Today's sunrise will mark the beginning of the punishment for those who had the audacity to raise a hand on a woman's dignity. We have limited the number of warriors to just nine, with no need to prolong the fights.

In the tournament today, our chosen nine warriors were Karna, Yuddhisthir, Arjun, Bheem, Nakul, Sahadev, Dhristadyumna, Shikandini, and myself. On the Kaurava side, the selected warriors were Duryodhan, Dusshasan, Vikarna, Yuyutsu, Pitamaha Bhishma, Acharya Drona, Ashwathama, Jayadratha, and Gandhar raj's son, whom I did not know.

We were gathered in the war tent, all ten of us a bit concerned about the participation of our elders, although not overly worried.

"We need to decide the matchups," stated Karna, his eyes keen and sharp. He was dressed in only a brown dhoti without any angavastra or armor, with two armlets on his arms and his ever-present Kundals as the only jewelry.

"Agreed, Jyesht. I am worried as I don't think any one of us can harm our Pitamaha and Gurudev," said Yuddhisthir, wearing silver and steel armor with a blue dhoti. His gaze was calm, yet his posture showed slight tension.

I sighed, already knowing what Yuddhisthir was thinking. I was glad we had a solution to that.

"Calm down, bharta. Dhristadyumna and Devi Shikandini will fight with Pitamaha and Gurudev, respectively," suggested Sahadev calmly. Dhristadyumna and Shikandini nodded in agreement.

"I want Dusshasan," stated Sahadev, his eyes darkening with fury.

I smiled, "Of course, little brother. I will take Jayadratha."

Karna nodded in agreement. Arjun asked, "What about us?"

Bheem declared, "Whoever you want, take, but leave Duryodhan for me."

Karna and Yuddhisthir exchanged fond smiles at Bheem's declaration, while I simply shook my head.

"Arya, you will be opposite Gandhar raj's son. You know what to do?" I raised an eyebrow in question. He smirked and nodded.

"Vikarna and Yuyutsu against Yuddhisthir and Nakul. That leaves Ashwathama with Arjun, alright?" They all responded with a unanimous "Yes."

"Vikarna and Yuyutsu were forced, weren't they?" asked Nakul, a frown on his forehead.

I nodded, not pleased. Duryodhan would do anything to get what he wants, without considering Vikarna and Yuyutsu's feelings and wishes. I hated it when parents made mistakes, and the blame fell on the child.

"Advika?" called Karna, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Are you alright?" he asked again, coming in front of me. I looked around to find no one there, making my brows furrow.

I questioned rather than answered his question, "Where are the others?"

I saw him raise an eyebrow before his lips turned into a small smirk, "You must have been thinking deeply if you did not sense them leaving."

I sighed but nodded, "It's just...Vikarna and Yuyutsu."

Karna sighed before pulling me into his arms, "Calm down. They will be fine. It's not like this is a war. No one will die. You made sure of that, and my dear, I am sure everything will go according to plan."

I wrapped my arms around him, sighing a bit, "I hope so."

"Why do you think the son of Gandhar raj wants to participate?" he asked.

"Probably to get revenge after what Sahadev did to him," I answered. I said nothing, my mind going through various scenarios. I dismissed those thoughts and snuggled into his arms until I had the chance.

"I don't even know his name! What was it again?" I mumbled after a while.

A chuckle was my answer. I huffed inside my mind.

A conch shell sounded after a few minutes. Only an hour left before the tournament starts.

"Go and get ready," he nudged with a small smile.

I nodded, giving a small smile back.



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We all stood on one side, with the 10 members of the Kauravas standing in front of us. Maharishi Ved Vyas, Kakashree Vidur, and Kanha would be acting as the judges. A huge circular space had been secluded with divine flames, where the match would be happening, while outside the ring of divine flames, two seating areas had been made - one for Kauravas and ourselves.

"Putri Advika, as you were the person to propose this tournament, I have a question to ask," stated Maharishi.

I smiled, "Please Rishivar, feel free to ask your questions."

Maharishi smiled in response, "Who will make the first move?"

I smirked a bit. Everyone probably thought, without the expectation of my brother, that I would choose my own side. How sad!

"The Kauravas can make the first move," I stated clearly.

This tournament was a strategy game, not a game of force. A strategy Sahadev and I had spent hours deciding. Both of us shared a small smirk. Here, we had to play smart, not hard, which Duryodhan loves playing.

Duryodhan smiled nastily, as if he had already won. I gave a small smirk back at him, making him nervous.

"Very well, Gaurika. Maharaja Duryodhan, who will come first in the battleground?"

I watched as Duryodhan looked among his warriors, then he turned to us and said, "Pitamaha Bhishma."

I almost smirked but stopped myself in time. Shikandini and I had planned exactly what had to be done when Pitamaha's turn came.

This will be fun; I can't wait.

"Samrat Karna, who will be the opponent against Gangaputra?" asked Maharishi, a small amused smile on his face.

My husband's face was impassive, while his eyes held mirth, "Devi Shikandini."

Duryodhan looked shocked, while others gaped.

"A girl? Against the most ferocious warrior of Aryavarta?" taunted Dusshasan.

I let out a laugh at that, not saying anything, while I heard Arjun taunt him, "Yes, a girl, Rajkumar Dusshasan. Just like how a girl cut your fingers off?"

Arjun, my dear brother, that was harsh and well-deserved. I am impressed.

"Please prepare yourself. The first match will start in five minutes," said Kanha, stopping any attempt of retaliation.

Duryodhan and Dusshasan fumed. I watched Pitamaha sigh.

Yuddhisthir nudged me, "Bhabhishree, we should go and take blessings."

I nodded, and all of us, the six brothers and I, went to take blessings from Pitamaha, who smiled at us.

I whispered so only Pitamaha could hear me, "Everything will be fine, Pitamaha. Just wait and watch."

Pitamaha looked at me with a slightly inquisitive gaze, and I blinked back reassuringly. He gave me a small smile and nodded.

We all, except Shikandini, went back outside the ring.

I sat down beside Karna, with Arjun on the other side of me. Bheem was beside Yuddhisthir, who was beside Karna. Beside Bheem was Nakul, and beside Arjun was Sahadev and Dhristadyumna.

"I hope jiji will win," muttered Dhristadyumna.

"Oh, don't worry. Pitamaha is bound to surrender in front of her today," I hummed with a smile.

Karna shot me a surprised look before a small chuckle escaped him.

"I didn't get it..." said Nakul, with confusion.

"Anuj, wait and watch," said Karna, with mirth in his eyes, unknowingly echoing my words to Pitamaha.

"Well, the match is starting. Let's watch and see," commented Sahadev, with a small smile.

I looked at the arena.

Shikandini was dressed in a red dhoti and gold armor with a red turban covering her hair. Her sword was strapped to her side, in a scabbard, and she hadn't attempted to take it out when Pitamaha approached.

Pitamaha was wearing his iconic white clothes, paired with silver and lead armor. His bow was in his hands, and his hair adorned with a silver mukut.

Kakashree Vidur was standing between them, "We will have a clean match. No killing allowed, but injuries are allowable. No one shall interfere in between them; if you do, you are disqualified. Begin!"

With that, Kakashree went out of the way. Both the people were sizing each other up. I could see Pitamaha getting confused, as Shikandini, who happened to be a hot-headed person, stood there calmly in front of him. I could see her smiling.

"Gangaputra Bhishma, before I attack you, I wish to remind you of something," said Shikandini.

I smirked; it's starting. Pitamaha's face was confused, "About what devi?"

Shikandini smirked, "A vow you took. The vow entails that you will surrender your weapons whenever Amba's reincarnation will be in front of you."

Pitamaha's brows furrowed, "What does it have to do with you or me?... Unless..."

I could see Pitamaha's eyes widen as he gazed at Shikandini, shocked to the core. Shikandini smirked, "Indeed. I am the reincarnation of Amba."

"Look at Duryodhan's face, Bhabhishree," whispered Arjun, softly.

I looked and had to stifle my smile, "He resembles a tomato. Think we can cook him?"

"We will get indigestion, Bhabhishree," said Arjun, in a deadpan voice, before both of us smiled and chuckled.

"What joke is being shared? Mind telling us as well?" prodded Karna, softly.

"Nothing much, just how Duryodhan's face resembles a tomato," I answered, with an amused smile.

Bhima snickered as he checked. Yuddhisthir fought a smile, while Nakul, Sahadev, and Dhristadyumna were openly snickering.

"Then I shall fulfill my vow. I believe what you say, Devi. But many don't, perhaps proof for them?" I heard Pitamaha say.

Shikandini seemed to ponder before turning to Maharishi Vyas, "Maharishi, am I truthful when I say I am the incarnation of Amba?"

Maharishi smiled, "Indeed. She is truthful, Gangaputra."

Though it was spoken to Pitamaha, I felt he was informing everyone, especially the Kauravas.

I heard gasps from everyone. I can also see Duryodhan's hand turning into a fist. I smirked.

This is the beginning, dear Duryodhan, please wait and watch.

I watched as Pitamaha heaved a sigh of relief, as he simply laid his weapon down before Shikandini, who smiled.

This was the way we had decided that Pitamaha could participate and not win

I could see Pitamaha was happy with the sudden change in matters.

"Tatshree, you were supposed to fight, not lay your weapons down," protested Dhritarashtra, making us look at each other with a small smile.

"Putra, I was told to participate, not to fight or to win. I am simply following my vow to Devi Amba. You know very well that I cannot forsake any of my vows," answered Pitamaha, calmly.

I leaned against Karna, "Pitamaha is sharp-tongued even at this age. I feel proud."

He gave me an amused smile as an answer, making me snicker.

Poor Kauravas, can't even backtalk, and if they did, they are more foolish than I thought them to be.

I heard Kanha speak, "The first match is won by Indraprastha, by forfeiture of Hastinapur. I ask Maharaja Duryodhan to forward the name of his next participant for the second match."

We all looked at them and saw Duryodhan speaking with an unknown man and Jayadratha. The unknown man must be Gandhar raj's son because I knew everyone else.

"Yuyustu is next," said Duryodhan, his eyes glaring at us, or most importantly at my husband, who looked completely calm.

"Nakul will represent us," replied Arya, his eyes dancing with amusement.

I looked towards Nakul, who got up with a big smile, "I haven't had such good practice in a long while! Yuyustu is a great swordsman."

Nakul approached me as he bent to touch my feet, "Bhabhishree, give your blessings. I hope I do your teachings justice."

I smiled, knowing I have nothing to worry about these two warriors. They will be fine, "You can never fail me, my dear."

I looked towards Kanha, who winked at me discreetly, making me hide my smile, as Kakashree Vidur spoke, "The next match will be between Rajkumar Yuyutsu and Rajkumar Nakul."

Yuyustu stepped forward, wearing a navy-blue dhoti and silver angavastra. In his hand was a sharp-looking sword. His face had a small smile on it, while his eyes looked apologetic towards us. His hands joined in respect.

All of us smiled back at him, blessing him. He held no animosity towards us, and we loved him as a brother.

Nakul joined him in the ring, wearing a purple dhoti with his silver and steel armour. His face had a big smile on it as he approached Yuyustu, who bent to take Nakul's blessings.

I heard Nakul say, "I am very happy you are my opponent. This will be a good practice session. Let's see how much you have improved!" His face held a cheeky grin, making Yuyustu smile too.

Both of them circled each other, their movements graceful and cat-like. Both held nimble feet, capable of moving at a moment's notice. Nakul attacked first, raising his sword, while Yuyutsu clashed against it. They parried and attacked again. Yuyutsu tried to take a swipe towards Nakul's legs, but Nakul jumped at the right moment, creating a slight distance between them. They started to circle each other again.

I watched as Nakul waited this time, making Yuyustu attack. He deflected with an arch of his sword before using a trick I had taught him once during the first vanvaas, before their marriage. He used a flurry of high-speed strikes against Yuyutsu, in rapid succession, not giving him time to react appropriately. These strikes forced his opponent to get into defensive mode immediately. Nakul, in the middle of such a strike, suddenly used a maneuver to get the sword to fall from Yuyustu's hand. His sword was on Yuyutsu's neck.

I smirked, a proud glint in my eyes.

"That was your maneuver, right?" I heard him ask. I nodded, "Yeah. I am surprised he remembered. He must have practiced hard to get it right." It needed a high amount of practice to get it right because in the middle of such high-speed strikes, you will only get a split-second break, and in that small time, you have to disarm your opponent. It was a difficult maneuver.

"The winner of this match is Rajkumar Nakul. The next name, Maharaja Duryodhan?" said Kanha, a smile on his lips.

Nakul hugged Yuyutsu and brought him to our side, "Sit here and rest for a while. You fought well."

I smiled at their camaraderie. They both bickered and simply talked amongst themselves. I tuned them out to focus on our opponents. Oh my god, Duryodhan's red face is worth watching. I poked Arjun and gestured towards the opposite camp. He coughed to hide his laughter at seeing Duryodhan's murderous glares towards us.

"Vikarna will be next," I heard him grit out the words. Beside me, Karna spoke, "Yuddhisthir will represent us next." Yuddhisthir got up and took our blessings before moving towards the ring. He wore a light blue dhoti with the significant steel and silver armour. In his hand was his spear, made of pure steel. That thing weighed a few kilos. How he could even lift that thing is beyond me!

Vikarna approached from the other side. He wore an orangish dhoti with the beautiful steel armour. In his hand was a sword. He was capable with a bow, spear, and a sword, but his spear-wielding abilities would not be able to withstand Yuddhisthir's mastery over the spear. Vikarna held mastery over the sword, though not as capable as Nakul or myself.

Vikarna took Yuddhisthir's blessings after he had joined his hands towards us. Then they started the match. Vikarna did not wait to analyze; instead, he attacked immediately. The sword clashed against the body of the spear. Yuddhisthir held a certain calmness in his eyes. Yuddhisthir immediately attacked with a swipe at his torso while Vikarna deflected it at the last minute. Yuddhisthir wasn't giving him time to assimilate the strikes either. He was being purely offensive.

I was not a master of the spear, so saying that I understood what Yuddhisthir was doing would be an offense to the person who is a master of his chosen weapon. But I understood the basic defense and offense attack mode. Right now, Yuddhisthir was purely on offense while Vikarna tried to deflect all his strikes, missing some. I can see scratches appearing on the arms of Vikarna while Yuddhisthir's spear suddenly knocked the sword out of his hand in a swift motion.

Yuddhisthir won. I am so proud. I am sure everyone had a proud smile on our face.

This was the third win. Duryodhan better watch out. This was just the start; more is about to come.

"The next match will be between Guru Drona and Panchal Shresth Dhristadyumna." I was jerked out of my thoughts with Kanha's announcement. Looks like I was deeply immersed within my thoughts. This match will be different as well. It was a student against teacher, after all. But I knew Dhristadyumna could do this. He was born to defeat Drona, so I am not worried at all.

No, I am not telling this because he is my brother-in-law. Seriously, I haven't thought of Subhadra and Dhristadyumna together, but they came as a pleasant surprise. Both of them had similarities yet were different. Both were mischievous; Dhristadyumna was the subtle kind, while Subhadra was the wild one. I have heard stories about Dhristadyumna's mischievousness when he would ask all sorts of inane questions under the sun to everyone, especially to Maharaja Drupad, just to trouble them. While Subhadra's pranks blame always went to Kanha and Dau. Poor them! Their ears must have suffered a lot.

If one of them was fire, that's Dhristadyumna, then the other was water, that's Subhadra. While Dhristadyumna had a mature, understanding, and serious nature, tinged with mischievousness, Subhadra was childish, free-spirited, kind, and wise. Her laughter and smile made everyone smile. I personally believe they suited each other perfectly.

I blinked back from my thoughts to find the match has finished. What? I missed the entire match? I did not even realize I was so immersed in my thoughts.

"Missed the entire match?" I heard Karna speak from beside me. His charcoal eyes looked amused.

I pouted, "Stop teasing. Time runs differently within my mind."

"Of course, love. Your mind is a very dangerous place. Try not to get lost, yeah?" he said with a small tilt to his lips.

I narrowed my eyes but huffed at his amused eyes.

"The next match is between Rajkumar Dusshasan and Rajkumar Sahadev." announced Kakashree Vidur. Dusshasan came forward wearing a blue dhoti, and steel armor. He said, "What's the matter, Samragyi? You won't be fighting me? Afraid?"

I smirked, "Hardly, if I fought you, you won't be alive Rajkumar. Sahadev has far more control over his fury than me. Secondly, I already cut your fingers off. Sahadev hasn't got a piece of you yet."

Dusshasan fumed with anger, while I watched as Sahadev took our blessings and then went forward within the ring. His axe was gleaming in the sunlight menacingly. Dusshasan had his mace on the other hand, where there were still fingers. He must have practiced within these 13 years.

Something, my instincts told me that it would be useless.

Sahadev's steps held a certain measured fury; his eyes have gone dark. The moment Dusshasan raised his mace to attack, Sahadev threw his deadly axe.

My eyes and I am sure everyone's eyes widened, as the axe destroyed the mace into two pieces and it returned back to Sahadev like a huge boomerang. Sahadev already held the axe to his neck, as if he was contemplating on beheading him.

I smiled, proud of my little brother. He had ended the fight, before it even begun.

Everyone had stood up at this point, except of course our side. We were lounging in our chairs completely relaxed.

"Be thankful, that bhabhishree had included the clause that no killing will be condoned. Otherwise, Duryodhan, you would have one less brother, right about now." said Sahadev, softly, though he was heard by everyone.

I smirked at the furious and afraid looks of Duryodhan and Jayadratha. Even Dhritarashtra looked a bit afraid.

I stifled a small smile when Sahadev kicked Dusshasan in the back, sending him straight outside the ring, on the lap of Duryodhan. Sahadev walked coolly back into our camp.

Bheem, Dhristadyumna, Nakul, and Arjun were snickering to their hearts' content, while Yuddhisthir tried to look disapproving but failed as his lips were trying hard not to smile. Karna, Shikandini, Yuyutsu, and Vikarna looked very amused, while I noticed Kanha trying to muffle his laugh by a sudden cough. Even Maharishi, Pitamaha, Dronacharya, and Kakashree Vidur also looked rather entertained.

Duryodhan was fuming. I tuned out certain happenings, as I thought about how dangerous my little Sahadev could be when he wanted to be. He sure has grown from the sheltered little brother I have met all those days at the forest. A quiet and reserved confidence defined him, yet he was energetic like his twin, Nakul.

I blinked out of my thoughts, as Kanha announced the next match between Duryodhan and Bhima. I was very amused at Duryodhan's sudden entry. Well, if he is so eager to get his body bruised, he is more than welcome. Bhima came to us for blessings before hefting that huge mace, made of iron and covered by silver on his shoulder. Why did God decide to give the men so much strength?

I kept my head on Karna's shoulder because mace fights are boring and I don't enjoy it much. There is no finesse in the fight. All brawn and no brain fight. It's purely a physical fight, with strength as the main component.

Thankfully, it got over soon, with Bheem overpowering Duryodhan soon, with a little help from his air powers. I smirked, now that's interesting. Smart move Bheem.

This was the sixth win. Only three fights to go now. Arjun, Karna, and myself. I straightened up. The last three fights will be interesting.

Kanha announced the next fight, "The next fight is between Panchalraj Ashwathama and Rajkumar Arjun. Arjun got up from beside me, stretching as he did so. His eyes sparkling in the sunlight. He also took our blessings and proceeded towards the ring. Ashwathama was already there and wasn't pleased at the prospect of fighting against anyone. I knew he was friends with both Duryodhan and Yuddhisthir. He was a nice person by nature.

Guru Dronacharya had given him good values. Though I know he tried not to take any side, but in the end sides with Duryodhan, anyway. I was a bit apprehensive about him. He used a bow primarily along with a sword, I think.

Arjun was in his signature white and gold dhoti and silver and lead armor. His Gandiva on his hand.

Both of them entered the ring, circling around each other, with a small smile at each other and a respectful nod. Both of were premium archers, though practically Arjun had a lot of talent and practice. This will be a long-distance fight, which archery was.

Ashwathama fired the first arrow. It turned into a hundred arrows in mid-air. Arjun countered it with another arrow, which created a net catching all the arrows and destroying it in the process. Then Nagastra was invoked which was countered by Garurastra. Like this a lot of almost harmless astras were used, none of them wanting to seriously harm the other.

Ashwathama was getting frustrated though, at the sudden stalemate. He invoked the Agneya astra while Arjun invoked Indra astra. The collide of fire and water created a bit of smoke, in which Arjun invoked the Nagastra and captured Ashwathama in its hold.

When the slight smoke disappeared, Ashwathama was disarmed.

The winner was Arjun, as expected.

I wondered who will be next. I seriously wanted to fight now.

"The second last match was between Sindhuraja Jayadratha and Samragyi Advika," announced Kanha. My eyes widened for a fraction of a second, while my lips curled into a smirk.

I got up and stretched. This will be fun.

Jayadratha was already waiting in the ring. I nodded at my family and slowly walked towards the ring, with a bored look on my face. It's fun to rile up people when they are ridiculously short-tempered. I could see Jayadratha gaining a red look on his face.

"Which weapon will you be using, Prithvi kumari?" asked Jayadratha.

"I will be generous and give you a choice, Sindhuraja," I said sweetly.

"A bow then," he said, obviously thinking I was weak with a bow just because everyone knew my love for swords. "Very well," I replied and summoned the Sharanga in my hands. I smirked at seeing his eyes widened.

I hope you don't lose very badly, just like last time, coward. My face must have shown my thoughts because he behaved like a barbarian when he threw his bow on the ground and charged towards me. Gasps were heard all around, and I could see Duryodhan smirking evilly.

I rolled my eyes and invoked a personal favorite astra of mine. I launched the arrow the moment he came within five feet of me. His entire body went lax as divine bindings were on his torso and his feet, making him fall.

"Tut..tut..that is a sad match, Sindhuraja. You lost before I could even start. Such a boring match. Nakul and Sahadev give me more excitement in a spar than you, and everyone knows they are passable with a bow."

"Agreed bhabhishree," I heard as Nakul yelled before snickering.

Maharishi announced, looking rather amused, "This match goes to Samragyi."

I shook my head in mock sadness and went out of the ring. I turned back because Kanha yelled, "Mayuri, who will release Sindhuraja?"

"Pitamaha, Rishi Drona, Ashwathama, or even you. Any one will do." I went to my seat after that useless match. What a fool that Jayadratha is!

I heard Kanha mutter a, "Why me?" before hauling Sindhuraja to Pitamaha, who looked entertained and very amused.

The final match began between the Gandhar raj's son, whose name I finally learned, Viprachriti, the youngest son of Shakuni, and Karna. This fight was again a disappointment because Shakuni's son had inherited his father's hatred but not his brain. The shame! After playing with him for a while, he was thrown out of the ring by Karna, with ease. I smirked, though happy.

It was a total annihilation of their respect, their egos, and their thoughts and belief. I never believed in death as an answer to punishment or justice. Some acts deserve death, and some don't and can be handled in a different manner, just fine.

Humiliation worked better and stayed till death.