The past month had been an eventful one, with the Pandavas on their *Vijay Yatra*. Their victories in distant lands were celebrated with pride, and the royals of Hastinapur, along with the citizens, eagerly awaited updates. Letters came frequently, bringing news of their health and success. In the latest letter, it was revealed that Yudhishthira was negotiating with central territories, Bhima had gone to Dwarka to learn the art of *gadayudh* and wrestling from Balram, Arjuna had conquered the southwest territories, Nakul had claimed the south, and Sahadeva the southeast. They are returning with immense wealth, valuable items, and new alliances.

Meanwhile, back in Hastinapur, Nisha received her first salary of 105 gold coins, wrapped in a simple cloth. Sitting in the dim glow of the lantern, she unwrapped the cloth and stared at the coins, deep in thought. A sigh escaped her lips as she whispered to herself, her mind wandering.

"If only I had gone with Bhima... I could have met Krishna in Dwarka, and maybe he could have answered all the questions that haunt me. Staying here means waiting so long to meet him."

Her musings were interrupted by Adrika's soft voice.

"Kya soch rahi ho, Nisha?" Adrika asked while folding her maid's attire. {what are you thinking nisha?}

Nisha blinked and came back to the present, glancing at Adrika, whose face was lit by the warm lantern glow.

"Jab mere paas paise nahi the tab sab kharidne ka maan ho raha tha, ab dwand mein hoon ki kya loon?" Nisha replied, laughing softly.

(Translation: "When I didn't have any money, I wanted to buy everything, but now I can't decide what to get.")

Adrika chuckled, folding her clothes neatly.

"Hota hai," she said. {it happenes}

Nisha smiled, wrapping the coins back in the cloth and placing them in the wooden box. Her gaze drifted to a letter lying near the box, a letter from Krishna. Her mind shifted to Rati, the pigeon Krishna had sent to her. Suddenly, she wondered.

"Rati... where is he?"

Standing up, she moved toward the door, turning to inform Adrika.

"Main Pitamah Bhishm ke shivir ja rahi hoon, Adrika."

(Translation: "I'm going to visit Pitamah Bhishma's camp, Adrika.")

Adrika looked up, surprised.

"Kyun? Wahan iss samay kyun jana?"

(Translation: "Why? Why go there at this hour?")

Nisha sighed, her face reflecting deep empathy as she answered.

"Mujhe iss mahal mein sabse zyada vivash aur dukhi agar koi lagta hai, to woh Pitamah Bhishm hain. Woh chaah ke bhi shaanti se mar nahi sakte kyunki vachan bandh hain, woh chahke bhi raja ke virudh nahi jaa sakte kyunki vachan bandh hain. Hastinapur ki suraksha ke liye 1000 varshon se jee rahe hain. Jis prakar Mata Kunti unke paas jaati hain kabhi kabar, usi prakar main unki vyatha dur karne ki icha se ja rahi hoon. Shayad un jaise punyatma ki seva se mera kuch punya ho jaye."

(Translation: "In this palace, if anyone seems the most helpless and sorrowful to me, it's Pitamah Bhishma. He cannot die peacefully because of his vow, nor can he stand against the king because of his promise. He's been living for a thousand years for the security of Hastinapur. Just as Mata Kunti sometimes goes to him, I wish to ease his pain. Maybe serving such a noble soul might grant me some virtue.")

Adrika nodded, though concern lingered in her eyes. Nisha left the workers' area, her footsteps light on the stone floor. As she approached the corridor leading to Bhishma's camp, a voice echoed, sharp and clever, sending a chill through her.

"Tumne to kamaal kar diya, bhanje. Ab maharaj ke paas koi vikalp nahi."

(Translation: "You've done wonders, nephew. Now the king has no choice left.")

Nisha's heart skipped a beat. Her mind raced with realization. *Shakuni?*

She froze, a wave of panic flooding her, but she willed herself to keep moving. As she rounded a corner, she saw them—Shakuni and Duryodhan. Duryodhan spoke with a smug tone.

"Ant mein, Pitashree ko manane ke liye mujhe atmahatya ka bahana karna hi pada, mamashri."

(Translation: "In the end, I had to use the excuse of suicide to convince Father, uncle.")

But Shakuni had already noticed Nisha. He elbowed Duryodhan to stop him, and Duryodhan turned to see her walking by. Her head lowered and with less movement she kept walking, hoping to pass unnoticed.

Duryodhan laughed, tauntingly.

"App iss tuch dasi se dar rahe hain, mamashree?" he teased.

(Translation: "Are you afraid of this lowly maid, uncle?")

Shakuni whispered, "Chup ho jao, bhanje."

(Translation: "Be quiet, nephew.")

Duryodhan, now more amused than ever, commanded, "O dashi, idhar mudo."

(Translation: "Oh maid, turn around.")

Nisha's breath caught in her throat, but she didn't move. Her mind raced, thinking of a way to avoid this encounter. Duryodhan's voice grew more authoritative.

"Kya tumhe adesh palan karna nahi sikhaya gaya? Dasi?"

(Translation: "Were you not taught to obey orders? Maid?")

Reluctantly, Nisha turned around, covering her face with her saree like a veil. This was the only way she could think of to hide her face.

"Tumhe rajkumaron se kaise vyavhaar kiya jaata hai iska gyaan nahi hai? Tumhe iska parinaam milna chahiye," he said, stepping closer.

(Translation: "Do you not know how to behave with princes? You should suffer the consequences for this.")

As he reached to pull her veil, a sudden fluttering of wings interrupted him. A pigeon swooped down, its claws grazing Duryodhan's face, leaving a sharp cut beneath his eye. He roared in pain, his hand covering the wound, as blood began to drip.

In the chaos, Nisha seized the moment. She bolted down the corridor, her heart pounding as she dashed past the palace walls, not stopping until she was far from Duryodhan's rage. Leaning against a wall, she caught her breath, her body trembling with both fear and relief.

It was then she realized—*Rati.* The pigeon had saved her.

Looking up, she found Rati perched nearby. The bird flapped its wings and spoke with a stern tone.

"Tum vikshipt ho gayi ho kya? Yeh koi samay hai mahal mein ghoomne ka? Main Shri Krishna ko kya jawab deta?"

(Translation: "Have you lost your mind? Is this the time to roam around the palace? What would I have told Shri Krishna?")

Nisha, still shaken, responded in a quiet voice.

"Kya unhe fikar hai?"

(Translation: "Does he care?")

Rati, looking slightly offended, answered, "Kyun nahi hogi unhe fikar? Agar fikar nahi hoti toh mujhe thodi bhejte. Chalo, ab tum apne kaksh laut jao. Kal tumhe Vidur ji ke ghar jaana hai."

(Translation: "Why wouldn't he care? If he didn't, he wouldn't have sent me. Come now, return to your room. Tomorrow you have to go to Vidur's house.")

As they made their way back, Nisha asked, her curiosity piqued, "Parantu kyun?"

(Translation: "But why?")

Rati fluttered his wings, flying in front of her as if urging her to think.

"Abhi abhi tumne kya dekha nahi? Duryodhan aur mama Shakuni kahan se aa rahe the?"

(Translation: "Did you not just see where Duryodhan and Shakuni were coming from?")

Nisha's eyes widened in realization. Yes, they had come from Dhritarashtra's chambers, discussing how they had convinced him. She looked at Rati, connecting the dots.

"Kadachit wah Varanavat ki toh baat nahi kar rahe the?"

(Translation: "Perhaps they were speaking of Varanavat?")

Rati flapped his feathers and nodded, his eyes serious.

"wese tum sahi samay pe kese pahunche" Nisha asked. he replied "yaad karo tumne mujhe yaad kiya tha tumhare paise rakhte wakt aur main ne tumse kaha to tha ki main tum yaad karne se ajaunga" nisha smiled and they moved forward.

Nisha : By the way, how did you arrive at the right time?

Rati : Remember you remembered me while keeping your money and I told you that I will come remembering you."

The night enveloped the palace, and as Nisha lay down to sleep, Rati kept watch by the window, his protective gaze never leaving her.