The days passed quickly, like a strong breeze. After the Shiv Puja, six months had gone by like a blink of an eye. The Pandavas and Nisha had grown accustomed to their temporary palace, but yesterday, Purochan arrived with news that made them more alert then before.

"The Shiv Bhawan (name of the infamous lakshagrah), is complete. You can all move there tomorrow," Purochan declared with a suspicious smile, his eyes gleaming with hidden malice.

Nisha, now a skilled warrior in both sword fighting and archery, though not as proficient as Nakul or Arjun, had come a long way. She had grown incredibly close to both brothers, but her feelings for Nakul were special, a bond that went beyond mere friendship. Though neither of them was fully aware of it, they had developed feelings of love for each other.

There had been moments during their training when Nisha got deep cuts while practicing. Nakul would gently pluck Ayurvedic leaves, apply them to her wounds, and care for her until the cuts healed. His tenderness never failed to touch her heart.

As Nakul was tasked with scouting the escape routes. he often took Nisha with him.He also taught her how to ride horses and said now nisha too had equal right over his favorite steed, Tamraparn. The horse, like Nakul, had grown fond of Nisha. She suggested they can head toward Matsya Kingdom as a potential refuge, and for the last three months, they scouted and marked the routes carefully, leaving subtle signs in the forest for their escape.

Meanwhile, Nisha had also become skilled in archery under Arjun's expert guidance. She had mastered several mantras for divine weapons (astras) like Agni Astra (Fire Weapon), Vayu Astra (Wind Weapon), Varsha Astra (Rain Weapon), and many others.

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Today marked their last swordsmanship lesson. Nakul and Nisha stood facing each other, swords in hand. The air was tense, charged with unspoken emotions. Nakul made the first move, attacking swiftly, but Nisha parried with confidence. With a surge of force, she pushed Nakul's sword aside and lunged forward. But Nakul, as quick as lightning, defended with ease, twisting his sword gracefully and unbraiding her hair in one sharp move.

Nisha, not to be outdone, twirled and launched an attack, which Nakul dodged narrowly. The sound of their swords clashing was oddly satisfying, echoing through the quiet courtyard. Nakul jumped with remarkable speed and struck again. This time, Nisha, now more adept at reading his moves, tried to block his attack. But Nakul's force was overwhelming, and her sword flew to the ground.

Breathing heavily, Nisha glanced at her fallen sword, her hair falling messily over her face. Nakul, captivated by the sight, moved closer. With his sword, he gently tucked her loose strands behind her ear.

"Avishwasniya, Nisha. Mujhe kabhi nahi pata tha ki koi sirf 6 mahinon mein itni nipunta ke saath khadg vidya aur dhanur vidya seekh sakta hai. Aaj main bohot santusth anubhav kar raha hoon. Tumne meri gati ka sahi anuman lagaya, aur yeh dikhata hai ki tumne mujhse bohot achhe se seekha hai. Ab tumhe har din avyas karna hoga. Main ab keh sakta hoon ki tumhe mujh, Sahadev, Guru Dronacharya, Kul Guru Kripacharya, Shri Krishna aur swayam ishwar ke alawa koi nahi hara sakta."

(Translation: "Unbelievable, Nisha. I never thought someone could master swordsmanship and archery so proficiently in just six months. Today, I feel immense satisfaction. You've understood my speed perfectly, showing how well you've learned from me. Now you must practice every day. I can now say that only I, Sahadev, Guru Dronacharya, Kul Guru Kripacharya, Shri Krishna, or god himself can defeat you.")

Nisha's eyes gleamed at his words. She bent down and touched his feet out of respect. "Bohot bohot dhanyawad Rajkumar mujhe khadg vidya mein nipun banane ke liye."

(Translation: "Thank you very much, Prince, for making me proficient in swordsmanship.")

Nakul quickly bent down and held her shoulders, raising her up gently. His eyes were filled with a warmth she hadn't seen before.

"Pair mat chuo, Nisha. Tum mere liye devi ho, isliye tum mera pair mat chuo."

(Translation: "Don't touch my feet, Nisha. You are a goddess to me, so don't touch my feet.")

Nisha, confused and unaware of his true feelings, asked, "Devi kis prakar, Kumar?"

(Translation: "A goddess, in what sense, Prince?")

Realizing his slip, Nakul quickly tried to cover up. "Ladkiyan devi hi toh hoti hain na, Nisha?"

(Translation: "Aren't all women goddesses, Nisha?")

Nisha smiled softly at his response, and they began heading back toward the palace.

On the way, Nakul asked curiously, "Acha, Nisha, tumhare Kaliyug mein dost ek dusre ko kaise bulate hain?"

(Translation: "So, Nisha, in your modern era, how do friends address each other?")

"Naam leke pukarte hain, Kumar," Nisha replied.

(Translation: "They call each other by their names, Prince.")

Nakul turned to her with a smile. "Toh tum bhi aaj se mujhe naam leke pukarogi."

(Translation: "Then from today, you will also call me by my name.")

Nisha hesitated. "Parantu Kumar-"

(Translation: "But Prince-")

"Parantu warantu kuch nahi, Nisha," Nakul interrupted, smiling mischievously.

(Translation: "No buts, Nisha.")

Before Nisha could respond, Bheem, who was standing nearby, chimed in, giving Nakul a light smack on the head. "Murkh kahin ke, sun to lete vo kya kehna chahti hai. Ham sab ke samne vo kaise tumhe naam leke bulayegi, hai na Nisha?"

(Translation: "You fool, at least hear what she has to say. How will she call you by name in front of all of us, right Nisha?")

Nisha nodded, smiling, while Nakul looked at Bheem with mock annoyance. Turning back to her, he said, "Aisa hai toh Nisha, sirf 'Kumar Nakul' hi bula do." as if he is dying to hear his name from her mouth.

(Translation: "If that's the case, then just call me 'Prince Nakul'.")

They all shared a small coversation before heading back to the palace. As they neared, Mata Kunti approached them. They all respectfully touched her feet.

"Ajj tumhara khadg aur dhanur vidya seekhne ka akhri din tha, Nisha?" Kunti asked, looking pleased.

(Translation: "Was today your last day of learning swordsmanship and archery, Nisha?")

"Ji, Mata," Nisha nodded.

(Translation: "Yes, Mother.")

Kunti held Nisha's face tenderly, her eyes filled with pride. "Tum mein jo sikhne aur jaan ne ki chah hai, Nisha, woh mujhe atyant prerit karti hai. Main hamesha Vidhata ko naman karti hoon ki unhone tumhe humare paas bheja. Tumhe har sukh mile, aur tum meri tarah Aryavart ke sabhi streeon ko prerit karogi. Mera ashirvad sadaiv tumhare saath rahega."

(Translation: "Your desire to learn and grow, Nisha, inspires me greatly. I always thank the Creator for sending you to us. May you find all happiness and inspire all the women of Aryavarta just as I do. My blessings will always be with you.")

Nisha, overwhelmed by Kunti's words, bowed her head in gratitude.

---

Later that evening, as Nisha was walking towards her room, the gatekeeper approached her. "Dwarpal, kya hua?" she asked.

(Translation: "Gatekeeper, what happened?")

"Ek vyakti aapse milna chahta hai," the gatekeeper replied.

(Translation: "There is someone who wishes to meet you.")

Nisha moved towards the gate and saw a strong man with tools in hand. She immediately recognized him. He was the one sent by Vidura to dig the underground tunnel for their escape.

He greeted her respectfully and handed her a palm leaf with something written on it. "Mujhe Vidurji ne bheja hai. Main surang khodne mein nipun hoon. Vidurji ne kaha hai ki aap se mil kar Pandavon se agyan lekar kaam arambh karun. Kripya mujhe Yuvraj Yudhishthir ke paas le chaliye."

(Translation: "Vidurji has sent me. I am skilled in digging tunnels. He instructed me to meet you and take permission from the Pandavas to begin the work. Please take me to Prince Yudhishthir.")

Nisha took the leaf and led him to Yudhishthir. After their discussion, Nisha translated the rest of the palm leaf's message for them

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Any guesses about what vidurji wrote in the palmm leave....... anyway vote and coment guyssss