The day had finally arrived for the journey to Varanavat. Kunti, after speaking with Vidura, made up her mind to take Nisha as her sole attendant. Both Kunti and Vidura knew Nisha's secret—her knowledge of the future. Vidura had strongly recommended that Nisha accompany them, believing that she could help steer them away from the dangers that lay ahead.

Kunti had called her sons to discuss Nisha's inclusion in their party. Yudhishthira was initially hesitant. "Why should we risk her life in this dangerous journey?" he asked, a deep furrow of concern creasing his brow.

Kunti, ever calm, replied, "Vidura believes she can help us, my son. And I have faith in her wisdom."

Yudhishthira, although still uneasy, could not argue against his mother's wishes. He agreed, albeit reluctantly, understanding the gravity of the situation. His brothers, however, were left shocked. The revelation that Nisha was from the future had left them astounded. Nakul, especially, felt a strange mixture of surprise and excitement. He had always sensed there was more to Nisha than met the eye, and now he was eager to learn all he could about her. His curiosity about the mysterious girl grew tenfold, and the fact that she would be accompanying them to Varanavat only added to his enthusiasm.

As Nisha prepared to leave for the journey, a wave of sadness washed over her. She would have to part ways with Adrika, her dear companion. The thought of leaving her behind weighed heavily on her heart, and it was just as painful for Adrika, who had grown to see Nisha as a sister. Tears glistened in Adrika's eyes as she bid her farewell, her voice trembling with emotion.

Nisha reassured her softly, "Main vaapas aungi, Adrika. Tumhari yeh behen tumhe kabhi bhool nahi sakti." (Translation: "I will return, Adrika. Your sister will never forget you.")

With those words, Nisha left, her heart heavy but her resolve strong.

Before they departed, Vidura and Bhishma gave the Pandavas one final reminder. "Stay safe and vigilant," Bhishma said, his voice grave and filled with wisdom. The city people, too, gathered in crowds, walking alongside the Pandavas, their eyes filled with tears and worry. The love and devotion from the people, who cried for their well-being, stirred a deep sense of responsibility in Yudhishthira's heart. He turned to them and reassured them, "Hum theek rahenge. app log apne ghar jaiye aur chinta mat kariye." (Translation: "We will be fine. You should return to your homes and please don't not worry about us.") Though the people obeyed, their reluctance to leave lingered in the air.

Nisha knew that the love of the people was one of the reasons why Duryodhana felt threatened. Their journey to the so-called "Shiv Puja" in Varanavat was merely a pretext for his evil plan. She walked along with the soldiers, her mind deep in thought. The five princes rode ahead on horses, while Kunti sat in a palanquin, veiled and serene.

Nisha didn't notice that Nakul had been observing her from atop his horse. He watched her walk with a quiet grace, his curiosity getting the better of him. Unable to resist, he rode up beside her, his horse gently pacing alongside her steps.

"Yadi tumhe koi apatti nahi hai, devi, to tum mere saath ghode par chal sakti ho." (Translation: "If you have no objection, my lady, you may ride with me on the horse.")

Nisha glanced up, startled by the offer. Nakul's face was as charming as ever, his expression inviting. For a moment, her heart fluttered and a quiet "Yes" echoed in her mind. But quickly regaining her composure, she smiled politely and said, "Nahi, Rajkumar, mera aapke saath chalna sahi nahi hoga. Main theek hoon." (Translation: "No, Prince, it wouldn't be proper for me to ride with you. I'm fine walking.")

Nakul, pretending to be hurt, persisted. "Kya tum sach mein itni takleef logi? Main chahta hoon ki tumhe yeh safar aasan lage." (Translation: "Will you really trouble yourself that much? I only want to make the journey easier for you.")

Despite her initial reluctance, Nakul's stubborn charm won over Nisha. After much hesitation, she agreed. Nakul extended his hand, helping her up onto the horse. The proximity between them felt strange but not unpleasant, as if they were crossing an invisible boundary that had been between them. Both of them felt the warmth of the moment, but they chose to ignore it.

To break the tension, Nakul initiated a friendly conversation, telling her about himself and Hastinapur,thought that Nisha might be unfamiliar with the territory. His voice was light and filled with cheer as he described their home, the palaces, and the people, making the journey feel less daunting. Nisha, meanwhile, mentally noted everything he said, listening intently while responding with quiet nods and smiles. {how sweet of Nakul}

After what seemed like a long but pleasant ride, they reached Varanavat. The head priest, a prominent executive, and some of the wealthy merchants welcomed them into the city. They were shown to a temporary residence, as Purochan explained that the actual palace—the infamous Lakshagraha—was still under construction and would take another few months to be completed.

Once they were inside and had a moment of privacy, Yudhishthira gathered everyone around and assigned tasks to each of his brothers. He turned to Nakul, "Priya Nakul Tumhare kaam yaha hai ki tum sahi jagah ka pata lagaoge, jahan hum yeh sheher chhod ke jaa sakein." (Translation: "Dear Nakul, It is your responsibility to find a suitable place where we can escape.") Then to Sahadeva, "Aur priya Sahadev tumhe graha aur nakshatra ka dhyaan rakhna hoga, taaki hum jungle aur Ganga paar kar sakein." (Translation: "Dear Sahadev You need to keep track of the constellations for direction so that we can cross the forest and the Ganges.")

Yudhishthira emphasized that they could take their time to adjust for a couple of months since Purochan had told them it would take six months for the palace to be completed. "Is samay ka istemal bina kisi shak ke karna hoga," he added. (Translation: "We must use this time without arousing any suspicion.")

Mata Kunti, overhearing the plan, asked in confusion, "Yeh sab kya bata rahe ho putra?" (Translation: "What are you saying son?") Yudhishthira explained Duryodhana's sinister plot to kill them. Kunti's face turned furious. She had always treated Duryodhana like her own child, just like the Pandavas. Her voice was heavy with emotion when she declared, "Main Gandhar naresh ko kabhi kshama nahi karungi!" (Translation: "I will never forgive the king of Gandhara!"{King of Gandhar is Shakuni})

Bhima, who had been silent until now, clenched his fists, his rage visible on his face. But for now, there was nothing to be done.

After a simple dinner, Kunti, who had grown fond of Nisha, told her, "Tum ab sirf ek daasi nahi ho. Tum hamare parivar ka hissa bangayi ho, isliye tum mere saath rehogi age ke kamre main." (Translation: "You are no longer just a maid. You are now a part of our family, so you will stay with me infront of my room.")

Overwhelmed by Kunti's kindness, Nisha said, "Dhanyavaad, Mata." (Translation: "Thank you, Mother.")

As the night drew in, each of them retired to their rooms, and for the first time in days, Nisha slept peacefull in the royal bed and also the entire household slept peacefully as they were away from kauravas.

-----

Vote and comment guys and have a good day!!!!!!