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As the royal family awaited the arrival of Pandu and Vidur, tension lingered in the air, Bhishma's stoic demeanor betrayed no hint of the underlying unease as Satyavati inquired about the whereabouts of the missing princes.
"Putra, where is Pandu and Vidur?" Satyavati's voice carried a note of concern, prompting Bhishma to respond with measured composure.
"Pandu took Vidur, stating he needed assistance with something. They should be here soon, Mata," Bhishma reassured, though a flicker of apprehension crossed his eyes.
Ambika and Ambalika exchanged glances, silently deliberating whether to wait or proceed without them. Ambika voiced her uncertainty, "Should we wait for them, or should we proceed?"
Ambalika nodded in agreement, "We can all go together. Let's wait for them."
The decision made, the royal family settled into an uneasy silence, their anticipation tempered by the absence of Pandu and Vidur.
Just then, the tension was shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the corridor. All heads turned as Pandu and Vidur finally made their entrance, accompanied by the joyful exclamation of a familiar voice.
"Chote Pitashree!!...... Kakashree!!...." Aditya's delighted cry rang out as he raced towards them, his face alight with excitement and happiness.
Pandu's features softened into a genuine smile at the sight of his beloved nephew, his arms opening wide to receive the eager embrace. "You look very happy today, Aditya. What happened?" he inquired, curiosity twinkling in his eyes.
Aditya's eyes sparkled with excitement as he shared the news, his voice filled with boundless enthusiasm. "Pitamah said Pitashree will be king!" he exclaimed, his words carrying the weight of profound significance.
Pandu and Vidur exchanged a knowing glance, their silent communication speaking volumes. Despite their differing opinions on the matter, they shared a mutual understanding in this moment, united by their love for Aditya.
Pandu gently lifted Aditya into his arms, his heart swelling with pride and affection. "Yes, Putra, Jyesth will be king, and you, my little prince, will be a king after your Pitashree," he affirmed, his voice laced with warmth and reassurance.
Turning to Vidur, Pandu sought confirmation, "Right, Vidur?"
"Of course, Putra. You will be king one day," Vidur affirmed, his words carrying a quiet resolve and unwavering support. His words, though filled with warmth, betrayed a hint of conflict, a silent dissent against the notion of Dritharastra, his elder brother, ascending the throne due to his blindness.
Pandu's disappointment lingered, a fleeting shadow in his eyes as he processed Vidur's response. He knew that their disagreement ran deeper than mere words, but for now, he chose to focus on Aditya's joy and innocence, shielding him from the complexities of their adult world.
With Aditya nestled securely in his arms, as they walked, the tension of earlier moments melted away, replaced by a sense of unity and purpose.
As Pandu and Vidur approached the rest of the royal family, "Putra, where were you both?" Satyavati inquired, her tone laced with concern.
Pandu exchanged a quick glance with Vidur, silently communicating their need for a plausible excuse. "We were discussing some matters that required urgent attention, RajMata," Pandu replied smoothly, masking any hint of their underlying disagreement.
Bhishma, ever observant, detected a subtle tension in their demeanor. "Is everything alright, Putra?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Pandu offered a reassuring smile. "Yes, Tatshree, everything is fine," he affirmed, though his words carried a weight of uncertainty.
Bhishma nodded, accepting Pandu's response for the moment. "Very well, let us proceed," he suggested, leading the way with a sense of determination.
Meanwhile, Aditya, nestled in Pandu's arms, gazed in wonder at the bustling streets of Hastinapur adorned with colorful decorations. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he observed the festive preparations, his heart filled with joy at the sight of the vibrant celebration.
Expressing his desire to experience the festivities up close, Aditya turned to Pandu with eager anticipation. "Chote Pitashree, can we walk to the Shiv Mandir instead of riding in a chariot?" he requested, his enthusiasm infectious.
Pandu smiled indulgently at Aditya's request, knowing that the young prince's joy was paramount. "Of course, Putra," he agreed readily, his heart warmed by the boy's innocent enthusiasm.
The royal family unanimously agreed to Aditya's suggestion, eager to partake in the joyous celebration alongside their beloved prince. As they embarked on their journey to the Shiv Mandir, Aditya, now walking beside Gandhari, took her hand in his, guiding her with gentle reassurance.
With each step, Aditya narrated the sights and vibrant atmosphere of the festival to Gandhari, describing the vibrant colors, conveying the energy of the crowd and the palpable excitement that filled the air. His words painted a vivid picture for her, allowing her to experience the festivities through his eyes.
Dritharastra, walking beside them, listened with a fond smile, his heart touched by the bond between Aditya and Gandhari. Despite his own blindness, he felt a sense of connection to the celebrations, guided by Aditya's infectious spirit.
Despite his tender age of just three years, Aditya exuded a sense of maturity and responsibility beyond his years. With each step, he walked with a dignified bearing, his presence commanding respect and admiration from all who beheld him. His radiant aura and the glint of his kundals, symbolic of his divine lineage as a suryaputra, cast a spellbinding allure over the gathering crowd.
As they neared the Shiv Mandir, the atmosphere grew increasingly charged with anticipation. The sound of chanting filled the air, and the scent of incense wafted on the gentle breeze. Hastinapur's residents gathered in throngs, their faces alight with reverence and devotion as they awaited the momentous inauguration ceremony.
At long last, the royal family arrived at the entrance of the Shiv Mandir, their hearts swelling with pride and reverence. With Aditya leading the way, they stepped inside, joining in offering prayers and blessings for the prosperity and well-being of their beloved kingdom.
Bhishma, Satyavati, Ambika, Ambalika, Pandu, Vidur, Dritharastra, Gandhari, and Aditya stood before the grand altar, their faces aglow with reverence and anticipation. As the priest invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva, they bowed their heads in prayer.
Amidst the solemnity, the royal family stepped forward, offering precious jewels, fragrant flowers, and sacred oils to the deity, symbolizing their unwavering devotion and reverence. Aditya, his eyes wide with wonder, watched in awe as each offering was presented, his heart swelling with pride at the grandeur of the ceremony."
Dhritarashtra, despite his blindness, performed the pooja and arti with grace and precision, guided by the loving hands of his family. Gandhari, her blindfold serving as a symbol of her unwavering faith, offered her prayers with deep devotion, her heart filled with gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon her family. Aditya, standing beside his parents, joined in the sacred rituals, his young heart brimming with awe and devotion. Though just a child, his presence added a sense of purity and innocence to the solemn ceremony. Together, as a family, they sought the blessings of the divine.
However, amidst the tranquility of the sacred rites, a sense of exclusion lingered as Aditya noticed the people of Hastinapur gathered outside the temple, their faces filled with longing to partake in the auspicious occasion.
Sensing their unspoken desire, Aditya, with a gentle determination, tugged at his mother's hand. "Mata, why are they standing outside? Shouldn't everyone be able to seek Lord Shiva's blessings today?"
Gandhari, touched by her son's compassionate nature, glanced at Pandu and Vidur, silently acknowledging Aditya's wisdom. With a nod of agreement, Pandu stepped forward, his voice resonating with authority.
"All are welcome to join us in seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva," he announced, his words carrying across the courtyard to the waiting crowd.
The guards, recognizing the authority of the royal family, stepped aside, allowing the people of Hastinapur to enter the temple grounds. With a collective sigh of relief, the crowd streamed in, their faces alight with gratitude and reverence.
Aditya, beaming with satisfaction, watched as the once-excluded members of the kingdom joined them in the sacred rituals, their voices mingling in harmonious chants and prayers. In that moment, the barriers of class and status dissolved, replaced by a sense of unity and inclusivity that transcended all differences.
As the sacred ceremonies concluded, Aditya glanced around at the faces of the people, their expressions radiating joy and contentment. In that moment, he realized the true essence of devotion - not in grand offerings or elaborate rituals, but in the simple act of opening one's heart to all who seek solace and sanctuary in the divine.
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Meanwhile, amidst the bustling crowd, Aditya's attention was drawn to a small, delicate bird fluttering nearby, its pristine white feathers catching the sunlight in a shimmering display. The bird's movements were hesitant, as if it had only recently learned to navigate the skies, its wings still unsteady with newfound freedom.
Aditya noticed the bird struggling, its wings ensnared by a stray thread. Sensing its distress, he knelt down beside it, his heart filled with compassion for the helpless creature. "Are you in need of help, little one?" Aditya whispered softly, his voice a soothing murmur as he gently untangled the bird's wings from the thread.
With each careful movement, he felt a sense of kinship with the fragile creature, a bond forming between them in their shared moment of need. As the last knot came undone, the bird chirped gratefully, its wings now free from confinement. "There, all better now," he murmured, a smile gracing his lips as he watched the bird flutter its wings in gratitude.
With a flutter of its wings, it rose into the air, hovering for a moment before alighting on Aditya's shoulder, its tiny feet gripping his clothing with surprising strength.
Aditya's eyes lit up with delight as he felt the bird's presence on his shoulder. "Do you like me, little friend?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder and curiosity. To his amazement, the bird chirped in response, as if understanding his words, its trust in him evident in every melodious note.
With a gentle encouragement, Aditya softly urged the bird, "Fly now." As if understanding his words, the bird nodded its head, chirping softly before taking off into the open sky.
Little did Aditya know, by this simple act of kindness a bond is forged between them, not knowing that their paths would cross again in the future.
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As the chariot rolled to a stop at the gates of the palace, Sakuni alighted with purpose, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings of Hastinapur. Kulguru Kripacharya, with his venerable presence, approached him with a respectful bow, his demeanor reflecting a mix of curiosity and reverence.
"Gandhar Raj, welcome to Hastinapur," Kripacharya greeted warmly, his voice carrying the weight of tradition and wisdom.
Sakuni acknowledged Kripacharya's welcome with a nod, his mind already consumed by the urgency of the situation. "Kripacharya, where is everyone? I expected a grand welcome," he remarked, his tone tinged with a sense of urgency.
Kripacharya's expression softened as he explained, "The royal family has gone to the newly inaugurated Shiv Mandir."
Sakuni nodded thoughtfully, then he leaned in with a pointed question, "Has the coronation of Dritharastra taken place already?"
Kripacharya shook his head. "Not yet, Gandhar Raj. The ceremony will commence once everyone returns from the Shiv Mandir."
Sakuni's tension eased at the news. "In that case, I will join them at the Shiv Mandir," he declared, a faint smile playing on his lips as he anticipated the reunion with Aditya.
Sakuni turned and swiftly made his way towards the Shiv Mandir, his steps lighter and filled with anticipation for the joyous occasion that awaited him.
As his chariot rolled to a stop at the temple gates, he alighted with a sense of eagerness, his eyes scanning the surroundings for familiar faces.
Just outside the temple grounds, the royal family had already gathered, their presence a beacon of majesty and tradition. Bhishma and Satyavati stood conversing near the grand altar, while others mingled with the gathered crowd, their voices carrying the joyous atmosphere of celebration.
Sakuni approached the gathering of the royal family members with a respectful bow, his demeanor exuding reverence and warmth. "Mahamahim Bhishma, Rajmata Satyavati, Jija Shree," he began, addressing each with utmost respect. "It is an honor to be in the presence of such esteemed members of the royal family."
As he spoke, Sakuni's gaze swept over the assembly, noting the absence of Gandhari and Aditya.
Bhishma, Satyavati, and Dritharastra acknowledged his greeting with nods of appreciation, their expressions reflecting gratitude for his respectful manner.
Satyavati's eyes sparkled with warmth as she spoke, "Gandhar Raj, your presence is most welcome."
Dritharastra, though reserved, offered a nod of acknowledgment, silently appreciating Sakuni's courteous demeanor.
Sakuni then turned to Bhishma with a furrowed brow, inquiring, "Mahamahim Bhishma, Where is Gandhari and Aditya?"
Bhishma's expression softened with understanding. "Gandhar Raj, they are still inside the temple."
Sakuni nodded respectfully, "Thank you, Mahamahim. I will go to them." With a final bow of respect to the royal family.
Sakuni made his way towards the interior of the temple, his heart filled with anticipation for the reunion with Gandhari and Aditya. However, as he approached Gandhari and Aditya, he paused, struck by the tender scene before him.
A soft smile graced Sakuni's lips as he stood at a respectful distance, not wanting to disrupt the intimate moment between mother and son.
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With the offering of Prasad in hand, Aditya approached his mother, Gandhari, with reverence and affection.
"Mata, I want to feed you," Aditya said softly, his eyes shining with affection as he offered the Prasad to Gandhari.
He extended the morsel with gentle care, a gesture of filial devotion and gratitude. Gandhari, moved by her son's gesture, accepted the Prasad as tears of happiness welled up in her blindfolded eyes, feeling blessed by the presence of her beloved Aditya.
In that tender exchange, amidst the sanctified ambiance of the Shiv Mandir, their bond as mother and son was reaffirmed, a testament to the enduring power of love and familial connection.
"Thank you for coming into my life, Putra. You are truly a blessing to me," Gandhari whispered, her voice filled with love and gratitude, as she embraced Aditya tenderly, cherishing the precious bond they shared.
As Gandhari's embrace enveloped Aditya......................................................
TO BE CONTINUED..... ???
(Scroll down 😜🤭)
he was suddenly swept away into a trance-like state, his consciousness transported to a realm beyond the present moment. In this ethereal vision, Aditya found himself standing in a sacred chamber bathed in a soft, golden light, where his mother Gandhari knelt before the revered idol of Mahadev.
Gandhari's tear-stained face bore the weight of her sorrow and desperation as she wept before the divine presence. With trembling hands, she reached out to touch her swollen abdomen, her fingers tracing the curve of her womb where new life stirred within.
Confusion clouded three-year-old Aditya's mind as he watched his mother in distress. Seeing her crying and clutching her swollen belly filled him with a deep sense of unease. In his heart, he felt an overwhelming urge to protect her, to shield her from whatever was causing her pain.
As Gandhari's clenched fists descended upon her gravid belly, each strike a silent plea for relief from the burden of her prolonged pregnancy, Aditya's confusion turned to desperation. Helplessness washed over him as he struggled to make sense of the scene unfolding before him. Despite his young age, the instinct to protect his mother burned within him, driving him to find a way to ease her pain.
As the vision unfolded, Aditya's heart filled with urgency and dread. With every fiber of his being, he longed to stop Gandhari's self-inflicted pain, but he remained INVISIBLE?, UNHEARD?, POWERLESS?. Despite his desperate attempts to intervene, his efforts were in vain, thwarted by the ethereal barrier that separated him from the world of the vision, A SILENT OBSERVER TO HIS MOTHER'S SUFFERING.
In a final, desperate attempt to reach his mother, Aditya cried out for her with all the strength left within him.
"MATA!!!!"
"Mata... mata...mata..." he cried out amidst his tears, the word escaping his lips like a desperate plea for understanding and comfort. His voice quivered with desperation, echoing through the sacred chamber.
Though blindfolded, Gandhari sensed his distress from the trembling of his voice. With a mother's instinct, she gently cupped his tear-streaked face, her heart pounding with worry.
"Aditya? Putra??? What happened? Aditya??" Gandhari's voice trembled with concern as she tried to soothe her son, but all she could hear was Aditya's inconsolable cries for her, his words repeating like a haunting refrain.
The overwhelming intensity of the vision left him feeling like he was drowning in a whirlpool of emotions. When he snapped back to the present and saw his mother, Gandhari, embracing him, the abrupt transition from the surreal to the real world left him feeling dizzy and disoriented. The sudden shift from witnessing his mother's distress in the vision to her comforting embrace in reality left him utterly bewildered.
"Aditya? Putra?" Yet, even as he heard her voice, Aditya remained ensnared in confusion. Her voice offered a lifeline in the storm, but his mind was clouded by uncertainty and doubt.
With a voice trembling with uncertainty, Aditya called out in response, "Mata???" His plea echoed into the void, a desperate plea for clarity and solace.
Despite being back in her arms, the haunting images of her pain remained etched in his mind, clouding the sense of security her voice should have provided. Conflicting emotions of relief and lingering distress swirled within him, making it difficult for his young mind to fully grasp the present moment.
Aditya's emotions surged like a tempest within him, a whirlwind of SORROW, ANGER, and CONFUSION. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he cried out for his mother, his heart heavy with the weight of helplessness. Anger smoldered deep within his being, its intensity mirroring the fiery wrath of Mahadev himself, as he grappled with the helplessness of his situation-unable to alleviate his mother's pain.
In the midst of his emotional turmoil, Aditya's divine kavach blazed to life, its radiant light piercing through the darkness like a beacon of strength and determination. The essence of Mahadev coursed through him, lending strength to his resolve even as his emotions threatened to overwhelm him.
Aditya's sobs softened and his energy waned, Gandhari felt a heaviness settle upon her heart. Slowly, he slumped in her arms, his small form growing limp as consciousness slipped away into darkness. With a heavy heart, Gandhari gently cradled him, feeling the weight of worry and helplessness pressing down upon her.
As Gandhari held him close, she lowered herself to the ground, her arms wrapped protectively around him. With a sense of urgency, she called out his name, her voice trembling with concern and desperation. "Aditya! Aditya!"
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The sound of Gandhari's cry echoed through the chamber, catching the attention of those nearby. Immediately, footsteps hurried towards her, drawn by the urgency in her voice.
As Sakuni watched from a distance, his heart filled with warmth at the sight of Gandhari and Aditya's tender bond. However, his smile faded abruptly as his gaze fell upon Aditya's radiant kawach, its brilliance illuminating the chamber. A sense of foreboding gripped Sakuni as he witnessed the divine manifestation, his concern deepening at the sight of Aditya slumping down in Gandhari's arms.
Without hesitation, he rushed forward, his expression etched with concern, as he hastened to reach them.
"Gandhari! What happened? Is Aditya alright?" Sakuni's voice trembled with worry as he reached them, his hands outstretched to take Aditya from her embrace.
Gandhari, her eyes blindfolded, turned towards the sound of Sakuni's voice, nodded frantically as she struggled to compose herself amidst her grief. Between hiccups and sobs, "Sakuni?, Brother, I don't know..... He was calling for me,....... Crying....... and then he just fainted in my arms," she explained, her voice quivering with distress.
As her words hung in the air, the gathered onlookers exchanged worried glances, their expressions reflecting the gravity of the situation. Concern etched deep lines on their faces as they waited anxiously for answers, their hearts heavy with fear for Aditya's well-being.
With a sense of urgency, Sakuni gently took Aditya into his arms, his heart heavy with worry for his beloved nephew. "Aditya! Mere bache, wake up!" he pleaded, his voice tinged with fear.
Turning to Gandhari, Sakuni's brow furrowed with concern as he asked, "Sister, do you know what happened to him? Why did he faint?".
Tears streamed down Gandhari's face as she struggled to find words amidst her grief. "I don't know, Sakuni. He was so distressed....... I couldn't calm him down," she replied, her voice choked with emotion.
Sakuni's heart sank as he cradled Aditya, his mind racing with worry and fear. "We must get him help immediately," he declared, his tone urgent as he looked around for assistance.
Sakuni gently guided Gandhari's hand to his own, offering her a sense of comfort amidst the chaos. "Don't worry sister, Nothing will happen to Aditya, okay? Let's get Aditya help," he said softly, his voice filled with determination.
With Sakuni leading the way, Gandhari followed, her heart heavy with worry for her son. Together, they hurried out of the temple, Sakuni cradling unconscious Aditya in his arms, their thoughts consumed by concern for his well-being.
Even as darkness enveloped him in unconsciousness, Aditya's divine kawach remained resplendent, its brilliance undiminished. All who witnessed the scene couldn't help but marvel at the steadfast presence of his divine protection, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty of the moment.
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So my lovely readers,
Did you expect/or Even thought that Aditya will have his first vision in this chapter?
And how is it? I hope i expressed his emotions well, how a three year old would be feeling? Or is it too much?
I really need your feedback so i can know if the chapters are upto YOUR EXPECTATIONS or not....
What do you think will happen next how Aditya will react when he wakes up?🤔🤔🤔
And our dear Sakuni mama shree what do you think of his character so far?
Do you think Karna's presence with the royal family does bring change?
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To be continued...
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