best.

But he also knew that it was the birthright of his brothers, of Yuddhisthir. He knew that Yuddhisthir would never become king, even if he were ordered to. He also remembered his guru dev telling him not to run away simply because he didn't want the hassle of politics. It was still hard for him to believe that it was his birthright too—Maharaja Pandu had accepted him as his eldest son. He was still adjusting to being a Pandava. His senses told him that the climax of their hiding phase was nearing. He could feel it in his bones. He didn't know when it would be, but he knew it was soon.

Advika had no idea what had happened. Truthfully, she had forgotten all about her reincarnation. It was hard to remember when her memory faded from her previous life. So, she had simply let that string go, only to find it wound back into her life. When Kanha had said "five princesses," her mind went into overdrive. As far as she knew, there were no five princesses anywhere.

But one day, it clicked—the old man, the story he had told, and her solution. She was left dumbfounded. She didn't know if Kanha was joking or not, but surely she hadn't just... changed something so significant? If that were the case, she would have to stay even more vigilant. She had started staying in their hut all the time now, especially with her mother.

She wouldn't let five girls be distributed like food. Nope. Nada. Not happening. Ever.

Yuddhisthir remained calm, but there was a sudden restlessness within him upon hearing about the Swayamvar in Panchal. After the arrival of his eldest brother, he had simply dumped all the elder family responsibilities on him without an ounce of remorse. The year spent hiding had been the best year of his life.

But then... he had seen her. Only once. He had no idea who she was, but he felt a connection to her. He hoped he would meet her again.

Bhima was a simple-minded fellow, truthfully speaking. Complexities were not his forte. He preferred straightforward confrontation rather than going around in circles. He was also quite perceptive, as his brothers knew well. He had known about Hidimba's crush on him, but he was glad she had moved past it. He liked her, truly, but only as a friend. He couldn't feign affection or love, no matter what. He had overheard his sister-in-law's conversation with her, and he had been grateful. She had understood him and showed Hidimba a less painful path.

He was truly glad to have such a sister-in-law. She was not only a mother figure to him but also an elder sister. He loved his son too and wondered when he would get to see him again. But then he had seen... her. He had no idea who she or her sister was, but he had tried to find her without being obvious. In the end, he had simply let go, knowing that if she was meant for him, destiny would show him the path.

Arjun was a calm person by nature. Being overly excited wasn't his style, although he could be mischievous when he wanted to be. As a quick-witted person who loved giving sarcastic replies, he got along well with his sister-in-law. So when a pretty nymph attempted to throw him down from a tree with stray arrows, his quick wit and sharp tongue had come to the rescue. He smiled whenever he remembered the woman's angry face. It was rather cute, and her expression was worth the teasing he received from Bhima. He would never forget that face for the rest of his life. It was a precious memory, after all.

Nakula was the charming boy of the family. No one could resist him when he pursued them. For the first time, he had been spellbound by a girl. He knew he was very handsome, just like his brothers, especially his eldest brother, who were considered the one of the most good-looking men of their times. But that girl had swept him off his feet, figuratively. He hoped he would get to meet her again.

Sahadev had liked her from the moment he saw her. Vritika, such a sweet name. He would love to meet her again and talk to her. Her sweet smile and beautiful eyes had visited his dreams countless times that he had stopped counting. He didn't know why, but he felt that something big was about to happen, and he felt it was very near.

He could sense his eldest brother's anxiousness and his sister-in-law's thoughtfulness, and he knew that something significant was approaching. He hoped that whatever it was, it would turn out well. Overthinking like this gave him a headache sometimes.

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



"Jyesht, I have something to say. May I?" asked Yuddhisthir in the quiet of the night as they sat on guard.

Karna looked at his younger brother and gave a small nod.

"Jyesht, well... the priest in the temple said that since the swayamvar is tomorrow, all the available Brahmins are invited to participate in the Yagna or to simply receive alms," said Yuddhisthir softly.

"Hmm... so?" Karna responded.

"We can go to receive alms or participate in the Yagna. Do you think it would be wise?" Yuddhisthir inquired. Karna pondered over it. There was something urging him to go. He bit the inside of his cheek as his jaw tightened.

"Alright. We will go, but only to receive alms, nothing else," Karna finally agreed.

"Yes, jyesht!"

The next morning, after informing Advika and Kunti, all six brothers set off for the palace to receive alms. Kunti prayed for them while Advika's heart thudded with anticipation.

The climax was near... at least for this part of their lives.



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



Today marked the grandest Swayamvar of the Dwapar Yug. The palace where the event would take place was adorned with exquisite decorations. In the center stood a magnificent elevated platform, featuring a colossal throne for the king, positioned opposite the main entrance. To the right were five smaller throne-like chairs for the princesses, while two large thrones were placed on the left for the chief guests.

Arc-shaped seating arrangements were made on either side of the king. On one side sat the participating kings and princes, while on the other side sat Brahmins and the people of Panchal who had come to witness the event or seek alms. Disguised as Brahmins, the six brothers positioned themselves discreetly at the back. Their faces were concealed by cloths, allowing only their eyes to be seen. Despite having a clear view of the entire hall, they went unnoticed by the crowd, which was precisely what they intended.

Meanwhile, among the kings and princes, Duryodhan anxiously fidgeted in his seat. If one of the tasks involved a mace, he was confident he would emerge victorious. After all, his only worthy challenger, Bhima, was presumed dead.

The Swayamvar was about to commence, signaled by the resonating sound of conch shells, the beat of drums, and the blowing of trumpets. The entrance of the King of Panchal was accompanied by a shower of flower petals.

Maharaja Drupad, accompanied by his ministers, made his way to the platform. As his ministers dispersed to their respective positions, Drupad stood before his throne, joining his hands to initiate the ceremony.

"I welcome all esteemed guests to the Swayamvar of my five beautiful daughters, the princesses of Panchal," Drupad addressed the gathering. "This ceremony will be led by my son, the Crown Prince Dhristadyumna. I entrust him with explaining the rules and making any necessary announcements."

With those words, Drupad took his seat on the throne, and Dhristadyumna stepped forward. The hall fell into a profound silence as the young prince addressed the audience.

"Greetings to all present here. We express our gratitude for your presence on this auspicious occasion. Before commencing the Swayamvar and explaining its rules, I would like to invite the chief guests of this event to take their places. I warmly welcome Dwarkadeesh Sri Krishna and His elder brother Sri Balrama."

Once again, conch shells were blown, accompanied by the resounding echoes of trumpets. Krishna and Balrama entered with grandeur, showered in a cascade of rose petals as they settled into their seats.

After their arrival, Dhristadyumna continued, "With the presence of our esteemed chief guests, I request permission from my father, the Maharaja of Panchal, to summon my younger sisters for the Swayamvar."

Drupad nodded with a smile, while the kings and princes sat on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the entrance of the princesses. The six brothers exchanged curious glances since they had no idea who the princesses were.

Dhristadyumna reciprocated the smile before proceeding, "Let each of the five princesses arrive one at a time. I call upon the eldest among them, Rajkumari Devanshi."

Again, conch shells reverberated through the hall as rose petals rained down. Devanshi, accompanied by her maids, entered the room with lowered eyes. She caught a glimpse of her sister awaiting her at the dais from her peripheral vision. Swiftly, she joined her hands in reverence before taking her seat on the central throne.

Devanshi harbored no desire to marry any of the kings or princes present. The one she longed for was absent—lost in the forest. She fervently prayed that none of the participants would succeed in the tasks set before them.

Yuddhisthir's breath caught in his throat. She... she was a princess, and her name was Devanshi. The princess whose Swayamvar they were attending under the guise of Brahmins. Yuddhisthir knew he couldn't win her hand, especially while hiding their true identities. He needed Karna's permission to participate, but he knew it wouldn't be granted. The walls seemed to close in on him as his breathing grew shallow.

A reassuring hand on his back steadied him.

"Yuddhisthir?" Karna's concerned voice broke through the turmoil.

"Later, Jyesht. I will explain," Yuddhisthir whispered, unable to articulate more.

Karna nodded, his gaze reflecting worry. Bhima, Arjun, and Sahadev exchanged glances, perplexed by Yuddhisthir's unusual demeanor. They wondered if he was alright.

Meanwhile, Nakul experienced a sudden realization that the other girl, too, must be a princess. He closed his eyes, taking deep measured breaths. Sahadev wore an inscrutable expression. The call for each princess continued.

"I now invite the second eldest among the five, Rajkumari Vandita."

Vandita made her entrance, accompanied by the symphony of conch shells and petals. She paid her respects to her father before joining her sisters on the dais. Like her sister, Vandita held reservations about the Swayamvar, knowing that the man she held affection for was nowhere to be found in that hall. She entrusted everything to Lord Shiva, confident that he would guide her to her destined partner. Bhima swallowed hard, his throat constricting, as he fixated his gaze on the elegantly adorned princess.

Karna's attention shifted among his brothers. He observed Yuddhisthir, Bhima, and Nakul's reactions. A clearer picture was forming in his mind, yet there were still missing pieces to the puzzle. He decided to wait until all the princesses had made their appearances before engaging in a serious discussion.

"I now call upon the third eldest, Rajkumari Draupadi."

Draupadi followed her sisters' lead, her eyes also cast downward. She joined her hands and sat beside her eldest sister, Devanshi. Her searching gaze met the reassuring smiles of her sisters, which she reciprocated.

[Karna watched as Arjun appeared astounded, as if he had no prior knowledge of Draupadi's royal status. 'Very interesting,' he thought.]

"Next, I invite the two youngest princesses, Rajkumari Kalyani and Rajkumari Vritika."

Both princesses entered the hall, accompanied by the customary sounds of conch shells and petals. They followed the same ritual as their sisters and assumed their places on the thrones.

[Karna observed Nakul's pained expression, quickly masked, while Sahadev wore an unreadable facade. It was becoming too much. Once the Swayamvar began, he decided he would take his brothers and disappear for a while.]

Devanshi occupied the central throne, flanked by Vandita on her left and Draupadi on her right. Kalyani sat beside Draupadi, with Vritika positioned beside Vandita.

Dhristadyumna continued, "Now that the Princesses of Panchal have arrived, I shall announce the rules. The Swayamvar is for all five princesses collectively. Therefore, all the kings and princes present who believe they can undertake the tasks may participate. Remember, each participant can engage in one task at a time.

"The first task requires the wielding of a divine spear. You must use the spear to deflect all of my attacks without sustaining a single scratch. During the task, you will be blindfolded. If you succeed, you will win the hand of Princess Devanshi.

"The second task involves wielding a powerful mace. You must demonstrate mastery in wielding it and emerge victorious in a contest against ten wrestlers. If you triumph, you will win the hand of Rajkumari Vandita.

"The third task entails showcasing your proficiency with a mighty bow and arrow. You must lift the bow named Kindhura and look into the water. Within the water's reflection, you will find a swimming fish. You must aim and strike the eye of the fish while looking into the water. Accomplishing this will earn you the hand of Rajkumari Draupadi.

"The fourth task presents a magnificent sword. A duel will be conducted without any protective armor. You must defeat your opponent without sustaining a single scratch, all while blindfolded. If you prevail, you will win the hand of Rajkumari Kalyani.

"The final task centers around a fearsome axe. You must wield it single-handedly and prove your mettle in a duel against an opponent. Emerging victorious will grant you the hand of Rajkumari Vritika."

Dhristadyumna finally released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The hall erupted into a mixture of excitement and tension. The kings and princes boasted that the tasks were easy and that they would effortlessly conquer them all. Meanwhile, the five brothers wore expressions of disappointment. All the weapons and skills required for the Swayamvar were part of their repertoire.

Karna watched his brothers' crestfallen faces and allowed a small smirk to grace his lips. It appeared that his brothers were eager to participate.

"Yuddhisthir, Bhima, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadev, come with me," Karna swiftly left, ensuring they went unnoticed. The five brothers exchanged bewildered glances before following their eldest, eager to understand what was happening.



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



Karna patiently waited as his brothers joined him one by one, their downcast expressions casting a shadow over their faces. He despised seeing them disappointed and wanted to understand the reason behind their gloom.

"What happened? Why do you all look so down?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"Jyesht? What are you saying? We're fine," Arjun replied, attempting to brush off their obvious dismay. The others remained silent, their gazes fixed on the ground.

"Really? Perhaps you should take a look at your own faces. Will I get to hear the matter from your mouths or guess it myself?" Karna pressed on, his tone firm.

Silence persisted among his brothers. Karna sighed inwardly, realizing he would have to coax the truth out of them.

"Very well, if you won't speak, I'll have to guess. It seems you all wish to participate in the Swayamvar, where your principal weapons are featured. Am I correct? I want an answer," Karna insisted, his voice tinged with both concern and curiosity.

"Yes, Jyesht," came the simultaneous response, their admission finally escaping their lips.

"Why didn't you just say so? If an opportunity arises, you can participate," Karna responded, a teasing smile forming on his face as he observed their embarrassed expressions.

"We can? But won't we expose ourselves?" Bhima interjected, his voice laced with disbelief.

"We can't stay in hiding forever. Eventually, we'll have to reveal ourselves one way or another. When the chance arises, go and participate. Just remember not to reveal your identities immediately, alright?" Karna clarified, his smirk indicating his amusement at their initial hesitation.

"Alright. Are you certain about this?" Yuddhisthir asked cautiously, hoping that Karna wouldn't retract his permission.

"Well, if you don't want to, I won't force you..." Karna trailed off, his smirk widening as he enjoyed the sight of their panicked reactions.

"NO!" all five brothers exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with determination.

"Then let's go and watch while the kings and princes make fools of themselves," Karna declared, his smirk morphing into a playful grin.

"But Jyesht, what if one of them actually wins?" Yuddhisthir inquired, first appearing scandalized but soon revealing his underlying worry.

"Bhratashree, have you taken a good look at them, or were you too preoccupied with observing Bhabhishree Devanshi?" Sahadev interjected with a teasing smile, causing Yuddhisthir to blush furiously while the others stifled their laughter.

"Only time and destiny will reveal what will happen today," Karna responded softly as they walked back together, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead



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

In the Swayamvar hall:-



The six brothers discreetly slipped into the gathering only to witness Duryodhan collapsing onto the floor. It appeared that he couldn't even lift the massive mace, let alone swing it. The weight seemed to increase with every attempt he made.

Yuddhisthir's gaze immediately shifted to the dais, where Devanshi sat with a relieved expression. There was no garland around her neck, indicating that all the participants had failed the first task. He sighed with relief.

The five princesses sat on the dais, and Vandita wore a slight look of relief on her face.

"Is this the crown prince of Hastinapur? Isn't he already married?" Draupadi whispered softly, audible only to her sisters and Shikandini, who stood behind them.

"Yes, he is the current Yuvraja, Prince Duryodhana. The actual Yuvraja is in hiding with his family. And yes, he is married to the princess of Kalinga, Bhanumati," Shikandini responded in the same hushed tone.

"Why is the actual Yuvraja in hiding? And if he is married, why is he participating?" Vandita inquired.

"My dears, here in this land, men often have multiple marriages. Secondly, the actual Yuvraja and his family were trapped in a house that was set ablaze in an attempt to assassinate them. Pitashree believes they are alive and in hiding," Shikandini explained.

"Oh!" came the contemplative response from the princesses.

They watched as one by one, all the kings and princes failed in the five tasks. Some couldn't even lift the weapons, and those who managed to do so performed poorly. The five princesses exchanged worried glances as all the male participants faltered.

Maharaja Drupad glanced at Krishna, who offered him a reassuring look. He knew that the six brothers hadn't participated in the event.

What was he supposed to do now? Drupad sighed and rose from his throne.

"I had no idea that there were no brave warriors in Aryavart who could succeed in these tasks set to win my daughter's hand in the swayamvar. O Dwarkadeesh, I implore you to show me a path. I cannot allow my daughter's swayamvar to go to waste," Drupad pleaded, joining his hands in front of Krishna.

"I suggest, Maharaja, that you open the swayamvar to all the warriors of the land, regardless of their caste, race, or creed," Krishna proposed, his smile enchanting.

"As you wish. I hereby declare the swayamvar open to all. If anyone comes forward to win my daughter's hand, they will be allowed to participate. And if they succeed, my daughters will be given to them in kanyadaan," Drupad announced, though he wondered whether the desired suitors would come forward.

Immediately, the brothers turned to their eldest, who smiled and nodded.

"Go! Do not reveal your identities... until the time is right," the eldest brother instructed succinctly.

Krishna smiled, knowing what would transpire.

The hearts of the five princesses beat as one, filled with thoughts and uncertainties.

"Will he arrive? Will he come? What if he doesn't?" Devanshi pondered, her face tense with worry.

"I hope everything goes well. If he is meant for me, he will surely come, right?" Vandita worriedly thought.

"I don't know what's happening. I don't know who I am destined for. I pray to you, Mahadev, whoever is meant for me, please send him soon," Draupadi thought, closing her eyes only to envision the image of Arjun in her subconscious mind, evoking a rapid heartbeat.

"Why am I thinking of him? Could he be the one?" Kalyani wondered, her mind retracing her visit to the temple.

"He will come! No, he won't! He will! No, he won't! Uff! I hope he arrives soon," Vritika contemplated, her face reflecting her inner turmoil.

Dhristadyumna and Shikandini both prayed for suitable life partners for their sisters, hoping for a prosperous and fulfilling future.

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



A conch shell resounded, followed by the harmonious blend of trumpets and drums. The hearts of the princesses began to race within their ribcages.

Five men stood before them, their faces concealed, only their eyes visible. Their bodies bore the strength of warriors, yet they donned the attire of Brahmins. Even in their simple, modest clothes, they emanated a divine aura with their well-sculpted figures.

Devanshi, Vandita, Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika exchanged wide-eyed glances, wondering if these were the same individuals they had encountered on that fateful day.

Maharaja Drupad appeared slightly shocked but also puzzled. If these were the brothers, where was the sixth?

"Will you participate, Brahman dev?" Krishna's enchanting voice broke the silence that enveloped the hall.

"Only if our question is answered. Then, one of us will attempt a task," the middle one spoke with unwavering yet gentle resolve.

"Please, ask your question. I will do my best to answer," Drupad replied, recognizing that he had no choice, as none had managed to complete any of the previous tasks set before them.

The one on the far left posed the query, "If your daughters were to live in the forests as simple commoners, would they be able to endure the hardships?"

Drupad was taken aback. What kind of question was this? The mere thought of his delicate daughters enduring the hardships of the wilderness made him grimace. Before he could respond, a rough voice interrupted.

"Who are you five? How do you dare to think that you can accomplish what these fine kings and princes cannot?" Duryodhana, incensed by his own incapacity and the audacity of these mere commoners, voiced his rage. Many kings echoed his sentiments, their arrogance wounded by the silence of the five men who refused to respond, further fueling their fury.

Karna smirked from within the crowd, reveling in the unfolding drama.

"Maharaja, please, give your answer," Krishna urged softly. Drupad hesitated for a moment, then glanced at his daughters on the dais, each of them giving him a slight nod of encouragement.

"Yes, Brahman dev! My daughters would indeed be able to do so," Drupad replied, despite the pain it caused him to admit it.

"Very well. Each of us will complete one task," the middle one declared, gesturing to the one who had asked the question, who nodded in agreement.



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



"I wish to attempt the fifth task," the masked man stated, his gaze never straying towards Vritika, whose heart raced within her chest.

Drupad nodded to Dhristadyumna, who signaled towards the open space where the axe was placed.

Sahadev stepped forward, his posture relaxed. The crown prince fastened his hand behind Sahadev's back. His slender fingers curled around the axe's handle as he effortlessly lifted it, as though it weighed nothing at all.

Everyone in the hall, except for Krishna and Balrama, widened their eyes in astonishment. No one had managed to lift that axe with one hand. It was a heavy weapon, crafted from pure iron and incredibly sharp. Even those who could lift it struggled to wield it properly.

Raising an eyebrow at the gaping crown prince, Sahadev received a nod from Dhristadyumna before shifting his attention to his challenger. His eyes assessed the man instantly.

They circled each other, poised for attack. The clash of their axes filled the air, creating a grinding sound. The masked man swiftly adjusted his stance, swinging his weapon in an arc, but Sahadev leaped into the air, executing a mid-flip before landing crouched. Once again, they circled one another. Another strike landed with their axes, only to be deflected by Sahadev, who maneuvered behind the man, bringing his axe perilously close to his neck.

"Admit defeat, or you'll meet your end," Sahadev's voice, soft and serene, resonated through the hall.

The man promptly dropped his axe, while Sahadev sheathed his weapon. Conch shells, drums, and trumpets filled the space, announcing Sahadev's victory.

Krishna smiled, his expression teasing.

"Putri Vritika?" Drupad's voice trembled as he addressed her.

Vritika's eyes met her father's, and she slowly nodded in response to the unspoken question in his eyes. Glancing at her sisters, who beamed with encouragement, she descended the stairs. Her eyes remained lowered, her heartbeat accelerating.

Facing each other, Sahadev's eyes brightened upon seeing her. Vritika felt a sense of familiarity in those eyes, though she couldn't quite place it. Taking the garland offered to her, she approached him. As Sahadev searched her eyes, he inclined his head to receive the garland, and her gaze momentarily flickered towards him. A faint blush colored her face.



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Nakul stepped forward next, his words brief yet impactful. "The fourth," he stated, causing Kalyani to gulp nervously as she blinked.

Dhristadyumna nodded in acknowledgement, approaching Nakul with a blindfold in hand. Carefully, he covered Nakul's eyes, ensuring his sight was obscured. Then, he handed Nakul a beautiful sword, completing the preparations.

With closed eyes, Nakul relied on his heightened senses to detect even the slightest sound. His body relaxed, yet his awareness remained sharp. Five men surrounded Nakul, their presence palpable. A mischievous smirk formed beneath the cloth that concealed his face.

Simultaneously, the five attackers lunged at him, their weapons aimed to strike. Nakul swiftly raised his sword to parry their assault, utilizing his strength to overpower them. In an impressive display, all five adversaries were sent flying in different directions. Nakul's muscles flexed as he deflected an attack from the side, incapacitating his opponent with a forceful blow to the stomach. Without hesitation, he swiftly turned, evading an attack from behind and retaliating with a powerful elbow strike that left his assailant writhing in pain.

With a sweeping arc of his sword, Nakul created a disturbance among his opponents, momentarily halting their onslaught. Another attacker approached from the side, only to have Nakul's slim fingers intercept his wrist, causing him to drop his weapon. Simultaneously, Nakul skillfully deflected a second attack using his sword while delivering a swift kick to his assailant's face.

In the end, all five warriors lay unconscious on the ground, while Nakul stood as the victorious figure, not even slightly out of breath and without a single cut adorning his body.

A resounding conch shell blew, signaling Nakul's triumph within the small arena.

Dhristadyumna shook off his awe and approached Nakul to remove the blindfold, but he was met with the tip of Nakul's sword pressed against his neck.

"I am Yuvraja Dhristadyumna, a prince," he stated softly.

"Apologies," came the swift reply, and the sword descended.

Dhristadyumna smiled, and with cautious hands, he untied the blindfold. Nakul's gaze fell upon the sight of five unconscious warriors. Turning around, he noticed the princess slowly descending towards them.

"Princess Kalyani?" called Drupad, his voice filled with tenderness.

Kalyani nodded as she reached her father's side. Drupad placed his hand on her head, offering his blessing.

Approaching Nakul with a garland in her hands, Kalyani kept her eyes averted. Nakul obediently lowered his head, allowing her to adorn him as the victorious champion. His concealed smile conveyed satisfaction as he searched her eyes for any hint of hesitancy, but he found only a soft twinkle that mirrored her willingness.

Her subtle nod affirmed her consent, and Nakul's smile broadened beneath the cloth that covered his face.

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



"The third," stated Arjun confidently.

Draupadi's eyes widened, her hands growing clammy with sweat. Devanshi reached out and gently squeezed her hands, offering reassurance and a small smile. Vandita nodded in agreement, her eyes conveying support. Kalyani and Vritika stood beside their chosen husbands in the hall, their smiles signaling their encouragement as well.

Dhristadyumna nodded in acknowledgement and gestured towards the bow that was placed before them. Arjun stepped forward with a relaxed gait, his fingers curling around the Kindhura bow as he effortlessly lifted it, eliciting gasps from the audience.

He knelt down on one knee, his gaze sharp like that of a hawk. His eyes followed the fish's movement with unwavering focus, fixating on its eye. Arjun smiled as he pulled the bowstring, gradually building up the tension to its peak before finally releasing the arrow.

The room fell into silence as everyone watched with bated breath. Then, with precision, the arrow found its mark, striking the eye of the fish right in the center.

A resounding conch shell was blown, declaring Arjun as the victor.

Dhristadyumna sighed, yet another triumph for their family. Draupadi let out a relieved breath as she made her way down from the platform.

"Putri Draupadi?" Drupad asked, repeating the question he had posed to his other daughters. The hidden question lingered: Were they willing or not?

Draupadi nodded with certainty. Drupad smiled, his eyes glistening with tears. His three daughters were now wedded.

As she descended, Draupadi carried a garland in her hands. Her gaze fixed upon the man standing before her, his eyes piercing and sharp. Like her sisters, she couldn't see his face; it was concealed by a cloth.

Her hands reached up to garland him, and he lowered his head. Their intense gazes locked momentarily, before Draupadi shyly averted her eyes. A pink blush colored her cheeks, and her lips formed a subtle, almost imperceptible pout, as if she had lost a silent staring competition.

Behind the cloth, Arjun couldn't help but smirk.

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



"Second," Bhima stated plainly and simply, without any fanfare.

On the dais, only Devanshi and Vandita remained. Shikandini now sat with her sisters, while Vandita's eyes remained fixed on the man before her, her heart racing.

Dhristadyumna nodded, indicating the enormous mace crafted from iron but adorned with gold. Bhima furrowed his brow momentarily before giving a nod of understanding. He swiftly moved forward, his large frame surprisingly agile. With one hand, he curled his fingers around the mace, effortlessly hoisting it onto his shoulder.

Dhristadyumna's eyes widened in astonishment, while Duryodhan seethed with anger. Bhima glanced curiously at the crown prince, who visibly swallowed before signaling for the wrestlers to step forward.

Bhima turned his attention towards the ten wrestlers, each wielding a similar mace. The fight commenced as the wrestlers approached him one by one. A single strike from Bhima's mace was all it took to send each opponent flying, rendered unconscious. The mace was exceptionally heavy and required unparalleled strength to wield, making the fight itself a mere formality once the mace had been lifted, as Bhima amply demonstrated.

Amidst the sound of conch shells and the resounding beat of drums, Bhima emerged as the victorious contender.

Vandita's throat felt dry as she hastily swallowed, gathering her courage to stand up.

"Putri Vandita?" Drupad inquired, and a smile graced Vandita's face. He reciprocated the smile, offering a soft blessing.

Bhima watched intently as she approached him, a garland in her hand.

Her gaze averted, her cheeks tinted with a gentle blush. Behind the cloth covering his face, Bhima couldn't help but smile as she placed the garland around his neck.

His eyes sought hers, and she blinked back, conveying her assurance in that silent exchange

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



Yuddhisthir stepped forward, his gaze scanning the hall filled with dissatisfied and vengeful looks from the kings and princes. He couldn't help but ponder on the state of society, where a woman was viewed as a mere commodity.

Dhristadyumna had a strong intuition that Yuddhisthir would emerge victorious. He readied his bow, while Devanshi appeared somewhat frightened and nervous in her solitude. Shikandini placed a steady hand on her back, providing comfort and reassurance.

Blindfolded and armed with a spear, Yuddhisthir heightened his senses, feeling the weight of the weapon in his grasp. It was finely crafted and sharpened, eliciting a smile from him beneath the cloth.

As the barrage of arrows began, he deftly maneuvered the spear, creating disturbances in the air with his swift movements. It effortlessly deflected each arrow, preventing any harm from befalling him. His hands displayed a graceful agility, forming a shield within seconds, while the spear swiftly countered every attack.

Every arrow was repelled, accompanied by the sound of a conch shell. Yuddhisthir stood unscathed, spear at his side, and Dhristadyumna begrudgingly sighed at the victory. Yuddhisthir removed his blindfold, revealing his deep eyes filled with tenderness as he locked gazes with Devanshi. The sight made her blush, and she offered a shy smile.



"I declare the Swayamvar closed," proclaimed Drupad, his voice cutting through the once-silent hall like a whip.

Immediately, the hall erupted with a mixture of excitement and anger. None of the kings were pleased that the forest dwellers had emerged as the winners. They viewed the Swayamvar as a competition, and to add insult to injury, the vanvasis hadn't even revealed their true identities.

"I can't believe you allowed your daughter to be wed to mere vanvasis, whose identities you didn't even know!" shouted one of the kings. Each of them wore a vengeful expression, their smirks oozing with cruelty.

Drupad fidgeted under their harsh words, seeking solace in a glance toward Krishna, who smiled reassuringly at him.

"Well, what did you expect? Who knows who they really are? I pity the princesses... Oh, wait, they won't even remain princesses, will they?" taunted Duryodhan, erupting into a cruel laugh. The kings and princes joined in, while the brothers frowned, and the girls seethed with anger. Devanshi and Draupadi were about to retaliate when Yuddhisthir's hand held them back.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Devanshi asked indignantly, offended by the insult from her father and newly chosen husband.

Yuddhisthir's eyes sparkled as he gestured toward the door. The brothers still had their faces covered, so she couldn't see his smile.

Curiosity piqued, they all turned their attention to the doorway, where a shadowy figure stood.

"You are disgracing Hastinapur with such behavior, Duryodhan! Mind your words," a chilling voice resonated through the hall.

All eyes shifted toward the door, the source of the commanding voice. They beheld a tall, well-built man, dressed similarly to the five brothers, his face concealed but his eyes sharp and piercing—calm before the storm. His divinity couldn't be concealed beneath his modest attire.

"Who are you? How dare you speak to the Crown Prince of Hastinapur in such a manner? I can have you killed, do you understand that?" Duryodhan fumed with rage.

The room held its breath as the brothers stepped forward, weapons at the ready, provoked by the insult. However, a gesture from the stranger halted them in their tracks.

"You want to know my identity?" the man asked. Duryodhan nodded, his face reddened with anger.

"Very well," the stranger replied.

With slender fingers, he unveiled his face, signaling the five brothers to do the same. As his features were revealed, Duryodhan let out a panicked gasp, his face turning pale. His gaze shifted toward the other five brothers, and his complexion grew even more ashen.

"Jyesht bhratashree!" he exclaimed.

Krishna smiled, observing the shock etched on everyone's faces.