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The day of reckoning arrived as Nisha, accompanied by Mata Kunti and the Pandavas, stepped cautiously into the ominous Laksha Grah. Purochan, with his sly demeanor, maintained a façade of cordiality, but his eyes revealed his true nature; he regarded Nisha as nothing more than a maid, far removed from the Pandavas' circle.

As they entered the bhawan, an unsettling chill seeped into their bones. The structure was a sinister creation, composed of liquor, animal flesh, and wax—materials that would ignite with alarming ease. The bhawan lacked a kitchen, and its only illumination came from the moonlight, which danced eerily off the mirrors placed at odd angles to amplify the light, creating a deceptive glow.

Standing together in the dimly lit chamber, Sahadev broke the heavy silence. “**Parantu Purochan, Amavasya mein bhawan kis prakar alokit hota hai?**” (But Purochan, how does the bhawan remain illuminated on Amavasya?)

Everyone turned to Purochan, aware of the trap yet eager to hear his response. With a slight hesitation, Purochan replied, “**Kshama kijiyega Kumar, main turant hi kuch upay nikalta hun, aap sabhi abhi vishram kijiye.**” (Forgive me, Prince. I will find a solution at once; you all should rest for now.) He bowed slightly and slipped away, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

The seriousness of their situation settled over them like a dark cloud; they were here not by choice, but as bait for a deadly scheme.

Bheem, sensing the weight of their predicament, looked around at his brothers. A spark of mischief ignited in his eyes as he draped an arm around Arjun. With a playful grin, he turned to Nakul. “**Parantu kuch bhi kaho, Arjun, ye bhawan Nakul ke liye upyukt hai. Dekho, itne saare darpan! Nakul to har kadam pe apne kesh sawarata rahega!**” (But whatever you say, Arjun, this bhawan is perfect for Nakul. Look at all these mirrors! Nakul will be preening himself at every turn!)

Laughter erupted, breaking the tension and lifting their spirits for a moment, a welcome distraction from the lurking danger.

As the laughter faded, Yudhishthir approached Nisha, who stood beside Mata Kunti, her expression a mix of concern and determination. “**Nisha, maine socha tha ki hum apne Astra yahan chhodke jayenge, parantu tum abhi dhanush aur khadg chalane mein nipun ho gayi ho. Tumhare bare mein yahan aur Hastinapur mein kisi ko nahi pata; isliye tum apna dhanush aur do khadag saath leke chalna, van mein kaam aayega.**” (Nisha, I thought we would leave our weapons behind, but you have become skilled with the bow and sword. No one here or in Hastinapur knows about you, so you should take your bow and two swords with you; they will be useful in the forest.)

Nisha nodded, her resolve strengthening. “**Ji, Jyesth.**” (Yes, Elder.) Yudhishthir reached out and gently touched her head, his gesture one of brotherly affection, a comforting reminder that they were in this together.

With their hearts steeled against the encroaching darkness, they prepared themselves to face the treachery that awaited them, united by their shared resolve to escape the sinister trap laid out before them.

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Later that day, Mata Kunti approached Purochan as previously planned with the five Pandavas and Nisha. She spotted Purochan walking towards her with his wife, and they bowed respectfully in her presence.

Mata Kunti spoke, her voice steady, “Purochan, is bhavan mein maine ek bhandara nagar vasiyon ke liye ayojit karne ka socha hai. Isliye tum sabhi nagar vasiyon mein jaake ye keh do ki aaj iss Shiv bhawan mein Ratmata Kunti dwara bhandare ka ayojit kiya gaya hai, aur khane ki vyavastha bhi karo.” (Purochan, I have decided to organize a feast for the people of Varanavat in this house. So, please go to the townsfolk and inform them that today a feast is being held here at the Shiv Bhawan, organized by me, Mata Kunti, and make arrangements for the food.)

Purochan nodded, though a flicker of disappointment and frustration crossed his face at the mention of the bhandara. As this might create hindress in his plan. Still he agreed and mentally intended to write a letter to Gandhar naresh Shakuni.

Meanwhile, the Pandavas, along with Mata Kunti and Nisha, gathered in Yudhishthir’s chamber, their expressions grave as they discussed their escape plan for after the feast. The air was thick with unease, each of them acutely aware of the impending danger.

Suddenly, a strange sound echoed through the room, a rhythmic thudding as if someone was digging. They realized it was Somya, the digger sent by Mahamantri Vidur to create an underground passage for their escape. The noise grew louder, and the center of the room began to tremble.

Without warning, the ground burst open, creating a large hole in the bedroom floor. Nakul and Sahadev quickly rushed to assist Somya, helping him climb out of the deep pit. Nisha swiftly brought a rug to cover the hole, ensuring their secret remained hidden.

Yudhishthir expressed his gratitude, “Thank you, Somya. Your efforts means the world to us.”

Somya nodded, a look of determination on his face. “That was my duty towards you Rajkumar, I wish you all a safe escape,” he replied, bowing respectfully before retreating back into the shadows from whence he came.

After that , they shared a quiet dinner, the atmosphere tinged with anger and sadness over Duryodhana’s malicious plans. The food felt heavy in their stomachs, a reminder of the dire circumstances they found themselves in.

As night fell, they each sought rest, knowing that the following day held both peril and promise. The darkness outside was not as daunting as the uncertainty that lingered within their hearts, but their resolve remained strong. Together, they would navigate the treachery ahead, united by their bond and their shared destiny.

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