Words once spoken can never be taken back, be careful of what you speak.





After Duryodhan's exclamation, silence filled the air.

King Drupad was overjoyed to see Karna, his smile shining brightly. He then turned to look at the other five individuals, who were standing beside each of his daughters. Yuddhisthir was with Devanshi, Bhima with Vandita, Arjun with Draupadi, Nakul with Kalyani, and Sahadev with Vritika.

Krishna smiled mischievously, yet his eyes sparkled with happiness and knowledge. Balrama, on the other hand, wore a small smile, aware of his brother's actions and Leelas.

Devanshi, Vandita, Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika looked at each other, feeling a bit confused. They couldn't figure out who the male stranger was or who their chosen husbands were. Seeking clarity, they turned towards Shikandini, who reassured them with a happy smile, calming their nerves. Deciding to wait for more information, they remained patient.

Duryodhan was sweating and panicking. He believed they were supposed to be dead, so their unexpected presence left him hoping it was all just a dream. Without Shakuni Mama to save him, he cursed the fact that his maternal uncle couldn't come along due to an urgent matter in Gandhar. Now, with them alive, his throne was at risk of being snatched away. He couldn't allow that to happen. But he felt lost about how to deal with this situation.

"So, Duryodhan, what were you saying?" asked Karna, raising his eyebrow.

"Me? N-nothing, Jyesht!" stuttered Duryodhan, his eyes showing a hint of confusion.

Karna found this situation amusing, something he hadn't expected. He glanced at his brothers. Yuddhisthir had a small smile, Bhima, Nakul, and Sahadev were grinning, while Arjun had a smirk. It seemed they were all enjoying themselves too.

With all eyes on him, Karna walked confidently towards King Drupad. The radiance of Karna and his brothers was so evident that anyone could see it. They were truly divine and exceptionally good-looking, unmatched by most men.

"Pranipat, Maharaja Drupad!" greeted Karna, joining his hands in respect.

"Pranipat, Yuvraja Karna," replied Drupad, beaming with a bright smile.

Karna fought back a bright smile of his own. Drupad's address of him as Yuvraja was a subtle insult directed at Duryodhan, who currently held that position. Duryodhan seemed to be fuming, as observed by Karna.

"Maharaja, I hope you are not disappointed with my brothers as your sons-in-law?" asked Karna, amusement shining in his eyes.

"No, no, Yuvraja!! I am very pleased and happy. My daughters are most fortunate to have such men as their partners," said Drupad, his smile still radiant.

"I am glad. I wish to request your permission to take your daughters to meet Maa before their marriage to my brothers," asked Karna.

"Yuvraja, please don't embarrass us! They are your Kulvadus.. I can never say no!" said Drupad, scandalized at the mere thought of refusing.

"Dhanyavad, Maharaja. Please ask them to meet us in the temple near the forest. Agiya dijiye!" said Karna with a hint of a smile. He glanced at Krishna and Balrama, giving them a soft smile, which they wholeheartedly returned.

Shikandini, along with various daasis and sakhis of the girls, came forward to escort the princesses away for freshening up.

When the princesses left, Karna gestured to his brothers, and they all left together. The hall erupted into whispers and excited chatter, leaving Maharaja Drupad and the Dwarka duo to deal with the aftermath.

------x-------



All six brothers stood together on the temple premises, patiently waiting for the princesses to arrive. The five younger brothers still had the varmala (garland used in wedding rituals) in their hands.

"Jyesht!" called Arjun, looking at his eldest brother, who seemed quite amused.

"Yes, anuj?" replied Karna, teasingly smirking.

Arjun hesitated before asking softly, "Um... Maa, I mean, she won't be upset, right?" The other four brothers also turned to Karna, their faces showing a slight trace of worry.

Karna's teasing smirk softened into a gentle smile as he understood their concern. "No, I don't think so. I believe she would be happy and relieved. After all, she didn't have to go through the hard work of searching for a perfect bride for her sons," Karna replied, teasing them a bit. The five blushed at his remark. After a moment of silence, they heard the sound of horses galloping.

They watched as five palanquins and a chariot, accompanied by a group of soldiers, entered the edge of the forest where the oldest temple of Panchal was situated.

Slowly, Shikandini, along with the five princesses, emerged from their respective chariots and palanquins. Shikandini approached the eldest of the brothers.

"Pranipat, Yuvraja!" she greeted.

"Pranipat, Rajkumari Shikandini! I hope you didn't face any problems coming in such a short amount of time. I apologize for the haste," Karna replied with joined hands.

"No, Yuvraja. I will entrust my sisters' responsibilities to you. I'll remain here until they come back," Shikandini said with joined hands.

"Of course. You don't need to worry," Karna reassured her with a small smile. Shikandini smiled at her sisters before descending the temple stairs, leaving them with their soon-to-be family.

The sisters felt a bit unsure and fidgeted, not knowing what to say or if they should say anything at all.

Karna smiled, observing his brothers sneak glances at their prospective wives. "Rajkumario, please answer a question. Are you aware of their actual identities or my own?" he asked softly, with a gentle smile, wanting to ensure the girls' comfort.

"Where is Advika when you need her?" thought Karna as he waited for their response. Devanshi shook her head in confusion, and her sisters mirrored her expression. Karna smiled softly before providing an answer.

"I am Karna, the eldest son of Rajmata Kunti and the late Maharaja Pandu of Hastinapur. These are my younger brothers: Yuddhisthira, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva," said Karna, pointing towards each of them. The mentioned brothers smiled as they were introduced.

"Everything will be explained later on...but for now, we must hurry," Karna added, gesturing towards his brothers, who nodded in agreement. He turned to walk down the stairs.

Together, all the brothers and their prospective brides descended the temple stairs and made their way towards the forest, where they were temporarily staying.

------x-------



Advika's POV:-

I have been hyperventilating since morning. I can't concentrate on anything. Today is the day. I refuse to let a girl or girls be distributed like food. Seriously, Pitashree, what were you thinking when you gave such a boon? I'm glad, though, that Kanha reminded me! Otherwise, there would be a disaster.

So, I sent Maa inside the hut and told her to prepare for the puja, while I sat outside with a huge basket of flowers, creating a garland. I looked towards the gate, wondering where they were. How long does it take to win someone's hand? Uff! I hate waiting when something like this is at stake. I heard footsteps from a distance. I stood up and went towards the gate, standing by the bamboo doors as my eyes searched for them. Where are they?

I sighed when I saw Arya approaching. "Where were you all? Do you know how much time has passed? And where are my devars? Didn't they come with you?"

I didn't even give him time to explain before bombarding him with questions. I am already worried, and their lateness adds to my anxiety. I looked around again but didn't find my dear brothers anywhere. Weird! If they got married, I wouldn't mind, obviously. So, did they not marry? Or are they still at the Swayamvar?

"Shant priye! We were a bit late for a reason," he said.

I blinked at him. "What reason?"

Yuvraja turned around, and I moved beside him to look. There, from the canopy of trees, came my brothers with garlands around their necks, and beside each of them was a beautiful woman.

Did I unknowingly create the world's first quintuplets? Oops! That was not my intention. At least, there will be no sharing of a woman like food. No wait, constant vigilance! There is still a chance of Maa uttering those curse words. I need to be careful here.

Yuddhisthir, Bhima, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadev came to stand in front of us along with their would-be-wives. Well, the princesses were beautiful and glowed with an inner shine. I smirked within my mind as they stood in front of me, maintaining an impassive face.

Let's make them squirm for a while... this will be fun.



------x-------

Author's POV:-

Karna watched as Advika's face became impassive, but her eyes glinted with mischievousness. He hid a smile, knowing she would be teasing them.

"Kya chaal raha hai, Arya?" asked Advika, turning to Karna, who maintained a straight face.

"Nothing much. They won the swayamvar of the Panchal princesses," replied Karna.

"Really? What happened to girls being troublesome and hard to understand?" teased Advika with a composed expression, though her eyes betrayed her laughter.

This caused all five brothers to blush red, while the five princesses stifled their laughter.

"Bhabhishree!!" they exclaimed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

"Acha acha...won't tease now. I am Advika. Aap logo ka parichay?" asked Advika, speaking softly to the princesses.

"I am Devanshi. They are Vandita, Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika!" introduced Devanshi with a nervous smile. The other princesses followed suit, giving small, nervous smiles and joining their hands in greeting.

Advika smiled warmly at the new would-be-brides. "Please wait here! I will bring Maa as well as the Aarti plate," she said, and then she went inside the hut.

------x-------

"Maa!!" Advika called out with a beaming smile as she approached Kunti.

Kunti turned around with a smile, pleased to see her daughter-in-law. "Putri? Have my sons arrived? If they have, tell them that whatever they have brought..." Kunti's words trailed off when Advika's hand gently covered her mouth, stopping her from speaking further.

Advika breathed a small sigh of relief. "Putri?" Kunti questioned again, curious about the interruption.

"Maa! They have not brought alms, but rather something else!" said Advika, her smile still radiant with happiness.

"What have they brought if not alms?" asked Kunti, now confused.

"I will show you! But promise me you won't say a word until you see!" Advika asked, her smile turning playfully childish. She understood the importance of this seemingly innocent promise.

Kunti smiled at her daughter's excitement. "Very well. I promise. Now, will you tell me?" she asked with a chuckle.

"Nope! I will show you," replied Advika, leading Kunti out of the hut by gently tugging her hand.

Once outside, Kunti looked towards the door and saw her five sons, each wearing a garland around their necks, and standing beside them were five beautiful princesses. Her eldest son, Karna, stood to the side, wearing a soft smile.

Karna extended his hand, and Kunti nervously placed her hand in his, allowing him to guide her towards the door. She was happy but also confused.

Advika smiled and went back inside to prepare the thaal (plate) for the aarti. When she returned, Kunti was still looking at her five sons and then glancing towards Karna, seemingly trying to make sense of the situation.

"Putra?" Kunti questioned.

"Maa, first do the aarti, and then I will explain," said Karna.

Kunti composed herself before taking the thaal from Advika, who smiled in encouragement. Kunti performed the aarti for all the couples one by one, and they all bent to take her blessings.

A soft smile lingered on Kunti's lips as she listened to the tale of their participation in the swayamvar and their victory in the tests.

Kunti prayed for all her children and then said, "Putrio, I am Kunti, your mother-in-law, but I will be your mother. Advika is your Bhabhishree, the wife of your eldest brother. Remember that in this household, the head of the family is your Jyesht (eldest brother). Therefore, you must always obey your Bhabhishree."

Advika smiled, acknowledging the instruction, before gesturing towards the hut. She invited the princesses inside, leaving the males to have their own conversation. Kunti also excused herself to complete her puja.

------x-------



Devanshi, Vandita, Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika looked around the small space within the hut. This was the first time they had seen such a place.

"Jiji, this place is so small. How can one even stay here?" asked Draupadi, turning to Devanshi but then realizing that another person was present and listening as well.

Devanshi grimaced at the question, and Vandita slapped her head, realizing the potential offense.

Kalyani and Vritika looked at each other, wondering if Advika would take offense. Advika, however, maintained a straight face, revealing none of her emotions.

"Shama kijiye, Devi!" mumbled Draupadi, looking down, feeling a bit foolish for asking such a question.

"Meri behen bholi hai, Devi. Usee shama kar dijiye. She won't say such things anymore," said Devanshi, trying to appease Advika, who stared at them with an intense gaze.

Advika observed the five sisters, contemplating whether she should let them be or continue the test for a few more minutes. As the eldest, it was her responsibility to ensure that all the Kulvadus of the clan, at least from this side, lived in peace and happiness. The inner palace always held a lot of politics, especially when it concerned royalty.

Draupadi gulped heavily, aware that Advika was Govind's twin sister. Advika's aura exuded the strength and confidence of a warrior. Draupadi knew she was not a docile woman. The way Advika carried herself showed sophistication and a warrior-like aura. Draupadi was in awe of her. She mustered up the courage to meet Advika's gaze and was met with a soft smile, making her blink in surprise.

"Call me Bhabhishree, not Devi. Devanshi, Behen, not only are you part of this family, but now I consider you all as my sisters-in-law. And Draupadi?" said Advika, her eyes twinkling.

"J-i Bhabh-i-sh-ree?" stuttered Draupadi, feeling a bit confused.

"Never stop asking questions, Draupadi. How will you find answers otherwise? And not all of us sleep inside, actually. That's why the space is less," explained Advika with a gentle smile, as she took a tray with coconut balls.

She handed one to each of the sisters. "Maa made these! Taste them. As you have entered the family, you should have something sweet to celebrate your marriage," she said, taking one herself.

The girls looked at each other before biting into the ladoos. "Atyant swadisht hai, Bhabhishree!" said Vritika with a bright smile.

"Maa ke banaye har byanjan swadisht hote hai!" replied Advika softly.

After a moment of silence, due to finishing the ladoos, the silence was broken.

"Why does he sleep outside in the angan?" asked Vandita, but then quickly realized what she had said, and her cheeks turned red.

Advika smiled teasingly before replying, "I believe by 'he,' you meant Bhima?" said Advika, which made Devanshi, Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika giggle. Vandita blushed even more.

"Bhima finds the stars and the night sky beautiful. He says it is peaceful to sleep under them," replied Advika, smiling softly, which elicited a gentle smile from Vandita.

"Bhabhishree!" came a voice from outside the gate of the hut.

All of them turned to find Bhima standing at the periphery, causing Vandita to blush again under the teasing looks from Advika and the girls.

"Come inside, Bhima!" called Advika softly.

"Uh, Bhabhishree...Jyesht was asking if you would come outside along with...and I smelled coconut?" asked Bhima, a slightly embarrassed look on his face.

Advika raised an eyebrow. "Along with...? Puri baat to boliye devarji!" said Advika with a mischievous smile, her resemblance to Krishna evident.

"Bhabhishree, aap bhi!" said Bhima, blushing. Advika let out a musical and tingly laughter.

The sisters were amazed by the ease with which they spoke with each other. Vandita had a soft smile on her face.

Advika got up, and the sisters followed suit. She took the bowl with coconut ladoos and said, "Chalo!"

Everyone came outside and found all the brothers seated together. Advika distributed the coconut balls and gave the rest to Bhima, earning her a beaming smile. The sisters stood nearby and observed the family dynamics. They had never seen such a beautiful relationship among various people.

"By the way, I absolutely forgot to introduce you five to some very special people in our lives," said Advika, her eyes twinkling with familiarity.

Karna looked at her, wondering who she was referring to, while their would-be-grooms were quite puzzled.

"I forgot to mention that your would-be-husbands are already married," continued Advika.

"Kya!!!" came the immediate response from the brothers, and Karna raised an eyebrow.

Yuddhisthir was horrified, and he turned to Devanshi, who appeared sad.

Bhima was wide-eyed, wondering where another wife came from. Vandita's eyes welled up with tears, though she held them back.

Arjun blinked in confusion, and Draupadi felt a heaviness in her heart, avoiding looking at Arjun.

Nakul and Sahadev turned to each other with horrified expressions, unsure of what was happening. Kalyani and Vritika swallowed the bitter pill, feeling a bit down.

"They are married to... their first love, which happens to be pointy things. I meant weapons," said Advika, causing Karna to chuckle and the brothers to sigh in relief. The sisters also smiled in relief; they had been frightened.

"Putro!" called a voice from outside the gate.

They all turned to see a richly dressed man. The sisters were confused, wondering who he was.

"Kakashree Vidur!" said Karna, as he and Advika bent to take his blessings.

"Ayushman bhava putra! Sada Suhagan raho putri!" blessed Vidur, happy to see them after a year.

The brothers came forward to take blessings, but Vidur stopped them. "Vivaah hone jaa raha hai, putro, apni hone wali ardhangini ke sang ashirvad lete hai!" said Vidur with a soft smile.

Both the would-be brides and grooms blushed red. "Beheno! Jao..." urged Advika softly with a smile.

All five pairs took blessings, and Vidur blessed them with a "Kalyan ho!"

After a round of explanations about their time in the forest and the introduction of the new brides, Vidur spoke about the reason for his visit.

"Tatshree sent me to take all of you back after the wedding. I have been sent with all preparations. Where is Bhabhishree Kunti?"

"She is still finishing her puja, Kakashree! Please wait a moment; I will bring her!" said Advika before leaving with a smile.

------x-------

After Vidur spoke with Kunti, he informed them that tents had been set up, and their royal clothes were all kept there. He left to finish the preparations.

Karna and Arjun returned the princesses to where Shikandini was waiting for them. She informed them that the Rajpurohitji had said that the wedding day would be the day after tomorrow. Karna simply nodded and smiled, informing her about the arrival of their Kakashree Vidur and that any more interactions would be done where they were staying, that is, the royal tents.

The next day was a busy one as Advika and Kunti were busy with rituals. Haldi and Shagun were completed. Krishna and Balrama had decided to join both sides during the wedding festivities.

When questioned about this, Krishna mischievously said, "Dau, try to understand. Someone needs to play the postman between the brides and grooms. How will they send love letters otherwise?" This caused a round of laughter and bright red faces.

Karna and Krishna teamed up to tease the brothers, and they all had a jolly time. While they spent time with each other, Kunti reminisced about the first wedding in their family. "Seeing all this, I am reminded of your wedding, my dear! I am very fortunate to have such daughters-in-law. All of you are perfect for my sons."

Advika simply smiled in response.

The next day was the wedding, and everyone was busy finishing all the tasks as soon as possible. The grooms were asked to rest and not work.

On the other hand, in the palace of Panchal, everything was in disarray. Drupad, along with Dhristadyumna and Shikandini, had a lot of work to do. The news of the Mahamantri of Hastinapur, who was also the groom's uncle, along with the Rajmata of Hastinapur being present, had left everyone in a state of panic.

The daas and daasis were overworked, and every member of the palace was contributing. "Pitashree, thora vishram kar lijiye!" requested Shikandini.

"Putri, don't worry about me. I will rest later. This marriage should be perfect. I do not want a single complaint from the groom's side," said Drupad, looking tired.

Shikandini gave up on persuading her father to rest and simply started finishing the work soon. Haldi was completed when the haldi from the groom's place arrived, and the sandhya kal was filled with merriment. Finally, all the work was done by night, and everyone retired to bed.

------x-------

In Panchal Palace [Wedding time]:

Devanshi, Vandita, Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika sat together when Shikandini entered. She smiled as she sat with them. "Come..the priest has called for you!" said Shikandini, gesturing for them to stand up.

"Jiji, are we going to make any mistakes? Will we be able to handle all the responsibilities?" asked Kalyani in a subdued voice.

"Beheno, I know my sisters can face any challenges. You are all going to the same family, being sisters. Very few people can say that they have such luck. And on top of that, you have Devi Advika there as well. Why are you worried? She will take care of you! Alright? Now we should go, come with me.." said Shikandini with a soft smile.

Draupadi clutched her fingers tight. It was true...what her jiji said. Bhabhishree Advika was so nice and gentle. She was a perfect elder sister and matriarch. She knew she would be forgiven if there were any troubles, but still...she wanted to create her own world and settle into the family well.

The sisters came down, making the brothers' breath hitch, while Karna, Advika, Krishna, and Balrama smiled. Kunti beamed with tears, knowing that after this all her sons would be married, while Vidur looked at the new Kulvadus gently. Drupad and Dhristadyumna had tears in their eyes.

The sisters were made to sit with each other. Slowly, all the rituals of the wedding were completed. From the Kanyadan to Saptapadi to Sindoor daan and Chudamani dharan, all were done after four hours.



------x-------





Advika's POV:-

I am happy and content. Today was my brother-in-law's wedding, a joyous occasion for all of us.

"We will be leaving today itself. Duryodhan has not joined the wedding, and Kakashree Vidur suspects that he is planning something. So do I, for that matter," Karna said.

"Remembering our own day?" he asked, and I softly smiled. "Yes, I am," I replied.

I looked up at him to see him smiling down at me, his eyes filled with love and tender care. My lips involuntarily mirrored his action.

"Ye dekho dau...the wedding is happening there, while our lovebirds are busy here," said a mischievous voice from behind me.

I blushed, while Karna simply rolled his eyes. This Kanha!! He does not let a single opportunity to tease me go without utilizing it to its full effect.

"Haa, dikh raha hai Kanha! Waise...Mayuri...hum mamashree kab banne wale hai?" asked Dau.

I blushed bright red, while I could hear chuckles from both Dau and Kanha. I looked at him only to see him smirking at me. I pouted. These men!!!

I ignored them for the rest of the ceremony.

Soon, it was time for Vidaai. My heart ached as my newly gained little sisters cried. I was missing Dwarka all of a sudden. I sighed. If only the entire family was here.

"Your wish will be fulfilled soon!" said a voice. I looked up to find Karna smiling at me. I gave a soft smile.

"Okay. By the way, is there a reason to leave so soon?"

"Yes. Kakashree believes that Duryodhan may try to have the coronation of the King if we don't hurry back."

I nodded thoughtfully. It sure lined up with Duryodhan's personality.

"Do they know?" I gestured towards the newly married males.

Karna shook his head negatively. Good, no need to make them worry on the day of their marriage.

I blinked as Maharaja Drupad came in front of us, more specifically in front of maa, Karna, and me. I was standing between maa and Karna.

"Rajmata, please forgive my daughters if they make a mistake," he said.

"No Maharaja. They are my daughters too. They will be forgiven no matter what," Maa said, with joined hands and a smile.

Maharaja Drupad smiled with joined hands. He, along with Rajkumari Shikandini and Yuvraja Dhristadyumna, helped the girls to sit in their respective palanquins.

I sat with Yuvraja, while Maa sat with Kanha in their chariots. Bhima and Dau were in their chariots. Yuddhisthir, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadev rode their horses. Kakashree Vidur had gone ahead on his horse.

The journey started. We all slowly approached the border of the Panchal-Kuru kingdom.

My eyes closed as I laid my head on his shoulder. A storm was coming, and I might as well rest until then.