As dawn broke over Varanavat, Nisha awoke from a peaceful sleep, the golden rays of the sun filtering through her window. She rose from her bed, her heart racing with anticipation for her first swordsmanship class with Nakul. After completing her morning chores, she draped her saree with care, ensuring it was styled for agility and ease of movement-perfect for wielding a sword.

She took a moment to admire her reflection in the mirror, a mix of determination and excitement in her eyes. Before stepping out, she paused to pray, folding her hands and whispering, "Hey Keshav, mera sath dena."

("O Keshav, please be with me.")

With renewed strength, Nisha headed toward the palace grounds, her heart filled with a sense of purpose.

Meanwhile, Nakul was wide awake, unable to sleep due to thoughts of his upcoming swordsmanship lesson with Nisha. The excitement coursed through him like wildfire, prompting him to rise before dawn. He took his time adorning himself, adjusting his royal angavastra and styling his hair, admiring his reflection in the mirror. After ensuring he looked just right, he stepped outside, a charming smile on his face.

As he walked down the corridor on the first floor, Mata Kunti's voice called out from behind, laced with concern, "Kahan ja rahe ho, vats, itni subah?"

("Where are you going so early, my son?")

Nakul turned, touching her feet with a playful grin. "Mata, wo Nisha hai na? Usne kaha ki usse khadag vidya sikhna hai. Issi karanvash main iss samay maidan ki taraf jaa raha hun."

("Mother, it's Nisha. She said she wants to learn swordsmanship, and that's why I'm going to the grounds now.")

Mata Kunti blessed him, her eyes twinkling with understanding, and gestured for him to go.

As Nisha approached the training ground, she spotted Nakul sharpening two wooden swords. With a respectful bow, she greeted him, "pranipath, Rajkumar."

Nakul turned at her voice, his smile widening. He effortlessly moved the wooden sword in his hands, showcasing its balance. "Ye tumhare liye hain, Nisha," he said, tossing one sword her way.

Nisha caught it, but its weight surprised her, causing the tip to touch the ground. Nakul chuckled, encouraging her, "Thoda dhyan do aur adhik bal lagao, aur seedha pakdo!"

("Pay a bit more attention and hold it straight applying some energy!")

With some effort, Nisha lifted the sword, pointing it as Nakul had shown her. "To, Nisha, aaj tum khadg ko kis prakar pakdogi, aur use ghumaogi, aur akraman kis prakar karogi ye sikhenge."

("So, Nisha, today you will learn how to hold the sword, how to swing it, and how to attack.")

Nisha nodded, her determination shining through. Nakul felt a swell of pride at her eagerness to learn his craft.

"Uss ke purv, tum ye lo," he said, tossing her another sword. Nisha caught it with her other hand, looking puzzled.

"Tumhare liye khadag uthana thoda mushkil ho raha hai. Isliye tum do khadag ek samay main uthaneka abhyas karo. Khadg chalate waqt ek yodha ko kabhi kabhi dhal bhi pakdna hota hai. Is rup se tum dhal aur khadg ka bhar ek sath uthane main saksham hogi.**"

("It seems you're having trouble lifting the sword, so practice with lifting both sword at a time. Some time a warrior also have to hold a shield with sword. This way, you will become capable of managing the weight of both.")

Nisha nodded again and began swinging both swords slowly in a circular motion. After what felt like an eternity, Nakul finally declared himself satisfied with her technique and told her to rest.

As Nisha sat on the soft grass, Nakul joined her, encouraging her to do some breathing exercises to relax and refresh. Just then, Arjun approached with his bow and arrows, noticing them both.

"Tum dono yahan is waqt kya kar rahe ho?"

("What are you both doing here at this time?") Arjun asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Abhyas Bhratashree, Khadg vidya ka."

("Practicing, Brother. Learning swordsmanship.") Nakul replied as Arjun sat down beside them.

"Aisa hai to, Nakul, kal se mujhe bhi bulana!"

("If that's the case, Nakul, invite me too starting tomorrow!") Arjun exclaimed, eager to join.

Nisha turned to Arjun, her eyes lighting up. "Bhrata Arjun, kya aap mujhe dhanurvidya sika sakte hain?"

("Brother Arjun, can you teach me archery?")

"Parantu, Nisha, tumhe ye sab achanak sikhne ki ichha kyun ho raha hai?"

("But, Nisha, why do you suddenly want to learn all this?") Arjun inquired, puzzled.

Sighing, Nisha replied, "Mujhe kya pata, Bhratashree. Aapke sakha ka adesh hai."

("I don't know, Brother. It's the command of your friend.")

Arjun's confusion deepened. "Govind? tum unhe janti ho?"

(you know Govind?)

Nisha nodded, and both brothers were taken aback. Nakul looked at her, bewildered. "Tumne hume pehle kyun nahi bataya, Nisha?"

("Why didn't you tell us sooner, Nisha?")

Before Nisha could respond, they heard a loud laugh. Bhima approached, placing a hand on Nakul's head. "Tumne pucha hi kahan tha, Nakul? Kabhi kabar kesh sawarne ke jagah gyan sawarne mein bhi dhyan diya karo!"

("Did you even ask, Nakul? Sometimes, instead of just grooming yourself, pay attention to gaining knowledge as well!")

Nakul rolled his eyes while Arjun and Bhima burst into laughter. Arjun turned back to Nisha, still intrigued. "Kya sach main Govind ka adesh hai?"

("Is it really a command from Govind?")

Just then, a bird flew overhead, landing gracefully on Nakul's shoulder. It was none other than Rati, the celestial pigeon. "Nisha sach boll rahi hai, Kumar Arjun. Aapke mitra ka hi adesh hai."

("Nisha is indeed telling the truth, Prince Arjun. It's a command from your friend.")

Arjun's eyes widened as Rati flew to him, dropping a peacock feather in his lap. The message was clear-it was a directive from Shri Krishna that Nisha was following.

Arjun nodded, his expression serious yet filled with warmth. "Nisha, tum khadg vidya ka avyas karne ne paschat mujhse dhanurvidya sikhne aana.**"

("Nisha, after your swordsmanship practice , you can come to me for archery lessons twice a day.")

Feeling empowered, Nisha smiled brightly. They all got up, ready to return to their rooms and prepare for the Shiv Puja, the reason they had come to Varanavat.

In Kunti's chamber, Nakul was meticulously grooming himself once again. Bhima, unable to resist, teased him, "Are, Nakul! Kitna apne aap ko sawar rahe ho? Kaunsi rajkumari ko dekhne jaana hai? Wese bhi, Varanavat vanon se ghira hua hai. Yahan rakumariyan nahi, rakshas kaniyaien milengi!"

("Hey, Nakul! Why are you grooming yourself so much? Which princess are you going to see? Besides, Varanavat is surrounded by forests. Here you'll meet not princesses, but demoness daughters!")

Laughter erupted in the chamber, and Nakul smiled, his gaze lingering on Nisha as if admiring her, who was preparing mata kunti for the puja. In his eyes, she was no less than a princess.

Turning back to Bhima, he remarked, "Aap bhi apne aap ko sawar lijiye, Bhratashree. Kya pata, yadi koi rakshashni ko aapse prem ho jaye?"

("You should groom yourself too, Brother. Who knows, if a demoness might fall in love with you?")

Laughter bubbled up again as Bhima lunged playfully at Nakul, but Yudhishthira interjected, reminding them of the time. "Chalo, hume Shiv Mandir ke liye nikalna chahiye."

("Come on, we should leave for the Shiv Temple.")

As they made their way to the temple, the atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement. The puja proceeded beautifully, with the people cheering for the crown prince Yudhishthira and the Pandavas. A large quantity of prasad was distributed after the completion of the puja and yagya, and the day seemed to be blessed with happiness.

However, in the shadows, Purochan observed with an unsettling evil grin thought this was the time to start the actual puja and yagna where he would use pandavas as ghee. His eyes glinted with mischief as he plotted his next move against the Pandavas.

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