Admist the darkness of night, Aanyati sat on her bed facing the balcony. The soft light of moon was falling on her face giving her an eternal glow. But she was lost. Lost in her thoughts. She knows it's her destiny to get married to Yudhisthir but some part of her heart don't want to accept this. Draupadi will become her co-wife, she is not ready for this, she will enter the kurukul where everyone have hidden intentions to do something, she never wanted this. But at the end she have to accept this.

Lost in her thoughts, she hardly slept that night.

Yudhishthir was sitting in his balcony facing the moon, not chandr dev but the one glowing in his light - Aanyati. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't pay attention to him. He on the other hand was feeling guilty, guilty for putting her in such condition.

" She will burn in your intense gaze Dharmraj, spare her and have some glace at this poor soul" Vishwa entered his chamber again without permission. He actually never took permission. Yudhishthir turned around and sighted at the view. Nakul was standing with two pony tails on his head. Rest of his brothers including Yuyutsu and Vishwa were laughing at his condition while he made a tired look.

Yudhishthir turned his stern gaze to them one by one and they stopped laughing at him. Nakul's face gained some colour finding his jyest supporting him. But to everyone's surprise Yudhisthir started laughing at Nakul whose mouth opened wide in surprise. This was the indication for all to laugh as they started laughing.

Between their laughter session, Vishwa didn't miss the sadness Yudhisthir was trying to cover with his smile but he felt it better to not discuss.

Next morning came and everyone was busy in the functions. Both Yudhisthir and Aanyati were taken for holy bath (seperately) .

Then the occasion of haldi started. Although there was music all around but not in people's heart still everyone tried to not show it.

" Jyest, today we have got the permit to apply as much haldi on your face as we want" Bheem laughed. Arjun and Nakul too joined. Sehdev remained aloof knowing they will get enough beating (verbal) from Yudhisthir after this.

As Bheem advanced with full bowl of haldi, Yudhisthir glanced at him. That was enough to stop Bheem but to everyone's surprise, a while bowl of haldi was poured on Yudhishthir's face by none other than Vishwa.

Yudhishthir sighted knowing it is just the starting. He for once can control his brothers but not Vishwa. Only Yuyutsu and Sehdev stood away from all enjoying the view.

" I still wonder you came just to see the marriage bhrata Yuyutsu" Sehdev whispered to Yuyutsu without looking at him . Yuyutsu understood his meaning.

" Gandhar Raj is planning to throw you all out of Hastinapur once you return. You have strengthened yourself by this alliance and they won't allow you to sustain " Yuyutsu answered straight. Sehdev sighted knowing this mouse race will never end.

Meanwhile Aanyati sat in a bit pot all covered in haldi. Moti and Dushala were still laughing at her. Shrikhandini and Draupadi were holding back themselves like Swarnika.

Soon milk was poured on her head followed by water. She was redied for applying mendhi.

Then started the most awaited night. Panchal is known for its unique music and dance. Tonight everyone was going to witness that with their own eyes.

Aanyati sat on her sofa behind a curtain. So did Yudhisthir just beside her. Both were warned not to look at each other even in the presence of curtains.

Drums, flutes, sitar, veena, everything started playing one by one. The groom side danced teasing the bride side. But Aanyati didn't look happy with that. She gestured something to Moti who got up immediately and went somewhere.

After sometime, the dancers of groom side including Vishwa, Nakul and Arjun started falling on floor. Yudhishthir frowned seeing them falling one by one but then his eyes landed on the white pearls thrown on floor.

He shook his head knowing who this is.

" This is cheating Rajkumari" for the first time he spoke to her after that night. Aanyati smirked

" You are going to marry me. You will see such cheating everyday"

Yudhishthir felt a relief pass through his veins finding the bold, mischievous Aanyati back.

Function ended really well. No one had thought it will after knowing the circumstances in which this marriage was decided.

Tomorrow was the wedding. So everyone was directed to go back to their chamber by elders even after their pleadings.

Aanyati just entered her chamber and was removing her jewellery when Tara came in.

" Rajmata Kunti wants to enter Rajkumari" Aanyati frowned at her statement but then ordered her to let her in.

" Pranipat Rajmata "

" Call me Mata putri, you are going to be my eldest daughter in law" Kunti said carresing her face with affection.

" You know...." Kunti was about to say something but Aanyati completed her

" You always wanted me as your daughter in law "

Kunti looked at her amused.

" May I ask something mata?" Kunti noded" why didn't you come back after Varnavrat incident? What was the reason behind remaining hidden?" Aanyati although had an idea but she wanted to confirm it.

Kunti's smiling face got replaced with a gloomy one" would you like to live in a place where your loved ones are always is danger, where no one loves them, everyday a new conspiracy is planned again them, where a brother is thirsty for his own brother's blood " Kunti looked into her eyes. Aanyati understood what Kunti meant. She didn't want any danger on her sons. Their life is more important than the throne. Kunti holded her hands bringing her back from thoughts. " promise me putri, you will never leave my son's side. He is true to his Dharma and many people try to take advantage of that by their word web. Promise me you will always be beside him to protect him from such people. He will never be alone. Even after knowing he is being used up, Yudhisthir remain silent respecting the relations but I have seen you putri. You stand up in front of wrong. Promise me you will keep doing that"

Aanyati saw the helplessness of a mother in Kunti's eyes. She is well aware about the internal conflicts of Kurus.

" I promise you mata, I will never leave your son's side not even in the worst" her voice was firm which made Kunti relax.

" Yuvraj, Maharaj Drupad wants to meet you" a guard informed Yudhisthir who was about to go to sleep.

" Allow him" he said picking up his agnavastra.

" Pranipat Maharaj! You should have called me if it was necessary" he said politely.

" A kind might have called you putr but a vernuable father had to come on your door begging for his daughter's sake" Drupad's voice was weak. Yudhishthir understood what he was implying.

" The day Aanyati was born she ended all my sorrows putr. She was born as a light to our endless darkness. From her birth she was the apple of my eyes. I never got the heart to say no to her. Her cries were my biggest fear. The day she went to Gurukul , I the king of Panchal cried behind the closed doors of his chamber. Only I know how I have passed those years without my precious gem. After she returned, I was on the seventh sky. She mended herself in my routine easily. Serving me food, discussing politics with me, practising with me. She knew how she can spend most of her time with me " Yudhisthir listened to him carefully. He have seen Aanyati doing all this.

" But after Drone attacked on Panchal through you, I was blinded by my anger, by rage, by revenge. I hurted her, humiliated her by doing the yagna for a son. I knew she would have sacrificed herself to bring Drone's head on my feet. But she is true to her dharm - her karma, she would have lost her trust in me after that. So I hurted her without knowing. After Vasudev opened my eyes, I was drowning in guilt. Not only for Aanyati but for Drone too. I tried to fix everything again. But when at the end I found my family, my children, their marriage got fixed. I cannot ask from you putr, I am begging you , Draksha's father is begging you. Always protect my daughter. No one is unaware about the attack held on you. I don't want my daughter to suffer more. Please be her protector. Always be with her putr " Drupad almost cried saying this. Yudhishthir's eyes were glistening with tears too. Is this how a father feel. He thought

" I promise you Maharaj, your daughter is my responsibility from now on. No danger will ever be able to touch her and it's my promise " said Yudhishthir with determination which made Drupad sight in relief.

That night, two promises were taken by two parents for their children's well fare. No one knew what was awaiting and how these promises were going to affect it.....

Ok. So tomorrow is the wedding and you all are welcomed to bless the couple.

By the way , to all my silent readers, I love you a lot.....

( Sarcasm)