A bow is a powerful and perfect long-distance weapon. When properly trained, it allows its arrows to hit the mark with precision and concentration. This is a valuable lesson in how to approach your goals—employing precision and focus.







After the declaration of the new territory given to the sons of Pandu, they took leave from the court following Karna's coronation as the King of both Khandavprastha and Kurukshetra. All six sons, along with their wives, gathered in Kunti's room.

"Mother!" they called out together, their expressions filled with distress. Nakul and Sahadev had tears in their eyes, while Arjun and Bhima looked on the verge of sobbing. Yuddhisthir wore a distraught expression with red eyes, and Karna's face reflected deep distress.

Advika gulped as tears welled up in her eyes. Devanshi clutched her Bhabhishree's hand tightly. Vandita and Draupadi held hands, their lips trembling, and their eyes appeared distant. Kalyani and Vritika openly cried.

"Sons! You cannot break down like this. Remember, you are my warriors, undefeated when you stand together. I made this decision for your sake," Kunti said, her eyes red but her voice steady.

"Mother, you know we won't be happy with you staying back. Why did you agree?" Nakul asked, his voice soft.

"Yes, Mother, please answer us. What could be more important than us?" Yuddhisthir's voice was gentle but unsteady.

Karna stood in front of her, his gaze heavy and penetrating. Arjun, Bhima, and Nakul had their heads on her lap, while Yuddhisthir and Sahadev rested their heads on her shoulders. Kunti looked at her eldest son, her gaze sweeping over all her children's faces and expressions, as her hands lovingly caressed their hair.

"Sons, I'm staying back because someone needs to be the ambassador representing you to the people of Hastinapur. With all of you leaving, I'll continue to remind them of your presence and your might. I'm certain that after your departure, Gandhar Raj will do his best to erase your names and influence from the public's memory. With my presence here, they won't forget you and the injustice that has been done to you," Kunti explained, a soft but sad smile on her lips.

"Mother, are you doing this because of court politics?" Karna asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

"Yes and no, my son. Yes, it's related to court politics, but it's also about wanting my sons to become independent. I want no one to doubt your capabilities. If I had refused, Jyesht Bhratashree and Gandhar Raj might have manipulated the situation to tarnish your reputation. I'd rather not deal with that. Go and spread your names to every corner of Aryavart. My blessings are always with each one of you. I know you'll find a way to bring me there with full rights," Kunti explained, sharing her perspective.

"As you command, Mother," Karna replied, touching her feet in a gesture of respect.

Kunti cupped his face and kissed his forehead, repeating the loving gesture with each of her sons.

"Sons, in all situations, stay together. You are the pillars of this family. If one of you breaks, the entire foundation of the family will crumble," Kunti advised before turning her attention to her daughters-in-law.

"Advika, my dear, I know I'm asking a lot from you. Until now, it was me who held this family together. Now, I'm entrusting this responsibility to you. Please take care of the household and its people," Kunti said with a soft smile. She went to a small cupboard and retrieved a bunch of keys.

"I'm giving these to you, my child. Take care of them," she said, handing the keys to Advika.

"Maa, I will do my best," replied Advika, her voice trembling.

"I know, my child. That's all I ask," Kunti said as she cupped Advika's face and kissed her on the forehead. Kunti then moved on to Devanshi, Vandita, Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika, imparting her blessings and guidance to each of them.

"I know you all just arrived, and already there are so many problems. You didn't even get time to adjust in one place, and you're already having to move to another. I'm so sorry, my children," said Kunti, her voice subdued.

"Don't say that, Mata. The situations are not in your control, are they?" said Devanshi, her voice soft and pleading.

"No, they are not, putri. Stay safe and happy. My blessings are always there with you," said Kunti as she caressed their hair.

The brothers stood with their wives beside them as Kunti stood in front of them all.

"Go now, children. Make your mark on the world," were the parting words of the regal Queen Mother.

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



The party of 12 people, six males and six females, looked out over the vast area from the cliff. They faced miles of barren land. The entire region of Khandavprastha was barren, with the only notable feature being the Khandava forest, home to the Naga clan led by Takshak Nag. This forest was also inhabited by various Asuras, Daityas, and Rakshasas.

Directly to the north of Khandavaprastha lay the holy land of Kurukshetra, situated between the Saraswati and Drishadvati rivers.

Although the region granted to them was impressive in size, it was still less than what Duryodhan had received, and this partiality had left them feeling disgusted.

"Arya, we need to make this barren land fertile before we can build anything," said Advika as she surveyed the area.

"I agree, priye. But I don't want to resort to unnecessary bloodshed. We should attempt negotiations first and then decide on a course of action," replied Karna as he gazed at the vast expanse of barren land.

"Then, Jyesht, allow us to go and negotiate. Bharta Yuddhisthir and Arjun are skilled in the art of negotiation," suggested Bhima, with both Yuddhisthir and Arjun nodding in agreement.

"There may not be any need for that, Bhrata Bhima. Takshak Nag is coming here himself," Nakul announced as he pointed to a distant figure gradually approaching.

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

Advika, Devanshi, Vandita, Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika gathered inside the tent, which had been designated as the kitchen. There were no daas or daasis present—only the six of them.

"Bhabhishree, why did we leave? We could have stayed to listen," Kalyani asked, her voice laced with curiosity as she sat cross-legged on the ground, slicing vegetables with practiced ease.

Advika, stirring the kheer with rhythmic precision, glanced at her. "Because, my dear, we don't know much about Takshak Nag or his nature. It's safer to keep our distance."

"Safer? Why?" Vritika, busy washing the vegetables, tilted her head toward Advika.

Before Advika could respond, Devanshi, seated nearby and shaping balls of dough for puris, interjected. "What Bhabhishree means is, what if Takshak Nag is the sort of man who disrespects women? Or worse, what if he's dangerous to women and children?"

Kalyani's hands paused momentarily. "So, it's wiser to avoid the risk, isn't it?" she asked, looking at Draupadi, who was tending to a bubbling pot on the stove.

"Exactly," Draupadi affirmed, glancing at Advika for reassurance.

"Yes, behena," Advika replied warmly, her smile brief but comforting.

For a while, the tent was quiet, save for the gentle clatter of utensils and the rhythmic chopping of vegetables. Then Vandita, her voice subdued and tinged with worry, broke the silence. She was rolling out the puris, her hands methodical but her expression troubled.

"Bhabhishree, do you think there will be a war?"

The question lingered in the air, heavy and unspoken, as all work came to a halt. One by one, the sisters-in-law turned to Advika, their gazes filled with apprehension.

Advika hesitated, her hands stilling over the kheer. Finally, she looked at each of them, her voice measured yet serious. "It depends on the negotiations. But... there is a chance we may face a battle."



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



Nagaraj Takshak was a being of formidable ego, his belief in the superiority of Nagas over humans unshakable. To him, humans were little more than vermin—irritants who would be better eradicated than endured. Yet, when word reached him that a group of humans had dared to trespass into his domain, Takshak's interest was piqued. Despite his disdain, he was neither senselessly cruel nor one to waste an opportunity for amusement.

As he approached, the group of humans came into view, led by Karna, Yudhishthir, and Arjuna, with Karna positioned in the center. Bhima stood slightly to the side, his imposing frame alert, while Nakula and Sahadeva maintained vigilance over the rear.

"Pranipat, Nagaraj," Karna greeted with calm courtesy, his voice steady and authoritative.

Takshak's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Haa haa, Pranipat. What business do humans have here in Naga lands? These are ours by right."

Karna, unflinching, met his gaze. "You are mistaken. These lands are part of the Kuru Kingdom. It is you and your kin who have encroached upon them."

Takshak tilted his head, feigning interest. "Ah, so you know my name, yet I am at a disadvantage. Who are you, humans, to speak of rights and claims in my territory?"

Arjuna stepped forward, his voice composed but firm. "I am Rajkumar Arjuna. This is my eldest brother, Maharaja Karna. With us are our elder brothers, Rajkumar Yudhishthir and Rajkumar Bhima, and our younger brothers, Rajkumar Nakula and Rajkumar Sahadeva."

Takshak's expression hardened, though his disdain was palpable. "So, the Kurus have finally grown a spine. I thought your generation incapable of defending anything, let alone claiming what you believe to be yours. Let me be clear, Maharaja, these lands are mine. I have claimed them, and I intend to keep them. If you wish to challenge me, then prepare for a fight."

Bhima's fists clenched, his fury evident, while Nakula and Sahadeva bristled at the insult. Arjuna's jaw tightened, though he kept his composure, as did Yudhishthir. Karna, however, remained the picture of calm authority.

"I have no desire for bloodshed, Nagaraj," Karna replied firmly. "But if war is what you seek, then we will meet you on the battlefield at sunrise tomorrow."

Takshak chuckled darkly, a cruel satisfaction in his tone. "How considerate of you to give us warning, Maharaja. But you should worry for yourselves. Devendra, the Devaraja Indra, will aid us if we call upon him."

Before any could respond, the soft jingle of payals interrupted the tense moment. All eyes turned as a graceful figure approached, her elegance radiating like moonlight piercing a storm.

"Arya," called Advika, her voice serene as she stepped closer.

Karna's expression softened, a rare smile gracing his face. However, his gaze quickly darkened as he caught the predatory glint in Takshak's eyes.

"And who is this celestial beauty?" Takshak asked, his tone dripping with curiosity.

"My wife," Karna stated coldly, his voice like steel. The revelation clearly unsettled Takshak, whose expression betrayed his surprise.

Advika raised an eyebrow but remained composed, addressing her husband. "Arya, have the negotiations borne fruit?"

Karna shook his head, his voice resigned. "Not as I had hoped. There will be a battle at sunrise."

Advika nodded thoughtfully, her composure unshaken, even as Bhima instinctively moved closer, standing protectively by her side.

Takshak, his gaze still fixed on her, spoke again, his words laced with insolence. "Maharaja, your wife is truly divine. Perhaps, after I defeat you and your brothers, I shall take her as my concubine. What do you say, Maharani?"

The tension exploded. Karna's eyes blazed with fury, and his brothers immediately drew their weapons, forming a protective circle around Advika.

"Watch your tongue, Takshak!" Bhima roared. "That is our Bhabhishree—she is like a mother to us. Speak another word, and I will rip that vile tongue from your mouth!"

Advika fixed Takshak with a gaze of utter disdain, her silence more cutting than words.

Karna, his voice icy with anger, declared, "Enough. We will settle this on the battlefield tomorrow. Leave, Nagaraj."

Takshak smirked, his amusement evident even as he turned to depart. Yet the glint in his eyes promised that the confrontation was far from over.





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

After dinner, the men gathered in the war tent, their attention focused on the map of Khandava. Everyone was present except for Arjun, who had gone for a walk in the forest to clear his thoughts.

The tent's drapes rustled as the sound of payals and approaching footsteps drew closer.

"Look who's here!" Advika announced cheerfully as she entered, accompanied by Krishna and Arjun.

"Vasudev!" Karna exclaimed, his tone laced with surprise and delight.

"Pranipat, Jyesht," Krishna replied with a warm smile. Karna nodded and gestured for them to take seats beside him. Arjun and Krishna sat down, while Advika took her place next to Karna. Yudhishthir and Bhima sat across from them, with Nakul and Sahadev positioned beside their elder brothers. The group formed a circle, ready to strategize.

"Mayuri, where are my dear friends?" Krishna asked, his ever-charming smile in place.

"I asked them to rest. It's only their third day of marriage. It's unfortunate that these problems had to arise now. I hope they are resolved soon. My brothers got married, and they can't even spend time with their wives," Advika said, pouting slightly in frustration.

The brothers collectively blushed at her words, their discomfort visible. Krishna chuckled softly, clearly enjoying their reactions.

"Let's address the matter at hand first. Family time can wait," Karna suggested, redirecting the discussion.

Advika nodded, her previous pout giving way to a look of determination.

"So, Jyesht, what's the plan?" Nakul asked, his gaze focused on the map.

"A straightforward frontal attack. Nothing more, nothing less," Karna replied, his eyes tracing the map's lines that represented the Khandava forest.

Krishna, noticing Karna's intent focus, nudged Arjun with his elbow. Arjun winced but nodded in understanding.

"Ah, I have something to add," Arjun began hesitantly, drawing the attention of everyone in the tent.

"Go on, Arjun," Yudhishthir encouraged, while Krishna gave him a subtle nod.

"Well... when Madhav and I were in the forest, we encountered an old man who seemed to be a disguised Agni Deva. He claimed to be hungry, and the only way to satisfy him was to offer the entire forest as food," Arjun explained, his voice measured.

"That is..." Sahadev started.

"...troubling," Nakul finished, his voice low.

A heavy silence fell over the group, broken by Karna's calm voice.

"No, it's not. This presents us with an opportunity," Karna stated, tracing the map's forest lines with his finger.

"An opportunity?" Bhima asked, his confusion evident.

Yudhishthir's expression shifted as realization dawned. "I understand now. Jyesht means that by offering the forest to Agni Deva, Takshak would likely call upon Indradev for protection. But, Jyesht, who will face him in battle?"

"Arjun," Karna replied softly, his tone resolute. Krishna's knowing smile deepened.

"Me? But, Jyesht, you are more experienced in battle. Wouldn't you be the better choice to fight him?" Arjun asked, startled by the suggestion.

"No, Arjun," Karna explained calmly. "You are the son of Indradev. He would hesitate to unleash his full power against his own son. If anyone else were to face him, he wouldn't hold back. But with you..."

Advika interjected, her eyes gleaming with understanding. "It will give us an advantage."

"Exactly, love," Karna affirmed, turning to Krishna. "Vasudev, will you accompany Arjun?"

Krishna's smile widened. "Of course, Jyesht. It would be my pleasure!"

Karna nodded appreciatively before addressing the group. "What about the rest of us?"

Yudhishthir spoke up, "Sahadev and I will lead the charge on Takshak's army and engage their forces."

Karna continued, "Advika, you will oversee the women, particularly my new sisters, ensuring their safety. Bhima and Nakul, you will protect the people who have accompanied us."

Everyone nodded, their determination solidifying as they absorbed their roles.

Krishna smiled knowingly, already envisioning the events that were about to unfold.





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





Fire. A colossal inferno that devoured everything in its path.

Everywhere, there was fire. The forest roared with flames, its towering conflagration visible from afar.

Takshak watched helplessly as the place they called home was engulfed in relentless flames. The fire burned with such intensity that it sent plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, darkening the horizon.

In that moment, he realized the gravity of his mistake. He wouldn't make that mistake again.

"O Lord of the Rains, O Devendra, you promised us protection. Honor your pledge, Devaraja! I, Nagaraj Takshak, call upon you. Please heed our call."

Instantly, a colossal lightning bolt streaked across the sky. The clouds swirled and churned violently as Indradev materialized before Takshak, facing their adversaries. His divine crown gleamed with an ethereal radiance, and his very presence exuded an otherworldly aura.

Indradev's eyes widened in recognition at the figures before him.

Two figures emerged from the fiery chaos. One possessed milky-white skin and held a bow with unparalleled grace. His piercing gaze was a testament to his unwavering focus as he fixed his eyes upon the celestial being before him. By his side stood a man adorned with a peacock feather in his divine crown, his eyes reflecting the vastness of the cosmos. His ever-enchanting smile played upon his lips, and his eyes sparkled with boundless wisdom.

Indradev surveyed the battlefield and witnessed the astonishing spectacle: a mere trio of warriors were singlehandedly decimating the vast army of Daityas, Nagas, and Rakshasas.

On the right, one of the warriors brandished the all-powerful spear, his calm and radiant countenance revealing no emotion as he effortlessly dispatched the Daityas and Rakshasas. To the left stood another formidable figure wielding a fearsome axe, his precise strikes cleaving through his enemies with ruthless efficiency. His face bore the perfect blend of stern authority and lightheartedness, displaying wisdom and playfulness in equal measure.

However, it was the figure at the apex who truly captured Indradev's attention. This individual emitted a controlled radiance that incinerated the Nagas in proximity, leaving them unable to endure the scorching heat. In his hands, he held the divine Vijaya bow, and the mere release of an arrow sent tremors through the earth.

Indradev regarded the incarnation of the Preserver of the Universe, one of the Trimurti. He pondered the unfolding events, knowing that this day held significant implications. After all, Takshak had no inkling of the formidable opponents he was facing. Indradev found himself pitted against his own mortal son, while Takshak's army had already been vanquished by the offspring of Yama, the Ashvini Kumaras, and Surya himself. Moreover, an avatar of Lord Vishnu himself stood alongside them on the battlefield.

Indradev sighed and resigned himself to his duty. Regardless of the circumstances, he had no intention of unleashing his full power against his own son.

"O Nagaraj! I have answered your summons, and I shall fulfill my duty by honoring my promise. Yet, you must understand that the men standing before you and those decimating your army are no ordinary mortals. I would advise you to reconsider your course, but the fire of vengeance in your eyes reveals your reluctance to do so."

With these words, Indradev and Arjun engaged in combat. Indradev launched a powerful energy sphere toward Arjun, who raised his divine bow and retaliated with a celestial astra, obliterating the incoming attack. A smile graced Indradev's lips as he recognized Arjun's prowess.

Their battle raged on as Indradev unleashed numerous divine astras and celestial weapons, with Arjun countering each with his deep knowledge of astras. Both combatants understood that Indradev was not employing his full might, refraining from using the formidable Vasavi Shakti, Indra Astra, or even his divine weapon, the Vajra.

However, the confrontation came to an abrupt halt as a beam of radiant light descended onto the battlefield. By this point, the majority of the enemy forces had been vanquished, leaving Indradev and Arjun locked in a standstill.

Takshak signaled his remaining forces to retreat, and a celestial announcement resounded across the heavens.

"O Devaraja, O valiant warriors of Bharat, I beseech you to cease. I implore the Lord of the Devas to withdraw. You have fulfilled your promise to Nagaraj, and there is no further need for your intervention."

With this proclamation, Takshak and his remaining army departed from the battlefield, leaving the land of the Kurus.

Indra dev smiled and lowered his hands. The six brothers stood together, with Karna at the center, flanked by Yuddhisthir and Arjun on his right and left. Krishna stood beside Arjun with a knowing smile, and Sahadev was beside Yuddhisthir. All of them folded their hands in reverence before the Lord of the Heavens, while Krishna smiled knowingly. Indra dev reciprocated their greetings with a respectful gesture.

"Putra Arjun, I am exceedingly proud of you. Your courage knows no bounds. May I inquire whose strategy it was to pit a son against his own father?"

Arjun's face lit up with pride and happiness upon receiving the praise from Indra dev. He turned to Karna, who returned his brother's smile with one of his own. Yuddhisthir and Sahadev's expressions also conveyed their admiration and love for their heroic brother.

Krishna beamed at the joy of the brothers before addressing Indra dev's question.

"Indeed, it was Mayuri's suggestion. You may know her as Prithvi Kumari Avni."

"Ah, Niyatinandini!" exclaimed Indra dev with a smile. "I expected nothing less from her."

"Niyatinandini?" Karna inquired, curiosity evident in his voice.

"You will discover the reason in due course, Suryaputra Karna. But for now, my dear Arjun, I have something to bestow upon you," Indra dev announced, summoning the Gandiva Dhanush, the divine bow of Lord Brahma, and presenting it to Arjun.

"This magnificent bow was crafted by Lord Brahma himself and is known as Gandiva. It bestows its wielder with unparalleled self-confidence and self-belief. Its power is equivalent to that of a thousand ordinary bows. Adored by celestial beings and Gandharvas, it is impervious to damage or breakage. The Gandiva bow boasts 108 strings, making it a formidable weapon.

It stands on par with the Vijaya and Saranga bows. The Vijaya bow, wielded by your elder brother Karna, the son of the Sun, was created by Vishwakarma, the God of Architecture, for Lord Shiva. This divine bow was famously wielded by Parshurama to rid the world of Adharmic Kshatriyas. It ensures victory for its possessor, and its unbreakable string is immune to astras and weapons. This bow is so weighty that no ordinary person can lift it.

On the other hand, the Sharanga bow belongs to Lord Vishnu and is wielded by your sister-in-law, Advika, the daughter of Prithvi. She received it as a gift from Lord Krishna himself. Crafted by Lord Vishwakarma, this bow ranks among the foremost weapons in the universe, alongside Gandiva, Vijaya, and Pinaka. It is said that only someone who carries a part of Lord Vishnu within them can wield it.

I trust you will honor and wield this bow with the utmost respect, my son," concluded Indra dev as he presented the Gandiva to Arjun. In response, Arjun pressed the bow to his forehead, a sign of deep reverence.

Krishna smiled, knowing that the union of these divine weapons marked the beginning of a momentous saga.