Create a win-win situation for others, without letting them realize they got the short end of the stick.





As night descended and the moon's gentle light spread, a call to stop echoed from the front. Vandita breathed a sigh of relief from within the palanquin, as she disliked sitting in one position for an extended period. She eagerly awaited the setting up of the tents.

Devanshi also welcomed the halt for the night, her thoughts drifting to the well-being of everyone, particularly her sisters. Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika were not the type to sit still; they were restless. Draupadi, despite her desire to disembark immediately, recognized her newfound responsibilities as a married woman and decided to wait patiently within the palanquin. However, she yearned for some fresh air.

Kalyani struggled to resist the urge to leave the palanquin promptly. She disliked palanquins due to their enclosed spaces, which made her feel suffocated. She hoped someone would soon come to inform her whether it was permissible to step outside.

Vritika's mood soured as the heavy clothes and jewelry pricked her. She longed to change and breathe some fresh air, but that opportunity seemed distant. Impatiently, she waited, anticipating the signal that would allow her to step out.

Karna alighted from his chariot and extended his hand to Advika, who accepted it and descended. The brothers from their respective chariots and horses followed suit, gathering around their eldest brother. Vidur also approached the group. Meanwhile, Kunti remained on the chariot, encircled by her guards.

"Son, we should establish our camp here. We have entered the Kuru Kingdom. By tomorrow afternoon, if we use the chariots, we'll reach the palace by noon," Vidur suggested.

"Yes, Kakashree. Please begin the arrangements. We'll join you shortly," Karna replied with a gentle smile. Vidur returned the smile and departed to oversee the preparations.

"I'll go check on the girls and Mother in the meantime," Advika announced after Vidur's departure. She left in the direction of the palanquins with Karna's nod of approval.

The brothers exchanged glances, and with Karna's signal, they dispersed to attend to their respective duties. Arjun and Bhima set off to secure the perimeter, while Yuddhisthir and Karna joined Vidur to expedite the preparations. Nakul and Sahadev departed to tend to the horses, ensuring they were fed and watered.

Soldiers encircled the entire area for protection, and the flag of the Kuru Kingdom was raised.

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



"Mother, do you need anything?" Advika inquired as she approached the chariot.

"No, my child, I am fine. The setup shouldn't take too long. Why don't you go and check on the new brides?" Kunti replied with a smile, touched by her eldest daughter-in-law's considerate nature.

"Yes, mother, I'll visit them once I'm done here," Advika responded and handed her a few sweets arranged on a banyan leaf along with a small glass of water. Behind her, the maids carried similar plates with sweets and water.

"Thank you, my dear. But why did you go through all this trouble? You should have rested," Kunti remarked, her exasperation evident as she addressed her daughter-in-law.

Advika simply smiled and said, "Mother, it's my duty. Please finish eating and drink the water. I've noticed that your water intake has decreased in the past few days."

Kunti smiled and nodded in acknowledgment as she began to eat and drink. Advika then made her way toward the palanquin.

"Thank you, O Lord! You have blessed me with such a thoughtful and amazing daughter-in-law. I have nothing to worry about now. She will be the one to keep the entire family together," Kunti whispered as she looked down at the plate containing her favorite sweets.

Meanwhile, Advika arrived at Devanshi's palanquin. Upon hearing the jingling of anklets, Devanshi peered out from behind the drapes of the palanquin.

"Bhabhishree?" Devanshi said softly.

"Yes, Devraniji?" Advika responded with a teasing smile, causing Devanshi to blush.

"Here, take these. While you wait, enjoy these," Advika said as she handed over a plate filled with sweets and a glass of water.

"Thank you, Bhabhishree," replied Devanshi with a soft smile. Advika returned the smile before moving on to the next palanquin.

Devanshi couldn't help but smile as she looked at the pedhes.

Advika pushed aside the drapes of Vandita's palanquin. "Vandita?" she called.

"Yes, Bhabhishree?" Vandita replied, wondering if the preparations were complete.

"Have these until the preparations are finished. They might help refresh you," Advika said as she offered a plate of sweets and a glass of water.

"Pedhes! Thank you, Bhabhishree," Vandita exclaimed with a bright smile.

Advika chuckled softly before approaching Draupadi's palanquin.

"Draupadi?" she called as she parted the drapes.

"Bhabhishree? Is the Shivir finished?" Draupadi inquired, her hope evident.

"No, dear. It will take some time. In the meantime, have these. They should make you feel better," Advika said as she handed over the sweets and water.

"Thank you, Bhabhishree!" Draupadi exclaimed, beaming with gratitude and eager to have something to eat. Advika returned her smile and proceeded toward Kalyani.

Kalyani peeked her head out before Advika could reach her.

"You seem rather impatient. Are you looking for someone?" Advika teased.

"Bhabhishree, no, it's not that. It's just... I'm feeling a bit suffocated," Kalyani murmured, her face turning red.

"I understand, dear. Have these while we wait for the Shivir to finish," Advika said with a gentle smile.

"Thank you, Bhabhishree!" Kalyani replied, eagerly accepting the glass of water and sweets. She took a sip of water immediately, relieved to have some relief from the enclosed space.

Advika proceeded toward the last palanquin.

"Vritika?" Advika called out softly.

"Bhabhishree, can I please come out?" Vritika pleaded with a soft and anxious voice.

"What's wrong, Behena? Are you alright?" Advika asked with a concerned furrow in her brow.

"No, Bhabhishree. These clothes are so heavy, and the jewels are pricking me," Vritika replied, her brow glistening with sweat.

"I understand, my dear. Just give me a moment," Advika said soothingly.

Advika carefully began to unfasten the heavy jewelry around Vritika's neck, and Vritika let out a relieved sigh.

"Feeling better?" Advika asked gently.

"Yes, Bhabhishree. But, Mata..." Vritika hesitated.

"Don't worry, she won't notice. Here, have these. It should help you feel better until the tents are set up," Advika said with a soft smile as she offered Vritika some sweets.

"Thank you, Bhabhishree," Vritika expressed her gratitude.

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

Yuddhisthir's eyes twinkled when he spotted his bhabhishree approaching.

"Bhabhishree, is everything all right?" he inquired, glancing toward the first palanquin.

"Of course, Yuddhisthir. Do you need information about someone?" Advika responded with a teasing smile.

"No, I mean, you came from the direction of the palanquins..." Yuddhisthir trailed off, causing Advika to chuckle.

"Don't worry, she is alright, just a bit tired perhaps," Advika reassured him with a soft smile.

Yuddhisthir blushed but said, "You are there, bhabhishree. I have nothing to worry about. It's just... they just left their home and..."

"I understand, Yuddhisthir. I will speak with them. But for that, we need to have the Shivir ready. Is it ready?" Advika asked, smiling.

"Almost," a voice from behind Yuddhisthir replied. Both turned to see Karna standing there.

"Most of the tents are ready, love. You can get the females inside. The palanquins must be suffocating them," Karna informed Advika as he approached.

"That's a relief, Arya. I will get Mother," Advika said with a sigh.

"No need, Priye. I will fetch Mother, you settle our new sisters," Karna suggested, smiling slightly.

Advika gave a soft smile before heading toward the palanquins, while Karna made his way to the chariot where Kunti was sitting.

"I hope we all have a similar relationship filled with love and care like them," Yuddhisthir whispered as he observed his elder brother and bhabhishree understanding each other with just a glance.

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Advika requested all of them to exit the palanquins, with the assistance of the daasis.

"Come on, the Shivir is ready!" Advika declared with a warm smile.

The girls nodded and walked alongside her. Kunti called out to them as she arrived with Karna.

"Putrio!" Kunti greeted, and Advika responded with a smile. The sisters exchanged glances, unsure of how to behave.

"Settle yourselves. I'll prepare the food today," Kunti announced, caressing Advika's hair and offering a smile to her new daughters-in-law.

"Absolutely not, Mother. You're still tired. I'll take care of it," Advika protested immediately.

"But, my dear..." Before Kunti could finish her sentence, Bhima chimed in.

"How about I do the cooking today?" Bhima suggested, a relaxed smile on his lips.

Kunti looked exasperated, and Advika's eyes held a mischievous glint. Vandita, on the other hand, appeared shocked at the idea that her newlywed husband knew how to cook.

"Does Brother Bhima know how to cook?" Kalyani whispered, awed. Her whispered remark, however, was clearly audible to everyone. Advika's eyes sparkled with opportunity, while Bhima blushed in response to the wonder in his younger sister-in-law's voice.

Kunti and Karna responded with warm smiles. "Yes, Kalyani, he actually cooks quite well, one of the best, if I may boast. But, Mother, I'm curious, why the sudden interest in cooking tonight?" Advika asked, her lips curled into a mischievous smile. Karna struggled to suppress his laughter, while Bhima's face turned even redder. Kalyani and Vritika couldn't help but giggle at the scene, while Devanshi and Draupadi attempted to stifle their laughter. Vandita, on the other hand, felt like she was about to be teased.

"Putri, I believe my Vrikodara wishes to win the heart of his lady, just as he won her hand. Isn't that right, son?" Kunti inquired with a teasing smile. Bhima had now turned as red as a tomato, and Vandita's face matched his hue.

"Mother!!" Bhima exclaimed.

Laughter erupted from everyone, catching the attention of the other brothers. Vidur simply smiled before heading off to inspect the rest of the preparations, leaving the youngsters to enjoy their moment. After all, all five of them were newlyweds.

"Look at this, brothers," Sahadev remarked as he, along with Arjun, Nakul, and Yuddhisthir, approached the group. "They're having a great time in our absence!"

Everyone was still chuckling, except for Karna, who wore a gentle smile.

"Let it go... First, we must find out why our dear brother Bhima has turned as red as his beloved tomatoes," Arjun said, throwing an arm around Bhima's shoulders. Bhima shot him an annoyed look, but it was rather ineffective given that his cheeks were still crimson.

"True, this is the first time in his life he's said something sensible, our brother Arjun... What's happened, elder brother?" Nakul chimed in, trying to sneak a peek at Bhima's face. Arjun gave a displeased look at his brother's comment, while Draupadi concealed her laughter. Kalyani and Vritika were thoroughly entertained, muffling their giggles.

Kunti, Advika, Devanshi, and Karna were thoroughly amused. Vandita felt quite bashful, while Yuddhisthir appeared somewhat amused and perplexed.

"Nothing much... Bhima will be cooking tonight, that's all," Karna replied, his eyes dancing with amusement.

"Oh, that's good. It's been a while since he cooked," Yuddhisthir remarked, his voice innocent but his eyes revealing his amusement. Meanwhile, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadev exchanged knowing glances, their faces lighting up.

"So, Brother Bhima, what will you be preparing for our dear bhabhishree?" Arjun asked slyly.

Nakul and Sahadev couldn't hold back their snickers at Arjun's question.

"Hmm... I was actually referring to Advika bhabhishree... by the way," Arjun clarified before quickly moving behind Karna and Yuddhisthir, who were standing side by side, as Bhima made a catching gesture towards him.

Karna chuckled softly, and Vandita turned even redder, feeling incredibly shy.

"Alright now, no more teasing Bhima," Karna said, his voice, though stern, betraying his amusement. "Bhima, head to the cooking tent. I'll join you in a moment. And you four, go freshen up."

Bhima nodded and shot an annoyed glare at Arjun, who swiftly hid behind both Karna and Yuddhisthir again, peering out for a moment.

Bhima left, followed by Nakul and Sahadev, who were still snickering. They all stole a glance at their newlywed brides, an action that did not go unnoticed by Advika.

"Why are you sneaking glances? Why not look openly? You're married now," Advika teased, causing all three to startle and quickly depart, with Kunti's laughter trailing after them. Vandita, Kalyani, and Vritika were all blushing.

Karna and Yuddhisthir chuckled, and Arjun finally emerged from behind his brothers.

"Jyesht, Bhrata, you two make the best shields from Brother Bhima," Arjun cheekily remarked before leaving as well. However, before he departed, he took a proper look at Draupadi. Advika sent him a raised eyebrow, causing him to blush bright red. Draupadi also had a blush on her cheeks.

"Mother, you should rest too. Yuddhisthir, please escort her," Karna suggested, his lips still wearing a gentle smile, and his eyes twinkling with warmth.

"You certainly teased them well, my daughter," Kunti remarked, laughter dancing in her eyes.

"Of course, Mother. They were no less during my time," Advika pouted playfully, causing Kunti to chuckle again. She affectionately patted Advika's cheek before turning to Karna.

"Karna, please ask Bhima to prepare something simple. We have a long day ahead. Shall we go?" Kunti turned to Yuddhisthir, who smiled and nodded. He also shared a smile with Devanshi before departing, leaving Advika to stifle a snicker and Kunti to wear a contented smile. Devanshi looked down with a smile on her face.

Karna simply shook his head, highly amused, as he left with a smile directed at Advika.

"That was fun! Come on, sisters, let's get you out of those heavy garments," chirped Advika, gesturing to the sisters, who all smiled, feeling blessed to have such a loving family.

After they had all finished eating, Advika made her way to the tent where the sisters were gathered. Kunti had gone to sleep, and the brothers were spending some quality time together. When Advika entered the tent and parted the drapes, she found them sitting there with somber expressions.

"Sisters!" Advika called out as she entered, causing all of them to stand up abruptly.

"Bhabhishree?" Vandita asked softly.

"Yes, I came to see how you five are settling in. Do you need anything, dears?" Advika inquired as she moved closer to them inside the tent.

"No, bhabhishree," Devanshi replied on behalf of all of them. Advika narrowed her eyes momentarily before offering a gentle smile.

"Are you missing Panchal?" Advika asked softly, and they all nodded with glum expressions. Advika smiled warmly.

"I cannot change your feelings of sadness into happiness, but I can help lighten them. Your father, Maharaja Drupad, wouldn't want his daughters to be unhappy. So whenever you think of Panchal, remember the happy memories, not the sad ones. Smile, because you are all starting a new life with a new family—a fresh start," Advika said, wiping away the tears from Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika's eyes, and then gently caressing the hair of both Vandita and Devanshi.

"Thank you, Bhabhishree," Draupadi said, her smile soft. All five of them hugged Advika, who smiled and embraced them back.

"Now, please sit down. I have something important to discuss," Advika said as she released herself from the hug and took the central seat.

Devanshi sat across from her, while Vritika and Draupadi sat on her left, and Kalyani and Vandita sat on her right.

"I assume you've heard the story from Arya, in the forest, before your weddings?" Advika asked, her voice taking on a serious tone. As they all nodded with serious expressions, she continued.

"When we reach Hastinapur tomorrow, I anticipate that we may encounter challenges from various directions. The royalty of Hastinapur is often entangled in a complex web of politics concerning the succession to the throne. You have all joined a family with countless enemies, both individually and collectively. There is a possibility that you may not be able to perform the post-marriage rituals in Hastinapur, though I believe that won't happen, especially with Badi Maa there."

There was a brief moment of silence before Draupadi broke it with a question.

"Who is Badi maa? And who else will we be meeting in Hastinapur, Bhabhishree?" she asked in a soft voice.

"Badi maa is Maharani Gandhari. Then there is Maharaja Dhritarashtra, who is our husband's elder uncle. The younger uncle is Kakashree Vidur, whom you've already met. Tatshree and Badi maa have 100 sons. Duryodhan is the eldest among them. He is younger than Arya and Yuddhisthir and the same age as Bhima. His most devoted younger brother is Dussashan, who is younger than Bhima, probably the same age as Arjun, and is the second eldest among the 100 sons. Then there is Gandhar raj Shakuni and Pitamaha Bhishma. Gandhar raj is the younger brother of Badi maa, while Pitamaha is the eldest in the family and the uncle of our father-in-law. There is also Yuyutsu, another son of Tatshree Dhritarashtra, born through a maid. He is quite different from his brothers and a kind-hearted soul," Advika explained.

"It's quite a large family," Vritika commented, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of joining such a vast and complex family.

"Yes, dear. Oh, I almost forgot about someone else. Duryodhana married Bhanumati a year ago; she's the princess of Kalinga. I haven't had the chance to meet her because of the incident with the Lakshagriha and our subsequent concealment," Advika added thoughtfully.

"Bhabhishree?" Vandita called out softly.

"Yes, dear?" Advika looked at her.

"Um... what kind of food does everyone like? Isn't there a ritual called Pehli Rasoi?" Vandita asked shyly.

Advika smiled as she observed the sisters sit up attentively.

"Yes, there is. Mostly, everyone likes everything. In our part of the family, Arya prefers sweets, especially Kheer. Yuddhisthir enjoys anything made with milk, from sweets to various milk-based dishes. Bhima loves anything that's food, though he has a particular fondness for ladoos. Arjun prefers something tangy and spicy. Nakul enjoys healthy food, anything that's not too oily or greasy, and he'll relish it. Sahadev is the simplest of the lot; give him Puri-bhaji, and he'll be content. Maa mostly has fruits and Puri; she loves Puri and Kheer," Advika explained, smiling at the thoughtful expressions on the sisters' faces as they absorbed the information.

"Bhabhishree, what do you like to have?" Kalyani inquired curiously.

"Anything made with love. But Makhaan is my favorite," Advika replied with a cheeky smile.

"Like Govind?" Devanshi asked.

"Yes, like Kanha. Anyway, we should go to sleep now. Tomorrow will be a tiring day. And sisters?" Advika continued.

All five sisters gazed at Advika with a serious expression. Her tone had become somber.

"Do not mix with Duryodhan, Dusshasan, and Gandhar raj. They are trouble," she warned. "I cannot explain now. You will understand when we reach."

All five nodded in understanding, and Advika smiled before leaving them to contemplate her words.

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In Hastinapur, the news of the Yuvraja's survival spread like wildfire, and the people rejoiced. They had initially felt their hopes shatter when they believed their prince was lost, but now, with his return, they began to hope once more.

Maharaja Dhritarashtra, however, had mixed emotions. On one hand, he was pleased that his brother's legacy lived on through his nephews. On the other hand, his son's rightful claim to the throne and his dream of seeing his own child as the King had been shattered. With his five nephews marrying the daughters of Panchal, thus making Drupad their ally, and having Dwarka as their ally through Advika's connection, he realized that his ambitions were in jeopardy. He decided to focus on his ambition rather than finding happiness in the well-being of his nephews. He was determined to do whatever it took to ensure his son's ascent to the throne, and he was not willing to let it pass into the hands of his nephews.

Gangaputra Devrath, also known as Bhishma, paced the floor of his chamber with a mixture of happiness and worry. When Vidur had delivered the news that his grandchildren, Kulavadus - Kunti and Advika, were alive, he had been overjoyed. Furthermore, the fact that the five brothers had married Drupad's daughters, solidifying the alliance between Kuru and Panchal, had been a cause for celebration. They also had the Yadavas as allies through Karna and Advika's marriage.

However, Bhishma's elation was now tinged with worry. Dhritarashtra had become unyielding in his desire to secure the throne for Duryodhana, while Bhishma was adamant that it should be given to Karna. Unfortunately, that seemed impossible. Bhishma had a nagging feeling that Hastinapur, his beloved kingdom, was on the brink of division, and the mere thought of it made him wince with concern.

"As it is, I am bound by my vows. I cannot go against the throne—in this case, Dhritarashtra. I cannot stop this either. At least some part of the Kuru Kingdom will be ruled by Dharma-following people. I should be content with what I get. Perhaps, one day..." Bhishma murmured to himself in his chamber, resigning himself to the complexities of the situation.

Meanwhile, Maharani Gandhari was filled with joy and excitement. She had instructed the palace staff to decorate the entire palace in celebration of the double happiness that had befallen them. First, her sister Kunti was alive, along with her children and daughter-in-law. Second, new Kulvadus had joined the clan. Gandhari couldn't contain her happiness, but she was not naive.

She was aware that her nephews were determined to claim their rightful place, which they deserved. However, she also knew her own son desired the throne. She felt torn between her love for her son, Duryodhana, and rational thinking, which indicated that the eldest should rightfully ascend to the throne. In the end, Gandhari decided to place her trust in Lord Mahadev and let events unfold as they were meant to.

Yuvrani Bhanumati, the wife of the current Yuvraja Duryodhan, was a bundle of excitement and nervousness. In the one year since her marriage, she had come to understand the intricate web of politics that permeated the walls of Hastinapur's palace. She was eagerly looking forward to meeting Choti maa Kunti, Bhabhishree Advika, and the new Kulavadus of the clan. Among these women, one was her another bhabhishree, another her own age, and three devranis, although all of them were of the same age. Advika bhabhishree was the eldest among the seven Kulvadus of the Kuru clan, and societal norms dictated that you address your sister-in-law according to their relationship. Bhanumati intended to do just that.

However, she couldn't shake her nervousness. She knew what awaited them. Her husband had been discontented since returning from Panchal without a bride, and it had been taxing for her. While it was common for Kshatriya males to have more than one wife, it didn't mean she agreed with the practice. In this day and age, females were taught to accept this as normal, but it was not so for her. The irony lay in the fact that the females whose swayamvar her husband had lost were now the wives of his cousins, which almost made her snicker at the situation.

Duryodhana was seething with anger, fury, and insecurity. There was no way he would relinquish the Yuvraja's mukut he now wore. Why should he? By rights, it was his as his father was the King. He adamantly refused to give it back and was confident that his father would support him. His father, Dhritarashtra, would not go against him, primarily because of his vow, and the royal teachers, Kulguru Kripacharya and Dronacharya, were employed under the King and unlikely to oppose him. Even if they suggested otherwise, he was sure his father wouldn't listen. But just in case, he needed to have a word with his maternal uncle, Shakuni.

Shakuni was seething with a cold anger of his own. A year ago, he had devised a plan so meticulous that he believed he had successfully killed them. However, to his shock and dismay, they had escaped and returned to the palace, all of them. And to add insult to injury, his nephew had failed in the simplest of tasks. He had instructed Duryodhana to marry one of Drupad's daughters to secure an alliance, but his nephew had managed to mess even that up. In contrast, five out of the six brothers had not only survived but also won the hands of all five daughters, solidifying the alliance with Maharaja Drupad. Additionally, they had secured the support of the Yadavas, particularly Balrama and Krishna, thanks to Rajkumari Advika. The daughter-in-laws of Rajmata Kunti were a breed apart from the rest of the females in Aryavart. Shakuni gritted his teeth as he watched all his carefully laid out plans for the future crumble into oblivion.

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The morning arrived with a radiant and joyful atmosphere. The flowers were in full bloom, and the melodious songs of birds filled the air. The seven chariots carrying the Princes sped forward at their maximum speed.

As they entered the central gate of Hastinapur, the capital city of the Kurus, the people lined the streets, showering them with flowers as the chariots passed by.

At the forefront of one of the chariots were Kunti and Vidur, adorned in their royal attire. Kunti exuded an air of wisdom and care, her hair flowing in straight waves. A white veil with a golden border covered her head, and she wore a white saree with matching gold borders. Her ornaments were made of gold with Rudraksha beads. Vidur donned his customary attire as the Mahamantri, but his turban was embellished with diamonds in a brooch, signifying his status as the half-brother of Dhritarashtra and Pandu. They exchanged a meaningful glance as they approached the palace.

In the second chariot, Karna and Advika sat side by side, both dressed in resplendent royal attire. Karna's Kundala, was prominently displayed, enhancing his already radiant countenance. When the sun's rays touched him, he seemed to emit a controlled radiance. His attire consisted of a yellow angavastra and a peach dhoti adorned with intricate gold and silver threadwork. His body was bedecked with magnificent jewels, and his chest piece bore the emblem of the Sun in the center. A brooch, connected by strings of pearls, added to his regal appearance, and his mukut (crown) framed his face beautifully.

Advika wore elegant red royal garments embellished with golden motifs. She adorned a two-piece necklace, one piece covering her throat and the other draping gracefully from her shoulders to her chest. Her headpiece was equally opulent, with her chudamani hidden beneath her golden veil. Her hands and feet sparkled with rings, anklets, and bangles. The couple held hands, although their connection was hidden from view due to the height of their chariot. Their beaming smiles instilled hope in the hearts of the citizens.

In the third chariot, Yuddhisthir and Devanshi were seated, both resplendent in their wedding attire. Yuddhisthir donned a combination of red and violet garments that complemented his divine radiance. His face emitted a noticeable glow, and his eyes sparkled with happiness, enhancing his handsome appearance. His angavastra, a red garment, featured exquisite gold embroidery, while his dhoti was a deep violet hue. He wore his customary jewelry, and a small brooch adorned his angavastra. The mukut (crown) he wore framed his face beautifully.

Devanshi, on the other hand, wore her wedding dress, a stunning blend of gold, red, and purple. Her hair was elegantly arranged in a bun, adorned with delicate flowers, and her veil featured intricate red, gold, and purple threadwork. Her body was adorned with dazzling jewelry, and her chudamani remained concealed within her bun, hidden by the veil. Her wide-eyed gaze took in the grandeur around her, and when Yuddhisthir smiled at her, she returned the gesture with shy delight.

Bhima and Vandita occupied the fourth chariot, their appearance equally splendid. Bhima sported jewelry similar to that of his brothers. He wore an angavastra in shades of red and orange, paired with a yellow dhoti. A brooch adorned his angavastra, highlighting his well-sculpted body and handsome face. His broad mukut, or crown, suited his facial features, and his eyes danced with delight at the love and admiration they received from the people of Hastinapur.

Vandita, dressed in her wedding attire, resembled her sisters in her choice of garments. Her hair was neatly plaited and adorned with exquisite jewels. Her body was adorned with jewelry, and her chudamani remained hidden. She wore a dress featuring shades of gold, pink, and red, embellished with beautifully crafted threadwork that harmonized with Bhima's attire. As they stole shy glances at each other, an unspoken connection and affection blossomed between them.

Arjun and Draupadi occupied the fifth chariot, their regal appearance commanding attention. Arjun donned a red angavastra complemented by intricate gold jewelry that accentuated his divine aura. His face radiated a celestial glow akin to the moon. The red angavastra featured exquisite golden and silver embellishments, and his brooch gleamed against the rich red fabric. He wore a pristine white dhoti that contrasted beautifully with his attire. A regal mukut framed his face, and his eyes exuded happiness at their return to familiar territory.

Draupadi, seated beside him, captivated onlookers with her resplendent presence. She wore a maroon saree adorned with a gold dupatta, her hair elegantly styled in a bun embellished with flowers and jewels. Her attire boasted intricate gold threadwork that shimmered against the maroon fabric. A soft gold-colored veil concealed her chudamani. Arjun gazed at Draupadi with a tender smile, while she observed the city with childlike wonder.

Following the chariot of Arjun and Draupadi came Nakul and Kalyani, their presence equally striking. Nakul donned a vibrant green dhoti paired with a red angavastra adorned with intricate gold and green threadwork. His body glistened with regal jewelry, and a brooch similar to his brothers' graced his angavastra. A mukut elegantly framed his handsome face, and his dazzling smile lit up his countenance as he acknowledged the diverse crowd of citizens.

Seated beside Nakul, Kalyani exuded her own brand of beauty. Her red saree, embellished with green and pink accents, draped gracefully around her. Much like her sisters, she wore an array of intricate jewels that added to her allure. Her veil, a blend of red with green and gold threadwork, added to her radiance. Like her sisters, her chudamani was discreetly placed. The two shared smiles and bashful glances, having caught each other looking at one another.

The final chariot carried Sahadev and Vritika, both radiating their unique beauty. Sahadev's attire featured a burnt orange dhoti paired with a red angavastra adorned with intricate blue threadwork. His body was adorned with an array of jewels, much like his brothers. A brooch on his angavastra gleamed, contrasting beautifully with the red and blue fabric. His face bore a small but contented smile, lending a glow of happiness to his countenance.

Seated beside him, Vritika was a vision of grace in her blue, pink, and red saree. Her red veil featured intricate gold work, and her saree incorporated all three vibrant colors. She adorned herself with exquisite jewelry, following in the footsteps of her sisters. Like them, her chudamani was discreetly placed. The two exchanged shy smiles from time to time.

As all thirteen of them descended from the chariots, they created a formidable and regal image, with Kunti at the center. Vidur had joined the welcoming party at the gate, and Maharani Gandhari embraced both Kunti and Advika tearfully. The newlyweds received a warm welcome, and all the customary rituals were observed.

However, a storm was brewing, and Maharaja Dhritarashtra couldn't wait another day to address the matter of the throne. He was eager to confront the issue as soon as possible.

Despite protests from the elders, including Mahamahim Bhishma, Mahamantri Vidur, and Maharani Gandhari, Dhritarashtra remained resolute. The day after their arrival, he called for a court session to address the matter of succession to the throne.

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The court was filled with a general consensus that Karna, the eldest, should be the heir to the throne, supported by his brothers. Duryodhan, on the other hand, was growing increasingly frustrated and angry with each comment in favor of Karna.

Bhishma, hoping to bring a swift resolution, addressed Dhritarashtra, "My lord, as you can see, everyone is in agreement that the eldest should rightfully ascend to the throne. There is no need to delay this decision any further."

However, Dhritarashtra remained steadfast in his stance, refusing to accept the unanimous opinion of the court.

"No!" Maharaja Dhritarashtra declared resolutely. "I have already made my decision. The purpose of soliciting your opinions was to identify those who are willing to stand with Pandu's sons. Any courtier lacking loyalty to their King would be a detriment to our kingdom. Therefore, they will be replaced, and the current courtiers can depart with my nephews," he stated with a sense of finality.

The court was stunned into silence by Maharaja Dhritarashtra's unexpected announcement. Karna maintained his composure, his face betraying no emotion. Duryodhan, on the other hand, wore a triumphant smirk. Yuddhisthir's face remained stoic, and Bhima's anger was barely contained thanks to Yuddhisthir's calming touch. Arjun discreetly signaled Nakul to stay calm, and Sahadev watched the proceedings with a critical gaze.

Kunti clenched her jaw in frustration, and Advika's narrowed eyes reflected deep contemplation. The six newlywed girls exchanged looks of displeasure among themselves, their newfound bond growing stronger in the face of adversity.

"What, then, is your decision?" Bhishma's tone was laced with a hint of mockery, a sentiment that Maharaja Dhritarashtra couldn't ignore. His face flushed red with embarrassment. Among the members of the royal family, only Bhishma had the privilege of speaking so candidly to the Maharaja, largely due to his seniority within the family. While Bhishma was bound by duty to obey the throne's commands, he remained free to express his thoughts. After all, he held the most senior position in the family, and Maharaja Dhritarashtra had not yet reached a point where he would disrespect his elder uncle.

"I am not showing favoritism, dear uncle. I propose a solution to this issue. I am willing to grant any part of the Kingdom that my brother's sons desire as their own, where they can rule under the sovereignty of Hastinapur. Therefore, I invite the eldest among them, Prince Karna, to select the territory he wishes to govern," Maharaja Dhritarashtra declared, his gaze shifting towards Karna, who, in turn, exchanged glances with Kunti and Bhishma.

Kunti offered a subtle nod of approval, while Bhishma reluctantly followed suit. None of them desired a division of the Kingdom, but it seemed there was no alternative. Duryodhan appeared displeased with the decision but ultimately acquiesced to the idea of sharing what he considered rightfully his own.

"I would like to confer with my family before making any decisions on this matter," Karna spoke with a soft yet resolute tone, his words ringing clearly in the hall.

Shakuni, who had maintained his silence until now, decided to chime in with a sly remark, "Why, Prince? Your brothers will surely stand with you, won't they? Or perhaps there are disagreements brewing among the siblings?"

Karna arched an eyebrow in response to Shakuni's insinuations. Yuddhisthir tightened his grip on Bhima's hand, while Arjun's hand also clamped down, prompting Nakul to clutch Sahadev's hand. Advika appeared amused by the ploy, while the five sisters exchanged knowing glances, understanding why Advika had cautioned them about staying away from Shakuni. Bhanumati wore a displeased expression, well aware of the kind of person her husband's uncle was.

"I believe I addressed the King of Hastinapur, not the King of Gandhar. As for my relationship with my brothers, it's hardly your concern, Gandhar Raj. Last I checked, we are not your nephews. I kindly request you to refrain from meddling in the affairs of Hastinapur's royalty. The topic of discussion pertains to the throne of Hastinapur, not Gandhar's throne. Unless you are willing to relinquish Gandhar's throne and submit to the vassalage of Hastinapur?" Karna's response left Shakuni wide-eyed, and he replied through gritted teeth, "No, Rajkumar. I have no intention of giving up Gandhar's throne." It was a humbling experience for Shakuni to be outwitted by a man twenty years his junior.

Karna nodded and then turned to face Maharaja, whose brow was now damp with sweat. Though he couldn't see, he could certainly feel the weight of his eldest nephew's gaze bearing down on him. "Your brothers are here with you, Putra. Discuss with them. We will wait for a while," the Maharaja stammered, his voice strained.

"With all due respect, Maharaja, in my family, the opinions of females are not disregarded. They hold significance and are valued. I cannot make a decision without knowing my family's thoughts. I request an hour to discuss and make our choice," Karna's voice was stern and unyielding. Maharaja visibly flinched. Before he could respond, Shakuni chimed in.

"Rajkumar, you seem to advocate for the voiceless. Women are traditionally tasked with managing the household, the internal affairs of the family, and childcare, not involved in the politics of the Kingdom and the court," Shakuni's tone carried a saccharine sweetness.

Karna fixed him with a piercing gaze. "Gandhar raj, it appears our perspectives greatly differ. You see, my wife, Rajkumari Advika, is a master of the martial arts, and she can easily remove that head from your shoulders or silence that tongue of yours. Training under Maharishi Vashishth has its advantages, including expertise in warfare and politics. It seems you've had a lapse of memory during our absence. You should consider having some almonds; they are known to enhance one's intellect," Karna taunted, his voice frigid as ice.

Shakuni visibly paled at the thinly veiled threat. Maharaja, eager to avoid any further offense, quickly intervened. "Shakuni, remain silent! Rajkumari Advika, please disregard his words. [Advika nodded at Maharaja as he addressed her] Putra Karna, you may have your requested hour. The court will reconvene in one hour to hear your decision," Maharaja stated as though he were doing them a great favor.

Karna nodded and rose from his seat. He gestured to his brothers, and all six of them left the court together, leaving Maharaja still seated. It was a powerful display of unity that sent a clear message and instilled unease within Maharaja. It was, in essence, an act of defiance and an answer to the earlier insult they had endured at the hands of Maharaja. The departure of the six princes before the monarch further added to his discomfort.

Bhishma, witnessing this, couldn't help but smile at the way his grandson had stood up against injustice, using polite words and actions as his weapon.

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The entire family, including Kunti, gathered in Karna's room. They were all standing around a large table that held a map of the Kuru Kingdom.

Yuddhisthir expressed his displeasure, "This division, Jyesht... it doesn't feel right."

Karna nodded, his eyes reflecting a similar sense of discontent. "I know, Anuj. I don't like it either. But we don't have a choice. Maharaja Dhritarashtra hasn't given us a say in this matter, and he's decided to divide the kingdom. We have to make the best of what we're given."

As they all gazed at the map, contemplating their options, Advika spoke up, her eyes fixed on the map. "I have a suggestion, Arya."

Karna encouraged her to continue, "Go on."

"We can choose Khandavprastha," Advika proposed, her attention still focused on the map.

Arjun raised a question, "But Bhabhishree, Khandavprastha is a barren and cursed land. How can we live there?"

Kunti's expression shifted to one of deep thought, and the five sisters exchanged uncertain glances, feeling uninformed about the inner workings of the kingdom.

Advika clarified her choice, "Arjun, that's precisely why I'm suggesting it."

Karna, still focused on Advika, urged her to explain further. The entire family eagerly awaited her reasoning.

Advika continued to explain her suggestion, her eyes still fixed on the map. "Arya, to the north of Khandavprastha lies the holy land of Kurukshetra. By choosing Khandavprastha, we can also have the benefits of the holy land nearby. We should request both these lands. Since Khandavprastha is barren and cursed, Maharaja should have no objections. He might grant us another land as well."

Nakul expressed his excitement, "Bhabhishree, that would be amazing if it happens!"

Arjun, Bhima, and Yuddhisthir nodded in agreement, wearing smiles of approval.

Sahadev praised Advika, his eyes filled with pride. "And that is the mark of a strategist who thinks twenty steps ahead."

Advika blushed at the compliment, while Karna looked at her with pride in his eyes.

Kunti smiled happily, and the sisters exchanged looks of amazement and delight.

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"Maharaja, we request the land of Khandavprastha and Kurukshetra," stated Karna, carefully choosing his words, aware of the potential issues the second land might raise.

Maharaja appeared torn between displeasure and satisfaction. He was displeased due to the inclusion of Kurukshetra but happy about Khandavprastha.

Shakuni seized the opportunity to voice his objection. "Rajkumar, I believe Maharaja only mentioned selecting one piece of land, not two. You are overstepping your bounds."

Before Maharaja could summon the resolve to refuse, Karna responded firmly, "Gandhar raj, since when did you become the Maharaja of Hastinapur? Your habit of meddling in others' affairs is quite displeasing to me. Please refrain from interfering in the matters of the Kuru throne. I mentioned the same thing just an hour ago. I hope you haven't forgotten so soon.

As for my request for both lands, Maharaja, I am willing to relieve you of the burden of the barren and cursed land of Khandavprastha. Kurukshetra is situated to the north of Khandavprastha, so I am merely requesting both the land of Khandavprastha and its northern region, Kurukshetra. Surely... you won't refuse?" Karna's voice was sharp and resolute.

"Parantu putra..." Maharaja Dhritarashtra began, but Karna interjected before he could continue.

"Maharaja, may I speak freely?" Karna's tone carried an unmistakable edge, leaving no room for refusal.

Reluctantly, Maharaja Dhritarashtra nodded. Bhishma wore a satisfied smile, while Shakuni scowled, displeased with being silenced once more.

"Maharaja, my personal opinions have no place in the politics of the court, and I shall refrain from expressing them. However, from a political perspective, it seems that what you are willing to grant us is considerably less than what you are offering your eldest son. You propose to divide the kingdom, but the division does not appear equal. You are allowing us to choose a territory, yet you hesitate to grant us our request fully. Moreover, you do not intend to declare us an independent kingdom; instead, you wish to keep us under the authority of Hastinapur. I trust you can appreciate the imbalance in this equation. I hope you will consider rectifying this matter," Karna concluded, a subtle smirk on his face as he observed the murmured agreement among the courtiers.

Shakuni scowled but was secretly impressed. Not everyone had the audacity to confront such blatant inequalities head-on. He already foresaw the outcome and closed his eyes momentarily at the thought.

Bhishma wore a satisfied smirk. He knew the eventual result, and there was no need for his intervention. Karna had masterfully manipulated Dhritarashtra, pointing out the flaws in his plans and subtly alluding to the sentiments of the people. While his eldest grand-nephew had not explicitly mentioned the people's support, anyone skilled in reading between the lines could discern his implication.

Dhritarashtra understood precisely what had occurred. Contrary to popular belief, he was not a fool. Karna had checkmated him, and the only way to escape the trap was to comply with his wishes. Refusing to grant Kurukshetra would undoubtedly lead to public outrage and possibly a mass exodus of his subjects to join Pandu's children. He had no illusions; many of his people would leave Hastinapur, drawn by the favor enjoyed by Pandu's sons. It was unlikely they could accomplish much with the cursed land, and his people would return once they witnessed the failure of his nephew's endeavor.

Advika silently reveled in her Tatshree's emotional response. Oh, the bliss of ignorance, she thought. Dhritarashtra winced inwardly and concealed his displeasure at the prospect of ceding the sacred land, a source of great pride for the Kuru clan.

"Very well," he conceded reluctantly, "I grant my nephews both the land of Kurukshetra and Khandavprastha."