The journey continued as the sun moved steadily across the sky, casting dappled light through the dense canopy overhead. Nakul and Nisha walked side by side, winding their way through the thick forest toward Panchal, their steps light with newfound companionship. They shared laughter and grateful smiles, feeling a deep sense of ease and joy in each other's presence.

They realized how privileged they were to witness Shri Krishna and Balram in women attire — such lilas are something usually reserved only for the people of Vrindavan.

As the day wore on, Nakul began sharing stories of his childhood, painting a picture of his younger days. He spoke of his pranks, his daring adventures with his brothers, and the small joys that brightened his early years. But then, his tone grew softer as he talked of his parents. Bittersweet memories surfaced, and he spoke of the ache that lingered from the loss of his father and mother, the emptiness that no amount of princely duties could fill.

Nisha listened intently, her heart swelling with compassion as he shared his pain. Without a word, she reached out and hugged him, offering comfort through her embrace. Nakul closed his eyes, letting himself be surrounded by her warmth. In that moment, he felt less like a prince burdened by duty and more like a man finally understood.

They continued onward until they arrived at a crossroads with four diverging paths. Nakul paused, his brow furrowing as he examined each path with uncertainty. Sensing his hesitation, Nisha asked, "Nakul, kya tumhe pata nahi hame kis disha main jana hai?" ("Nakul, don’t you know which direction we’re supposed to go?")

Nakul looked back at her, a trace of doubt in his eyes as he replied, "Main janta hun parantu sandeh hai ki jo main soch raha hun wahi marg uchit hai ya nahi." ("I know the direction, but I am uncertain whether the path I have in mind is the right one.")

With a sigh, Nisha gently took his hand and led him to sit beneath the shade of a large tree. Closing her eyes, she called upon Rati, reaching out with her mind, seeking the guidance only Rati could offer.

As Nisha called for Rati, he appeared out of nowhere, flapping his small wings with exaggerated exhaustion. In a dramatic, tired voice, he asked, "Kya hua, Nisha? Batao, ab kya adesh hai mere liye?" ("What is it, Nisha? Tell me, what command do you have for me now?")

Nisha looked at him with narrowed eyes and replied, "Tum kehna kya chahte ho ki main tumhe hamesha kaam deti rehti hun?" ("Are you implying that I always keep you busy with tasks?")

Rati let out a playful laugh, and Nakul couldn't help but chuckle as well, amused by Nisha's adorable annoyance. Her pout and slight frown only made her expression more endearing.

Trying to keep a straight face, Nisha continued, "Acha, Rati, tum jao aur Sahadev ko yahan bula do. Unke bhaiya unhe dekhne ko bade vyakul ho rahe hain aur ham rasta bhi bhatak gaye hain issliye." ("Alright, Rati, go and call Sahadev here. His brother is eager to see him, and we seem to have lost our way as well.")

With a dramatic salute, Rati said, "Aapka adesh sarakhon par, adarniya Nisha ji." ("Your command is my honor, esteemed Nisha.") With a quick flutter, he was off, and his animated manner left both Nakul and Nisha laughing under the shade of the tree. They sat together, enjoying the lighthearted moment, feeling a little closer with each shared smile and laugh.

In a humble hut near the outskirts of Kampilya, the other Pandavas, along with Mata Kunti, had taken shelter. Early one morning, Yudhishthir, Bheem, Arjun, and Sahadev set out for their usual bath. As they were returning, refreshed and calm, they noticed a procession of saints walking past them. Respectfully, they joined their hands in a namaste. In response, the head saint raised his right hand in blessing.

Curious, Yudhishthir asked, “Hey Rishiwar, aap ye kis aur prasthan kar rahe hain?” ("O revered sage, where are you headed?")

The sage looked at Yudhishthir with a gentle smile and replied, “Panchal naresh Drupad ne aaj apni yagya se utpan huyi putri Draupadi ka swayamvar ayojit kiya hai. Wahan dher sare pakwan aur khana bhi muft main nagarwasiyon ko diya jayega aur ham sadhuon ka satkar karne ke liye hame amantrit kiya gaya hai, aur ham bhee yagy se utpan huyee raajakumaaree ko dekhane kelie atyant utsaahit hain isliye ham Raj Mahal ke aur ja rahe hain.” ("King Drupad of Panchal has organized a swayamvar for his daughter, Draupadi, born from his sacrificial fire. There will be a variety of delicacies, and the food is free for all townsfolk. We sages have also been invited to be honored, And we are also very excited to see the princess born from the yagya. so we are heading toward the royal palace.")

After sharing this, the sage and his followers continued on their way. Bheem, his eyes lighting up, said with excitement, "Mere saath kaun chalega, batao!" ("Who will join me, tell me!")

Sahadev chuckled and replied, “Bhrata Arjun ko hi lekar jaiye, mujhe bada kaam hai, aur waise bhi aap to khane ke liye ja rahe hain, rajkumari ko swayamvar main jitne to nahi.” ("Please take Brother Arjun with you; I have important work to do. Besides, you're going for the food, not to win the princess in the swayamvar!")

Laughing, Bheem put his large hand on Arjun’s shoulder and said, “Swayamvar main jeetne ka kaam Arjun ka, mujhe to bas bhojan se matlab hai!” ("The task of winning the swayamvar is for Arjun; I'm only interested in the feast!")

Yudhishthir smiled and said, “Theek hai, priya anujon, tum teeno swayamvar main jao. Main matashree ke paas rehta hoon aur viksha ka prabandh karta hoon.” ("Alright, dear brothers, the three of you go to the swayamvar. I will stay with Mother and manage the alms collection.")

Before sahadev could say anything yudhisthir said "tum bhi jao priya anuj thoda ghum aoo acha lagega tumhe, matashree ka khayal main rakhlunga" (You too go, dear sahadev, you will feel relaxed and I will take care of Matashree."

Sahadev looked at him with emotion and all nodded in agreement, and as they started walking back towards the hut, Rati suddenly appeared, fluttering dramatically, before landing on Sahadev's shoulder, visibly out of breath. Sahadev looked at his brothers, and they all glanced at Rati with surprise.

Rati panted and said, “Main yahan Nakul aur Nisha ka sandesh lekar aaya hoon. Woh Kumar Sahadev ko bula rahe hain, kyunki woh bhatak gaye hain.” ("I have come with a message from Nakul and Nisha. They are calling for Prince Sahadev because they have lost their way.")

Before anyone else could respond, Bheem anxiously asked, “Bolo, Rati, woh theek to hain na? Mera Nakul aur meri behen Nisha, unki puja achhe se ho to gayi na?” ("Tell me, Rati, are they alright? My Nakul and my sister Nisha—did their prayers go well?")

Rati reassured him, “Bohut achhe se puja hui, Kumar Bheem, aur woh swasth hain. Aap chinta na karein.” ("The prayers went very well, Prince Bheem, and they are healthy. Do not worry.")

Relieved, Bheem turned to Sahadev and said, “Tum unke paas jao, anuj. Main aur Arjun mahal ke aur chalte hain.” ("Go to them, younger brother. Arjun and I will head towards the palace.")

Sahadev nodded and turned to Yudhishthir, saying, “Main chalta hoon, Bharatashree. Aap Matashree se keh dijiyega ki main Nakul aur Nisha ko lane gaya hoon aur aane main raat ho jayegi.” ("I am leaving, Brother. Please tell Mother that I have gone to bring Nakul and Nisha back, and it will be night by the time I return.")

He looked to Rati for confirmation, who nodded, assuring him of the time estimate. Sahadev continued, “Anyatha woh bohot bechain aur chintit hongi.” ("Otherwise, she will be very worried and anxious.")

Yudhishthir gave a reassuring nod, and Sahadev set off with Rati, ready to bring his younger brother and Nisha safely bac

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