" Attention!! Maharani of Chedi, Taruna in coming" the guard announced as Maharani Taruna entered into the sabha. She briefly looked at Anayati and Yudhisthir who were standing together in the left and then went to sit on her thrown.

" Call the accused" she announced. Her words were enough to seed anger in Anayati's heart. Accused??

Slowly yet gracefully Anayati came and stood in the centre of the Sabha. Some gazed at her with disgust and some with lust. It was for the first time her beaty was uncovered for everyone to see. Every time she was with someone who would cover up her face by their bodies not letting other to see. Before the proceedings could begin, Bheem came and stood behind Anayati. A silent message for everyone to avert their gaze. Kashi raj and many others kings stayed back just to witness the drama.

The 109 daughters of Shishupal looked at their mother with disgust for God knows why. Only her eldest was standing beside her mother providing support.

" Maharani Panchali! How will you justify killing my husband the king of Chedi?" Taruna's loud voice boomed throughout the hall.

Anayati took a deep breathe before continuing " he tricked me and tried to sexually assault me " she said boldly looking directly into taruna's eyes. Somewhere Taruna knew, questioning the kulvadhu of Hastinapur, the honour of Panchal will not be easy but she still took the chance for her kingdom. Some seemed impressed by Anayati's boldness and some called her shameless.

" You could have called for help" Taruna reasoned. Bheem was about to say something but Anayati stopped him "I did called for help and your sons showed up as well. But not for helping me, they came to argue that who will take me in his chamber next" Anayati's voice was fierce. Valandhra seemed a lot surprised and impressed by Anayati. Yudhisthir who was listening to all this silently started to tremble in anger internally. They tried to touch his beloved? He didn't ask about that incident from Anayati thinking it will hurt her.

Taruna took a deep breathe " whatever my husband and sons did deserved punishment. But I can't ignore my people who are now father less and without any security"

" Who said they are without security?" Bheem jumped in. " Chedi is now under Indrprast's security"

" These are mere words Rajkumar Bheem. I want assurance. " Said Taruna emphasising on assurance.

" Please come to the point Maharani" for the first time Yudhisthir spoke. Somewhere everyone knew that Taruna wants something and that's why she is doing all this drama.

Taruna sighted hearing Yudhisthir's words. "I want Maharaj Yudhisthir to marry my eldest daughter as a token of assurance" her words entered like a turmoil into everyone's system.

" That's not possible" Yudhisthir stated.

" Why not Dharmaraj! You are the true upholder of Dharma. You must marry Chedi kumari and assure your support to Chedi" Kashi Raj jumped in. Many other kings also decided to support him.

Admist all this the eldest daughter of Taruna stood rooted to ground. Her own mother is using her like a lamb. A token of assurance. How can she? She not for once asked from her. Her gaze travelled to Anayati silently praying her as if she is God.

" I am already married Maharani and I don't wish to marry again" Yudhisthir's message was loud and clear. But Taruna too was stick to her point.

" Either you will marry my daughter or your wife will be punished for this bloodbath that took place in Chedi" she cleared her point. Everyone was in turmoil. What to do now? Anayati was practically shaking on her place. Her whole body trembling in anger. Her demear getting intense and scary. Eyes red.

" Krishnaa" Vasudev's soothing voice fell into everyone's ears.

" Sakha" Anayati turned to her back. Her state became completely normal. There stood her Govind with his serene smile. Anayati didn't think much before jumping into his embrace. Many called this act shameless but no one dared to question. How can they when Anayati's hudband didn't question.

" Vasudev! When did you came?" Asked Bheem.

' I was passing from Chedi yesterday and thought of visiting here once but got struck someone. Today when I got the news of you being here, I came running bhrata "said vasudev. His hand soothing Anayati continuously.

" Can we skip this formal meeting?" Taruna shouted getting anxious. " I want assurance Maharaj " she said looking at Yudhisthir.

" If you want assurance only then why not marry your daughter with any of jyest's brother. " Krishna said gaining everyone's attention.

Taruna seemed to accept this proposal. Yudhisthir looked distressed. How can he destroy any of his brother's life by marrying him to an unknown person. Moreover how can he destroy that Rajkumari's life. Anayati looked at her sakha in confusion who reassured her that everything will be alright.

" Who?" Asked Taruna. Yudhisthir was about to interfere when a voice intrupted him.

" I will marry your daughter maharani " it was Nakul who stood emotionless there. His gaze straight.

" Nakul!" Anayati whispered in shock.

" There's no need for you to do so anuj" Yudhisthir said. Anayati looked at her Sakha who was smiling mysteriously. She then came forward and held Yudhisthir's hand conveying something to him with her eyes.

Taruna looked satisfied. " It's final then" she announced " the day after tomorrow, Rajkumar Nakul will marry my eldest daughter Karenumati " the Sabha ended with her announcement. One by one they started getting out of the hall . Only the Pandu clan remained with Krishna. Karenumati was taken by her sisters from there.

" Anuj " Yudhisthir carresed Nakul's face lovingly" why did you sacrificed your life for us "

" I didn't jyest! I had to marry one day then why not today. " Nakul reasoned.

" But what will happen to other princesses of Aryavart now jyest " Bheem joked" they will die without Nakul " his joke did something to lift up other's mood.

" Dharmraj! We should talk to Karenumati about this as well " Anayati said" that poor soul had no say in her own life decision. She must not be forced "

" Sakhi is right jyest. I believe Nakul himself should talk to Chedi Kumari " suggested Krishna as everyone noded.

" Bhrata Yuyutsu send an official invitation letter to Hastinapur and Indrprast. They must be present here " said Anayati leaving with Valandhra.

" I am sorry Valandhra " Anayati said after covering some distance" you just got married and I was not able to welcome you properly in my family "

" Jiji, I don't wish for a formal welcome, I just want to be with you in every situation. Your support is all I wish for " said Valandhra smiling.

Anayati hugged her immediately" but how did you fell in love with Bheem. I sent that rascal to protect Kashi from attack and he was impressing you there " Anayati fake angered. Valandhra became flushered.

" I will tell you later " saying so she almost ran away.

Here Nakul was in search of his would be wife. He said yes to marry her without even looking at her face and now he is in trouble. He have to find his bride in between the 109 princesses of Chedi.

" Are you looking for someone jija shri" one of the princess teased.

" ... actually yes...can you tell me where is Karenumati?" He asked hesitantly. That princess suppressed her smile " she is in kridangan" she said pointing to a particular direction. Nakul thanked her and went there. A girl was practising sword fighting alone, her face covered. Nakul thought her to be Karenumati.

" Can we talk rajkumari?" He asked coming in front of her. Instead of replying by words, she replied by sword. Her sword charged upon Nakul directly. But he is a trained warrior, the deciple of Dronacharya. He tackled her attack by his sword immediately.

" I wanted to talk by words" he said dodging one more attack.

" Are you this eager to marry anyone?" She shouted with one more attack.

" Have some mercy on me rajkumari! I am your would be husband" Nakul got saved by inches from dying.

" Exactly! You are my would be husband, you are not my husband. So lets solve this matter" she said with one more fierce attack.

Now Nakul was tired of this playing. He swiftly moved his sword which removed the cloth covering her head. Her long black hairs fall upon her shoulders. She charged upon Nakul this time more furiously.

He again dodged her which made her fall on ground. Nakul, in attempt of saving her landed just above her. Karenumati was struggling under the weight of Nakul but he was not moving. His hands slowly travelled to her face removing her mask.

He got hypnotized the moment he saw her face. Serene, calm and elegant, just like a flower.

" I just want this marriage to be by your consent. If you don't wish to marry then just tell me. I will help you escape this marriage" he said getting up. He extended his hands for her but she stood up on her own.

" Sometimes destiny don't leave any option in our hands Rajkumar! " Saying so she left leaving him preplexed .



Karenumati

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