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As they bid Bheem and Hidimba a final farewell, the group slowly turned to continue their journey. The forest around them was thick with greenery, the air fresh with the scent of damp leaves and earth. The village of Ekchakranagar, which Nisha and Nakul had glimpsed during their stay in Varanavat, was now close, and a sense of quiet anticipation lingered among them.

Nisha, walking a few steps behind the group, observed how effortlessly the brothers moved through the wilderness. Nakul, however, was different. He lingered near her, ever-attentive. As they walked through low-hanging branches, Nakul gently pushed them aside, his hand brushing against leaves to make sure Nisha could pass without being scratched or hindered. "ध्यान से, यहाँ शाखाएँ काफ़ी नीचे हैं," he murmured, his voice soft with concern. (Be careful, the branches are quite low here.)

Nisha couldn't help but smile at his attentiveness. His presence felt like a constant shield, as if nothing could touch her so long as he was by her side.

Whenever Nisha lagged behind, her steps heavy with exhaustion, Nakul would slow his pace. He wouldn't say much, but his actions spoke volumes. Without hesitation, he would fall in step beside her, walking in silent companionship. His pace matched hers, never letting her feel the pressure to keep up with the others. "तुम ठीक हो?" (Are you okay?) he asked casually, offering her a sideways glance, though the care in his voice was unmistakable.

"हाँ, बस थोड़ी थकान है," Nisha responded, grateful for the quiet understanding they shared. (Yes, just a bit tired.)

Nakul's caring extended even further. He noticed her bow and swords becoming a heavier burden as the journey stretched on. Without a word, he reached out and gently took them from her, adding them to his own gear. "ये मुझे दे दो, तुम थोड़ा आराम करो," he said with a tender smile, never giving her the chance to refuse. (Give me your things, you should rest a bit.)

Nisha's heart warmed at the gesture, her eyes meeting his for a brief second, a silent acknowledgment of his kindness. Every small act from Nakul made her feel a deeper connection to him, though she tried to push away the growing feelings in her heart.

Arjun and Sahadev, walking ahead, noticed everything. They exchanged amused glances, and every now and then, Sahadev would turn around, a playful smirk on his face as if teasing Nakul silently. Arjun, too, couldn't resist. He would tilt his head towards Nisha, raising his eyebrows knowingly, his expression full of mischief.

Nakul, ever aware, caught their looks and shot them a pointed glance—one that clearly said, "Look ahead!" His eyes carried a mix of mock frustration and amusement, but there was no hiding the fondness behind his gestures. Arjun and Sahadev would chuckle and obediently turn back, though their smiles lingered, filled with unspoken jest.

As they continued along the forest path, Nakul remained close to Nisha. Though his actions were subtle, their impact on her was undeniable. Every time he made her path easier or lightened her load, she felt her heart swell with a quiet admiration. She knew that Nakul was attentive to everyone, but with her, it felt different—more personal, more meaningful.

The forest soon began to clear, the sunlight filtering through the canopy of trees, casting a warm glow on the path ahead. Despite the long journey, Nisha's fatigue seemed to melt away, replaced by a quiet sense of contentment. Nakul's small, caring gestures stayed with her, like the soft warmth of the sun now peeking through the trees. She wondered if he even realized the effect his simple acts of kindness had on her, or if he saw it as nothing more than his natural duty as a companion.

But for Nisha, it meant more—far more than she was ready to admit to herself.

The journey continued, the village of Ekchakranagar drawing nearer with each step, but Nakul's presence beside her made it feel like the journey itself was the destination. Every moment spent with him in this forest became a memory she wanted to hold onto—one of care, protection, and something else that lingered just beneath the surface. Something that neither of them was ready to voice just yet.

As they walked, Nisha couldn't help but think that perhaps, somewhere along the path, they had begun to share more than just the road ahead.

As they moved forward, leaving the dense forest behind, a golden stretch of wheat fields unfurled before them like a vast ocean of shimmering gold. It was harvest season, and the fields were alive with the vibrant energy of farmers hard at work, cutting and gathering the grain. The warm sun bathed the landscape, casting a golden hue across their surroundings. Laughter and the chatter of children filled the air as they helped their parents, their small hands picking up stray stalks, enjoying the carefree joy of the season.

Nisha, Nakul, and the rest of the Pandavas walked along the narrow paths separating the fields, their feet brushing against the tall wheat stalks. The scene before them was peaceful and full of life, but it wasn't long before the tranquility was shattered by a sudden commotion.

Out of nowhere, a pair of bulls—strong, large creatures meant to haul the harvested grain to market—appeared from one of the fields. One of them, startled by the sharp sound of a boy blowing on a crude instrument, began to charge wildly, its massive hooves kicking up dust as it raced towards the child. The boy, too young to understand the danger, stood frozen, still holding the instrument to his lips, unaware of the approaching threat.

Nisha and Nakul noticed the bull's erratic behavior instantly. Without a second thought, Nisha sprinted towards the child, her heart racing. Arjun, Yudhishthir, Sahadev, and Mata Kunti stood in shock, watching as Nisha dashed ahead, her determination unwavering. Nakul, his eyes wide with alarm, was just a step behind her.

As the bull thundered closer, Nisha grabbed the boy, pulling him to the ground. She wrapped her arms around him protectively, shielding him with her own body as she braced for the inevitable impact. She closed her eyes tightly, ready to feel the force of the bull's horns, her heart pounding in her chest. The child whimpered beneath her, but she held him tightly, whispering a soft reassurance.

But the impact never came.

After a few heartbeats, Nisha hesitantly opened her eyes. To her immense relief, she saw Nakul standing just a few feet away, his hands firm on the bull's halter. He had managed to grab hold of the animal's reins and skillfully directed it away from them.

Not far from Nakul, Sahadev came by the bull's side, expertly rubbing a mixture of leaves he had gathered from the nearby plants. The leaves, when crushed together, released a cooling and soothing scent that worked its way into the bull's senses. The animal, which had been wild with rage only moments before, was now calm, its eyes softening as Sahadev continued to apply the concoction. The once-angry beast now stood calmly, its fury entirely quelled by Sahadev's gentle ministrations.

Villagers came running towards the scene, their faces pale with fear and worry. The child's mother rushed forward, her eyes filled with tears as she embraced her son, who clung tightly to her. She sobbed into his hair, her voice trembling with gratitude. "भगवान का लाख-लाख शुक्र है, मेरे बेटे को कुछ नहीं हुआ!" she cried, her hands shaking as she hugged him closer. (Thank God, my son is safe!)

The other villagers, too, gathered around, murmuring prayers of thanks for the child's safety. They bowed their heads, offering silent gratitude to the gods for saving the boy from what could have been a fatal accident.

Arjun, Yudhishthir, and Mata Kunti quickly made their way to Nisha, their faces etched with concern. "तुम ठीक हो, न?" Arjun asked, his voice tight with worry. (Are you okay?)

Nisha, still catching her breath, nodded, offering them a reassuring smile. "मैं बिल्कुल ठीक हूँ," she replied softly, brushing the dust off her clothes. (I'm perfectly fine.)

Mata Kunti placed a gentle hand on Nisha's shoulder, her eyes filled with motherly affection and she was too stunned to speak anything. Nisha smiled at her and assured her she was alright, feeling the warmth of Mata Kunti's in her eyes, fill her heart. She had acted on instinct, but seeing the child safe in his mother's arms made her feel like it had all been worth it.

Meanwhile, Nakul and Sahadev were busy securing the bull. One of the villagers had handed them a sturdy rope, which they used to tie the animal to a nearby tree. Nakul, still catching his breath, glanced back at Nisha. His eyes met hers for a moment, a silent exchange of relief passing between them.

As Nakul knotted the rope securely around the tree trunk, his gaze softened, and he allowed himself a small, proud smile. He had acted quickly, but the sight of Nisha fearlessly protecting the child had struck him deeply. He admired her courage, and though the moment had passed, the image of her shielding the boy lingered in his mind.

Nakul, having finished tending to the bull, gave Sahadev a pat on the back, his face lit with a satisfied grin, grateful for his younger brother's quick thinking with the herbs"अच्छा काम किया, सहदेव ," he said, his tone playful yet sincere appreciating. (Well done, brother.)

Sahadev chuckled lightly. "आपने भी भ्राताश्री" he replied, . (And you too elder brother.)

The villagers, still in awe of what had transpired, thanked the Pandavas and Nisha profusely. Their prayers and words of gratitude filled the air as they gathered around the group, offering water and fruit as tokens of their appreciation

Soon, the child's mother, overwhelmed with emotion, rushed forward and fell to the ground at Nisha and Nakul's feet. She clasped her hands together and said, "आपने मेरे पुत्र की रक्षा की, हम तो आपके ऋणी हो गए। बोलिए, हम आपकी क्या सेवा करें?" ("You saved my son, we are forever indebted to you. Please tell us how we can serve you?") Beside her, the child stood silently, and her young daughter knelt by her side.

Nisha quickly bent down and gently lifted both women by their shoulders. "आपके बच्चे को बचाना हमारा कर्तव्य था, देवी। इसमें कोई ऋण नहीं है। परंतु यदि आप हमें यहाँ रहने के लिए कोई स्थान बता दें, तो बहुत मदद होगी।" ("It was our duty to save your child, Devi. There is no debt. But if you could tell us a place to stay nearby, it would be of great help.")

The woman's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "तो आप हमारे यहाँ ही रुकिए। हम आपकी सेवा करने के लिए हमेशा तैयार हैं।" ("Then please, stay with us. We are always ready to serve you.")

Nisha smiled warmly and chuckled as she looked at her. With a playful tone, she said to the woman, "नहीं, नहीं, देवी। सेवा भाव से आप बुलाएंगी, तो हमें मंज़ूर नहीं। न आप हमारी दास हैं, न हम आपके स्वामी। तो सेवा किसकी करेंगी आप?" ("No, no, Devi. If you invite us with a sense of servitude, we won't accept. Neither are you our servants, nor are we your masters. So who would you serve?")

The woman smiled and looked at her daughter, who then replied sweetly, "तो परिवार के तरह ही आइए, दीदी।" ("Then come as family, sister.")

Nisha turned to Yudhishthir, seeking his decision. He nodded in agreement, a soft smile on his face. Mata Kunti stepped forward and embraced the lady gently, her voice filled with warmth. "हमें रहने के लिए स्थान देने के लिए बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।" ("Thank you so much for offering us a place to stay.")

The woman, still overwhelmed by the kindness, shook her head modestly. "जितने दिन चाहिए रह जाइए, माता। और यूं धन्यवाद मत कहिए। चलिए, घर की ओर चलते हैं।" ("Stay as long as you need, Mata. And please, no need for thanks. Come, let's head home.")

With a wave of her hand, she gestured toward the direction of her house, and together they began walking with the fruites given by the villagers. The sun dipping lower on the horizon as they moved towards the welcoming warmth of the village to the brahimn woman's house.