Arshia POV

"I will take my leave." I mumbled,once again,and walked out,this time not waiting for anyone to stop me.

They just....won't understand, it's impossible for them to understand. It is true I have been extremely distant but it has been hard for me to. When I first entered this era,never had I thought I would fall in love and have a child,who I would adore so much.

I can never fit in,I will never fit it.

.

We stood in the hall of the the palace, waiting for Bhabhishree's family and her children to come. I was glad all of them respected my space and backed away when I asked them to.

It did hurt me when Abhimanyu looked at me with pain-filled eyes but I was helpless. What am I supposed to do?

God,this is so confusing and draining.

Maharaj Drupad,General Shrikhandni and Rajkumar Dhrishtadyumna entered as Draupadi smiled, walking to them. I smiled, playing with my fingers.

"Father,where are my sons?" Draupadi asked,her eyes lingering on the entrance. "Children never leave a mother's mind, daughter." Drupad caressed her cheek, walking past her and going to his 5 son-in-laws.

Her eyes still stayed glued to the entrance.

I walked to Draupadi,when I realised everyone was busy in their own conversations and didn't realise how eager and saddened Draupadi was.

"They must be arriving." I whispered, laying my hand on her shoulder. Draupadi turned to me.

"Are you okay?" She asked, pulling me into a soft hug.

Oh,how I hated when someone pitted me.

"Yeah,fine. Sorry for the outburst earlier." I whispered into her ear. "It's understandable. It's difficult to stay away from the kids that you gave birth to. You will meet Vrishaketu soon,Arshia. It's a motherly instinct." I nodded against her neck.

Suddenly,the drums started, grabbing everyone's attention. I could feel her body tense up before she pulled away and looked at the entrance. My gaze followed her.

There stood 5 childern with pride on their faces. All of their eyes landed on Draupadi, bringing a smile on their faces. I decided to walk back, making sure she had her moment with her kids.

Each one of them,age wise,came to Draupadi and seemed blessings as she blessed them with tears of joy in her eyes. As the youngest backed away, Draupadi spread her arms, allowing the five brothers to come into her arms.

The 5 childern were exactly what their fathers were,almost a carbon-copy if I dare say. The five stepped back and greeted everyone in the room. When they came to me,each one of them stepped back.

I frowned. What was it?

"Pranipat Mata Arshia." Prativindhya said,bowing his head at me while the other 4 followed. I forced a smile up my face, blessing them.

"Putra,I think you all have been taught better." Bheem said,with disappointment in his voice. "Yes,brothers. She is our mother. She is the wife of our beloved Pitashree Karna,how can you disrespect her like this?" Abhimanyu asked, coming infront of me and looking down at his brothers with disappointment.

"They are not disrespecting me, child. They have greeted me." I said, putting my hand on his shoulder and pulling him to stand beside me. Abhimanyu shook his head.

"A pranipat won't do,mata."

"It's not our intention to not touch her feet,Bharata Abhimanyu. It's just that,one of our brothers' has made it clear that he will be the first one to touch her feet. After him,we are allowed to take her blessings." Sutasoma giggled.

Abhimanyu and I had confusion on our faces,like everyone else in the room expect the 5 younger Pandavas.

"We will show you."

The five younger Pandavas stepped aside, making a path way that led to me.

The drums started to play yet again as I stared at the entrance,still clueless.

Soon enough,I felt my soul leaving my body as I widened my eyes in surprise.

There stood a boy,his aura being extremely radiant. He had a sun tilak on his forehead. With a golden bow,shiny honey brown eyes, Vrishaketu stood. He looked around the room,until his eyes fell on mine.

A smile spread across his face as he walked to me, soon standing infront of me. He had grown a lot taller,so I had to step back so I don't have to raise my head that high.

He bent down, putting his arrow beside him and touched my feet. My eyes,yet again,filled with tears as I raised my hand to bless him. He stood up with his arrow and smiled at me.

"Mata. How are you?" Vrishaketu's deep voice asked. My mouth fell short of words,I could simply nod. I felt a tear travel down my cheek. Vrishaketu extended his palm and collected the tear.

"Mata,if you cry,I won't be able to control myself but warriors never shed tears. I am not supposed to. It pains me to see you shedding tears,Mata and moreover,the reason is me. So,please mata." He stepped forward, pulling me into a soft hug.

I gulped, trying to stop my tears,but failing miserably.

"Oh,I missed you so much Vrishaketu." I whispered into his ears, crying my eyes out. "I missed you too mother." He smiled, pulling away. He wiped my tears,his radiant smile still on his face.

"How are your brothers?"

"They are fine,mother. They couldn't accompany me,sadly. I hope you will get to meet them soon." Vrishaketu's smile fell. "Don't worry,I will." I patted his head.

Vrishaketu turned to the elders, seeking their blessings,while the 5 younger Pandavas came to me, touching my feet.

"Abhimanyu." Vrishaketu called out, coming to him. The younger was about to bend down when Vrishaketu held his shoulders, pulling him into a hug.

"I missed you Jyesth. How come you never visited with Pitashree Karna and after Matashree Arshia left?" Abhimanyu mumbled, tightening the hug.

"I am sorry, Abhimanyu." Vrishaketu patted his back, pulling away.

"Pitashree talks about you. How amazing in archery you are. He said that I would grow up to be your competi-"

"No Jyesth. I can never be your competitor. I will always have something to learn from you." Abhimanyu shook his head. Vrishaketu laughed in return.

.

I watched Draupadi follow Krishna with a frown on her face.

I know what happened. I would not like to poke my nose in someone else's business, although it already seems like I am.

"It's not possible Abhimanyu." I heard Vrishaketu say. I turned to him, viewing him resting his hand on Abhimanyu's shoulder with a frown on his face.

"What's wrong sons?" I asked walking to them. Their attention turned to him as I could see their expressions softening. "Mata,please convince Abhimanyu." Vrishaketu spoke softly, standing beside me.

"You are in the wrong,Jyesth." Abhimanyu argued back.

"He wants Pitashree to come to the kingdom for his marriage."

.

Third Person POV

Arshia's face fell at his words. She turned to him and placed her hand on his cheek.

"Abhimanyu,I know how important Arya is to you. I know how he filled the shoes of a father when your own father was away from you. But,you have to understand,he isn't on our sid-"

"But he is supposed to be. He is supposed to be where his child and wife are.

I want him on our side,mother Arshia"

Arshia sighed.

"I want him by our side too,dear but he won't be able to."

"Why the tension?" Arshia turned to look at the 5 brothers.

"Jyesth Pitashree,I want Pitashree Karna by our side but Mata Arshia and Jyesth Bharata say it's not possible." Abhimanyu complained, standing near Yudhishthir.

"Abhimanyu,you are old enough to understand why he can't be on our si-"

"Putra Abhimanyu,your Pitashree Karna will be on our side.

Be it as Angraj Karna or Maharathi Karna."

. . .